⚠️ CONTENT WARNING ⚠️

This episode contains discussion of suicide and grief related to suicide loss. We share personal stories about losing loved ones to suicide, which may be difficult or triggering for some listeners.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7 in the U.S.)

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

You are not alone, and there is always help available. Your life matters.

We approach this topic with care and respect, but we understand it may not be appropriate for everyone at this time. Please prioritize your mental health and well-being.

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We're talking about death today - not in a morbid way, but in the honest, vulnerable way most people avoid their entire lives. Despite being friends for nearly 40 years, Jolene and I (Nicole) realized we'd never actually discussed death, dying, and what we believe comes after. So we decided to have that conversation. The one that makes most people uncomfortable but that everyone needs to have at some point.

Jolene's first confrontation with death came at 16 when her friend Stacy died by suicide - a traumatic event that shattered her worldview and taught her about grief's unexpected manifestations. My wake-up call was losing a college boyfriend, which propelled me to cherish life more acutely and ignited my awareness of life's fragility. Later, watching my mother disappear to dementia taught me that you can grieve someone long before their actual death. These experiences shaped how we each understand mortality and what matters most.

Our beliefs about what happens after death are different but lead to similar conclusions. Jolene, as a Catholic Christian, believes in heaven and eternal life - finding comfort in the idea that death is a transition, not an ending, and that even tragedy is part of God's plan. I don't subscribe to traditional heaven or hell, but I'm fascinated by the energy and signs that seem to accompany those who've passed. Whether those signs are real or just comfort my brain creates doesn't matter, they connect me to people I've lost and remind me that love endures.

Despite our different frameworks, we agree on what's fundamental: death is both universal and deeply personal. Talking about it openly diminishes fear's hold and brings us closer. We're urging you to have these conversations with people you love - discuss what you believe, what you fear, what you hope. Don't wait for the "right time" because there isn't one. The right time is now, before you're forced to have the conversation in a crisis.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Good for the Soul

Mo News

https://www.youtube.com/moshehnews

https://www.instagram.com/mosheh/?hl=en

LINKS:

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wevegottotalk/

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeveGotToTalk

How to find Nicole https://nicolefonarow.com/

How to find Jolene https://dibledough.com/

We can’t believe it’s been a year! In this special episode, Nicole (liberal) and Jolene (conservative) reflect on what it’s really like to launch a podcast across the political divide—sharing honest behind-the-scenes moments, favourite interviews, and the biggest surprises of our journey so far.

From tackling tough topics like gun policy and abortion to finding unexpected common ground, we’ve learned that real conversation rooted in curiosity and respect, matters more than ever. Highlights include our powerful interview with Monica Guzman and the joy (and chaos) of producing nearly 50 episodes.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited about our dream guest list, more listener-requested topics, and even more in-person episodes. Most of all, we’re grateful for our growing community. Your questions, feedback, and willingness to engage keep us inspired.

What should we talk about next? Who do you want to hear from? Drop your ideas in the comments or reach out on social media. Here’s to another year of bold conversations, big laughs, and maybe a little less drama. Thanks for being part of our journey!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

https://youtu.be/NO-JBTsLaJQ?si=CJXW8kgAWB0rrqPr

https://youtu.be/DqoLxk0-Yqk?si=DM8D1SI0bm3LW_UD

https://youtu.be/A7YWXtWFmUY?si=Fm46ebPKwhvS-t_k

https://youtu.be/80c6RbRn6uY?si=oiHHbdEkfqpDlIpU

https://youtu.be/CCX1dN1nmvQ?si=4mASIe3l1dHMwfUQ

https://youtu.be/5wtPeP8XwAk?si=ARDCTXaE1IebUvJ2

https://youtu.be/AbH8U7m5kos?si=kKFQIsybFSbhB1Zu

https://youtu.be/qydEt3wbPXQ?si=UNyUEa_LO-qpE4r6

https://youtu.be/f8uozb6VN9k?si=mDg9qxQCucuKB_fH

https://youtu.be/xkXscmE9l_s?si=uRXBula4h5qBgljI

https://youtu.be/V7Wyw5uZegc?si=qpUQ227NwkVwyB4T

https://youtu.be/qS2O1rgf2YM?si=FUcxIQ48ig-2YWW_

https://youtu.be/pBmP42Mmamw?si=qqCFona0O8B1d5N6

https://youtu.be/E-gH6CVSFGk?si=JkS2XMpUeK_BOS_Y

Independent News Sources:

https://www.mo.news/

https://www.readtangle.com/

https://san.com/

Good for the Soul:

The holiday season is here, and we're talking about what Christmas and Hanukkah mean to us, how we navigate the pressure and expectations, and why the spirit of the season matters more than perfect decorations or expensive gifts.

Jolene celebrates a traditional Christmas with stockings, a beautifully decorated tree, and all the festive cheer. I (Nicole) grew up celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah, experiencing the magic of Christmas morning and the ritual of lighting the menorah for eight nights. We both agree on the beauty of holiday decorations - whether it's stars or angels, menorahs or nativity scenes, there's something universally warming about homes lit up with festive spirit.

But let's be honest about the pressure. This is when people feel enormous expectations. Perfect decorations, elaborate meals, mountains of gifts. For families already struggling, the holidays can amplify stress instead of bringing joy. The pressure to buy, buy, buy can overshadow the actual spirit of giving from the heart. The most meaningful gifts often cost nothing; time, attention, presence, acts of service.

The holidays are what you make of them. It's okay if your decorations aren't Pinterest-perfect or you can't afford elaborate gifts. What matters is showing up for people you love, extending compassion to those struggling, and finding moments of genuine joy and connection. That's the real spirit of the season.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Jolene’s Sweater:

https://www.samsclub.com/

Sweets:

https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/easy-lemon-bars-recipe/

https://www.loveandlemons.com/mexican-wedding-cookies/

https://onehotoven.com/pecan-tassies/

https://www.food.com/recipe/easy-homemade-almond-roca-106641

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62334590/holiday-haystacks-recipe/

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-sugar-cookies/

Christmas Movies:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356680/?ref_=fn_t_1

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110527/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/?ref_=fn_i_1

Good For The Soul:

https://www.instagram.com/rockyroaddoodles/?hl=en

LINKS:

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wevegottotalk/

On YouTube: