The Lost Art of Communication

We are choosing to use our voices to advocate for a cause which we stand by. 

In this episode, Molly and Tricia discuss what we’ve learned about recent and historical events, racist policies, and the oppression that has led to the current movement for change. In any way we can, we are striving to use our privilege as white women to encourage conversations around being allies for the black community.  While we cannot and will not ever understand how it feels to be black in America, we are using this space to share resources we’ve found helpful. In addition, we talk through our thoughts on ways to become better educated and how to communicate in a way that we believe promotes societal growth.

Resources:

• Guidelines for Being Strong White Allies: https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/kivel3.pdf
• Research regarding Hiring Discrimination Against Black Americans: https://hbr.org/2017/10/hiring-discrimination-against-black-americans-hasnt-declined-in-25-years
• How to be an Anti-Rasist: https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist-1
• Black-Owned Independent Bookstores: https://lithub.com/you-can-order-today-from-these-black-owned-independent-bookstores/

**Edit to the episode dialogue: Molly states that the mistreatment of black people has been occurring for 400-500 years. This should be changed to “401 years,” as the first slave was brought over to America in 1619.  

Speaking with someone born and raised in the same era as you can be much simpler than speaking with someone who grew up with an entirely different set of experiences. Yet, there is tremendous value in learning from people both older and younger than ourselves.

In today’s episode, Molly and Tricia discuss the benefit of learning from people in different generations, how to deal with out-dated notions you may not agree with, and a tool to help you become aware of your own age-related biases. 

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

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Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and suddenly discovered you don’t see eye to eye on a sensitive subject? Your reaction will make all the difference in how the discussion progresses. It’s easy to let defensiveness or anger take over and start a heated debate….but there is definitely a better way!

In this episode, Molly and Tricia discuss their own contrasting beliefs and how they’ve handled them in their own relationship, how to cultivate a healthy mindset when speaking with someone who doesn’t share your views, and take away tips for staying calm and open-minded during those sensitive discussions.  

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

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Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

Conversing through screens is by no means natural. Yet it’s becoming increasingly essential in modern society. Having large groups on a single call is a fabulous way to connect, but it requires a slightly different skill-set than in-person meetings.

In this episode, Molly and Tricia discuss common virtual blunders that impede deep connection, practical tips to actively listen in the face of technical distraction, and ways to avoid the awkward “sidewalk dance” during video calls.

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

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Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

Advocating for ourselves and communicating boundaries in a delicate way can be challenging. Particularly in an age where lives are changing each and every day, we’re experiencing an influx of emotions and constant adjustments to our normal routines. Setting personal boundaries is essential for our mental health toolkit.

In this episode, Molly and Tricia discuss the importance of creating and sharing your new boundaries with others, how to communicate them in a mindful and concise way, and their own struggles with this process.

Please reference our past episode, “Establishing Priorities & Setting Boundaries” for tips on determining the boundaries themselves.

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

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Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

The benefits of positive self-talk are well known and limitless, and you may already actively practice this. A global crisis (like a pandemic), though, will truly put your positive thinking to the test!

In this episode, Molly and Tricia discuss their own struggles maintaining healthy self-talk, what pandemic-induced factors have been affecting them the most, and strategies to keep a positive mindset and practice self-compassion - crisis or not.

*This episode was recorded on 4/9/2020

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

*This episode was recorded on 4/1/2020

It’s easy to find ourselves going down the rabbit hole of rehashing the latest headlines pertaining to the novel coronavirus pandemic. While expressing our thoughts on the matter can be healthy, talking in circles can sometimes do more harm than good.

In today’s episode, Molly and Tricia distinguish between “venting” and “complaining” to ensure we’re having healthy conversations. In addition, we discuss ways to check in with others during this time, alternative topics to the virus, and why it’s important to have “normal” conversations too.

We referenced this article and highly recommend you check it out: Counteract the negative effects of coronavirus isolation

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

*This episode was recorded on 3/22/2020

With COVID-19 impacting almost every aspect of our daily lives, Molly and Tricia couldn’t think of a better topic for this week. Lillie Lienhardt, PA-C, an emergency room Physician’s Assistant (and one of Molly’s best friends) is our guest today! We discuss the facts around the virus, how we can help and positively communicate with healthcare workers, and how to be kind during this hectic, stressful time.

Advice from the WHO (World Health Organization) can be found here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

We’re In the midst of a global pandemic, in which “social distancing” is advised and necessary to slow spread of the illness. Molly and Tricia couldn’t help but think of the social and mental implications of being quarantined. 

In today’s episode, we discuss ways to communicate respectfully about COVID-19, uphold a sense of community, and feel connected while keeping yourself safe and healthy.  

Advice from the WHO (World Health Organization) can be found here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.

Just the term “confrontation” can invoke feelings of dread. But speaking directly with someone about an issue we’re having doesn’t have to be a negative experience! 

In today’s episode, Molly and Tricia discuss why confrontation is actually an act of love and how to bring up difficult subjects in a kind, compassionate way. 

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*note: we aim to keep our episodes unscripted and (largely) unedited to provide an example of communication in its natural form.*

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connect with us! 

We’d love to hear from you about your thoughts, ideas, and stories! You can reach us at: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook (@lostartofcommunication), Instagram (@lostartofcommunication), and Twitter (@LostArtofCommu1) for more updates.