The Spark Features Braver Angels Workshop on Civil Discourse at Penn State Harrisburg
-
Asia Tabb
AIRED; April 3, 2026
Listen to the podcast to hear the conversation.
The Spark recently hosted a live taping at Penn State Harrisburg following a “Skills for Disagreeing Better” workshop facilitated by Braver Angels.
The event brought together students and community members for a 90-minute interactive session focused on improving communication across political and cultural differences. The workshop covered techniques for respectful dialogue, active listening, and navigating disagreements without escalating conflict.
The live taping featured two segments.
The first segment included Braver Angels moderator Nita Landis and Penn State Harrisburg professor John Woodall, who discussed the purpose of the workshop, the importance of civil discourse, and the role of higher education in supporting conversations across differences.
The second segment featured two students, Michael Lippert, president of the Young Americans for Freedom student club at Penn State Harrisburg, and Elijah Espaillat, co-founder of the Capital College Democrats Club at Penn State Harrisburg , who participated in the workshop. They shared their experiences navigating political conversations on campus and reflected on how the workshop addressed communication and understanding across differing perspectives.
The event was held on campus at Penn State Harrisburg and was open to students, faculty, and community members interested in strengthening civic dialogue.
