Welcome to the Audaciously Curious Exchange (ACE), a 4-week program designed to foster bold, meaningful conversations beyond echo chambers. In a world where quick answers replace deep discussion, ACE challenges participants to ask better questions, engage with opposing viewpoints and embrace curiosity as a tool for growth. The first Exchange will explore The Death of Politics by Pete Wehner, with discussions held via Zoom. The goal isn’t to be right—it’s to understand, to listen and to evolve. If you’re ready for thought-provoking dialogue, this is your invitation to step into the middle ground.
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Brave Middle Ground | ND Senator Josh Boschee
Season 01, Episode 04 February 23, 2025 Originally recorded January 04, 2025 51:48 minutes SPEAKERS Josh Boschee, Dayna Del Val SUMMARY In this conversation, Josh Boschee discusses the importance of finding middle ground in politics, particularly in the context of North Dakota’s evolving political landscape. He reflects on the historical significance of compromise and the challenges posed by extremism in contemporary politics. The discussion also touches on the legacy of the Nonpartisan League, the dynamics of working within a super majority and the importance of engaging with constituents to foster a more inclusive political environment. Josh and Dayna discuss the challenges and dynamics of governance in North Dakota, emphasizing the…
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Brave Middle Ground | Sheri Salata
Season 01, episode 03 February 9, 2025 Originally recorded January 14, 2025 58:28 minutes SPEAKERS Sheri Salata, Dayna Del Val SUMMARY In this conversation, Dayna and Sheri Salata explore the concept of middle ground, the importance of community through the Prosper Network and the transformative power of storytelling. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the middle of life, the changing landscape of media representation and the significance of personal narratives in shaping one’s identity and experiences. In this engaging conversation, Dayna and Sheri explore themes of justice, happiness, self-discovery, spirituality and the power of daydreaming. They reflect on the importance of managing one’s energy and mood,…
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Uninterrupted Time to Spark and Pursue Your *Creativity
Struggling to find uninterrupted time for your creative work? Uninterrupted: A Retreat to Spark Creativity is a weekend designed to remove distractions, provide structured focus time and help you finally make progress on your creative pursuits.
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Brave Middle Ground | Dr Adi Jaffe
Season 01, Episode 02 Jan 26, 2024 Originally recorded on December 6, 2024 68 MINUTES SPEAKERS: Dr Adi Jaffe, Dayna Del Val SUMMARY In this conversation, Adi Jaffe, PhD, and Dayna explore the complexities of addiction, mental health and societal definitions of normality. They discuss the stigma surrounding addiction, the fluidity of what is considered normal and how these concepts impact individuals, especially children. The conversation delves into the relationship between substance use and underlying mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes rather than merely labeling behaviors. In this conversation, Adi explores the complexities of addiction, emphasizing the interplay between biological factors and environmental influences. He…
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Brave Middle Ground | Pete Wehner
Season 01, Ep 01 January 12, 2025 Originally recorded December 06, 2024 53:03 minutes SPEAKERS: Pete Wehner, Dayna Del Val SUMMARY In this episode of Brave Middle Ground, Dayna Del Val interviews Pete Wehner about the importance of moderation in politics, finding truth in polarized times and fostering meaningful conversations across ideological divides. KEY WORDS Brave Middle Ground, political polarization, Pete Wehner, truth and community, middle ground politics. LISTEN ON SPOTIFY LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS WATCH ON YOUTUBE TRANSCRIPT INTRO and WELCOME Dayna Del Val 00:00 Pete, thank you so much for joining me as my first guest on Brave Middle Ground. I just have to tell you that…
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Reflect, Celebrate, Release: Let’s Close the Year Feeling Extraordinary
As 2024 ends, I’m reflecting on the moments that shaped me—like finishing my memoir and attending a transformative writing retreat. This year reminded me that extraordinary doesn’t always look big; it’s found in small wins and facing challenges with courage. What are your reflections? What are you proud of? What have you let go of? As we look to 2025, I’m excited to flourish—hosting Spark events in Florence and launching Brave Middle Ground. Here's to closing the year with gratitude and stepping into a new one with purpose and joy!
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Shake it off: Speak up, stand out and face the noise
Taking a risk, speaking up, or trying something new can feel exhilarating and terrifying all at once. When the critics—strangers or loved ones—chime in, it's easy to feel deflated. But ask yourself: do their voices matter more than your own? The truth is, while haters are going to hate, the real challenge is choosing to stand firm in who you are. So, as the wise Ms. Swift reminds us, sometimes you’ve just got to shake it off—and keep moving forward.
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Turning Anger into Action: Finding Connection in a Divided Nation
In a time of extreme division and isolation, how can we turn anger into positive action? Join me in exploring ways to foster civil discourse, bridge divides, and build communities of empathy and connection.
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Feeling hopeless? Let’s Spark Hope together this Thursday
We have perhaps never been as isolated as we’ve become in these last number of years. Our politics, COVID, the environment, remote work, an inequitable economy and more is dividing us, and we’re lonely and lacking in connection. I woke early this morning, feeling a familiar sense of dread—a feeling I remember all too well from eight years ago. By 3:21, I gave in and checked my phone, only to find deepening confirmation of what I feared. Despite the heaviness, I made it to my 6am spin class, knowing that caring for myself is essential, especially in dark times. My first impulse was to vent, to add to the outrage…
