Real Talk with OSYL: Rona Podcast Episode 14

Welcome to a new episode of Real Talk from OSYL. In this episode, we revisit what it feels like to keep and have a sense of community while we are still living through these uncertain times. Specifically, over 6 months into the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though this can be a breezy short read, there are a couple ways to listen to the podcast. For the audio portion of the podcast, you can listen below or download directly here: https://realtalkwithosyl.buzzsprout.com/

The podcast will also be on other platforms like Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and InTune Radio! Just search for OSYL!

After 6 months into America’s way of handling the COVID-19 pandemic, and though we are still uncertain of how to truly act in public, keeping a sense of our existing community is all possible it seems by following all recommended protocols. These protocols include staying safe and respecting one another through wearing masks, distancing from each other, or just connecting virtually, for instance. When it comes to friends and family, it appears that we became closer within our existing circles, but the dilemma is with our work life and / or new relationships.

In this episode, we answer 3 questions about our sense of community during the covid-19 pandemic. This episode features the usual crew of Steven, Tyler, and Zvon. Additionally, we welcome our special guest Niko to the table. Each of them took turns to provide quick and thoughtful responses to each question. These 3 questions are:

1. Do you feel that there are ways to still have a sense of community (however you define community) while social distancing?

2. Do you think the current climate of the world has shown us the importance of human interaction?

3. What are ways you keep in touch with your community?

Throughout the episode we discussed following the safety protocols that keeps our interactions with our community safe and doable, how working relationships have changed as most of us move to remote working, how online communities and virtual interactions are becoming more of the norm, how students are being impacted by virtual learning, and to feelings of toxicity and exhaustion from the sense of being at home. In answering the 3 questions we unearth a range of emotions and thoughts on the topic of community during the pandemic. In the end, we challenge ourselves and our listeners to not take it for granted.