Wish You Knew

Mike shares his perspectives on being a 'conservative' in the United States. He talks about gun control, the current government situation, climate change, racism, taxes, student debt, leadership, parenting, and many other topics. Although he is a "Conservative Texan" his responses may surprise you as, once again, stereotypes don't necessarily hold up. If you are interested in hearing more divers perspectives, these from around the world, check out intentionaltravelers.com/10for10-news. If you are interested in supporting the Wish You Knew podcast on this Giving Tuesday, go to www.wishyouknewpodcast.com/add-your-voice

Lila shares her perspectives on being a 'liberal' in the United States. Her answers on policy perspectives and political motivations demonstrate the complexity of these issues and how no platform is a completely accurate representation of any one person. She also talks about her hopes and fears in this current political environment. Listen. And, consider what doesn't sit well with you. Why do you hold those perspectives? Share your reflections with us! For some, this current political moment is one of great hope. For others, one of great fear. Want to share your hopes and fears? Leave us a message at 971-246-7606.

Christina shares her story of domestic violence as a way to help us all better understand and join her as advocates. She is a woman of great strength and we can all learn from her experiences. She also provided us with many great resources. For those currently struggling with domestic violence, anywhere in the USA, a couple great resources are www.thehotline.org and www.211.org. Or, call 211 if you don't have access to internet. For those in Oregon, calltosafety.org and www.dvrc-or.org, are great resources Christina has been a part of. Christina also mentioned a couple of models or approaches to life. One was harm reduction, more information can be found here harmreduction.org/about-us/principles-of-harm-reduction Another is this idea of heart-centered communication, a tool we can all use with those in our lives to model positive communication: gailbrenner.com/2009/11/6-heart-centered-communication-tools To support Christina's work, you can donate through www.dvrc-or.org/donate (or find other domestic violence resource centers in your community that need help). Being educated on the issue is always the first step to take toward better supporting those who need it.

This is part two of a two part series with Keith sharing about his Mormon faith. In this episode, we continue answering listener questions about race in the church, the Mormon welfare program, life after death, and challenges the Church faces (or the members of the church face). As always, a transcript is available at wishyouknewpodcast.com/transcripts. If you are interested in reading more, go to www.lds.org For information specifically about the welfare programs, visit www.lds.org/topics/welfare

Many of us have probably seen a Mormon at one time or another in our life. I have in fact seen them in almost every country I have visited. But, how many of us actually understand their faith and what they are teaching? Keith joins us today to answer all of our questions. He is a practicing Mormon, in good standing with his church. This is part one of a two part interview where he answers many of your questions. As always, a transcript is available at wishyouknewpodcast.com/transcripts. If you are left with questions, check out www.LDS.org. Keith also mentioned GayMormon.org or northstarlds.org.

In honor of National Coming Out Day, we chat today with James who is an openly gay male. He shares his experiences growing up in a conservative area, as well as words of advice and how to be a good ally and build respect even when we disagree with others' sexualities. A transcript of this episode is available at www.wishyouknewpodcast.com/transcripts If you still find yourself questioning the correct vocabulary to use or what all the acronyms mean, check out www.wearefamilycharleston.org/lgbt-a-z-glossary/ For those who may themselves be on a journey of coming out to themselves and others about their sexuality (or those who just want to continue learning), James mentions many great resources including: www.1800runaway.org www.thetrevorproject.org Www.itgetsbetter.org www.gaychristian.net And, if you are the family member or friend of someone who identifies as LGBTQI, www.pflag.org is a great place to go for resources and support as you too continue along the journey of coming out with your loved one. As James says, it is a process for everyone involved.

In honor of the five year anniversary of "Super Storm Sandy," Melissa and Pete share about their experiences losing many possessions to the hurricane and dealing with the damages. For many of us never having experienced natural disaster first-hand, their sharing can help us better understand what so many are going through after the most recent natural disaster in our country and the world. You can find the transcript for this show at wishyouknewpodcast.com/transcripts. If you are looking for places to give, charitynavigator.org has a link on their homepage specifically for Hurricane Maria relief efforts. Mercycorps.org is another organization with a good track record for relief that empowers the local community and supports local economies. Melissa and Pete mention samaritanspurse.org as an organization that provided great support to their neighborhood after the storm. We can all do more to prepare for the unexpected. Below is a link to a disaster preparedness kit. https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/WGGVKQRGBR0G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_ws_fTyuyb2AMSKJW Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those around the globe facing natural and human induced disaster.

Dr. Steven Collins, Ph.D., CDI shares about the work of an interpreter and the work of deaf interpreters. Throughout the show he references Tactile Sign Language, if you would like to see an example, this is one I saw previously through YouTube (https://youtu.be/l11lahuiHLA) As the producers mention, you can see a transcript of the vlog on their website. If you are looking for a sign language interpreter, or are trying to make sure deaf and hearing individuals can communicate at your event, visit www.rid.org to find resources and interpreters in your area. Dr. Collins works at Gallaudet which is a great resource – and has many events you can attend if you are in DC. www.gallaudet.edu If you are not in DC, look for associations of the deaf or residential schools in your area for resources of where programs exist to support your deaf awareness growth. And, last but not least, the National Association of the Deaf is another great resource. www.NAD.org

This week, we talk with Alex who identifies as Deaf. If you prefer to read, rather than listen to the show, a full transcript is available at wishyouknewpodcast.com/transcripts. This episode was done in honor of the International Week of the Deaf which is celebrated the third week of September every year. To learn more about the International Week of the Deaf, check out this information at the World Federation of the Deaf website (wfdeaf.org/about-us/international-week-of-the-deaf/). Alex mentions the National Assocation of the Deaf, you can find their website here (www.nad.org). She also gives an endorsement for following #deaftalent. These are a few of my favorite videos from YouTube. This song makes me teary every time I watch it (youtu.be/AVuqXyufZGc). This one inspires us all to live out our full potential, regardless of what others say (youtu.be/D16xDDyDjW4). This is a great video that came out about six months ago with other Deaf perspectives (youtu.be/wa0nxppMJ-Q). Also, if you are interested in learning some American Sign Language (ASL) The Daily Moth is a great online news station in ASL – maybe better for practice than learning. (www.dailymoth.com) And, a TED talk featuring #deaftalent. (youtu.be/2Euof4PnjDk) If you are really lucky, go see Spring Awakening – a Broadway show featuring #deaftalent.

Have you ever met someone you don't understand and wanted to ask questions but not known how? Wish You Know podcast strives to humanize minority identities, unique perspective, and unconventional lifestyles by providing a platform to those whose voices are not always heard. And, you can get involved and ask your questions, too!