Michigan Listens: An Evening of Stories From Across Our State
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | L.V. Eberhard Center | Grand Valley State University - Robert C. Pew Campus
Hear from our fellow Michiganders — people from diverse walks of life — sharing what matters most to them. We invited these courageous speakers to reflect on a simple yet profound question: What do you value and why? They were asked to share what they value, why it matters to them, and how those values are reflected in their lives.
The audience was asked to listen with openness and without interruption. To refrain from applause, clapping, or sounds of agreement or disagreement. It is that simple and that important. This is an exercise not in agreement, but in presence — listening deeply, engaging thoughtfully, and connecting with one another as fellow human beings.
Audience Reflections
Attendees reflect on a powerful storytelling event that fostered empathy, deep listening, and human connection. Through shared stories of hope, faith, and resilience, voices from across Michigan reveal how silence and storytelling can bridge differences and inspire understanding.
Our event was inspired by and is modeled after Idaho Listens at Boise State University.
Talking Together is a partnership between the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, and WGVU Public Media.