Hey there! So you may have noticed that this week’s episode is a much shorter than normal. Last week I presented another recap episode where I sat down with a few friends and discussed what we’d learned from listening to episodes 12-20, the second set of conversations. A Year of Listening will be taking a short break for the next few weeks so I can gather my thoughts, find great guests and continue to have quality, civil conversations about hot button issues.
I will be active on our social media pages and would love for you all to join the fun. If you don’t follow A Year of Listening on Instagram and Twitter can I make a request for you to consider doing so? I’ll be posting book recommendations, article suggestions and soliciting feedback for future topics. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @yearoflistening. Additionally, I’ve started a closed facebook group for the show. Anyone is welcome to join, but I’ve chosen to make the space closed so that people can honestly post their thoughts and questions about these conversations. A closed group just means that you have to join in order to post and see what others have posted. My hope is that this becomes a virtual community where people can wrestle with hard issues, listen to opposing viewpoints and dialogue respectfully. I have been hesitant to dive into the Facebook world with the show because, well frankly, Facebook has been a frustrating space for these conversations. BUT I’ve come to see some real value in closed groups and I want to see if this could be a good community building space for the show. So if you are a regular listener to the show, or you want a safe place to practice civil dialogue and good listening, come on over. Search for the A Year of Listening Podcast group on facebook (or just click right on that link!), request to join and I’ll be sure to include you.
Also, I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear from you! I want to hear your ideas, your questions, your suggestions, your pushback, all of it. I’d love to get guest recommendations. Or maybe you feel passionate about something you’d like to discuss with me. You don’t have to be an expert about the topic, you just have to be willing to have a thoughtful, nuanced conversation. So, get in touch, slide into my DM’s or email the show at ayearoflistening@gmail.com.
So, I’ll be back on June 28 with a new conversation and in the meantime, catch up on old episodes you may have missed, read something that challenges you, follow a new voice that’s different from your own. And, if you feel so inclined, give the show a positive rating or review on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Whatever you do, keep listening to others. I’ll be back soon!