Continuing in the tradition of bringing new insights and new voices to important topics, Gardner runs a First Mondays Webinar series. These are designed to bring an array of new voices to the conversation about the critical issues we face today as a democracy.
During our narrative series this year, one thing that became increasingly clear was that we will not be able to rebuild America unless we have a narrative of compelling stories, based in fundamental American values, that speak to everyday lives and signal a willingness to actually listen to one another with a desire to find common ground.
Our panelists Erica Williams Simon, Andy Bernstein and Nancy Zdunkewicz discussed the narratives and stories we should be promoting in 2026.
During our narrative series this year, one thing that became increasingly clear was that we will not be able to rebuild America unless we have a narrative of compelling stories, based in fundamental American values, that speak to everyday lives and signal a willingness to actually listen to one another with a desire to find common ground.
The current debate among Democratic insiders focuses on the question of whether we should move to the center or champion progressive candidates and policies. This debate misses the point.
Most Americans believe that democracy is the best form of government, but 1/3 don’t have faith in democracy anymore. And a quarter do not believe that our political leaders are committed to protecting it or acting in the interest of their constituents.
Democracy depends on people to engage in a joint effort to make a more perfect union. The stories we tell ourselves either help or hurt this aspirational goal.
Our panelists Erica Williams Simon, Andy Bernstein and Nancy Zdunkewicz discussed the narratives and stories we should be promoting in 2026 to not only elect candidates but also to buttress the belief in our country’s ability to form a more perfect union.
How did we get to a place where we have to march in the streets to protest a President that thinks he is a King with his Republican courtiers in the Congress obeying his every edict—lawful or not?
Panel Three of the Art of Narratives series included a truly fascinating presentation by Omar Parbhoo, outlining the work of Innovating for the Public Good (IFPG) to achieve foundational change through a cultural lens. We were also joined by Mathew Littman and Dori Howard of the leading firm Howlitt.
We have just been a part of an historic weekend of millions expressing their patriotism and love of America through No Kings events.
But–how did we get to a place where we have to march in the streets to protest a President that thinks he is a King with his Republican courtiers in the Congress obeying his every edict—lawful or not?
Simply put, there was and still is a sustained investment in changing the culture of our county, defining for people what was happening to them, and ultimately, impacting voter choices. As you know, this has been the focus of PSG Consulting’s First Mondays webinar series this year, and this session was no different.
Panel Three of the Art of Narratives series included a truly fascinating presentation by Omar Parbhoo, outlining the work of Innovating for the Public Good (IFPG) to achieve foundational change through a cultural lens. We were also joined by Mathew Littman and Dori Howard of the leading firm Howlitt. They walked us through their work in the entertainment field that is changing our culture and, therefore, our politics. Our series moderator, Erica Williams Simon, raised some thoughtful questions about how this work–whether it is seen or unseen–can have an impact in our immediate electoral landscape.
Othering has been one of the most effective tools used by those who would weaken our constitutional democracy to gain power.
This webinar spotlighted new research on how to begin to counteract othering in political discourse. We were joined by experts from Hart Research: Geoff Garin, Corrie Hunt and London Wagner.
Othering has been one of the most effective tools used by those who would weaken our constitutional democracy to gain power.
There has been a long, slow march to the place we are now. Elitist authoritarians have taken decades to seek control of the institutions of America’s democracy. Today we are living the results of their efforts. Every step of the way, “othering” has been used to help them reach their goals. It is essential we understand the power of othering in America today. And it is important for us to understand how these anti-democratic leaders came to power.
This webinar spotlighted new research on how to begin to counteract othering in political discourse. Drawing on insights from behavioral and political science, our expert panel discussed:
—The mechanisms and impact of othering in society
—Potential narrative strategies that humanize and build bridges across difference
This research is one part of a three-pronged research study on othering. The first prong is a large-scale quantitative study; the second involves qualitative work and a diary project; and the third testing ads and simulating a real campaign back-and-forth.
We were joined by experts from Hart Research: Geoff Garin, Corrie Hunt and London Wagner.
Download Hart Research’s Slides
Learn More About the Research Study
Quality Control Measures: Hart Research
Read More About the Right’s Pathway to Power
We hear all the time that America is deeply divided. But on many of the issues that affect people’s everyday lives, most Americans actually agree.
As screenwriter and political strategist Billy Ray points out, there’s broad support for core Democratic ideals, like raising the minimum wage, taking on climate change, investing in infrastructure and standing up to Big Pharma.
We hear all the time that America is deeply divided. But on many of the issues that affect people’s everyday lives, most Americans actually agree.
As screenwriter and political strategist Billy Ray points out, there’s broad support for core Democratic ideals, like raising the minimum wage, taking on climate change, investing in infrastructure and standing up to Big Pharma.
The problem isn’t the issues. It’s that Democrats have a branding problem. Despite spending billions in the 2024 election cycle, many Americans are still unclear what Democrats stand for. More than our opposition to Donald Trump, future communications must contribute to a larger narrative focused on our shared values.
This conversation is part of PSG Consulting’s ongoing work to convene thoughtful voices to discuss effective narratives for the road ahead. Rewatch the 2025 Narrative Series and learn more here.