We're podcasting from Omaha! In this special episode, Tyler and Virginia sit down with Virginia's Aunt Debbie and Uncle Craig to explore everything from their 41-year marriage to bringing civility back to our divided culture.

Join us for stories about debate competitions that led to love, a legendary Jimmy Carter photo rescue from a dumpster, and why the best solution to our political divisions might be as simple as sharing a meal together.

From academic life to community gardens, from Mississippi politics to Nebraska's "blue dot," this conversation spans decades of wisdom about faith, politics, and the power of coming to the table—literally and figuratively.

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🧭 Episode Breakdown:
0:00 - 5:20 | Introductions and fireworks in Omaha
5:20 - 10:40 | How debate competition sparked a 41-year marriage
10:40 - 17:20 | From 10-year-old's PhD dreams to academic life
17:20 - 25:20 | The Jimmy Carter photo and dumpster diving story
25:20 - 35:00 | Political shifts and the university "scare story"
35:00 - 44:00 | Finding common ground in our divided culture
44:00 - 58:00 | From lawyer to calling: Craig's nonprofit journey
58:00 - 1:11:00 | Food, community, and "making room for the man in the woods"

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📌 Key Themes:

• Marriage wisdom: "We're not the same people we were 41 years ago... you've got to let each other change and grow but yet still be together"
• Political discourse: The importance of not assuming ill intent and finding basic civility
• Food & community: Why every meal should include room for "the man in the woods"
• Coming to the table: How sharing food breaks down barriers and creates understanding

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🍽 Notable Quotes:

• "You can be a person of faith and be a thinking person" - Debbie on universities and faith
• "I have yet to see a spot in the Bible where food is in the Bible and it's not shared" - Craig on biblical hospitality

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Sometimes the best conversations happen when we slow down, share a meal, and truly listen to one another. Thanks for joining us around the table! ❤️

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