The Gentle Power of Dave Joseph, Dialogue Legend
A tribute to a friend, teacher, and mentor to many young dialogue practitioners—including myself. Dave passed away October 25, 2021, and was memorialized this last weekend in Rhode Island.
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The Politicization of History
I discuss the politicization of history and how it applies in education with a couple of history educators. We also consider Christopher Columbus with historical empathy.
New Texas Abortion Law
I sit down with several friends to discuss Texas’s recent abortion law. We break down common stances, how to maintain a civil dialogue, and the details of the new legislation.
Conference Review
Ben chats with a couple great friends about our favorite talks, lessons, and miracles from General Conference!
RC Goes CWIC
I chat with Greg Matsen of the Cwic show about Elder Holland’s BYU talk. We talk politics, CRT, religion and teaching policy. Fun to agree-and disagree-with him!
Beating Ploughshares Into Swords
Recent criticism of Elder Holland’s remarks show us that anyone can be made an enemy, but the tradeoff is a world where the most vulnerable are taught they have very few friends.
What’s the Greatest Threat to Public Discourse?
Would you say the greatest threat to public discourse is misinformation or censorship (or both)? Depending on that answer, we’re drawn to very different “solutions” – taking very different directions for America’s future.
Is Vaccine Dialogue Even Possible?
Honest conversation about vaccination might be more challenging than any other issue. Why? And is it even worth trying?
Bites of the Best Books: February 2021
This month, passages on the unending quest for knowledge, what we should pray for, and the importance of charitable thinking.
Mapping Public Disagreements about Election Challenges
Disagreements over the integrity of our recent presidential election don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. In such a heated atmosphere, there is remarkably little comprehension (on either side) as to the nuances of their opponents’ actual beliefs. That’s where a map like this might just come in handy.
Why Bother Engaging with Stupid, Duped, or Evil People?
This is the sixth in a series by Arthur Peña, Charles Randall Paul, and Jacob Hess called “Inevitable Influencers: Why (deep down) we all want—and need—to persuade each other of what we see as good, beautiful, and true.” Previous pieces include “Why Persuasion Should be a Sweet (Not a Dirty) Word”; “The Threat of Persuasion,” and “My Truth? Your Truth? No Truth?”; “The Virtues of Strong Disagreement,” and “Our Judgment Against Judgment.”