For years, many of us have watched political polarization deepen, pulling families, friends, and communities apart. That sense of distance isn’t imagined. According to the Listen First Project, 87% of Americans say polarization threatens the country, and 86% feel exhausted by division.

In Washtenaw County, one group is trying to change that. Braver Angels, a national organization with local chapters across the country, brings together liberals, conservatives, and independents to help communities lower the temperature and rebuild trust.

Producer Sam Corey spoke with Ed Karls and Emily Twanmo, the red and blue co-leads of Braver Angels of Washtenaw County. Both say the goal is to replace hostility with curiosity — to get people listening instead of arguing.

And both believe it starts small, away from the fight. “There’s more to life than this constant cage match,” Karls said. “Go out and have a bagel. Smell the flowers. Walk the dog.”

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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