Episodes

  • Who Are You Now? Courage, Midlife and Setting Down What No Longer Fits

    Who Are You Now? Courage, Midlife and Setting Down What No Longer Fits
    Jan 11 2026
    In this conversation, Kate Kayaian discusses her journey from a successful music career to becoming a coach and author. She reflects on the significance of defining 'middle ground' in life, especially as one approaches midlife. The discussion covers themes of personal growth, the impact of COVID-19 on career choices, the importance of hobbies and the emotional toll of performance. Kate emphasizes the need for self-discovery, acceptance and the courage to redefine one's identity and aspirations. The conversation also highlights the exercises in her book, 'Beyond Potential', which guide readers through their own journeys of growth and change.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Why Rural America Might Just Be the Most Dynamic Place to Be

    Why Rural America Might Just Be the Most Dynamic Place to Be
    Nov 23 2025
    In this conversation, Dayna Del Val, Anna Wasescha, and Ben Schierer explore the concept of middle ground in rural America, emphasizing the importance of local governance, community engagement and inclusion. They discuss the unique role of the West Central Initiative in Minnesota, the legacy of Rudy Perpich and the challenges of navigating polarization in today’s society. The dialogue highlights the significance of civic participation, the complexities of rural identity and the optimism that arises from community connections.
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    56 mins
  • What Death Teaches Us About Living: Exploring Grief, Presence and Healing

    What Death Teaches Us About Living: Exploring Grief, Presence and Healing
    Nov 9 2025
    In this conversation, Dayna Del Val and Jody Slaughter explore the profound themes of death, grief, and the importance of being present in the face of loss. Jody, a compassionate pastoral counselor and death doula, shares her insights on the sacredness of the dying process, the role of a death doula, and the necessity of having open conversations about death. They discuss the fear surrounding death, the significance of honoring both joy and sorrow, and the creative ways to navigate grief. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of being present for oneself and others during these challenging times, and the transformative power of storytelling and compassion.
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    50 mins
  • Fear, Stories and the Fight for Common Ground

    Fear, Stories and the Fight for Common Ground
    Oct 26 2025
    Carter Headrick and Dayna Del Val discuss the concept of "middle ground" as finding shared values, even in times of deep division. Carter emphasizes the importance of strategic communication, noting that fear is a prime motivator and personalized news hinders common understanding. He shares his experience combating big tobacco, highlighting the power of personal stories like Jack and Kathy's. They reflect on the impact of authenticity in politics, citing examples like John McCain and Barack Obama. Carter advocates for focusing on small, impactful actions and building community to overcome overwhelming information and division.
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    55 mins
  • Reclaiming Intimacy Beyond Porn's Influence with Kara Haug

    Reclaiming Intimacy Beyond Porn's Influence with Kara Haug
    Oct 12 2025
    In this conversation, Dayna Del Val and Kara Haug explore the concept of ‘Brave Middle Ground,’ discussing the importance of navigating judgment and curiosity in our lives. They delve into the role of community, the significance of listening, and the complexities surrounding sexual health and agency. The discussion touches on the impact of purity culture, the journey to sexual education, and the need for open conversations about sexuality. They emphasize the importance of reframing narratives around pleasure and consent, while also addressing the grief associated with missed opportunities. Ultimately, they advocate for creating a new normal in sexual health education that empowers individuals to embrace their bodies and experiences.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Navigating Division and Building Community in Academia | Dr. Tim Downs, MSU Moorhead

    Navigating Division and Building Community in Academia | Dr. Tim Downs, MSU Moorhead
    Sep 28 2025
    In this engaging Brave Middle Ground conversation, President Tim Downs discusses the challenges and opportunities in higher education, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, humility, and community. He reflects on the changing landscape of academia, the value of a liberal arts education, and the need for institutions to adapt while maintaining their core values. Downs also addresses the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the role of leadership in navigating these complex issues. Ultimately, he advocates for a supportive environment that fosters student success and encourages open dialogue.To learn more, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/09/26/brave-middle-ground-dr-timothy-downs/
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Women Redefining Venture Capital: Collaboration, Community & Middle Ground

    Women Redefining Venture Capital: Collaboration, Community & Middle Ground
    Sep 12 2025
    In this conversation, Dayna Del Val speaks with Azin Radsan van Alebeek and La Keisha Landrum Pierre of Emmeline Ventures about their experiences in venture capital, the importance of defining middle ground and the empowerment of women in business. They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the venture capital space, emphasizing the need for community, collaboration and the breaking of stereotypes. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of venture capital, particularly regarding women-led funds and the impact of investing in diverse businesses.To learn more, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/09/12/brave-middle-ground-emmeline-ventures/
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Brave Middle Ground Laura Zabel

    Brave Middle Ground Laura Zabel
    May 16 2025
    In this conversation, Laura Zabel discusses the vital role of arts in building community, the importance of recognizing creativity as a fundamental human right, and the need to demystify and de-hierarchicalize the arts. She emphasizes the significance of economic security for artists and the impact of guaranteed income on creative freedom. The discussion also touches on the commodification of art and the necessity of fostering connections between rural and urban communities through artistic endeavors. In this conversation, Laura discusses the innovative approaches of Springboard for the Arts, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement in the arts. She highlights the need for flexibility in mission-driven work, the role of artists in community conversations, and the balance between technical skills and creativity. Laura envisions a future where artists are recognized as vital contributors to community change and where the value of arts is integrated into everyday life, addressing systemic barriers that hinder access to creative expression. For more information, including the full transcript, please visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/05/18/brave-middle-ground-laura-zabel/
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    1 hr and 7 mins