In this episode, Corey Nathan sits down with Kate Carney, Deputy Director at More in Common. Kate shares her fascinating journey—from working in Congress to boating 6,000 miles around the U.S.—and how those experiences shape her work today. The conversation centers on More in Common’s new report, The Connection Opportunity, and explores how we can foster meaningful relationships across political, racial, religious, and socioeconomic divides.

What's Discussed:

Why social connection is critical to healthy democracy.

Surprising data on Americans’ openness to diverse perspectives.

How psychological factors like intergroup anxiety impact connection.

Kate’s transformative journey completing the Great American Loop.

Real-world solutions for bridging divides in your own community.

Episode Highlights:

02:00 – Kate’s 6,000-mile boat journey and what it taught her about America.

10:00 – The Connection Opportunity: How More in Common is reframing social cohesion.

21:00 – Why politics remains the most difficult line of difference to cross.

25:00 – The power of community norms and intergroup anxiety.

32:00 – Revisiting the "Hidden Tribes" report and what’s changed since its release.

41:00 – The seven levers of change for increasing social connection.

48:00 – How cities like Kansas City, Houston and Pittsburgh are fostering community dialogue.

54:00 – Personal agency and why democracy starts with you.

Featured Quotes:

Resources Mentioned:

More in Common: www.moreincommonus.com

The Connection Opportunity Report: moreincommonus.com/publication/the-connection-opportunity

If you found this conversation insightful, please:

@coreysnathan:

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Let’s keep talkin' politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡