Welcome to 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!So who are we?Jolene —I married a hot college football coach, raised three beautiful daughters, and we have lived all over the United States. I was raised Methodist, but converted to Catholicism. I'm a conservative Christian Republican, navigating the complexities of modern America.Nicole - After college, I moved to New York City and became a film/theatre/vo actor. In my early 40’s, I married an incredible man and became a stepmom to his wonderful son. With a Jewish dad and a Christian mom, I consider myself a California cultural mutt. I'm a proud liberal Democrat. So why should you tune in? If you're as intrigued as we hope, it's because this podcast is a welcoming space for diverse opinions and thoughtful discussions. We're diving headfirst into those hot-button topics that dominate today's headlines—political issues, social dilemmas, and ever-evolving events. Our goal is to share our genuine compassion and understanding, offering you insights into perspectives you might not encounter every day.The only rule? Kindness. There's no hate allowed in our little corner of the audio world. 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.