Conversations

OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has launched a new Podcast series of conversations entitled “Listen for a Change:  Personal Stories that Strengthen our Community.” See http://www.listenforachange.org 

 

The structure of each podcast is simple. Two people agree to have a conversation about a particular topic. There is no agenda, no rehearsal, no preparation, no special questions provided by us.  We just invite them to sit and converse, and we record.

The podcasts provide an opportunity for sensitive and emotionally charged topics to be discussed.  Podcasts that are presented thoughtfully and anonymously can provide a fascinating window into the rich, dramatic and extraordinary experience of everyday people faced with the most usual—or unusual—challenges of life.

OHEL’s Listen for a Change has already recorded many fascinating conversations. To cite a few – 1) Devora and Yonatan talk about their experience in getting divorced at a very young age, 2) Jason and Mark talk about their gambling addiction and recovery at a Jewish Gamblers Anonymous group, 3) Chani and Howard, share their thoughts on dating with a mental illness, and 4) Avi and Yitzchak talk about growing up as Second Generation Holocaust Survivors.

All have agreed to share their personal stories in the hope that their experiences and journeys through life will provide profound and evocative inspiration to those who listen. 

Listen for a Change invites you to sit back and listen.  It provides a healthily reversal of what we are most used to doing:  talking more and listening less. We have been given only one mouth, but two ears.  Perhaps this means we should be exceptionally mindful of listening to others and learning and growing from their experience. 

The Podcasts are presented thoughtfully and anonymously, provide a fascinating window into the rich, dramatic and extraordinary experience of everyday people faced with the most usual—or unusual—challenges of life. As Derek Saker, OHEL’s Director of Communications and producer of the program conveys, “Our hope is that these very personal but enriching stories, will inspire and fortify individuals and families, and encourage others to share their unique life stories.” 

The Podcasts are available on ITunes and Google Play as well as at http://www.listenforachange.organd http://www.ohelfamily.org/podcasts

Perhaps you’d like to have a conversation with a particular person and you know that this topic could be helpful—even inspirational---to others. Contact OHEL’s Listen for a Change Team at listenforachange@ohelfamily.org 

OHEL invites members of the community who wish to consider sharing   to contact always wanted to discuss with someone clos  may you’d just like to celebrate happy moments in your life, or reflect on memories of a dearly departed friend. The opportunities of insightful conversation are endless. This project is about creating a safe and comfortable space for individuals in the community to have the conversation many always sought to have.