# 1. Bridging vs. Breaking in Higher Education: A Conversation with john a. powell

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/edup-provost-7039442/1-bridging-vs-breaking-in-higher-education-a-conversation-with-john-a-powell
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/edup-provost-7039442/1-bridging-vs-breaking-in-higher-education-a-conversation-with-john-a-powell.md
Podcast: [EdUp Provost](https://stenobird.com/podcast/edup-provost-7039442)
Published: 2025-09-03T11:33:00+00:00
Episode link: https://EdUpProvost.podbean.com/e/1-bridging-vs-breaking-in-higher-education-a-conversation-with-john-a-powell/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/vubd8qizbj7fwb78/riverside_untitled_gregor_thuswaldner_aw5ms.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/edup-provost-7039442/episodes/1-bridging-vs-breaking-in-higher-education-a-conversation-with-john-a-powell
Duration seconds: 2676

## Resource

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. john a. powell discusses his book The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong, focusing on the concepts of bridging and breaking in higher education. He highlights the role of provosts and academic leaders in creating environments that foster connection, belonging, and understanding across diverse groups. Topics include free speech, the need for “safe enough” spaces, and the moral imperative to expand our circle of human concern. DR. powell emphasizes the importance of systemic change, the power of storytelling, and the courage required to navigate fear and resistance. The conversation also explores the evolving role of religion in building community and belonging. Takeaways Bridging fosters connection and belonging across differences. Academic leaders must model and support inclusive, compassionate dialogue. Free speech must not dehumanize; “safe enough” spaces are key. Bridging requires both personal courage and systemic change. Storytelling and shared values—like dignity and belonging—strengthen community.

## Actions

- request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/edup-provost-7039442/episodes/1-bridging-vs-breaking-in-higher-education-a-conversation-with-john-a-powell/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
- read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/edup-provost-7039442/1-bridging-vs-breaking-in-higher-education-a-conversation-with-john-a-powell.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed.

## Transcript

Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.