Outrage Overload

A Connors Institute podcast

Outrage 66 – What It Really Takes to Fix the Division in America – Rich Harwood

Aired Jun 11 2025

Are you tired of the division in America? Wondering how we can start fixing things instead of just fighting all the time?

In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer welcomes back Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute and author of the new book The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation.

If you’ve been asking:

Why are we so divided?
What can I actually do to help bring people together?
Is it even possible to rebuild trust in our country anymore?

…then this conversation is for you.

Rich has spent more than 30 years working with local communities — not just talking about change, but helping everyday people take action. He joins us to share what he’s learned from working in towns that have faced crisis, conflict, and deep division — and still found ways to move forward together.

💡 In this episode, we talk about:

Why national politics isn’t where change really begins
How communities can rebuild trust and take action together
What it means to “turn outward” instead of giving in to outrage
Why it’s not too late to restore hope in one another — and in our country
How you can make a difference, starting right where you live

This episode builds on Rich’s powerful message from his previous appearance, where he launched the “Enough. It’s Time to Build.” effort. Now, with The New Civic Path, he brings even more clarity, tools, and stories to help us take the next step.

Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, has spent over 30 years revitalizing communities, fostering civic trust, and transforming institutions. Creator of the Turning Outward approach, used in all 50 U.S. states and 40 countries, Rich empowers communities to solve shared challenges. A sought-after speaker, author, and media contributor, he inspires people to build stronger connections, shared responsibility, and a renewed sense of civic faith.