TheresaCaldwell.com

Talking About Infidelity

One of my favorite things about being producer/substitute host of WHUR's The Audrey Chapman Show is participating in conversations about aspects of life, love, and especially sexuality, that I probably would not have been in otherwise.

During the Saturday, July 16th show, Infidelity on the Internet, it was fascinating to hear both sides of the issue. There were women who were angry and hurt when they discovered their husbands being what I'll call sexually expressive online. But there were also men who talked about it, calling it just using the latest technology to look at women or do what they would do one way or the other (cheat) if they had a mind to do that.

I guess the bottom line for communicators is two-fold: be open to conversations that you would normally skip, and many of those conversations may include your not-as-satisfied-as-you-may-think spouse/significant other.

Open Mind, Closed Mouth - Point Dume

"Children at play, they really show us how to be. While they are young, they often see what we can't see. Wearing a smile you never have the time to frown. Dreamer of peace, spread some joy around. Wake up sweet dreamer. Dreams will make you free."

That's from an old song, "Sweet Dreamer," on Lenny White's Big City album. I always loved it, especially Linda Tillery's truly soulful vocals. She co-wrote the song with White.

That song sloshed around in my mind while I watched the waves breaking on Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, California recently, and listened to some nearby kids totally enjoying the experience. I was young again, too. In my late teens, working at my college radio station, a sweet dreamer.

Again, so much from quiet. I wish more of that for the world's communicators. Have another experience of it with me, and more shaky video, at Point Dume.

 

Talking About Jobs

A thought-provoking piece was published on today's The Huffington Post that talks about what we don't talk about when it comes to jobs. That's essentially the title.

Mother Jones writer Andy Kroll did the piece about the relationship between race, history and the unemployment gap. In other words, the generations-long gap between unemployment rates for black and white Americans. The black rate is almost always twice as high as the white unemployment rate. Read it here.

The article reminded me of the fact that, despite the myriad ways we communicate today, we still don't always communicate effectively - or often enough - about some of the most important matters.

Communication exercise for the remainder of the week: Spend twice as much time talking about your real feelings, and genuine facts about an important issue, as you usually do. This will be harder than it seems.

Audrey Chapman Show-July

WHUR's The Audrey Chapman Show has started off strong.

On July 2nd, we kicked-off the month-long focus on CHANGE with CNN anchor Don Lemon, author of the book "Transparent," and blogger (and fantastic guest!) Darian Aaron. His new book is "When Love Takes Over." Both talked about the challenge - and ultimately, freedom - of coming out as gay men. It was an inspiring conversation for a weekend when we are so busy celebrating national independence that we forget about the personal independence most of us are constantly fighting for.

The conversation eventually expanded to include the many ways callers learned to accept themselves, or needed to. Here's hoping everyone has a full hour of total self-acceptance this month.

Here's the rest of the July lineup:

SATURDAY, JULY 9th

Topic: WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU COULD CHANGE?

Guest: Pearl Cleage, author, “Just Wanna Testify”

Everyone has something they’d like to change, whether it is an aspect of themselves or a specific situation. Talk to Audrey about ways to responsibly make that change.

SATURDAY, JULY 16th

Topic: INFIDELITY ON THE INTERNET

Guests: Amanda Strong, author, “With Just One Click…”

Dr. Marlene Maheu, co-author, “Infidelity on the Internet”

Jokes about Congressman Weiner are fading, but cheating and other online “relationships” are growing. Tune in to learn how to define these connections, and get tips on how to stay safe when communicating online.

SATURDAY, JULY 23rd

Topic: CAN YOU LOVE GOD AND SEX?

Guest: Rev. Marcia Dyson, social activist

Things got so hot when she was on briefly last month that Audrey invited her back. Don’t miss this show exploring the ways we link the two issues that stir our passions the most.

SATURDAY, JULY 30th

Topic: OPEN PHONES

Guest: You

Audrey’s favorite show! She gets to answer any relationship issue that’s on your mind. Don't miss this opportunity to talk to Audrey about whatever relationship issue is on your mind.