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.
‘Braver Angels really helped me to see the humanity in people from the other side’: One high schooler’s journey to better political conversations
06/18/2026
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A native of Boulder, Colorado, Mia didn’t know many Trump supporters—and she was nervous to engage with them. “I was like, ‘Don’t they hate women? Don’t they hate black people?’” she said. “That was my initial belief because that’s what I had heard about people who voted for Trump.” But she quickly realized she was wrong. During the first Braver Lens session, Mia was able to connect with conservatives in the group and recognize their points of commonality. “When we met, they showed their pictures, and explained their life stories, and I was able to see where our values overlap,” she said.
