Jake Puddle, Director of Research at British Future and co-author of The State of Us report unpacks what “division” really means, what it looks like in our everyday lives, how it feels, and why it can be so hard to navigate.

Drawing on one of the most in-depth studies of community strength and cohesion in the UK, Jake shares what’s really going on beneath the surface and why there’s more reason for hope than we might think.

If you’d like to see all of the tips and actions Jake shared in this episode, head to our website: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/bridging-divides/podcast/episode-1

Glossary of terms from the episode

Associational life

Activities and encounters that people share outside of work and family life. They can be formal or informal; examples include sports teams, book clubs, volunteering and casual socialising. Associational life is a crucial part of building a healthy, trusted and connected society.

Social contact theory

A social science and psychology theory, which shows the positive impact of creating shared spaces so people can interact with members of the community from outside their usual social group. This results in more cross-community understanding, trust and can reduce prejudice and bias, replacing it with positive connection.

Echo chambers

An environment, often online or on social media, where a person will only hear opinions and information that reflect and reinforce their own beliefs. Echo chambers make it difficult to come across and understand different viewpoints. In Episode two, our expert Olaf Borghi shares more information about confirmation bias and tips on how to spot and reduce echo chambers.

PIN Model

A conflict resolution framework that helps us think about Positions, Interests and Needs. Learn more about the PIN Model and how to put it into practice.

Zero sum thinking

This is the idea that ‘someone else’s gain is my loss’.

Bridging Divides is a podcast from the British Red Cross, hosted by Sonali Shah, exploring why we feel so divided and what we can actually do about it. Across the series, Sonali speaks to leading thinkers and practitioners to unpack what’s shaping division in our society, from national debates to the conversations happening in our own homes.

For more info visit www.bridgingdivides.org.uk

Find us on social media:

Instagram: @britishredcross - https://www.instagram.com/britishredcross

Facebook: @British Red Cross - https://www.facebook.com/BritishRedCross

LinkedIn: @British Red Cross - https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-red-cross

TikTok: @britishredcross - British Red Cross (@britishredcross) | TikTok

X: @BritishRedCross - https://x.com/BritishRedCross

Sonali’s Instagram: @sonalishah

Jake Puddle:

LinkedIn: Jake Puddle | LinkedIn

Bluesky: @jakepuddle.bsky.social

X: @britishfuture

The State of Us report: https://www.britishfuture.org/publication/the-state-of-us-report/

Bridging Divides is produced by Bird Lime Media.

Coming soon from the British Red Cross, Bridging Divides, a new podcast hosted by Sonali Shah.

At a time when it can feel like we’re more divided than ever, this series explores why and what we can actually do about it.

Bridging Divides is about more than understanding the problem. It’s about giving you practical ways to navigate disagreement, listen more openly, and build stronger connections in everyday life.

Think of it as a toolkit with ideas and actions you can start using today.

Bridging Divides. Coming soon on Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

For more info visit www.bridgingdivides.org.uk

Find us on social media:

Instagram: @britishredcross - https://www.instagram.com/britishredcross

Facebook: @British Red Cross - https://www.facebook.com/BritishRedCross

LinkedIn: @British Red Cross - https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-red-cross

TikTok: @britishredcross - British Red Cross (@britishredcross) | TikTok

X: @BritishRedCross - https://x.com/BritishRedCross

Sonali’s Instagram: @sonalishah