Polarization with Dr. Dominic Packer, Dr. Jay Van Bavel, Dr. Hahrie Han, Alison Taylor, Uriel Epshein & Joshua Fryday (podcast)

The first of a special three-part series, this episode offers a definition of polarization and explores its causes and effects. In the coming episodes, the podcast will investigate what we can learn from the history of polarization in other countries; what antidotes to polarization has research uncovered; and why it's important to make a long-term investment in polarization research.

Today’s episode features researchers Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer, co-authors of The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony. We also hear from Alison Taylor, Executive Director at Ethical Systems, a research collaborative affiliated with NYU; Dr. Hahrie Han, Professor of Political Science and the Director of the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University; Uriel Epshtein, Executive Director of the Renew Democracy Initiative; and Joshua Fryday, Chief Service Officer for the State of California with California Volunteers.

Listen to the podcast with the above player.

Listen to Part 2 in Stories of Impact's series on Polarization here.

Listen to Part 3 in Stories of Impact's series on Polarization here.

Read the transcript from the interview conducted by journalist Richard Sergay, presented by podcast producer, host, and writer, Tavia Gilbert.

Built upon the award-winning video series of the same name, Templeton World Charity Foundation’s “Stories of Impact” podcast features stories of new scientific research on human flourishing that translate discoveries into practical tools. Bringing a mix of curiosity, compassion, and creativity, journalist Richard Sergay and producer Tavia Gilbert shine a spotlight on the human impact at the heart of cutting-edge social and scientific research projects supported by TWCF.