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We've Got To Talk

We've Got To Talk

By: Nicole Fonarow and Jolene Conway
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 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! 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.Copyright 2025 Nicole Fonarow and Jolene Conway Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Assumption vs Reality: How Democrats and Republicans Misunderstand Each Other

    Assumption vs Reality: How Democrats and Republicans Misunderstand Each Other
    Jun 11 2025

    Ever catch yourself making snap judgments about someone based on their political views? That MAGA hat automatically equals racist? That Biden sticker means socialist? We're all guilty of it, and it's destroying our ability to have real conversations. Today's episode exposes the shocking truth about how wrong we are about each other - and why our assumptions are keeping us trapped in our own echo chambers.

    Our addiction to being right is costing us relationships, communities, and any chance of solving actual problems. While we're busy arguing with strawmen versions of each other, real issues go unaddressed. Climate change doesn't care about your political party. Economic inequality affects everyone. But we're too busy fighting imaginary enemies to tackle real challenges.

    The truth is uncomfortable: we're all more alike than different, but our assumptions are keeping us from seeing it. Until we're willing to question what we think we know about each other, we'll stay trapped in this cycle of division and misunderstanding.

    CHAPTER MARKERS:

    00:00 Introduction and Book Mention

    01:28 Perception Gap Study

    03:46 Political Conversations and Media Bias

    05:14 Gavin Newsom's Podcast and Reactions

    08:05 Monica Guzman's Background and Work

    17:04 Congressional Changes and Bipartisanship

    23:35 Term Limits and Political Challenges

    28:11 Would You Rather? Fun Questions

    32:10 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

    RESOURCES MENTIONED:

    Book - I Never Thought Of It That Way

    Gary Newsom Podcast

    Steve Bannon on Gary Newsom Podcast

    “Wag The Dog”


    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/


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    33 mins
  • First Kisses, Underage Sorority Parties and Our Deepest Fears

    First Kisses, Underage Sorority Parties and Our Deepest Fears
    Jun 4 2025

    Everyone has those stories. The ones that shaped us, scarred us, or made us laugh until we cried (and maybe peed a little bit). Today's episode strips away the serious topics to reveal the raw, ridiculous, and sometimes embarrassing moments that made Nicole and Jolene who they are. From childhood dreams of stardom to saving lives - these are the stories you’ve never heard.

    Today's reminder? Behind every heated debate, every strong opinion, every firm stance, there's a person shaped by their own collection of firsts, fears, and family recipes. Maybe that's the secret to having hard conversations in 2025 - remembering that we're all just grown-up versions of kids who once dreamed of Hollywood, saved lives at local pools, and believed in the magic of ruby slippers.

    P.S. Would you give up the internet for a lifetime of comfort? Jolene's answer might surprise you... 😉

    CHAPTER MARKERS:

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone

    02:18 First Kiss Stories

    03:15 Childhood Dreams and Career Paths

    05:17 High School Jobs and Lifeguard Tales

    07:28 First Friends and Childhood Games

    09:18 Celebrity Crushes and TV Shows

    10:24 Fears and Family Concerns

    11:47 Annoying Habits of Husbands

    13:31 Annoying Gum Chewing

    14:10 Favorite Walk-Up Songs

    14:41 Inspiring Cancer Story

    16:55 Faith and Prayer

    18:02 Cherished Family Recipes

    22:11 Favorite Movies

    24:41 Would You Rather?

    26:02 Final Thoughts and Goodbyes


    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/

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    27 mins
  • Biden's Cancer Bombshell: Coincidence or Calculated?

    Biden's Cancer Bombshell: Coincidence or Calculated?
    May 24 2025

    The White House has a new crisis on its hands, and it's not just medical. President Biden's aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis dropped like a bomb this week, leaving Americans with more questions than answers. Was this really breaking news to his medical team, or just to us? Today's episode digs into the suspicious timing, the convenient narrative shifts, and the uncomfortable question we’re all asking: How long have they been hiding this from the American people?

    As this story continues to unfold, we're left navigating a political landscape where truth seems optional and timing is everything. The diagnosis itself deserves compassion – cancer doesn't discriminate between Republicans and Democrats. But the handling of this information deserves scrutiny from every American who believes in their right to make informed decisions about their leadership.

    CHAPTER MARKERS:

    00:00 Introduction

    00:30 Reacting to Biden's Diagnosis

    02:35 Media Coverage and Public Perception

    04:39 Political Implications and Inner Circle

    08:11 Speculations and Theories

    14:42 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

    18:19 Speculations on Biden's Health

    19:35 Democratic Party's Future

    21:04 Bernie Sanders and AOC's Influence

    22:39 Frustrations with the Democratic Establishment

    26:02 The Need for New Leadership

    28:47 Would You Rather: Fun and Lighthearted Questions

    32:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    RESOURCES MENTIONED:

    Wag The Dog

    The Free Press

    Gavin Newsom Frank Luntz interview

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins

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