Our new live, weekly call-in series, Flyover from MPR News, has listeners talking more openly about sensitive subjects and larger questions of American identity in turbulent times.

The series has also increased station engagements. Here’s what WNYC, WUNC and Boise State Public Radio heard from listeners after the September 17 show, on the myth of American ‘bootstraps,’ and the September 24 show on white resentment:

• Kerri and team did a good job of unpacking the context for ‘pulling yourself up by the bootstraps’ and what different versions of that have meant in this country…I thought it was a compelling listen. There was good structure and attention to taking care of the radio listening experience – flow, listener activation and resets were stellar per usual with Kerri at the helm. The hour went by too quickly. – Jacqueline Cincotta, Program Director, WNYC

• I’ve heard of WUNC creating “driveway moments” plenty, but rarely have I heard a listener describe a “break-through” moment. I got a call from a listener this week who experienced a break-through thanks to Flyover. A friend of hers from church heard the program and said that after listening to the show she was ready to start talking about race, and moreover she was ready to listen. She heard something that helped her see a world beyond her own life experience and made her want to engage in the church conversation about race that until this week she thought was unnecessary. It was an inspiring call and made my week. – David Brower, Program Director, WUNC

• The program is very timely as I think there are a number of fluid conversations surrounding these topics on-air and in social media. Particularly last week’s white resentment focus has resonated with much content on our schedule recently. And I can say I’m happy with the opportunity to have a call-in option available for those who tune in. The internal comments have been positive; that the conversation is timely and the call for engagement feels inviting. – Erik Jones, Assistant Program Director at Boise State Public Radio

Flyover from MPR News is available through November 27 to all affiliate stations at no additional charge. Learn more.