Braver Angels Ambassadors. Barbara Hancin and Ron McFarland

Braver Angels Ambassadors. Barbara Hancin and Ron McFarland

From How Do We Fix It? by DaviesContent

March 27, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

This episode features Braver Angels Ambassadors Barbara Hancin and Ron McFarland discussing their efforts to bridge the partisan divide and rebuild civic trust.

Braver Angels Ambassadors are among the most courageous of courageous citizens. Not only do they bridge the partisan divide, these volunteers meet people where they are. At meetings and events across the country, they go speak about Braver Angels as they try to convince skeptics that rebuilding civic trust is a cause worth supporting.  In this episode, we hear from  Barbara Hancin  and  Ron “Sugar Bear” McFarland , volunteer co-chairs of the  Braver Angels ambassadors program . “What we’re were doing is giving hope to people,” says Barbara. “We don’t have to stay in the rancor. There are ways to build bridges and we’ll help you do that.” Barbara has more than 35 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in linguistics and second language learning, global studies, and academic administration. She’s a moderator for workshops that bring people together across differences. Barbara leans Blue and lives in Colorado. Ron leans Red and calls home home Ames Iowa. A former star college football player at Iowa State University, Ron has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an educator, coach, mentor and civic bridge builder.  In this episode…

People in this episode

Guests: Barbara Hancin, Ron McFarland

Topics covered

  • civic engagement
  • partisan divide
  • community building
  • volunteerism
  • trust

Keywords

  • Braver Angels
  • civic trust
  • volunteer co-chairs
  • building bridges
  • partisan divide

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Braver Angels Ambassadors

Places: Colorado, Ames, Iowa, America

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