Webinars/Podcasts

The Power of Relationships in Public Discourse

Aug 17, 2026
Profile images of Emily Chou the host and Bob Blecher the guest. Episode 6: The Power of Relationships in Public Discourse. Wilmette Institute Changing Course Podcast logo with a microphone

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In this episode of the Wilmette Institute’s Changing Course Podcast Series, we explore the power of relationships in public discourse and how building trust, openness, and genuine connection can create opportunities for mutual learning, collective action, and social transformation.

Host Emily Chou sits down with Bob Blecher—educator, former attorney, and graduate of Wilmette Institute’s Social Transformation Certificate Program—to reflect on how relationships have shaped his engagement with organizations working in education, community building, and social change. Together, they discuss how meaningful relationships can move beyond connection toward mutual growth, how conversations can inspire service and action, and how ideas from the Wilmette Institute’s framework for learning can contribute naturally to public discourse.

This episode is part of our ongoing exploration of the themes at the heart of the Social Transformation Certificate program.

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