If you are following the controversy in Arkansas over defunding of PBS, this episode is a must for you! In the second half of our conversation with Gay White, former First Lady of Arkansas, April and Glen dig into why political discourse has grown so much more polarized — and who bears responsibility for turning it around. Gay shares what drew her to co-chair the Friends of Arkansas PBS initiative alongside Barbara Pryor, and why she believes preserving PBS is a cause that transcends party lines. We break down the Arkansas Educational Television Commission's recent vote to delay cutting PBS ties by 180 days, what the $2.1 million funding gap actually means, and how ordinary Arkansans can help close it. But the deeper question running through it all: in a media environment wired to reward outrage, how do you make a positive difference when you're just one person? Gay has a few thoughts on that — and a quote you won't forget.

In this first part of Glen and April’s interview with Gay White, former First Lady of Arkansas, Gay discussed her early involvement in Arkansas politics, including working on David Pryor's Senate campaign in the early 1970s. She then shared her experiences when her husband Frank White, a banker, decided to run for governor against Bill Clinton in the early 1980s. Gay proudly noted Frank’s ability after being elected to get all his key goals enacted legislatively during this first term. The discussion then focused on Gay's approach to cross-party relationships, particularly her friendship with Barbara Pryor, the former First Lady of a Democratic governor, who reached out to offer support as a new First Lady. They have since maintained their friendship through their shared experiences as former First Ladies. April and Gay discussed strategies for maintaining relationships with people who have different perspectives, as Gay emphasized the importance of grace, mercy, and understanding others' perspectives while acknowledging that sometimes setting boundaries may be necessary. Gay explained that she looks past political labels to focus on people's character and common bonds, drawing inspiration from her late husband Frank, who was skilled at reaching across political divides. She also emphasized the importance of broadening experiences through travel and meeting people from different backgrounds.

Check out part 3 of our conversation with April Chatham-Carpenter, new state coordinator for Braver Angels Arkansas, on our On The Other Hand podcast. Share with others who might find it of interest.

Summary: In this third and final part of our conversation with Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, April reflects on what gives her hope for Arkansas and the nation. She describes Braver Angels' philosophy of "calling in rather than calling out," shares practical steps any listener can take to build better relationships across divides, and offers a personal invitation to the upcoming Braver Angels national convention in Philadelphia. April closes with a reminder that real change begins with listening — and that most Americans are closer to the middle than our politics suggest.