North Idaho College Hosts Cardinal Reads Luncheon
The program brings community members together to discuss curiosity in an era of political polarization.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Lecture and Seminars
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North Idaho College hosted a Cardinal Reads luncheon to facilitate conversations on bridging political divides. Attendees watched a TED Talk by Mónica Guzmán and participated in roundtable discussions regarding curiosity.
Why it matters
The event aimed to provide tools for having constructive conversations during times of intense political polarization. Participants examined how curiosity serves as a method for approaching difficult disagreements.
The luncheon featured a screening of a TED Talk followed by structured roundtable discussions. This event was organized as part of the Cardinal Reads program to promote intellectual engagement.
The players
North Idaho College
A public community college located in Coeur d'Alene that serves as a regional center for higher education and community programming.
Mónica Guzmán
A journalist and author known for her work on bridging political divides and promoting curiosity in communication.
Susan Lehman
An administrative support specialist at the college who authored the book How to Understand Your MAGA Friends and Family.
Erin Davis
A professor who serves as the chair of the English and Humanities division at North Idaho College.
The details
The discussion centered on the book I Never Thought of It That Way, which was previously authored by Susan Lehman. Faculty members including Erin Davis, Kathleen Miller Green, and Alison Dundas facilitated the exploration of curiosity-based communication techniques.
Timeline
The North Idaho College Cardinal Reads luncheon took place on October 26, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This event fits into the broader trend of academic institutions utilizing community reading programs to address social fragmentation. By highlighting the Cardinal Reads program, North Idaho College aligns with national efforts to foster civic dialogue through educational forums.
Local residents can participate in future Cardinal Reads events to engage with diverse viewpoints through the college's public programming. These sessions provide attendees with practical communication frameworks for navigating personal and political relationships.
The takeaway
Adopting a mindset of curiosity can transform how individuals approach potentially hostile political conversations. Practicing active listening during disagreements remains a vital skill for maintaining connections with friends and family.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming campus events, visit the Lecture and Seminars section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sentinel.
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Do you believe approaching political disagreements with curiosity can help you find common ground with others?
