Overcoming the Divide: Nonpartisan Politics

Are affirmative action and racial-based policies efficacious in diminishing racial disparities in our society? This latest discussion investigates this contentious issue sifting through data from renowned institutions like Harvard and the University of North Carolina. We scrutinize the repercussions of policies implemented within the San Francisco School District, and the irony of increased dispar...

The following conversation discusses: The rise of Bernie sanders and Donald trump, potential campaign message for the Biden campaign, and the 2016, 2020, & 2024 Democratic Primaries  This episode features Ryan J. Davis. Ryan is a seasoned creative executive with over two decades of experience advising and executing for brands, agencies, startups, nonprofits, and political campaigns. Currently,...

The following question takes place at a town hall hosted by U.S. Congressman Don Beyer representing Virginia's 8th congressional district in the House of Representatives. The town hall took place on July 12th, 2023 at the McLean Community Center in McLean, VA. I hope you enjoy!

The following conversation discusses a number of topics, they include: the challenges of motherhood, ethical responsibilities, how a smile can change your day, and the feeling of a become a parent. This episode features Colleen McShea. McShea is a Penn State University Alum who, just a few years ago, had plans of entering the workforce and putting her degree to use. After learning that she was exp...

The following conversation discusses: the rise of populism, fractures in both parties, the role the Ukrainian war will play in the 2024 elections, 3rd party candidates, and much more. Rate and subscribe if you enjoy the content and follow 'overcoming_the_divide'  on Instagram & Twitter! This episode features Jai Chabria. Chabria is a Managing Director at MAD Global Strategy advising...

The following conversation discusses: looking up from the well traveled in life, setting yourself for financial success, the strength in being kind, and much more! Check below for the time stamps This episode features Ryan Jakeman. Jakeman is a former student athlete & captain of his college football team. He owns a Real Estate investment company with his cousin and is am currently working at...

The following conversation looks at: the history of drugs in the United States, the dichotomy between the word 'medicine' and 'drug', the ongoing opioid crisis and much more. Rate and subscribe if you enjoy the content and follow 'overcoming_the_divide'  on Instagram & Twitter! This episode features David Herzberg. Herzberg is a historian of drugs whose research f...

The following conversation looks at: stemming the brain drain from rural communities, revitalizing a region, driving economic growth through government & politics, why employee satisfaction may be higher in rural communities, and much more. This episode features Will Payne. Payne is managing partner of Coalfield Strategies, an economic development matchmaker for companies seeking expansion opp...

This minisode focuses on the utility and potency of silence in your daily life. It's a skill that appears to be neglected in contemporary society. Ignoring the aimless political and nonsensical remarks of some and instead retaining control and pursuing what is meaningful and purposeful. This minisode provides anecdotal experiences, contemporary examples, and historical strategies like preside...

The following conversation is with Ant Diandrea. Diandrea started his journey of learning health and fitness when he enrolled in college as a nursing student. He ended up leaving school to start earning certifications of his personal interests. Ant is currently a certified personal trainer, nutrition and lifestyle coach and a certified mental wellness and emotional eating specialist from the Insti...

The following conversation is with Ben Olszewski . Olszewski is the controller for Operating Engineers Local 542 (greater Philadelphia area). Olszewski studied Economics at Penn State, and is now finishing up a Masters of Accounting at the University of Scranton. He is currently running for the Upper Moreland (UM) Township Board of Commissioners. Olszewski aims to be a true representative of the p...

The following conversation is with Liana Fix. Dr. Fix is a fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). She is a historian and political scientist, with expertise in German and European foreign and security policy, European security, transatlantic relations, Russia, and Eastern Europe. She is also the author of A New German Power? Germany’s Role in European Russia Policy (Palgrave...

The following conversation is with Charles Kupchan. Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University in the Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Government. From 2014 to 2017, Kupchan served as special assistant to the president and senior director for European affairs on the staff of the National Secu...

The following conversation is with Tyler Burge. Burge is an American Philosopher who is the Flint Professor of Philosophy at UCLA.  He is the author of numerous articles in philosophy of mind, philosophy of psychology, epistemology, philosophy of language and logic, and history of philosophy.  His most recent books are Origins of Objectivity (2010) and Perception: First Form of Mind (2022).  He ha...

The following conversation is with Samuel Goldman. Goldman is an associate professor of political science at George Washington University, where he is also executive director of the John L. Loeb, Jr. Institute for Religious Freedom and director of the Politics & Values Program. His most recent book, After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division was published by University of Pennsylv...

This minisode takes a look at icons (Tom Brady, SBF, The Liver King, Jordan Peterson) and the influence they posses in our daily lives. If you enjoy the content, please rate and subscribe to the show as well as follow on Twitter and Instagram @overcoming_the_divide Recorded 12/23/22

The following is a conversation with Mark Fusetti. Fusetti is a retired Sergeant of the former Philadelphia court warrant unit. He currently operates in the private sector for organizations and influentials. Fusetti is currently partnering with a small contingent of people to provide visibility into the present horrors occurring on the streets of Philadelphia. Fusetti is a Philly 4 sports guy and...

This highlight reel is a collection of short snippets from the conversations that occurred in season 3. Each voice is from a different conversation and are unrelated to one another. The following is the list of the guests and episodes that are featured in the reel (ordered as they are heard): 1 . Michael Barone and The Upcoming Election 2.   Inviting One's Adversaries to Break Bread with Phil...

This segment of Overcoming the Divide discusses the reasons behind the abrupt interruption of episodes and content. Following the explanation, Season 4 is announced with several commitments to the audience. Recorded: 11/1/22

Today's episode features Mary Bernstein, Phd, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut.  She is the winner of several national awards from the American Sociological Association. Her research on gun violence prevention advocacy has been supported by a grant from the Bennett Fund for Innovative Education in Health and Society. Mary is also an appointed member of the Regional Gu...

Today's episode begins by Cassandra providing an overview of what she and her colleagues research at the center for Gun Violence Solutions at Johns Hopkins University. Shortly after, I inquire about what measures may work to decrease gun violence. Soon after we discuss the importance of defining what exactly is being put on the table. I later ask for Cassandra's thoughts on what role pol...

DISCLAIMER: 1) This episode was recorded on Saturday, May 28th. There have been several updates to the story and timeline since that date. Please keep that in while listening, thank you. 2) The data base referenced in this episode that meet the proposed definition of a public mass shooting are only ones that have taken place at a school since 1966, which is 13.  Today's episode, with Robert A...

Today's episode provides a timeline into the Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. This episode also serves as a catalyst into a more in-depth conversation with Professor Robert Allen of Tulane University who has an extensive background in Security, Intelligence and Law Enforcement. That episode (Part 2) will be released this Friday. As mentioned in the episode, there is new infor...

On today's episode (from February), with Michael Barone, we take a look at the upcoming midterms. Michael Barone analyzes the prospects for both parties and suspects one will significantly fair better than the other. Barone dives deep into why there is minimal cooperation between the two parties in today's Congress. Barone later lens historical midterm election trends for the incumbent P...

Today's episode with Robert Eringer focuses on his past experiences going undercover for several organizations. Robert, first, describes his encounter with the KKK. This account originates in the United Kingdom but took Robert State side to South Carolina to pursue the story. Robert then discloses an occurrence in Europe while partnering with former CIA Director of Operations Clair George. So...