On the Other Hand

April and Glen are joined by Annabelle Clinton Imber Tuck, a trailblazer in Arkansas law and the first woman ever elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court. In this first part of our conversation with Annabelle, we hear about her early life, starting in Arkansas, and including living in South America and later in Washington, DC, then winding up back in her beloved home state of Arkansas. She describes her e...

This episode of On The Other Hand is a “best of” recording of an interview in July 2024, when Glen and April spoke with Asa Hutchinson, an attorney and the previous 2-term Republican governor of Arkansas. Asa’s long history of public service includes serving as a US Congressman, one of the House managers for Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial in the Senate, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and...

In part 2 of our conversation with community activist Kwami Abdul-Bey, we hear about both his formal and atypical means of education that have led him to who he is today. He also outlines problems during his early times at the Air Force Academy due to his Muslim religion and related negative reactions occurring at a time when war with Iraq was breaking out. Some of his challenges during his early years ...

April and guest co-host John have a conversation with community activist Kwami Abdul-Bey, who has been a friend of Braver Angels in Arkansas for some time, co-founded or led local organizations, and serves as the Elections Coordinator & Organizer for the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. In this first part of our interview with Kwami, we explore his current involvement with several organizations locally...

In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Sherry Simon and Rev. Britt Skarda, we continue exploring what motivates their sustained civic participation and how people of faith can model engagement rooted in love and respect. Both guests describe the weekly gatherings in protest outside Congressman French Hill’s office as a diverse and committed community of citizens, consisting of veterans, teachers, parents, and neighbors, w...

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...