#3 - Having Tough Conversations with Grace - An Interview with Margeaux Feldman

The Be With Podcast

Today I interview one of my best friends Margeaux Feldman, as we talk about defining success under capitalism, what neoliberalism actually means, and how to have difficult conversations that foster growth and learning rather than shame and anger. Some of the topics we discuss get a little heavy, and it may be hard to listen to, especially for those of us living in the margins. If you feel triggered, please take a break and come back when you’re ready. The conversation unfolds so that you get to see Margeaux and I modeling the exact behavior we discuss in how to stay curiously and creatively engaged when a tough subject is broached. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: “If we want to move forward, and we want people to stay engaged, we have to be thoughtful in how shame works, and we need to be thoughtful in supporting folks in working through their shame so they don’t get stuck in it because shame isn’t the point.” -Barbara “It’s possible for everyone to grow.” -Margeaux “We exist therefore we are valid.” -Barbara “I want to live in a world where we can be so open about our politics but the reality is when we do that we often alienate people who don’t understand the full picture.” -Margeaux TOPICS DISCUSSED: How we show up as our authentic selves on the Internet (7:00) The night Margeaux held space for Barbara when she felt profoundly stuck (14:26) #noshadetobaths (17:40) Defining Neoliberalism & Late Capitalism Getting curious about our difficult feelings (33:37) Labour that isn’t supported under capitalism (34:48) Exploring the question, “What is the gentlest thing you can do for yourself right now?” (41:00) How to have difficult conversations with friends (44:53) The difference between calling out and calling in (46:36) Dealing with shame in difficult conversations and in allyship (50:56) RESOURCES MENTIONED: Johanna Hedva “Sick Woman Theory” Be With Cards for Self-Care Rob Bell podcast MORE ABOUT MARGEAUX Website - www.margeauxfeldman.com Instagram - @floral.manifesto Want to support Be With? Please subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes, and share it with the people you love! ABOUT THE PODCAST: A podcast about the art & practice of care with your host, emotional wellness coach Barbara Erochina. The Be With Podcast explores healthy spirituality, feeling our feelings and justice for all. ABOUT BARBARA: Barbara Erochina is an emotional wellness coach and the creator of Cards for Self- Care. She combines Gestalt psychotherapy, spiritual direction and coaching in order to help coaches, leaders and healers deepen their own inner life and have greater impact through their work in the world. Barbara coaches one on one, runs online masterminds and offers in-person retreats & workshops. WEBSITE: www.bewith.org INSTAGRAM: @bewithcards EMAIL: [e-mail] SOUND ENGINEER: sebastianpalfery.com