627. Healing Through Conversation: Building Trust in Polarizing Times (Katie Hyten)
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Overview
Meet Katie 🤝, the Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners. She’s helping communities navigate tough conversations and build trust across divides. With a background in international negotiation and conflict resolution from Tufts University’s Fletcher School, Katie brings deep expertise in dialogue, identity, and civic action.
In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to hold space in polarized times—and why dialogue might just be our most powerful tool for healing and change. Katie shares practical tools for listening, building understanding (even across disagreement), and creating space for connection when it feels hardest.
If you’re craving deeper, more human conversations in your life and work—this one’s for you. 💙
Learn đź’ˇ
Dialogue isn’t about winning—it’s about understanding
Creating space for real conversation means rethinking how we engage
Listening well can be even more powerful than speaking
You don’t have to agree to make progress together
Small shifts in communication can lead to big breakthroughs
Today’s Guests
Katie Hyten | Co-Executive Director, Essential Partners
“Most people don’t set out to be difficulty- we often end up in those roles without meaning to. ”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
Essential Partners: Building Trust Across Divides (06:41)
Creating Conditions for Authentic Dialogue (09:11)
Real-World Imapct: Stories of Transformation (12:46)
Integrating Dialogue into Culture (16:58)
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Dialogue (19:19)
Navigating Difficult Conversations in Nonprofits (22:56)
Moments of Generosity and Community Support (27:47)
Katie’s One Good Thing (31:04)
Powerful Quotes
“Change happens at the pace of trust.” - Katie Hyten
“It’s about spreading out the discomfort.”- Katie Hyten
"Our goal is to help communities shift how they connect and communicate across differences.” - Katie Hyten
“Every day, the news shows us examples. Teachers at school board meetings, managers getting suspended, people being singled out or targeted.”- Katie Hyten
“Are the people you’re inviting to the conversation genuinely open and committed to its purpose?'“- Katie Hyten
“Don’t overlook the power of silence - pause long enough to let people breathe, reflect, and process what’s been said.”- Katie Hyten
Katie’s One Good Thing: “Don’t underestimate the power of silence.”
Resources Mentioned:
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