We’re sharing our take on Ezra Klein’s interview with Yuval Levin and the question it raises about Trump’s presidency: has he achieved as much as it feels like he has, or are we confusing constant motion with durable progress? We talk about why this administration can feel like nonstop action, even when much of that action is not coming through Congress.

A big idea from the Ezra Klein Show conversation is Levin’s framing that Trump governs “retail rather than wholesale.” In other words, prioritizing visible, immediate wins through executive power, pressure, and deal-making, instead of building long-lasting policy through legislation. We unpack why that approach appeals to many voters who wanted a non-politician who would bypass gridlock, and why it also raises concerns about stability when executive orders can be reversed by the next administration.

We also dig into the political reality that Trump’s brand can make bipartisan cooperation in Congress even harder, pushing everyone toward obstruction and performance, and pushing the White House toward even more executive action. The bigger question we leave you with is simple: is Trump adapting to a broken legislative branch, or is this style of leadership making it harder for Congress to function at all?

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Discussing Listener's Suggestion: Ezra Klein and Yuval Levin

01:58 Trump's First Year: Accomplishments and Controversies

04:00 Debating Congressional vs. Executive Power

05:57 Trump's Approach to Governance

07:59 Media Perception and Legal Battles

18:24 Young Conservatives and Political Extremism

20:51 US Dependency and Federal Funding

22:56 Trump as a Disruptor

23:25 Checks and Balances Concerns

25:58 Media Manipulation and Public Perception

27:01 Trump's Spending and Defense Policies

29:07 Hopes for Congressional Bravery

30:07 America's 250th Birthday

33:28 Good for the Soul: Snowfall and Peace

35:24 TV Show Recommendation: The West Wing

38:31 Would You Rather

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Ezra Klein and Yuval Levin Interview:

https://youtu.be/WJHPaCaMAq4?si=9jnNnea6mPoGj0hf

Senate website/Presidential Nominations Withdrawn: https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/one_item_and_teasers/nom_wdr.htm

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/

Some weeks, the news doesn’t just feel heavy, it feels combustible. In this episode, Nicole (liberal) and Jolene (conservative) talk through the latest ICE shooting in Minneapolis and why stories like this instantly become a loyalty test: pick your team, pick your narrative, pick your villain… and move on.

We slow the conversation down on purpose. We talk about what we know, what we don’t know yet, and how quickly public reactions harden into certainty before investigations have a chance to breathe. Because once a tragedy becomes a symbol, people stop caring about details. They care about the win.

We also unpack the deeper reality beneath the headlines: immigration is debated as a concept, but lived as a constant stress response. Paperwork, deadlines, fear, and the feeling that one wrong turn could unravel a life. At the same time, communities are trying to make sense of real safety concerns without turning those fears into blanket suspicion of anyone who looks or sounds “foreign.”

This isn’t about choosing between compassion and accountability. It’s about holding both and refusing to let grief, anger, or fear turn into dehumanisation. If the country feels brittle right now, it’s because we’ve stopped talking like humans. Where do we go from here?

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Discussing Minneapolis ICE Shooting

00:47 Moral Certainty and Conversation

03:02 Details of the Minneapolis Shooting

04:30 Reactions and Political Commentary

05:17 Tom Holman's Press Conference

07:51 Complexities of Immigration Enforcement

27:33 Sanctuary Cities and Legal Implications

35:07 Sanctuary Cities and Trump's Immigration Policy

35:44 Criminal Records Among Undocumented Migrants

36:40 Concerns About Steven Miller's Influence

40:33 Polarization and Lack of Dialogue

45:43 The Immigrant Experience

56:15 Moral Absolutism and Democracy

01:04:29 Concluding Thoughts

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Tom Homan News Conference,

https://www.youtube.com/live/f0uZKCwGwtA?si=1GT03P1elneERpOL

Good for the Soul:

https://www.instagram.com/basicoptimism/reels/

https://tapcancerout.org/

Some headlines don’t feel real and yet here we are. In this episode, we unpack Trump floating the idea of America buying Greenland (yes, Greenland) and why a story that sounds like satire is actually tied to serious geopolitics, Arctic security, and America’s relationship with allies like Denmark.

We take a look at why Greenland matters: its strategic location between North America and Europe, growing importance in the Arctic, and the military and economic interests that come with it. Even if the delivery sounds unserious, the underlying interest isn’t automatically crazy and that’s what makes this headline worth talking about.

But we also talk about how leadership shows up on the world stage. Trump’s off-the-cuff style and public pressure tactics can turn diplomacy into a spectacle, and diplomacy doesn’t work when allies feel humiliated or treated like they’re negotiating a property sale. The result isn’t just awkward headlines, it’s distrust.

And honestly, this isn’t only about Greenland. It’s about political fatigue: the constant “wait, is this real?” whiplash and what it does to public trust. Is strong leadership boldness, restraint, diplomacy, transparency, or some mix of all four? Drop your thoughts in the comments (keep it respectful).

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:32 Discussing Greenland

02:02 Trump's Controversial Actions

05:33 Global Reactions and Media Frenzy

06:54 Strategic Importance of Greenland

07:49 Rare Earth Minerals and Geopolitical Moves

08:40 Trump's Negotiation Tactics

13:26 Debating US Foreign Policy

25:41 Historical Context and World Order

27:59 European Union's Reaction to Trump's Greenland Comments

28:26 Global Reactions and Military Posturing

29:28 Embarrassment on the World Stage

29:53 The Future of Diplomacy

30:22 The Role of Media and Public Perception

30:30 Standing Up to Bullies

32:16 Greenland's Importance and Reactions

34:34 Media Coverage and Public Fatigue

44:58 Final Thoughts

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

1. AP News (Greenland, U.S., Denmark, Trump, Vance, Rubio meeting): https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-b10f5151008f1f18a788dc0751473c0e

1. Matter Neuroscience (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/matterneuroscience/
2. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” (Hans Christian Andersen): https://americanliterature.com/author/hans-christian-andersen/short-story/the-emperors-new-clothes

LINKS:

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

On YouTube:

Surrogacy can be a deeply meaningful path to parenthood and it can also be a billion-dollar industry. In this episode, we unpack what happens when “building a family” starts looking like a marketplace, and who actually gets protected when money, contracts, and power enter something as serious as pregnancy and birth.

We talk about why the U.S. has become a major global destination for surrogacy, and how inconsistent, state-by-state rules can create a system where the wealthy get options and the vulnerable take on the risk. When an industry grows faster than the guardrails, it’s not just messy, it can become exploitative.

We also dig into the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship, and the uncomfortable question it raises: what happens when a right designed to protect the vulnerable becomes a tool the powerful can leverage? This isn’t about demonising parents or children - it’s about whether citizenship and reproduction are being treated like commodities.

Finally, we ask what regulation could look like without being “anti-family”: stronger protections for surrogates, clearer standards that prioritise the well-being of the child, and real accountability when things go wrong. If you’re pro-surrogacy, anti-surrogacy, or somewhere in the middle, we hope this episode helps you ask better questions and keeps the conversation honest.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:29 Billionaires and US Surrogacy

00:49 The MO News Podcast and Initial Reactions

02:47 Understanding the 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship

04:40 The Surrogacy Industry: Agencies and Regulations

05:20 International Billionaires and Surrogacy

06:40 Ethical and Social Implications

08:17 Legal and Regulatory Challenges

10:16 Personal Stories and Opinions

11:34 The Role of Money and Power

12:59 Conservative and Liberal Perspectives

21:36 Potential Solutions and Legislation

26:07 Peter Thiel's IVF Agencies in Southeast Asia

26:24 Religious Views and Surrogacy Ethics

27:20 Surrogacy Laws and the 14th Amendment

28:11 Protecting Surrogates and Babies

30:47 Bipartisan Efforts for Surrogacy Regulation

33:52 Global Surrogacy Practices and US Regulations

36:47 The Future of Surrogacy and Legal Recourse

41:22 Call to Action: Advocating for Surrogacy Laws

45:10 Good for the Soul: Kindness Army

46:31 Would You Rather: Surrogacy and Citizenship

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSWnB_xjRZc/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

1. Chinese Billionaires, Surrogacy, Pregnancy: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/chinese-billionaires-surrogacy-pregnancy-7fdfc0c3?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
2. What to Know: Surrogacy + China + Billionaires:

2026 didn’t ease in gently — it kicked the door in. In this episode, Nicole (liberal) and Jolene (conservative) unpack three headlines that are already shaping the year: the Trump administration’s high-stakes move in Venezuela, the immigration firestorm at home (including ICE shootings and the Minnesota fraud scandal), and the uprising in Iran unfolding through a media blackout.

We talk about Venezuela as a foreign policy flashpoint; is this decisive strategy, reckless escalation, or something in between? And we keep coming back to the same question: what’s the plan after the headline? Because “shock and awe” isn’t a foreign policy, and the people who pay first are rarely the ones making the decisions.

Back in the U.S., we dig into how immigration debates get weaponised; how real events become political symbols, and how quickly entire communities get judged by the actions of a few. We wrestle with the tension between law enforcement and social justice, and what it looks like to enforce laws without losing your humanity.

And then there’s Iran. Courage in the dark, and the world’s silence. We explore the moral weight of “intervention” vs “do nothing,” and why everything now feels like a loyalty test. If you’re overwhelmed by 2026 already… same. Drop your thoughts in the comments — especially if you disagree — and keep it respectful.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Good for the Soul:

1. Yes Theory (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/yestheory/?hl=en
2. YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Zw0c2fmv1RM?si=1aVkJiD8q0zYHjhG

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/

⚠️ 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.

—--

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: