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Empathy Dinners

Empathy Dinners

By Andy Hix & Melissa Abecassis

We host dinners, now zoom, on controversial topics with people who have opposing views, with the aim of having a dialogue. It's about the relating rather than the debating.

We create a safe space for all views to be heard.

Our aim is not for them to agree, but to understand each other.

We don’t take sides.

We believe that we need more spaces where opposing perspectives can co-exist and maybe learn from each other.
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Currently playing episode

2020 US Election Dinner 1: Alyssa & Lily

Empathy DinnersOct 30, 2020

00:00
34:18
Is civil disobedience justified in tackling climate change?

Is civil disobedience justified in tackling climate change?

Groups like Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain are often in the news these days and their actions sharply divide opinions.

Thomi Sakali, a business owner from Greece will be making the case against direct action, and Daniel Elkan, a freelance writer from London will be sharing his perspective on why he thinks it’s a vital tool.

We hope you enjoy this episode.


Apr 11, 202335:36
Covid Vaccines

Covid Vaccines

In order to create a less polarised, more empathetic world we host dinners on hot topics that are currently dividing people. The aim is to enable a dialogue, with all parties seeking to understand, as well as to be understood.

In this episode we have invited one guest to share why they chose to have the Covid-19 vaccine and one who explains why they refused to have it.

It makes for a fascinating conversation, give it a listen now. It could become a model for how you tackle conversations with people in your life.

May 10, 202245:44
2020 US Election Dinner 2: Jesse & Lily

2020 US Election Dinner 2: Jesse & Lily

Lily Hansen, a Joe Biden voter and Jesse Lee Peterson, a Donald Trump voter, try to understand each other's voting choice.

Oct 30, 202043:26
2020 US Election Dinner 1: Alyssa & Lily

2020 US Election Dinner 1: Alyssa & Lily

Lily, a Joe Biden voter and Alyssa, a Donald Trump voter, try to understand each other's voting choice.
Oct 30, 202034:18
2019 Election Empathy Dinner

2019 Election Empathy Dinner

We brought together a Conservate, Labour, Lib Dem and Green Party voter to eat a Thai takeaway and empathise with each other. Each person had three minutes to say why people should vote for their party, and then it was everyone else's job to make them feel understood.

Dec 05, 201901:54:48