We've Got To Talk

Our story begins in the halls of the University of Iowa, go Hawks! It was there that two seemingly different paths intersected and a friendship blossomed. Despite our different upbringings—Jolene in little Pleasantville, Iowa, and me, Nicole, just across the Golden Gate Bridge in the bustling Bay Area—we became fast friends. And here we are, almost 40 years later, living in a world that often seems intent on drawing lines in the sand and choosing sides. So why "We've Got To Talk"? Because we truly believe that in this deeply divided society, the power of conversation can unite us. Our goal isn't to change each other's opinions, but to listen with curiosity, kindness, and empathy. And yes, to have a good time while doing it! We invite you to join us on this journey and bring your friends along. We might not have all the answers or any of them—but we promise honesty, empathy, and a lot of heart. We hope our conversations give you a fresh outlook or at least entertain you as you go about your day.

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Our Thanksgiving Traditions: How Food and Family Unite Us Across Political Lines

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude, family, and great food - but with tensions running high in America, the holidays might feel more charged than usual. In this episode, we share how to actually enjoy Thanksgiving without avoiding meaningful conversation or ending up in a screaming match.Growing up, our Thanksgivings looked different but felt the same: togetherness, gratitude, and way too much food. Now as adults with our own traditions and chosen families, we've learned something crucial: curiosity beats judgment every single time.When someone says something you disagree with at the dinner table, what if you asked a genuine question instead of arguing? Questions that start with "how" instead of "why" invite conversation instead of confrontation. How did you come to that conclusion? How does that affect you personally? These questions create understanding instead of arguments.Everyone is the protagonist in their own story, operating from their own experiences and values. When you approach conversations from that perspective, it's easier to listen without immediately judging.This doesn't mean agreeing with everything or abandoning your boundaries. It means approaching disagreement with curiosity about how someone arrived at their position, rather than dismissing them.We're proof that people with completely different political views can genuinely enjoy each other's company. The secret isn't agreeing on everything; it's respecting each other enough to listen, ask questions, and assume good faith.This Thanksgiving, approach your gathering with an open heart and genuine curiosity. Set boundaries if needed, but don't avoid all meaningful conversations just because they might be uncomfortable. Some of the best memories come from real conversations where vulnerability and honesty create connection instead of conflict.Happy Thanksgiving from two friends who prove that liberals and conservatives can break bread together without breaking each other.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Luby's: https://www.lubys.com/Kerrygold USA: https://www.kerrygoldusa.com/Good for the Soul:People Choosing Kindness (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/peoplechoosingkindness/Tangle: https://youtu.be/_ys-UNz5U24?si=sNsUCJ3LVAreVQWNLINKS:On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wevegottotalk/ On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeveGotToTalkHow to find Nicole https://nicolefonarow.com/How to find Jolene https://dibledough.com/

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