Extreme opinion seems to be the norm.  How many times have you consciously avoided a conversation about social or political views? “Remaking the Space Between Us” author Dr. Diana McLain Smith shares her insights with Andrea about how to start the conversation in an environment when toxic polarization is standard.

DIANA SMITH

• Book: “Remaking the Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together to Build a Better Future For Us All“ – https://amzn.to/4hIM1uw


• Article: Diana Smith & Amy Edmondson “Too Hot to Handle: How to Manage Relationship Conflict”.
  
  
  
  • California Management Review – https://www.iths.org/wp-content/uploads/Too-Hot-to-Handle.pdf
  
  
  • University of Toronto Rotman magazine – https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/news-events-and-ideas/rotman-management-magazine/back-issues/2008/fall-2008—the-future-of-capital-/
  
  
  
  


• Diana’s 3 Recos:
  
  
  
  • Podcast: “The Bullwark”, Sarah Longwell – https://podcast.thebulwark.com/hosts/sarah-longwell
  
  
  • Book: “And There was Light” John Meacham – https://amzn.to/3YIImnR
  
  
  • Documentary. “I Am Not Your Negro” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5804038/
  
  
  
  

DIANA SMITH’S RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

• “Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life” Jeff -Wetzler – https://amzn.to/3CnOGtu


• Sharon Says So (Instagram) – https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso/?hl=en


• Solutions Journalism Network – https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/


• Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/


• More in Common – https://www.moreincommon.com/


• Listen First Project – https://www.listenfirstproject.org/


• One Small Step – https://onesmallstep.com/


• Starts With Us – https://startswith.us/

CONNECT WITH ANDREA & TALK ABOUT TALK

• Website: TalkAboutTalk.com


• Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/newsletter


• LinkedIn Andrea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki/


• LinkedIn TalkAboutTalk: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkabouttalk/


• YouTube Channel: @talkabouttalkyoutube

TRANSCRIPT

Meet Dr. Diana McLain Smith. I’ve interviewed a lot of high IQ folks here at the talk about talk podcast. But I have to say, Diana is off the charts. I met Diana when Amy Edmondson recommended that I read Diana’s book, entitled “Re-Making the Space Between Us.” This book is chalk full of relevant history, more current stories, and incredible insight. 

In the next 45 minutes, you’re going to hear my conversation with Diana Smith, and my summary of what we can do to help us re-make the space between us. 

Welcome to Talk about Talk podcast episode #176

“Talking Extremes – Remaking the space between us with Diana Smith.”

My interview with Diana Smith was recorded just before the US presidential election. We decided to wait until after the election to share these insights with you. As November 5 came and went, Diana Smith’s insights, and our conversation were top of mine for me. The next day on November 6, I flew from my home in Toronto to attend a women’s leadership conference in Boston, Massachusetts. Yes, many of my friends said that I was crazy to go to the US. Anyway, when I was at the airport waiting for my flight to board, I started a conversation with a complete stranger. Interesting how this often happens w