Civity Podcast: Building Relationships Across Our Differences

The ThisIsCivity! podcast features people who are working to build better relationships and tear down unfairness in communities. Each episode talks with experts, authors, and leaders who help people connect even when they disagree about things. Recent episodes cover topics like finding common ground in everyday life, managing stress during divided times, and how curiosity can help build relationships. The podcast explores both personal work (like staying calm and kind) and community work (like bringing different groups together). Guests include therapists, professors, nonprofit leaders, and writers who share practical skills for empathy, tolerance, and peacemaking. The show helps listeners learn how to see other people's humanity and connect across differences of opinion, background, and belief. Episodes cover everything from dealing with political disagreements to creating spaces where different kinds of people can come together. The podcast is hosted by an organization called Civity that focuses on dismantling inequities and strengthening communities through respect and empathy.

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The Bigger WeFather Greg Shows How Community Heals Gang ViolenceFather Gregory Boyle runs Homeboy Industries, the world's largest program helping former gang members. He says gang violence comes from having no hope, and nobody who feels hopeful joins a gang. At Homeboy, people get job training, mental health help, and most importantly - hope and belonging. Father Greg believes you don't go to help people in tough situations to save them, but to be saved yourself. Every day starts with a family meeting where everyone feels welcomed. Former gang members learn skills and then help others, breaking the cycle of violence. The program creates a safe space where people feel loved and accepted just for showing up. Father Greg's approach shows that when we treat people with dignity and give them community, they can transform their lives and help others do the same. The story explains how radical love and acceptance can heal deep wounds and create lasting change in communities affected by violence.

The Bigger WeAuthor Sue Monk Kidd on Finding Support to Live Your True SelfFamous author Sue Monk Kidd talks about how we need both personal strength and support from others to live our fullest lives. She wrote bestselling books like 'The Secret Life of Bees' and shares how her own journey from traditional Southern Baptist wife to successful author required both inner work and help from friends. In her latest book 'The Book of Longings,' she tells the story of Ana, who she imagines as Jesus's wife, and how Ana needs her Aunt Yaltha's support to find courage. Kidd believes we can't transform ourselves alone - we need what she calls 'Aunt Yalthas' in our lives, people who believe in us and bless our potential. She says American culture teaches us to be independent, but real growth happens in relationships. During tough times like COVID-19 and racism, we need each other even more. The key is finding people who support your dreams while also being willing to support others. This balance of personal growth and community support helps us become who we're meant to be.

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