Nina Dupell and Milissa LaLonde

Nina Dupell (ND) and Milissa LaLonde (ML) introduce themselves and talk about why they wanted to do this interview.

Milissa says the only way to get beyond divisiveness is to talk to each other, mentions Bucksport Heart + Soul listening project.

Nina asks what restorative justice is, Milissa defines it and discusses her role within it.

Nina talks about working in a rural hospital as a respiratory therapist, problems with the healthcare system, insurance fraud, and becoming jaded.

Nina talks about women's rights, reproductive rights and why it's important. Animal rights, and volunteering at Bangor Humane Society.

Milissa talks about growing up in a big Catholic family, how she was eventually disillusioned with Catholicism but still believes life begins at conception.

"I don't really share that opinion," Nina says, and talks about her views on abortion.

Milissa asks what Nina thinks will happen in the 2024 election, says she's not optimistic.

Milissa asks what has influenced Nina's political beliefs, Nina is registered as independent. Came from a military family but meeting more diverse people has changed her viewpoints, especially in regard to race.

Milissa talks about family dinners, how important they were, feeling respected, and listened to, how all voices should be heard.

Nina talks about animals needing a voice, Frankie's law.

Milissa talks about involvement with Bucksport community

Nina talks about how people on the left can be very self-righteous and condescending.

Milissa says, "I think you hit the nail on the head" and how she's probably been self-righteous at times in her life. Milissa talks about being registered as a Democrat for most of her life, then switching to being an Independent a few years ago.

Nina says, "Maybe we're not as far apart as where we think we are..."

Milissa says, "Maybe this is a solution!" (meaning One Small Step), talks about not being afraid to talk and to listen.

Nina talks about how OSS has been struggling to get people on the right to participate and how she's learned to laugh off ...

Nina talks about a birthday card she sent to a friend, "Less politics, more cake."

Nina talks about canvassing for the Heart + Soul block parties, the importance of the power of listening.

"Do you ever feel misunderstood by people with different beliefs than you?" Milissa says, "I usually do."

Nina says before she even opens her mouth, she's already been judged. "I don't feel we're open enough..." Talks about friends who say things she finds appalling. "People are people, you take the good with the bad."

Milissa talks about how she used to just throw people away if they said things she didn't like.

Michele (facilitator) jumps in to ask if participants ' families pushed back when their beliefs started to change.

Nina talks about thinking her family probably wouldn't respect her values now. Milissa talks about how both sides of her family have different political values and how they've come to realize that it's not worth it to talk politics because it's too risky to lose their relationships.

"It's a risky thing."

Milissa talks about wanting to talk to her brothers but wants to learn more communication skills first, how she has more to learn before she asks for the conversation.

"It's easier with a stranger," says Nina. "Because you don't have as much to lose. You cause a rift in your family and then everyone has to take sides."

Nina talks about being divorced, not having children (and not having wanted them). Not being close with her family. Her friends are her family.

Milissa asks if Nina talks politics with people who don't agree with her. Nina talks about the use of humor to talk with people who think differently.

Nina says she learned how to use humor to talk about politics because you wouldn't get in trouble, wouldn't get reprimanded at work.

Milissa talks about power of humor.

Milissa asks Nina about the media, how she gets her news.

"How about peace on earth?"

"I don't always feel hopeful, but it's in there."

Discussion of being glad about being older rather than carrying the burden of the future.

Nina says she appreciates that Milissa is open-minded, as she doesn't always find religious people that way.

Nina talks about working at a diner, diners trying to convert her, giving religious pamphlets.

"You've got a lot of wisdom," says Milissa.

Nina talks about retiring early, being born in Bath, Maine. Grandparents from New Hampshire.