146: How to Have Grace-Filled Political Conversations with Family & Friends // Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers
Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers are mothers and attorneys who are passionate about civic engagement, community, and politics. They believe that we can “choose to respect the dignity of every person, choose to recognize that issues are nuanced and can’t be reduced to political talking points, and choose to listen in order to understand.”
Sarah and Beth co-host a podcast called Pantsuit Politics where they model how to have grace-filled political conversations. They also wrote a book called, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening).
Because of the tools these powerful women teach in their book and on their podcast, I have been able to navigate several heated political conversations with family and friends these past few months in a way that lead to deeper connection between us. (Miraculous, right??) I’m thrilled to have Sarah and Beth on the podcast today to teach us their best tools to navigate these sometimes divisive and exhausting exchanges with our friends and family.
Three Takeaways for Having Grace-Filled Political Conversations with Sarah Stewart Holland
1. Take off your jersey.
2. Exit the echo chamber.
^Suggestions of reputable media sources from both sides
3. Get curious.
Show Notes
I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) (book)
Pantsuit Politics on Apple Podcasts (but it’s available everywhere)
“Sources Swap” suggestions from Beth and Sarah
Related Episodes
051: How (and Why) to Get Involved in the Political Process as a Mom // Lacey Parr
031: Three Easy Ways to Teach your Children about Patriotic Holidays // The American Moms
Sponsor Info
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What was your favorite thing Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers had to share? Let me know in a comment below!
About the Podcast Host, Rachel Nielson
Rachel taught high school English for five years before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom to her two miracle babies, Noah Atticus, who was adopted, and Sally Grace, who was conceived through IVF.
In her life, Rachel has experienced great sorrow but also great joy--and she loves diving deep into the topics that matter most. Thank you for listening to the podcast and giving her a chance to share her heart.
Miss. Rachel, I don’t always have time to listen these days. However, I want you to know that this particularly caught my eye and I made time to listen today. Thank you. I needed to hear the phrases I may use.. ‘I love you, but I think that sounds dangerous’…. etc.. It seems that people – friends etc. have become particularly aggressive in political discussions. No longer feels like a political discussion to me and I have always considered myself open minded and able to see both sides. The aggression from others I sense in our America – in and of itself – is something that limits my ability to listen to others or even consider there views. Thank you for these thoughts and putting energy into this subject. Leisa
Yes, I agree, the aggression is scary! I’m so glad this was helpful for you!