Two days earlier, Laryssa Bishop had no idea this trip existed. Now she's climbing into an RV with seven strangers to spend a day talking about one of the most divisive issues in America.
After becoming afraid to speak openly about politics, Laryssa sees the trip as a chance to try again. But the topic is immigration – deeply personal for a Brazilian international student waiting for her green card – and she'll be discussing it with Republicans and Democrats whose views she doesn't know.
What if the conversation gets ugly? What if she isn't prepared? What if this isn't actually a place where she can speak freely?
By the time Laryssa finally pulls her chair into the circle, her heart is racing.
This is the final episode of Dispatches from the Divide — true stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations that take an unexpected turn. Hosted by Monica Guzman.
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Dispatches from the Divide is a co-production of BYUradio, Disagree Better and Braver Angels.
Connect with us on social media @DispatchesfromtheDivide
If you’re enjoying the podcast, you’ll love the new documentary “A House United.” Find a screening near you: https://www.jojofilm.co.uk/ahouseunited
More about Disagree Better: https://disagreebetter.us/
More about Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org/
More podcasts from BYUradio: https://www.byuradio.org/
Listen to Monica Guzman’s other podcast “A Braver Way” https://www.moniguzman.com/abraverway
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CHAPTERS
(0:00) Laryssa Joins RV Trip
(2:03) A Campus Killing Shakes Her
(3:21) Why She Stopped Speaking
(5:45) Braver Angels Explained
(7:40) Common Ground Workshop Setup
(9:28) Ground Rules And Fishbowl
(12:02) Immigrant Stories In The Circle
(16:14) Tension and Searching For Policy
(18:01) Laryssa Sparks A Breakthrough
(22:09) Courageous Citizenship Lessons
(23:170 Finding Her Voice Again
(24:21) Final Reflections And Farewell
#DispatchesFromTheDivide #BYUradio #DisagreeBetter #BraverAngels #Immigration #BridgingDivides #CommonGround #CivilDiscourse #PoliticalPolarization #Courage
