On the Other Hand

In the 3rd and final part of our conversation with Jim Lagrone of Family Council's Church Ambassador Network, April and Glen explore with Jim issues of political polarization and civil discourse. Jim stressed the importance of character in political leadership, noting that leaders mirror the values of their culture.  He shared his admiration for forgiveness shown amidst tragedy. Jim also provided practical advice for navigating po...

In part 2 of our conversation with Jim Lagrone, he tells of a Baptist pastor who moved his family into a troubled neighborhood to turn it around, showing the positive ways faith-based efforts can have impacts beyond what occurs on Sundays in church.  He also described pilot programs in Arkansas and other states where churches successfully collaborated to address social needs like crime and homelessness. Jim emphasized the importan...

April and Glen talk with Jim Lagrone, director of the Family Council’s Church Ambassador Network (CAN). In this first part of our conversation, Jim describes his journey in ministry of nearly 50 years, which includes diverse roles like hospice chaplaincy and pastoral leadership. He shared his core leadership philosophy, which is rooted in humility, service, and a love for people. Jim admits to unexpected lessons learned about how ...

In part 2 of our conversation with Grant Morshedi and Angela Harris, April and Glen explore how Harmony Health is adapting to decreased government support, including a recently canceled CDC grant that would have funded a new building, which leaves them having to pay rent rather than owning a building for their services. Angela provided details about various funding options they utilize, such as via a ke...

On this episode of On the Other Hand, hosts April Chatham-Carpenter and Glen White speak with Dr. Grant Morshedi and Angela Harris of Harmony Health Clinic in Little Rock. They discuss the clinic’s free medical and dental services for uninsured Arkansans, volunteer staffing, support programs like a food pantry and behavioral health services, and the values of empathy and community that drive their work. Among the key issues discuss...

In part 2 of our conversation with publisher Eliza Hussman Gaines, April and Glen explore the Democrat-Gazette's efforts to adapt to digital platforms and reach younger audiences through social media and video content. Eliza explains the paper’s "readers first" approach, editorial rules to avoid loaded language, and the importance of the Freedom of Information law in Arkansas for community transparency. Eliza discusses the challen...

April Chatham‑Carpenter and Glen White interview Eliza Hussman Gaines, a fourth-generation newspaper industry leader and publisher of the Arkansas Democrat‑Gazette, as well as a leader in her family’s news media group, WEHCO. Eliza describes her family’s newsroom legacy, the difference between editorial and publishing roles, and the newsroom values that guide fair reporting. Eliza emphasized the role of journalists as community le...

In part 2 of our conversation with Doug Teschner and Beth Malow, Braver Angels national leaders and authors of a new book ("Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times,") April and Glen explore the role of "conflict entrepreneurs" (Amanda Ripley's term) who profit from or actively seek to divide Americans. They point out the importance of people unde...

April and Glen have a conversation with fellow Braver Angels and national leaders Doug Teschner and Beth Malow, whose new book, "Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times," revolves around addressing the increasing political polarization and divisiveness in the United States and offering practical steps to foster positive relationships and civil di...

In part 2 of our conversation with Sharon Downs, she outlines a variety of practical strategies and societal trends related to communication and bullying. We unpack the bystander effect, a phenomenon that often prevents intervention in bullying situations, and we learn about the "five D's" of intervention—a practical toolkit for anyone who wants to help when someone is being bullied. We also examine how social media and political ...

Join us in this first of two episodes of our conversation with Sharon Downs, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UA Little Rock. Sharon's professional focus is on wellness and promoting inclusivity, and she is also an expert in addressing bullying. She shares her personal journey, from her early experiences with bullying to her pioneering work in establishing safe zone training at UA Little...

In the second part of our conversation with Providence Park for Homeless leaders Errin Stanger and Mandy Davis, we delve into how they envision long-term success and thriving communities. A fascinating aspect is the introduction of "missionals" – individuals who live alongside residents, offering friendship and support, acting as the "secret sauce" of the neighborhood. You'll also hear about their plans...

Are you curious about transforming homelessness and building vibrant communities? Check out part 1 of this conversation, where April and substitute co-host John O’Brien chat with Errin Stanger & Mandy Davis of Providence Park, a 50-acre planned community dedicated to providing permanent, affordable housing and a supportive environment for individuals transitioning from chronic homelessness in Centra...

Glen and April conclude the 4th and final part of their Red/Blue conversation on free speech with an exploration of the importance of having a balanced “media diet,” which includes exposure to a wide variety of viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of reality. Available media bias charts were noted as a useful tool for comparing different news sources in terms of objectivity, political slants, and fai...

Glen and April start part 3 of our Red/Blue conversation on free speech by discussing the intricate balance between free speech and the imperative to combat misinformation and harmful content. They delve into categories of unprotected speech, the concept of cancel culture, and the roles of government and private companies in content moderation. The conversation also touches upon the importance of ethica...

In part 2 of our conversation with Ryan Davis, Executive Director for Children’s International in Little Rock, April and Glen explore his work with the Rockefeller Foundation as a faith-based consultant, as well as with various interfaith Initiatives that include Christians, imams, rabbis, and Buddhist representatives to discuss and engage with legislative bodies on public policy. His runs for public office are motivated in part b...

April and Glen talk with Ryan Davis, Executive Director for Children International in Little Rock. Ryan is also a faith-based strategy consultant for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and a Board Member of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. In this first part of our interview with Ryan, he provides a summary of the work done by Children International and his role locally, which includes helping raise f...

In part 2 of April and Glen’s “Red/Blue” discussion on free speech, they delve into the challenges of combating misinformation and “bad speech” in a free speech society. Glen argues that simply providing more accurate information is not always effective, as people’s beliefs are often influenced by emotions and tribalism rather than rationality. April concurs and emphasizes the significance of relationship-building and structured de...

In this first of a four-part “Red/Blue” discussion, Glen and April engage in a free-wheeling conversation on the topic of freedom of speech.  They delve into issues surrounding free speech in the United States, with April speaking from a primarily conservative view and Glen from a generally liberal perspective. Among key points of discussion, April emphasizes free speech as a fundamental constitutional ...