On this episode of The Sidewalk Talk podcast, Traci talks with Kern, author and creator of the Difficult Conversations Project, all about how to have those difficult conversations in light of everything we’ve been through in the past four years, and really, the past few months as well. Difficult Conversations Project was birthed out of the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election when Kern, along with one of his sons, decided to travel the country on a “listening tour,” setting up conversations with a variety of people with a diverse set of belief systems to try to understand how our country could have come to this place of division and hatred.

On this episode of The Sidewalk Talk podcast, Traci sits down with Lambers to talk about empathy and how we bridge the gaps that seek to divide us. Throughout their conversation, Lambers and Traci hit on some hot-button topics, including how to own our own feelings and stances on an issue while still making space for someone to disagree with us, knowing our capacity for being a bridge-builder, and their thoughts on how to get past the divides caused and amplified by the most recent presidential election.

On this episode of Sidewalk Talk, Traci chats with her good friend and colleague, Sara, on how exactly she does what she does as a facilitator for teams and an advocate for promoting diversity and deep democracy in the most unlikely places. During their conversation, Traci and Sara hit on everything from what deep democracy means to Sara and how to confront your inner Donald Trump to finding that necessary permission to encounter your own inner diversity and remaining your centered self in the midst of adverse circumstances.

On this episode of The Sidewalk Talk podcast, Traci chats with Philip on all things spiritual practice, drawing heavily on his newest, and increasingly relevant, book, Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. Throughout their conversation the two debunk some of the most common stereotypes many of us have about spiritual practice, go over some of Philip’s favorite and most practical ways to integrate a spiritual practice into your life, and discuss appropriation in spiritual practice and how to best honor the cultures and peoples some of our most common spiritual practices come from.

Over the last few years, narcissism, specifically narcissism in our leadership, has become top of mind for many Americans. As trust in our institutions has waned, narcissism has skyrocketed. On this episode of The Sidewalk Talk podcast, Traci sits down with Dr. Keith Campbell, a scientist and author who specializes in none other than the study of narcissism and its effects on our relationships and the larger culture around us.

Scientist-turned-writer Jill Doneen Clifton wants to take guilt and comparison out of the mothering equation. On this episode of The Sidewalk Talk podcast, Jill and Traci sit down to talk about Jill’s book, Landscape of Mothers and how motherhood and nature are so intricately connected. Throughout their conversation, the two also debunk the myth of good and bad mothers, talk about painful mothering experiences, and discuss being a mother to everyone—whether you’re a mother in the biological sense or not. Jill concludes the interview with an expression of her deep gratitude for you, the Sidewalk Talk volunteers, and all you do to spread love and hope in the world.

Listen in as Traci interviews Author, Illustrator and Creator Brad Montague, who’s also the man behind the revolutionary web series Kid President- a show that exemplifies the change we can bring to the world by bringing kids and adults to work together. Brad has authored the much-loved book, “Becoming Better Grown-ups'' and is the force behind ‘Socktober’, a worldwide annual drive connecting people to their local homeless shelters. Each year millions of people take part in providing basic human needs to men, women, and children without homes in a community-driven project where people take part for no reward or recognition but only for the good of their neighbors who are homeless. A living example of human wisdom and experience combined with infinite innocence, Brad offers delightful words of positivity that carve a well of joy deep within our insides.

Connection and belonging are two very human things that are continuing to slip away in our modern Western culture of increased screen time and decreased face-to-face interaction. Self-proclaimed “soul worker” Jane Cunningham is doing her part to reverse that trend.

In this episode of Sidewalk Talk, Traci sits down with Cunningham for a conversation on human connection, our mutual desire for belonging, and how we can strive for both even in the midst of a global pandemic. With their shared interest in polyvagal theory and Maori culture, the two women invite listeners into a conversation that will deepen our understanding of self and open doors to discovering who we truly are.

Mental health isn’t a subject that’s addressed among church congregations all that often. But if it was up to Reverend Barbara F. Meyers, that silence wouldn’t be the norm. A Sidewalk Talk volunteer and author of the book Held: Showing up for Each Other’s Mental Health, Rev. Meyers’ goal with everyone she meets—from the sidewalk to the sanctuary—is to make the world a little friendlier place.

Listen to today’s episode as Traci talks with Meyers, her longtime friend, about Meyers’ own mental health struggles, putting Held out into the world, and her biggest wish for everyone listening. Especially if you work in or are involved with a church, this is an important conversation you won’t want to miss!

Listen in as Lori offers her beautiful take on therapy by speaking as a seeker and also a clinician, while also shifting our focus into understanding people through a wider lens of reference. She also shares her thoughts on making her personal life known to people through her book, and how it has helped more therapists and patients alike connect with her on a personal level. We also discuss virtual therapy sessions and understand how the unprecedented times of today have brought us resilience, flexibility, creativity and adaptability, helping inspire and create hope for a better tomorrow.

Join us on this episode and understand the healing power of listening and connecting, for Lori’s are unmatchable words of wisdom!

Listen in as Amy joins Traci on this week’s podcast to discuss self-growth and connective consciousness, while sharing with us her inspirational journey as a listener with Side-walk talk and as an entrepreneur chasing her life goals!

Self-reflective and connected conversations could do magic for you, by introducing you to an exuberant and positive world of empathy. Join us on this episode to see for yourself the magic that Amy reflects with her venture!

Award winning adolescent medicine and children's gender support doctor, Veenod Chulani knows better than anyone the importance of communicating your heart when connecting with members of the LGBT community.

Today, Dr. Chulani sits down with Traci to talk about connecting across gender without assumption. He shares what he’s learned while advocating for LGBT and transgender populations and how we can all start to evolve into a more equitable society for all people.