American Public Square seeks to bring community members together through our Discussion Group Series to increase understanding and engage each other in honest and respectful dialogue.
In the next event of the APS Discussion Group series, and in celebration of National Week of Conversation 2023, Oxford University graduate student and APS Member, Ryan Bernsten will lead the discussion group in addressing the ongoing question, “Is America as divided as it seems?”
In what started as a graduate thesis project, Bernsten, took a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states to answer that question, ultimately documenting his experience in “50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy.” Bernsten’s book is a work of narrative travel non-fiction in the style of Alexis de Tocqueville that takes readers on a long and winding journey through all 50 states to explore the complexities of today’s America. Leading with the desire to listen and overcome our preconceived notions, “50 States of Mind” asks how we can infuse humanity and nuance back into political conversations to keep our democracy strong.
The companion podcast “50 States of Mind,” featured in Condé Nast Traveler, showcases live interviews from the journey and is available on all podcast platforms.
