Bridging Divides with Sonali Shah

In this episode we explore how to navigate difficult conversations and have more constructive interactions around divisive issues - whether with friends, family, or even strangers online. Why do disagreements escalate so quickly? Is it possible to truly listen without agreeing? And can better conversations help bridge deep divides?    Joining us to unpack these questions is Gabrielle Rifkind, a gr...

In this episode, we’re asking a simple but powerful question: why do we believe what we believe? To help us dissect how beliefs form and why they can be so hard to shift, we’re joined by Olaf Borghi, a researcher at Royal Holloway, University of London, who studies the psychology behind beliefs and political attitudes. Together, we explore how our minds respond to new information, the role of bias...

Jake Puddle, Director of Research at British Future and co-author of The State of Us report unpacks what “division” really means, what it looks like in our everyday lives, how it feels, and why it can be so hard to navigate.  Drawing on one of the most in-depth studies of community strength and cohesion in the UK, Jake shares what’s really going on beneath the surface and why there’s more reason f...

Coming soon from the British Red Cross, Bridging Divides, a new podcast hosted by Sonali Shah. At a time when it can feel like we’re more divided than ever, this series explores why and what we can actually do about it. Bridging Divides is about more than understanding the problem. It’s about giving you practical ways to navigate disagreement, listen more openly, and build stronger connections in...