When a progressive candidate wins NYC's Democratic primary, Republicans immediately cry "socialism" while Democrats are optimistic about change. Nicole and Jolene examine whether expanding city services is actually radical or just what every other developed country already does.

This episode explores the weaponization of political labels, why Democratic voters are choosing progressives over moderates, and whether America is ready for policies that prioritize people over profits. From free childcare to the fear of Venezuela comparisons, we tackle the real questions behind the headlines.

Two friends proving that political opposites can have productive conversations about the future of American democracy.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:23 New York City Politics and Rank Choice Voting

02:23 Concerns About Socialist Policies

03:44 Antisemitism and Middle Eastern Politics

06:49 Personal Voting Experiences

10:47 Mamdani's Campaign Strategies

18:52 Debating Mamdani's Policies

24:36 Democratic Party's Future and National Politics

34:59 Tom Till's Decision and Trump's Extremism

35:14 Border Crossings and Immigration Issues

35:44 Trump's Achievements and Consequences

36:31 Political Division and Unity

38:06 Democratic Party and Mamdani's Win

39:55 Antisemitism and Muslim Representation

44:11 American Values and Socialism Debate

47:26 Medicaid and State Rights

52:46 Political Smear Campaigns

53:36 Mental Health Crisis and Policing

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Good for the Soul:

Jon Stewart and Trevor Noah: https://youtu.be/44uC12g9ZVk?si=NmF2-E2zkb8yXPGz

Steven Eugene Kuhn https://www.instagram.com/steveneugenekuhn/?hl=en

LINKS:

Our website: https://www.wevegottotalk.com/

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

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeveGotToTalk

On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weve-got-to-talk/id1797423701

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qJVgTvjciUffRmoUienx2

How to find Nicole https://nicolefonarow.com/

How to find Jolene https://dibledough.com/

According to a study performed by the Commonwealth Fund, Americans are sicker than ever while spending more on healthcare than any other country.

Let that fact sink in for a moment. For a developed nation, we expect so much better for our country and we desperately want to see change.

So why are Americans spending so much on healthcare, and still getting sicker? it seems that the answer isn't in your medicine cabinet - it's in your pantry. We’re taking a look into the dirty alliance between Big Food, Big Pharma, and the politicians who enable them. From high fructose corn syrup in everything to SNAP benefits funding junk food addiction, we're exploring the system that's literally killing us for profit.

Every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of food system you want. Every conversation you have about this topic chips away at the lies we've been told. Every time you choose real food over processed garbage, you're fighting back against a system designed to exploit your health for profit.

The food industry is counting on your ignorance and your convenience addiction. They're betting you won't read labels, won't ask questions, won't connect the dots between what you eat and how you feel. Prove them wrong.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction to Big Food and Pharma

01:08 Dr. Mark Hyman and the Ozempic Episode

01:47 The Marriage of Pharma, Food, and Tobacco

10:56 The SNAP Program and Food Subsidies

17:58 Personal Health Journey and Functional Medicine

21:25 The Role of Lobbying in Healthcare

23:03 Regenerative Farming and Food Education

31:48 The Role of Genetically Modified Seeds in Agriculture

32:29 Health Impacts of Modern Agriculture

34:41 Functional Medicine and Health Awareness

35:31 Political Perspectives on Health Regulations

36:58 Collaborative Efforts for Healthier Living

41:18 The Importance of Functional Health Practitioners

43:10 Good for the Soul: Swearing and Documentaries

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Tucker Carlson show:

https://youtu.be/mUH4Co2wE-I?si=7z163wWy8t8lqxpO

Realfoodology: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realfoodology/id1529008803?i=1000689022149

Joe Rogan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-rogan-experience/id360084272?i=1000672259

309 Megyn Kelly Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ending-chronic-disease-forces-fighting-rfk-and-maha/id1532976305?i=1000702748981

Time Magazine Article:

https://time.com/7272667/swearing-curse-words-health-benefits/

The Biggest LIttle Farm Trailer:

https://youtu.be/UfDTM4JxHl8?si=hIRHHyQdAl4RKz4u

IG Conflictish:

Two massive events dominated the weekend: the Army's 250th anniversary parade and the No Kings March. One celebrated military might with millions in taxpayer dollars, the other protested government overreach with signs and chants. Both claimed to represent "real America." So which one actually does? We’re digging into the messy reality of modern patriotism and ask the uncomfortable question: Can you love your country while hating your government?

Maybe the real issue isn't whether parades or protests are more patriotic. Maybe it's that we've forgotten how to disagree without demonizing. The Army parade and No Kings March both happened in the same country, on the same weekend, representing the same people's different visions of American greatness.

That's not division - that's democracy. Messy, expensive, sometimes chaotic democracy where military pageantry and anti-government protests can coexist because freedom means having space for both.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction: Unlikely Friends

00:23 Discussing the Army Parade

01:56 Trump's Influence and Media Coverage

07:09 No Kings March and Public Protests

14:36 Sponsorship and Commercialization of Events

19:08 Debating the Effectiveness of Protests

27:28 Good News and Lighthearted Questions

34:48 Conclusion

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/06/16/army-parade-was-marked-quiet-crowds-trump-linked-sponsors-soldiers-kept-politics-bay.html
• Chris Cuomo NewsNation: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKx_CVWRJ5_/?igsh=bmhlc2RuZHFtbGZ6
• News Nation
• https://www.allsides.com/news-source/newsnation-media-bias
• https://www.chirla.org/
• The National News:
• https://www.allsides.com/news-source/national-desk-media-bias
• NBC News with Tom Llamas:
• https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news

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/

Two friends. One TikTok account. Complete chaos.

What started as an innocent attempt to share our conversations quickly turned into a masterclass in online brutality. From weird yelling videos in the DMs to comment sections that looked like digital war zones, we learned the hard way that TikTok doesn't play nice with nuanced political discussions.

This episode shares some of the behind the scenes issues we’ve been dealing with on social media since launching our show. We're talking about the algorithm that rewards outrage, the trolls who live for destruction, and the mental health cost of putting yourself out there. Plus, the settings we changed to survive and the lessons we learned about navigating social media without losing your sanity.

CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 Starting Our TikTok Journey - What Could Go Wrong?

01:43 Facing the Backlash - When Comments Turn Toxic

02:40 Dealing with Online Hate - The Real Cost of Speaking Up

05:19 Understanding TikTok's Algorithm - Why Controversy Wins

06:24 Finding Solutions and Moving Forward - Protecting Your Peace

07:53 Promoting Our Podcast - Because Real Conversations Matter

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/

Abortion. The word alone can end friendships, split families, and turn dinner parties into war zones. So what happens when a conservative Catholic woman and a liberal feminist sit down to discuss reproductive rights? Today's episode tackles the most divisive issue in America through the lens of a nearly four-decade friendship that's survived everything - including this.

Here's what makes this conversation different from the “debates” on cable news: both women actually listen to each other. Jolene doesn't dismiss Nicole's concerns about women dying from back-alley abortions. Nicole doesn't mock Jolene's belief in the sanctity of life. They've found something rare in 2025 - the ability to disagree without demonizing.

What if both sides are partially right? What if protecting women's health and valuing potential life aren't mutually exclusive? What if the real enemy isn't each other, but a system that forces impossible choices? These are the uncomfortable questions that emerge when you move past talking points and into real dialogue.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:20 Listener's Clip on Reproductive Rights

02:30 Discussion on Reproductive Rights and Legal Implications

07:29 Personal Beliefs and Religious Perspectives

19:50 Government and Federally Funded Abortions

21:24 Debate on Abortion Laws and Women's Health

30:59 Reflecting on a Traumatic Experience

31:20 The Impact of Date Rape Awareness

32:08 Gratitude and What-If Scenarios

32:34 The Stigma and Shame of Rape

34:43 Government's Role in Protecting Vulnerable Lives

35:22 Personal Stories and the Value of Life

36:29 Medical Dilemmas and Legal Implications

38:34 Abortion Statistics and Public Opinion

42:45 Welfare System and Birth Control

48:57 Would You Rather Game

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Georgia Life Act:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_House_Bill_481

Snippet Source - Georgia’s Heartbeat Law:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJrZlVLteOX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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/

Ever catch yourself making snap judgments about someone based on their political views? That MAGA hat automatically equals racist? That Biden sticker means socialist? We're all guilty of it, and it's destroying our ability to have real conversations. Today's episode exposes the shocking truth about how wrong we are about each other - and why our assumptions are keeping us trapped in our own echo chambers.

Our addiction to being right is costing us relationships, communities, and any chance of solving actual problems. While we're busy arguing with strawmen versions of each other, real issues go unaddressed. Climate change doesn't care about your political party. Economic inequality affects everyone. But we're too busy fighting imaginary enemies to tackle real challenges.

The truth is uncomfortable: we're all more alike than different, but our assumptions are keeping us from seeing it. Until we're willing to question what we think we know about each other, we'll stay trapped in this cycle of division and misunderstanding.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction and Book Mention

01:28 Perception Gap Study

03:46 Political Conversations and Media Bias

05:14 Gavin Newsom's Podcast and Reactions

08:05 Monica Guzman's Background and Work

17:04 Congressional Changes and Bipartisanship

23:35 Term Limits and Political Challenges

28:11 Would You Rather? Fun Questions

32:10 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Book - I Never Thought Of It That Way

Gary Newsom Podcast

Steve Bannon on Gary Newsom Podcast

“Wag The Dog”

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/

Everyone has those stories. The ones that shaped us, scarred us, or made us laugh until we cried (and maybe peed a little bit). Today's episode strips away the serious topics to reveal the raw, ridiculous, and sometimes embarrassing moments that made Nicole and Jolene who they are. From childhood dreams of stardom to saving lives - these are the stories you’ve never heard.

Today's reminder? Behind every heated debate, every strong opinion, every firm stance, there's a person shaped by their own collection of firsts, fears, and family recipes. Maybe that's the secret to having hard conversations in 2025 - remembering that we're all just grown-up versions of kids who once dreamed of Hollywood, saved lives at local pools, and believed in the magic of ruby slippers.

P.S. Would you give up the internet for a lifetime of comfort? Jolene's answer might surprise you... 😉

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone

02:18 First Kiss Stories

03:15 Childhood Dreams and Career Paths

05:17 High School Jobs and Lifeguard Tales

07:28 First Friends and Childhood Games

09:18 Celebrity Crushes and TV Shows

10:24 Fears and Family Concerns

11:47 Annoying Habits of Husbands

13:31 Annoying Gum Chewing

14:10 Favorite Walk-Up Songs

14:41 Inspiring Cancer Story

16:55 Faith and Prayer

18:02 Cherished Family Recipes

22:11 Favorite Movies

24:41 Would You Rather?

26:02 Final Thoughts and Goodbyes

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/

The White House has a new crisis on its hands, and it's not just medical. President Biden's aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis dropped like a bomb this week, leaving Americans with more questions than answers. Was this really breaking news to his medical team, or just to us? Today's episode digs into the suspicious timing, the convenient narrative shifts, and the uncomfortable question we’re all asking: How long have they been hiding this from the American people?

As this story continues to unfold, we're left navigating a political landscape where truth seems optional and timing is everything. The diagnosis itself deserves compassion – cancer doesn't discriminate between Republicans and Democrats. But the handling of this information deserves scrutiny from every American who believes in their right to make informed decisions about their leadership.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Reacting to Biden's Diagnosis

02:35 Media Coverage and Public Perception

04:39 Political Implications and Inner Circle

08:11 Speculations and Theories

14:42 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

18:19 Speculations on Biden's Health

19:35 Democratic Party's Future

21:04 Bernie Sanders and AOC's Influence

22:39 Frustrations with the Democratic Establishment

26:02 The Need for New Leadership

28:47 Would You Rather: Fun and Lighthearted Questions

32:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Wag The Dog

The Free Press

Gavin Newsom Frank Luntz interview

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/