Outrage Overload

A Connors Institute podcast

Outrage 69 – The Connection Opportunity Report: Hope, Barriers, and the Path Forward – Kate Carney and Calista Small

Aired Aug 6, 2025

On this episode of Outrage Overload, we dive into the groundbreaking Connection Opportunity report from More in Common.

If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with others across political divides or felt exhausted by the state of civil discourse, this conversation is for you. Guests Kate Carney and Calista Small reveal surprising insights about social connection, the barriers that keep Americans apart, and why so many of us still believe in finding common ground.

We explore practical ways of overcoming polarization, navigating political conversations, and building community trust—from local community engagement to innovative digital tools for connection. Whether it’s talking across political lines, connecting across race, class, or religion, or working toward shared community goals, this episode offers hope and actionable steps for creating a more united future.

Listen now and discover why social cohesion might be the key to thriving together—even in divided times.

Kate Carney is Deputy Director at More in Common US, bringing over a decade of multisector experience spanning Capitol Hill policy advising, nonprofit leadership in Haiti, and corporate social responsibility at a Fortune 100 company. Kate holds an MPP from the University of Maryland and a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she serves on the Board of Trustees.

Calista Small is the Research Manager at More in Common US, where she leads mixed-methods studies exploring social cohesion and division across the country. She holds a B.A. in Humanities from Yale University and a post-baccalaureate degree in Psychology from Columbia University.