Emotion, Polarization, and the Skills of Constructive Dialogue with Caroline Mehl

In a time marked by strong emotion and deep polarization, how do we help students stay in conversation rather than shut down or attack?

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Caroline Mehl, co founder and executive director of the Constructive Dialogue Institute.

Caroline explains that constructive dialogue is not about changing minds or abandoning beliefs. It is about fostering mutual understanding across differences. She shares how mindset and skillset work together, highlighting the importance of curiosity, open mindedness, and intellectual humility.

Together, they discuss:

– The difference between debate and dialogue
– How emotions influence polarized conversations
– Why classroom trust and shared norms must come first
– Practical strategies such as storytelling, role play, and structured turn taking
– How the “illusion of explanatory depth” reveals gaps in our own understanding

This episode offers practical guidance for educators who want to create classrooms where difficult conversations are handled with care, clarity, and courage.

About the Guest

Caroline Mehl is the co founder and executive director of the Constructive Dialogue Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit that partners with colleges and universities to build cultures of inquiry and dialogue. Since 2017, CDI has worked with more than 150 campuses across the United States.

Caroline’s writing has appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Time, and Harvard Business Review. She serves on advisory boards focused on strengthening civic culture and helping communities disagree better.

 

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