Sam Bushman sits down with Wilk Wilkinson, Director of Media Systems and Operations at Braver Angels (braverangels.org) and host of the "Derate the Hate" podcast. They dig into how Wilk went from 26 years in trucking and transportation to leading depolarization work nationally, why the cost of diesel affects every American regardless of politics, and how we can disagree strongly while still working together. Plus, details on the Braver Angels national convention in Philadelphia, June 25-28, 2025, celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and show open 0:18 - Who is Wilk Wilkinson? Braver Angels and Derate the Hate 0:56 - What does "derate" actually mean? 1:36 - Wilk's personal mindset journey 2:57 - The origin story of "Derate the Hate." 3:19 - Wilk's 26 years in trucking and transportation 5:51 - Fuel costs and what every American needs to know 6:35 - The Strait of Hormuz, oil prices, and global impact 9:07 - Common ground vs. middle ground: keeping your beliefs while listening 11:10 - Braver Angels national convention promo 13:09 - Non-partisan thinking vs. personal conviction 15:27 - Common ground, synergy, and Stephen Covey's Seven Habits 18:07 - Sam's reference point: God, family, and country 21:08 - The constitutional case: Congress, war powers, and going through proper channels 22:45 - When it's go time: discussion vs. decision 24:09 - Toxic polarization is the one problem that prevents all others from being solved 25:09 - A Clarion Call for Civility and final thoughts Call to Action: If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Visit braverangels.org to learn about the Philadelphia convention, June 25-28. Get your tickets and be part of renewing the American experiment. And pick up Sam's upcoming book, "A Clarion Call for Civility," at callforcivility.com. Subscribe, leave a review, and spread the word on Rumble, YouTube, and X.
