The Goal of All of This

Building Bridges, Not Walls: The Goal of Divided We Fail

Welcome to Divided We Fail, where we’re striving to do something different in the world of political conversation. We’re three hosts—Travis, James, and Cody—who come from different backgrounds and perspectives but share a common belief: respectful, bipartisan discourse is not just possible; it’s essential. In a political climate that often feels like a never-ending shouting match, we aim to cut through the noise and refocus the discussion on what truly matters—creating a better, more inclusive America for everyone.

Why We’re Doing This: A Mission for Unity

Our goal is simple but ambitious. We want to steer the political conversation back toward policy and solutions, away from the divisive rhetoric that has come to dominate our culture. We understand that political discourse has become fraught with hostility, where it often feels like Americans are more divided than ever. But we don’t believe that’s the whole story. We know there are countless people out there who, like us, are tired of the polarization and eager to have real, thoughtful conversations that bridge gaps instead of creating them. That’s why we started Divided We Fail.

We believe that if we take the time to listen, understand, and engage respectfully, we can find that most Americans share a lot of common ground. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we’re all Americans, and we all want what’s best for each other. We want to foster a space where independent thinkers can come together, free from the pressure to fit into rigid ideological boxes.

A Front Porch Chat, Not a Debate Stage

Our format reflects our goal to foster a relaxed and thoughtful environment—think of it as a front porch chat rather than a debate stage. We’re not here to “win” arguments or shout over each other. Each episode, we tackle a pressing issue and explore it from multiple angles, grounding our discussions in facts, policies, and lived experiences. Our approach is deliberate, curious, and compassionate. We’ll dive into issues like healthcare, education, economic reform, and environmental policies, not to polarize but to bring people together.

Each of us brings unique perspectives to the table. Travis, James, and Cody come from diverse backgrounds, and we lean on each other to ensure our discussions are well-rounded and multifaceted. We ask each other hard questions, challenge assumptions, and look for places where compromise can lead to real progress. But through it all, we maintain respect for each other—and for you, our listeners. That commitment to respect is central to everything we do, as we hope it will set the tone for a new kind of political discourse.

Building a Community of Independent Thinkers

We want Divided We Fail to be more than just a podcast; we want it to be a community. We’re inviting you—our listeners—to join us in a shared commitment to civil, productive discourse. We know that some of you will agree with us on certain issues, and some of you won’t, and that’s exactly what we’re hoping for. We want to create a space where people can share their perspectives, ask honest questions, and listen with an open mind.

The goal is not to conform to one viewpoint but to engage with many, expanding our understanding and fostering a culture of independent thinking. We want to empower you to think critically and form your own opinions based on thoughtful analysis, not talking points. Together, we can break free from the cycle of “us vs. them” and remember that we’re all Americans, all working toward a common purpose.

Refocusing on Policy Over Identity

One of the biggest issues we see in modern political discourse is the shift from policy-based discussions to identity-based conflicts. When every issue becomes a battle over who we are rather than what we believe, it’s easy to lose sight of the real work that needs to be done. At Divided We Fail, we’re making a conscious effort to bring the focus back to policy. We know that identity is a vital part of who we are, but when it dominates the conversation, it often leads to deadlock. By shifting the emphasis back to actionable policy discussions, we hope to find solutions that transcend political identities and serve the greater good.

In our episodes, we’ll be tackling complex issues like healthcare reform, economic stability, environmental sustainability, and educational equity. These are issues that impact all of us, regardless of background or political affiliation. And they’re too important to get lost in a partisan tug-of-war. We believe that by keeping the focus on policy and solutions, we can pave the way for real change.

The Power of Civility and Respect

It might sound old-fashioned, but we believe in the power of civility and respect. We live in a world where it’s all too easy to demonize those who think differently, to retreat into echo chambers that only reinforce our existing beliefs. But that approach hasn’t gotten us anywhere—and, if anything, it’s driven us further apart. At Divided We Fail, we’re committed to modeling a different approach.

We believe that when we engage with each other courteously and respectfully, we not only create a better dialogue but a better society. Our hope is that by setting an example, we can inspire our listeners to do the same in their own lives. Whether you’re talking to family members, neighbors, or coworkers, bringing respect and civility into your conversations can help foster understanding and create connections.

Join Us on This Journey

We’re excited to have you with us as we embark on this journey. We know it won’t always be easy; there will be disagreements, challenges, and maybe even some uncomfortable moments. But we also believe it will be worth it. Our commitment to you is that we’ll always approach these conversations with honesty, respect, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

So, if you’re ready for something different in political discourse, we invite you to join us at Divided We Fail. Let’s work together to build a community of independent thinkers, bridge divides, and remember that, at the end of the day, we’re all in this together. Because divided, we fail—but united, we just might succeed.