Description

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Denise and Jackie enter "Heavy Protocol" mode as they process a week filled with intense political news and emotional weight following the recent elections. Despite the heaviness, they lean into hope, connection, and the pursuit of joy.

Denise shares insights from her recent event with Brené Brown, specifically the concept of "locking in", a metaphor drawn from the lock system on the River Thames. This sparks a revelation about the necessity of transition time between work and home, leading to a new understanding of boundaries and self-care. They also discuss Step Two of their 12-step journey: believing that we are worthy of getting better and that things will get better, even when the external world feels chaotic.

The conversation touches on everything from the wisdom of a six-year-old cooking prodigy to the stark reality of current events, including the fears surrounding immigration and political instability. Yet, true to form, they find lightness in the dark: planning a sustainable Christmas (complete with an early tree setup), celebrating Friendsgiving with "Wonder Bread" traditions, and continuing their search for signs from the universe.

Key Times:

00:01:25 Checking in on the campus mood post-election

00:02:51 Denise's intimate event with Brené Brown

00:05:34 Seeking signs from the other side (The "Mongoose" update)

00:07:22 Reflecting on a heavy week of political news

00:19:04 Step Two: "We believe we are worthy of getting better"

00:24:43 Wisdom from a 6-year-old ("Chef Max Can Cook")

00:27:42 Brené Brown's "Locking In" metaphor: The River Thames

00:29:40 The importance of transition time when coming home

00:33:00 Denise's "Lifelong Learner" tour: Oprah, Snyder, Brown, and Mediums

00:36:25 "If we lose, I'm going to jail": Steve Bannon and the stakes

00:38:22 Making joy: Early Christmas decorating and sustainable holidays

00:39:54 Friendsgiving and the "Friends & Family" restaurant night

Topics Covered:

1. Processing post-election emotions and campus atmosphere
2. Brené Brown’s concept of "Locking In" and transition times
3. Step Two: Worthiness and the belief that things will get better
4. The importance of transitions for mental health (military and daily life)
5. Political anxiety and the importance of local action (transition funds, food banks)
6. "Making Joy" as an active practice: Holiday prep and gathering friends
7. Sustainable consumerism during the holidays
8. Lifelong learning: From history (Timothy Snyder) to mediumship
9. The "Mongoose" sign and communicating with the other side

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