Disagreeing Well: The Podcast About Polarization

Disagreeing Well is a podcast about polarization - why it matters, what drives it, and what we should be doing about it. Can faith play a role? John Milloy, retired politician, commentator, and Director of the Centre for Public Ethics at Martin Luther University College speaks with authors, commentators and practitioners about one of the most pressing issues of our time.For more information about the podcast and the people involved, see our Substack https://centreforpublicethics.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

Disagreeing Well: The Podcast About Polarization is a society podcast hosted by John Milloy, with 11 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

John Milloy hosts Disagreeing Well: The Podcast About Polarization, a society show with 11 episodes published.

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  Disagreeing Well: The Podcast About Polarization

  Partisanship vs. Polarization

  Jul 16, 202636 min

  Can politics be fiercely partisan without becoming deeply polarized? That's the question at the heart of this special bonus summer episode of Disagreeing Well: The Podcast About Polarization where I sit down with former B.C. Premier Christy Clark for a unique joint podcast that appears on both Disagreeing Well and The Christy Clark Show . Christy and I first met in politics in 1993, and our conversation draws on decades of experience in public life. We discuss the difference between healthy partisanship and destructive polarization, why political disagreements too often become personal attacks, and whether political parties can still make room for people with differing views. Along the way, we reflect on leadership, compromise, respect for those who choose to serve in public office and what both politicians and citizens can do to fight divisions in our society. I hope you enjoy this special conversation with Christy Clark and be sure to check out her weekly podcast featuring insightful dialogues on politics, leadership and societal change - The Christy Clark Show

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  Episode #10

  Talking about religion in a divided world

  Jun 25, 20261h 6mS1

  At the heart of polarization is an unwillingness to engage seriously with those who hold different perspectives from our own. Although we often think of polarization in political terms, it can extend to other areas including religion. In our secular society, people of faith are often dismissed as misguided, superstitious, or trying to impose their beliefs on the unwilling. Even between followers of different faith traditions, unfamiliar beliefs are often met with suspicion or mistrust. This week I speak with three guests - Alice Chan, Hicham Tiflati, and Margie Patrick. They are all representatives of the Centre for Civic Religious Literacy (CCRL), an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers by helping Canadians better understand religious, spiritual, and non‑religious worldviews. Our discussion challenges the idea that religion is purely private, arguing instead that beliefs shape identity, values, and civic engagement for many Canadians. All three of my guests make a strong case that increased religious literacy is crucial to promoting understanding and fighting polarization.

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  Episode #9

  Reclaiming the Digital Public Square

  Jun 17, 202656 minS1

  In this episode of Disagreeing Well , I sit down with Shlomit Broder, CEO of the Canadian organization Digital Public Square, to explore how technology is reshaping the way we engage with each other. Although the “digital public square” can be a place for meaningful dialogue, digital spaces can also fuel polarization. Shlomitt and I discuss the nature of polarization in Canada today and the challenges posed by new technologies – from misinformation to amplified outrage to the way it often drowns out nuanced voices. Shlomit shares how her organization is building digital tools and creating spaces that foster curiosity, empathy, and meaningful dialogue—even on the most polarizing issues, including Israel-Gaza. The conversation offers both a clear-eyed assessment of the risks of online discourse and a hopeful vision for how we can rebuild trust, embrace nuance, and learn to disagree well. Learn more about Digital Public Square

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  Episode #8

  The Media and Polarization: Feeding it or Fixing it?

  Jun 11, 202655 minS1

  Is the media fueling polarization or is it helping to defend truth and hold our battered and bruised society together? In this episode of Disagreeing Well: The Podcast About Polarization , I sit down with Bill Killorn, Executive Director of Journalists for Human Rights, to explore the relationship of the media and polarization from both a Canadian and global perspective. Drawing upon his experience in government and international journalism development, Bill discusses the way in which the media can both deepen divisions as well as serve as a source of accountability and informed public debate. We talk about everything from misinformation to the pressures shaping modern newsrooms and the need for balanced journalism that prioritizes understanding over outrage. We also highlight the work of Journalists for Human Rights, supporting journalists in Canada and around the world to produce fair, accurate, and inclusive reporting—often in challenging environments. Join us as we take a thoughtful look at why a strong, independent press—and public support for it—is essential to a healthy democracy. Learn more about Journalists for Human Rights .

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  Episode #7

  Minding the Myth Gap

  Jun 4, 20261h 6mS1

  In this episode of Disagreeing Well , I sit down with Alex Evans, author of The Myth Gap: What Happens When Evidence and Arguments Aren’t Enough and founder of Larger Us , a UK organization focused on reducing division. Together, we explore why polarization remains so difficult to overcome—and what we may be missing in our efforts to address it. Drawing on his experience in the British government and politics along with his work at the United Nations, Evans makes the important point that while facts and evidence are essential, they are rarely enough to change minds. Instead, the stories we tell about what matters, who we should trust and what the future holds plays a decisive role in addressing division. Unfortunately, our world has a shortage of these stories to help us deal with our current set of challenges – what Evans calls the “myth gap”. In that gap, more divisive stories often take hold, reinforcing an “us versus them” dynamic. Drawing upon his work of Larger US , Evans offers a more hopeful path forward. Citing practical examples—from climate conversations to grassroots bridge-building—he highlights how listening, curiosity, and shared stories can help expand our sense of a “larger us.” To learn more about Larger Us. To learn more about Alex’s book.

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