Shows
This Is CivityFacing the Fracture, Managing Distress in Polarized Times, with Tania IsraelIn this episode, we talk with Tania Israel, professor emeritus at UC Santa Barbara, and author of the books Facing the Fracture and Beyond your Bubble. Israel’s focus is on navigating political division – both engaging with others and managing toxic, polarizing messaging, which can lead to distressing thoughts and feelings. This can help us re-engage with our community to move our society forward.To learn more, go to TaniaIsrael.com.
2026-01-2839 min
Choose to be CuriousEp. #311: Civity: Engaging Others with Respect, Empathy & Curiosity, with Malka Ranjana Kopell & Palma Joy StrandMalka Ranjana Kopell and Palma Joy Strand are co-founders of Civity, a word they created to describe a culture of deliberately engaging in relationships of respect and empathy with others who are different. They offer tools and trainings to help us all do just that. No surprise, curiosity plays an important part, but not just any curiosity...
Civity: https://www.civity.org
Theme music by Sean Balick; "Town Market" by Onesuch Village, via Blue Dot Sessions.
2026-01-2228 min
Derate The HateThe Conversation Before the Conversation: How Civity Helps Strengthen Our Civic Muscle - DTH Episode 296 with Malka Kopell and Palma Joy StrandSend Wilk a text with your feedback!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 differenceHow listening can be a courageous civic actW...
2025-12-3139 min
This Is CivityNathan Smolensky on Finding Common Ground in Our Everyday LivesMy guest is Nathan Smolensky, Independent strategist and Author of the book Common Ground from the Ground Up: How rethinking politics can help us feel heard, heal relationships, and fix our democracy. This book offers mindsets and tools we can use to engage in more productive conversations and lay the foundation for positive societal change.
2025-12-0938 min
This Is CivityChanging perceptions to heal relationships, with April OssmannIn this episode, we talk with April Ossmann, poet and independent editor, and author of WE… a collection of poems focused on bridging divides by exploring unconscious prejudices. In We, Ossmann hopes to change our perceptions to heal our families and friendships.
2025-12-0141 min
This Is CivityThe critical role of civic spaces in connecting us across differenceIn this episode, we talk with Seth Pinsky…CEO of the 92nd St. Y in New York, a cultural stalwart in the city focused on convening people across difference, with the goal of helping everyone connect and be in community with each other. For more, go to 92ny.org.
2025-11-1936 min
The Local Business Community UpdateBeyond Division, Creating Dialogue, and Career Readiness in the Local Business Community UpdateBob Durkin, President & CEO of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, highlights two critical upcoming programs. Get the details on the Leadership Lackawanna Civity Workshop, a one-of-a-kind session designed to foster social trust and respectful conversations in our polarized environment. Plus, learn about the vital Leadership Collegiate Program—a low-cost, credit-earning course from Marywood University aimed at equipping high school and college students with the soft skills and career readiness needed to succeed in the modern professional world.
2025-10-2114 min
This Is CivityJames Coan of More Like US on Taking Bridging Efforts to ScaleIn this episode, we talk with James Coan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of More Like US, a national organization that seeks to correct political misperceptions – helping people see that we’re not really as different as we sometimes think we are. Coan says the goal of More Like US is to help increase the scale of bridging efforts.For more information and to check out the lesson plans and other resources, go to MoreLikeUS.org.
2025-02-1038 min
This Is CivityJohn Paul Lederach on Peacebuilding Through Relationship & Common ConnectionIn this episode, we talk with John Paul Lederach – professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, focused on international peacebuilding. Lederach spent much of his career helping build peace in conflict areas around the world, and has written extensively on his experiences.Together, we explore the importance of building relationships across divides and differences to achieve meaningful foundations for building lasting peace. We also discuss how we might apply these lessons here in the U.S. before polarization becomes sustained violence.Of particular relevance to our current situation in the U.S. is Lederach’s Po...
2025-01-2643 min
This Is CivityHow Public Interest Communications Can Benefit Communities, with Angela BradberyIn this episode, we talk with Angela Bradbery – Frank Karel Chair in Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism & Communications. Bradbery spearheads the annual Public Interest Communications Summer Institute — bringing educators, researchers, practitioners and others together to explore how to best communicate in the public interest.Bradbery’s work in Public Interest Communications focuses on communicating and building relationships across divides to advance campaigns that help communities.
2025-01-1640 min
This Is CivityBridging & relationship building through service with Jennifer LeshnowerIn this episode, we talk with Jennifer Leshnower, Bridging & Democracy Advisor at AmeriCorps.Jennifer and I discuss the importance of bringing people together… and how relationship building through service, and looking outward from ourselves to see others, can help build meaningful relationships to tackle sticky problems and strengthen communities.To learn more, go to americorps.gov.
2024-11-1938 min
This Is CivityBen Bain of More Perfect Union on Strengthening Communities Through RelationshipsIn this episode, we talk with Ben Bain, volunteer Brick Yard leader for the Washington, D.C. area for the organization More Perfect Union. More Perfect Union seeks to strengthen communities through social connection, service, and civic engagement.Ben is a veteran – and a dog lover – who wanted to find ways to weave connective tissue in his community. More Perfect Union allows him do this by working toward building relationships among people around him.To check out MPU – and take the Coffee & Courage Challenge – go to MPU.US.(Photo depicts MPU gathering)
2024-10-1836 min
This Is CivityMichael McRay on Becoming Re-storied to See the Humanity in Yourself and OthersIn this episode, we talk with Michael McRay, experiential story coach, and founder of Becoming Restoried.Michael helps others find and share their own stories, toward healing, reconciling, and connection. The stories we create have the power to connect or divide – and when someone does not have control of their story, it can be dehumanizing.Michael helps people see both themselves – and each other – as human, which in turn connects us across divides, differences, and unknowns.For more, go to BecomingRestoried.com.
2024-10-1846 min
The Joseph Graham ShowThe Battle Warrior: Overcoming Addictions and Inspiring Others with Chad Smith
Introduction: In this episode, Joseph Graham sits down with Chad Smith, the dynamic force behind Battle Warrior Brands and the host of the Battle Warrior Podcast. Chad shares his incredible journey from battling addictions to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. With 4.5 years of sobriety, Chad’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.
Key Highlights:
Chad’s Background:
CEO of Battle Warrior Brands, a US-based apparel company promoting mental health awareness and perseverance.
Host of the Battle Warrior Podcast, available on all major podcast platforms. Follo...
2024-10-0147 min
InternalRail sector at RambollRamboll, civity. Raide Jokeri line, Espoo Helsinki, Kiel light rail. Innotrans 2024
2024-09-2503 min
This Is CivityMónica Guzmán on the importance of curiosity to build relationships that bridge dividesIn this episode, we talk with Mónica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, and author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.Mónica at first dedicated her career to connecting people across differences through journalism… but then moved into the bridging space to find a more effective way to bring people together in relationship.Through it all, she has been driven by a deep curiosity about others and the stories that shape our lives and perspectives.
2024-02-2640 min
The News GuyHow to Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain and Get Your Plan ApprovedDevelopers have known about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for a while now. Starting from November, planning applications will only be approved if the development can demonstrate a minimum biodiversity net gain of 10% compared to the pre-development state. Some developers have already prepared, but many others haven't. The Environmental Act 2021 makes Biodiversity Net Gain mandatory from November 2023.But how exactly do you measure biodiversity? The answer is Metric 4.0, a standard developed by Natural England. It is used by various stakeholders, including developers, local authorities, and government departments responsible for England's environment.If you're not ready for...
2024-02-2400 min
Grüne Wirtschaft für Morgen: Circular EconomyDurchbruch für die Kommunalwasser-RichtlinieIn den Trilogverhandlungen zur Revision der EU-Richtlinie über kommunales Abwasser wurde ein Durchbruch erzielt. Die EU-Gesetzgeber haben Änderungen beschlossen, die die Einführung der vierten Reinigungsstufe in Kläranlagen und die erweiterte Herstellerverantwortung im Wasserrecht betreffen. Die beschlossenen Änderungen tragen dem Verursacherprinzip stärker Rechnung.
Um die flächendeckende Abwasserbehandlung an die aktuellen Umweltanforderungen anzupassen und die Gewässer von Mikroverunreinigungen zu befreien, wurde die Einführung einer vierten Reinigungsstufe vorgeschlagen. In den meisten Kläranlagen erfolgt die Abwasserreinigung bisher in drei Stufen: mechanisch, biologisch und chemisch. Die neue vierte Stufe soll möglichst viele Mikroverunreinigungen wie Arzneimittel...
2024-02-1319 min
This Is CivityNew York Times Columnist David Brooks on How to Know a PersonIn this episode, we talk with David Brooks, New York Times Columnist, and author of How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. We explore David’s journey to find ways to know other people better and learn how to share his own stories and experiences as part of the knowing process. He shares the lessons and strategies he’s learned to cultivate relationships, big and small, as a way to weave community.
2024-01-2938 min
This Is CivityWriter and Civic Renaissance Founder Alexandra Hudson on "The Soul of Civility" In this episode, we chat with Alexandra Hudson about her new book -The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves. Hudson explores the difference between politeness and what Hudson calls civility – and we call CIVITY – truly seeing an OTHER and recognizing their humanity and dignity.Alexandra is also founder of Civic Renaissance, an online space dedicated to elevating our public discourse.
2023-12-1829 min
This Is CivityInternational Relations Expert Seth Kaplan: Fragile Neighborhoods Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time In this episode, we explore the importance of strong neighborhood and community relationships to the health of nations, and we discuss the fact that many neighborhoods in the U.S. don’t have strong local ties and need structural and systemic help.My guest is Seth Kaplan - Author of Fragile Neighborhoods Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time. Seth is also an international relations expert whose job is to help fragile states around the world. He consults with organizations such as the World Bank and U.S. State Department, and he teaches international relations at...
2023-11-1038 min
News In ContextInternational Relations Expert Seth Kaplan: Fragile Neighborhoods Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a TimeIn this episode, we explore the importance of strong neighborhood and community relationships to the health of nations… and discuss how many neighborhoods in the U.S. don’t have strong local ties and need structural and systemic help.
My guest is Seth Kaplan - Author of Fragile Neighborhoods Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time. Seth is also an international relations expert whose job is to help fragile states around the world. He consults with organizations such as the World Bank and U.S. State Department, and he teaches international relations at Johns Hopkins Univ...
2023-11-1029 min
Dead AmericaChad M. Smith Chad M. Smith
* Chad is The Battle Warrior
* CEO of Battle Warrior Brands, a national based Apparelcompany that promotes the beauty of Mental Health throughout this nation.
* Author of Battle Warrior "The Inspiring Story of ChadSmith, A Dyslexic Survivor of Addictions."
* 3X International Best Selling Author (1 Solo, 2-Collaborative)
* Chad is a recovered Addict from both Alcohol andPornography.
* Currently 1000 Days + Sober
* Chad grew up in around addictions ranging from Alcohol,Painkillers, and Pornography.
* Chad uses his sobri...
2023-11-0747 min
Podcasts by Ronald ter VoertTech & Innovatie met Ronald ter Voert - Uitzending 5 november 2023Elke week praat Ronald ter Voert je bij over ondernemen
op het snijvlak van technologie en innovatie in ‘Tech & Innovatie’
via onder meer je favoriete audio- of videoplatform, 1Almere, EASY FM en
Het Kan In Almere. Deze week in de studio: Roelof Schram, Managing
Director van Civity, over het slimmer maken van onze steden, het
benutten van externe datastromen en het delen en leren van elkaars
inzichten. En Stephen Bark, Directeur bij NESQ Group, over bedrijfsgroei
door focus op de factor ‘mens’, het achterhalen van de echte pijn bij
ondernemers en de concurrentie vanuit de grote bureaus.
(Dit prog...
2023-11-0538 min
EASY FMTech & Innovatie met Ronald ter Voert - Uitzending 5 november 2023Elke week praat Ronald ter Voert je bij over ondernemen
op het snijvlak van technologie en innovatie in ‘Tech & Innovatie’
via onder meer je favoriete audio- of videoplatform, 1Almere, EASY FM en
Het Kan In Almere. Deze week in de studio: Roelof Schram, Managing
Director van Civity, over het slimmer maken van onze steden, het
benutten van externe datastromen en het delen en leren van elkaars
inzichten. En Stephen Bark, Directeur bij NESQ Group, over bedrijfsgroei
door focus op de factor ‘mens’, het achterhalen van de echte pijn bij
ondernemers en de concurrentie vanuit de grote bureaus.
(Dit prog...
2023-11-0538 min
This Is CivityRiaz Patel on Connecting Across Difference by Recognizing Our Shared HumanityIn this episode, we talk with Riaz Patel, executive producer and director focusing on reality shows that depict people connecting and having positive transformations. Riaz created what he calls the EPIC system - with EPIC standing for Equalization, Personalization, Information Gathering, and Collaboration - something very in line with Civity’s approach to helping people connect across differences.Riaz has used the EPIC System to create a show called ConnectEffect, in which he has people learn about and connect with each other face-to-face - breaking through labels and getting to each other’s humanity.
2023-09-2645 min
STUNT AlumniJulian Salomon, Senior Berater bei civity Management Consultants
Julian Salomon ist eine STUNT-Legende. Er war von 2015 bis 2020 als studentischer Unternehmensberater bei uns aktiv, und dies mit einer top Quote: Alle Angebote, an denen er beteiligt war, wurden auch verkauft, unter anderem an bekannte Unternehmen wie Miele und Melitta.
Außerdem hatte er ungefähr alle Ämter inne, war 1V und 2V und hat sich als Inhaber der Kompetenzstelle Vertragsgestaltung selbst wegrationalisiert. Kein Wunder, dass Julian bei STUNT auch Job und Frau fand. ;-)
Heute arbeitet er als Senior Berater bei Civity Management Consultants und bringt den öffentlichen Verkehr nach vorne. Wenn nicht gerade das...
2023-08-3124 min
News In ContextEric Tars on How Seeing Humanity Helps Us Address Homelessness More EffectivelyIn this episode, we explore how othering has led to increased marginalization and vilification of people who are un-housed, and how civity can help counter this trend by helping people who are housed see the humanity of those without housing.
My guest is Eric Tars, Legal Director of National Homelessness Law Center, who reminds us that housing is a human right. Tars hopes that helping people see each other’s humanity can bring this back into focus.
2023-04-1429 min
This Is CivityEric Tars on How Seeing Humanity Helps Us Address Homelessness More EffectivelyIn this episode, we explore how "othering" has led to increased marginalization and vilification of people who are un-housed - and how civity can help counter this trend by helping people who are housed see the humanity of those without housing. My guest is Eric Tars, Legal Director of National Homelessness Law Center, who reminds us that housing is a human right. Tars hopes that helping people see each other's humanity can bring this back into focus.
2023-04-1048 min
This Is CivityBridging Divides & Cultivating Solidarity to Counter Strategic Racism, with Ian Haney LópezIn this episode, we explore how engaging across our racial and class divides and cultivating solidarity can help bring us together to care for and nurture our democracy.My guest is Ian Haney López, professor at UC Berkeley School of Law, and author of several books, including Dog Whistle Politics: How Coded Racial Appeals Have Reinvented Racism & Wrecked the Middle Class, and Merge Left: Fusing Race & Class, Winning Elections, and Saving America.López says strategic racism is a deeply corrosive force, he’s exploring how to counter its effects by encouraging people to come...
2023-03-0350 min
News In ContextStrengthening Democracy by Increasing Social Trust & Cultivating Connections Across Difference, with Robb WillerIn this episode, we explore a massive new study on improving the health of democracy. The Strengthening Democracy Challenge invited more than 30-thousand people to engage with 25 interventions. The goal was to find ways to reduce things like partisan animosity, partisan violence, and anti-democratic attitudes, and increase social trust and a willingness to engage with people across socially salient differences.
An intervention from the nonprofit, Civity, was one of 25 chosen from a pool of 250-plus… and it was number 1 at increasing social trust, number 2 in decreasing social distance and opposition to bipartisanshi, and number 4 in reducing partisan an...
2023-02-1729 min
This Is CivityStrengthening Democracy by Increasing Social Trust & Cultivating Connections Across Difference, with Robb WillerIn this episode, we explore a massive new study on improving the health of democracy. The Strengthening Democracy Challenge invited more than 30,000 people to engage with 25 interventions. The goal was to find ways to reduce things like partisan animosity, partisan violence, and anti-democratic attitudes, and increase social trust and a willingness to engage with people across socially salient differences.Civity’s intervention was one of 25 chosen from a pool of 250-plus… and it was number 1 at increasing social trust, number 2 in decreasing social distance and opposition to bipartisanship, and number 4 in reducing partisan animosity.Civity’s rela...
2023-02-1733 min
Chasing The InsightsChad Smith on the journey to writing an international best selling bookIn this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to the Battle Warrior himself, Chad Smith. Chad talks to us about his journey to writing an international best selling book. Chad Smith is the CEO of Battle Warrior Brands, a national based Apparel company that promotes the beauty of Mental Health throughout this nation. He is the three-times best selling author of Battle Warrior "The Inspiring Story of Chad Smith, A Dyslexic Survivor of Addictions." Chad also teaches people about print on demand and merchandise and is a recovered Addict from...
2023-01-1440 min
Living the Dream with CurveballLiving the dream with 3X best selling author and founder of Battel Warrior Brands Chad M SmithSend us a textChad is The Battle Warrior CEO of Battle Warrior Brands, a national based Apparel company that promotes the beauty of Mental Health throughout this nation. Author of Battle Warrior "The Inspiring Story of Chad Smith, A Dyslexic Survivor of Addictions." 3X International Best Selling Author (1 Solo, 2- Collaborative) Chad is a recovered Addict from both Alcohol and Pornography. Currently 1000 Days + Sober.Chad grew up in around addictions ranging from Alcohol, Painkillers, and Pornography. Chad uses his sobriety to teach people on how to strive in this alcohol driven society. Chad is...
2022-12-0534 min
News In ContextLearning to Listen in Different Ways, with Graham Bodie of the Listen First ProjectIt’s no secret that polarization is deepening divides across the US. Over the past few years, many people have started or joined what are called bridging organizations to try and bring people together across those divides and help people bridge their differences by cultivating relationships -helping us see each other’s humanity and connecting on commonalities. The hope is that this helps us work together to solve the problems in our communities and society.
In this episode, we welcome Graham Bodie, professor of integrated marketing communication at the University of Mississippi, and chief listening officer with the...
2022-07-2229 min
This Is CivityMaking DEI Work Transformative & Relational, with Jacqueline Font-GuzmánIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Jacqueline Font-Guzmán, vice president for diversity, equity, & inclusion at Eastern Mennonite University; and strategic vision director for the Center of Justice & Peace Building at EMU.Civity has been privileged to support EMU on its Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) journey with workshops for the President and her Cabinet and the Board of Trustees.Together, we explore how to make DEI work transformative, including the importance of making it relational, and building trust and partnership among groups in a community to forge strong connections.
2022-07-1142 min
This Is CivityLearning to Listen in Different Ways, with Graham Bodie of the Listen First ProjectIn this episode, we welcome Graham Bodie, professor of integrated marketing communication at the University of Mississippi, and chief listening officer with the Listen First Project.
As with Civity, the Listen First Project supports the creation of bridging relationships - focusing its efforts on elevating the impact, visibility, and voice of organizations doing bridging work.
We explore how Listen First brings bridging organizations together and works to bring more people to the experience of connecting across differences.
We also discuss the act of listening itself, the importance of learning how to listen, and w...
2022-07-0935 min
This Is CivityBridging Across Difference in Polarized Times, with Convergence CEO David EisnerIn this episode, we speak with David Eisner, CEO of the nonprofit bridging organization Convergence , about the increasing role of bridging organizations in cultivating relationships across difference, and working to preserve and nurture healthy civic spaces.Convergence convenes people and groups with divergent views to build trust, identify solutions, and form alliances for action on critical national issues.
2021-12-1035 min
News In ContextBridging Across Difference in Polarized Times, with Convergence CEO David EisnerIn this episode, we explore the proliferation of organizations working to engage people across difference, and the urgency this work has taken on in recent years, as people in the US become more and more polarized.
This is Civity Week on News in Context. Civity is a culture of deliberately engaging in relationships of respect and empathy with others who are different - moving people from us-versus-them to we-all-belong.
My guest is David Eisner, CEO of the nonprofit bridging organization Convergence.
2021-12-1029 min
This Is CivityJosh Schachter, Creating Connections with Community ShareIn this episode, we talk with Josh Schachter - Founder & director of Community Share, a nonprofit that connects community resources, artists, organizations, and people to teachers, students, and schools. The goal is to share wisdom and knowledge across these connections… and create real-world learning experiences for young people.To find out more … or get involved… go to CommunityShare.us.
2021-10-0335 min
This Is CivityWelcoming Week 2021: Belonging Begins With UsWelcoming Week is an annual event put on by the organization Welcoming America to support communities seeking to increase belonging among all members of their communities, including immigrants.The theme for 2021event is “Belonging Begins With Us” - reminding all of us that we can do our part to help others feel welcomed.My guests are:Jordyne Krumroy, Senior Regional Manager for Welcoming America-AND-Anthony Salas, Senior Manager of Events & Membership for Welcoming AmericaWelcoming Week 2021 takes place fromSeptember 10-19. Find out more at https://welcomingamerica.org...
2021-09-0648 min
Hustle & Bustle podcastEp.07 Martin Garred - Great ideas for the Gold Coast publicationThis week on the podcast, I interview Martin Garred, and we discuss the recent publication Great ideas for the Gold Coast 2021. Martin led the creation of both editions of this publication, the first in 2017 and now the new edition.
Martin is a town planner and Director at Civity, interim General Manager of Planning and Environment at Cairns Regional Council, Co vice president at YP Gold Coast, and a Churchill fellow recipient.
Great Ideas for the Gold Coast 2021 sets out a range of ideas to start conversations about our City’s future. These ideas will shape the l...
2021-09-0114 min
News In ContextMaking connections across sectors to connect communities & improve well being, with Nang Mo Kham of the Word BankIn this episode, we explore the importance of making connections across sectors to achieving healthy communities.
Our guest is Nang Mo Kham, Eisenhower Fellow & senior health specialist at the World Bank, based in Myanmar. Nang sees herself as someone who can help establish a system that knits together local services, including education, public health, and others, to improve access for everyone, no matter their social status, background, or ethnicity - and thus improve the overall health of her community.
This is Civity week on NIC. Civity is a culture of deliberately engaging in relationships of...
2021-07-3029 min
This Is CivityRelational Infrastructure to Bridge Differences and Heal Communities in Myanmar, with the World Bank's Nang Mo KhamIn this episode, we explore the importance of bridging and relational infrastructure to achieving healthy communities. Our guest is Nang Mo Kham, Eisenhower Fellow & senior health specialist at the World Bank.Based in Myanmar. Nang sees herself as someone who can help establish a system that knits together local services, including education, public health, and others, to improve access for everyone, no matter their social status, background, or ethnicity… and thus improve the overall health of her community. Nang’s work aligns with the civity principles of building relational infrastructure to bridge difference and...
2021-07-2843 min
This Is CivityThe role of public health agencies in community well being, with Andy Wessel In this episode, we explore the role of the public health department, and how civity practices can help local public health officials navigate differences and help residents feel heard and seen. The public health department is involved in anything that can impact the health of populations – from obvious activities, such as educating the public about COVID-19, to activities that may not be immediately clear, such as being involved in transit planning or declaring racism a public health crisis. To be effective and really reach the publics that they serve, public health departments must figure out ho...
2021-06-1034 min
Earth and Spirit PodcastBuilding Social Muscle: Malka Kopell on Creating Conversation and Community Across DifferenceMalka Kopell has a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard and has over 30 years of experience doing collaborative, intersectional work with government agencies, nonprofits and the philanthropic sector to strengthen civic engagement and democracy. As part of the Earth & Spirit Center’s Community Conversations series, Malka shares her experience and wisdom about how to foster meaningful social change through robust, caring conversations across difference.
Malka's nonprofit organization: https://www.civity.org/
Earth & Spirit Center Community Conversations: https://www.earthandspiritcenter.org/class/community-conversations/
2021-03-3139 min
2020-12-0134 min
2020-11-1645 min
This Is CivityAdriana Sanchez-Solis, Seeding Civity at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services
2020-11-1031 min
This Is CivityJohn Wood of Braver Angels on Building Community Across DividesIn this episode, we talk with John Wood, Jr., national ambassador for Braver Angels, an organization also working to build relationships across the divides that fracture Americans - including red-blue, class, and race & ethnicity Braver Angels works at the grassroots level – in communities, on college campuses, and with local organizations – to bring people together in[removed]substantive ways. They are also looking for ways to heal the nation in the wake[removed]of the 2020 election by focusing on commitments to nonviolence and direct[removed]conversations among people who voted differently.
2020-10-1340 min
This Is CivityCourageous Conversations with Reverend Zina Jacque & Jessica GreenCommunity Church of Barrington seeks to have people in their community connect and relate across differences, and they have been hosting what are called Courageous Conversations in an effort to tackle challenging community issues.Reverend Zina Jacque & Jessica Green are co-hosts of a Year of Courageous Conversations in Barrington. They discuss how it has helped their community face and grapple with issues that permeate society.Photo by: Linda Barrett (https://www.lindambarrettproductions.com)
2020-05-2829 min
This Is CivityMarnita's Table on Helping People in Communities SEE Each OtherIn this episode, Marnita Schroedl, CEO of Marnita’s Table, and Lauren Williams, Marnita’s Table’s Training Manager & Executive Administrator, discuss how to socially engineer equity. Marnita’s Table has been working in the communities in and around Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as communities across the country and around the world, to authentically connect people across difference, challenge people to have honest conversations… and achieve equity.
2020-05-2729 min
News In ContextThe Importance of SEEing. with Civity Co-Founders Malka Kopell & Palma StrandCivity co-founders Malka Kopell and Palma Strand discuss the importance of SEEing, and how the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have led to an increase in us SEEing each other and each other's humanity.
Failing to SEE each other can lead to othering, marginalizing, and even violence. We’ve seen examples of that during the pandemic… when some people othered Asian Americans by falsely accusing them of spreading the virus. In some cases, people were physically harmed. But we’ve also seen examples of SEEING – such as appreciating health care workers, grocery store employees, delivery drivers, and other essentia...
2020-04-3029 min
This Is CivityTom Williams, Compassionate LouisvilleAttorney and Louisville civic leader Tom Williams discusses the importance of cultivating connections in communities where difference can lead to deep divide, and the importance of putting people at the center of this work.
2019-10-3149 min
This Is CivityRachel Peric, Welcoming AmericaRachel Peric, executive director of Welcoming America, visits the This Is Civity Podcast to discuss the importance of inclusion in communities, and how government and business leaders can lead the way in taking specific actions to make immigrants feel more welcome.
Photo credit to Welcoming America
2019-09-0346 min
This Is CivityJordan Feyerherm & Gladys Godinez, Center for Rural AffairsCFRA's Jordan Feyerherm & Gladys Godinez join the podcast to discuss the relational and civity nature of the work they do to encourage inclusion and connection in rural U.S. communities.
2019-07-1739 min
This Is CivityDerek Wolfgram & Jenny Barnes, The Redwood City Public Library's Human LibraryLibrary Director Derek Wolfgram and Library Services Supervisor Jenny Barnes talk about the Redwood City Public Library's Human Library, which helps to bridge divides by allowing readers to check out human "books" and have a conversation across difference.
2019-05-3029 min
This Is CivityDavid Levinsky & Nate Bagley, Bridging Divides Across Religious DifferenceRabbi David Levinsky is Saidye Bromfman Rabbinical Chair at Temple Har Shalom in Park City, Utah. Nate Bagley is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Utah and host of the Loveumentary podcast, helping people create strong, lasting relationships. Both David and Nate are part of the OneAmerica movement – which seeks to build bridges and solve problems across the socially salient differences that divide us. They focus on bridging divides across religious difference.
2019-01-1644 min
This Is CivityStephanie Lepp: Host, Reckonings PodcastStephanie Lepp, artist, strategist, and producer and host of the Reckonings podcast, discusses how she explores the ways we change hearts and minds, often by recognizing and transforming our own worldviews, assumptions, and biases – how we actually change.
2018-12-1856 min
This Is CivityJud Hendrix, Lean Into Louisville & Global Human ProjectJud Hendrix is executive director for Lean Into Louisville and project catalyst for the Global Human project. Jud has dedicated his life to encouraging and creating opportunities for engagement across difference. He discusses the importance of reaching across difference to heal communities and forge connections; and the importance of meeting people where they are and doing the work to know yourself, so you can truly know others.
2018-11-3048 min
This Is CivityZach Bell & Ron Towns, Camp Common GroundZach Bell and Ron Towns are co-founders and co-directors of Camp Common Ground. a summer camp that brings racially and economically diverse middle schoolers together to teach them about leadership, social-emotional, and cultural competencies, and how to develop meaningful relationships with each other. Bell & Towns discuss their work and how kids are taking up the effort to build connection across difference.
2018-07-0257 min
This Is CivityKim Roth Howe, Searching for Purple in a Red & Blue TimeKim Roth Howe, founding principal of Co-Creative Labs and TEDx Talk speaker on “Searching for Purple in a Red and Blue Time, was prompted by the 2016 election to devote herself to bringing people in her community together to discuss issues and make connections across difference - building a purple space out of their red and blue views. She discusses her experiences, ups and downs, and triumphs and tribulations in pursuit of this goal.
2018-06-0649 min
This Is CivityClaudia Cohen & Everyday DignityActs of dehumanization and humiliation are tools of war and submission. But, the flip side – the impact of offering dignity and acknowledging humanity, is less well studied. Claudia Cohen has coined the phrase everyday dignity to describe small acts that can restore our humanity. Cohen is adjunct faculty at the International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia Teachers College, and a founding member of the Summit Interfaith Council Anti-racism Committee and Anti-Racism Community Collaborative in Westfield/Scotch Plains, NJ.
2018-05-3051 min
This Is CivityStuart Chittenden, SquishTalks & The Power of Empathetic ConversationStuart Chittenden is a lawyer by training, but he began to see the power of empathetic conversation on relationships and even his own outlook on life. He now focuses on building relationships helping people tell their stories and truly hear the stories of others as founder of Squishtalks.
Photo Credit Andrew Marinkovich
2018-01-2542 min
This Is CivityIslamic Networks Group (ING) & Know Your NeighborThis is Civity Radio talks with Kate Chance and Ameena Jandali with the Islamic Networks Group (ING). ING works around the country on education geared toward cultural literacy and mutual respect, as well as efforts to counter incidents of bigotry through building relationships and engaging communities. ING has also created the Know Your Neighbor Campaign, of which Civity is a partner.
Photo Courtesy ING
2017-10-2417 min
This Is CivityAndrew Hanauer, One AmericaAndrew Hanauer, director of One America, discusses the work of his organization in the face of significant polarization among people in the U.S. and the importance of having people work together to help find common ground to heal growing divisions in American society.
2017-08-2137 min
This Is CivityGreg Baldwin, VolunteerMatchGreg Baldwin, president of VolunteerMatch joins This is Civity Radio to discuss how a Civity Brush on BART profoundly impacted him and people around him, eventually ending up on the social media page of KTVU’s Frank Somerville, who dedicates his feed to impactful storytelling. Baldwin now encourages people to set aside their instinct to persuade, and instead listen, hear, and seek understanding across divides.
2017-03-0842 min
This Is CivityJacob Hess, All Sides DictionaryJacob Hess is director of the Utah chapter of The Village Square and one of the collaborators of The All Sides Dictionary, which has been (and is being) written by over 30 volunteer mediators and educators who span the socio-political spectrum — from religious to atheist, far left to far right, and everything in between. Rather than trying to avoid bias or presume neutrality, the dictionary helps us map a range of perspectives, meanings and feelings associated with words in the American political vocabulary, helping us understand the issues and each other better.
2016-11-3044 min
This Is CivityPaul VanDeCarr, Who Are You?Paul VanDeCarr is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Working Narratives. He has spent much of his career using storytelling to build relationships, make connections, build understanding, and communicate ideas. Paul recently started a podcast called Who Are You in which he reaches across some sort of divide to find commonality with someone who may otherwise be considered “other.”
2016-09-1845 minThis Is CivityVivek Patil, Arlington Democratic CommitteeVivek Patil is head of outreach for the Arlington County Democratic Committee in Virginia. Vivek uses a relationship-based – or Civity-based – approach to building community. This is in contrast to how political parties generally reach out to community members. His hope is that he can bridge divides and help people on opposite sides of the political spectrum see commonality in each other and then work together to solve the pressing issues facing their communities.
2016-09-1439 min
This Is CivityMarty Swaim, Challenging RacismMarty Swaim, co-founder of Challenging Racism, discusses the importance of sharing stories and listening, even when it can be scary, uncomfortable, or frustrating. It is the only way to build understanding and bridge divides so we can solve community problems, such as institutional racism.
2016-04-3048 minThis Is CivityVincent Pan, Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) SFVincent Pan, executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) SF, joins This is Civity to discuss the work of his community civil rights organization. CAA works to ensure that Chinese Americans and the broader Asian and Pacific American community are treated fairly and have access to government and civic leaders and services, so they can fully participate in the civic life of their community and society. This work is truly Civity-oriented.
2016-02-1236 min
This Is CivityLiz Joyner, The Village SquareLiz Joyner, executive director of The Village Square, says the work of collaboration does not begin once there is a problem to be solved. To be successful, that work must begin well before any problems arise, in the simple building of relationships. Joyner tells This is Civity Radio Show that relationships help build empathy and connection, two elements sorely lacking in our civic discourse today.
Photo credit: Bob Howard (CC BY-NC 2.0)
2015-12-1649 min
This Is CivityJoan Blades, Living Room ConversationsJoan Blades, co-founder of Living Room Conversations, sits down with This is Civity Radio Show to discuss the importance of sitting down with people you disagree with to build empathy and common ground, and to embrace the hard but valuable work of collaborating to make our communities and democracy stronger.
2015-12-0948 min
This Is CivityKaty Birnbaum, Sunday Streets SFUrban environments such as San Francisco offer many activities, services, and amenities. But if people do not know about them or how to engage, they can feel isolated or cut off. Katy Birnbaum, community organizer for Sunday Streets says Sunday Streets encourages people to be more active, make healthier choices, and take advantage of public transit. But it also helps people make connections and build relationships both within their community and with their city government.
Photo by d annebrog (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
2015-12-0143 min
This Is CivityJohn Esterle, The Whitman Institute, with Malka KopellJohn Esterle, co-executive director of The Whitman Institute, joins Civity co-founder Malka Kopell to discuss the critical role of philanthropy in support of projects that build relationships to help bridge divides and strengthen communities.
Photo by: Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter (CC BY 2.0)
2015-10-1452 min
This Is CivityMartha McCoy, Everyday DemocracyEveryday Democracy Executive Director Martha McCoy discusses how we can address issues of privilege, social justice, and equity through Civity-building. (NOTE: This podcast cuts off after 23 minutes)
2015-10-0723 min
This Is CivityMalka Kopell & Palma Strand, Civity Co-FoundersCivity co-founders Malka Kopell and Palma Strand join us to discuss their work, why they decided to create Civity, what they hope to accomplish, and what Civity is working on now.
2015-09-1546 min