We’re back, and thank you for joining us once again! We took a break over the summer to recharge, regroup, and spend a little time with our families, and we’re so excited that we’ll again be bringing you thought-provoking and meaningful conversations, as we dive into some new topics on the podcast. 

We’ve both really missed having these conversations and we feel, more than ever, that helping people know how they can approach these topics with others is really needed, and we’ll be doing our own work as we continue on this path with you as well. 

In this episode, you’ll hear how there is an opportunity right now, and especially over the next few weeks leading up to the midterm elections in the U.S., to get curious about the information being presented and think about where you are getting it from. Look for some different resources and perspectives, and see if you can come away with a balanced approach to deciding who is best for your local community, your state, and the nation as we move forward. So, get involved, because now is not the time to sit on the sidelines! 

We have an exciting new segment debuting today where we highlight people who we refer to as “Models of Respect”, and who demonstrate the values of Respect Circles that we promote here and that inspire both of us each and every day. If you have someone you’d like to suggest for this segment and we can feature in an upcoming episode, go to our website, https://respectcircles.com/ and let us know who that person is and why you feel they are such a good role model for others.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and we’d really appreciate you leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to let us know what you’re enjoying about this show. You can also go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave us a message and you can also reach us by email, [email protected] to give us your thoughts. 

Again, we’re so happy to be back having these conversations, and we’re looking forward to bringing you another topic and episode very soon.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• A look at what’s happened since we took a break for the podcast, and how we’re seeing the divide in our country growing larger [2:44]
• Why the upcoming United States midterms may just be the more important elections we’ve ever had in this country [4:59]
• Questions you can ask to start determining if character, and voting, still matters [6:19]
• How Stephanie is getting informed through international media [8:07]
• Our thoughts on the recent Dobb’s decision on abortion in the United States and why it’s something that we need to pay attention to [11:19]
• A personal experience that Stephanie had, and how the laws of today could have impacted her if they were in effect at the time [18:29]
• The ways that AJ is trying to find a more moderation position, and how he’s keeping the messages talked about on this podcast in mind [20:59]
• The challenge we have for you, and the opportunity that exists for all of us at this point in time [26:11]
• A look at our first “Models of Respect” that we are now featuring as a segment of the podcast [30:07] 

Links & Resources:  

31: The CROWN Act: I Am More Than My Hair

BBC News & Al Jazeera 

The Impact of Legalized Abortion on Crime (2001 Study) 

Texas Woman Nearly Loses Her Life After Doctors Can't Legally Perform an Abortion: 'Their Hands Were Tied' 

MacKenzie Scott’s latest $84.5 million donation could transform Girl Scouts as you know them

Tracee Ellis Ross’s Docuseries with Oprah Winfrey, The Hair Tales 

John Legend’s Powerful Op-Ed on Supporting Criminal Justice Reforms: ‘The Future and Freedoms of Our Country Depend on Them’