Rather than trying to win a debate, Jim and Missy examine what happens when people listen to respond instead of listening to learn. They discuss the echo chambers created by social media, the pressure to react immediately and the assumptions people make based on political labels. Jim introduces the space between stimulus and response as the place where choice and freedom can be found.

Missy speaks candidly about her experiences working with Republican candidates and organizations. She explains why she does not automatically block every hostile commenter, how she decides when a response crosses the line and what can happen when community members answer an argument with research and supporting information.

She also shares a personal story about telling a longtime Democratic friend that she was a Republican. Although he was initially shocked, the two eventually talked openly about their differences. He did not change his political position, but he was able to tell her, “I still don't agree with it, but I don't hate you.” Their friendship survived because they chose curiosity and conversation over assumptions.

The discussion also looks at the effect constant screen use can have on attention, emotional health and sleep. Missy describes replacing nighttime doomscrolling with physical books and noticing improvements in her sleep and overall outlook. Jim and Missy encourage listeners to become more intentional about how social media is used instead of allowing it to become a form of constant maintenance.

This episode is not about convincing everyone to agree. It is an invitation to pause, ask questions, listen actively and remember that a political designation does not represent the entirety of another human being.

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Continue the mindfulness journey with “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book”:
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Missy and Jim Ellermeyer begin by examining the complicated realities surrounding abortion and the question of what happens after a child is born. Their conversation moves beyond political slogans to consider infertility, adoption, foster care, support systems, special-needs care, financial responsibility, and the difficult decisions families may face.

Missy shares personal experiences that have shaped her perspective, including going through infertility treatments and seeing family members navigate teenage pregnancy and lifelong care needs. The discussion asks whether society is doing enough to educate young people about consequences, critical thinking, emotional decision-making, and personal responsibility.

The conversation then expands into voter education and representative government. Drawing from her work as a Republican committee woman and her experiences at polling locations, Missy discusses the importance of understanding what elected offices actually control rather than voting entirely through party labels or a single issue.

Jim and Missy also consider how political representatives can become disconnected from their constituents, how social media encourages echo chambers, and why people often listen only long enough to prepare their response.

Despite the disagreements and difficult subjects, the episode returns to a simple principle: people should be treated with courtesy and respect. Meaningful progress begins when we stop reducing one another to political labels and begin listening to learn.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Missy Sorg. The discussion continues in the next episode.

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Do a kindness for yourself. Do a kindness for another. Forgive yourself and forgive another.