#56 Brandy Wallner [A Good Conversation Dinner]

What does good conversation look like? How do you create a safe space for vulnerability? What does it mean to really connect? Continuing our series on cultivating community, creating meaningful connections and building lasting friendships, Brandy Wallner joins me from Southern California to chat about A Good Conversation Dinner, a table ministry designed to help women connect across all perceived boundaries and as fellow image bearers of God. Brandy has a love for eliciting deep conversation, and to get the depth you need vulnerability, but that doesn't happen automatically. She says we can create a "safe-to-be-vulnerable environment" by going first. Brandy also shares some of her guidelines for a good conversation. Brandy and I talk about how important listening can be. She encourages listening without interruption as to not side-track the conversation. Her dinners give everyone a chance to share so there's no pressure to jump in to make your voice heard. Brandy tells us that connection happens when we listen for our commonalities and our differences. For anyone who might be apprehensive to host, Brandy says it doesn't need to be fancy. Ordering in or potluck are just fine! We also talk about being introverts and how that impacts our conversation. Brandy tells us that having intentional questions helps move us past draining small talk and produces life-giving conversations. Brandy Wallner is a freelance content writer, ghost writer, and current Community Writer on the hope*writer team. She is passionate about writing words and questions that help people connect with God, themselves, and their people. She is the founder of A Good Conversation Dinner, a table ministry designed to help women connect across all perceived boundaries and as fellow image bearers of God.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE hope*writers A Good Conversation Dinner For 30% off card sets through March 1st, use code: GTL   BRANDY'S FAVORITE 5 Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Pistachio Toffee Squares Novex Collagen Infusion Leave-in Conditioner A Great Cup of Coffee The Bachelor/The Bachelorette Maverick City Worship   CONNECT WITH BRANDY Instagram | Facebook | Website   CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE Show Notes | Instagram | Facebook   REVIEW THE SHOW