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:

After spending months dissecting politics, gun control, and the collapse of American democracy, we desperately needed a break. So today we're talking about the stuff that occupies more of our mental space than we’d care to admit: our pet peeves from everyday life and the tiny moments of joy that remind us life isn’t all bad. Because honestly, sometimes the person who won't get out of the left lane feels more urgent than foreign policy.

The mix of irritation and joy is what makes life entertaining. If everything was perfect, we'd have nothing to laugh about over coffee. If everything was terrible, we'd never get out of bed. The combination of the annoying drivers and the unexpected smiles, the language crimes and the perfect hugs - that's the whole human experience right there.

So here's our very official challenge: notice both. Notice what makes you irrationally annoyed, because those irritations are valid and often hilarious in hindsight. But also notice what brings you joy, because those moments are everywhere if you're paying attention. And maybe try to be someone else's "simple joy" today instead of their "why are people like this" story.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

News and Media: Tangle Newsletter: https://www.readtangle.com/

Podcast Content: Heavyweight Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heavyweight/id1150800298

Good for the Soul: Kaizen (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/thatskaizen/?hl=en

Product Reference: BrassCraft Hair Snake (Home Depot): https://www.homedepot.com/p/BrassCraft-20-in-Plastic-Hair-Snake-BC00112/305468409

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/

What if the advice to avoid talking about politics is actually making everything worse? In our first-ever guest interview, we sit down with Monica Guzman - author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," and advisor at Braver Angels to talk about how to have fearlessly curious conversations in dangerously divided times.

Monica doesn't sugarcoat it: America is fraying. Social media has made it easy to be incurious while feeling righteous, and "conflict entrepreneurs" are profiting off our division. But she believes the only way forward is to keep talking to each other, especially across disagreement.

Her advice for navigating political conversations - especially during the holidays: • Know what you're after: connection or persuasion?

• Step away from social media and have tough conversations face-to-face

• Ask "how" instead of "why" - invite people to share their story, not defend their position

• Remember that curiosity and grace are contagious

Monica shares a powerful story about bringing liberal Seattleites to meet conservative Oregon farmers. What they discovered: we're all terrible at estimating what the "other side" really thinks. Studies show both liberals and conservatives wildly overestimate support for extreme positions like political violence. The best intervention? Talking to real people, not caricatures.

Some argue America should split into "Divided States." Monica pushes back hard: that's a lie pushed by extremes for political gain. The truth? The more time we spend only with people who agree with us, the dumber we get. We need each other to make wise decisions for a healthy society.

Is there hope? Absolutely. The revolution isn't happening in halls of power - it's happening in living rooms, coffee shops, and podcasts. People choosing dialogue over dismissal are the real counterculture.

Monica leaves us with "sonder" - the realization that every person has a life as vivid and complex as your own. When we remember that, everything changes.

Read Monica's book "I Never Thought of It That Way" and join the movement toward fearless curiosity.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 - Introduction: Why We Talk Across Political Divides

00:21 - Meet Monica Guzman: Author of "I Never Thought of It That Way"

01:36 - Is America More Divided Than Ever?

03:14 - Social Media, Outrage, and the Curiosity Crisis

05:27 - How to Have Difficult Conversations With Family

08:09 - The Power of Curiosity and Grace in Bridge Building

09:49 - Why "How" Questions Work Better Than "Why"

11:57 - Breaking Down Misconceptions About the Other Side

14:16 - Monica’s Sherman County Project: Liberals Meet Conservatives

18:30 - What Urban and Rural America Can Learn From Each Other

21:58 - Are We Really Hopelessly Divided?

24:16 - Why We Need Each Other: The Beating Heart of Democracy

27:00 - Signs of Hope: The Revolution of Conversation

29:10 - Sonder: Seeing the Humanity in Everyone

30:53 - Would You Rather: Monica’s Game on Difference

33:44 - Final Thoughts and Thank You to Monica Guzman

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Monica:

https://www.moniguzman.com/book

https://braverangels.org/author/moniguzmangmail-com/

LINKS

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

On Apple Podcasts: