Katie Hyten on the We Are for Good Podcast: Embracing Dialogue in Polarized Times

​Essential Partners Co-Executive Director Katie Hyten recently joined the We Are for Good podcast to share how meaningful dialogue can heal divides and strengthen communities in polarized times. Her conversation highlights practical ways to hold space for connection and understanding, reflecting the values that guide both EP and the NCDD network. Read more in the blog post below.

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​At a time when genuine human connection can feel harder than ever, Essential Partners (EP) continues to show what is possible when people come together to listen, learn, and bridge divides. Recently, EP’s Co-Executive Director Katie Hyten brought this mission to a wider audience through her appearance on the We Are for Good podcast—a platform dedicated to spotlighting nonprofit leaders and changemakers who are reimagining what’s possible for communities everywhere.

Building Spaces for Understanding and Connection

Essential Partners has long been at the forefront of equipping individuals and communities with the tools they need to communicate across differences. Under Katie Hyten’s leadership, EP’s work reminds us that dialogue is not simply about exchanging words—it’s about creating spaces of trust, respect, and curiosity where everyone feels heard. This commitment is especially vital in moments of deep division and polarization.
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In her conversation with podcast hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott, Katie shares practical approaches for holding space amid disagreement and conflict. She invites us to consider that dialogue—when done with intention and care—can help transform our relationships, workplaces, and communities. It’s this spirit that aligns so strongly with NCDD’s vision of a more equitable, inclusive, and collaborative democracy.

Strengthening Democracy, One Conversation at a Time

​Katie’s insights offer a timely reminder that we all have a role to play in deepening civic engagement and fostering mutual understanding. By helping people build the skills and courage to stay in conversation—especially when it feels hardest—Essential Partners is nurturing the very qualities that strengthen communities and democracy itself.

NCDD celebrates Katie’s leadership and Essential Partners’ unwavering dedication to the power of dialogue and deliberation. Their work is a testament to what is possible when we come together with openness and empathy: communities that are resilient, connected, and ready to tackle even the most complex challenges, together.
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To listen to Katie’s episode and discover more conversations that inspire, visit the We Are for Good podcast.