Are you curious about transforming homelessness and building vibrant communities? Check out part 1 of this conversation, where April and substitute co-host John O’Brien chat with Errin Stanger & Mandy Davis of Providence Park, a 50-acre planned community dedicated to providing permanent, affordable housing and a supportive environment for individuals transitioning from chronic homelessness in Central Arkansas. Inspired by a highly successful model in Austin, Texas, this project believes that housing combined with a strong sense of community creates true sustainability. We explore their unique vision, including beautifully furnished tiny homes designed with community in mind, and communal spaces like a central kitchen and laundry facility to foster connection. Hear how they define and serve the chronic homeless population, ensuring the right intervention for those most in need. Discover the vital partnerships propelling this ambitious project forward and how you can get involved.

Glen and April conclude the 4th and final part of their Red/Blue conversation on free speech with an exploration of the importance of having a balanced “media diet,” which includes exposure to a wide variety of viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of reality. Available media bias charts were noted as a useful tool for comparing different news sources in terms of objectivity, political slants, and fairness. Also discussed was how much and when to trust scientific research and experts. The issue of balancing competing values in free speech was emphasized, and the team also explored the Supreme Court decision that equated money with speech. Other discussions included the importance of free speech in terms of its rights but also its moral responsibilities, considering the impact on others and the community. Glen and April also highlighted the importance of self-awareness, being open to change, and focusing on positive interactions. The conversation ended on a note of unity, with both speakers recognizing commonalities in their perspectives on free speech.

Glen and April start part 3 of our Red/Blue conversation on free speech by discussing the intricate balance between free speech and the imperative to combat misinformation and harmful content. They delve into categories of unprotected speech, the concept of cancel culture, and the roles of government and private companies in content moderation. The conversation also touches upon the importance of ethical communication, including the current practice of doxing individuals of power on “the other side,” the challenges of determining factual information, and the necessity of respectful dialogue when addressing controversial topics. Both speakers acknowledge the difficulty of drawing clear lines between protected and unprotected speech in the digital age.

In part 2 of our conversation with Ryan Davis, Executive Director for Children’s International in Little Rock, April and Glen explore his work with the Rockefeller Foundation as a faith-based consultant, as well as with various interfaith Initiatives that include Christians, imams, rabbis, and Buddhist representatives to discuss and engage with legislative bodies on public policy. His runs for public office are motivated in part by his belief that we all have a "prophetic mandate" to speak to those in power, regardless of political affiliation. Ryan describes his political identity as a "Christian Democratic Socialist," and explains the importance of government providing assistance to those in need, including the “working poor” who can have their financial earnings easily exhausted by unexpected expenses. Governmental budgets he sees as reflecting the values of that society, so with respect to relying on non-governmental assistance, he states "we can't food pantry our way out of this problem.” Ryan describes how an east African directive shapes his thinking and career: “Work with the clay while it is still wet.” By helping people when they’re young, Davis hopes to shape the future and lessen the number of “broken adults.” As a concluding story, he recalls a question a young person asked him that inspired him to continually remind himself of “why I am here.”

April and Glen talk with Ryan Davis, Executive Director for Children International in Little Rock. Ryan is also a faith-based strategy consultant for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and a Board Member of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. In this first part of our interview with Ryan, he provides a summary of the work done by Children International and his role locally, which includes helping raise funding for educational and other interventions with children who need assistance. He traces how the influence of his family and early religious values led to his current views and help to motivate his work. Among his work through Children International is helping provide education related to social and emotional development in children. Given that some on the right object to this type of education, Ryan defends its role in the educational system and explains its importance in the healthy development of children with whom Children International works.

In part 2 of April and Glen’s “Red/Blue” discussion on free speech, they delve into the challenges of combating misinformation and “bad speech” in a free speech society. Glen argues that simply providing more accurate information is not always effective, as people’s beliefs are often influenced by emotions and tribalism rather than rationality. April concurs and emphasizes the significance of relationship-building and structured debates in addressing misinformation. She highlights Braver Angels’ approach, which utilizes compassionate curiosity and structured conversations to understand diverse perspectives and challenge falsehoods without compromising free speech. Both speakers underscore the need for nuanced approaches that transcend mere facts to effectively address misinformation. The discussion also explores the complexities of regulating speech on social media and in society as a whole. Glen and April discuss the intricate balance between free speech and the imperative to combat misinformation and harmful content. They delve into categories of unprotected speech, the concept of cancel culture, and the roles of government and private companies in content moderation. The conversation also touches upon the importance of ethical communication, including the current practice of doxing individuals of power on “the other side,” the challenges of determining factual information, and the necessity of respectful dialogue when addressing controversial topics. Both speakers acknowledge the difficulty of drawing clear lines between protected and unprotected speech in the digital age.

In this first of a four-part “Red/Blue” discussion, Glen and April engage in a free-wheeling conversation on the topic of freedom of speech. They delve into issues surrounding free speech in the United States, with April speaking from a primarily conservative view and Glen from a generally liberal perspective. Among key points of discussion, April emphasizes free speech as a fundamental constitutional right safeguarding individuals from government interference, particularly when expressing unpopular or traditional views. She introduces the concept of “virtuous free speech,” striking a balance between the right to speak and the responsibility to speak well. Glen concurs with many of April’s points, highlighting that free speech rights are primarily protected against government intrusion, not in the private sector. He underscores that while free speech is a legal right, responsible use of it is a voluntary moral decision. Glen provides examples of controversial protected speech, such as flag burning and Westboro Baptist Church protests, to illustrate the importance of protecting even objectionable speech to prevent government overreach. Both speakers acknowledge the need to strike a balance between free speech rights and other competing principles and interests.

The discussion then shifts to the complexities of free speech in higher education, particularly on public university campuses. April and Glen explore the role of government in regulating speech and the challenges of balancing free expression with the need for a safe learning environment. April describes her interest in the Heterodox Academy, an organization that advocates for viewpoint diversity and open inquiry in universities. Part 1 concludes by highlighting the ongoing debate about the limits of free speech and the potential for self-censorship among students.

In part 2 of our conversation with Carlton Wing, Glen and April explore his thoughts on how to legislate from principle vs populism. Carlton bemoans the negative influences of extremists on both the left and right, and he cites the challenges politicians face in sometimes having to speak to the base of the party in order to be re-elected. Yet Carlton rejects name-calling as “an intellectual copout.” He also outlines a largely optimistic view of where he thinks Arkansas is headed politically. Carlton offers insights into how Arkansans can best provide feedback and have on impact on legislators, and he urges everyone to consider reaching out to their governmental officials. He finishes with a description of his poetic approach to lobbying for passage of his first bill as a freshman legislator.