MóNICA GUZMáN

Mónica and producer Jessica Jones explore questions from curious listeners about fear, family conflict, patriotism when we're so at odds, and the unforeseeable ways we come to believe what we believe.

Last month at the Braver Angels National Convention, I got to do something I love: chair a community debate. The topic? Whether the U.S. legislature should be the most powerful branch of government.

"Happiness" is the last thing many of us expect to find on a call with a stranger from the opposite political side. But that was exactly what Axel Bouchon and his team were hoping to spark.

How do you stay close to people who won’t share your worldview? Can love exist while someone feels rejected? And can you invest in the relationship without condoning the other’s convictions?

“Blown away.” “I was furiously jotting notes the entire time.” “Loved it, loved it, loved it.” I am floored by your feedback to our first new episode of “A Braver Way.”

For most of human history, offensive speech was equal to violence, and saying the wrong thing could get your tongue chopped off. Today, we aim to use words instead of violence. But what do you do when those words really hurt?

What's the line between humanizing someone … and enabling them? How do I avoid using "peacemaking" as a cover for a lack of courage? And in a moment that feels loud, urgent and overwhelming, how do I figure out what is the right thing for me to do?

With political tensions at a new peak, the pressure to take a stand — or keep the peace — can be intense. But how do you know the difference between the move that feels right and the one that is right?

Today I get to share something I’ve been itching to tell you all for months: A Braver Way podcast is coming baaaack! And not a moment too soon. Those political headwinds are practically hurricanes.

"Be a pleasure to disagree with. Quick to listen and slow to speak. Full of grace and never compromising truth. That’s how we learn, that’s how we grow, that’s how we serve others." — Marie Beecham

Wherever I go, I try not to shy away from tough questions. But here’s the beautiful thing about unanswered questions: They breathe. They linger. They wait.

The other night here in Cape Town, South Africa, I turned to one of the most extraordinary teachers I’ve ever met and asked her a question that had been tickling me for days.

In two days I’ll be traveling somewhere I’ve never been and can’t wait to learn from — South Africa.

One day when I was six, my teacher told me to go to a “drawer,” and I had no idea what she meant. I had just moved to a new school — a new country — and was still learning the language. When I repeated the mystery word...

Not long ago I saw a poster that stopped me. "The only thing we have to fear,” it read, “is how easily I can make you afraid."

A couple weeks ago, I had one of those simple, profound moments with a friend that left a mark.

Curiosity is a muscle. And today — only if you’re up for it — I have a challenge to help you build it.

“Disagreeing in public should not be a death sentence.” I heard a fellow bridge builder say those words a few days ago and they haven’t left me since.

Because of this weird work I do, I sometimes find myself dipping deep into a conservative-dominated conversation, then deep into a liberal-dominated conversation — or vice-versa — always coming out a little stunned.

I’ve had some amazing conversations this month with the likes of brilliant Ivy League students and passionate pluralism pros. But none were as memorable as the one I had with July...