In each episode we explore timely topics, fostering knowledge, skills, and empowerment. Together, we’ll broaden our minds, open our hearts, and strengthen connections to face the challenges of living in a divided world. Tania Israel is a psychologist, professor, and award-winning author of two books about navigating political division. Elizabeth Scharpf is a social entrepreneur, leader in global innovation and impact, and urgent optimist.

Welcome to the new year and a jew journey with Ready to Be Strong. In our first episode in 2025, we introduce you to our new co-host to the show as we embark upon a new Administration on this inauguration day.


Other Episodes

What Tania find most frustrating when it comes to talking politics, and so much more!

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Tania and Pema unpack what they’re thinking and feeling about the 2024 election, not as authors and experts, but as dear friends just trying to figure it out.

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In this solo episode, Tania shares stories from her time canvassing in Pennsylvania just before the 2024 election.

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Are you struggling with anger after the 2024 election? Tania is joined by her friend, a Buddhist lama, to talk strategies for making sense of our big feelings about politics.

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Tania and Pema unpack their feelings around the 2024 election results, and how understanding grief can help us cope and move forward — in our own time.

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Did you know there are over 500 organizations who are already working together to strengthen social cohesion and democracy in the US? Tania and Pema dig into some inspiring examples, figure out ways to get involved, and unpack why it can feel so daunting to take baby steps towards a less divided future — and share their insight for how to get around that.

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Feeling anxious or unsure about the election? There’s a ton you can do to get involved. Tania and Pema break down what it’s really like to knock doors, write postcards, and more.

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Tania and Pema talk tips, tricks, and some surprising research behind how to have an effective conversation with someone who disagrees with you.

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Tania and Pema explore what’s so hard about practicing compassion — seriously. Plus why it’s worth it, and one of Tania’s preferred methods of cultivating it.

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Pema and Tania talk about the emotional toll of broadening our minds, and why it’s important to do some of this work on our own, instead of in dialogue.

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Are our pre-historic brains hijacking our ability to be wise and strong in the modern world? Tania shares science and tips to help us better understand ourselves when we’re feeling threatened.

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Everybody has prejudices — they’re part of being human. But that doesn’t make them any less damaging. Tania breaks down our most common political misperceptions.

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Pema explored what makes mindlessly scrolling so much more addictive than just watching TV, and Tania doles out tips and tricks to help you stay connected while gaining more freedom from your phone.

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Tania and Pema talk about the slant in our trusted news sources, how to spot a narrative (and why you should), misinformation, and practical tips to stay informed in distressing times.

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Pema shares some of her personal journey with — and questions about — political polarization, and Tania provides jaw-dropping data showing we’re much less polarized and less political than we think we are. Plus, what this podcast has to do with Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

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