How Do You Respond When You Hear Something New?
Please receive her, and she will tell you some new things. Let her tell her story without interrupting her, and give close attention, and you will see she has got the lever of truth, that [...]
The Weirdest Common Ground Ever
Many people are bemoaning America’s vicious public square. Few are discussing the weird common ground that most of us share—and what might be the best way to address it. Two recent conversations brought this into [...]
The Other Reason “Spotlight” Is Still Relevant Today
Every year my wife goes off on vacation, and I use the time to catch up on Oscar-winning movies from years past. This summer I saw maybe a half dozen, all of which were superbly [...]
Where Convictions and Friendship Collide
You’re talking with an old friend over coffee. At one point in the conversation, she uses a word that sets off every alarm bell in your head. Clearly she believes something you don’t believe at [...]
The Second Step Toward Dialogue Is a Doozy
People ask me what my book is about. I tell them it’s about how to change from the inside out so you can talk with people who drive you nuts. They say, “Boy, do I [...]
Dialogue and Dublin Billy
For a few days in June, Billy and I ate breakfast at the same café. It’s in the working-class neighborhood of Dublin where I was staying for the annual conference of the International Listening Association. [...]
Can the Truth Set Us Free in the Trump Era?
This is the story of a weird Bible interpretation and the unexpected wisdom it holds for us today. Recently I came across the gospel account of Jesus and a Jewish sect called the Sadducees. As [...]
Why I’ve Hit the Pause Button on Dialogue
Not so long ago, most of my writing was devoted to dialogue. Dialogue and Donald Trump. Dialogue and the debate over guns. Dialogue and why my website isn’t called Dialogue Venture anymore. A whole book [...]
Rx for Your Trump Hangover
Note: this piece originally appeared in The Huffington Post on January 31. It's written primarily for my progressive friends, and the intent is not to bash Mr. Trump (though I do criticize him--in a measured way, I [...]
How Do You Come to Your Opinions?
Think of a controversial issue in the news. More likely than not, you’ve already formed opinions about it. How did you come to those opinions? The question keeps arising for me this month, thanks to [...]