Talking Sense: Navigating relationships across political divides

Have you ever felt like you had to choose between your political convictions and a friendship? Or that you had to hide what you really believe to protect your marriage or other family ties?

Talking Sense is an MPR News election year project to help Minnesotans maintain their relationships and have those hard political conversations better.

MPR News reporter and Talking Sense lead correspondent Catharine Richert explores how people can stay connected with family and friends, even when they disagree about politics.

Richert talks with two therapists and a married couple who have worked hard to stay curious, respectful and loving after they voted for different presidential candidates in the 2020 election. 

Guests:

• Bill Doherty is co-founder of Braver Angels, a nonprofit that seeks to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics. He’s also a marriage and family therapist and professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota.

• Corey Yeager is a marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in family social science. After spending five years as a therapist for the Detroit Pistons, Yeager now runs his own therapy and consulting business, Harmony Road. He also continues to work as a life coach and therapist with professional athletes.

• Barbara Thomas is a retired diplomat and COO of Braver Angels and serves as Braver Angels ambassador in Minnesota. She is in a politically mixed marriage with Rick Hotchner.

• Rick Hotchner is a retired CIA executive manager and operations officer, who grew up in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. In addition to his work as a Braver Angels ambassador, he serves on the advisory boards of two companies and does pro bono work for a variety of other causes.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.