For our March Pod Squad, Patty led 6 women in a discussion of an interview that Jon Stewart did with Isabel Wilkerson, who wrote “Caste: The Origins of our Discontent.” They talk about the history of how America came to have a caste system (a hierarchy), comparisons with other nations, white resentment, and much more.
“We are alone - among peer nations - for the lack of generosity and magnanimity toward our fellow citizens,” Wilkerson says. “A caste system, a hierarchy such as ours, actually pits people against one another and makes people believe that they have no stake in the wellbeing of its fellow citizens. So we don’t see how this hurts, actually hurts, every single one of us, to live in a society that is harsher than it needs to be because of the inherited divisions that we have yet to overcome.”
For April, Linda writes:
Inspired by our upcoming event, Unleashing the Power of Your Full Voice, on April 23rd, I looked for something related to how we can use those skills to strengthen our connections. What I found was a multitude of podcasts with Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor, on her new book, TALK The Science Of Conversation And The Art Of Being Ourselves which delves into the complexities of human interaction, offering insights into how even minor adjustments in our conversational habits can significantly enhance both personal and professional relationships. While many were interesting, I chose the She Said/She Said podcast for its comprehensiveness, succinctness, and relevance for us.
On Monday, April 21st at 1:00 pm, we'll discuss the She Said/She Said podcast, episode 316. Unlocking the Secrets to Better Conversations with HBS Professor Alison Wood Brooks (January 17, 2025).
She Said/She Said website (includes key topics & transcript): https://shesaidshesaidpodcast.com/episodes/316-unlocking-the-secrets-to-better-conversations-with-hbs-professor-alison-wood-brooks/
Members scheduled for future months:
May - Cyndy
This group takes the summer (June, July, August) off.
We are keeping a list of podcasts we have listened to previously. The Chicago chapter is starting a podcast group in January 2025 and is adding their selections to our list. You can view the list at this link.
Please be thinking of interesting and/or informative podcasts to share with the group! Contact Jane Harens or Linda Grant with any questions.