Podcast of the Month – The Bridge: A Disagreeing Well Podcast
We’re thrilled to introduce The Bridge: A Disagreeing Well Podcast from UCL and Students’ Union UCL as September’s Podcast of the Month
We live in an increasingly polarised society, where conflict often feels like the default setting. Social media arguments spiral out of control, political debates become more entrenched, and even conversations with friends or family can quickly grow tense. In all this noise, reasoned discussion and genuine understanding are hard to come by. That’s where The Bridge comes in.
This bold new podcast tackles one of the most important skills of our time: how to disagree well. Instead of shying away from conflict, it leans in with curiosity and compassion, showing us how to have conversations that might be uncomfortable but are always constructive.
This project began with a conversation and a question: how do we help people disagree well in an increasingly polarised society? With the help of some fantastic guests who were willing to be challenged by our expert mediator Dr. Melanie Garson and student presenters Lea Hofer and Tara Constantine, we hope the series provides listeners with new skills to navigate those difficult conversations in their own lives.
In Series 1, the podcast asks two central questions: How can we communicate more effectively across divides? And what does it take to find common ground when the stakes feel so high? From heated political disagreements to cultural clashes and personal disputes, each episode dives into a topical issue with honesty and openness.
In the first three episodes, we explore:
Should we ban social media for children? with Daniel Angus and Jennifer Powers.
Can the interests of ethnic minority voters truly be represented by right-wing parties? with Albie Amankona and Nels Abbey.
Is tourism inherently exploitative and damaging to local communities? with Mark Worden and Chris Christou.
But The Bridge isn’t just about listening to others disagree, it’s about equipping you, the listener, with the tools you need to navigate conflict in your own life. By tuning in, you’ll not only gain fresh perspectives on issues you may already have strong feelings about, but also learn techniques rooted in mediation and communication research. These are skills that can help in every area of life, whether it’s negotiating with colleagues, understanding a friend’s perspective, or discussing politics.
The result is a podcast that feels both timely and timeless. At a moment when public debate can feel fractured and hostile, The Bridge reminds us that disagreement doesn’t have to divide us, it can, in fact, be the starting point for connection, empathy, and understanding.
The Bridge: A Disagreeing Well Podcast is out now, listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Research Podcasts offer podcast production and training for researchers and academics. If you have an idea, we can make it a reality.
Lauren White, Assistant Producer
