52: How to Disagree Without Disrespect: With Tim Shriver

Girls Talk Healthy Aging

In this heart opening episode of *Girls Talk Healthy Aging*, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Tim Shriver, a prominent advocate for unity and understanding in a divided world. As a member of the Kennedy family, Tim is no stranger to the devastating consequences of political violence, having lost two uncles—President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy—at a young age. Despite this painful history, Tim remains committed to finding ways to bridge divides, especially in today’s polarized climate.

Tim shares profound insights from his work with the Special Olympics, an organization founded by his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Through nearly three decades as Chairman, Tim has witnessed both the harm of exclusion and the transformative power of unity. He explains how hearing the cheers of a crowd can be life-changing for Special Olympics athletes—many of whom have never experienced such support from the masses—and how these moments reveal our shared humanity.

In this conversation, Tim shares how he got involved with the Dignity Index, a powerful tool he promotes through UNITE an organization he founded. He works on the Dignity Index with one of the creators, Tami Pyfer (featured in Episode 46), to encourage respectful dialogue even in moments of deep disagreement. This 8-point scale measures how we speak to those we differ with, guiding us to engage with dignity rather than contempt and helping to prevent the escalation of hate or violence. Tim also reflects on the life lessons he’s learned as an educator and a father of five, and how his family and faith have guided him on his journey to inspire unity and understanding.

Join us for this compelling episode as Tim Shriver shares his mission to promote dignity in our conversations and reminds us that even in the face of strong disagreements, we can find common ground and build a better future together.

Tim Shriver is married, a father of 5, the Chairman of Special Olympics International, CEO & founder of UNITE. The Dignity Index is a tool that can be used in schools, churches, government or at the dinner table. If you would like to learn more about the Dignity Index visit https://www.dignity.us

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