Rephonic
Artwork for A Braver Way

A Braver Way

Monica Guzman
Political Polarization
Braver Angels
Abortion
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Political Divide
Democracy
Covid-19
2024 Election
Political Division
Political Disagreement
Social Blindness
Persuasion
Donald Trump
David Mcraney
Charlie Veach
Pro-Choice
Pro-Life
Public Health Communication
Polarization
Communication Skills

With political tensions at a new peak, it can be tough — and exhausting — to find a way forward. So what does it take to stay strong, engaged, and grounded in dangerously divided times?

In each episode, host Mónica Guzmán joins guests from across the political spectrum. Together they’ll share tools, insights, and messy real-life stories to help you navigate the challenging divides in your everyda... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes40Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsSociety & CulturePolitics

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Artwork for A Braver Way

Latest Episodes

In this special episode, Mónica and producer Jessica Jones explore questions from curious listeners about fear, family conflict, patriotism when we’re so at odds, and the unforeseeable ways we come to believe what we believe. Also on deck: Advice to ... more

“Happiness” is the last thing many of us expect to find on a call with a stranger from the opposite political side. But when Axel Bouchon and his team placed one very unusual phone booth in deeply liberal San Francisco, California, and another in dee... more

YouTube

Anne Marie Denman was the “angel” of the family: obedient, attentive, with plans to become a nun. When she came out as gay to her conservative Catholic parents, a deep rupture drove them apart.

How do you stay close to people who won’t share your w... more

YouTube

For most of human history, offensive speech was equal to violence, and saying the wrong thing could get your tongue chopped off. Today, we aim to use words instead of violence. But what do you do when those words really hurt?

This week on A Braver ... more

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Recent Guests

Axel Bouchon
CEO and co-founder of Matter Neuroscience; neuroscientist
Matter Neuroscience
Episode: Can political disagreement make you happier?
Sharon Morris
Mother with conservative Catholic background
Episode: ‘Can you love me if you don't accept who I love?’
Anne Marie Denman
Daughter who is gay; former Catholic upbringing
Episode: ‘Can you love me if you don't accept who I love?’
Greg Lukianoff
Attorney, best-selling author, head of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)
Episode: How to let people offend you
Isaac Saul
Long-time national politics reporter and founder of Tangle News, a platform offering a balanced perspective on politics.
Tangle News
Episode: Consumed by the news? How to stay sane in a polarized election
Kai Cheng Thom
Trans activist, author, community healer.
Episode: ‘Am I the monster?’ with trans activist Kai Cheng Thom
Wilk Wilkinson
Transportation operations and logistics manager, former truck driver, and host of Derate the Hate.
Derate the Hate
Episode: How do you navigate political anger?
Janice Dickinson
A woman navigating political divides within her family.
Episode: Beat | Your big wins over polarization in the family
Jadd Hashem
A Palestinian-American student at the University of Texas at Austin.
Atidna International
Episode: Beat | If these protests could talk

Host

Monica Guzman
Host and guide who facilitates discussions aimed at bridging political divides, focusing on empathy and understanding among differing perspectives.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 183 ratings
  • Unsure What “Brave” Means Here

    I started listening to A Braver Way hoping to find a thoughtful, constructive space that bridges deep political divides and helps listeners better understand friends & family on the other side. I’ve read Monica’s book and really enjoyed it, and I was hopeful that the podcast would explore more themes relevant to Trump’s second term. Unfortunately, a recent episode left me incredibly disappointed, and I will be unfollowing the show.

    The episode “How to Let People Offend You” featured an attorney... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Midwestern Ginger Snap
    United Statesa month ago
  • Uplifting…I have hope

    I have missed you Monica!!! Thank you and Braver Angels…you encourage me to be part of the healing!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    debtheartist
    United States2 months ago
  • Just what we need. Now more than ever.

    This series has been heartening over the past year. My only complaint is that I’d like to listen to more new episodes for 2025! ❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Edward Krigsman
    United Statesa year ago
  • Beautiful brave space!

    As someone who works in the space around, trying to prevent terrorism and targeted violence prevention space, I’ve found this podcast invaluable. It’s been a great tool for hearing ways we can talk to each other to better understand each other and prevent conflict. Thank you so much for this incredible resource!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Curious Julz
    United States2 years ago
  • Medicine for the soul

    I am so grateful for this podcast. When I am feeling lost and unmoored, I can turn to A Braver Way and hear kindness and compassion from all sides of the political divide. Monica is absolutely incredible. As a fellow Bowdoin alum, I am so appreciative of her curiosity and courage, going where few journalists or thinkers dare to go- into the abyss. And she helps anyone who listens to her to navigate this space, imperfect and messy, real and beautiful. Thank you for this gift.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MSMR88
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners express the desire for more actionable strategies within the discussions to navigate challenging political conversations.
The podcast is appreciated for its constructive approach to bridging political divides and fostering understanding.
Many listeners find the discussions uplifting and hope-filled, offering a needed perspective in today's polarized society.
The dialogue between host and guests is noted for its thoughtfulness and depth, providing valuable insights into complex issues.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Can political disagreement make you happier?
Q: Tell us about the phone booth experiment and why politics was used as a context.
The project used a call-a-Republican and call-a-Democrat setup to test if positive, curiosity-driven conversations could overcome automatic tribal responses; the data showed most exchanges stayed civil, with many surprising and positive moments.
‘Can you love me if you don't accept who I love?’
Q: How did you manage fear and safety when confronting each other about beliefs you hold dear?
By choosing to stay present, asking hard questions, and focusing on the person rather than the ideology, which gradually built trust and allowed room for difference.
‘Can you love me if you don't accept who I love?’
Q: Why have you decided to share your story today?
To offer a real, imperfect example of how people with deep differences can choose to stay connected and learn from one another, hoping to give others a blueprint for bridging divides in their own families.
How can we cure our social blindness?
Q: What can you do to make it easier for someone else to really hear you?
Brooks emphasizes the importance of open-heartedness and having the skills to engage in meaningful conversations.
How can we cure our social blindness?
Q: Why did you end up being the person to write the book on how to know a person? Why you and not someone else?
David Brooks explains it as a personal journey towards becoming more socially adept, motivated by the need to understand societal blind spots.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About A Braver Way

What is A Braver Way about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the challenges of political discourse, this podcast examines the divide in contemporary society through open conversations with guests who represent a variety of perspectives. It covers topics such as empathy, compassion, and the navigation of disagreements, while encouraging listeners to engage in constructive dialogue. The aim is to promote understanding among individuals with differing beliefs, providing practical tools and emotional insights for bridging divides in everyday life. Notable is the emphasis on personal stories that highlight the complexities of political relationships, offering hope for better communication across ideological lines.

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What are the audience demographics for A Braver Way?

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Which podcasts are similar to A Braver Way?

These podcasts share a similar audience with A Braver Way:

1. Fresh Air
2. The New Yorker Radio Hour
3. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. This American Life

How many episodes of A Braver Way are there?

A Braver Way launched 3 years ago and published 40 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact A Braver Way?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for A Braver Way?

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What guests have appeared on A Braver Way?

Recent guests on A Braver Way include:

1. Axel Bouchon
2. Sharon Morris
3. Anne Marie Denman
4. Greg Lukianoff
5. Isaac Saul
6. Kai Cheng Thom
7. Wilk Wilkinson
8. Janice Dickinson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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