Jude O'Dell and Jeffrey Lyle

Jeffrey "Jeff" Farr and Jude O'Dell reflect that they both want to participate in a One Small Step conversation because they are tired of "us vs. them," which is weakening our communities. They want to be better listeners.

Jeff reflects upon switching careers mid-life to English teacher and how his restorative practices developed in contrast to the traditional classroom model of control.

Jude reflects upon how also switching careers from tech journalism to a theatre non-profit for people who don't see themselves represented on stage. He worries about the fear within the populations he serves and also the dangers they face.

Jeff talks about the longevity of his 46-year marriage and the occupations of his five children around the country.

Jude talks about the divergence between her relationship with Christ and the call towards compassion for others vs. the state of Christian America in 2023. Jeff and Jude reflect upon the similarity of several specific biblical passages and society today.

Jeff reflects that politicians used to disagree vehemently but could maintain respect and friendship for their colleagues. He considers the Constitutional Convention and continues that by not agreeing we get different points of view and Jude says "we've lost our tolerance for discomfort."

Jude and Jeff share their realizations that it's ok for others to disagree with them.

Jude thinks about the televised debate between Gore Vidal and Bill Buckley and how maybe we never came back from name calling. Jeff hopes it's cyclical, naming previous instances in history. "Sometimes it's more important to be loving than to be right."

Jude considers the echo chamber of social media and the importance of getting to know people.

Jeff struggles with people for whom every question is taken as an attack. Jude thinks about how quickly people are to attack. He asks Jeff about legacy. Jeff thinks Jude is at a lovely age where he is old enough but not too old that people consider his opinion.

Jude reflects upon loneliness and cancel culture.

Jeff shares his political inspirations to be Benjamin Franklin and Utah democratic U.S. Representative Wayne Owens. He saw that Wayne had the same desires, just different solutions.

Jude considers the responsibility of individuals over politicians.

Jude and Jeff both take away from this experience a renewed faith in conversation and finding like-minds and extending grace.