The Future of Political Healing with Bill Doherty of Braver Angels

Bill Doherty, Co-founder of Braver Angels

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by University of Minnesota professor and family therapist Bill Doherty. He’s the co-founder of Braver Angels, an organization that aims to help Americans with differing political beliefs understand each other beyond stereotypes. Don and Bill discuss how extreme the political divide has become in recent decades, the methodologies used by the Braver Angels in workshops and events, and the benefits that American citizens and politicians alike can gain from learning to communicate better with those who align themselves differently on the political spectrum.

Season Four of 12 Geniuses is dedicated to exploring the future and how life is sure to change over the next decade. This episode explores the future of political healing and what it will take for Americans to become more understanding of each other's views and eventually bring together a divided nation.

Bill Doherty’s work as a family therapist, specializing in couples who find themselves on the brink of divorce, has given him perspective on the human condition and has imbued him with the tools needed to bring together those who are at odds politically. His work in developing the depolarization methodology used by Braver Angels has been a success. He discusses why outcomes based on communication, understanding and willingness to engage with those on the other side politically are still effective up to six months after completing a Braver Angels workshop. Bill has also developed the Police and Black Men Project, which aims to develop honesty and trust within communities by hosting regular meetings between police officers and African American men.

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