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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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/

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/

In this conversation, Sally Z and Dayna Del Val explore the complexities of motherhood, the emotional journey of parenting and the importance of supporting children in their identity journeys. They reflect on personal experiences, the significance of Mother’s Day and the challenges of navigating the evolving relationship with their children as they grow. The discussion also delves into the concept of ‘brave middle ground’ in parenting, emphasizing the need for honesty and discomfort in fostering growth and understanding. In this conversation, Sally Z and Dayna Del Val explore the complexities of identity, particularly in the context of being transgender in today’s society. They discuss the challenges faced by transgender individuals, the importance of visibility and representation and the societal norms that shape our understanding of gender. Sally shares her personal journey as a parent of a transgender child, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects of navigating this experience. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding transgender individuals, particularly in relation to safety and bathroom access, and emphasizes the need for acceptance and understanding. Ultimately, the discussion is a call to embrace authenticity and courage in the face of societal challenges. For more information, including the full transcript, please visit

In this conversation, Dayna and Dorie Clark discuss the concept of middle ground, emphasizing its strength as a compromise and the importance of open-mindedness. They reflect on the challenges of communication in today’s polarized environment and the need for thoughtful dialogue. Dorie also explores the value of a liberal arts education in fostering holistic thinking and the significance of networking and social proof in achieving professional success. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of content creation, social proof and networking as essential components for recognition and influence. In this conversation, Dorie Clark discusses her latest book, The Long Game, emphasizing the importance of patience, reflection and celebrating milestones in the journey to success. She shares personal anecdotes about her experiences and insights on how to navigate the long game in both personal and professional contexts. The discussion also touches on the challenges of pursuing creative endeavors, such as writing a musical, and the humility required to learn new skills. Dorie encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys and to recognize that success often takes longer than anticipated, but with perseverance, anything is possible. For even more information, including the transcript, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/04/26/brave-middle-ground-dorie-clark/

In this conversation, Dayna and Dr Gena Cox explore the themes of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), emphasizing the critical role of respect in fostering genuine connections. Gena shares her personal journey, highlighting how tragic events like the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd motivated her to advocate for a more inclusive environment. They discuss the importance of understanding the difference between respect and inclusion, and how subtle acts of exclusion can impact individuals in professional settings. Through personal anecdotes, Gena illustrates the challenges faced by marginalized groups and the need for a foundational respect to create a truly inclusive culture. In this conversation, Dayna and Gena  explore the themes of inclusion, respect and the emotional toll of advocating for diversity in a polarized society. They discuss the coping mechanisms of marginalized individuals, the importance of respect as a universal value and the current challenges facing DEI initiatives. Gena shares her personal experiences and insights on how to foster change at the community level, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and education. To learn even more, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/04/11/brave-middle-ground-dr-gena-cox/

In this conversation, Pastor Paula Mehmel shares her journey from being a pastor in North Dakota to her current role in Connecticut, emphasizing the importance of finding middle ground in discussions about faith, politics and community. She reflects on her diverse friendships and the significance of shared values despite differing beliefs. The dialogue explores the challenges of navigating Christian nationalism, the radical nature of faith and the necessity of compassionate conversations to foster understanding and connection among individuals with varying perspectives. In this conversation, Dayna and Paula explore the complexities of political transformation, the importance of finding common ground and the role of faith in navigating anger and trauma. They discuss the challenges of maintaining optimism in advocacy, the evolution of faith communities and the significance of community in personal growth. Through their dialogue, they emphasize the need for understanding and compassion amidst division, while also recognizing the importance of holding onto one’s values. To learn even more, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/03/21/brave-middle-ground-pastor-paula-mehmel/

Naomi Vladeck is a speaker, award-winning author and transformational coach. Helping people turn what scares them into opportunities that excite them. In this engaging conversation, Dayna and Naomi explore the concept of 'middle ground' and its significance in personal and creative growth. Naomi shares insights from her book, Braving Creativity, discussing the five pillars of transition: liberation, navigation, play, empowerment and flourishing. They delve into the importance of embracing fear and excitement, the role of the universe in creativity and the necessity of creating safe spaces for dialogue and expression. The discussion emphasizes the journey of rediscovering one's artistic self and the challenges of personal growth. In this conversation, Naomi Vladeck and Dayna explore the intricate relationship between fear, anxiety, bravery and personal transformation. They discuss how to embrace fear as a part of the creative process, the importance of recognizing and understanding our emotions and the journey of self-discovery that comes with facing our fears. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community support, the transformative power of change and the necessity of pausing to explore our truths. To learn more, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/03/07/brave-middle-ground-naomi-vladeck/

North Dakota Senator Josh Boschee is one of only 16 Democrats in a legislative body of 141. He was also the first openly gay legislator in North Dakota. To learn more, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/02/19/brave-middle-ground-nd-senator-josh-boschee/

Sheri Salata is an American author, speaker and producer. She is the former executive producer ofThe Oprah Winfrey Show, co-president ofOprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and Winfrey’sHarpo Productions. Sheri wrote the book The Beautiful No. To learn more, visit https://daynadelval.com/2025/02/07/brave-middle-ground-sheri-salata/

Dr. Adi Jaffe is a renowned mental health expert, addiction specialist and founder of IGNTD Recovery offering innovative, shame-free approaches to overcoming addiction and improving relationships. He is also a best-selling author (⁠⁠The Abstinence Myth⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Unhooked⁠⁠), sought-after speaker and advocate for holistic well-being and personal transformation.

Pete Wehner is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum. His books include The Death of Politics: How to Heal Our Frayed Republic After Trump, City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era, which he co-wrote with Michael J. Gerson, and Wealth and Justice: The Morality of Democratic Capitalism. Formerly, Pete was a speechwriter for George W. Bush and a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Wehner is also a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, and his work also appears in publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and National Affairs. Here's the ⁠first conversation⁠ I had with Pete Wehner for Humanities North Dakota earlier in 2024.