In this episode, Shelbi reflects on her Election Day experience, recounting how she approached the day with quiet determination. She describes casting her vote, filling her day with moments of comfort and connection, and bracing herself for the results as they trickled in. This time, unlike in 2016, she wasn’t shocked—just resolved to keep moving forward, anchored by a sense of purpose.

Shelbi also shares a reading of Saeed Jones's Substack piece, Take a Beat and Breathe with Me. Jones's words remind us that even when times are challenging, each of us has a unique role to play. “If this country really is a house on fire, we chose to live out our lives here because we are water,” he writes, inspiring listeners to believe in the impact they can make.

Later in the episode, Shelbi welcomes three friends to discuss their thoughts on the election. They cover topics including:

Key issues that mattered most to them this election

How this election season felt different compared to others

Their hopes and expectations for the changes and conversations they want to see moving forward

Shelbi closes the episode with a call to action, reminding listeners that the work must go on. She believes that everyone has something essential to contribute and is uniquely positioned to make a difference.

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