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Kelsey Blahnik has spent her career as a social worker sitting across from people who don't see eye to eye—politically, personally, every which way—and she's found that peace was never about avoiding the hard conversation. It's about learning how to have it.

In this episode, Kelsey and Wilk dig into her book, The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World, and the real difference between being assertive and being aggressive. Kelsey uses an Instant Pot analogy that sticks: if you never let the steam out, you're eventually going to explode. Her work is about finding a better way to vent.

They also get into what Kelsey calls competing impulses—the idea that you're not just "a people pleaser" or "the difficult one," you're a whole human being capable of both, depending on the moment. That shift in self-perception, she says, is what makes it possible to extend the same grace to people you disagree with.

If you've ever avoided a conversation because you weren't sure how to have it without it blowing up, this one's for you.

Learn more about and connect with Kelsey Blahnik in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Erez Levin spent nearly a decade inside Google's ad tech world before becoming one of the loudest internal voices warning that the industry was built to reward quantity over quality — and that those same broken incentives are what fuel outrage, fear, and grievance across the wider internet.

Now Erez writes at Holding the Line, where he makes the case for what he calls principled ostracism: real social consequences for people who cross clear moral lines, paired with a genuine path back for anyone willing to own it. He draws a hard line between that and cancel culture, which he says punishes disagreement instead of actual hatred.

Wilk and Erez dig into how norms actually change, why celebrating political violence deserves real cost, and how a single memo from a Wall Street investor got a group of Harvard students to retract a petition within three days. It's a conversation about where accountability ends and cruelty begins — and why courageous citizenship means holding a line without writing people off for good.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Paid protesting is one of the most divisive — and misunderstood — topics in American civic life. Adam Swart, founder of Crowds on Demand, has spent over a decade inside that world, organizing demonstrations across the political spectrum. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on how modern protests actually get funded, coordinated, and amplified — and why the reality is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Adam and Wilk dig into the real distinctions between a protester, an agitator, and an activist, and why lumping them together does real damage to public trust. They talk through the three triggers that turn a peaceful demonstration into a confrontation, and the escalation cycle that follows once things go sideways.

The conversation also covers Adam's proposed Transparency in Political Demonstrations Act — legislation aimed at requiring funding disclosure for large-scale protests without restricting anyone's right to demonstrate. It's a conversation about accountability, not suppression.

If you've ever wondered who's really behind the protests you see on the news — or written off the whole idea of paid protesting without looking closer — this episode will change how you think about it.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Elizaveta Friesem has spent her career trying to understand why people who could be connected end up disconnected instead — and why so much of that disconnection gets explained away with blame. Her book, Media Is Us, starts from a simple but disruptive idea: media isn't some outside force manipulating us. It's just another form of human communication, shaped by the same flaws and limitations we all have.

Wilk and Elizaveta dig into what that means in practice — especially the part where blame requires us to assume things about other people's power and motives that we usually can't prove. From there, the conversation moves into her concept of micro and macro power: how power looks absolute in a single relationship, like a parent telling a child what to do, but dissolves into something far more complicated the moment you zoom out.

Her conclusion: nobody is ever completely powerless, and nobody is ever completely powerful. The conversation closes with her A-C-E model — awareness, compassion, and collaboration — a practical way to take real problems seriously without turning them into blame.

Learn more and connect with Elizaveta Friesem in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Shaka Mitchell is a lawyer and education policy veteran who built something unusual out of a pandemic-era habit: getting friends together once a month, picking songs tied to a theme, and talking about why. That casual ritual became the Come Together Music Project, now a podcast and live event series Shaka's run with friends, strangers, and colleagues across the political spectrum.

One story stands out. At a session with two judges who'd never met - one a conservative libertarian state Supreme Court justice, the other a newly appointed progressive appeals judge - the prompt was simple: name a song that reminds you of where you grew up. The justice picked a Billy Joel song about a town he'd never even lived in, got visibly emotional, and started talking about a working-class childhood that nobody who'd read his opinions would have guessed at. Forty seconds of music got further than years of case law ever could.

Shaka and Wilk dig into why this works - why asking someone what song reminds them of home lands so differently than asking who they voted for - and why Shaka insists on keeping the project upstream of politics rather than trying to resolve any actual policy fight. They also get into what's shifted in the relationship between music and politics since the Dixie Chicks and Lady Antebellum era, and why most musicians want nothing to do with the crossfire.

If you've ever wondered how to get past the labels people wear online and actually find out who someone is, this might be your blueprint.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Maryam Mehrtash spent nearly two decades building narratives for Marvel, Disney, Paramount, and some of the biggest brands in entertainment. Before that, she was a refugee kid learning English from cartoons, carrying forward the storytelling legacy of a grandmother who was imprisoned in Iran for the same gift.

In this conversation, Wilk and Maryam dig into what actually separates authentic storytelling from manipulation, why media and algorithms profit from keeping people in a constant state of reaction, and the practical questions Maryam asks herself before she ever responds to something that makes her angry online.

One thread runs through the whole episode: the difference between a pivot and a reinvention. Maryam has had to reinvent herself more than once, from refugee to theater kid to marketing executive to writer, and she makes the case that all of us are entering an era where that skill is no longer optional.

This one will change how you read your own feed.

Learn more about and connect with Maryam Mehrtash in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Julia Minson has spent 25 years studying disagreement—not how to win arguments, but how people actually engage with views that conflict with their own. She’s a Harvard professor, a behavioral scientist, and the author of How to Disagree Better. This conversation gets into the heart of her research.

One of the most useful ideas in the episode: being receptive in your own head doesn’t count. Your counterpart can’t read your mind. If you want them to feel heard, you have to signal it out loud—with specific language, in real time. Julia’s HEAR framework (Hedging, Emphasizing agreement, Acknowledging, Reframing) gives you an actual tool to do that.

We also get into why asking “why do you believe that” changes a conversation more than almost anything else—and why so much of the enmity in our society isn’t really about what people believe, but about what we assume their beliefs say about them.

If you’ve ever walked away from a hard conversation feeling like the other person wasn’t really listening—or wondering if you were—this episode is worth your time. Julia’s book is How to Disagree Better, and you can find her at disagreeingbetter.com.

Learn more about and connect with Julia Minson in the full show notes for this episode at www.DeratetheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Diego Sanchez grew up undocumented in the United States. Jim Robb spent nearly thirty years fighting for immigration restrictions. They sat down at the same table, and discovered something neither of them fully expected: they could trust each other.

This bonus episode drops ahead of the 2026 Braver Angels National Convention in Philadelphia—where Diego and Jim are serving as co-chairs. The Citizens Commission on Immigration, which grew out of the 2024 Braver Angels convention, is the driving force behind their story. It's a first-of-its-kind effort: bringing together longtime adversaries from across the immigration debate to find areas of common ground serious enough to actually matter.

The conversation covers how this commission came together, what changed when people who'd been shouting past each other finally started listening, and why "common ground" doesn't mean "mushy middle." Jim and Diego still disagree on plenty. But they've figured out how to disagree without writing each other off—and that shift is exactly what the commission is trying to scale.

If you're heading to the Braver Angels National Convention this week, or if you've written off immigration as a topic too toxic to touch, this one's for you. Learn more at braverangels.org/citizens-commission-on-immigration.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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What if the problem isn't the people on the other side — what if the problem is just hard? Martin Carcasson has spent 20 years building deliberative processes in Northern Colorado that help communities move from argument to action. The Center for Public Deliberation he founded at CSU has run over 600 community meetings, working with local governments, schools, and nonprofits on everything from housing to elder care.

In this conversation, Martin breaks down the critical difference between debate and deliberation — and why one of those leads to insight while the other leads to action. He also makes a distinction that cuts right to the heart of what makes our politics so dysfunctional: we've been treating wicked problems like they're caused by wicked people. They're not. And the moment you see that clearly, everything about how you approach a problem changes.

Martin also shares how he's built a model — using trained student facilitators — that could be replicated in communities across the country, and how his work connects to Braver Angels' citizen-led solutions initiative and the newly revamped Civic Scholars Council.

If you believe the solutions to our biggest problems are going to come from communities, not from Washington, this conversation is for you.

Learn more and connect with Martin Carcasson in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Jan Jekielek spent years as a human rights worker before becoming a journalist — and the story he couldn't stop following eventually became Killed to Order, a New York Times bestselling investigation into China's forced organ harvesting industry. In this conversation, Jan and Wilk focus on a question at the center of both the book and the show: what does dehumanization actually produce when it's allowed to run all the way to its logical end?

Jan explains how the Chinese Communist Party has refined what he calls a "black class" system over decades — a machinery of mass propaganda designed to strip targeted groups of their humanity in the public mind, making atrocity not just possible but rational-seeming within the regime's logic. Falun Gong practitioners, who numbered in the tens of millions and practiced truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, became the primary target — and eventually the primary supply for an organ harvesting system that operates like an industry.

One detail from this conversation will stay with you: in China, a wealthy transplant recipient can be matched with a compatible organ in roughly two weeks. In the United States, the wait is months to years. The difference is what powers that system. Jan walks through exactly how it works — and what the evidence looks like after two decades of documentation.

This isn't a political episode. It's a human one. Find the book at KilledtoOrder.com and Jan's long-form show at The Epoch Times.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Kevin Dolan and Peter Calfee met at a Veterans Day luncheon in 2022 and spent three years writing Hijacked: Our Republic — a book built around one essential question: what does it take to keep what the founders built?

In this conversation, Kevin and Peter walk through the six foundational pillars they believe hold a republic together — critical thinking, education, faith and values, history, political systems, and economics — and explain how each one has been quietly compromised. The word "hijacked" isn't hyperbole. It's a diagnosis.

One exchange stands out: Kevin's explanation of why two people can look at the same set of facts, weigh them differently, and reach completely different conclusions — and why that's actually how it's supposed to work. The problem isn't disagreement. The problem is that we've stopped being interested in each other.

If you want to understand the root causes behind the noise — and think seriously about what restoring the social contract actually requires — this episode is worth your time. Find the book at hijackedourrepublic.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Brian Vogt spent 20-plus years strengthening democracy around the world. Then he came home—and started listening. His Democracy Listening Tour of Red America is a qualitative research project with a simple but radical premise: before you can reform anything, you have to understand what people actually believe and why.

In this conversation, Brian and Wilk dig into what “democracy” really means to everyday Americans, why that word lands so differently depending on who’s hearing it, and what the reform community gets wrong by skipping the listening step altogether.

One story stands out: a Trump-voting Iraq veteran and community leader in Kentucky who defined democracy as equality—then shared a workplace experience that made him feel like anything but an equal. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t make headlines but shapes how millions of people relate to political institutions.

If you believe that lasting change requires all voices at the table, this episode is for you.

Learn more about and connect with Brian Vogt by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Michael Lee is a professor of communication and the director of the Civility Initiative at the College of Charleston. He came to civility work through competitive debate—and found that debate, at its best, is deeply connective and dialogic. In this conversation, Michael and Wilk explore what’s really going on when people avoid disagreement, and why that silence is often more damaging than conflict.

They dig into the nervous system roots of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how those responses show up in everyday conversations, especially online. Michael makes a sharp distinction between healthy stress and distress, arguing that real growth requires exposure to discomfort, not protection from it.

One of the episode’s most powerful ideas: people confuse conversation with complicity. Michael unpacks why that conflation is so common and what tools—perspective-taking, norm-setting, reciprocity—can help us move past it. And he reminds us that the stranger you’re afraid to talk to is more likely to become a friend than an adversary.

If you’ve ever felt like civility is code for “stay quiet,” this conversation is for you.

Learn more about and connect with Michael Lee by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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What happens when a gun violence prevention researcher walks into a gun shop, sits down with the owner, and actually listens? For Dr. Michael Siegel, it changed everything.

In this episode, Wilk sits down with Dr. Mike Siegel to talk about his Bridging the Divide on Firearm Policy project — a three-year effort that brought together 23 gun owners and non-gun owners from across the country to find real common ground on gun policy. The result isn't a watered-down compromise. It's a 67-page bipartisan policy framework that both gun rights advocates and gun violence prevention leaders helped write.

They dig into what it actually takes to bridge a divide this charged: the role of respect, the power of listening, and the surprising policy agreements that emerged when people stopped talking past each other and started talking to each other.

If you care about reducing gun violence — or protecting constitutional rights — or both — this one's worth your time.

Learn more about the Bridging the Divide on Firearm Policy and connect with Dr. Michael Siegel by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

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The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Many Americans now feeling we’re too divided to agree on anything. Rich Harwood disagrees — and he has the stories to back it up. In this episode, Rich returns to DTH to talk about the new moral vision he sees emerging across the country: a shared yearning for decency, dignity, and the belief that we can still come together and get things done.

Rich and Wilk dig into why politics can’t save us — and why that’s actually good news. Real change, Rich argues, doesn’t start with the right person winning an election. It starts with individuals choosing to show up in their communities, building trust one small action at a time.

From Jim Jordan’s congressional district in Ohio to the basement of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, the stories Rich shares prove that the people most written off are often the ones leading the way. You don’t need a big platform or a comprehensive plan. You just need to start.

This is a conversation about reclaiming the civic space that the loudest, most divisive voices have been filling by default — and what happens when the rest of us decide to show up.

Learn more about and connect with Rich Harwood by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Corey Nathan, host of "Talkin' Politics and Religion Without Killin' Each Other" joins Wilk for a conversation about what it actually takes to bridge divides, starting with one of the hardest conversations a person can have: telling your Orthodox Jewish father you've become a Christian.

They dig into the real mechanics of tribalism — how confirmation bias works, why the reticular activating system locks us into one-sided views of the world, and how outrage entrepreneurs profit from keeping people angry at each other.

But this isn't just a diagnosis. Corey and Wilk talk about practical ways to shift your frame of reference, why one degree of movement matters more than a 180-degree conversion, and what it looks like to stay in relationship with people you profoundly disagree with.

If you've ever lost someone — not to death, but to a divide — this one is worth your time.

Learn more about and connect with Corey Nathan by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Spike Cohen — 2020 Libertarian VP candidate, founder of You Are The Power — sits down with Wilk to talk about what happens when families are torn apart by a system that never had to answer to anyone. Until now.

You Are The Power is a nonprofit that steps in when local government oversteps. They research cases, amplify stories, organize people, and push for real policy change. Their work with the Hernandez family — falsely accused of child abuse, children seized, criminal charges filed — led to family reunification and landmark legislation in Georgia.

This is a conversation about civic power, individual responsibility, and what it actually looks like when ordinary people take on government overreach — and win. If you've ever felt helpless against a system that didn't care, this one's for you.

Learn more about and connect with Spike Cohen in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Most people have spent their entire lives being measured — by achievement, status, approval, income, influence. It feels normal because it's constant. But Regi Wilson, founder of Equal Universe and creator of the Value Identity framework, argues that this is exactly the problem. We've been running on a broken definition of human worth, and the damage shows up everywhere: in how we treat ourselves, how we treat each other, and in the pain that underlies nearly every societal divide we can't seem to close.

Value Identity is the paradigm shift. It starts with a single reframe: your worth isn't assigned by what you've done or what others think of you. It's built into your design. It was already there. The degrees, the titles, the likes — those things don't create your value. They acknowledge what already existed.

In this episode, Regi and Wilk trace what happens when people live inside the old story — the pain it creates, the way it spreads, and why no law or policy can fix something that lives at the level of individual belief. They also explore what the human body can teach us about a society that actually works: one where differences aren't threats, they're the point.

The shift Regi is describing isn't motivational. It's structural. And this conversation lays out exactly what it looks like.

Learn more about and connect with Regi Wilson in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Doug Teschner and Beth Malow return to Derate the Hate for a catch-up conversation following the release of their book, Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. The book has sold over a thousand copies, earned a Literary Titan Award, and is drawing audiences from across the political spectrum — including some surprising reception from high-profile conservative media.

In this episode, Doug and Beth dig into the "black pill" mindset — the growing sense that division is too far gone to fix — and push back on it with both evidence and personal stories. They talk about "conflict entrepreneurs," the people and forces that profit from keeping us at each other's throats, and why most of us have far more in common than the news cycle suggests.

Beth shares a candid story about a series of conversations with a Christian conservative friend in Nashville — one that started over guns and eventually moved into abortion — that shows what courageous listening actually looks like in practice. And both guests make the case that protesting and bridge building aren't opposites. You can hold strong convictions and still make room to understand someone else's.

Learn more about and connect with Beth & Doug by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Monica Harris returns to Derate the Hate — this time in person — to talk about FAIR's newly renamed curriculum, Many Stories, One Nation. It's a high school social studies elective that takes a different approach to teaching American history: broad, honest, chronological, and built around civil discourse.

Monica breaks down what separates this curriculum from liberated ethnic studies — and why the oppressor/oppressed framework, even when well-intentioned, ends up hurting the very students it's trying to help. The damage, she argues, runs in both directions.

They also dig into the "competing goods" framework, the reticular activating system and confirmation bias, what it means to teach kids how to think instead of what to think — and what Monica sees as realistic success in a state like Minnesota.

If you care about what's happening in classrooms and why it matters beyond the classroom, this is the conversation for you.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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You've heard the Golden Rule your whole life. Jennifer Furlong says it's a great start — but it's not enough.

In this episode, Wilk welcomes back communications strategist and coach Jennifer Furlong (Communication TwentyFourSeven) for a conversation that's equal parts practical and eye-opening. They dig into the Platinum Rule — the idea that truly effective communication means treating people the way they want to be treated, not the way you do. That shift sounds simple. It isn't.

Jen and Wilk explore the four core communication styles, why acknowledgment and agreement are two very different things, and what it actually takes — courage, intention, and a willingness to put your ego in the back seat — to have a real conversation with someone who sees the world completely differently than you do.

If you've ever walked away from a hard conversation feeling like nothing got through, this one's for you.

Topics Covered:

• The Platinum Rule vs. the Golden Rule

• The four communication styles and your default setting

• Why listening IS the skill (not just a nice-to-have)

• Acknowledgment ≠ agreement

• Communicating across ideological differences

• Creating shared meaning — even when you can't find common ground

• The Three Gates: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

Learn more about and connect with Jennifer Furlong by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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What do you do when the world stares at you everywhere you go?

Brandon Farbstein was born with metatropic dysplasia — one of only 84 documented cases in human history. Growing up at 3’9" in a world that pointed, stared, and laughed, he reached a breaking point at 11 years old where he just wanted to disappear.

Then something shifted. Therapy. A chance encounter in an airport. A TEDx stage at 15. And a realization that his pain wasn’t his prison — it was his purpose.

Today, Brandon Farbstein is a Gen Z powerhouse speaker, author of Ten Feet Tall and A Kids Book About Self-Love, a champion of two Virginia anti-bullying laws, and a newly appointed member of the ProHuman Foundation Board of Advisors.

In this episode, Wilk and Brandon talk about:

• What it’s really like to grow up with a condition most doctors have never seen

• The moment at 11 that became a turning point — and how therapy changed everything

• The airport encounter that launched his speaking career at 14

• Why self-love isn’t a buzzword — it’s a survival skill

• Why your circle of influence doesn’t have to be the size of LA to matter

• The ProHuman Foundation’s mission and how YOU can be part of it

Your story matters. Your platform doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be real.

Learn more about and connect with Brandon Farbstein in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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What does it take to walk away from an ideology you were raised inside of — and then spend your career pulling others out of the same darkness?

Allizandra Herberhold grew up in a racially segregated community where white supremacist ideology was woven into the fabric of everyday life. She didn't choose it. It was handed to her by trusted adults who knew no other way. It wasn't until college — when her first roommate turned out to be a Black woman who showed her nothing but patience and kindness — that the fear she'd been carrying started to crack.

Today, Allizandra is a full-time Exit Interventionist with Parents for Peace, working directly with radicalized individuals across the ideological spectrum: neo-Nazis, ISIS supporters, incels, would-be school shooters, and more. Her approach treats radicalization like an addiction — and replaces shame with connection.

In this conversation with host Wilk Wilkinson, we get into the real mechanics of how hate takes root, why confronting ideology head-on almost never works, and how curiosity and compassion — paired with lived experience — become the most powerful tools in the room.

In This Episode:

• How Allizandra was exposed to white supremacist ideology growing up — and what began to change it

• What an Exit Interventionist actually does, and how long the process really takes

• Why Allizandra views radicalization through the lens of addiction

• The role of self-disclosure and lived experience in building trust with radicalized individuals

• Why you can't hate the hate out of someone — and what works instead

• The silencing of dissenting voices in higher education and what it costs us

• A final message: be curious, not condemning

Learn more about and connect with Allizandra Herberhold in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Can a divided nation actually agree on what children need? That's the question at the heart of this conversation.

Wilk sits down with Lauren Farrow — former public school teacher, founder of SchoolingAmerica.org, and education reform advocate — for an honest, nonpartisan look at what's really happening inside the American education system.

Lauren shares what she witnessed as a classroom teacher in the post-pandemic years: behavior struggles, academic decline, burnt-out teachers spending their own money on supplies, and a bureaucratic structure that strips educators of the very autonomy they need to actually help kids. She breaks down why the system isn't broken — it's functioning exactly as designed — and why that distinction matters for anyone who wants to fix it.

Together, Wilk and Lauren explore school choice and voucher programs, the reality of Title I school funding, the role of teachers unions, and most importantly: what parents and community members can actually do about it. The answer? Courageous citizenship. Show up. Get involved. Act instead of react.

Whether you have kids in school or not — you have skin in the game. Today's students are tomorrow's leaders.

Learn more about and connect with Lauren Farrow in the complete show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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In Episode 304 of Derate The Hate, Wilk sits down with Mubin Shaikh — a former extremist who deradicalized after 9/11 and went on to work undercover against terrorism.

Born and raised in Toronto, Mubin experienced an identity crisis that led him toward violent Islamist extremism as a young man. But marriage, fatherhood, and the events of 9/11 forced him to confront hard questions about ideology, violence, and truth.

After studying Arabic and Islamic theology in Syria, he returned to Canada and became an undercover operative for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. His work helped dismantle terror networks, including the infamous Toronto 18 case.

Today, Mubin works with Parents for Peace, helping families intervene before radicalization turns violent.

This episode explores:
• The psychology of radicalization
• Identity crisis and youth vulnerability
• Moral dilemmas of undercover work
• The online pipeline to extremism
• Parenting in the digital age
• Courageous citizenship and reclaiming agency

Radicalization isn’t “over there.” It can happen anywhere the ingredients are present.

Learn more about and connect with Mubin Shaikh by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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In Episode 303 of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with poet and author April Ossmann to explore how poetry can become a powerful tool for bridging America’s political divide.

April is the author of We: Poems (Red Hen Press, 2025), a collection devoted to healing polarization through empathy, metaphor, and shared humanity. A recent member of Braver Angels, she brings a unique voice to the civic renewal movement — one grounded not in rhetoric, but in soul.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How poetry fosters understanding where arguments fail
• The difference between compromise and “synergizing”
• Why civility is strength — not weakness
• Family estrangement and political division
• Listening with intention
• Seeing past ego to soul
• April’s “Peace Hymn for the Republic”

If you care about democracy, dialogue, and restoring decency in public life, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Learn more about April Ossmann in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with award-winning filmmaker Michael Premo to discuss Homegrown, his powerful documentary exploring the motivations behind individuals drawn into the Proud Boys movement in the years leading up to January 6.

Rather than reducing people to stereotypes, Homegrown examines how community, belonging, grievance, and identity often drive political radicalization. Wilk and Michael unpack the role of outrage entrepreneurs, the public planning behind January 6, and why America’s deepest problem isn’t left vs. right—but toxic polarization itself.

This conversation challenges listeners to look beyond headlines and ask harder questions about how we got here—and where we go next.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk sits down with Bill Woodson, founder of Conversations Across The Aisle, to explore what local bridge building looks like in a deeply polarized moment.

Bill shares the story behind launching the CATA Project, a community-based effort focused on respectful dialogue, shared humanity, and restoring civic trust—starting locally, with aspirations to grow nationally.

Together, Wilk and Bill discuss:

• Why toxic debate often shuts down understanding
• How polarization erodes hope and personal agency
• The power of safe, facilitated dialogue spaces
• Separating people from the positions they hold
• Why community-level efforts matter more than national shouting matches

This is a conversation about choosing courage over outrage—and building something better, one table at a time.

🔗 Learn more and connect with Bill Woodson by getting the full show notes at: www.DerateTheHate.com

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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In this milestone 300th episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Maury Giles, CEO of Braver Angels, for a wide-ranging conversation on toxic polarization, trust, and the responsibility of citizens in a divided America.

Maury shares his journey from a 35-year corporate career into full-time civic engagement, and why he believes courageous citizenship—not outrage or withdrawal—is the antidote to our current crisis.

Together, Wilk and Maury explore:

• Why polarization thrives when citizens give up agency
• The importance of red voices in the depolarization space
• How trust is rebuilt locally, not online
• Why disagreement is essential to a healthy constitutional republic
• What it means to renew the American pledge of shared responsibility

This episode marks not just a podcast milestone—but a call to action for citizens who still believe this country is worth the work.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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In Episode 299 of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with peacebuilder, author, and professor Chip Hauss to explore what it really takes to bridge divides in a polarized world.

Chip shares insights from his decades of work in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, including why addressing root causes matters more than fighting symptoms, and why meaningful change starts locally — not federally. Together, Wilk and Chip unpack common myths about political polarization, discuss the importance of personal agency and courageous citizenship, and explain how curiosity can transform conversations across difference.

This episode is grounded, hopeful, and deeply practical — a reminder that peacebuilding isn’t the work of elites, but something each of us can practice every day.

Topics Covered

• Peacebuilding as a daily practice
• Root-cause problem solving vs. symptom chasing
• Local action and community engagement
• Personal agency and courageous citizenship
• Finding joy in conversations across difference
• Lessons from Peace Building Starts at Home

Learn more about and connect with Chip Hauss in the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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In a culture shaped by outrage, many people choose silence—not because they agree, but because speaking feels too risky.

In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson is joined by journalist and author Katherine Brodsky to discuss cancel culture, self-censorship, and the growing consequences of letting loud, unreasonable voices dominate public discourse.

Katherine is the author of No Apologies: How to Find and Free Your Voice in the Age of Outrage. Drawing from personal experience and historical perspective, she explains why courage is often rooted in moral clarity, not bravado—and why authenticity matters for both individual well-being and societal progress.

Together, Wilk and Katherine explore:

• Why self-censorship is becoming normalized
• How social media amplifies extremism
• The real dangers of government censorship
• Why people must be allowed to express “wrong” ideas to learn
• How authenticity leads to healthier relationships and communities

A thoughtful, grounded conversation about free speech, responsibility, and the quiet power of finding your voice.

Learn more about and connect with Katherine Brodsky by visiting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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In Episode 297 of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Tom Fishman—media executive, bridge-builder, and advisor to the ProHuman Foundation—for a wide-ranging conversation on how depolarization can scale.

From the failures of outrage-driven media to the need for a powerful “air game” in the bridging movement, this episode explores how storytelling, shared identity, and citizen-led solutions can rebuild trust and belonging in American life.

Key Topics Covered

• Why depolarization needs a “killer app”
• The shift from left/right polarization to top/bottom resentment
• How media algorithms reward outrage—and how to counter them
• The loneliness crisis and the human need for belonging
• Why bridge-building must produce real, visible results
• The inspiration behind The Great Boys Book

Guest
Tom Fishman is a founding partner of the Builders Movement, an advisor to the ProHuman Foundation, and a former media executive at MTV and Facebook.

Learn more about and connect with Tom Fishman in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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In Episode 296 of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Malka Kopell and Palma Joy Strand, co-founders of Civity, for a deeply human conversation about rebuilding trust, strengthening communities, and rediscovering our civic muscle.

At a time when institutional trust is declining and polarization feels overwhelming, Malka and Palma share why relationships — not arguments — are the true foundation of social change.

Together, they explore:

• Why storytelling builds trust across difference
• How listening can be a courageous civic act
• What “the conversation before the conversation” really means
• Simple, everyday actions that restore agency and belonging

This episode is a reminder that small human moments — when multiplied — can change the culture around us.

Learn more about Civity and connect with Malka & Palma by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com

We've forgotten what it feels like to have a real conversation.

The week of August 10th, join AllSides for a live conversation about the American Dream — how we’re thinking about it and navigating the challenges.

Your insights will be anonymized and included in a report to help leaders better understand how people see this issue.

Sign up today atallsides.com/derate-hate

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Why does outrage feel powerful — yet leave conversations broken in its wake?

In Episode 295 of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson is joined by world-class speaking coach and author Robert Begley to explore why empathy-rooted rhetoric is far more effective than outrage-driven communication.

Together, they unpack how conversations escalate, why persuasion works better than force, and how curiosity and listening can disarm hostility before it turns into conflict.

This episode offers practical tools for navigating difficult conversations — without sacrificing conviction or humanity.

Guest: Robert Begley
Book: Voices of Reason (Amazon Bestseller)

Key Topics

• Why outrage kills dialogue
• Persuasion vs. rhetorical force
• Defusing hostile conversations
• Empathy without agreement
• Listening to understand, not respond

Learn more and connect with Robert Begley in the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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In Episode 294 of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson is joined by author and speaker, Julie Lavender Le Doux for a powerful conversation about performance anxiety, childhood experiences, fear, shame, and personal growth.

Julie shares how early experiences shaped her fear of being seen, how anxiety spread into multiple areas of her life, and how confronting fear became the path toward healing and courage. Together, Wilk and Julie explore how avoidance temporarily feels safe—but ultimately deepens fear—and why courage is a learnable skill.

They also discuss Julie’s imaginative Amazings book series, which uses metaphor and storytelling to help children and families process trauma, propaganda, conformity, and fear—while cultivating wonder, critical thinking, and resilience.

Key Topics

• Performance anxiety and childhood experiences
• Fear, shame, and avoidance
• Courage as a learned skill
• Healthy vs. avoidant boundaries
• Storytelling as a tool for healing
• Raising courageous, curious kids
• Imagination, wonder, and truth

Learn more and connect with Julie Lavender Le Doux in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Episode 293 with guest Nathan Stock

In this episode, Wilk sits down with international conflict-resolution specialist Nathan Stock, a man with more than 20 years of experience working to reduce violence and strengthen democracy around the world. Nathan shares how his journey began as an English teacher in Gaza during the Al-Aqsa Intifada — an experience that taught him how quickly societies can shift from tension to full-scale conflict.

Nathan explains the unsettling parallels he now sees in American political polarization: declining trust in institutions, tribal media bubbles, and the growing tendency to view political opponents as evil rather than human. But he also emphasizes the hopeful part: we still have agency, and personal relationships across difference remain one of the strongest antidotes to toxic polarization.

Topics include:
• Lessons from living through violent conflict
• Why good people can be driven to do bad things
• The role of media consumption in shaping our “reality”
• Declining trust in institutions
• How everyday citizens can help reduce political hostility
• Building cross-partisan relationships that humanize, not demonize

Learn more about and connect with Nathan Stock by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube, Substack

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Episode 292 — Correcting Misperceptions with James Coan of More Like US

Misunderstanding each other is fueling a level of toxic polarization that’s tearing at our civic and social fabric. In this episode, Wilk is joined by James Coan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of More Like US, an organization that helps Americans see each other more accurately—especially on college campuses.

They unpack:
• Why we think our political “opponents” are more extreme than they really are
• How false stereotypes lead to fear, outrage, and hostility
• The perception gap: what it is and how it warps our values
• Why data can calm what misinformation inflames
• The CAST framework for seeing people as complex, admirable, similar, and worthy of togetherness
• How to interrupt the “race to the bottom” in our politics

This conversation is full of clarity, humanity, and real-world solutions.

Learn more about James and his work by visiting the full show notes for this episode on DeratetheHate.com or MoreLikeUS.org

The world is a better place if we are better people. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow the DTH podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Episode 291 – Featuring Joni Bryan of The 917 Society

In this episode, Wilk sits down with Joni Bryan, Founder & Executive Director of The 917 Society, an organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation with a personal connection to the U.S. Constitution.

Joni shares how a simple question — “Have you ever read the Constitution?” — evolved into a nationwide effort to provide every 8th-grade student with a free pocket Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in honor of Constitution Day.

Topics include:

• Why constitutional literacy is declining
• Originalism vs. modern interpretations
• Limited government and the balance between federal and state power
• The role of bureaucracy in shaping today’s political divides
• Pushback The 917 Society receives — and why
• The importance of the Constitution for all Americans, regardless of political beliefs
• The 2026 goal: 2.5 million pocket Constitutions for America’s 250th anniversary

Learn more about Joni & The 917 Society in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com or visiting 917society.org.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Bridge Grades & the Fight Against Toxic Polarization

This week, Wilk is joined by Brad Porteus, founder of BridgeGrades.org, to discuss the pervasive issue of toxic political polarization and identity politics in America.

Brad shares his experience of returning to the U.S. after 14 years abroad, seeing a "stark" difference and feeling "mad" about the decay of the civic fabric. The conversation delves into the dangers of the outrage economy that profits from division, and how our perception of reality is being warped by algorithms.

Brad introduces BridgeGrades.org, a new data-driven system that evaluates every member of Congress on one key dimension:
Are they Bridgers—or Dividers?

This conversation digs into pluralism, loss of agency, legislative dysfunction, and how we can build a healthier civic culture by supporting leaders who collaborate instead of perform.

Topics Include:

• What returning to America after 14 years overseas revealed
• The boiling-frog effect of polarization
• Identity politics and the loss of shared humanity
• How algorithms distort our perceptions
• Legislative health and the importance of cross-party collaboration
• How Bridge Grades identifies genuine “Bridgers”
• Why pluralism—not uniformity—is the American superpower

Learn more in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Episode 289 | Guest: Jim Robb, Vice President of Alliances at Numbers USA

Immigration is one of America’s most polarizing debates—but what happens when lifelong political opponents choose conversation over combat?

Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Jim Robb of Numbers USA to discuss his organization’s collaboration with Braver Angels on the Citizens Commission on Immigration.

Together they explore:
✅ How employer exploitation drives illegal labor markets
✅ Why “jobs Americans won’t do” is a myth
✅ The bipartisan framework behind the Citizens Commission on Immigration
✅ The power of persuasion in rebuilding trust and reform

Listen as two bridge-builders tackle one of America’s toughest issues—showing that common ground is still within reach.

🔗 Learn more about and connect with Jim Robb by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Lura Forcum: The Pleasure of Outrage vs. The Cost of Division

Outrage is addictive—but understanding it may be our way out.

Wilk Wilkinson welcomes Lura Forcum, president of The Independent Center and co-host of We Made This Political, for a fascinating conversation about political schadenfreude—the pleasure we feel when our opponents suffer. Drawing from her background in consumer and social psychology, Lura explains how this emotion drives today’s outrage economy, fuels partisanship, and weakens civic trust.

Together they explore how independent voters are reshaping the political landscape and how genuine human connection can heal the divisions outrage creates.

Topics Covered:

• The psychology of schadenfreude in politics
• How outrage is engineered for profit
• Why independent voters hold the key to civic renewal
• Restoring connection and trust in public life
• Moving from political battles to real conversations

Learn more about and connect with Lura Forcum in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙇𝙖 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙚: 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮

Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Phelosha Collaros, Vice President at St. John’s College and founder of DepolarWise.com.

Her family’s story in Colombia’s La Violencia reveals what happens when political conflict becomes personal—and how humanity can still prevail. Together they explore the roots of polarization, how conflict entrepreneurs profit from outrage, and what it takes to rebuild trust and community in divided times.

Key Takeaways:
• Phelosha’s connection to depolarization is hereditary
• Political “mixed marriages” once faced deadly danger in Colombia
• Humanity can survive even amidst violence
• The U.S. and Colombia share warning signs of division
• Conflict entrepreneurs thrive on outrage
• Social trust and engagement build a thriving civil society

❤️ Why This Episode Matters

If you’ve ever felt that politics is tearing America apart, listen to this conversation.
You’ll hear why our greatest hope lies not in political victory, but in re-humanizing each other—starting in our own communities.
The majority of people are not as divided as the extremes would have us believe, and together we can build the trust needed for a thriving civil society.

Learn more about and connect with Phelosha Collaros in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Episode 286 – Michael Sodini | Walk The Talk America

In this episode, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Michael Sodini, founder of Walk The Talk America (WTTA) — an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health and responsible gun ownership.

They discuss the stigma that keeps people from seeking help, the impact of suicide prevention programs like Cause of Pause, and how the firearms community is stepping up to promote mental health awareness, education, and common-sense solutions that save lives without compromising rights.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Walk The Talk America focuses on reducing negative outcomes from firearms through education and outreach.
✅ Mental health is inseparable from responsible gun ownership.
✅ Programs like Cause of Pause offer reflection moments in crisis without mandating gun removal.
✅ Common ground exists when the conversation starts with understanding, not blame.
✅ The firearms industry is embracing change and responsibility.

Learn more about Michael Sodini and Walk the Talk America in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Faith 250 – A Clergy-Led Celebration of our Shared Civic Story

What if the 250th anniversary of America’s founding became more than fireworks — what if it became a spiritual renewal of our shared civic story?

In this episode, Wilk sits down with Rabbi Michael Holzman and Pastor Becca Messman to explore Faith 250, a multi-faith initiative uniting clergy and congregations across the nation. Through storytelling, vulnerability, and sacred text study, Faith 250 helps communities rediscover American ideals rooted in faith, character, and shared values.

Key Topics:

• Clergy as caretakers of civic health
• The role of listening in bridging divides
• American texts as “sacred scripture” for reflection
• Creating safe spaces for dialogue and hope
• How Faith 250 will celebrate America’s 250th

Connect:
Learn more and get involved at Faith250.org

Learn more about Rabbi Holzman & Pastor Messman in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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"In Defense of Christian Patriotism " – DTH Episode 284 with Daniel Darling

What does it mean to love both God and country without falling into the trap of Christian nationalism? In this episode, Wilk is joined by author Daniel Darling to talk about his new book In Defense of Christian Patriotism. Together they explore:

• The vital difference between Christian patriotism and Christian nationalism
• Why forced religion is dangerous to both church and state
• How America’s founders valued religious freedom and pluralism
• The misconceptions fueled by media and culture about Christianity in the public square
• Why true patriotism is rooted in love, not cynicism

🎧 Tune in for a timely conversation about faith, freedom, and what it means to be a Christian in America today.

👉 Learn more about Daniel’s book here: https://danieldarling.com/books/
👉 Find more episodes at https://deratethehate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Affirming Identity, Building Community, and Cultivating Leadership

In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum—renowned psychologist, author, and president emerita of Spelman College—to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing higher education in today’s polarized climate.

Dr. Tatum shares insights from her groundbreaking work on race and identity development, her bestselling book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, and her newest release Peril and Promise: Higher Education Leadership in Turbulent Times. Together, we explore:

✅ Why affirming identity matters for students and communities
✅ The role of courageous conversations in bridging divides
✅ Misperceptions around DEI and how leaders can reframe the conversation
✅ Preserving free speech on campus amidst political and cultural conflict
✅ How colleges can strengthen democracy through dialogue and leadership

Learn more about Dr. Tatum’s work in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Speaking Out With Courage When It Matters Most

In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Jennifer Sey — author, filmmaker, business executive, athlete, and outspoken advocate for children and women.

Jen’s story spans from the highs of being a national champion gymnast to the lows of enduring — and later exposing — an abusive system in her sport. She courageously told the world in her 2008 memoir Chalked Up and later co-produced Netflix’s Emmy-winning Athlete A, which revealed the crimes of Larry Nassar and the toxic culture inside USA Gymnastics.

But her courage didn’t stop on the mat. As a top executive at Levi’s, she spoke out against prolonged COVID school closures — and paid for it with her career. Her 2022 book Levi’s Unbuttoned chronicles that fight and the price of telling inconvenient truths.

Now, Jen leads XX-XY Athletics, a clothing brand dedicated to defending fairness in women’s sports, and is producing the upcoming documentary Generation Covid to spotlight the long-term impact of school closures on our children.

This conversation is about courage, candor, and the cost of speaking truth in a culture that often punishes it.

👉 Learn more about Jennifer Sey in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Leadership Beyond the Checklist: How “Being” Leaders Create Value and Navigate Complexity

What does it really mean to become better—not just at what we do, but in who we are?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ryan Gottfredson, a best-selling author and leadership professor whose work has transformed the way we think about growth. Ryan explains why most leadership training focuses too much on “doing” and not enough on “being”—and how that shift makes all the difference in navigating complexity, creating value, and leading others in meaningful ways.

We talk about the difference between dependent, independent, and interdependent thinking, why constructive criticism is such a powerful test of our growth, and how true leadership is less about checking boxes and more about becoming someone others genuinely want to follow.

If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your mindset, strengthen your leadership, or simply become a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

👉 Find more about Ryan Gottfredson, his books, assessments, and ways to connect with him by visiting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Coaching Beyond the Game: Football as a Platform for Healing, Accountability & Social Progress

This week, we kicked off the 2025 NFL season — and what better time to explore how youth football can be so much more than just a game? Host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Coaches Jim Place and Al Powell, the co-founders of the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association’s Social Justice seven-on-seven tournament in Dayton, Ohio. It’s not about X’s and O’s—it’s about connection, responsibility, and the power of sports to build bridges.

They’ll unpack how this tournament grew from the social unrest of 2020 into a thriving annual event that brings together nearly 70 teams and more than 1,800 student-athletes for meaningful dialogue on race, empathy, and personal accountability. You’ll hear how purpose-driven coaching fosters lasting impact beyond the field—and why hosting real conversations in everyday spaces like sports is an essential part of community healing.

If you believe in sports as a force for unity and leadership rooted in humanity, you won’t want to miss this one.

Why It Matters

This episode reminds us that real social change doesn’t always start in big forums—it can begin in local spaces like sports, where youth meet across lines, dialogue happens, and empathy grows. It’s an uplifting story of how coaching—when rooted in purpose—can help knit communities together.

🙌 Join the Movement

This episode of Derate The Hate is produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest cross-partisan, grassroots organization working to bridge political & societal divides to foster a more united country.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Common Ground from the Ground Up: Humility, Healing & Rethinking Our Politics

In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk sits down with Nathan Smolensky—author of Common Ground from the Ground Up. Nathan brings a unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in a family of Soviet immigrants and his experience working with Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike.

Together, they explore how humility, introspection, and storytelling can help us break through the noise of hyperpartisanship and rediscover the power of constructive dialogue. Nathan shares why political identity often feels personal, how passion rarely persuades, and why lowering barriers to entry in politics can create healthier conversations.

✅ Why introspection and humility are vital for communication
✅ How political identity complicates dialogue but also makes it meaningful
✅ The role of storytelling in building understanding
✅ Why certainty can block learning and open-mindedness
✅ How constructive dialogue can heal relationships and enrich our politics

Tune in for a refreshing take on depolarization, political innovation, and how we can all play a role in building common ground.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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From Rooftop to Roadwork: Faith, Dignity and the Walk Across America

Pastor Corey Brooks — known to many as the Rooftop Pastor — is back on Derate The Hate with a story that’s nothing short of incredible. What began years ago with a bold stand on a rooftop has grown into Project Hood’s 90,000-square-foot community center, now halfway complete on Chicago’s South Side.

This isn’t just a building. It’s a lifeline — with trade schools, culinary arts programs, restaurants, financial literacy training, and spaces where purpose and opportunity come alive.

But Pastor Brooks isn’t done yet. On September 1, 2025, he’ll lace up his sneakers in Times Square and begin a Walk Across America — 3,000 miles in 365 days — to raise $25 million and finish the center debt-free.

This conversation is about more than fundraising. It’s about faith that moves mountains, the dignity of hard work, and the belief that every step we take can change lives.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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On the Road with US United: How Sheriffs Spark Community Connection

In this episode of Derate The Hate, I’m joined by Adam Mizel, Co-Founder and CEO of Us United, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of how communities heal. Adam and his team are literally on the road, traveling across America to meet with sheriffs, local leaders, and everyday citizens. Their mission? To spark conversations, rebuild trust, and remind us that unity is still possible—even in these divided times.

We dive into the dangers of labels and identity politics, and how they shut down dialogue before it even begins. Adam shares stories from the road about sheriffs stepping up as community connectors, about how sports and local events can bring neighbors together, and about the simple power of listening to one another.

What I love about Adam’s work with Us United is how much it complements the mission we’re pursuing at Braver Angels: creating space for people to show up, talk honestly, and treat one another with respect. This episode will inspire you to think differently about how we bridge divides—because unity isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about communication, connection, and courage.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

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Bridging Racial Divides Through Sacred, Selfish & Shared Action – DTH Episode 276 with Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of the Beloved Community — a vision of reconciliation, redemption, and shared humanity. This week, Wilk is joined by Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery (“Dr. TLC”), a groundbreaking “pastologist” who unites the worlds of psychology and ministry to lead transformative conversations on race, leadership, and healing.

Drawing from her Sacred Intelligence framework, Dr. TLC unpacks the three keys to building bridges across racial divides:

• Sacred Motive – clarifying the deeper “why” behind our leadership and commitment to dismantling racism.
• Self~ish Mindset – challenging our own conditioning, fear, and bias to make courageous, values-driven choices.
• Shared Movement – stepping beyond our silos to create authentic, cross-racial relationships that inspire change.

With decades of experience as a pastor, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and current Interim Executive Director of the Healing Racism Institute, Dr. TLC brings powerful insight into how personal transformation fuels collective action.

Whether you’re a leader, community builder, or simply someone who believes in love over hate, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take the next step toward a more united future.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. TLC and her work: full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Courageous Connections: Embracing Pluralism Amidst American Populism

In this Derate The Hate bonus episode, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with fellow Braver Angels Ibrahim Anli and Will Harwood for a powerful discussion on cultural and religious pluralism in the face of American populism.

They explore what it means to be American in today’s polarized climate and the importance of courageous connections in embracing diversity. Ibrahim, an immigrant to the U.S., and Will, a native-born American, share their personal insights on how America’s evolving identity can remain rooted in foundational civic values while allowing room for pluralism.

Key Topics:

• The concept of American identity and civic creed
• Embracing cultural pluralism and religious freedom
• The challenges and opportunities of immigration in a populist era
• How to build courageous connections across divides
• The role of shared purpose in national unity
• The importance of civic education and staying grounded in the nation’s foundational values

Featured Guests:

• Ibrahim Anli – A passionate advocate for religious pluralism and an immigrant who chose America as his home
• Will Harwood – A native-born American who focuses on civic culture and national identity

Takeaways:

• Pluralism is vital to America’s identity, not as a melting pot but as a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures.
• Courageous connections help bridge divides, whether through religious freedom, cultural exchange, or civic engagement.
• We must continually reconnect with America’s founding ideals to move forward as a unified nation.

Listen Now to hear a thought-provoking conversation on how we can embrace diversity, overcome polarization, and strengthen the fabric of American society in the face of modern challenges.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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DTH Episode 275 with Neil Ghosh — Purpose, Empathy, and Engaged Citizenship

This week, Wilk is joined by Neil Ghosh - author, executive, and social impact strategist, for a powerful conversation on purpose, empathy, and building a meaningful legacy. From the immigrant experience to small acts of micro-altruism,

Neil shares personal stories and actionable insights that remind us why active participation in democracy and community is more important than ever.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

• Purpose whispers—learn how to hear it.
• Empathy is a civic strength.
• Teach kids to reject hate.
• Small actions create big impact.
• Democracy needs YOU.

🎙️ Notable quotes:

“Empathy is not a blue state value, or a red state value, it's an American value.”
“Disagreement creates innovation.”

🧠 What You'll Learn:

• How purpose reveals itself throughout life
• Why Gen Z wants to talk politics at work—and how leaders can respond
• The power of micro-altruism in the workplace and beyond
• How to teach kids to recognize and reject hate
• Why civic engagement is the foundation of a healthy democracy

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Episode 274: Reigniting Purpose Through Gratitude & Legacy with Dean Taylor

In this episode, Wilk is joined by Dean Taylor for a powerful discussion on how gratitude, personal accountability, and intentional mindset shifts can transform your life. Dean opens up about rediscovering his purpose after years of feeling stuck, inspired by the dream his father never got to fulfill.

They explore the power of morning routines, the Miracle Morning framework, and how faith and storytelling can help build a life of meaning and impact.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Gratitude is a mindset that can change your whole outlook
• Personal accountability is the first step toward growth
• The Miracle Morning creates momentum and mental clarity
• Legacy isn’t just what you leave behind—it's what you live now
• It’s never too late to start dreaming again

💬 Learn more about Dean at DeanTaylorOfficial.com
📲 Connect on Instagram or LinkedIn

🎧 Tune in now to fuel your purpose and build your legacy.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Can community service heal what politics has broken?

This week, Wilk sits down with Chip Webster, founder of Unity in Service, for a powerful conversation about bridging divides through action, not outrage. From the rise of cancel culture to the erosion of trust in democracy, Chip offers a bold vision for rebuilding unity—one citizen at a time.

💬 Key themes:

• The lost art of responsible citizenship
• How volunteering fosters empathy and shared purpose
• The transformative power of microvalidations
• A call to rethink national service as a unifying force

Whether you're tired of toxic politics or searching for real solutions, this episode will challenge and inspire you to engage with hope—and serve with purpose.

🔗 Learn more & get involved: unityinservice.org

🎧 Listen now and be part of the solution.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Restoring Our Belief in Each Other: A New Civic Path for Healing America – Episode 272 with Rich Harwood

In Episode 272 of Derate The Hate, Wilk welcomes Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute, to discuss how civic engagement, shared aspirations, and community agency can overcome toxic division in America. Drawing on decades of experience revitalizing communities, Rich explains how we can reject the ugliness of politics and embrace the dignity of building together. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to restore connection, purpose, and hope in their community.

Key Topics:

• Civic engagement in a divided time
• The “Enough Time to Build” campaign
• Reclaiming empathy and dignity
• Building a new civic path
• Creating visible action in local communities
• Restoring agency and shared aspirations

Who is Rich Harwood?
Rich Harwood is President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and author of The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation. He’s spent over 35 years leading efforts to heal fractured communities and drive social change through public innovation.

Connect with Rich Harwood:
👉 www.theharwoodinstitute.org

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who’s ready to help rebuild what’s been broken.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Bridging Divides Through Living Room Conversations

In this episode of Derate The Hate, host Wilk Wilkinson welcomes Stewart Fletcher, Director of Communications for Living Room Conversations. They explore the power of civil dialogue in healing political and social divides, the importance of empathy and curiosity, and how structured conversations can help build trust across differences.

Stewart shares his personal story of entering the bridge-building space and explains how Living Room Conversations works to reconnect communities through meaningful, respectful discussion.

Learn more about Stewart and Living Room Conversations:
🌐 livingroomconversations.org
📷 Instagram: @livingroomconvo
📘 Facebook: Living Room Conversations
💼 LinkedIn: Living Room Conversations
📺 YouTube: @LivingRoomConversations

👉 Ready to be part of the solution?
Subscribe to the Derate The Hate podcast and check out BraverAngels.org to join the movement.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Episode 270: From Polarization to Proactive Citizenship – with Dr. Bill Doherty

In the first official Derate The Hate episode produced in collaboration with Braver Angels, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Braver Angels co-founder Dr. Bill Doherty to explore how we can move beyond polarization through meaningful citizenship and personal accountability.

Dr. Doherty shares insights on the founding of Braver Angels and introduces the concept of “thick citizenship”—a form of civic engagement that goes beyond voting and paying taxes to include structured conversations, problem-solving, and shared community responsibility.

🔑 In this episode:

• Why Braver Angels was founded in 2016
• How “thin” citizenship fuels polarization
• What “thick” citizenship looks like in practice
• The power of structured conversations and listening to understand
• How personal accountability can heal a divided society

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can be part of the solution.

Subscribe to the Derate The Hate podcast and please visit BraverAngels.org to get involved.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Political Detox & Shadow Work: Reclaiming Emotional Sovereignty in a Polarized World

In Episode 269 of the Derate The Hate podcast, host Wilk sits down with Chuck Gafvert — a former corporate executive turned political detox coach and Jungian psychology practitioner. They explore the deep psychological roots of political stress, the harmful effects of toxic polarization, and how we can regain inner peace through self-awareness and emotional responsibility.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Jungian shadow work can reduce political anxiety
• Why political identity shouldn't define your self-worth
• How social media hijacks your emotional system
• Practical ways to break free from political stress

🧘 “Politics causes suffering — but it can also be a gateway for transformation.” — Chuck Gafvert

Chuck also shares immediate steps you can take today to reduce political anxiety, including insights from his free eBook:

🌐 Grab Chuck’s Free eBook:
5 Steps to Start Reducing Political Stress

📣 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
Learn more about Wilk’s work at DerateTheHate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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🎙️ From Hate to Humanity: Jeff Schoep's Journey Out of Extremism

In Episode 268 of the Derate The Hate podcast, host Wilk Wilkinson welcomes back Jeff Schoep—former neo-Nazi leader turned leading deradicalization expert—to discuss his new memoir, "American Nazi: From Hate to Humanity."

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Jeff shares how he went from heading the National Socialist Movement to becoming a global voice in counter-extremism. He opens up about the moments that cracked his extremist ideology, the violent past he’s reckoning with, and his mission to help others find a way out of hate.

They also explore the modern implications of identity politics, fear-driven narratives, and the shared humanity we must embrace to prevent radicalization in all its forms.

Don’t miss this compelling episode on transformation, redemption, and the path forward.

📘 "American Nazi: From Hate to Humanity" releases this week—learn more at JeffSchoep.com

🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform and share with someone who needs to hear this.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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From Average Mohamed to Dissident: Mohamed Ahmed Returns

Mohamed Ahmed, known to many as "Average Mohamed," returns to the Derate the Hate podcast for a powerful third appearance. In Episode 267, Mohamed discusses the closure of the Average Mohamed Organization and his new mission with the Republican People of Color (RPOC.org) PAC. He also introduces his second book, Dissidence in America, a bold call for non-violent civic engagement and principled dissent.

Topics covered include:

• The evolution from anti-radicalization activism to broader anti-hate advocacy
• Challenges of being a Black, Muslim, Republican in a polarized political landscape
• The impact of government surveillance and censorship on activists
• The founding of RPOC.org and why political action is the next necessary step
• The importance of peaceful protest and defending American democratic values

Mohamed’s journey reminds us that loving our country means standing up for the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice—even when the road is hard.

About the Guest:
Mohamed Ahmed has been recognized as a Citizen Diplomat by the U.S. State Department and Global Ties USA. He is the founder of RPOC.org and the author of Average Mohamed: Freedom Fighter and Dissidence in America. A proud Minnesotan, businessman, and father of five, Mohamed believes in fighting the good fight one soul at a time—with values, vision, and unwavering peaceful resolve.

📕 Get his books free at RPOC.org
📲 Follow Mohamed on Twitter/X @averagemohamed
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook & Instagram @averagemohamed

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Beyond the Politics of Contempt – DTH Episode 266 with Beth Malow and Doug Teschner

In this powerful episode of Derate The Hate, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with fellow Braver Angels Beth Malow and Doug Teschner to discuss their upcoming book, Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. In a time when toxic polarization threatens the fabric of our nation, Beth and Doug offer a hopeful and actionable roadmap to reconnect with one another—across political, personal, and cultural divides.

Key Topics Covered:

• The rise of "conflict entrepreneurs" and their role in fueling division
• Why people are craving meaningful connection in today's polarized climate
• How self-reflection and emotional intelligence are vital for healing divides
• Practical tools for restoring relationships damaged by political conflict
• Bridge-building activism that promotes dignity, respect, and understanding
• The role of hope and empathy in shaping a better future
• Tips for standing firm in your beliefs while building bridges

Notable Quotes:

• “People are looking for something better.”
• “Self-reflection is key to change.”
• “It’s about being part of the solution.”
• “We can solve any problem if we feel heard.”
• “Hope is essential for our country.”

Connect & Subscribe:
🌐 Visit togethernow.substack.com to subscribe to Beth and Doug’s free newsletter, Together Across Differences.

🌐 Visit BraverAngels.org to learn more about America's largest grassroots movement towards bridging divides.

🎧 Subscribe to Derate The Hate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review!

📣 Share this episode with someone who’s ready to move beyond contempt and build a stronger, more united America.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Replay: Polarization – The Issue of Our Time (feat. John Wood Jr.)

This week, I’m re-sharing a powerful episode from the DTH archives during a little family downtime. In this classic, I sat down with my good friend and Braver Angels National Ambassador, John Wood Jr., to tackle what may be the greatest challenge facing our country: polarization.

We discuss:

• Why polarization prevents progress on all other issues
• How to better engage with people who think differently
• The dangers of whataboutism and political pandering
• Why long-term thinking beats short-term outrage

John brings the kind of insight and calm conviction that’s rare in today's divided landscape. This episode is packed with value—don't miss it!

🎧 Listen now, share with a friend, and let’s keep bettering the world, one attitude at a time.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Unpacking the Woke Right, White Identity Politics & The Equality Fight

In Episode 264 of Derate The Hate, host Wilk Wilkinson welcomes Hunter Ash and returning guest Julian Adorney for a bold, honest, and highly relevant conversation on the rise of woke right identity politics, the pitfalls of anti-racism orthodoxy, and how we might build a more unified, equitable society without falling into the traps of division and fear.

🔥 What we cover:

• The rise of white identity politics and the “woke right”
• How anti-racism initiatives can backfire on the goal of true equality
• The dangerous cycle of reifying group divisions in the name of justice
• DEI, critical race theory, and the real-world consequences of policy
• Building bridges beyond the binaries of left vs. right

👥 Julian Adorney, writer and contributor to Reality’s Last Stand, shares key insights from his article, “Why Christians Must Reject the Woke Right’s Answer to Racism,” offering a hopeful path forward grounded in empathy, faith, and individual dignity.

🎯 Hunter Ash, a bold new voice from the dissident right, challenges mainstream narratives and presents the uncomfortable truths behind many rising sentiments in post-woke conservatism.

✅ Subscribe, rate, and share if you find value in this conversation. We’re here to learn, not just to argue.

🎧 Tune in now and check out previous conversations with Julian Adorney in earlier episodes of Derate The Hate!

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Episode 263: How Contempt Fuels Division and What We Can Do About It – with Zachary Elwood

What’s truly tearing us apart isn’t disagreement—it’s contempt. In Episode 263 of the Derate The Hate podcast, Wilk Wilkinson is joined once again by Zachary Elwood, author of the new book How Contempt Destroys Democracy: An American Liberal’s Guide to Toxic Polarization.

Zach shares powerful insights into how confirmation bias, emotional thinking, and our grievance culture feed political division. Wilk and Zach dive deep into why curiosity is a critical tool for unity, how media and social platforms fuel outrage, and why focusing on local community action can help us escape the national polarization trap.

🎧 Tune in and learn:

• ✅ Why contempt, not disagreement, is one of our biggest societal threats
• ✅ How online behavior fuels tribal thinking
• ✅ The power of emotional intelligence and curiosity in bridging divides
• ✅ What you can do to depolarize conversations in your own life

If you're ready to understand the emotional roots of toxic polarization and what we can do about it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Previous Episode with Zachary Elwood: Check out our earlier conversation in Episode 170 for even more insight into Zach’s powerful work in the depolarization space. Link can be found in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com

📘 Learn more about Zach’s new book: www.american-anger.com
🎙️ Explore Zach’s podcast: People Who Read People

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Exposing the Cost of Fear: School Closures, Media Failures, and COVID Truths

In DTH Episode 262, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with investigative journalist and author David Zweig to explore the pandemic-era decisions that reshaped American education. David, widely known for his work on the Twitter Files and now his explosive new book, An Abundance of Caution, unpacks how fear, flawed media narratives, and political tribalism drove the closure of schools—with devastating consequences for children and society.

From misinformed public health messaging to the silencing of dissenting voices, this episode pulls back the curtain on what really happened during COVID—and how we can make sure it never happens again.

🔎 Topics include:

✅ Why school closures were more harmful than helpful
✅ How fear-mongering in the media shaped destructive policies
✅ The lasting impact on student learning, development, and mental health
✅ The dangers of manufactured consensus and silence among experts
✅ How political polarization endangered education

Don't miss this powerful conversation with one of today’s most courageous investigative voices.

If you’ve heard my conversations with Dr. Francis Collins (former NIH Director) and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (current NIH Director), this episode is an essential follow-up. Where they explored restoring trust in science and medicine, David shines a light on some of the how and why that trust was lost in the first place.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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How do we turn information into true transformation? This week on Derate The Hate, I’m joined by Kim Bach, cofounder of Dailyhuman Inc., mindset coach, and Chief People Officer, who is on a mission to close the gap between knowing and becoming. In this conversation, we explore what Kim calls the "humaning crisis" — a growing struggle with negativity, disconnection, and lack of essential soft skills.

Kim shares tools and insights around self-reflection, storytelling, and the development of a growth mindset — all essential for rebuilding trust in ourselves and with others. With 80% of our 80,000 daily thoughts being negative, it’s easy to see how default thinking can feed polarization and discontent. But the good news? We can change the story we tell ourselves.

If you're ready to take the next best step toward becoming the next best version of yourself, this episode is for you.

👉 Connect with Kim Bach and Dailyhuman at:
🌐 Website: dailyhuman.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Kim Bach on LinkedIn
📸 Instagram: @dailyhumanco
📺 YouTube: Watch Kim on YouTube

Be sure to check out the full show notes on the Derate The Hate website, www.DerateTheHate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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What happens when we stop trying to win arguments and start trying to understand each other?

In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Sydney-based creative and entrepreneur Jonah Primo, producer of Australia’s #1 philosophy podcast Principle of Charity and host of The Overexamined Life. Together, they explore how empathy, mindfulness, and the principle of charity can shift the way we engage with others—especially when we disagree.

Jonah shares his powerful personal journey from dissatisfaction to deep fulfillment, shaped by years of studying philosophy, meditation, and lived human experiences. This conversation dives into the mental frameworks that help reduce polarization, foster gratitude, and bring presence into everyday life.

🎧 Topics include:

• The principle of charity: engaging with opposing views in good faith
• Why tribalism leads to moral blindness
• How mindfulness helps us manage anger and anxiety
• Using philosophical tools for practical, real-world fulfillment
• The importance of honoring lived experiences in dialogue

If you’re tired of toxic discourse and ready to rethink how we relate across divides, this one’s for you.

🔗 Learn more about Jonah Primo’s work:

• The Overexamined Life podcast
• Principle of Charity podcast
• StudioPrimo productions

🧠 Whether you’re curious about improving dialogue, managing your emotional triggers, or just living with a bit more joy, this episode delivers.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this conversation resonated with you!

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Episode 259 – Dr. Bruce Chalmer: When Communication Isn’t the Real Problem in Relationships (or in Society)

What if the root of conflict in our relationships — and in our divided world — isn’t a failure to communicate, but a failure to tolerate discomfort?

In this episode of Derate The Hate, I sit down with couples therapist and author Dr. Bruce Chalmer to explore how anxiety, not poor communication, is often the true barrier to meaningful connection — both in marriages and across ideological divides.

Bruce has worked with couples for nearly 30 years, and his book It’s Not About Communication! challenges everything we think we know about relationship struggles. But what makes this conversation especially powerful is how deeply his insights apply beyond romantic partnerships — to how we engage in tough conversations with those we disagree with.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ Why communication isn’t the root problem in many relationships
✅ How anxiety disrupts connection and meaningful dialogue
✅ Why tolerating discomfort is essential to emotional intimacy
✅ How ideas lead to growth, but ideologies often create rigidity
✅ The impact of confirmation bias on both romantic and political conversations
✅ Why faith in others’ humanity is foundational for bridging divides
✅ How the tools of couples therapy can strengthen civil discourse

We also discuss Bruce’s podcast with his wife Judy, Couples Therapy in Seven Words, where they explore love, faith, and what it means to truly connect in a world that often prioritizes being right over being human.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Emotional connection requires vulnerability, not just technique
✅ Communication “problems” are often anxiety in disguise
✅ Real transformation comes from deep listening and mutual respect
✅ The goal of conversation isn’t to win — it’s to connect
✅ We must create shared space for dialogue, even amid disagreement

Learn more about and connect with Dr. Bruce Chalmer by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Episode 287 – Rebuilding Social Trust Through Place-Based Community Engagement with Eric Higbee

In this powerful episode of the Derate The Hate podcast, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with landscape architect, community organizer, and writer Eric Higbee to explore the transformative power of place-based community engagement in our increasingly fragmented society.

Eric shares insights from his multifaceted work at the intersection of placemaking, civic renewal, and social psychology. Through his award-winning design practice, Convene, and his respected Substack newsletter, The Answer is Community, Eric helps individuals and local governments build deeper, more empathetic relationships where they live.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why online interactions can’t replace real, local community engagement
✅ The psychology behind building empathy and reducing social anxiety
✅ How intergroup contact theory supports community healing
✅ The dual role of grassroots organizing and local government in fostering social cohesion
✅ How common cause projects can unite people across ideological divides
✅ The importance of physical spaces in creating social trust
✅ What civic participation really looks like in your own neighborhood

Top Takeaways:

✅ Civic renewal starts locally—through real-world relationships and shared purpose
✅ Empathy and anxiety reduction are vital for bridging social divides
✅ Both individuals and local governments must take ownership of community wellbeing
✅ Place-based communities are the foundation for lasting social cohesion

Whether you’re a local leader, community-minded citizen, or simply tired of online polarization, this episode will inspire you to engage more deeply with those around you—and offer tools to get started.

Learn more about and connect with Eric Higbee by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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The End of Solitude, Culture, and the Fight for Individuality

In this episode of Derate The Hate, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with award-winning essayist, cultural critic, and author William Deresiewicz for an insightful conversation on solitude, the internet’s impact on society, political polarization, and the importance of civic engagement in an increasingly fragmented world.

William Deresiewicz is the author of The End of Solitude: Selected Essays on Culture and Society, a powerful collection that examines how digital technology has reshaped our relationships, eroded genuine human connection, and deepened societal divides. As a former Yale and Columbia professor and an influential voice in cultural criticism, Bill brings a unique perspective on individuality, self-examination, and the need for real community in an age dominated by online interactions.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

✅ The Importance of Solitude: How the internet has altered our relationship with solitude and why reclaiming it is essential for deep thinking and self-awareness.
✅ The Internet & Society: The ways in which digital technology has reshaped our social interactions, often leading to community decay, polarization, and dehumanization.
✅ Political Polarization & Self-Examination: How emotional investment in beliefs fuels division and why intellectual humility is critical for a healthier civic discourse.
✅ Civic Engagement as an Antidote to Online Toxicity: The role of real-world community-building in counteracting the negative effects of social media-driven discourse.
✅ Pro-Human Philosophy: As a new member of the ProHuman Foundation’s Board of Advisors, Bill discusses the need to reinforce individuality and shared humanity in today’s divided culture.
✅ The Future of Culture & Identity: Why people are growing dissatisfied with extreme ideological divides and how embracing nuanced, human-centered discussions can lead to positive change.

Learn more About William Deresiewicz in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Breaking the Cycle: Trauma, Emotional Intelligence and Rewriting Human Connection

Here at the DTH podcast, we don’t just talk about division, anger, and outrage—we focus on solutions, on healing, on finding common ground in a world that so often feels fractured.

Today, I have the privilege of sitting down with someone who understands that journey firsthand. Brandon Bishop is not just an advocate for emotional intelligence—he’s a disruptor, a visionary, and the founder of TrueEQ, a movement dedicated to redefining human connection. Brandon’s life has been shaped by deep trauma, by emotional isolation, and by a society that often values status over substance. But instead of letting that define him, he’s used it as fuel—to build a platform that challenges the very systems that keep us disconnected.

His story is raw. Raised in an emotionally barren home, perfectionism became his survival mechanism. But over time, he saw through the rigid ideologies—whether religious, corporate, or social—that prioritize control over compassion. And that realization led him to a new mission: to help others break free, reclaim their worth, and build relationships rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and radical authenticity.

Through TrueEQ, Brandon is creating something different—an intentional social network that isn’t about algorithms, clout, or ego, but about real human connection. He believes that emotional intelligence is the key to personal growth, meaningful relationships, and ultimately, a better society. And he’s not just talking about it—he’s doing something about it, building a space for those who are willing to step beyond the noise, lean into vulnerability, and rewrite the rules of connection.

Takeaways

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for meaningful relationships.
• Personal experiences can drive advocacy for emotional intelligence.
• True EQ aims to connect individuals based on emotional intelligence scores.
• Building resilience is key to overcoming trauma.
• Self-awareness is foundational for developing emotional intelligence.
• True EQ provides a safe space for real conversations.
• The platform is designed to foster supportive connections.

Learn more about and connect with Brandon Bishop

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Censorship in the Arts and the Fight For Free Expression

Today’s episode is part of our ProHuman Foundation Board of Advisors series, where we have been highlighting voices committed to promoting our shared humanity, open dialogue, and diverse perspectives.

My guest today is someone who embodies those values in her work and advocacy. Rosie Kay is an internationally renowned dancer and choreographer whose career has taken her across the world, using the power of movement to explore deep societal issues. She’s the founder of K2CO and Freedom in the Arts, a vital organization dedicated to protecting artistic freedom and defending artists against cancel culture.

Rosie is also a fellow board advisor for the ProHuman Foundation, where we work alongside other thought leaders to push back against the growing culture of division. Her own journey in the arts has come with its challenges—particularly as political ideologies and conformity have taken hold in creative spaces. She’s been at the center of debates on gender ideology, free expression, and the role of self-discipline in art, and today, we’re diving into all of it.

We’ll explore how self-censorship is creeping into the arts, why gender ideology is impacting women’s rights and spaces, and why open debate is essential for understanding one another. Rosie’s perspective is a powerful reminder that courage, resilience, and a return to shared humanity are more important than ever.

Takeaways

• Dance is a powerful medium for expressing societal issues.
• Artists often face pushback for challenging the status quo.
• The arts have become increasingly conformist in recent years.
• Self-discipline is essential for artists alongside self-expression.
• Political alignment in the arts can lead to self-censorship.
• Fear and loathing have created a hostile environment for artists.
• Gender ideology impacts women's rights and spaces.
• Art connects the body, mind, and spirit in profound ways.
• Open debate is crucial for understanding differing viewpoints.
• The Pro Human Foundation promotes shared humanity and diverse beliefs.
• photo credit ~ Brian Slater

Learn more about and connect with Rosie Kay by getting the full sh

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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The Transformative Power of Forgiveness: Unlocking Healing and Resilience

Today we’re diving back into a topic that I believe is fundamental to personal growth, emotional healing, and resilience: forgiveness.

Now, we all hear that word a lot—people say, “Just forgive, forget and move on,” like it’s some quick decision, a one-time event. But my guest today, Katharine Giovanni, knows firsthand that forgiveness isn’t a destination—it’s a process, a journey, and sometimes, the hardest step we’ll ever take.

Katharine is a three-time award-winning, best-selling author, a dynamic speaker, and a highly sought-after forgiveness coach. Beyond the accolades, what makes Katharine truly stand out is her personal story of resilience. From surviving stage 3 breast cancer to overcoming a traumatic childhood, she’s lived through experiences that many would call unforgivable—and yet, she’s found a way to move forward, not just surviving, but thriving.

Her latest book, The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power, is a game-changer because it doesn’t just tell you to forgive—it shows you how with a step-by-step approach.

Takeaways from our conversation today:

• Forgiveness is essential for personal healing.
• Self-forgiveness is often the hardest but most important step.
• You can forgive without wanting a relationship with the offender.
• Forgiveness can be a step-by-step process.
• Energy plays a significant role in how we experience forgiveness.
• Forgiving others can lead to emotional freedom.
• You can forgive even the unforgivable by breaking down the memory.
• Forgiveness is a journey, not a sprint.
• Your energy attracts similar energy from others.
• Forgiveness can transform your life and relationships.

Learn more about and connect with Katharine Giovanni by getting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Do You Want Revenge or Do You Want a Better America?

Today, I have the privilege of welcoming back award-winning filmmaker, writer, and storyteller, Eli Steele. Eli is known for films like How Jack Became Black, What’s Bugging Seth, and most recently, What Killed Michael Brown?—a powerful and thought-provoking documentary he produced with his father, Shelby Steele. He also shares his insights on his Man of Steele Substack, where he continues challenging narratives and pushing for deeper discussions on race, identity, and the American experience.

Eli and I dive into one of the most pressing issues facing our country today—the growing desire for revenge in our political and cultural landscape. Too often, we see frustration turning into retribution, but where does that really lead us? Do we move forward as a nation by tearing each other down, or is there a better path—one rooted in accountability, responsibility, and reconciliation?

We’ll talk about how history has shaped the current racial and political climate, why the victimhood mentality is so destructive, and how the cycle of revenge only deepens division. Through the powerful Tar Baby analogy, we’ll explore how getting stuck in anger and resentment holds us back from real progress.

This is a conversation about moving beyond identity politics, beyond blame, and beyond the toxic cycles that keep us from truly thriving.

Takeaways

• The desire for revenge can consume individuals and hinder progress.
• The "Tar Baby" folk story illustrates the futility of seeking revenge.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding current racial dynamics.
• Revenge often leads to the creation of new tribal divisions.
• Empathy and compassion are vital in overcoming hatred.
• The fight for equality has been ongoing and complex.
• Trump's presidency is seen by many as a reaction to long-standing frustrations.
• Seeking revenge can compromise American principles and values.
• True progress requires moving beyond identity politics.
• Revenge leads to a never-ending cycle of conflict.
• Education is crucial for societal improvement.
• Civic engagement is essential for community rebuilding.
• We must talk to our neighbors to und

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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The Exponential Power of Gratitude: Unleashing Your Happiness Equation

Let me ask you: How do you measure happiness? Is it something you chase, or something you cultivate? What if I told you there’s an actual equation for happiness? A way to measure it, understand it, and most importantly, optimize it? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Leighton Campbell, has uncovered in his latest book, Your Happiness Equation.

Leighton is a devoted husband, father of four, successful entrepreneur, and passionate reader who has traveled the world in search of deeper meaning and fulfillment. Through his journey, he’s identified seven key variables that shape our happiness—but there’s one element that doesn’t just add to the equation—it amplifies it: Gratitude.

In fact, gratitude isn’t just another piece of the puzzle—it’s the exponent. It strengthens every other factor in the equation, multiplying its impact on your well-being. Want more peace? More purpose? More fulfillment? Gratitude magnifies all of it. And today, Leighton is going to break down exactly how that works.

We’ll also explore the difference between fleeting joy and lasting happiness, the power of self-awareness, and why chasing the wrong things can actually lead to less happiness. And for those wondering where they stand, Leighton’s got a happiness quiz that will help you assess your own equation.

Takeaways

• Gratitude is the genesis of happiness.
• Happiness is a long-term sense of peace and satisfaction.
• Chasing fleeting joy can lead to unhappiness.
• The happiness equation consists of seven key variables.
• Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth.
• Gratitude acts as an exponent in the happiness equation.
• Belonging to meaningful groups enhances happiness.
• Understanding your purpose contributes to happiness.
• Optimizing happiness is more important than maximizing it.
• Everyone can benefit from assessing their happiness score.

Learn more about and connect with Leighton Campbell by getting the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Mastering Resilience and Emotional Intelligence Through Storytelling

My guest today is the incredible Madelaine Claire Weiss. She’s a Harvard-trained psychotherapist, mindset expert, and board-certified executive coach. With a background that spans corporate leadership, education, and mental health, Madelaine has dedicated her career to helping people navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

She’s the bestselling author of Getting to G.R.E.A.T.: A 5-Step Strategy for Work and Life, which breaks down a powerful framework for personal and professional success. And now, she’s bringing that wisdom to young minds with her new book, What’s Your Story?—a personal development workbook for kids featuring a character named Brainy, who helps children understand how their minds work and how they can take control of their own narratives.

In this conversation, we’ll explore the role of storytelling in resilience, why emotional intelligence is key to making better decisions, and how parents can equip their children with the coping skills they need to thrive. We’ll also break down her G-R-E-A-T framework—grounding, recognizing, exploring, taking action, and tackling resistance—and how it can help all of us lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

Takeaways

• Resilience can be built through storytelling and emotional awareness.
• The G-R-E-A-T framework includes grounding, recognizing, exploring, action, and tackling resistance.
• Children often lack the emotional intelligence to cope with challenges.
• It's essential to honor emotions and use them as data for decision-making.
• The brain is a story-making machine, and we can improve our narratives.
• Parents should teach children about the brain and how it works.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for making sound decisions.
• Grounding in the belief of a great life is the first step to achieving it.
• Action is necessary for happiness and personal growth.
• Understanding the internal environment is key to overall well-being.

Learn more about and connect with Madelaine Claire Weiss online by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Raising Informed Citizens: The Power of Civic Education and Engagement

Today, we’re tackling yet another topic that couldn’t be more relevant—civic education and the role we all play in shaping the next generation of informed citizens. Politics today is often framed as a battlefield, where division and outrage seem to dominate the conversation. But what if we approached it differently? What if we saw civic engagement not as a fight, but as a shared responsibility—one that starts at home?

My guest today is Lindsey Cormack, an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology. She’s the author of How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It), a book that explores the vital role parents play in helping their children understand our government, engage in politics constructively, and become active participants in democracy. Lindsey’s work also includes maintaining DC Inbox, a digital archive of congressional e-newsletters, giving her unique insight into how politics is communicated to the public.

In this conversation, we’ll discuss why civic education has been deprioritized, how media algorithms shape our perceptions, and why understanding different political perspectives is crucial for a healthy democracy. Most importantly, we’ll explore how parents and communities can work together to create a more informed and engaged electorate for the future.

Takeaways

• Civic education is essential for youth to understand their role in democracy.
• Parents play a crucial role in teaching their children about politics.
• The current education system often deprioritizes civics education.
• Political engagement should be framed positively, not negatively.
• Toxic polarization hinders constructive political discourse.
• Media algorithms often reinforce divisive narratives.
• Understanding both sides of the political spectrum is vital for informed citizenship.
• Civic engagement is a shared responsibility among parents and communities.
• Encouraging children to participate in politics can lead to a more informed electorate.
• The American political system, despite its flaws, is worth understanding and preserving.

Learn more a

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Radical Moderation: Breaking Free from Binary Thinking

My guest this week is Lauren Hall, a professor of political science, an author, and a thought leader whose work challenges the rigid, binary ways we often think about personal, social, and political issues. She’s written extensively on the medicalization of birth and death, the politics of family, and the crucial need for what she calls radical moderation—a framework that moves beyond “us versus them” thinking and embraces the full complexity of human experience.

Lauren’s approach introduces a four-dimensional way of understanding our world—one that demands humility, curiosity, and a recognition that real solutions exist beyond the false choices we’re so often given. In a time when civil discourse feels like a lost art, her work reminds us of the power of pluralism, gratitude, and the willingness to engage with perspectives outside of our own echo chambers.

Beyond her academic work, Lauren is yet another of my fellow advisors for the ProHuman Foundation, a group committed to fostering open and honest conversations about the issues that shape our lives. In this episode, we’ll explore the dangers of negativity bias, the importance of lived experience, and how practicing radical moderation can help us bridge the divides that seem to grow wider every day.

Takeaways

• Radical moderation challenges binary thinking in society.
• Understanding different dimensions of experience is crucial.
• Lived experiences shape our perspectives and judgments.
• Negativity bias affects how we perceive the world.
• Gratitude can enhance our understanding of others.
• Trade-offs are inherent in every decision we make.
• Complexity in social issues requires humility and curiosity.
• Pluralism acknowledges the diversity of human experiences.
• Engaging in civil discourse can bridge divides.
• We share a common humanity despite our differences.

Learn more about and connect with Lauren K. Hall by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Empowering the Next Generation: Breaking Stereotypes and Building BridgesI’m excited to bring you an inspiring story of transformation and hope with this week's guest, Quay Hanna. Quay’s journey is one of those rare, raw tales that has the power to reshape perspectives. Back in the mid-90s, Quay was just another young man from rural Pennsylvania with preconceived notions and a limited view of the world. But that all changed when he embarked on a nine-week Greyhound bus journey across 37 states. What began as a simple cross-country trip turned into a life-altering experience, chronicled in his memoir Bus America: Revelation of a Redneck.

In the years since, Quay has taken his lessons from the road and transformed them into over 1,300 presentations across multiple countries, speaking with honesty and heart about the importance of understanding, diversity, and confronting stereotypes. His ability to connect with people of all backgrounds and bridge divides has made him a sought-after speaker and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community building.

Quay and I also share a common bond as fellow advisors on the ProHuman Foundation, an organization committed to fostering unity and human dignity. Today, we’ll dive into the profound insights he gained on his journey, discuss his work in education and youth empowerment, and explore how simple human connections can dismantle even the most entrenched prejudices.

Takeaways

• A Greyhound bus trip opened Quay's eyes to his own prejudices.
• Quay's experiences highlight the complexity of identity.
• He learned that stereotypes often dictate behavior.
• Quay's transformation was sparked by genuine interactions.
• There is great importance in the understanding of others.
• Ignorance can lead to fear, which breeds hate.
• Quay's journal documented his evolving perspective. Personal connections can break down racial barriers.
• Conversations can challenge our preconceived notions.
• Empathy is key in understanding others.
• Youth today crave genuine connections.
• Education can bridge divides in society.
• Prejudices can be challenged through shared experiences.
• Community support is vital for youth empowerment.
• Empower

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Christianity's Role in a Virtuous and Prosperous DemocracyI’m thrilled to welcome back a guest who is both a brilliant thinker and someone I deeply respect, even though we often disagree politically—Jonathan Rauch.

Jonathan is a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution, a contributing writer for The Atlantic, and the author of several thought-provoking books, including Kindly Inquisitors and The Constitution of Knowledge. Some of you might remember when he joined me back in January 2023 to talk about The Constitution of Knowledge and our shared work with Braver Angels, bridging divides and fostering healthier conversations in our polarized world.

Today, Jonathan is here to discuss his latest book, Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. This powerful new work delves into the complex and often fraught relationship between Christianity and democracy in America. Jonathan reflects on his own journey as an atheist from skepticism to a deeper appreciation for the role of Christianity in fostering a virtuous society—something our founders understood as essential for a thriving democracy.

We’ll talk about why fear, outrage, and grievance have become so toxic in our political and civic life, how a more Christ-like approach can help heal societal divides, and what it means to reconnect Christianity with its core tenets. Jonathan challenges us to think about the vital role of 'thick' Christianity—faith that provides meaning, virtue, and community—in building a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

As always, our conversation touches on the work of Braver Angels, the importance of depolarization, and the need for both secular and religious communities to come together with understanding. So, get ready for another insightful conversation with Jonathan Rauch, right here on Derate the Hate.

Learn more about and connect with Jonathan Rauch by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Bridging Racial Divides Through Mutual Accountability and UnityJoining me today is Dr. George Yancey, a distinguished sociologist, professor at Baylor University, and the author of Beyond Racial Division. George is also another of our esteemed members of the ProHuman foundation Board of Advisors.

Dr. Yancey’s work is both refreshing and deeply needed. While so much of the current conversation around race is polarized—whether it’s the call for colorblindness or the push for anti-racism—he critiques these approaches for their shortcomings. Instead, he advocates for something radically different: mutual accountability, genuine dialogue, and active listening. His Christian-based model for race relations offers practical steps to foster understanding and unity while humanizing, rather than stigmatizing, individuals.

In Beyond Racial Division, Dr. Yancey challenges us to confront the complexities of race without falling into the traps of identity politics or reinforcing division. He emphasizes that finding common ground is valuable, but it’s not always necessary for meaningful connection. It’s about creating better conversations, not just louder ones.

Dr. Yancey’s work aligns closely with the mission of organizations like the Pro Human Foundation, which is committed to promoting unity and a pro-human message. As someone deeply invested in bringing people together, I can’t wait to unpack his insights and explore how we can all play a role in bridging divides.

Takeaways

• George Yancey's work focuses on bridging divides in society.
• His book 'Beyond Racial Division' offers practical steps for addressing racial issues.
• Colorblindness ignores the realities of racial discrimination.
• Anti-racism can create a backlash and reinforce division.
• Mutual accountability is essential for effective dialogue.
• Active listening is crucial for understanding differing perspectives.
• Conversations should aim to humanize rather than stigmatize individuals.
• Identity politics can negatively impact well-being.
• Finding common ground is important, but not always necessary.
• Organizations like the Pro Human Foundation play a vital role in promoting unity.

Learn more about and connect with

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Finding Purpose, Mastering Gratitude, and Living IntentionallyYou know, life can be tough, filled with struggles, setbacks, and uncertainties. But friends, one thing I have learned through my own journey is that purpose and intentionality are powerful tools to not only navigate those challenges but to thrive through them.

Today, I have the incredible privilege of sitting down with my friend, Scott Maderer, founder of Inspired Stewardship. Scott’s work is all about helping people, especially Christians, discover their true purpose and live out their calling with intention and joy. Scott and his wife Carrie started this journey in 2011, and since 2017, they’ve been doing it full-time, offering coaching, workshops, and even writing a book to guide others in aligning their time, talent, and treasures.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about Scott’s own path—how he overcame personal struggles, including financial hardships, to create a life of meaning and service. We’ll unpack the difference between contentment and complacency, the transformative power of gratitude, and how small, intentional changes can lead to big, life-altering results.

Scott’s passion for helping others live authentically shines through in his work, and I’m excited for you to hear his insights on how we can all live a more inspired and purposeful life. So, grab a seat, open your heart, and let’s dive into this powerful conversation with Scott Maderer.

Takeaways

• The journey of finding purpose is ongoing and evolves over time.
• Financial struggles can deeply impact one's mental health and sense of identity.
• Contentment is about gratitude and recognizing what you have, not just material success.
• Gratitude practices can rewire your brain to focus on the positive.
• Joy is a deeper, more lasting feeling than happiness.
• Small, incremental changes can lead to significant life transformations.
• It's important to differentiate between being content and being complacent.
• Training your brain to look for the good can change your perspective on life.
• Everyone has the potential to live an intentional and inspired life.
• Resources and frameworks can help guide individuals towards their calling.

Learn more about and connect w

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Exploring The Third Space: Transcending Rigid BinariesJoining me again today is my friend, Zander Keig, someone of remarkable depth and impact. Zander wears many hats—award-winning social worker, speaker, educator, caregiver, and bestselling author. You may remember Zander from his 1st appearance on DTH back in September of 2023 when we discussed how the Trans community is often mistakenly believed to be a monolith. Zander is a thought leader with a profound ability to guide individuals and communities toward resolution and redemption. As a ProHuman Foundation Advisor and co-founder of the LGBTQ Caregiver Center, Zander has dedicated his life to bridging divides and fostering unity.

In today’s episode, we’ll unpack concepts from Zander’s book, The Third Space: A Nonconformist’s Guide to the Universe. What is the “Third Space,” and how does it help us transcend the rigid binaries that often define identity and community? Zander brings a unique perspective as a neurodivergent, first-generation Mexican American who has navigated life’s challenges with resilience and grace. His story and insights are a lighthouse for those searching for ways to navigate conflict, isolation, and division.

We’ll discuss how creating inclusive spaces can foster greater understanding, why education is crucial in combatting ignorance and hate, and how organizations like the ProHuman Foundation and Braver Angels are making a difference. Above all, we’ll explore the redemptive potential of human connection—because no matter our past, the future holds possibilities for growth, community, and shared humanity.

Takeaways

• The 'Third Space' allows for unique identities beyond binaries.
• Creating inclusive spaces can foster community and understanding.
• The lighthouse symbolizes guidance and navigation through challenges.
• Education is key to overcoming ignorance and hate.
• Isolation can have severe impacts on mental and physical health.
• Conflict resolution requires recognizing our shared humanity.
• Nonconformity can lead to personal growth and community support.
• The Pro Human Foundation promotes anti-racism through understanding, not division.
• Human connection is essential in combating loneliness and hate.

L

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Strengthen Relationships: Local Solutions To America's Growing Societal FragilityToday, in yet another of our ProHuman Foundation advisors series, I have the distinct privilege of speaking with someone who’s not only a thought leader but also a seasoned expert in understanding the complex dynamics of fragile states, societies, and communities.

Seth D. Kaplan is the author of Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time. His work focuses on an issue that’s been at the forefront of my mind for quite some time—the fragility of American society, not in terms of political collapse, but in terms of the erosion of social cohesion and interpersonal connections. Seth is a Professorial Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University’s prestigious SAIS program, a Senior Adviser at the Institute for Integrated Transitions, and a visiting fellow at the Mercatus Center’s Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange. Beyond academia, he’s consulted for organizations like the World Bank and the U.S. State Department, tackling challenges in fragile communities worldwide.

In our conversation today, we’ll explore what makes communities thrive—or falter—and why local action and community engagement are vital to restoring our social fabric. We’ll also delve into how technology and cultural narratives play a role in shaping, or fracturing, those connections. If you’ve ever felt that society is growing more polarized, more disconnected, and less respectful, you’ll find this conversation enlightening—and maybe even empowering.

Takeaways

• Fragile states are politically or socially unstable with low social cohesion.
• American society is fragile due to declining interpersonal relationships.
• Technology has contributed to the isolation and atomization of society.
• Local engagement is crucial for rebuilding community connections.
• Individuals can make a difference by participating in local organizations.
• Cultural change is necessary to address societal issues.
• Constructive narratives should be amplified over polarizing ones.
• People often feel marginalized and disrespected in society.
• Restoring social fabric requires active participation in communities.

Learn more about and connect

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

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Confronting Addiction and Reclaiming Sobriety Through Personal TransformationToday, we’re talking about a topic that hits close to home for so many people—addiction, recovery, and the fight to reclaim control of one’s life. Joining me is someone who’s not only walked that difficult path but has turned his journey into a powerful message of hope and transformation. Ken Cox is the author of Reclaim Sobriety: The 12 Rounds of Sobriety, a guide for overcoming addiction and taking back your life, one step at a time. Ken’s story is one of grit, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a better self.

Ken is not just an author; he’s also the President of Hostirian and host of the award-winning Clicks and Bricks podcast. With a career rooted in creating value and solutions for others, he’s built a reputation as a successful entrepreneur and mentor. But today, we’re diving into his personal journey—how boxing, mindset work, and even redefining masculinity helped him rise from the depths of alcoholism and trauma to become a sober gladiator, as he calls it.

Ken’s commitment to youth mentorship and his work with transformative practices like EMDR therapy are inspiring. He’s not just helping others find their way out of addiction—he’s showing them how to reclaim their identity, build resilience, and create a life they can be proud of.

So, get ready for an incredibly impactful conversation about mindset, masculinity, recovery, and the power of personal growth.
Takeaways

• Reclaiming control over one's life is essential for recovery.
• Identifying as a 'sober gladiator' can change one's mindset.
• The journey of recovery often requires redefining personal identity.
• Boxing provided a crucial outlet for Ken's transformation.
• Youth mentorship can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
• Understanding microtraumas is important in helping others.
• Mindset work is critical for overcoming addiction.
• EMDR therapy can aid in processing past traumas.
• Creating a supportive environment for youth is vital.
• Sharing personal stories can help others in their recovery journey.

Learn more about and connect with Ken Cox by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Preparing Our Children with the Skills To Navigate Toxic Polarization
Today, we’re diving into one of the most critical topics of our time—how we can equip the next generation to navigate a world that often feels more divided by the day.

As someone who’s worked through my own journey from anger to understanding, I know firsthand the importance of teaching people to bridge divides. But what if we could start even earlier? What if we could teach kids—not just as they grow, but while they’re still forming the skills and perspectives that will shape their entire lives—to think critically, build empathy, and connect across differences?

Our guest today is Kent Lenci, a true pioneer in this space. Kent spent 20 years as a middle school educator, holding roles as a teacher, coach, and leader, before founding Middle Ground School Solutions in 2019. His mission is simple but powerful: to help prepare today’s students to ease tomorrow’s political polarization. From creating curriculum for the Better Arguments Project and the National Week of Conversation to writing his book Learning to Depolarize, Kent has been on the front lines, empowering educators to teach kids how to engage with empathy and civility in a divided world.

We’ll talk about Kent’s journey, the challenges today’s youth face, and why early intervention in education is key to countering the effects of divisive media and polarized environments. Kent will also share actionable insights on fostering emotional intelligence and media literacy in kids, along with the role human connection plays in creating lasting change.

This is exactly the kind of conversation that embodies the spirit of Derate the Hate—finding ways to turn tension into understanding and anger into action.

Takeaways

• Kent Lenci transitioned from teaching to founding Middle Ground Solutions.
• Early intervention in education can prevent polarization.
• Media literacy is essential for critical thinking in youth.
• Emotional intelligence helps children navigate complex social dynamics.
• Building connections across divides is crucial for understanding.
• Human connection is key to overcoming polarization.
• Organizations like Pro Human Foundation and Braver Angels work towards a better future.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Overcome The Overwhelm and Calm Your Inner CriticFriends, how often do you feel like you’re juggling the impossible? Trying to balance the demands of work, family, and the pressures you put on yourself? It can feel overwhelming, right? But what if I told you there’s a way to find harmony—not just balance, but real, meaningful harmony—so you can lead a life that works and feels right for you?

Today, I’m sitting down with someone who knows this journey all too well: Arlene Cohen Miller. Arlene is the CEO of Jewel Consultancy and a Work-Life Balance & Harmony Coach with a powerful mission. With a background as a highly regarded attorney, an internationally certified coach, and even a certified meditation facilitator, Arlene brings a unique blend of experience and insight to help women—and really, anyone—lead with compassion, self-confidence, and clarity.

In this conversation, Arlene and I dive deep into what it takes to overcome the overwhelm, quiet that inner critic, and shift our mindset with practices like gratitude and self-compassion. She’s got practical strategies for setting priorities, celebrating your small wins, and even finding healing in something as simple as connecting with nature.

So, if you’ve ever felt like the weight of the world is on your shoulders or struggled to give yourself grace when you stumble, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s explore how we can each take one step closer to a life filled with balance, growth, and fulfillment.
Takeaways

• Gratitude can significantly enhance our happiness.
• Setting priorities is crucial for managing overwhelm.
• The inner critic often stems from childhood experiences.
• Self-compassion is essential for personal growth.
• Nature can provide a healing escape from daily stress.
• Celebrating small wins helps combat feelings of failure.
• We must train ourselves to listen to our inner dialogue.
• Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.
• Finding hope in nature can restore balance.
• Practicing gratitude can shift our focus to positivity.

Learn more about and connect with Arlene Cohen Miller online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Bridging Divides Through The Universal Language of MusicToday, we’re diving into a topic that resonates deeply with our mission—using the universal language of music to bridge divides and foster understanding. Joining me is the incredible Jason Caplan, a pioneer in this space and someone whose work truly inspires. Jason is the Founder and President of The Bridge Institute, where he’s championing a groundbreaking approach to communication through the Universal Language Room. Since 2004, Jason has devoted his life to creating and teaching improvisational music as a tool for transcending barriers and fostering dialogue across cultures, religions, and perspectives.

Through the Bridge Institute, Jason’s concepts are being taught worldwide, from Uganda and Indonesia to Israel and Rajasthan. His work doesn’t stop there—Jason also leads Naqshon’s Leap, a multi-faith music group based in Memphis, Tennessee. Their music speaks to unity and shared humanity, as heard in their powerful single, Unity/One God, One Human Family, which even features jazz legend David Liebman.

On top of all this, Jason serves on the board of advisors at the ProHuman Foundation, an organization I’m proud to be connected with. Together, they’re exploring ways to integrate music into education and social initiatives, promoting empathy, understanding, and community building.

Takeaways

• Music can serve as a universal language that transcends barriers.
• The Universal Language Room aims to teach music as a real language.
• Engaging in music can help people forget their differences.
• Music creates a space for constructive dialogue rather than conflict.
• The process of musical permutations can be a fun and engaging way to learn.
• Collaboration with organizations like the Pro Human Foundation enhances outreach.
• Music can be a powerful tool for social change and community building.
• Experiencing music together fosters a sense of unity and connection.
• Teaching music in schools can promote understanding and empathy among students.
• Being active participants in bridging divides is essential for social progress.

Learn more about and connect with Jason Caplan by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateThe

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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What Unites Us Is Found Outside The FrameToday, I’m joined by another remarkable guest and fellow member of the ProHuman Foundation board of advisors, filmmaker and journalist Rob Feld. Rob is a storyteller with an incredible ability to tackle some of today’s most divisive topics with insight, empathy, and—believe it or not—humor. His latest documentary, Jesters & Fools, is a must-watch. It brings together comedians like Colin Quinn, Mo Amer, Jim Norton, and others while interweaving the social science of Duke professor Chris Bail to reveal an uplifting truth: America isn’t as polarized as the media might have you believe. You can find it at jestersandfools.com, and I promise, it’s worth your time.

Rob’s career spans an impressive range. From directing short films that have premiered at Tribeca and TIFF Kids to writing for outlets like DGA Quarterly and American Cinematographer, and even teaching screenwriting and directing at NYU—he’s done it all. Beyond the screen and the page, Rob serves on the Board of Advisors for the ProHuman Foundation, an organization committed to promoting our shared humanity amidst divisive narratives.

In this conversation, we’re diving deep into polarization, how comedians can help bridge societal divides, and why emotional intelligence and critical thinking are more important than ever. Rob and I explore the impact of social media’s distorted realities and the urgent need for real-life connections and conversations.

If you’re ready for another thought-provoking discussion that blends humor, wisdom, and a vision for a better tomorrow, stick around. This is yet another great DTH conversation you won’t want to miss!"
Takeaways

• We are not as divided as some believe.
• Comedians can help bridge societal divides.
• Online realities often distort our perceptions.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for engagement.
• Comedy thrives in live settings despite media narratives.
• Teaching kids critical thinking is essential.
• Real-life conversations are necessary for understanding.
• The outrage industry exacerbates polarization.
• Humor can be a powerful tool for social commentary.

Learn more about and connect

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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The Importance of Intrapersonal Empowerment in Bettering Civil DiscourseToday, I’m excited to introduce Erec Smith, another fellow member of the board of advisors at the ProHuman Foundation and a powerful voice for true empowerment and personal accountability, especially in today’s social climate. Erec is a research fellow at the Cato Institute and a former Associate Professor of Rhetoric at York College of Pennsylvania. His work explores how rhetoric influences our perspectives on anti-racism, activism, and the foundations of a free, pluralistic, and civil society.

But Erec’s reach goes beyond the classroom. He’s a co-founder of Free Black Thought, a nonprofit that’s challenging the status quo by celebrating viewpoint diversity within Black communities. Through their Journal of Free Black Thought, they share everything from poetry to scholarly work—bringing out the voices of artists, writers, academics, and public intellectuals often overlooked by mainstream media.

In today’s conversation, Erec and I dig into some critical ideas about personal empowerment and the dangers of a victim narrative. One of Erec’s key messages is the importance of choosing to be a “victor” in our own lives, rather than seeing ourselves as victims. He’s observed that the victim narrative, while powerful, often breeds resentment rather than resilience, which ultimately disempowers us.

We also explore some big questions: What does real equity look like, and can some equity efforts inadvertently lead to more division? Erec shares how outreach programs, when done right, prepare young people to navigate and thrive in college—not just to check boxes but to actually feel empowered.

Erec’s insights on intrapersonal empowerment really hit home. He believes that the path to civil discourse—and to bridging divides—is through strengthening the individual first. It’s only when we have strong, accountable individuals that we can come together with others to reach common goals and view no group as a monolith. At the heart of Erec’s message is this: through personal accountability and a commitment to working together, we can overcome almost anything.

Learn more about and connect with Erec Smith by checking out the full show notes for this episode

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Self-Love & Breaking A Cycle Of Self-SabotageToday’s guest, Judith Costa, brings a unique and powerful approach to something so vital in our lives: love. But it’s not just about love in the romantic sense—it’s about unconditional love, self-love, and taking responsibility for the relationships we have with others and, most importantly, ourselves.

Judith is an Unconditional Love Coach, Happiness Trainer, and speaker who has spent years helping people remove those inner blocks that keep them from truly embracing who they are. With a master’s degree in Analytical Psychology and Psychotherapy, she’s also a certified teacher of the Akashic Records and a Reiki Master. Her work spans a variety of areas, including self-discovery, past life regression, and even astrology, all geared toward helping people achieve happiness, abundance, and genuine connection.

In our conversation, Judith and I dive into what it really means to love yourself—how it’s a state of being, a decision we make to live authentically and fully. We talk about how often we hand over our happiness to others, how self-sabotage keeps us stuck, and why forgiving ourselves is essential to moving forward. Judith’s approach isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about understanding that love is always within our reach. She teaches that when we take ownership of our happiness, embrace our mistakes as learning opportunities, and become our own best friends, we can transform our lives.

Takeaways

• Unconditional love is a decision, not just a feeling.
• Self-love is essential for happiness and success.
• We often put our happiness in the hands of others.
• Forgiveness is crucial for personal freedom.
• Relationships reflect our relationship with ourselves.
• Self-sabotage often stems from a lack of self-love.
• Authenticity is key to healthy relationships.
• Every mistake is an opportunity for learning.
• Love is always available and never abandons us.
• Be your own best friend to transform your life.

Learn more about and connect with Judith Costa by getting the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Taking Back Your Health: Patient Advocacy in a Corporate Healthcare WorldToday, I have another truly impactful guest joining me. Dr. Nikki Johnson is not only a physician with years of experience in pediatric critical care, but she’s also become a fierce advocate for patients navigating the modern healthcare system.

Dr. Nikki has seen firsthand how the doctor-patient relationship is often overshadowed by corporate healthcare interests and insurance demands. We’re diving deep today into some of the major challenges she’s witnessed – like how insurance companies and government policies are increasingly influencing which treatments patients receive. Dr. Nikki argues that these outside forces are eroding the core of patient care, where the focus should be on that personal bond between doctor and patient.

As the Interim Director of FAIR In Medicine, she’s leading efforts to educate and empower patients so they can take back control of their healthcare choices. We’ll be talking about her involvement with grassroots organizations like Free2Care and what it means for physicians and patients to unite against a system that can feel impersonal and, at times, restrictive. Through her work, Dr. Nikki is helping more people understand their rights and advocate for the quality, transparency, and choice that everyone deserves in their healthcare.

So, whether you've felt frustrated by healthcare decisions being made without you or just want to know more about reclaiming your power in medical care, stick around. This conversation with Dr. Nikki Johnson will leave you inspired and informed on what’s possible when we demand better from the system!

Takeaways

• Dr. Nikki Johnson emphasizes the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.
• Healthcare decisions are increasingly influenced by external forces, disrupting patient care.
• Insurance companies often dictate treatment options, complicating patient advocacy.
• The healthcare system's issues are often rooted in government policies and corporate interests.
• Physicians face challenges in speaking out against the system due to fear of repercussions.
• Advocacy for patients requires knowledge and understanding of the healthcare land

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Relationships Are The Foundation For Solving Our Common Problems

“Renewing our democracy has to start with rebuilding our relationships, and our trust, and our ability to lower the toxicity of our national conversation and our local conversations”

Friends, today I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with someone who has spent decades working to bridge divides and bring people together—David Eisner. David’s career has spanned the worlds of business, government, and nonprofit leadership. He’s served as the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service under President George W. Bush, led the National Constitution Center, and formerly headed the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution. Throughout his career, David has been deeply committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration to tackle some of our nation’s most pressing challenges.

In our conversation today, David shares his journey into public service and why he believes that community engagement is essential in solving societal issues. We’ll also explore the role technology plays in polarization—it can connect us, but it can just as easily divide us—and discuss the erosion of trust in institutions as a result. David emphasizes the need for citizens to come together, build relationships, and work toward solutions, rather than relying on government alone.

We also touch on the unique role of faith leaders, who often find themselves navigating political divides, and the importance of their work in fostering dialogue and understanding. Ultimately, this is a conversation about rejecting toxic polarization, rebuilding trust through open communication, and finding hope in the growing movement against divisiveness.
Takeaways

• Community engagement is essential for solving common problems.
• Technology can both connect and divide communities.
• Polarization undermines trust in institutions and each other.
• Building relationships is key to effective community solutions.
• Faith leaders play a crucial role in fostering dialogue.
• There is a growing movement against toxic polarization.
• Citizens are beginning to reject divisive narratives.
• Trust is built through consistent values and open communication.
• Hope exists for a renewed focus on collaboration a

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Forgiveness Is A Personal Journey Not Dependent On OthersPart of the ProHuman Foundation Board of Advisors Series...learn more about the Prohuman Foundation at ProHumanFoundation.orgToday I’m honored to sit down with a fellow member of the ProHuman Foundation’s board of advisors, Dr. Fred Luskin. It’s a privilege to be in conversation with someone whose work in the field of forgiveness and emotional well-being has touched so many lives, and whose insights are invaluable for anyone looking to cultivate deeper happiness and emotional resilience.

Dr. Luskin has dedicated his career to the science of forgiveness, serving as the director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects and authoring bestsellers like Forgive for Good and Forgive for Love. In our conversation, we’ll explore how forgiveness and gratitude—cornerstones of Dr. Luskin’s research—are not just abstract ideals but teachable, actionable skills that can transform your life. From breaking free of the victim mentality to fostering personal responsibility and emotional health, Dr. Luskin’s work shows us that we have the power to reshape our emotional reality.

In this episode, we’ll dig into the science behind forgiveness, the dangers of labeling others, and why humility and vulnerability are essential for genuine healing. Whether you’re dealing with personal struggles or just striving for a greater sense of well-being, Dr. Luskin’s approach offers practical steps to move forward.

So, join me as we dive into this transformative conversation with Dr. Fred Luskin, and discover how you can take control of your emotional well-being through the power of forgiveness and gratitude.

Takeaways

• Forgiveness is essential for emotional well-being.
• Gratitude is the genesis of happiness.
• People often give power to their past grievances.
• Forgiveness can be measured scientifically.
• Victim mentality harms mental and physical health.
• Narcissism is often overused as a label.
• Self-centeredness is not the same as narcissism.
• Acknowledging vulnerability is crucial for healing.
• Forgiveness is a personal journey, not dependent on others.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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How Personal Accountability Leads to Power, Freedom and JoyToday, I’m sitting down with Robert J. Hunt, also known as 'The Accountability Guy.' Robert is a business owner, executive coach, and co-author of the book Nobody Cares... until You Do. He’s been running CEO groups in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 2013, and let me tell you, this guy knows a thing or two about what it takes to lead with intention and accountability.

Look, we know the word 'accountability' can stir up all kinds of reactions, right? But Robert’s got a refreshing take on it that’s all about personal power, freedom, and joy. He’s not talking about someone else holding your hand and checking off your to-do list—no, it’s about you holding yourself accountable. That’s where real growth happens. We’ll be diving deep into how taking ownership of your life, your choices, and yes, even your mistakes, can actually unlock new levels of freedom and happiness.

Robert’s philosophy really resonates with me because it’s about transparency and vulnerability. It’s about being honest with yourself and owning your actions—something that’s easier said than done, especially in a world where it’s so tempting to fall into a victim mentality. But Robert believes, and I wholeheartedly agree, that shedding that mentality is the first step toward real personal growth.
Takeaways

• Accountability is about holding oneself accountable and taking ownership of one's actions.
• True accountability requires vulnerability and transparency.
• Victim mentality hinders personal growth and happiness.
• Accountability leads to power, freedom, and joy.

Learn more about and connect with Robert J. Hunt by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org

Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast!

*The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

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Anger and Hate Are Rooted in Fear, The Cure is Found In LOVE...Friends, I’m prepping and traveling this week for another speaking engagement, so I’m handing the mic over to my great friend and guest host, Julian Adorney. You may remember Julian from previous guest appearances on the DTH podcast. He is a writer, speaker and founder of the Heal the West, substack movement. Julian recently sat down for an insightful conversation with conflict resolution expert, Jamie Winship.

Jamie has spent decades working in some of the most conflicted areas of the world, helping people and organizations resolve disputes in ways that go far beyond surface-level fixes. His approach focuses on understanding true identity, addressing fear and anger, and, most importantly, using love as a transformative force.

In this conversation, Jamie and Julian explore what it means to engage in conflict with vulnerability and honesty, and why demonstrating love—even to those we perceive as our enemies—can lead to real change. They dive deep into how fear and anger are often secondary emotions, rooted in deeper issues, and how addressing those fears is the first step toward reconciliation.

Julian did an incredible job guiding this conversation, and I think you'll find a lot of value in what Jamie has to say, whether you're navigating personal conflict or grappling with the larger divides in society today.

Julian, thank you for stepping in and hosting this one. I know it’s going to resonate with our DTH audience."

Takeaways

• Conflict resolution begins with understanding true identity.
• Fear and anger are secondary emotions rooted in deeper issues.
• Love is the only thing that can take away fear.
• Humans respond to love and kindness, even from their enemies.
• Vulnerability is essential for honest communication.
• Demonstrating love can lead to transformative change.
• People often don't know how to articulate their fears.
• The first step in conflict resolution is addressing fear.
• Winning hearts is more effective than winning arguments.
• Everyone has the capacity to love and resolve conflicts.

Learn more about and connect with Jamie Winship by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Leading Inclusion By Way of Personal AccountabilityFriends, today I’m very excited to bring you a conversation that goes way beyond the same old talk about DEI – this isn’t just another conversation about diversity for diversity’s sake. My guest today, Delphia Howze, is someone who brings a fresh, real perspective on what it truly means to create inclusive environments, and as you’re about to hear, much of it starts with personal accountability.

Delphia is the CEO and Founder of D. Howze Solutions and serves as the Chief Inclusion Officer at a national laboratory. She’s been a driving force in the Diversity & Inclusion space for over two decades, with experience across industries – from banking to retail, to energy. Her approach is grounded in real-world results, helping organizations not just tick the diversity box, but truly harnessing the power of human capital to drive meaningful change.

We’re diving into her new book, Including You: Leading Inclusion from Where You Are, where Delphia takes a different route. She challenges each of us to look inward – to reflect on our own biases and understand how they affect the way we interact with others. It’s about more than just policies or training sessions. It’s about stepping up, having the hard conversations, and using something called ‘appreciative inquiry’ to really bridge divides and foster genuine understanding.

We’ll talk about why giving people the space to be themselves is the real key, instead of forcing our own expectations on them. And the best part? It’s not about pointing fingers – it’s about how we can all do better, one step at a time, and how that personal growth creates positive ripples around us.

If you’re ready for an honest, no-fluff conversation on what it actually takes to create inclusive spaces in your life and work, then stick around. This one’s going to shift your perspective.

Takeaways

• Personal accountability is key in creating inclusive environments.
• Self-reflection helps us understand our biases and how they impact our interactions with others.
• Engaging in dialogue and appreciative inquiry can bridge divides and foster understanding.
• Giving people the space to be themselves and not imposing our expectations on them is crucial for inclusion.
• Striving to become better and understanding others leads to positive change in ourselves and our surroundings.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Step Out, Step Forward, On a Better Path ForwardJoining me today is Rich Harwood, a man whose work and life experience have shaped the way communities across the country—and the world—solve problems and come together. Rich is the founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, and for more than 30 years, he’s been leading the charge to help communities rebuild trust, solve shared problems, and deepen people’s civic faith. But Rich’s journey begins with something deeply personal: growing up with a chronic illness and feeling like he wasn’t seen or heard.

Rich opens up about those early struggles and how they shaped his understanding of hope. He shares how setbacks in life—whether personal or community-wide—can either break us or build us into something stronger. For Rich, those challenges helped him see the importance of hope as a tool for resilience, something we all need, especially in times of uncertainty and division.

But this episode is about so much more than hope. Rich and I dive into the critical issue of civic engagement and the real, lasting impact of community-led change. We talk about the challenges of building trust, especially when it feels like our society is pulling apart. Rich emphasizes that the only way forward is through shared aspirations—finding that common ground where we can all come together and take collective action.
Takeaways

• Setbacks can shape us and teach us the importance of hope.
• Civic engagement and community-led change are crucial for addressing societal challenges.
• Conversations play a vital role in bridging divides and dispelling assumptions.
• The health of civic culture is a significant predictor of a community's progress. Rebuilding civic culture is essential for communities to thrive and effectively solve shared problems.
• Turning outward and understanding what matters to people is crucial in creating positive change.
• Politicians need to engage in a fundamentally different way and provide an environment for communities to solve their shared problems.
• Small actions can have a ripple effect and lead to transformational systemic change.
• Creating a culture of shared responsibility is necessary for a functioning community.

Learn more about and connect with Rich Harwood by checking out the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Confronting Racism by Dismantling the Illusion of RaceOur returning guest today is Dr. Sheena Mason, a powerhouse in the world of anti-racism and the author of the brand-new book, The Raceless Anti-Racist. If you’ve ever questioned the role of race in society or wondered how we can dismantle the structures that perpetuate racism, this conversation is going to challenge and inspire you.

Dr. Mason is an assistant professor of English at SUNY Oneonta and holds a PhD from Howard University, specializing in Africana and American literature and philosophy of race. But what really sets her apart is her innovative approach to understanding race—or, more accurately, the illusion of it. In her new book, she takes concepts from her more academic work, Theory of Racelessness, that you may remember us discussing back in DTH episode 127, and makes them accessible to a broader audience.

We’re going to dive into the heart of that theory. Dr. Mason and I will explore how the internalization of oppression affects us all, the very real material impacts of racism, and how tools like the 'Togetherness Wayfinder' and 'Raceless Translator' can bring people together. We’ll also tackle some tough questions: What role do media, government, and capitalism play in maintaining racial divisions? And how do we dismantle the illusion of race to truly confront racism head-on?

Takeaways

• Dr. Sheena Mason's new book, 'The Raceless Anti-Racist,' is geared towards a wider audience and introduces the concept of the Togetherness Wayfinder.
• Recognizing the internalization of oppression and the material impacts of racism is crucial in dismantling racism.
• The Togetherness Wayfinder aims to bring people together and find common humanity in the face of contentious issues. Racialization as white does not equate to experiencing anti-white racism, but rather the effects of anti-black racism.
• The media, government, and capitalism play a role in perpetuating divisions and maintaining hierarchies.
• The Raceless Translator is a tool that helps interpret race in terms of culture, ethnicity, social class, and the causes and effects of racism.
• Engaging in conversations and exposing oneself to different perspectives is crucial for bridging divides and promoting understanding.

Learn more about and connect with Dr. Sheena Mason by checking out the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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From Conflict to Convergence - a Book Discussion
Friends, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my journey is that when we come together with honesty, integrity and good will, we can find solutions that are better than what any one person could have come up with on their own. And if there’s anyone who embodies that belief, it’s today’s guests, Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison of Convergence!

Now, let me tell you, these two are champions of bridging divides and resolving conflicts in ways that don’t just settle for middle ground, but actually aim for higher ground—solutions that honor everyone's needs and values. Rob Fersh, the founder and senior advisor of Convergence, has been in the trenches of policy resolution for decades, working on everything from hunger in America to U.S.-Muslim relations. His leadership in organizations like the Food Research and Action Center and Search for Common Ground has literally shaped the way we tackle big issues in this country.

And then we’ve got Mariah Levison, the current CEO and President of Convergence. Mariah’s got this incredible knack for building trust and relationships across the most contentious divides. From running the Minnesota State Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution to teaching the next generation of mediators, she’s all about conflict resolution and creating solutions that really stick.

Together, Rob and Mariah co-authored a must-read book, From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems. And today, they’re here to talk about how we can all get better at listening, understanding each other’s values, and finding those higher ground solutions—especially in a time when our society seems more divided than ever.

But here’s the kicker—they’re not just talking to the leaders or the policymakers; they’re even emphasizing the importance of engaging young people in this process. Because, let’s face it, the future belongs to them, and it’s crucial that they learn how to navigate these differences to build a more functional and civil society.

Learn more about and connect with Rob Fersh, Mariah Levison and Convergence by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Boundaries, Codependency and How To Regain Your PowerDo you ever find yourself saying 'yes' when every fiber of your being is screaming 'no'? Struggling to set boundaries, whether in your personal life or at work? Well, you're in the right place because today, we're talking all about boundaries, codependency, and how to reclaim your power.

Joining me for this DTH episode is my new friend, Barb Nangle. Barb is not just any coach—she's a boundaries coach, speaker, and author who has been through the trenches herself. In 2015, at the age of 52, after decades of therapy and self-help, Barb found her true calling in 12-step recovery programs like Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics. Since then, she's transformed not only her life but the lives of countless others through her unique BUILD framework.

Today, Barb's going to share her journey from codependency to empowerment, and trust me, you don't want to miss a word. We're talking about reparenting, trauma, the fine line between kindness and being nice, and how understanding our motives can help us live healthier, happier lives. And, of course, we'll explore how setting boundaries can lead to more meaningful conversations—even with people who see the world differently.

Takeaways

• Codependency is a focus on others' needs and a lack of attention to one's own needs.
• Boundaries are crucial in all areas of life and can help individuals identify and address codependent behaviors.
• Recovery programs like Al-Anon and ACA provide tools and support for healing from codependency and trauma.
• Reparenting involves giving oneself the love and care that was lacking in childhood.
• Codependency and narcissism often go hand in hand, and it's important to recognize and address these patterns in relationships. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and practicing self-care.
• Being kind to oneself is essential for being kind to others.
• Understanding our motives can help us determine if our behavior is healthy and helpful.
• Filling our own cup first and taking care of ourselves allows us to better help others.
• Using boundary skills can facilitate meaningful conversations with people who have different perspectives.

Learn more about and connect with Barb Nangle by checking out the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Bridging the Generational Gap Between Parents and Pre-TeensFriends, this week we’re following a common theme but approaching it from a bit of a different angle. The theme is bridging gaps through communication but this time we’re discussing the generational gap that many parents and their children struggle with.

Today, I'm joined by a true expert in the field of parent-teen communication—Marcus Higgs. Marcus is a communication coach with a mission to help parents of pre-teens bridge the ever-widening generational gap. He's someone who believes in the power of showing up, doing the hard work, and connecting with your child before it’s too late. With a rich multicultural background—born to a Filipino mother and a Bahamian father—Marcus has spent over 15 years working across continents, from East Asia to South America. He’s here to share his incredible insights on how to navigate the challenges of the tween years, and let me tell you, he brings a wealth of knowledge on how to communicate effectively across both generational and cultural divides.

In today's conversation, we’re going to dig deep into what it takes to maintain those all-important connections with your pre-teen. We’ll explore how self-identity, virtues, and values can be the building blocks of a strong relationship. We’ll also talk about the role of social media and how you can guide your teen through its murky waters of that ugly internet ecosystem.

Marcus is going to break down some powerful frameworks for communication that will help you accept, build upon, and challenge perspectives with curiosity. We’ll discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, creating space for others to express themselves, and how expectations and unconscious biases can shape our interactions.

So get ready to be inspired, challenged, and maybe even a little uncomfortable—because that’s where the magic happens. Whether you're a parent, a mentor, or just someone striving to connect better with those around you, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about and connect with Marcus Higgs by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Exploring the Parallels Between Classical Music and Effective CommunicationFriends, today, we’re stepping into the world of classical music—a world filled with passion, dedication, and the pursuit of perfection. But it's also a world that can be riddled with intense pressure and toxic environments that can leave even the most talented musicians feeling inadequate.

I’m thrilled to have with me a truly inspiring guest, Mary Beth Bryant, a certified Suzuki Method cello instructor who has dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing the next generation of musicians. Mary Beth is no stranger to the challenges that come with the territory. With extensive training under the internationally acclaimed cello pedagogue Irene Sharp in San Francisco, she’s helped countless students achieve their dreams, with many of them earning full scholarships and admission into prestigious conservatories.

But what really sets Mary Beth apart is her passion for communication—both musically and professionally. She believes that the most important quality in a musician isn’t just technical skill, but the ability to communicate effectively. And that’s what we’re diving into today.

In this episode, Mary Beth opens up about the darker side of classical music—stories of students who have faced degrading and demoralizing comments from their teachers, leading to feelings of inadequacy and, in some cases, even addiction. It’s a tough reality, but Mary Beth brings hope and actionable advice to the table. We’re going to talk about why it’s crucial to teach children that mistakes are okay—that they don’t define who they are as musicians or as people.

We’ll also explore the fascinating parallels between music and communication. Mary Beth shares how active listening, curiosity, and emotional regulation are not just essential skills in life, but also key to thriving in music. And, of course, we’ll be wrapping up with some practical tips for parents and teachers on how to create a safe, supportive environment that fosters growth and well-being for young musicians.

So, if you’re ready to dive into an eye-opening conversation that’s packed with wisdom, heart, and a whole lot of actionable insights, stick around! You’re not going to want to miss this one.

Learn more about and connect with Mary Beth Bryant by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Transforming Lives By Recognizing Our Unique Value, Purpose and PowerImagine, if you will my friends, a world where our first identity is our value, truly recognizing our own value – where understanding our unique purpose and power can transform not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. That’s the vision of my friend Regi Wilson, a true 21st-century Renaissance man. Now you may remember Regi from DTH episode 148 if you’ve been listening awhile. Regi’s incredible journey spans the music industry, where he’s worked alongside legends like Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, and the one and only Prince Rogers Nelson, better known as just “Prince”. But his mission goes beyond music. Regi is the driving force behind the concept of value identity and the Human Value Initiative at theequaluniverse.com.

Today, Regi returns to the show to share updates on his groundbreaking work in Hawaii, including an online education tool and a virtual museum dedicated to value identity. He’ll explain how embracing our value identity creates safety and connection, moving us away from divisive identity politics and towards a focus on our common humanity. We'll explore the lessons learned from pain, the power of individual observation, and the boundless potential that lies within each of us.
Takeaways

• Value identity is about creating safety in our relationship with ourselves and becoming safe spaces for others.
• Our first identity is that we are all valuable, and understanding our unique purpose and power allows us to empower ourselves and others.
• Observing and learning from every situation and person helps us grow and find the benefits in discomfort and pain.
• We should focus on our common humanity and the benefits we bring to each other, rather than getting caught up in identity politics.
• Nature wastes nothing, and we should strive to make the most of our time, minds, bodies, and love.

Learn more about and connect with Regi Wilson online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Academic Freedom vs. Academic Censorship In The Wake of Covid-19Today we are diving deep into a topic that’s more relevant than ever – academic freedom and academic censorship, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining me is my brilliant friend Dr. George F. Tidmarsh. In this week’s episode, we’re exploring the tension between elite academic ideas and the real-world experiences of our friends in the blue-collar American heartland. We’re breaking down the walls of polarization and shining a light on the urgent need for reforms in how funding is distributed in academia. It’s all about ensuring freedom, preventing censorship, and fostering an environment where open and free scientific discourse can thrive!

We’ll talk about the clash that occurred during the pandemic, where debate was stifled and trust in our institutions was shaken. George and I discussed how we can rebuild that trust through truth, civil discourse, and an unwavering commitment to progress. In part inspired by the work I’ve been doing with Braver Angels, Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, we touch briefly on an event that will be taking place at Stanford University in the fall, and the healing that it is sure to inspire.

If you’re passionate about the truth, eager for reform, and ready to join a conversation that’s crucial for the future of our society, this episode is for you! So, buckle up and get ready for another episode you won’t want to miss!
Takeaways

• Academic freedom and academic censorship are important topics to explore, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The clash between elite academic ideas and the real-world experiences of blue-collar workers highlights the need for open and robust debate.
• Reform is needed in the way funding is distributed in academia to ensure academic freedom and prevent censorship.
• Trust and truth are essential in rebuilding public trust in institutions, and civil discourse is crucial in facilitating progress and finding solutions.

Learn more about Dr. George F. Tidmarsh by checking out the full show notes for the episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Are You JUST Showing Up or Are You TRULY Showing Up?Friends, one of the many great pleasures of doing this podcast is getting to dive deep with my guests into the stories and ideas that inspire and challenge us! Today, we've got an incredible conversation lined up with someone who's all about the art of truly showing up in life.

My guest, Marcy Axelrod, isn't just talking about showing up in the everyday sense. She's breaking down the difference between simply going through the motions and being genuinely present, engaged, and deeply connected with the people and experiences around us. Are you living life on autopilot, sleepwalking through your days? Marcy's got some eye-opening insights that will have you rethinking how you interact with the world.

In her book, 'How We Choose to Show Up,' Marcy provides a practical blueprint for living a more meaningful and connected life. We're talking about the importance of emotions and logic in our decision-making processes, and she’s sharing tools for better interactions, especially with those we disagree with. Imagine stepping back, taking a deep breath, and seeing the big picture. It’s all about being grounded, ready, and intent on making a positive impact.

Takeaways

• Just showing up is going through the motions and interacting with others in the same way we always have. Truly showing up is being present, engaged, and deeply connected with the people and experiences around us.
• Many people spend most of their time just showing up, going through life on autopilot and not fully engaging with the world.
• Finding meaning and fulfillment in life requires being present, engaged, and connected with others. It involves being aware of our emotions and using both logic and emotions to make decisions.
• Tools for better interaction with others include stepping back, breathing, and zooming out to see the big picture. It also involves being open to listening and absorbing the perspectives of others, even if we disagree with them.
• Being grounded in ourselves, ready for the situations we encounter, and connected with the intent to serve society are the skills needed to truly show up in life.

Learn more about and connect with Marcy Axelrod by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Are The Walls You've Built Your Own Barriers To Happiness?Friends, you hear me say it every week; It’s not what happens to us, but how we react to it that makes the difference. I am joined today by another remarkable guest that will share his story of resilience, transformation and personal growth. Through his personal story, and a bit of my own, we’ll explore how we often build walls that become barriers to our own success and life fulfillment, and more importantly, how to go about tearing them down.

Joining me today is Tony Schmaltz, a man who has faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever. Tony's journey is awe-inspiring. Through marriage he became an instant father, faced financial hardships with his wife, struggled with unhealthy familial boundaries and yet, through it all, he discovered the power of mindset and attitude in achieving success and happiness.

Tony's book, 'Wake the Bleep Up,' is a game-changer. It's all about uncluttering the mind, breaking free from bad habits, and finding true fulfillment. Tony's insights on vulnerability, compassion, and the importance of positive relationships are lessons we can all learn from.

In this week's episode, Tony shares how we can all overcome life's challenges, adopt a positive mindset, and make lasting changes in our lives. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and motivated to take charge of your own journey!

Takeaways

• Adversity is a part of life, and everyone faces challenges. It's how we overcome them that defines us.
• Mindset and attitude play a crucial role in achieving success and happiness. By adopting a positive mindset and being kind to others, we can attract positive outcomes.
• Uncluttering the mind and changing bad habits are essential steps in personal growth. Small changes can lead to significant improvements over time.
• Building positive relationships requires vulnerability and compassion. Seeing the humanity in others and treating them with respect can lead to better understanding and resolution of conflicts.
• Making a choice, committing to it, and practicing consistently are the keys to making lasting changes in our lives and the world.

Learn more about and connect with Tony Schmaltz by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Knowledge Has Its Limitations, But With Conversation the Possibilities Are EndlessThis week, we've got another incredibly insightful and thought-provoking discussion lined up for you. Joining me is Joel Bouchard, the brilliant mind behind the "From Nowhere to Nothing" podcast.

Joel and I dive deep into the fascinating world of philosophy and the power of curiosity in bridging the gaps between different perspectives. In a time where our society feels more polarized than ever, we explore how respectful and curious conversations can lead to greater understanding and connection.

We'll also touch on the complexities and limitations of knowledge, and how recognizing our own biases can open doors to new insights. Plus, we'll discuss the profound impact of technology on our perceptions and the importance of getting involved in our local communities to truly be the change we want to see in the world.

Takeaways

• Philosophy is a topic that everyone can engage in and discuss, as it encompasses all aspects of life.
• Engaging in respectful and curious conversations with people who have different perspectives can lead to a better understanding of others.
• Knowledge is complex and limited, and it is important to recognize our own biases and the limitations of our understanding.
• Getting involved in local communities and being the change we want to see in the world can have a positive impact on society.

Learn more about and connect with Joel Bouchard online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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A Unique Way To Recognize and Make Our Emotions Work For UsToday we’re diving deep into the flavorful world of emotions with our incredible guest, Kim Korte. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate your reactions and interactions with others more effectively, you’re in for a treat!

Kim and I will be exploring the fascinating idea that our emotions are like flavors – think yucky, yummy, savory, and sweet. By understanding and distinguishing these emotional flavors, we can gain more control over our responses and make our interactions smoother and more meaningful.

We’ll also challenge some preconceived notions and talk about the importance of keeping an open mind. Personal growth is all about embracing new experiences and perspectives, and Kim’s insights from her book, 'Yucky Yummy Savory Sweet: Understanding the Flavors of Our Emotions,' are sure to inspire you.

So, get ready to discover the power of emotional awareness and learn how recognizing and managing your emotions can lead to positive change and better relationships. Stay tuned, because this conversation is packed with insights that you won't want to miss!"
Takeaways

• Emotional awareness is crucial for understanding and managing our reactions and interactions with others.
• Our emotions are like flavors, and by distinguishing and understanding them, we can have more control over our responses.
• Challenging preconceived notions and being open to new experiences and perspectives is essential for personal growth.
• Recognizing and managing our emotions can lead to positive change and better relationships.

Learn more about and connect with Kim Korte by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Are We Being Manipulated To Hate Each Other?This week, Wilk is joined for another powerful conversation with Monica Harris, the executive director of the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism, better known as FAIR. Monica dives deep into the core of what it means to focus on our common humanity and resist the forces that seek to divide us. She makes a compelling case that discrimination in any form is wrong and that true equality is something we must all strive for.

Monica doesn't shy away from the tough issues, pointing out that the often-overlooked class divide could be the key to uniting all Americans. She shares personal stories and insights from her connections with working-class white people, emphasizing the critical role of communication and understanding.

Throughout this incredible conversation, Wilk and Monica tackle some heavy topics: the distraction of race, the unsustainable debt crisis in the US, and the importance of a colorblind society —not in saying that we should ignore our differences, but in treating everyone equally and with respect. Monica passionately argues for seeing and understanding others on a deeper level, beyond physical and immutable characteristics, and truly engaging with their unique experiences and challenges.

So, get ready to be inspired as Monica and I explore how focusing on our common challenges and experiences can bridge divides and promote unity.

Takeaways

• Discrimination in any form, for any reason, against anyone is wrong.
• Focusing on our common humanity is essential for unity and progress.
• The class divide is a significant issue that needs attention and can unite people.
• Communication and understanding are key to breaking down barriers and overcoming division. The conversation highlights the distraction of race and identity politics from more pressing issues such as unsustainable debt and economic challenges.
• Being colorblind means treating people equally regardless of their race or identity, while recognizing and respecting their unique experiences and challenges.
• Truly seeing and understanding others requires looking beyond physical characteristics and engaging with them on a deeper level.
• Focusing on common challenges and experiences can help bridge divides and promote unity among people.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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A Country in need of Healing, May Just Need TherapyWelcome to another episode of the Derate The Hate podcast with your host, Wilk Wilkinson. Today, Wilk is joined by Phyllis E. Leavitt to delve into her upcoming book, "America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation In Crisis". In this compelling discussion, Leavitt explores innovative ways to bring hope and healing to a nation grappling with increasing divisiveness and violence. She underscores the urgent need to reverse these troubling trends by applying psychological and psychotherapeutic principles to improve the collective mental health of the country.

Phyllis highlights the transformative power of personal responsibility, managing destructive impulses, and fostering empathy and understanding towards others. She passionately argues for the importance of investing in families and dedicating resources to their well-being as foundational steps towards societal healing.

Wilk draws connections to his own work with the Braver Angels organization, which aims to bridge societal divides through grassroots efforts. This episode is packed with key insights on how to address the rising tensions in America, promote peace, and rebuild connections within our communities. Tune in to learn how psychology can pave the way for a healthier, more unified society.

Takeaways

• The rise of divisiveness and violence in society is a sign that America is in crisis and needs a new approach to hope and healing.
• The principles of psychology and psychotherapy can be applied to address the collective mental health of the nation.
• Taking responsibility for oneself and treating others with empathy and understanding are key to building peace and re-connection.
• Investing in families and allocating resources to support their well-being is crucial for healing and creating a better society.

Learn more about and connect with Phyllis E. Leavitt by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Where Confidence & Arrogance Differ, & Why Being Kind Always MattersToday, Wilk is joined by Alan Lazaros, who shares his remarkable journey of overcoming adversity and trauma to achieve true success and fulfillment. Alan emphasizes the crucial distinction between confidence and arrogance, underscoring that genuine confidence comes from self-reflection and healing past wounds, not from professional achievements alone.

Alan’s story highlights the importance of balancing personal development with professional success, illustrating that inner fulfillment is essential for overall well-being. He explores themes of empathy, compassion, and understanding, urging listeners to approach others with kindness and recognize that everyone is fighting their own battles.

The conversation also delves into issues like bullying, self-belief, and the need for therapy and mindset work to build self-worth. Alan's insights serve as a powerful reminder that fulfilled individuals do not harm others and that it is our responsibility to lead by example with kindness and respect.

Takeaways:

• Adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
• There is a crucial difference between confidence and arrogance; true confidence stems from inner fulfillment.
• Confronting past traumas and engaging in self-reflection are essential for personal development.
• Balancing professional and personal growth is crucial for long-term success and well-being.
• Approach others with empathy and compassion, as everyone is battling something.
• Bullying often stems from trauma and low self-belief; it’s important to stand up to bullies without becoming one.
• Personal growth, therapy, and mindset work are key to building self-worth and achieving goals.
• Fulfilled people do not hurt others, and it is our duty to lead by example with kindness and respect.

Join us for this enlightening conversation and be inspired to prioritize personal growth, empathy, and the true meaning of confidence in your life.

Learn more about and connect with Alan Lazaros by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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As Perceptions Shift, Realities Transform; It Starts With A ConversationA conversation that epitomizes the transformative power of dialogue. For this DTH conversation I am joined by two remarkable individuals, absolute icons in the de-radicalization space, men I am honored to call friends. Today I am joined by Daryl Davis and Jeff Schoep, whose initial encounter sparked a journey of de-radicalization and unexpected connection.

Their conversation explores the profound impact of genuine dialogue on shifting perceptions and fostering understanding. We'll uncover the organic nature of human connection and the ripple effect of positive change that emanates from it.

At the heart of our discussion lies the theme of de-radicalization. We'll delve a bit into Jeff's journey, guided by the unwavering support and insight of Daryl Davis. Their exchange highlights the importance of personal stories and vulnerability in challenging preconceived notions and reshaping beliefs.

But this isn't just about individual transformation. We'll examine how ongoing conversations and relationships play a pivotal role in changing not only individuals but entire communities. As perceptions shift, realities transform, creating a domino effect of positive change.

Through their dialogue, Daryl and Jeff illuminate the power of conversation in bridging divides and dismantling barriers. Perception shapes reality, and by altering someone's perception, we have the power to change their reality.

So, join us my friends as we journey through the depths of human connection, exploring the profound impact of unexpected encounters, genuine dialogue, and the relentless pursuit of understanding.
Takeaways

• The organic nature of human connection and the impact of unexpected encounters.
• The role of Daryl Davis in Jeff Scoop's de-radicalization journey.
• The impact of genuine conversation on shifting perspectives and breaking down barriers. Perception shapes reality, and altering someone's perception can change their reality.
• Personal stories and vulnerability have the power to challenge preconceived notions and change perspectives.
• Ongoing conversations and relationships play a crucial role in changing people's attitudes and beliefs.
• Positive change has a ripple effect, impacting not only individuals but also communities and society at large.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Authenticity and a Positive Mindset Lead to Self-Mastery
In this DTH episode, host Wilk Wilkinson engages in a powerful conversation with Eric McHugh, a dynamic web and tech entrepreneur. The conversation delves into self-mastery, mindset, energy frequency, and vibration, as well as the impact of AI-powered matchmaking and the significance of maintaining high vibration and authenticity in digital interactions. They explore how positivity and gratitude can drive success, both personally and professionally. Eric shares his thoughts on authenticity, the role of AI in modern matchmaking, and the impact of online interactions on relationships.
Key Takeaways:

• The importance of self-mastery and mindset for achieving success.
• How positivity, gratitude, and authenticity influence relationships and business.
• The benefits of AI-powered matchmaking in enhancing the dating experience.
• The significance of maintaining high vibration and authenticity in digital interactions.

Chapters

00:00 DTH Introduction
01:32 Guest Introduction and Background
04:11 Self Mastery through Simplicity and Adaptability
09:08 Overcoming Negative Mindsets and Finding the Right Energy
15:13 The Power of Gratitude and its Impact on Mindset
24:43 Manifestation of Mindset in Business Ventures
32:19 AI-powered Matchmaking and the Future of Relationships
39:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Learn more about and connect with Eric McHugh online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Teetering on a Tightrope, A Courageous Bipolar JourneyIn this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by author Steve W. Wilson to discuss his book, "Teetering on a Tightrope, My Bipolar Journey". They explore the severe mental health crisis in the US, particularly the challenges faced by those with bipolar disorder. Steve shares his traumatic childhood experience of being sexually assaulted and how it may have contributed to his mental health struggles. They discuss the two types of bipolar disorder and the depth of depressive episodes. They also highlight the inadequate support from insurance companies and the government, as well as the importance of mental health support groups and the increasing mental health issues among younger generations.

Takeaways

• There is a severe mental health crisis in the US, with around 50 million Americans suffering from mental illness.
• Bipolar disorder has two types: bipolar 1, characterized by extreme manic and depressive episodes, and bipolar 2, which involves severe depression.
• Support is crucial for those with mental health issues, and it is important to provide unconditional support rather than trying to fix or change them.
• Insurance companies and the government often fail to provide adequate resources and timely help for mental health issues.
• Mental health support groups play a vital role in providing support and combating isolation and loneliness.
• Younger generations are facing increasing mental health issues due to societal pressures, bullying, and the internet.
• Kindness, understanding, and compassion can significantly impact those struggling with mental health challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Severe Mental Health Crisis in the US
09:06 Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Depressive Episodes
12:41 The Importance of Support for Mental Health Issues
15:06 Inadequate Support from Insurance Companies and the Government
22:38 The Increasing Mental Health Issues Among Younger Generations
28:18 The Power of Kindness and Compassion in Mental Health

Learn more about and connect with Steve W. Wilson by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Is a Civil "Is God Real?" Conversation Possible?In this episode of the Derate the Hate podcast, guest host, Julian Adorney, moderates a conversation between his wife, Cassie Kimbriel, a devout Christian, and his friend, Angel Eduardo, an atheist. The main topic of discussion is the existence of God. Angel argues that belief in God is unreasonable and implausible, while Cassie believes that the complexities of the universe and personal experiences point to the existence of a higher power. The trio discuss the problem of suffering and the concept of hell. The conversation highlights the different perspectives and challenges in discussing such a deeply personal and complex topic. In this conversation, Julian, Angel, and Cassie delve into the importance of belief in God on an emotional level. They explore the role of emotional reasoning in shaping their beliefs and the significance of finding purpose and meaning in life. They also touch on the need for intellectual humility and open conversations when discussing religion and atheism. The conversation highlights the damaging effects of tribalism and the importance of respectful and compassionate dialogue.
Key Takeaways

• Different perspectives on the existence of God are discussed, with Angel arguing that it is unreasonable and Cassie presenting personal experiences and the complexities of the universe as evidence for God's existence.
• The problem of suffering and the concept of hell are also explored, with Cassie suggesting that suffering is a result of human choices and brokenness, and hell is the consequence of choosing to be outside of God's presence.
• The conversation highlights the challenges and complexities of discussing deeply personal and philosophical topics. Belief in God is often rooted in emotional reasoning rather than solely logical explanations.
• Finding purpose and meaning in life is important for human existence.
• Intellectual humility is crucial when discussing religion and atheism.
• Open conversations and respectful dialogue can lead to deeper relationships and a better society.
• Tribalism and arrogance hinder productive discussions and understanding.

Learn more about and connect with Julian, Angel and Cassie by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Not All Paths To Forgiveness Look The SameIn this captivating conversation, I am happy to welcome Kathleen Israel, a true inspiration, who regales us with her extraordinary tale of traversing 500 miles across the Camino Santiago of Northern Spain at the age of 70. Listen as Kathleen unfolds the rich tapestry of her journey, weaving threads of forgiveness, resilience, and profound self-discovery. She illuminates the transformative power of forgiveness, recounting how it served as the cornerstone of her pilgrimage, infusing each step with purpose and healing. Delving into the depths of her own past, she candidly shares the echoes of childhood trauma and the cathartic journey towards forgiveness, drawing upon the ancient Hawaiian practice of ho'oponopono to mend the fractures of her soul. As she traversed the Camino, Kathleen found solace in the embrace of adversity, recognizing it as a catalyst for spiritual elevation. Through encounters with fellow pilgrims, she unearthed pearls of wisdom, each footfall echoing with the resonance of shared humanity. Her book, 'Wisdom on the Camino,' stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit, offering a guiding light for those seeking redemption and enlightenment on their own path.
Takeaways

• Forgiveness is a transformative practice that allows us to heal and raise our vibration.
• The Hawaiian practice of ho'oponopono can help release emotional binds and promote healing.
• Taking personal responsibility for our healing journey is essential.
• Unconditional love requires experiencing and overcoming adversity.
• Walking the Camino Santiago presents challenges in finding accommodations and suitable food but the mental rewards are tremendous.

Learn more about and connect with Kathleen Israel by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the D -Rate to Hate Podcast
01:19 Guest Introduction: Kathleen Israel's Journey on the Camino Santiago
09:24 Preparing for the Camino Santiago and Overcoming Challenges
13:40 The Practice of Ho'oponopono and its Role in Healing
22:36 Walking the Camino Santiago at 70: An Incredible Journey
24:26 Challenges Along the Camino: Accommodations and Food
28:43 Wisdom on the Camino: Lessons Learned and Sharing with Others
37:29 Conclusion and Where to Find Kathleen Israel's Book

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Rebuilding Trust In The Midst of a Knowledge CrisisIn my latest DTH conversation, I am joined by Bonnie Kristian, author of "Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community," The discussion underscores the pervasive lack of trust in institutions and the media within our society. Kristian emphasized how this erosion of trust has far-reaching consequences, corroding the foundations of our political discourse and communal integrity.

Central to our conversation was the pivotal role of media consumption in shaping individual perspectives and contributing to societal polarization. Bonnie stresses the importance of responsible media consumption. She highlights the need for individuals to cultivate expertise in a limited number of issues and to actively seek out media outlets that prioritize accuracy and transparency, issuing corrections when mistakes are made. By exercising discernment and holding media sources accountable, she contends, we can begin to mitigate the deleterious effects of misinformation and rebuild a foundation of trust in our shared public discourse.

One of the many vitally important takeaways in this amazing conversation is the tendency of some to see those with different beliefs as evil, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Kristian addresses the allure of conspiracism and suggests that engaging in real-life community and conversations can help combat it.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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How The Mood We Choose Affects Personal Growth
In this conversation, I am joined by Matt O'Neill of “The Good Mood Show” to discuss the power of love and positive attitudes in overcoming hate and negative emotions. Our conversation highlights the importance of personal responsibility and choosing gratitude to improve one's mindset. We explore multiple real-life examples of individuals who have overcome hate and discrimination through love and forgiveness. We also discuss the impact of guilt and judgment on our well-being and provide strategies for building unshakable confidence.

Matt dives deep in the development of shame and the cycle of hurt that can lead to destructive behavior. He shares personal stories of his family's experiences and emphasizes the importance of finding the truth and realizing that we are all born perfect and deserving of love. Matt also highlights the significance of taking responsibility for our lives and choosing happiness over victimhood. We discuss the power of response and ability, and how embracing challenges can lead to personal growth. The conversation concludes with an invitation to continue exploring these topics on the Good Mood Show podcast.

Takeaways

• Choosing love and positive attitudes can help overcome hate and negative emotions.
• Personal responsibility and gratitude are essential for improving one's mindset.
• Real-life examples demonstrate the power of love and forgiveness in overcoming hate and discrimination.
• Guilt and judgment can hinder personal growth and well-being, and it is important to counteract them with self-compassion and self-acceptance.
• Shame can develop from early experiences of feeling not good enough or deserving of love.
• The cycle of hurt can perpetuate destructive behavior and negative self-perception.
• Taking responsibility for our lives and choosing happiness is essential for personal growth and well-being.
• Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Learn more about and connect with Matt O'Neill by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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How Feeling Unseen Perpetuates Polarization
In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by New York Times columnist, political commentator and best-selling author David Brooks to discuss the issue of societal disconnection and its consequences. They explore the rise of loneliness, sadness, and hostility in modern communities, as well as the damaging effects of siloing and othering. The conversation touches on topics such as the rural-urban divide, the feeling of invisibility, and the power of storytelling in fostering empathy. They also discuss the polarization in politics and the role of emotions in shaping people's beliefs and actions. The conversation explores the themes of political anger, personal stories, moral formation, and community building. In response to a question from David, Wilk shares his personal experience of feeling angry and disillusioned during the Obama administration and his own feelings about the 2016 election. David goes on to emphasize the importance of storytelling and understanding others' perspectives to depolarize conversations. They discuss the decline of moral formation in society and the need for kindness and consideration in interpersonal relationships. Brooks introduces the organization Weave, which supports local community leaders called 'weavers' who work to build social connections and trust.

Takeaways

• Societal disconnection is a pressing issue that leads to loneliness, sadness, and hostility in communities.
• The rural-urban divide and the feeling of invisibility contribute to the sense of disconnection.
• Polarization in politics is fueled by siloing and othering, where people only engage with those who think alike.
• Emotions play a significant role in shaping people's beliefs and actions, often leading to voting based on hate or anger rather than policy. Political anger can stem from feeling unheard or misrepresented by the government.
• Storytelling and understanding others' perspectives can help depolarize conversations.
• Moral formation and the practice of kindness and consideration are essential for a healthy society.
• Weave is an organization that supports local community leaders who work to build social connections and trust.

Learn more about and connect with David Brooks online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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What is the formula for Listening AND Being Heard When Talkin' Politics and Religion?
In this episode, Wilk Wilkinson and Corey Nathan discuss the importance of having conversations about politics and religion without resorting to personal attacks. They emphasize the need to approach these conversations with openness and curiosity, seeking to understand the other person's perspective rather than trying to convince them to change their beliefs. The conversation covers topics such as confirmation bias, echo chambers, active listening, and recognizing our common humanity. They also highlight the value of nurturing relationships and making people feel heard and valued. The episode emphasizes the importance of attacking positions, not people, and separating personal identity from political or religious beliefs. The conversation explores the importance of effective communication and understanding in divisive times. It emphasizes the need to separate individuals from their beliefs and to avoid making assumptions based on identity or political affiliation. The guests discuss the dangers of identitarianism and the need to prioritize relationships over winning debates. They also highlight the importance of recognizing biases and being open-minded in conversations. The conversation concludes with a call to bridge divides and prioritize understanding.

Takeaways

• Approach conversations about politics and religion with openness and curiosity, seeking to understand the other person's perspective.
• Recognize the dangers of confirmation bias and echo chambers, and actively seek out diverse viewpoints.
• Practice active listening and reflect back to the other person to show that you understand their position.
• Recognize and value the common humanity in others, even if they have different political or religious beliefs.
• Attack positions, not people, and separate personal identity from political or religious beliefs.
• Nurture relationships and make people feel heard and valued in conversations. Separate individuals from their beliefs and avoid making assumptions based on identity or political affiliation.
• Prioritize relationships over winning debates and focus on understanding.
• Recognize biases and be open-minded in conversations.
• Bridge divides and prioritize understanding to foster a healthier society.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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The Courage To Step Outside Your SiloA Covid-19 Paradigm Shift
In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Kevin Bass, a scientist who was dismissed from medical school for his COVID-19 advocacy. They discuss Kevin's initial mindset on COVID-19 and his interest in debunking misinformation. The conversation delves into the toxicity of the initial mindset, the difficulty of stepping outside echo chambers, and the fear of speaking out. They emphasize the importance of engaging in conversations with differing viewpoints and finding common ground through open and fearless dialogue. The episode highlights the need to mend the divides in our society and prioritize understanding and empathy.
Takeaways

• Stepping outside echo chambers and engaging in conversations with differing viewpoints is crucial for personal growth and understanding.
• Fear of speaking out and the consequences of challenging the consensus can prevent individuals from questioning or exploring new ideas.
• Mending the divide and finding common ground requires open and fearless conversations that prioritize understanding and empathy.
• There is a need to address the polarization and misinformation in society and promote a culture of free and open dialogue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
01:19 Kevin Bass's Background and Interest in Debunking Misinformation
08:28 The Difficulty of Stepping Outside Echo Chambers
11:04 Initial Mindset on COVID-19 and Government's Response
23:18 Understanding Different Perspectives and Depolarization
33:47 Consequences and Challenges Faced by Kevin Bass
37:59 Future Plans and Mending the Divide
41:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

Learn more about and connect with Kevin Bass by checking out the full show notes for this episode at www.DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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How To Detox From Toxic Political Polarization
In this episode, Columbia Prof. of psychology Peter Coleman joins Julian Adorney to discuss the concept of affective polarization and its role in fostering toxic polarization. He explains how affective polarization operates as an attractor, drawing individuals into cycles of animosity and antipathy towards opposing viewpoints. Coleman emphasizes the importance of sustained contact and engagement with individuals holding divergent political perspectives. He also discusses the need for guardrails and structural changes to combat toxic polarization effectively. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to participate in the Polarization Detox Challenge.
Takeaways

• Affective polarization operates as an attractor, drawing individuals into cycles of animosity and antipathy towards opposing viewpoints.
• Sustained contact and engagement with individuals holding divergent political perspectives is crucial for combating toxic polarization.
• Guardrails and structural changes are needed to address the deep divisions and hate in society.
• Times of destabilization present opportunities for individuals and communities to reassess their priorities and choose a more decent path forward.

Who is Peter T. Coleman?

Dr. Peter T. Coleman is Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University where he holds a joint-appointment at Teachers College and The Earth Institute. Dr. Coleman directs the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR), is founding director of the Institute for Psychological Science and Practice (IPSP), and is co-executive director of Columbia University’s Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity (AC4).
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
03:15 Understanding Affective Polarization
06:01 Affective Polarization as an Attractor
09:18 Complexity Systems and Affective Polarization
13:00 The Importance of Sustained Contact
21:37 The Prisoner's Dilemma in Politics
25:08 The Rise of Political Violence
27:31 The Need for Guardrails and Structural Changes
32:19 Opportunities in Times of Destabilization
38:42 Taking Action: The Polarization Detox Challenge
45:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Hope For Healing & Becoming Our Own Champion
In this episode, Linda Bjork joins Wilk to discuss the power of personal transformation and overcoming the challenges of depression. The conversation covers various themes including taking personal accountability, creating our own happiness, and recognizing our own value. Linda shares her own journey and how she came to the realization that we can be the champions of our own stories. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindset, self-belief, and taking small action steps towards personal growth and happiness. Linda also discusses the work of the Hope for Healing Foundation and her podcast, Linda's Corner.
Takeaways

• Personal transformation and overcoming challenges require taking personal accountability and recognizing our own value.
• Creating happiness is within our control and comes from our own actions.
• Taking small action steps can lead to personal growth and happiness.
• Focusing on gratitude and changing our mindset can have a profound impact on our well-being.

Who is Linda Bjork?
Linda is an overcomer, someone who has been able to overcome depression, social anxiety, and trauma. Linda is someone who understands what it means to overcome self-limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, low confidence, low self-esteem and more. She now joyfully lives an authentic and fulfilling life. Linda is passionate about hope, healing and personal transformation. It is because of this passion that Linda created the non-profit, Hope for healing, to help empower others to overcome as well.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

01:19 Themes: Personal Transformation and Overcoming Depression

04:40 Becoming the Champion of Our Own Story

06:06 Overcoming Depression and Finding Hope

14:41 Personal Accountability and Creating Happiness

25:05 The Power of Focus and Gratitude

27:02 Self-Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage

30:47 Hope for Healing Foundation and Linda's Corner Podcast

35:18 Conclusion and Gratitude

Learn more and connect with Linda Bjork by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Recognizing and Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse
In this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Dana Diaz, author of the book "Gasping for Air", to discuss narcissistic abuse. They explore the insidious nature of narcissistic abuse and how it gradually escalates over time. Dana shares her personal experience with narcissistic abuse and the challenges of confronting the reality of the abuse. They also discuss the ongoing hate and judgment that survivors of narcissistic abuse often face. The episode concludes with a quiz that Dana has created to help listeners determine if they are dealing with narcissistic abuse.

Takeaways

• Narcissistic abuse is a serious issue that can occur in personal relationships, childhood, and divorce.
• Recognizing the signs of narcissistic abuse is crucial in order to protect oneself and seek help.
• Sharing personal stories of narcissistic abuse can help raise awareness and support others who may be going through similar experiences.
• Listening to one's gut instincts and setting boundaries is important in dealing with narcissistic abuse.

Who is Dana S. Diaz? Dana S. Diaz studied journalism and psychology at DePaul University. While there’s no better teacher than life experience and Dana has had life-long experiences with narcissistic abuse, her education did give her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims. Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement.

Learn more and connect with Dana Diaz by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Not making the political personal...
In this conversation, Eva Kurilova returns to the DTH podcast to discuss the impact of identity politics on personal lives and the importance of individuality. Eva emphasizes the need to recognize and respect individual voices rather than categorizing people solely based on their identity labels. The conversation also explores the importance of open conversation and free speech in society, highlighting the dangers of shutting down conversations and the inability to course correct when conversations are stifled. The upcoming Reality-Based Women Unite Conference, where Eva will be speaking about how gender ideology harms children, is also discussed. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need to hear all sides and find common humanity, as well as the importance of offering different perspectives and avoiding the suppression of alternate voices.

Who is Eva Kurilova?Eva Kurilova first drew my attention with an article she wrote for her substack entitled "Obey Us or the Conservatives Will Come For You". At the time, I knew nothing of Eva, but the more of her work that I read, the more that I wanted to know. Eva's (X) profile suggests that she is Canada's preeminent lesbian, and a writer, so naturally I had to read more. The mainstream narrative, as most mainstream narratives do, puts every LGBTQ (etc.) individual into one bucket and then paints the movement with a broad brush instead of describing those within said bucket as individuals. Sad and familiar story. Eva has a different story. Join us for another insightful and informative conversation.

Also, check out Eva's first DTH appearance here:DTH Episode 171

Learn more and connect with Eva Kurilova online by checking out the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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A DEI Conversation With More Curiosity And Less Contention
In this episode, guest host Julian Adorney invites Abby Benedetto of Core-Shifts.com for the 2nd of his Difficult Conversation Series as a way to model respectful and humble discussions on topics of disagreement. The value proposition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is explored, along with the benefits and concerns of affinity spaces. The concept of race and identity is discussed, as well as the goal of achieving equality. The decline in race relations is examined, and the interpretation of the term 'race relations' is questioned. This conversation explores various aspects of race relations, complicity in racism, and the importance of racial awareness. It also delves into the problematic nature of certain works on race, the impact of language and intent, and the need for curiosity and open-mindedness in conversations. The chapters cover topics such as Trump's appeal to minorities, the need for change in addressing racism, the complexity of assuming best intentions, and the value of engaging in thoughtful conversations.

Who is Abby Benedetto?

Abby Benedetto is an educational consultant and founder of Core Shifts. Abby has taken on designing and changing systems for the last two decades from a wide variety of roles and perspectives - honing her skills around deep listening, collaborative innovation, and equity-centered learning design, and driven by the purpose of working to ensure that ALL young people (and adults) have access to the type of deeper learning they deserve so that they feel seen and valued, and develop the skills that they need to go out into the world and thrive... Bio continued in full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

Guest host, Julian Adorney:

Julian Adorney is an author and speaker focused on preserving and rebuilding the West against the threats of illiberalism and affective polarization. He's written for Quillette, Queer Majority, National Review, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) and a few other sites; and is on the Braver Angels media team. He's the founder of Heal the West, a substack movement.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Today, over 70 years after Brown v. Board of Education, there is an urgent need to reaffirm and advance the core principles of the civil-rights movement. The defining question of our time: How do we break through the demonization and division, and move forward together as Americans? In this DTH episode, Wilk talks with Daryl Davis, Bion Bartning, Letitia Kim and Lory Warren, to explore compelling questions such as, “How much do identity group labels tell us about people?”; “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?”; And, “How can education help to overcome racism and intolerance?” We discuss the genesis of the Prohuman mission & movement; their focus on promoting the foundational truth that every person is a unique individual, united by our shared humanity; and how the Prohuman approach can make a positive difference for K-12 educators and their students.

Visit www.prohumanfoundation.org to get involved and learn more.

Daryl Davis, Global Ambassador and Founding Member of the Board of Directors

Daryl Davis is best known for his talent as a musician; he is an international recording artist and is recognized for being one of the greatest Blues, Boogie Woogie & Rock ’n’ Roll pianists of all time.

In addition to his music career, Daryl is the author of Klan-Destine Relationships, which was the first book written about the Ku Klux Klan by a Black author... continued...

Bion Bartning, Board President and Founding Member of the Board of Directors

Bion Bartning is an entrepreneur and investor, and is also the founder of FAIR, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism... continued...

Letitia Kim, Treasurer and Founding Member of the Board of Directors

Letitia Kim is an attorney licensed in California and New York. She served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the Northern District of California... continued...

Lory Warren, Executive Director

Lory Warren brings a range of professional experience to her role as Executive Director at the Prohuman Foundation. She has an extensive background in healthcare, hospital administration, network development, and school health services...***continued...

Complete bios for all the speakers, key takeaways & chapters can be found in the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com***

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Morality Shifts Based Upon False NarrativesIn this episode, host Wilk Wilkinson is joined by filmmaker Eli Steele. They discuss Eli's journey into film-making, the impact of film on his life, and his collaboration with his father, Shelby Steele. They delve into the inspiration behind Eli's documentary, 'What Killed Michael Brown?', and the dangers of oversimplification and identity politics. The conversation also explores the division in America and the importance of engaging in conversations to break down walls of ignorance. They touch on the shift in morality and the use of race as a means for power. The episode concludes with a discussion on the need to reinvent American principles.

Who is Eli Steele?Eli Steele is an award-winning filmmaker and “What Killed Michael Brown?” marks his first professional collaboration with his father, Shelby Steele. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College and Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy, Steele’s career highlights include “How Jack Became Black,” “What’s Bugging Seth,” winner of ten film festivals, and “Katrina,” an MTV Network pilot which won him the Breakthrough Filmmakers Award. Steele has written for publications ranging from LA Times to Commentary Magazine.

Website: https://www.manofsteeleproductions.com/Connect with Eli Steele on (X): @Hebro_Steele

Takeaways

• Engaging in conversations is crucial to breaking down walls of ignorance and bridging divides.
• Oversimplification and identity politics can be dangerous and hinder understanding.
• The use of race as a means for power has been a recurring theme throughout history.
• Freedom is a powerful and challenging concept that requires individual responsibility.
• American principles should be upheld and reinvented if necessary to ensure a united and free country.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Advocating for Unity & Personal Well-BeingJason Littlefield is an impassioned educator and founder of EmpowerED Pathways. With over two decades of experience, he has influenced students and families globally, from Taiwan to Benin, Africa. Jason co-created the Empowered Humanity Theory, a dynamic framework for life, leadership, and learning. Through initiatives like EmpowerED Pathways and Free Black Thought, he advocates for unity and personal well-being, challenging prevailing ideologies and shaping a brighter future.
In this conversation, Jason joins me to discussEmpowered Pathways and the development of Empowered Humanity Theory. He explains the problems with collectivist political philosophy and the negative impact it has on social-emotional well-being. He introduces the three attitudes of Empowered Humanity Theory: valued-centered identity, dignity lens, and mindsets of inquiry and compassion. We also discuss the pathways to practice, including building awareness and equanimity, kindness and compassion for ourselves and others, and celebrating our common humanity. Our conversation concludes with Jason sharing information about his book, 'Empowered Humanity Theory: A Framework for an Empowered and Dignified Life.'
Takeaways

• Empowered Humanity Theory promotes three attitudes: valued-centered identity, a dignity lens, and mindsets of inquiry and compassion.
• Practices that build awareness and equanimity, kindness and compassion, and celebrate our common humanity are essential for personal growth and improved relationships.
• Negative self-talk can be harmful and should be replaced with self-compassion and positive thinking.
• Focusing on individual values and shared humanity can help overcome the divisiveness caused by identity politics.

Chapters00:00 Introduction

03:09 Introduction to Empowered Pathways

09:48 Empowered Humanity Theory

24:40 Pathways to Practice

35:29 Conclusion and Book Information

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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The Soul of Civility; Book discussion with Alexandra HudsonIn this episode, guest host Julian Adorney is joined by guest Alexandra Hudson to discuss her book, The Soul of Civility. They explore the difference between politeness and civility, the harm of incivility, and the importance of heroes and mentors in inspiring better behavior. The conversation flows into the importance of courage, balancing compassion and self-protection, and the importance of being fully present and engaged in our interactions. A truly inspirational discussion on the timeless principles to heal society and ourselves.

Takeaways

• Civility is a disposition, a way of seeing others as moral equals and worthy of respect.
• Incivility not only hurts others, but it also harms ourselves and deforms our souls.
• Heroes and mentors can inspire us to act with greater courage, integrity, and compassion.
• Treating others with compassion and kindness is good for its own sake and mutually ennobling.
• Being fully present and engaged in our interactions is a profound gift that nourishes our souls and honors the dignity of others.

Who is Alexandra Hudson? ALEXANDRA O. HUDSON is a writer, popular speaker, and the founder of Civic Renaissance, a publication and intellectual community dedicated to beauty, goodness and truth. She was named the 2020 Novak Journalism Fellow, and contributes to Fox News, CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME Magazine, POLITICO Magazine, and Newsweek. She earned a master’s degree in public policy at the London School of Economics as a Rotary Scholar, and is an adjunct professor at the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy. She is also the creator of a series for The Teaching Company called Storytelling and The Human Condition.

Guest host, Julian Adorney:

Julian Adorney is an author and speaker focused on preserving and rebuilding the West against the threats of illiberalism and affective polarization. He's written for Quillette, Queer Majority, National Review, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) and a few other sites; and is on the Braver Angels media team. He's the founder of Heal the West, a substack movement.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Bridging Divides Through Faith, Loving as Jesus Loved In a world marked by increasing divisions, embracing faith becomes a powerful incentive for unity and understanding. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified boundless love and compassion, we find a profound guide on how to navigate societal divides. It is not merely about what we believe but how we embody those beliefs in our actions. Loving as Jesus loved involves recognizing the inherent humanity in every individual, fostering empathy, and transcending differences. Moreover, the art of effective communication plays a pivotal role; it's not just about expressing our thoughts but doing so with kindness and respect. Not every thought needs to be voiced publicly, and the gentle, thoughtful delivery of our words can contribute significantly to bridging gaps and fostering a more harmonious society.

Who is Daniel Darling?Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and Christian leader. He currently serves as the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College.

Dan is a bestselling author of several books, including The Original Jesus,The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas, The Characters of Easter, A Way With Words. and his latest, Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loves. He is the general editor, along with Trillia Newbell, of a small group study on racial reconciliation,The Church and the Racial Divide and is a contributor to The Worldview Study Bible.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Reviving a sense of community and reflecting on his time working with Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr.'s message was rooted in uplifting the people and organizing Americans for a better sense of community. He passionately advocated for equality, justice, and unity, envisioning a society where individuals transcended racial and social divides to stand together in solidarity. King's powerful speeches, such as his iconic "I Have a Dream" address, emphasized the importance of love, understanding, and nonviolent resistance in pursuing a more harmonious society. His vision was about civil rights and fostering a collective spirit that could bring about positive change and create a stronger, more inclusive community where all people could excel and thrive no matter their background.

In this fascinating conversation, Harry joins Wilk to discuss:

• How his father’s time with the Red Cross resulted in both Harry and his father working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the S.C.L.C.
• Run-ins with the KKK and other white supremacists.
• The difference between the philosophies of pacifism and non-violence.
• “Operation Dialogue” and the Citizenship Schools programs of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
• Finding the divine and humanity in all people.
• Book: “If Your Back’s Not Bent” by Dorothy Cotton
• Movie “Best of Enemies”
• Our Christian faith & of course the common cause work we do with the organization Braver Angels

Who are Harry Boyte?

Harry C. Boyte is a co-founder of the Institute for Public Life and Work and Senior Scholar of Public Work Philosophy at the Institute and also at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. He founded and for 20 years directed and co-directed the Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC) at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. As a young man he worked in the citizenship schools sponsored by SCLC, Martin Luther King Jr.’s organization.

Learn more about and connect with Harry Boyte online:
website: https://www.iplw.org/

(X) formerly know as Twitter: @HarryBoyteWhat have

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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In the bustling marketplace of ideas, distinguishing truth from misinformation requires a nuanced approach that combines critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and an openness to diverse perspectives. Engaging in conversations with individuals holding differing mindsets is crucial in this process. Interacting with a variety of opinions fosters a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues and challenges one's assumptions. Constructive dialogue not only exposes individuals to alternative viewpoints but also encourages the scrutiny of arguments, enabling a more informed evaluation of the information presented. By actively participating fully & fearlessly in curious conversations with diverse perspectives, we enhance our ability to sift through the noise and better navigate the complex landscape of our internet ecosystem.

Acquiring knowledge, weeding through misinformation & outrage bait, and being able to work through, by way of conversation, complex and controversial topics with people of differing mindsets than our own are just a few the the many things I discussed this week with my friend Jonathan Rauch.

Who is Jonathan Rauch? JONATHAN RAUCH, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, is the author of eight books and many articles on public policy, culture, and government. He is a contributing writer for The Atlantic and recipient of the 2005 National Magazine Award, the magazine industry’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. His latest book, published in 2021 by the Brookings Press, is The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, a spirited and deep-diving account of how to push back against disinformation, canceling, and other new threats to our fact-based epistemic order.

Connect with Jonathan on (X): @jon_rauchWhat have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Time For A Depolarization "Manhattan Project"?In a conversation I was having with friend John Wood Jr. of Braver Angels, he said and I often quote, "Polarization is the one problem that ensures all other problems won't be solved". Many, me being one of them, have said that polarization could realistically be a true existential threat to our great country. Why then do more politicians not take more seriously this threat and work toward solutions? I have my thoughts on that and speak of them often. One solution friends of mine have tossed around is a depolarization "Manhattan Project" of sorts. If not familiar, the Manhattan Project was a research and development project during World War II in which the United States, along with its allies, developed the first nuclear weapons. The project involved the work of many scientists, engineers, and support staff, and its success lead to the end of the war with Japan and marked the beginning of the nuclear age. What if such a collaboration could be done to fix polarization? Is it time for a Depolarization Manhattan Project?Who is Daniel F. Stone?

You may remember Dan from his first DTH appearance in Episode 161.

Dan Stone is an Associate Professor of Economics that has been teaching in the Economics department at Bowdoin since 2012 and prior to that he was an assistant professor at Oregon State University from 2008-2012. Dan’s research is on belief formation, political media, polarization, and inter-personal hostility (a.k.a. affective polarization). Dan’s book, “Undue Hate” dives in to “How to understand the mistakes we make about those on the other side of the political spectrum—and how they drive the affective polarization that is tearing us apart.”
Contact Dan on (X): @d_f_stoneAbout our guest host, Julian Adorney:

Julian Adorney is an author and speaker focused on preserving and rebuilding the West against the threats of illiberalism and affective polarization. He's written for Quillette, Queer Majority, National Review, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Ra

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Wilk provides a DTH 2023 Year in ReviewFrom me to all of you who have provided so much support, I want to wish you all a very blessed and happy new year!

During this holiday week episode, I'm providing a quick recap of just a few of the many great guests we had on this past year. Please check out all of this past year's episodes and let me know who you think would be a great returning guest.

Stay well my friends and keep doing all you can to better yourselves and the world in which we live!

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Can Christians and Atheists Get Along?Christians and Atheists often face roadblocks in understanding and accepting each other due to deeply ingrained differences in belief systems. One major obstacle is the perception of morality and purpose. Christians may view their faith as the ultimate source of moral guidance and purpose, while Atheists often derive their morality from secular humanism and find purpose in life without relying on religious frameworks. This is among many fundamental differences that can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of empathy, as each group may struggle to comprehend the basis for the other's ethical principles. So, can Christians and atheists get along?

To foster better understanding and recognize the shared humanity between Christians and Atheists, it is essential to engage in open and respectful dialogue. Both parties can benefit from actively listening to each other's perspectives without judgment, seeking common ground in shared values such as compassion, kindness, and the pursuit of a just society. Emphasizing the shared human experience, focusing on similarities rather than differences, and acknowledging the diversity within both belief systems can help bridge the gap and foster a more inclusive and tolerant environment where individuals from different backgrounds can coexist harmoniously. Listen as guest host Julian Adorney and our mutual friend Angel Eduardo model such a conversation. What some may refer to as a difficult conversation, done with fearless curiosity, the way it should be done.

Guest Host Julian Adorney and Angel Eduardo Julian Adorney is an author and speaker focused on preserving and rebuilding the West against the threats of illiberalism and affective polarization. He's written for Quillette, Queer Majority, National Review, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) and a few other sites; and is on the Braver Angels media team. He's the founder of Heal the West, a substack movement.

Angel Eduardo is a writer, musician, photographer, and designer based in New York City, best-known for coining and promoting the rhetorical concept of star-manning. He works as Senior Writer & Editor for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), and serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR).

Learn more and connect with Julian & Angel by checking out

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Getting Below The Surface of Toxic PolarizationHuman evolution in perspectives is a dynamic process shaped by experiences, education, and self-reflection. Individuals often display a tendency to forgive themselves swiftly for past views and mistakes, while adopting a less forgiving stance towards others. This discrepancy in standards suggests a complex interplay of ego, empathy, and self-awareness. It underscores the challenge of extending the same compassion to others that one grants oneself.

Responsibility for emotions and life experiences lies with individuals, highlighting the power of personal choices in shaping one's reactions to circumstances. Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" serves as a compelling example of how one can choose their response in the face of adversity and even horrific circumstance, emphasizing the profound impact of mindset on the human experience. The advice to avoid defining one's identity by fleeting thoughts underscores the importance of self-awareness and the recognition that personal growth involves transcending temporary perspectives.

Despite this potential for growth, individuals remain deeply influenced by their un-evolved brains, acknowledging the ongoing impact of instinctual and ingrained behaviors. The journey toward understanding and empathy requires a continual commitment to self-reflection, challenging ingrained biases, and embracing the capacity for personal evolution. Listen as my good friend and fellow Braver Angel Julian Adorney guest hosts, discussing these topics and more with Mark Johnson, getting below the surface of toxic polarization.

Who is Mark Johnson?

Mark is a men’s coach, business and relationship coach, facilitator, and wilderness guide with more than 20 years of experience helping people and companies grow. He has been part of The Undaunted Man since 2014, and its CFO since 2016. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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DEI vs. Diversity of ThoughtI recently read an article in the Free Black Thought substack written by my friend Dr. Tabia Lee entitled: DEI COLLEAGUES: YOUR ANTI-SEMITISM IS SHOWING. With recent events being what they are in the middle east, and the ensuing hate mongering that is taking place world-wide, the article stood out instantly. You might remember Dr. Tabia Lee from our DTH conversation back in March of this year soon after she was stripped of her position as Faculty Director for the office of Equity, Social-Justice, and Multicultural Education at De Anza College, a California community college. I'll be looking to have Dr. Lee back on the podcast in early 2024, but for now, please enjoy this replay of our conversation back in March of 2023, and check out this article in Free Black Thought.

Who is Dr. Tabia Lee?
Dr. Tabia Lee, EdD, a founding member of Free Black Thought, has contributed to the design, implementation, and evaluation of numerous educational and professional development programs. Her commitment to teacher education and pedagogical design is grounded in her experience as a lifelong educator and a National Board Certified English, Civics, and Social Studies teacher in urban American public middle schools. Dr. Lee prepares K-12 and higher education faculty to work with diverse students by focusing on better understanding the pedagogical and curricular implications of ideology-in-practice.

Learn more about Dr. Lee by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.comWhat have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate T

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Thanksgiving, a Time For GratitudeThanksgiving serves as a poignant reminder that gratitude should not be confined to a single day but embraced every day. This special occasion, however, magnifies the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in our lives. Beyond the festive feast and familial gatherings, Thanksgiving cultivates a spirit of thankfulness that ideally extends into our daily routines. It prompts reflection on the multitude of reasons to be grateful, encouraging a mindset where appreciation becomes a constant companion. In essence, while Thanksgiving provides a dedicated moment for gratitude, it serves as a catalyst for fostering an ongoing attitude of thankfulness in our hearts, reminding us to cherish life's abundant gifts each day.

For the full show notes for Episode 53, Click the link below:https://deratethehate.com/episodes/episode-53-attitude-of-gratitude-and-personal-accountability-challenge-1-year-anniversary-episode-448What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Speaking with The Younger You

Have you ever imagined engaging in a conversation with your younger, more naive, and possibly even a more hateful self? Imagine finding yourself grappling with the echoes of your past ignorance. The earlier version of you, fueled by limited experiences and misguided perspectives, expressing opinions that now seem cringe-worthy and uninformed. In an attempt to bridge the gap between your present self and that version, you realize the importance of growth and understanding. It becomes evident that the journey towards empathy and open-mindedness has transformed you, enabling you to challenge your past beliefs and recognize the flaws in your earlier thinking. Imagine such a conversation serving as a reminder of the transformative power of time and experience, highlighting the significance of evolving perspectives to foster a more compassionate and enlightened you. Imagine what it would be like speaking with the younger you.

Be sure to tune in for this incredible conversation guest hosted by my friend Jeff Schoep of BeyondBarriersUSA.org, as he speaks with another former NSM member, Henry Paniccia, who is now challenging white supremacy ideology in a new and unique way.

Who is Henry Paniccia?

Henry Paniccia was involved in the world of white supremacy from 14 years old until he turned his back on that lifestyle and those beliefs at 21. Over the years, he was able to re-educate himself, deradicalize, and integrate into society as productive member. Two years ago he came up with the idea 'Conversations', his five-part video series where he goes through his former beliefs in explicit detail. While the content is undeniably alarming and comes with a heavy trigger warning, it is not without purpose and allows the viewer to take a deep look inside the life of a neo-Nazi. He sits on one end of the table as he is today (2023) and interviews his younger, 19-year-old self (2010). At times they speak a conversation of ideals. At times, a nostalgic trip down memory lane. And sometimes, an interrogation. ‘Conversations’ is not for the faint of heart but if you can stomach it, you’ll come out the other end with an incomparably better understanding of the issue at hand. Upon this, you’ll understand the allure of the white supremacy world in our modern era.

Learn more about and connect with Henry Paniccia online by checking out the full show notes

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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I look forward to hearing from you!

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Have you ever wondered how to have a meaningful conversation with someone with whom you disagree vehemently on a particular topic? Do you have family members that you disagree with politically, and cannot have a conversation without things becoming heated and toxic? What if there were a book that could teach you "How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times"? There is, and this week I am honored to have the author of that book on the Derate the Hate podcast to talk about her latest book, "I Never Thought Of It That Way"

Who is Mónica Guzmán?

is a bridge builder, journalist, and entrepreneur who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. She’s director of digital and storytelling at Braver Angels, the nation’s largest cross-partisan grassroots organization working to
depolarize America; host of live interview series at Crosscut; and cofounder of the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she researched how journalists can rethink their roles to better meet the needs of a participatory public. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes.

Mónica has most recently launched the Braver Way Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-braver-way/id1709364674

Take-aways and Quotes from Mónica Guzmán:

• "Those who are underrepresented in your lives, will always be over-represented in our imaginations"
• Curiosity in 1-to-1 conversations will save us (like no politician, group, or institution can)
• "If there's one thing that most people on the left and right can agree on, it's that the way we treat and talk to the other side is broken"
• Monica's promise: "This book will equip and inspire you to be one level more curious about the people who disagree with you than you have ever been."

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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If Your Life Sucks, It's Your Fault, Change ItMasculinity, in and of itself, is not toxic; it is a complex and multifaceted aspect of identity. However, men are undeniably influenced by the role models they look up to while growing up. If they choose toxic individuals as mentors, they may inadvertently follow a path of toxicity. The key to positive masculinity lies in fostering purpose and a sense of meaning in one's life. When men have a clear sense of purpose, they are more likely to make choices that align with their values and ideals, regardless of societal expectations. Ultimately, we have the agency to shape our destiny and the life we want to live by selecting mentors and role models who embody the virtues and values we wish to emulate. Join Wilk and Nico Lagan in their discussion that starts with "toxic masculinity" but goes into so much more. You may just come away realizing, "if your life sucks, it's your fault, change it."

Who is Nico Lagan?Nico Lagan is a Social Media Strategist, Men's Coach, Author & Podcaster who engages thought-provoking discussions on masculinity, conservative news, common sense insights, politics, humor, stoicism, Gnosticism, Christianity. He is not your typical internet influencer. Nico is someone who dives deep in the pursuit of understanding of ancient masculinity, staying informed about conservative news, and finding humor in the world, all within the context of Christian values. I am honored to call Nico a friend and have him as my guest on this week's DTH podcast.

Learn more about and connect with Nico Lagan by checking out the show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial,

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Nonviolence and a Needed Revival of Humanity and Moral Clarity Learning not to hate those with whom we disagree is a profound lesson in cultivating empathy and understanding. Often, violence and hate stem from a sense of feeling devalued or misunderstood. Embracing the idea that everyone's perspective is shaped by unique experiences can foster compassion and bridge the gaps that divide us. In the Christian faith, there is a powerful call to love one's neighbor and even one's enemies. This ethos encourages believers to rise above animosity, recognizing the inherent dignity in each person. A genuine adherence to Christian principles can lead to a revival of humanity, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and moral clarity. By embodying these values, individuals can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world, transcending the divisive forces of hatred and violence. I'm joined in this episode by my fellow Braver Angels Harry Boyte and Marie Ström to discuss nonviolence and a needed revival of humanity and moral clarity.
**Who are Harry Boyte and Marie Ström?

Harry C. Boyte is a co-founder of the Institute for Public Life and Work and Senior Scholar of Public Work Philosophy at the Institute and also at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. He founded and for 20 years directed and co-directed the Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC) at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. As a young man he worked in the citizenship schools sponsored by SCLC, Martin Luther King’s organization.
Marie-Louise Ström** is a co-founder of the Institute for Public Life and Work. Originally from South Africa, for 20 years she managed democracy education work at the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (Idasa), the major independent democracy building organization in Africa. In 2001, as an international fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Ström became acquainted with the Public Work approach of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship. She adopted this approach in citizen leadership training programs across the continent of Africa, working with professionals from diverse backgrounds as well as grassroots leaders.

Learn more about and connect with Harry & Marie online:website: https://www.iplw.org/

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Barbarism Fueled By An Ideology of HatredWhat drives someone to commit the most evil acts imaginable by another human being? People are not born inherently evil, just like they are not born inherently good. Both are learned behaviors. Why then are some taught to hate others, to a point at which they would commit the unspeakable acts that have shocked the world in recent days, as the Jewish State of Israel was so brutally attacked by Hamas terrorists?
For this bonus conversation, I've invited back my friend Moshe K. Levy to discuss this barbarism fueled by an ideology of hatred.
Who is Moshe K. Levy? Moshe K. Levy is a proud Zionist, father to three beautiful girls, and an avid motorcyclist. He received his MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and currently works as VP of Marketing and Sales at a high tech power supply manufacturer. He is also a columnist for several national motorcycle magazines. You may remember Moshe from back in DTH Episode 114 where a group of us discussed the Ibram X. Kendi book "Stamped".What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on s

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Overcoming Anger Through The Languages of Love
Love is the emotional cornerstone that enriches and gives meaning to our lives, transcending barriers and fostering a profound connection with others. It holds the transformative power to dismantle the walls we build around ourselves, allowing genuine human connections to flourish. When we embrace love, we decrease the intensity of anger and resentment, replacing them with understanding and compassion. Opening ourselves to love means exposing our vulnerabilities, a courageous act that, paradoxically, strengthens our soul. It is through love that we discover the beauty of shared experiences, find solace in the understanding gaze of others, and create a tapestry of relationships that enrich our journey through life. Love, in its purest form, becomes a guiding force that not only connects us to those around us but also nurtures the well-being of our own souls. Listen as we discuss in this episode, Overcoming Anger Through The Languages of Love.

Who is Paul Zolman? What qualifies Paul Zolman to speak about love? His childhood experience of the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and the distaste it formed inside him, he searched for and eventually created a method that transformed his life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a family of abuse, physical touch became his preferred love style, only because of the regularity. He could almost count on it. It was consistent. He came to think that was the way to express love. But deep inside, he knew that was a twisted belief. He wanted a better life for himself, which is why he created a paradigm shift that works. In his book, "Role of Love" you’ll find what helped Paul move from a childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love.

Learn more about and connect with Paul Zolman online:website: https://roleoflove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roleoflovediceWhat have you done today to make your l

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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The "Doom Loop" of Polarization Political beliefs are often shaped by party affiliations rather than the other way around, contributing to the phenomenon of political tribalism. Individuals align themselves with a particular political party, and in doing so, adopt the party's established set of beliefs and ideologies. This process is not always driven by a deep examination of personal values but rather a desire for belonging and identity within a group. As a result, people may conform to the party's stance on various issues, even if those positions do not entirely align with their individual convictions. This conformity fosters an environment where party loyalty takes precedence over independent thought, leading to a polarized political landscape. The reinforcement of party identity becomes a powerful force, making it challenging for individuals to deviate from the accepted party narrative, ultimately perpetuating the "Doom Loop" of Polarization.

Who is Timothy J. Redmond? Timothy J. Redmond is an award-winning educator and author. He received his PhD in political science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and teaches at Williamsville East High School and Daemen University. Dr. Redmond is the author of over 100 articles on critical thinking and politics and the book Political Tribalism in America: How Hyper-Partisanship Dumbs Down Democracy and How to Fix It. In his free time, Tim also plays drums for the Buffalo-based hardcore/punk band Snapcase.

Learn more about and connect with Timothy J. Redmond online:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tjredmoWhat have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial,

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Building Bridges Through Faith, Good Will and ConversationsEnvy and coveting what others have can lead to a range of personal and societal problems. On an individual level, these emotions can breed discontent, erode self-esteem, and foster negative comparisons. I’ve seen so often how this can result in unhappiness and a constant sense of inadequacy. At a societal level, envy often contributes to a culture of competition and materialism, driving people to prioritize material possessions over meaningful connections and personal growth. So often, these feelings of economic inequality have led to social divisions. Some individuals relentlessly pursue what others have, often at the expense of ethics and empathy while others seek equality of outcome despite their lack of effort. So much of this unnecessary animosity can be cured by tuning out the polarizing forces and having the conversation. My guest this week is a master at building bridges through faith, good will, and conversations.
Who is Rev. B. Keith Haney?
Keith Haney is currently Assistant to the President of Missions, Stewardship, and Human Care at Iowa District West, a ministry in Northern Iowa. Keith is an accomplished podcaster and published author as well as being a facilitator with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. Rev. Haney is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Coaching, Pastoral Counseling, Preaching, and Psychotherapy. He also has a strong human resources background with a Master of Divinity focused in Systematics from Concordia Seminary.

Learn more about and connect with Rev. B. Keith Haney online by checking out the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com.
What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial,

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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The Trans Community IS NOT A Monolith

Assuming that groups of people think as a monolith is a simplistic and often harmful mindset. It oversimplifies the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences within any given group, ignoring individual differences and perpetuating stereotypes. People are shaped by a multitude of factors, including their upbringing, culture, personal experiences, and beliefs, which can lead to a wide range of opinions and viewpoints even within the same demographic category. Recognizing and respecting this diversity is essential for fostering understanding and promoting inclusivity in our increasingly interconnected world. If you only listen to the loudest voices in modern society, you might not know that The Trans Community IS NOT A Monolith.

Who is Zander Keig? Zander Keig is an award-winning social worker, author and educator. Zander is a first-generation American Latino transsexual man who delivers sought-after impactful emotional intelligence and constructive conflict resolution presentations, serves as an advisor and trainer for the LGBTQ Caregiver Center, and co-hosts the international radio show The Umbrella Hour.

I first learned of Zander through his past work with the organization FAIR (Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism) and then got to know more about him more recently through our work with Braver Angels. I'm excited to have Zander join me this week to discuss his thoughts and experience with the trans community and how they truly are no monolith in their thinking.

Learn more about and connect with Zander by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

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What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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A Physician’s Front-Line Account Of The Covid Pandemic

“The public health policy’s connection with the health of a society is only peripheral, the real impact of public health is that it determines how everyone lives and conducts business. If you do not have a good, effective public health structure, you simply cannot exist as an individual or a society.” So many of us experienced the Covid pandemic in different ways, but some had it far worse than others. The many deaths caused by the virus itself are just a small part of the aftermath from the virus. My conversation this week with Dr. Ravi Iyer is a deeper dive into one physician’s front-line account of the covid pandemic.

Who is Dr. Ravi Iyer?

Born in Mumbai, Dr. Ravi R. Iyer is the founding physician and president of the Iyer Clinic-LMG in Fairfax and Loudoun County, Virginia, USA, and serves as the director of clinical research for Loudoun Medical Group. A physician-scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur with research publications in the mechanisms of gene controls and several patents on human and veterinary medicines and devices, Dr Iyer serves as the CEO of ActivPower, Inc. a nutrition and wellness company he founded.

His extensive background of over 40 years in the fields of medicine, science, basic research, drug regulation, and vaccine development and deep insight into the human condition puts him in a unique position to speak about these issues with clarity, incisive depth, and deep compassion. His passion is educating and advocating for a balanced understanding and stewardship of our life and world in a manner that allows for all-around growth and health for all creatures and populations.

Learn more about and connect with Dr. Ravi Iyer online:website: https://www.driyer.com/index.html"The Reaper's Dance" on Amazon

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Exploring Civility: A Weakness Or Bold Necessity?I find it interesting that some, when presented with the idea of confronting those of differing mindsets with curiosity rather than hostility, accuse those seeking civility of somehow being weak or cowardly. As someone who used to do my share of spreading toxicity, I can understand how this can happen. When someone "attacks" what we feel passionate about, it is almost human nature to "attack back". What if I were to tell you that "attacking back" is the easy road? There is in fact, a more bold and brave way to address our differences. Maybe you'd be interested in joining me in Exploring Civility: A Weakness Or Bold Necessity?

Julian Adorney and Angel EduardoMy friends, and returning DTH guests, Angel Eduardo and Julian Adorney have collaborated to write a piece for the Quillette entitled "Civility Isn't Weakness - It's How We Win". Join Julian, Angel and me as we dive into this thought provoking piece regarding the push-back to civility, and how some view it as a weakness. What does it mean to battle our own nature and truly take the high road?

For the record, THIS IS NOT a go-along to get-along strategy where we all must end up in the milk-toast middle singing "Kumbaya". Far from it. But "if who you're speaking with feels like you're attacking some fake version of who they are, or some horrible mischaracterization of who they are, they will likely just dig in their heels and fight back".

If you have a genuine desire for a better and more productive discourse, this conversation with Julian Adorney and Angel Eduardo is one you certainly don't want to miss!
Angel Eduardo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StrangelEdweirdJulian Adorney on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Julian_LibertyQuillette on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quillette/What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me by commenting below!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Will Generation Z Be Our Open Minded Hopeful Majority?When a generation is consistently taught that tribalism trumps unity, a divisive mindset takes root. Generation Z is a such a group, raised amid boundless digital information, confronts a paradox: being told unity is unattainable through open dialogue and curious conversations. Consequently, their perspectives narrow, hindering cooperation and understanding. Yet, this situation also presents an opportunity to harness a personal connectivity for fostering empathy and collaboration. But how? This week’s guest has some answers. Will Generation Z be our open-minded hopeful majority?

Who is Manu Meel & what is Bridge USA?Manu Meel is a former Berkley pre-med student who saw a need among his peers to tame the increasing division on high school and college campuses. Along with some of those peers, Manu created a powerhouse of a depolarization organization that is now located on more than 50 college campuses and 24 high school campuses. Manu is also the host of the highly acclaimed "The Hopeful Majority" podcast.
Manu says, "We do not have a democracy if we don’t engage. We do not have a country if we don’t have some sense of unified belonging. We do not have a society if we cannot talk to each other."
Tune in for this incredible conversation with Manu Meel and be sure to subscribe, share and talk your friends into doing the same!

Learn more about and connect with Manu Meel by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Truth Is The Resolution To IrrationalityThe suppression of truth can have profound consequences, often leading to irrational behavior among individuals and societies. When information is deliberately withheld or manipulated, it distorts people's understanding of reality, creating a skewed perspective that can foster fear, ignorance, and mistrust. Without access to accurate information, individuals might make decisions based on incomplete or misleading data, resulting in actions that are disproportionate or counterproductive. Moreover, suppressing truth stifles open dialogue and critical thinking, hindering the healthy exchange of ideas and impeding progress. It is for this reason that both I and my guest this week believe in large part, truth is the resolution to irrationality.

Friends, the Braver Angels National Convention was a milestone in my life for many reasons. The most significant reason is all the great people of diverse backgrounds and mindsets that I was honored to meet and converse with. Many already know of my work in the BA project “Truth & Trust” with Dr. Francis Collins. This work centers on one of the most contentious issues of our time; The government’s response to the pandemic and the resulting institutional distrust many now feel. As such, there were many varying opinions on how the conversation went between Dr. Francis Collins and me at the convention.

Who is Travis Tripodi?

Travis is a devoted volunteer member of the organization Braver Angels and was an attending delegate to the 2023 Braver Angels national convention. He currently holds a field leadership position as a state coordinator for the state of New Hampshire. Travis is an engineer by education and works in the health technology industry as a quality consultant. Along with many others, Travis “spent the past 3 and a half years in a state of intense skepticism over the country’s public health response to the pandemic.” One of the primary reasons Travis chose to attend the convention was the event at which Dr. Francis Collins and I were to speak. The events that followed led Travis to write a soon to be published essay on his experiences which culminated in a personal conversation with Dr. Francis Collins and subsequent conversations with me. I’m honored to now call Travis a friend and have him working with us in the “Truth & Trust Project”.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

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Humility & Free Speech Are Fundamental Prerequisites For Trust In Science
If you have been following me from the beginning, you know I've been outspoken in opposition to much of the government's response to the pandemic since very early in 2020. But not unlike a tree falling in a forest when there is nobody there to hear it, guys like me in 2020 were seldom heard, especially when it came to our thoughts on the pandemic. Fast forward a couple years and I've been blessed to have conversations with some of the greatest minds in the health and science communities. Regular DTH listeners are familiar with my conversations with my friend, and former head of the NIH, Dr. Francis Collins. through the Truth & Trust initiative within my work at Braver Angels. What people may not know however is I am also friends with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, and someone I'm incredibly honored to call a friend.

Who is Dr. Jay Bhattacharya? Jay Bhattacharya is a Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. He is a research associate at the National Bureau of Economics Research, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and at the Stanford Freeman Spogli Institute. He holds courtesy appointments as Professor in Economics and in Health Research and Policy. He directs the Stanford Center on the Demography of Health and Aging. Dr. Bhattacharya’s research focuses on the economics of health care around the world with a particular emphasis on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Dr. Bhattacharya’s peer-reviewed research has been published in economics, statistics, legal, medical, public health, and health policy journals. He holds an MD and PhD in economics from Stanford University. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Acknowledgement Is Needed To Confront The Stains Of Our PastThe power to transform the world lies within the choices we make when wielding our words. It is imperative that we redefine the way we express ourselves, both in speaking of ourselves and of others. Conflicts will arise, but it is essential to recognize that among our disagreements and disputes, a fundamental truth prevails – we are bound together as one human family. True reality begins in the way we choose to engage those with whom we disagree. Acknowledging our interconnectedness can serve as a compass, guiding us towards reconciliation. Many have thoughts and disagreements on what that reconciliation looks like, or what it is exactly that we’re trying to reconcile, but our past does have stains. We may not all agree, but the conversation must be had. As my guest this week, Starlette Thomas says, “we gonna fuss and fight, but at the end of the day, we’re all family”. Friends, we’ll never agree on everything, but this country has had issues, and acknowledgement is needed to confront the stains of our past.

Who is Starlette Thomas? Starlette Thomas is an author, activist, visual artist and race abolitionist. She is an associate editor and the director of The Raceless Gospel Initiative at Good Faith Media, which was inspired by her work and witness and is dedicated to leading didactic dialogues on race and its progeny. The Raceless Gospel aims to empower Christians to speak about the sociopolitical construct of race and the myriad injustices that intersect in their churches, communities and country.

Learn more about and connect with Starlette Thomas by visiting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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A Hunger For Healing That Gives Us HopeIt may be lost on many who spend all their time navigating the toxicity of the internet ecosystem, but there is a deep hunger for civic renewal and a return to civility in public discourse. As hardworking individuals in the exhausted middle, who often feel overlooked or caught in the crossfire of partisan battles, many yearn for a political landscape that prioritizes practical solutions over ideological grandstanding. Our concerns lie in the everyday struggles of making ends meet, and we recognize the importance of respectful dialogue in finding common ground to address pressing issues. We are tired of the constant bickering and divisiveness that seem to overshadow the real problems facing our communities. Why do people like me and this week’s guest, Brian Allain, do what we do within the depolarization movement? Among many reasons is that a hunger for healing gives us hope.

Who is Brian Allain?Brian Allain founded Writing for Your Life, a resource center and conferences for spiritual writers, and the Publishing in Color conference series, intended to increase the number of books published by spiritual writers of color. Brian also founded Compassionate Christianity and How to Heal Our Divides. Previously Brian served as Founding Director of the Frederick Buechner Center where he led the launch of Mr. Buechner’s online presence and established several new programs and strategic partnerships. Brian has developed and led spiritual writers' conferences at Princeton Theological Seminary, Drew Theological Seminary, Western Theological Seminary, the University of Southern California, Belmont University, New Brunswick Seminary, and several churches. He led the publishing effort for the book "Buechner 101: An Introduction to Frederick Buechner" in collaboration with Anne Lamott, and also the books in the How to Heal Our Divides series. Brian serves on the Board of non-profit TechFoundation and was named a 2014 Top Fundraiser by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Along with his work in the depolarization space, Brian's latest passion is with his start-up "Find Your Next Calling".

Learn more about and connect with Brian Allain by visiting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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Are Conservatives The Biggest Challenge The LGB Community Faces?It's not often you see the letters LGB these days without the rest of the characters. What was once a movement of same-sex attracted persons, traditionally known as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, has become something many from that original movement find hard to recognize, let alone agree with. One thing I will continue to emphasize on this podcast though is that disagreement does not constitute HATE. There are many facets to a movement that was once considered LGB, but now is more reminiscent of a secure password that my computer generated. I have so many blind spots with regard to this topic, (and many others) and I am always grateful to speak with those who are living it. True wisdom comes from having conversations with those who's lived experience is very different from our own. Many know that I am a conservative. My understanding of conservatism is much different than most of those who oppose and take every opportunity to demonize conservatives. This week I'm asking my guest, Eva Kurilova, are conservatives the biggest challenge the LGB community faces?

Who is Eva Kurilova?Eva Kurilova quickly drew my attention with an article she wrote for her substack entitled "Obey Us or the Conservatives Will Come For You". At the time, I knew nothing of Eva, but the more of her work that I read, the more that I wanted to know. Her Twitter profile suggests that she is Canada's preeminent lesbian, and a writer, so naturally I had to read more. The mainstream narrative, as most mainstream narratives do, puts every LGBTQ (etc.) individual into one bucket and then paints the movement with a broad brush instead of describing those within said bucket as individuals. Sad and familiar story. Eva has a different story. Join us for this insightful and informative conversation.

Learn more and connect with Eva Kurilova online by checking out the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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How Looking Through An Us-vs-Them Lens Leads To More Animosity & Anger So much of the work I do in the depolarization space leads me to great people of all mindsets. It's not that we have to agree, we just have to find a way to disagree in a more civil way. In today's hyper-connected world, where social media platforms amplify our differences and echo chambers abound, it has become increasingly crucial to cultivate a culture of respectful dialogue and understanding. So often, we lose focus on the shared humanity in those who have mindsets that differ from our own. Why? How do we allow this to happen? It really is not that hard to see if you know where to look. In this episode we talk about how looking through an us-vs-them lens leads to more animosity and anger.
Who is Zachary Elwood?

Zachary Elwood is the host of the psychology podcast People Who Read People. For that podcast, he's interviewed many experts on topics related to our us-versus-them polarization and the psychology behind our divides (see the politics-related episodes). His research into deceptive online activity has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Buzzfeed, and many more.
Zachary is a former professional poker player and the author of Reading Poker Tells, which has been translated into eight languages, and other books.
Learn more about and connect with Zachary online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.comWhat have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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2023 Braver Angels National Convention RecapOn Wednesday, July 5, 2023, Braver Angels orchestrated a remarkable gathering, uniting nearly 700 delegates from diverse backgrounds across our great nation. Their mission: to engage in meaningful discussions on how individuals with varying political mindsets can unite and contribute to the betterment of America. Spanning four days, this convention provided an immersive experience with eight impactful plenary sessions and numerous breakout sessions for delegates to actively participate in or attend. The event exuded an atmosphere reminiscent of a vibrant festival, brimming with notable speakers, engaging skits, uplifting music, and spirited dancing. Join me as I engage in conversation with Ciaran O'Connor, the esteemed Chief Marketing Officer of Braver Angels, as we delve into the highlights of the remarkable event. Here is our 2023 Braver Angels National Convention recap.
Learn more about Braver Angels below:website: https://braverangels.org/2023 Braver Angels Convention on YouTubeYouTube PlaylistWhat have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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What is The People's Patriot Project?I am often asked where I find the drive to do this work I do with the Derate The Hate podcast, or how I find the time to do the work I do with the Braver Angels organization. It seems that I answer this in many ways because there are many reasons, but it often comes down to this; I absolutely love speaking with, and learning from, those who are trying to better the world in which we live. I want to spread the message that most of our societal ills can be remedied with the right mindset. The right mindset can be found in curious conversations with great people. In this episode I had the opportunity to learn about another incredible organization doing great work for our country's veterans and first responders. In this episode, we get insight into What is the People's Patriot Project?

We, The People's Patriot Project Has adopted the Mission of Honoring and Empowering those who have served by being the shock and awe when combating the silent and deadly enemy of our veterans and first responders, the enemy that leaves mortal and invisible wounds.
Their Vision is to provide a community and network of support, with the necessary tools, insights, and resources to aid in the rehabilitation of veteran and current service members and civil servants to go through a recovery process and transition into real-world opportunities and situations.

Learn more and connect with The People's Patriot Project by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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Why The Uproar About The Latest SCOTUS Rulings?There's nothing like a little Supreme Court action these days to get the masses all riled up. In these polarized and divisive times, would you expect any less. While approximately 70% of the American public believes that race should not play a part in college admissions, many on social and within the main stream media would have you believe that an "illegitimate court" is setting the clocks back to the colonial days. I think nuances within concepts like contract law and freedom of association can be disagreed upon by reasonable people, but much of what I've seen in recent days is anything but reasonable. Why the uproar about the latest SCOTUS rulings?

For this incredible conversation, I've invited back my friend Christian Watson!Christian is a recently graduated philosophy student and political writer with a keen interest in political and social commentary. You may have seen Christian on one of his many appearances on Fox News. He often commentates from a right-leaning libertarian point of view, but his philosophy is more complex than can be represented by a single label. Christian often covers a variety of topics ranging from politics, arts, science, philosophy⁠—and much, much more.

If you did not catch it, Christian joined me onDTH Episode 100 to discuss his work with the organization Color Us United.

Learn more and connect with Christian Watson by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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Finding Common Ground With Those Who Hold Contrary BeliefsPolarization and tribalism have taken hold of many parts of our public discourse today. It has been my experience that many who I once thought to be reasonable, have now placed politics over principles. How did we get here? When people place political blinders on, and quit interacting with those of differing mindsets, they often lose their ability to focus on things such as integrity, consistency and our common humanity. As my friend and Braver Angels brother John Wood Jr. recently stated in DTH Episode 165, "Polarization is the one problem that ensures all other problems won't be solved". Why? If we we are not having conversations with those of differing mindsets, we lose the opportunity for finding common ground with those who hold contrary beliefs.Who is Jefferson Shupe and what is "The Bathwater Brigade"?Jefferson Shupe is a father, software coder, musician and author living with his family in Utah. After making plenty of his own mistakes when it came to public political discourse, Jefferson began to realize that toxic conversations and interactions seldom, if ever, led to positive or productive results. Jefferson has a strong passion for discussing world events with friends and strangers who challenge his ideas as he try's to make sense of it all and connect with founding principles. This passion led to Jefferson writing "The Bathwater Brigade" a novel on principles over politics. It is a fictional account of what happens when a racial tragedy divides a Texas college town and a free-speech club stands for unity amid violent demands for its termination.
Learn more and connect with Jefferson Shupe by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

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Should we fear AI, or use this tool to live in a better way?It is often those things that we know the least about that we fear the most. There has been a lot circulating in the news and political circles in recent weeks and months about “slowing the progression” of artificial intelligence technology. Is this the correct response? Are we even asking the right questions? It is a general tendency for us as humans to fear that which we don’t understand. This is not only true with people who differ from us, but history has proven time and time again that new innovations often meet with great resistance. Could it be that there are some looking to capitalize on others’ hesitation to embrace such innovations? My guest this week believes that AI presents “the biggest opportunities of our generation”. What if we could experience personal and professional, exponential growth backed by science and artificial intelligence? Should we fear AI, or use this tool to live in a better way?

Who is Manuj Aggarwal?How does someone go from making just $2 working 12 hours a day in a factory to speaking in the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies? This conversation is not just about AI, but also one of personal triumph over incredible adversity.

Manuj Aggarwal is now a global thought leader after 15 years in the world of, and developing 4 patents in artificial intelligence. Manuj has served clients like Microsoft, IBM, Pearson Education, and many others, producing for them more than $500 million in value.

Listen as Manuj shares with me how he went from being a troubled, often aloof and angry teenager working for a $2/day salary in a factory in India, to an innovator whose projects have impacted the lives of more than 10 million people.

To learn more about and connect with Manuj Aggarwal online, please check out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Polarization, The Issue Of Our TimePeople who know me, or those who have listened to the DTH podcast for long know about my great passion for depolarization. With a mission statement like “Bettering the world, one attitude at a time”, it’s easy to surmise that to better the world, we as individuals must get along with each other. I know that getting everyone to agree is unrealistic, in fact, I’d say it’s unhealthy and unproductive. I do think it’s time we all put greater effort into getting along with those of differing mindsets than our own. Why? As my guest this week says, “Polarization is the one problem that ensures all other problems won’t be solved.” I could not agree with him more. Polarization, it’s the issue of our time.

Who is John Wood Jr.?

John Wood Jr. is one of today’s leading figures in the American depolarization movement. John is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist for USA Today and podcaster. John also serves as national ambassador for Braver Angels, the United States largest grassroots, bipartisan organization dedicated to depolarization and bridging the divide between Americans on topics such as politics, race, economics, etc.

John and I take a deep dive in this episode into how and why he got involved in Braver Angels. Other topics of discussion are:

· Working effectively with those with whom we disagree.

· The failed strategy of “whataboutism”

· Politicians and the media use the same strategy of pandering to small subsets of society instead of broad scope thinking.

· Long term strategies “long game thinking" vs. immediate attention grabbers.

· How conservatives did not engage until they were enraged.

· Braver Angels National Convention in Gettysburg, PA July 5-9, 2023

And so much more… This is truly an episode you don’t want to miss! This is an episode you should download, share, and listen to multiple times. SO MUCH VALUE! Do Not Miss This!
Learn more about and connect with John Wood Jr. online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Giving Your Best Self By Finding Your Purpose When we find ourselves loving our partner more than we love ourselves, we often overlook our own worth and potential. It becomes challenging to recognize and appreciate our own strengths, as we are constantly focused on meeting the needs and expectations of our partner. However, it is crucial to remember that we cannot truly be the best version of ourselves for someone else if we neglect our own well-being and self-care. By prioritizing self-love and personal growth, we gain the capacity to nurture a healthier and more balanced relationship. Only when we are in tune with our own needs and self-worth can we authentically give and receive love in a way that enriches both ourselves and our partner. Often, giving your best self begins by finding your purpose.
Who is Frank Rich?
Frank Rich is an author, entrepreneur, former bodybuilder, and men's health & recovery coach. After starting Frank Rich Fitness in 2016, he has successfully helped thousands of men around the world transform their lives through the art and science of muscle building.
After a series of life transforming events and spiritual awakening, Frank knew that he had a much larger message to share with both his audience and the world.
His goal with his podcast, "The Super Human Life" podcast, and his content is to help others overcome the everyday challenges and battles that we're all facing, and provide real actionable steps and insights to inspire others to create the life they were designed to live.

To learn more and connect with Frank Rich online, check out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Bettering The World By Being The Change You Want To SeeAnyone who’s listened to the DTH podcast for long has probably heard me mention the quote "be the change you want to see in the world". This carries profound meaning in relation to another topic I speak of often, the perpetual victim mentality. Too often, individuals perceive themselves as helpless victims of external circumstances, attributing their struggles solely to external forces beyond their control. What happens when one chooses to fully embrace the essence of the quote, challenges that perception, and helps to empower individuals to take ownership of their actions and attitudes? This shift in mindset fosters a sense of agency, resilience, and hope. This is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about doing the Derate the Hate podcast and having the conversations I’m blessed to have. This is why I like to find guests who are bettering the world by being the change they want to see.

Who is King Randall, IKing Randall, I is a 23 year old native of Albany, GA. Seeing a need to help enhance and advance the lives of the young men in his community, he set out to take action to combat the high poverty and crime rates in the southwest Georgia city. In doing so, King founded “The X for Boys, Life Preparatory School” and its related programs. The Life Preparatory School for Boys is a 501(c)3 charitable organization with a mission to teach boys the true meaning of manhood & to be protectors and providers for their communities.

Unfortunately, not all see the merit in what King is doing, or how he is doing it, and in true keyboard warrior fashion, take to social media to attack his efforts. King, however, is not deterred and keeps up his mission to better the world by being the change he wants to see.
Learn more and connect with King Randall, I by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

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Looking within to live a courageous life

How do you deal with the outside when you don’t feel right on the inside? It may seem like a simple question, but have you ever asked it? Have you ever tried to solve a problem without defining what the problem is? A large part of my self-healing journey had to do with figuring out who I am and dealing with me. Most of the tools needed to live the life you were meant to live are found within you. You may not realize it, but very often it takes looking within to live a courageous life.

Who is Sandy Stream?

Sandy Stream is an author and activist whose work is built on the belief that everyone deserves, and is capable of, finding peace and warrior-like strength within themselves. After teaching law for 20 years, raising her two children, and facing a life full of adversities and lessons, she decided to turn her efforts towards facilitating workshops for young and experienced adults to encourage them to live in peace and power.

Are you ready to stand up for yourself? If you are ready to heal old wounds, align your body and soul, build confidence and reclaim your energy, then maybe you need to join Sandy Stream in The Courage Circle.

Learn more about and connect with Sandy Stream online by checking out the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

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Are Our Political Rivals As Bad As We Think They Are?For the great majority of my life I had no interest in politics. It was not until after 9/11 that I had any interest whatsoever in anything any politician had to say. The only thing about politics I was certain of was that I didn't want anything to do with politics. For many that I knew, their stories were similar. In the past decade, or decade and a half, that has steadily been changing. People across the political spectrum are becoming more entrenched in their political beliefs, maybe overconfident in their beliefs, and allowing their political beliefs to become part of their core identities. For some, lines have been drawn and their political rivals are now thought of as enemies. I believe though, the question must be asked; are our political rivals as bad as we think they are?

Who is Daniel F. Stone?A short time back I came across a fascinating article when searching topics for the work I do in the depolarization space. I knew immediately that the author of "Your political rivals aren’t as bad as you think – here’s how misunderstandings amplify hostility", found at theConversation.com, was someone who I wanted to speak with.

Dan Stone is an Associate Professor of Economics that has been teaching in the Economics department at Bowdoin since 2012 and prior to that I was assistant professor at Oregon State University from 2008-2012. Dan's research is on belief formation, political media, polarization, and inter-personal hostility (a.k.a. affective polarization). Dan's recently released book, "Undue Hate" dives in to "How to understand the mistakes we make about those on the other side of the political spectrum—and how they drive the affective polarization that is tearing us apart."

Learn more about and connect with Daniel F. Stone by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com.What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube