What A Privilege To Meet Them

Someone To Tell It To is dedicated to treating people with dignity. 

Simply because they are human. 

Everyone deserves respect. Even if they don’t appreciate it or they don’t treat us in the same way. 

In our work, we are privileged, in so many ways, by so many of the people we meet - whether it’s those to whom we listen, those who we encounter in our training and speaking work, or those who are guests on our podcast. 

The greatest privilege comes in meeting others who share the values of treating people with dignity, respect, and regard for our common humanity - no matter others’ stations and circumstances in life. Those who don’t look at others as transactions to get what we want from them, but as human beings with common hopes, dreams, fears, concerns, and needs. 

Today, we recorded the last Someone To Tell It To Podcast for our eighth season. It causes us to look back on this season at the rich diversity and commonality of those with whom we had incredibly  intimate, insightful, and inspiring conversations. There were 17 incredible guests. 15 of those conversations have already been posted. The final two are coming soon within the next few weeks.

Each one of them is working in their own unique and special ways to treat people with dignity, respect, and regard for who they are as fellow human beings:

The coffee shop owner who employees servers and welcomes customers with intellectual and physical disabilities. Her coffee shop is about more than lattes and pastries—it is about creating a place where everyone belongs. It is a workplace rooted in dignity, purpose, and connection, and making space for everyone’s gifts. 

The community leadership expert who helps emerging leaders move beyond surface-level networking into deeper, lasting connections—and the role emotional intelligence, intentional listening, and safe spaces play in that process. It is about creating environments where every personality can thrive, to lead with both courage and compassion. 

The pastor who has found ways to connect with people of very diverse and different beliefs and backgrounds in this divisive time in our culture. He creates safe spaces for meaningful conversations around justice, equity, and inclusion, and how humility, listening, and curiosity can bridge deep divides. about what it takes to stay at the table — even when it’s uncomfortable.

The dedicated and generous listener who sets up listening connections with anyone who wants to talk, by offering to listen to anyone who wishes to join him in a variety of public places around San Diego County, California. He holds sacred space for others to share who they are and what is on their hearts and minds.

The professor who researches, teaches, and writes about how children uniquely listen and how adults can better listen to them. She speaks about the music of language and how, with its distinct rhythms, melodies, and harmonies, we can learn to respect the perspectives, the beautiful innocence, and the dignity of children - and of persons of every age.

The artist who knows that art’s beauty and magic can touch people’s hearts and  minds in ways that perhaps the spoken word cannot, and who knows that art saves lives. They strive to show the world how, especially focusing on young people who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. They seek connection, peace, learning, and loving every day.

Another leadership expert whose purpose in life is “to help people see their best so that they can be their best!”. Her passion is finding the best in others. She believes that listening well is the greatest gift we can give to others. Her parents’ immigrant experience moving from Ireland also informs the way she mentors inclusion and belonging in her work. 

The podcaster, coach, and author who finds guests, as we do, who share the values that intentional and attentive listening can bring new life to those who need it. She helps people to uncover their “why,” to embrace the power of story, and to live with greater purpose, authenticity, and joy. She also loves the magic of storytelling and how everyone’s story matters.

The man living with neurodiversity who sees it as a gift that he can offer to the world. He focuses on his own and others’ abilities rather than their disabilities. He prioritizes inclusion over exclusion and validates others’ feelings and circumstances. He supports them and works to help them live their best lives. 

Her purpose in life is “to help people see their best so that they can be their best!”. She is a mentor to encourage servant leaders. She also has a passion for her family and shares stories of how her parents, who were immigrants from Ireland, nurtured their children and inspired them. She believes that listening well is the greatest gift we can give to others. 

The college administrator who values listening to and knowing people of different backgrounds and cultures. He celebrates the unique beauty of diverse cultures and has a passion to uplift and transform those communities to be their very best. His faith teaches him that all of us want to be accepted, all of us want to belong, and all of us want to be heard.

The actor, writer, and leader who believes that good conversations and a hearty laugh can change everything. He believes the place where you feel safe is where you are most “at home”. His engaging conversation proves what he believes!

The Harvard-trained social scientist and author is a globally recognized expert on social health—the dimension of well-being rooted in meaningful relationships, community, and belonging. Her research shows us that strong relationships help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives, and that connection has been historically overlooked as a core pillar of health. 

The state senator who believes that introverts have not always gotten the respect as leaders they deserve. Herself an introvert in an extrovert’s job, she aims to change that. She believes that the inherent gifts of introverts to be attentive listeners - noticing the feelings and demeanors of others, and being sensitive to their needs - is a great strength for a leader.

The film maker who uses his own story of trauma to share how he finds hope and healing from his emotional wounds. His film, Friends & Neighbors, weaves together moments from his own life and career with the broader social forces around us, asking what’s broken, what it costs us, and what real healing could look like in an anxious, uncertain world

The bakery owner who embodies the values and virtues of what good, intentional, and compassionate listening is all about. She offers her staff and customers an atmosphere of kindness, excellent service, attentive listening, and a very real sense that her business is not transactional, but is connectional, showing everyone that they are truly valued and cared about.

The leadership consultant who loves to guide executives and teams to reach their full potential, through her unwavering commitment to their success. She values listening as the top skill to ensure that trust is built, connections are deepened and strengthened, and people live to be their best selves in everything they do. 

The emergency helicopter pilot who with great attention, skill, and care helps to save lives by transporting patients in traumatic emergency medical situations to a large medical center for treatment. His service, and servant-minded philosophy, along with the ability to listen deeply and well, enables him to fly and serve with a steady, capable hand.

We thank each of them for the values they hold and the dedicated work they each do to promote the transformative, life-giving and life-changing power of listening.