Cathy and Todd discuss how self-awareness, vulnerability, and a willingness to listen upfront lead to authentic and connected conversations later. They discuss how this applies to race discussions, partnership, and parenting, and how cognitive dissonance and whataboutism get in the way of meaningful and productive communication. They reference So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, Brene Brown’s podcast with the Duplass brothers, and White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo.