We sit down with Karissa Raskin, the new CEO of Listen First Project, a national organization leading a coalition of over 500 groups working to reduce toxic polarization and build stronger communities through connection and dialogue. Karissa shares her personal journey into the bridge-building space, what it’s like to lead a movement that spans ideological divides, and how listening—not debating—can be the first step toward healing our democracy. We explore how fear, certainty, and outrage shape our politics, why it’s so hard to talk across differences, and what each of us can do to make things better—starting with our own communities. Whether you're tired of the division or just wondering where to begin, this conversation is packed with insights, honesty, and hope.
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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