Doug Teschner, Beth Malow (NASW member), and Becky Robinson—Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times

Advance copy: Backstories on books by NASW members

BEYOND THE POLITICS OF CONTEMPT:
PRACTICAL STEPS TO BUILD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
IN DIVIDED TIMES
Doug Teschner, Beth Malow (NASW Member), and Becky Robinson
Together Across Differences, September 9, 2025
Softcover, $19.95, eBook, $9.95
Softcover ISBN: 979-8999063205
eBook ISBN: 979-8999063209

Malow reports:

As a physician and medical researcher, I have come to understand the importance of communicating science and health to the public in ways to which they can relate. To improve my skills in this area, I recently earned a graduate certificate in science communication. My interest in this area was influenced by my work on civil discourse.

Beyond the Politics of Contempt focuses on this theme. In a climate of widespread contempt for people who disagree politically, my co-authors and I maintain that individuals can stand up for what they believe while also building bridges across the political divide. We provide practical steps to build hope for a better America.

Doug Teschner, a former Republican New Hampshire State Legislator, invited me to join him on this book project. We then teamed up with Becky Robinson, the founder/CEO of Weaving Influence (a digital marketing agency supporting nonfiction authors since 2012), and a person who shared our goals.

We conducted our research by reading the work of thought leaders in the fields of political polarization and bridge building, and adding our perspectives and personal stories. We hired a developmental editor and a colleague to help with endnote confirmation and formatting. We received grant support from Braver Angels, a national nonprofit organization focused on reducing political polarization.

The organization recognized that our book would help volunteers crystallize their mission and expand the reach of their civil discourse work. We also received donations from readers of our weekly Substack newsletter, Together Across Differences. This newsletter highlights ideas in our book, gives us feedback on our work, and allows us to develop a subscriber list.

We self-published the book to get our message out quickly to the public and retain control over content.

At the beginning of the project, I wish I had developed a tracking system for our endnotes so they would have been easier to format later. I also wish I had established a dedicated email address to better manage all of the writing, editing, production, and marketing tasks. My advice is to remember to enjoy the journey and the people you meet along the way.

Contact info:

• Malow, 615-491-0364, btpocbam@gmail.com
  • Beth Malow’s website: Beth’s Wisdom
  • Linkedin: Beth Malow
  • Instagram: malowbeth
  • X: BethAnnMalow
• Book: Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practice Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times

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