Why Braver Angels Workshops Bring Surprise and Hope. Maryanne Colter

Why Braver Angels Workshops Bring Surprise and Hope. Maryanne Colter

From How Do We Fix It? by DaviesContent

April 10, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

Maryanne Colter discusses how Braver Angels workshops foster dialogue and understanding among people with opposing views.

Right now is a really difficult time to convince Americans to come together and listen to the other side. How can we be hopeful at a time of so much anger, division, violence and despair when our political leaders speak with such venom about their opponents? “What we’re doing now is sorting into our tribes and silos,” says our guest  Maryanne Colter,  state coordinator for  Braver Angels of Illinois . With curiosity and humility she works to physically bring people of opposing views together in the same room. “This is where the magic happens, when we can sit across the table and treat people as human beings.” Here we learn about different types of Braver Angels workshops and how they often surprise and change the perspectives of those who take part. “That’s what brings me hope,” Maryanne tells us. “How Do We Fix It?” podcasts report on the people, projects, and ideas of Braver Angels, the national movement that pushes back against toxic polarization and brings reds, blues and independents together to find common ground and gain respect for different points of view. In their workshops, debates, and online events, Braver Angels explores how we can disagree…

People in this episode

Guest: Maryanne Colter

Topics covered

  • political polarization
  • community engagement
  • workshops
  • dialogue
  • hope

Keywords

  • Braver Angels
  • political leaders
  • tribes and silos
  • common ground
  • disagree better

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Braver Angels

Books & works: How Do We Fix It

Places: Chicago, Illinois

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