Are we as polarized as we think? In this episode of 45 Forward, Ron sits down with Diane Hessen—innovator, long-time CEO, and author of Our Common Ground—who spent years listening weekly to 500 voters across every age, region, and political stripe. What she learned upends the usual narrative: on many major issues, Americans share more policy overlap than cable news suggests. The real problem? Stereotypes, incentives to amplify extremes, and the human tendency to vote against the other side rather than for something positive.

Diane explains the research approach that unlocked unusually candid conversations (including the simple listening prompt: “Tell me more.”), why media “heat” drowns out quiet consensus, how generations differ (and surprisingly don’t), and why so many people yearn for a “new American dream”—upward mobility, voice in community, and leaders who make heroes of those who give more than they take. It’s a practical, hopeful playbook for talking across difference—starting at your own dinner table.

Topics we cover:
• Where common ground actually exists (immigration, etc.)
• How stereotypes of “the other side” get it wrong
• Voting against vs. for in 2016–2024 cycles
• Active listening that builds trust (“Tell me more”)
• Loneliness, belonging, and why people feel unheard
• Generational patterns without the clichés
• A constructive path toward that “new American dream”.

 If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with someone who disagrees with you—and try “tell me more” together.

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