Having Hard Conversations

The Having Hard Conversations series fosters constructive dialogue on complex and often sensitive topics. It aims to equip attendees with the tools to engage respectfully in discussions on issues that shape our society. 

Planet Word’s Having Hard Conversations series is made possible thanks to support from the Ibis Group.

Why Hard Conversations Matter

Planet Word’s mission is to renew and inspire a love of words, language, and reading — and this series is a cornerstone of that vision. In our galleries, we examine the beauty and complexity of words. In our programs, we confront timely and challenging topics to promote civil discourse and strengthen democracy. 

This series empowers audiences to explore how words shape our lives and how we can use them as a force for good — even in disagreement. 

“Hard conversations are happening all around us. Planet Word’s hope is to facilitate these conversations and equip people with tools to make them respectful, productive, and even-tempered, even in moments of deep disagreement.” — Ann Friedman, Founder and CEO

Past Programs

Series

Having Hard Conversations: Michele Norris — The Race Card Project

May 30, 2024
6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Join Planet Word for a provocative and dynamic discussion on the impact of how we view race in America with Peabody Award–winning journalist Michele Norris as we kick off our…

Series

Having Hard Conversations: Tim Shriver — The Dignity Index

September 13, 2024
6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Can our words bridge the divide in these turbulent times? Join Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics and co-founder of UNITE, at Planet Word to explore his organization’s groundbreaking tool,…

Series

Working Across the Aisle: Van Jones in Conversation with Tom Friedman

October 06, 2024
6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Join Planet Word for a one-of-a-kind evening as star CNN correspondent and political commentator Van Jones talks with NYT columnist Thomas L. Friedman about how Jones worked with progressives and…

Series

Debating Big Questions with Michael Sandel

June 09, 2025
6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

For years, Michael Sandel’s legendary course “Justice” has packed Harvard’s biggest auditorium, leading students through debates about the hardest moral and civic questions of our time. His BBC series The Global Philosopher leads participants from around…

Series

What We Say, What They Hear with Deborah Tannen

September 17, 2025
6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Wouldn’t this be a better world if we all just said what we meant? Join Planet Word and WAMU’s Sarah Y. Kim for a special evening with Deborah Tannen, one…

Series

Talk That Matters: An Evening with Jenn White

December 04, 2025
6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

In a time of growing polarization, how do we talk to one another across divides with empathy, and without backing down from truth? Learn from Jenn White, the dynamic host of…