Quantum Civics and Journalism: How Local Focus Can Bridge National Divides

What if the key to healing our national divisions isn’t in Washington, but right next door? In this episode of On Assignment, host Liz Cochrane explores the idea of “Quantum Civics” — the notion that small, local civic actions can ripple out to address some of our deepest societal rifts. She’s joined by Dr. Kenji Nakamura, a San Francisco-based researcher whose work bridges political psychology and grassroots organizing, to unpack how local conversations, trust-building, and shared problem-solving can depolarize even the most divided communities. From library conversations in fictional Harmony Creek to real-world initiatives like Braver Angels’ “Walk A Mile In My News,” this episode challenges the way we think about civic life — and offers hopeful, practical paths forward.