Things have changed in the USA. But while ordinary Americans fight extraordinary battles to beat back COVID-19 and keep our economy running, Braver Angels and hopeful Americans across the country look for ways to make our politics worthy of our heroes and the future we want to see.
In this episode of the Braver Angels Podcast writer, cultural commentator and founder of the Theory of Enchantment Chloe Valdary, alongside internet sensation and political commentator Ken Bone, talk Braver Angels, courage in the face of social judgment, and about the opportunities we have to uplift our society and our politics during lock down and the 2020 election. Co-hosted by John Wood, Jr. and Ciaran O’Connor.
‘It absolutely changed my life’: How a conflict-ridden ‘dirtball’ became a legendary bridge builder
09/02/2026
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Growing up in the eighties, his family moved all around the Midwest as his parents chased down steady, blue-collar work: factory jobs, construction, truck driving, whatever could pay the bills. “We were always poor,” Wilk said. And whether they were in Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado, or Minnesota, he often found himself on the outs. “It didn’t matter which side of the tracks we were on,” he said. “It was always the wrong side of the tracks.”
