In this episode of Disagreeing Well: The Podcast About Polarization, I sit down with Alex Evans, author of The Myth Gap: What Happens When Evidence and Arguments Aren’t Enough and founder of Larger Us, a UK organization focused on reducing division. Together, we explore why polarization remains so difficult to overcome—and what we may be missing in our efforts to address it.
Drawing on his experience in British government and politics, along with his work at the United Nations, Evans makes the important point that while facts and evidence are essential, they are rarely enough to change minds. Instead, the stories we tell about what matters, who we should trust and what the future holds play a decisive role in addressing division.
Unfortunately, our world has a shortage of these stories to help us deal with our current set of challenges – what Evans calls the “myth gap”. In that gap, more divisive stories often take hold, reinforcing an “us versus them” dynamic.
Based on work at Larger US, Evans offers a more hopeful path forward. Citing practical examples—from climate conversations to grassroots bridge-building—he highlights how listening, curiosity, and shared stories can help expand our sense of a “larger us.”
To learn more about Larger Us.
To learn more about Alex’s book.
Check out Alex’s Substack - The Good Apocalypse Guide
