Are We Losing the Ability to Disagree? ft. Ruthu and Chelsea

What happens when two people with completely different political views actually keep talking?

In this episode of The Civic Generation, Ruthu Josyula shares how one late-night conversation with her roommate changed the course of her life—they disagreed on almost everything, but stayed friends by morning. Chelsea Beaupre reflects on growing up in the D.C. area, watching The West Wing, and how it shaped her political worldview.

Together, they talk about why civic engagement can feel hard and scary right now, especially for Gen Z, a generation deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. From algorithms pushing us into silos to the need for more nuanced stories, this conversation challenges the idea that disagreement has to equal division.

What is The Civic Generation?

The Civic Generation is a limited podcast series exploring what happens when curiosity & generations meet.
We’re bringing together young leaders and seasoned changemakers for honest conversations about democracy, identity, and the future we’re building together.
This isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about learning.
If we’re going to reach 20 million young people building bold civic solutions, generations must work differently together. This is what that sounds like.