Reweaving Our Social Fabric

In this 2024 conversation with Justine Willis Toms, Diana McLain Smith, Ph.D. points out that the media landscape poses significant challenges in the current political climate. As media outlets continue to monetize and make financial profits from citizen-consumers they contribute to the polarization affecting political perceptions. So we must explore the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration across boundaries to address the fractures in American society. Smith shares insights into finding trustworthy news sources and how to spot media biases. She also shares many examples of social movements that have successfully brought unlikely allies together. Without denying our hugely complex world she is hopeful we are moving toward an inclusive, multi-group democracy. 

Diana McLain Smith, Ph.D. has worked with families, organizations, communities, and in some of America’s most iconic businesses and entrepreneurial nonprofits. She has developed an approach that converts debilitating intergroup conflict into constructive outcomes. This work is known as Leading through Relationships (LTR™). Her books include:


- Divide or Conquer: How Great Teams Turn Conflict Into Strength (Portfolio 2008)
- The Elephant in the Room: How Relationships Make or Break the Success of Leaders and Organizations (Jossey-Bass 2011) 
- Remaking The Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together To Build A Better Future For All (Ballast Books 2024) 

Interview Date: 7/5/2024   Tags: Diana McLain Smith, Not in Our Town, Derek Black, Eli Saslow, friendship, Billings Montana, Patrice O’Neil, Allison Gornick, Media, Social Change/Politics