Common Threads Podcast cover art

Common Threads Podcast

Common Threads Podcast

By: Kate Hall
Listen for free

About this listen

We all have different beliefs — but behind every belief is a story. This podcast is about listening first, understanding deeply, and seeing the humanity in people who may not think like we do.

© 2025 Common Threads Podcast
Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Paige Leavitt
    Sep 29 2025

    Paige Leavitt is a mom or two and an army wife to Matt, who I interviewed last week. She is an out and proud bisexual and loves music, her family, and learning. Paige currently works as a medical assistant (we LOVE to see a women in STEM)! If you haven’t already, make sure to check out my conversation with Matt in the previous episode for another perspective on service, sacrifice, and family values.

    In this heartfelt and vulnerable conversation, I sit down with my friend Paige to talk about her journey through the medical field and the passion she found for caring for others, inspired by her mother’s career as a nurse. Paige shares deeply personal experiences with mental health, including postpartum depression and suicide awareness, emphasizing the importance of listening, showing up for one another, and encouraging those in need to seek help.

    We also explore broader themes of hope and resilience—how focusing on the good can keep us optimistic in a challenging world, and how family and connection can ground us. Paige reflects on her marriage to Matt, and the ways they navigate life and love despite differing political beliefs, showing that with respect and care, it’s possible to find common ground.

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health, suicide, postpartum depression, and political violence. Please listen with care and reach out for help if you are struggling.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Matthew Leavitt
    Sep 22 2025

    Matthew Leavitt is a US Army Soldier and is currently deployed in the Middle East. Matt is also a husband and father of 2 beautiful girls.

    In this episode, I sit down with my friend Matt, who is currently serving in the U.S. Army. We talk about learning to be open-minded from a young age, and how his conservative values and deep commitment to upholding the Constitution shape his worldview. Matt shares how his service has taught him about sacrifice, leadership, and growth—and why he believes the military can be a powerful path for young people who want to better themselves.

    We also dive into how becoming a father has changed the way he thinks about politics and responsibility, pushing him to reevaluate his ideas in light of wanting to keep his daughters safe. Matt emphasizes the importance of family, service, and having real conversations with people who see the world differently—because, as he says, that’s how you gain new perspectives and grow stronger together.

    Disclaimer & Trigger Warning: The views expressed in this episode are Matt’s personal beliefs and do not reflect the official views of the U.S. Army or any associated group. This conversation also contains discussion of firearms and mass shootings, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care.

    *Note: This episode was recorded before the recent political violence in Utah (Charlie Kirk’s passing). Because we discuss freedoms, rights, and the issue of mass shootings, I want to acknowledge the timing and make clear that this conversation was not recorded in response to those events.

    **Audio note: The sound quality in this episode isn’t the best, but I promise the conversation is worth sticking around for.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Samuel Jacobs
    Sep 15 2025

    Samuel Jacobs was born in Washington but moved to Utah when he was young. He is a state delegate, which I’m sure we’ll talk about more. Samuel also recently got married and currently attending BYU studying cybersecurity.

    In this episode, I sit down with Samuel to talk about what it means to be politically active in today’s world. As a state delegate, Samuel has had a front-row seat to the importance of local elections and the powerful role everyday people can play in shaping their communities. We explore his experiences volunteering on campaigns, the different ways to support good causes, and how local politics often impacts our lives more directly than national debates.

    Samuel also shares his perspective on finding bipartisan solutions and the value of leaders who are willing to engage in real across-the-aisle conversations. We talk about the challenge of staying optimistic in the face of political division, and why hope—and active participation—are both essential to building a better future.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.