At first glance, most everyone would say that the empathizing with another person is a good thing; to understand how they feel and even share some of thosefeelings. Nowadays, however, there are more and more voices that are suggesting that to empathize with others is the path of giving too much away or letting people get away with the things they do. Remember Jean Valjean? He was hungry and stole food. Do we justify it because he was starving, or do we believe that stealing is wrong no matter the reason?

It used to be that a lot of one's identity was wrapped up inwhat one did for a living. For many people that remains true and not so much along gender lines as it used to be. Is this a bad thing? Is it bad to achieve and feel pride in one's achievements? Can it go too far and what happens whenone retires or can no longer do that thing which supplied identity? These are the questions that drive today's conversation.

Where is home for you? Is it a place? Is it a group of people? Is it a state of mind? Maybe you're feeling a little "homeless" in some ways at this point in your journey. Today's episode takes on this very nuanced and emotionally fraught subject of the "longing for home".

In honor of the recent passing of Pope Francis, we thought it good to spend a moment reflecting on his story and legacy, even from three non-Catholics. We also talk about the messages and attitudes that connect him with many leadersof spiritual movements throughout history. Finally, we wonder, if these messages and attitudes are so respected as righteous, why are we not doing a better job of seeking to live up to them in these strange days.

Part of the normal human experience is sometimes feeling less than others but it seems now days that the messages of less-than are permeating society. There are sharper lines being drawn between "good enough" versus "never good enough" people. Issues of race, gender, sexuality, country of origin, religion, wealth, political affiliation, and so many others have become measuring sticks of human worthiness. What do you think Mr. Rogers would say about that? I think it would make him very, very sad.

Has the world finally killed kindness or is it possible for it to again be on the rise? Is it possible to be kind and strong at the same time or does one necessarily preclude the other? We talk about kindness with the deep hope that it is not dead, and that it can yet be a healthy AND functional way to live.

In this episode, we take on what might be the elephant in the room. We are, admittedly, from that demographic that has held power in this country for a long, long time. We're white, we're male, and we're certainly NOT young! Does the worldwant/need more of the same old same old or could we perhaps offer up something a little different despite how we look and sound? You decide!

Since and because of the Covid 19 pandemic, Americans have grown more and more disconnected and isolated from one another. But this "epidemic of loneliness" has its beginnings years before that. Among other things, the wonderful tech advances that define the last several decades have brought and grown difficult and unintended consequences. These consequences are experienced on personal, local, and global scales. Our mental health, physical health, and relational health is under assault as well as the foundations of a functioning society.