In July, we shared a conversation with Beverly Horstman & David Lapp of Braver Angels - an organization formed shortly after the 2016 election to bring reds and blues together and heal the wounds between left and right.

Today we welcome Chris and Kim Watson, two active members of Braver Angels who find themselves on different sides of the aisle, but within their marriage. One of the core functions of politics is to work towards figuring out our social contracts with each other… What are our rules as we work, play and all live together. Marriage is similar in that we’re constantly working on how we live together in our homes - so very political, just on a much smaller scale. Mary and I were both very curious to learn from Chris and Kim what they have learned from each other while being on opposite sides of politics.

They have been married for 33 years and live in Oregonia, OH, about 30 miles north of Cincinnati.

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Braver Angels was inspired by the words of Abraham Lincoln, who not only called on Americans to summon the “better angels” of our nature — but called on us to find the courage needed to pursue a more perfect union, “with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right.”

To meet the current moment, at this time of national crisis, we need more than civility. We need to challenge ourselves to work together when we disagree. We need bravery.

braverangels.org

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The Third Place Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners into the hard conversations that we have a tendency to avoid.

We “go there” on things such as…

• How anger is beautiful
• How to find presence amidst chaos
• How to have difficult conversations
• How to be an ally
• How to live with grief

The Third Place is a safe place where curiosity is encouraged, differences are welcomed, and empathy is embraced through healthy dialogue.

We've forgotten how to talk to each other… Life has become polarized and dualistic - you’re either with me or against me. To embrace the complex human experience is to see the world through other’s eyes. The Third Place podcast helps with the disconnect. This looks like less conflict and tension and more like a peaceful existence with others. The Third Place podcast restores the art of dialogue.

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