One Small Step

The people who shape us often leave lessons that last for generations.

For Kaye, it was a grandfather who chose resilience over anger despite extraordinary hardship.

For Alex, it was family members who taught him the value of growth and lifelong learning.

Their conversation explores political values, personal history, and what can happen when we move beyond fear and toward understanding.

Tony Goldwyn and Ben Sauceda came from different backgrounds, experiences, and assumptions about each other.

What they found was something many Americans are looking for: a genuine conversation rooted in curiosity, faith, storytelling, and shared humanity.

"We have a lot more in common than what divides us."

Watch their full One Small Step conversation.

Emma and Martin came to their conversation from different political perspectives.

Liberal. Republican.

But as they talked, those labels were set aside to make room for something else: stories about family, work, and the people who shaped their values.

By the end, they showed us that no one can be summed up in a sound bite, a headline, or a label.

Watch their conversation and tell us: what's something you've learned about someone after taking the time to really listen?

Do we actually benefit from talking to people we disagree with?

Some would say it’s the only way to understand experiences outside your own.
Others see it as a skill, something you have to practice to do well.

We believe the real value lies in the connection that exists beyond politics.

Jump in. Do you agree or disagree?

If we’re not modeling respect, why would we expect it from anyone else?

Dean Phillips and Tim Burch come from opposite ends of the political spectrum. They don’t try to change each other’s minds. They talk, they challenge each other, and they stay in it.

At the end of their respectful conversation, one thing becomes clear: disagreement doesn’t have to mean a lack of connection.

Listen to their conversation and think about the last time you chose to stick around while keeping an open mind.

A truly moving story - check out their full conversation:

On the , Dan shares how conversations with others in his community—and people he never expected to connect with—became part of his recovery.

Listen now on the StoryCorps App or wherever you get your podcasts ➡️ https://storycor.ps/4bIAJnR

Amid ongoing political divisions, Annie & John, sat down to have a One Small Step conversation, discussing their differences and shared experiences. Through careful listening and questioning, they explored where their views originated and engaged in respectful dialogue rather than debate.

What would you say? Is there value?

Tony Goldwyn and Ben Sauceda’s respectful conversation across their differences is exactly what the One Small Step experience is all about.

Two people from two completely different walks of life finding common ground and connection. Even when they don’t agree on everything.

Who would you love to see next?

Two voices, two perspectives. One shared value: respect.

April and Jonathan sat down for a One Small Step conversation with a shared willingness to listen. They explored the experiences behind their differences—offering a glimpse of how we might move forward, together.