2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”

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We had planned to launch season 11 today with a new episode. But at the last minute the guest we interviewed asked us to hold off. 

At 2 Lives we share the script with the person we interview before the story is finalized to make sure we got everything right. We do that for two reasons: one, because I’m often asking people to share their worst day and I want them to feel comfortable with the way we share it. And two, because the same courtesy was shown to me when I was featured in a newspaper and I caught an error. We all make mistakes. I’ve been told by other journalists that this practice is “radical,” but these aren’t investigative exposés of corrupt political leaders, these are people’s most vulnerable personal stories and heartfelt truths.

I thought this might be an opportunity to share with you another practice we have and that is in the pre interview with assistant producer Valerie Shively she makes sure people are in the right time in their life to share their story. And before every interview I say, while sharing stories can be therapeutic, I am not a therapist. What I ask and share might be triggering. I also say there are seasons when we are more open to sharing our stories. And there are seasons when we are closed. Obviously this was one of those for our guest; she just didn’t realize it. 

At a time when it’s so easy to click submit and share and over share on social media in an effort to sell our book or our brand, I think we often don’t listen to that voice inside that’s saying NO don’t do it. This thing you’re about to exploit, we haven’t gotten enough distance from it yet. It feels too raw to share.

At 2 Lives, our intention to shine a light on stories of transformation is governed by the principle that these stories shared are symbiotic in nature, mutually beneficial for both the teller and the listener. We don’t share a person’s story unless they really want to share it. We honor that, even if it is to our own detriment. And those ethics are more important than numbers. 

So when today’s guest asked that we not share at the last minute, although we were disappointed, we understood, and saw it as a perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of ethics in storytelling. The importance of an internal moral code that helps us live above the numbers, especially when things don’t go our way.

So instead of a 2 Lives episode, I’m sharing with you an episode of a podcast we love called Ladies of Lore. On this most consequential Election Day, we thought we’d give you a break from the noise by casting a wink and a nod to all the ancient female powerhouses throughout time and space.