Derate The Hate

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Episode 292 — Correcting Misperceptions with James Coan of More Like Us Misunderstanding each other is fueling a level of toxic polarization that’s tearing at our civic and social fabric. In this episode, Wilk is joined by James Coan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of More Like Us, an organization that helps Americans see each other more accurately—especially on college campuses. They unpack: • Why we think our political “opponents” are more extreme than they really are • How false stereotypes lead to fear, outrage, and hostility • The perception gap: what it is and how it warps our values • Why data can calm what misinformation inflames • The CAST & RECAST framework for seeing people as complex, admirable, similar, and worthy of togetherness • How to interrupt the “race to the bottom” in our politics This conversation is full of clarity, humanity, and real-world solutions. Learn more about James and his work by visiting the full show notes for this episode on DeratetheHate.com or MoreLikeUs.org The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Episode 291 – Featuring Joni Bryan of The 917 Society In this episode, Wilk sits down with Joni Bryan, Founder & Executive Director of The 917 Society, an organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation with a personal connection to the U.S. Constitution. Joni shares how a simple question — “Have you ever read the Constitution?” — evolved into a nationwide effort to provide every 8th-grade student with a free pocket Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in honor of Constitution Day. Topics include: all2.5 millionLearn more about Joni & The 917 Society in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com or visiting 917society.org. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Bridge Grades & the Fight Against Toxic Polarization This week, Wilk is joined by Brad Porteus, founder of BridgeGrades.org, to discuss the pervasive issue of toxic political polarization and identity politics in America. Brad shares his experience of returning to the U.S. after 14 years abroad, seeing a "stark" difference and feeling "mad" about the decay of the civic fabric. The conversation delves into the dangers of the outrage economy that profits from division, and how our perception of reality is being warped by algorithms. Brad introduces BridgeGrades.org, a new data-driven system that evaluates every member of Congress on one key dimension: Are they Bridgers—or Dividers? This conversation digs into pluralism, loss of agency, legislative dysfunction, and how we can build a healthier civic culture by supporting leaders who collaborate instead of perform. Topics Include: Learn more in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Episode 289 | Guest: Jim Robb, Vice President of Alliances at Numbers USA Immigration is one of America’s most polarizing debates—but what happens when lifelong political opponents choose conversation over combat? Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Jim Robb of Numbers USA to discuss his organization’s collaboration with Braver Angels on the Citizens Commission on Immigration. Together they explore: ✅ How employer exploitation drives illegal labor markets ✅ Why “jobs Americans won’t do” is a myth ✅ The bipartisan framework behind the Citizens Commission on Immigration ✅ The power of persuasion in rebuilding trust and reform Listen as two bridge-builders tackle one of America’s toughest issues—showing that common ground is still within reach. 🔗 Learn more about and connect with Jim Robb by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Lura Forcum: The Pleasure of Outrage vs. The Cost of Division Outrage is addictive—but understanding it may be our way out. Wilk Wilkinson welcomes Lura Forcum, president of The Independent Center and co-host of We Made This Political, for a fascinating conversation about political schadenfreude—the pleasure we feel when our opponents suffer. Drawing from her background in consumer and social psychology, Lura explains how this emotion drives today’s outrage economy, fuels partisanship, and weakens civic trust. Together they explore how independent voters are reshaping the political landscape and how genuine human connection can heal the divisions outrage creates. Topics Covered: Learn more about and connect with Lura Forcum in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙇𝙖 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙚: 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 Wilk Wilkinson is joined by Phelosha Collaros, Vice President at St. John’s College and founder of DepolarWise.com. Her family’s story in Colombia’s La Violencia reveals what happens when political conflict becomes personal—and how humanity can still prevail. Together they explore the roots of polarization, how conflict entrepreneurs profit from outrage, and what it takes to rebuild trust and community in divided times. Key Takeaways: • Phelosha’s connection to depolarization is hereditary • Political “mixed marriages” once faced deadly danger in Colombia • Humanity can survive even amidst violence • The U.S. and Colombia share warning signs of division • Conflict entrepreneurs thrive on outrage • Social trust and engagement build a thriving civil society ❤️ Why This Episode Matters If you’ve ever felt that politics is tearing America apart, listen to this conversation. You’ll hear why our greatest hope lies not in political victory, but in re-humanizing each other—starting in our own communities. The majority of people are not as divided as the extremes would have us believe, and together we can build the trust needed for a thriving civil society. Learn more about and connect with Phelosha Collaros in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Episode 286 – Michael Sodini | Walk The Talk America In this episode, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Michael Sodini, founder of Walk The Talk America (WTTA) — an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health and responsible gun ownership. They discuss the stigma that keeps people from seeking help, the impact of suicide prevention programs like Cause of Pause, and how the firearms community is stepping up to promote mental health awareness, education, and common-sense solutions that save lives without compromising rights. Key Takeaways: ✅ Walk The Talk America focuses on reducing negative outcomes from firearms through education and outreach. ✅ Mental health is inseparable from responsible gun ownership. ✅ Programs like Cause of Pause offer reflection moments in crisis without mandating gun removal. ✅ Common ground exists when the conversation starts with understanding, not blame. ✅ The firearms industry is embracing change and responsibility. Learn more about Michael Sodini and Walk the Talk America in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Faith 250 – A Clergy-Led Celebration of our Shared Civic Story What if the 250th anniversary of America’s founding became more than fireworks — what if it became a spiritual renewal of our shared civic story? In this episode, Wilk sits down with Rabbi Michael Holzman and Pastor Becca Messman to explore Faith 250, a multi-faith initiative uniting clergy and congregations across the nation. Through storytelling, vulnerability, and sacred text study, Faith 250 helps communities rediscover American ideals rooted in faith, character, and shared values. Key Topics: Connect: Learn more and get involved at Faith250.org Learn more about Rabbi Holzman & Pastor Messman in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! "In Defense of Christian Patriotism " – DTH Episode 284 with Daniel Darling What does it mean to love both God and country without falling into the trap of Christian nationalism? In this episode, Wilk is joined by author Daniel Darling to talk about his new book In Defense of Christian Patriotism. Together they explore: 🎧 Tune in for a timely conversation about faith, freedom, and what it means to be a Christian in America today. 👉 Learn more about Daniel’s book here: https://danieldarling.com/books/ 👉 Find more episodes at https://deratethehate.com The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Affirming Identity, Building Community, and Cultivating Leadership In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum—renowned psychologist, author, and president emerita of Spelman College—to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing higher education in today’s polarized climate. Dr. Tatum shares insights from her groundbreaking work on race and identity development, her bestselling book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, and her newest release Peril and Promise: Higher Education Leadership in Turbulent Times. Together, we explore: ✅ Why affirming identity matters for students and communities ✅ The role of courageous conversations in bridging divides ✅ Misperceptions around DEI and how leaders can reframe the conversation ✅ Preserving free speech on campus amidst political and cultural conflict ✅ How colleges can strengthen democracy through dialogue and leadership Learn more about Dr. Tatum’s work in the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Speaking Out With Courage When It Matters Most In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Jennifer Sey — author, filmmaker, business executive, athlete, and outspoken advocate for children and women. Jen’s story spans from the highs of being a national champion gymnast to the lows of enduring — and later exposing — an abusive system in her sport. She courageously told the world in her 2008 memoir Chalked Up and later co-produced Netflix’s Emmy-winning Athlete A, which revealed the crimes of Larry Nassar and the toxic culture inside USA Gymnastics. But her courage didn’t stop on the mat. As a top executive at Levi’s, she spoke out against prolonged COVID school closures — and paid for it with her career. Her 2022 book Levi’s Unbuttoned chronicles that fight and the price of telling inconvenient truths. Now, Jen leads XX-XY Athletics, a clothing brand dedicated to defending fairness in women’s sports, and is producing the upcoming documentary Generation Covid to spotlight the long-term impact of school closures on our children. This conversation is about courage, candor, and the cost of speaking truth in a culture that often punishes it. 👉 Learn more about Jennifer Sey in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Leadership Beyond the Checklist: How “Being” Leaders Create Value and Navigate Complexity What does it really mean to become better—not just at what we do, but in who we are? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ryan Gottfredson, a best-selling author and leadership professor whose work has transformed the way we think about growth. Ryan explains why most leadership training focuses too much on “doing” and not enough on “being”—and how that shift makes all the difference in navigating complexity, creating value, and leading others in meaningful ways. We talk about the difference between dependent, independent, and interdependent thinking, why constructive criticism is such a powerful test of our growth, and how true leadership is less about checking boxes and more about becoming someone others genuinely want to follow. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your mindset, strengthen your leadership, or simply become a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 👉 Find more about Ryan Gottfredson, his books, assessments, and ways to connect with him by visiting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Coaching Beyond the Game: Football as a Platform for Healing, Accountability & Social Progress This week, we kicked off the 2025 NFL season — and what better time to explore how youth football can be so much more than just a game? Host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with Coaches Jim Place and Al Powell, the co-founders of the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association’s Social Justice seven-on-seven tournament in Dayton, Ohio. It’s not about X’s and O’s—it’s about connection, responsibility, and the power of sports to build bridges. They’ll unpack how this tournament grew from the social unrest of 2020 into a thriving annual event that brings together nearly 70 teams and more than 1,800 student-athletes for meaningful dialogue on race, empathy, and personal accountability. You’ll hear how purpose-driven coaching fosters lasting impact beyond the field—and why hosting real conversations in everyday spaces like sports is an essential part of community healing. If you believe in sports as a force for unity and leadership rooted in humanity, you won’t want to miss this one. Why It Matters This episode reminds us that real social change doesn’t always start in big forums—it can begin in local spaces like sports, where youth meet across lines, dialogue happens, and empathy grows. It’s an uplifting story of how coaching—when rooted in purpose—can help knit communities together. 🙌 Join the Movement This episode of Derate The Hate is produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest cross-partisan, grassroots organization working to bridge political & societal divides to foster a more united country. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Common Ground from the Ground Up: Humility, Healing & Rethinking Our Politics In this episode of Derate The Hate, Wilk sits down with Nathan Smolensky—author of Common Ground from the Ground Up. Nathan brings a unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in a family of Soviet immigrants and his experience working with Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike. Together, they explore how humility, introspection, and storytelling can help us break through the noise of hyperpartisanship and rediscover the power of constructive dialogue. Nathan shares why political identity often feels personal, how passion rarely persuades, and why lowering barriers to entry in politics can create healthier conversations. ✅ Why introspection and humility are vital for communication ✅ How political identity complicates dialogue but also makes it meaningful ✅ The role of storytelling in building understanding ✅ Why certainty can block learning and open-mindedness ✅ How constructive dialogue can heal relationships and enrich our politics Tune in for a refreshing take on depolarization, political innovation, and how we can all play a role in building common ground. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! From Rooftop to Roadwork: Faith, Dignity and the Walk Across America Pastor Corey Brooks — known to many as the Rooftop Pastor — is back on Derate The Hate with a story that’s nothing short of incredible. What began years ago with a bold stand on a rooftop has grown into Project Hood’s 90,000-square-foot community center, now halfway complete on Chicago’s South Side. This isn’t just a building. It’s a lifeline — with trade schools, culinary arts programs, restaurants, financial literacy training, and spaces where purpose and opportunity come alive. But Pastor Brooks isn’t done yet. On September 1, 2025, he’ll lace up his sneakers in Times Square and begin a Walk Across America — 3,000 miles in 365 days — to raise $25 million and finish the center debt-free. This conversation is about more than fundraising. It’s about faith that moves mountains, the dignity of hard work, and the belief that every step we take can change lives. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! On the Road with US United: How Sheriffs Spark Community Connection In this episode of Derate The Hate, I’m joined by Adam Mizel, Co-Founder and CEO of Us United, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of how communities heal. Adam and his team are literally on the road, traveling across America to meet with sheriffs, local leaders, and everyday citizens. Their mission? To spark conversations, rebuild trust, and remind us that unity is still possible—even in these divided times. We dive into the dangers of labels and identity politics, and how they shut down dialogue before it even begins. Adam shares stories from the road about sheriffs stepping up as community connectors, about how sports and local events can bring neighbors together, and about the simple power of listening to one another. What I love about Adam’s work with Us United is how much it complements the mission we’re pursuing at Braver Angels: creating space for people to show up, talk honestly, and treat one another with respect. This episode will inspire you to think differently about how we bridge divides—because unity isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about communication, connection, and courage. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Bridging Racial Divides Through Sacred, Selfish & Shared Action – DTH Episode 276 with Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of the Beloved Community — a vision of reconciliation, redemption, and shared humanity. This week, Wilk is joined by Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery (“Dr. TLC”), a groundbreaking “pastologist” who unites the worlds of psychology and ministry to lead transformative conversations on race, leadership, and healing. Drawing from her Sacred Intelligence framework, Dr. TLC unpacks the three keys to building bridges across racial divides: Sacred MotiveSelf~ish MindsetShared MovementWith decades of experience as a pastor, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and current Interim Executive Director of the Healing Racism Institute, Dr. TLC brings powerful insight into how personal transformation fuels collective action. Whether you’re a leader, community builder, or simply someone who believes in love over hate, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take the next step toward a more united future. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. TLC and her work: full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Courageous Connections: Embracing Pluralism Amidst American Populism In this Derate The Hate bonus episode, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with fellow Braver Angels Ibrahim Anli and Will Harwood for a powerful discussion on cultural and religious pluralism in the face of American populism. They explore what it means to be American in today’s polarized climate and the importance of courageous connections in embracing diversity. Ibrahim, an immigrant to the U.S., and Will, a native-born American, share their personal insights on how America’s evolving identity can remain rooted in foundational civic values while allowing room for pluralism. Key Topics: American identitycivic creedcultural pluralismreligious freedomimmigrationcourageous connectionsshared purposecivic educationFeatured Guests: Ibrahim AnliWill HarwoodTakeaways: PluralismCourageous connectionsAmerica’s founding idealsListen Now to hear a thought-provoking conversation on how we can embrace diversity, overcome polarization, and strengthen the fabric of American society in the face of modern challenges. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! DTH Episode 275 with Neil Ghosh — Purpose, Empathy, and Engaged Citizenship This week, Wilk is joined by Neil Ghosh - author, executive, and social impact strategist, for a powerful conversation on purpose, empathy, and building a meaningful legacy. From the immigrant experience to small acts of micro-altruism, Neil shares personal stories and actionable insights that remind us why active participation in democracy and community is more important than ever. 🎧 Key Takeaways: 🎙️ Notable quotes: “Empathy is not a blue state value, or a red state value, it's an American value.” “Disagreement creates innovation.” 🧠 What You'll Learn: micro-altruism The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

Send Wilk a text with your feedback! Episode 274: Reigniting Purpose Through Gratitude & Legacy with Dean Taylor In this episode, Wilk is joined by Dean Taylor for a powerful discussion on how gratitude, personal accountability, and intentional mindset shifts can transform your life. Dean opens up about rediscovering his purpose after years of feeling stuck, inspired by the dream his father never got to fulfill. They explore the power of morning routines, the Miracle Morning framework, and how faith and storytelling can help build a life of meaning and impact. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Miracle MorningIt’s never too late to start dreaming again💬 Learn more about Dean at DeanTaylorOfficial.com 📲 Connect on Instagram or LinkedIn 🎧 Tune in now to fuel your purpose and build your legacy. The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you’ve got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America’s largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.