Transforming Neighborhoods: The Radical Hospitality of Deep Listening with De'Amon Harges

From dyslexia to deep listening, De'Amon Harges transformed his life and the life of his Indianapolis neighborhood by practicing radical hospitality. As the “Original Roving Listener,” he would go door to door asking folks to tell him their stories. In listening, De'Amon discovered such a wealth of talent and opportunity on his street that he started a consulting company with his neighbors. Today, The Learning Tree advises organizations and municipalities across America in developing social capital through community-centered models of growth, like Asset Based Community Development. 

De'Amon is a born storyteller and a practiced listener, and he shares unconventional tips on how to get over your fears and connect with pretty much anybody. Hear why De'Amon and his neighbors got a visit from the US Surgeon General, and how they’re now building a multimillion dollar center for radical hospitality to strengthen their community for generations. 

In this episode we explore: 

• Transforming dyslexia into a superpower 
• Cultivating community, economy, and mutual delight 
• How to practice deep listening 
• Combatting the loneliness epidemic in America 
• Walking with a neighbor to reduce anxiety 
• Sharing our birth stories 
• Storytelling to build trust and opportunity 
• Asset Based Community Development 
• Inviting institutions into the community 
• The power of hosting a good party 
• Identifying alternative currencies: social capital, talent, belonging, and trust 
• Empowering community chaplains 
• Neighborhood Economic Vitality Index 
• Friendship as a reason to hope 

Find the episode transcript, links to De'Amon’s work, and more at HopeIsMyMiddleName.com 

Listen next to A Radical Take on Helping the Homeless with Alan Graham on Hope Is My Middle Name season 3, episode 2. 

Hosted and executive produced by Kate Tucker, Hope Is My Middle Name is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media in collaboration with Reasonable Volume.

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As always, thanks so much for listening!