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David Isay speaks at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

David Isay, founder of the oral storytelling project StoryCorps, once said that in this moment where our country feels ripped down the middle, “there’s a way, I think, to have civil, thoughtful conversations.” Sometimes those discussions are most difficult with loved ones, many of whom we’ll be sitting next to at the Thanksgiving dinner table. So, along with the turkey, stuffing, and cranberries, what insights can we bring to the feast?

David Isay is in the conversation business. More than 400,000 people have recorded their stories via Storycorps. Now, in this particularly divided moment, the organization is working to highlight humanity. To have civil conversations with those you disagree with, he recommends skipping the politics, at least at first. Sit down and ask them about who they are in order to “build just a tiny bit of social capital,” he says, “so that maybe we can take one small step away from the abyss.” WATCH Isay describe how we can work to connect with those we disagree with most.

— ON THE PODCAST —

The Epidemic of Loneliness

A crisis is emerging that could pose as grave a threat to public health as obesity or substance abuse: social isolation. Research shows lonely people are more likely to become ill, experience cognitive decline, and die early. In this Aspen Ideas to Go episode, a panel of experts at Spotlight Health delve into how loneliness alters the brain. Does social media drive loneliness, or help cure it? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, listen on SiriusXM's Insight channel, or find us on NPR One.

What We're Reading

As we consider topics for the 2018 program tracks, here are some stories that have caught our attention:

• Citizens have lost faith in the system. What does this mean for American democracy?
• Will the next generation trust robots too much?
• Go to bed. It’s good for your health!
• How deep is America divided now — one year after the presidential election?
• How can a disastrous hurricane season lead to opportunity?