Pep Talk Hotline
Dear <<First Name>>,
Emotional Vocabulary
Feeling "sangry" (sad and angry), "exanxious" (anxious to point of exhaustin), or "copeless" (unable to cope)?
Even if the words are new to you, the emotions might not be. These times demand more emotional vocabulary. And more pep talks.
Ideally, pep talks by kindergartners.
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Press 3 to speak with a kindergartner
Yes, pep talks by kindergartners!
PEPTOC is the brainchild of teachers Jessica Martin, Asherah Weiss, and their students at West Side Elementary School in rural Healdsburg, California. It is a public art project that is half posters, half hotline, all genius.
The number is 707-873-7862 (it's now in my phone contacts). In March 2022, the New York Times reported that the PepToc hotline was receiving 9000 calls per hour!
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Nobody said this would be easy
Perhaps this is no surprise. In 2021, your favorite issue of Dear Good People was the Need a Pep Talk? Me Too ... issue, in which we talked about the science of pep talks (aka motivating language theory).
After all, making change in ourselves and the world around us is both frustrating and exhilarating. Nobody said being a good-ish person or building a more just future would be easy.
We spent every issue of Dear Good People this year focusing on the skills and tools of being a more inclusive person.
To end the year, back by popular demand, here are some of my favorite pep talks!
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1. Dr. Phil and me in conversation
Okay, this is the only pep talk on the list that features me lol. In this three minute excerpt of our hour long conversation, Dr. Phil (!!) and I each share our thoughts on love of country. I came away inspired by his take.
(Also, if you want to watch me blush and blabber awkwardly, Dr. Phil gushes for 3 minutes about how he wants everyone to read my new book. #SelfPromotionAlert)
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2. Kid President
He literally opens by saying, “I think the world needs a pep talk.” Not only am I charmed by Kid President, I find myself wanting to make him proud. This three minute video makes me laugh, makes me think, and makes me hopeful.
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3. Sheryl Lee Ralph acceptance speech
Are there awards for awards speech? If so, give all the trophies to Ms. Sheryl Lee Ralph. This three minute video is an epic display of gratitude, strength, and love. Start at 4:10.
(For bonus endorphins, check out her adult children's reactions when she wins.)
You're welcome.
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4. Good Bones by Maggie Smith
This beautiful poem by Maggie Smith went viral in 2016 and is featured in a book by the same name. My fabulous editor, Stephanie Hitchcock, said she was reminded of it as we worked on A MORE JUST FUTURE. So short, so relatable, and so beautiful in written or video (1 minute version, 4 minute version) form.
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5. The Greatest Sports Pep Talk Ever
I love sports movies and if there is one thing you can count on in every one, it's a good pep talk. So, hat tip to the genius who crafted this three minute sports movie pep talk mash-up. At first, I laughed and by the end, I cried.
(And heads up to Hollywood - it's time for more sports movies featuring non-male athletes and coaches.)
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6. Valarie Kaur’s Watch Night Speech
Valarie Kaur is a tireless advocate with a big heart, and her speech feels like the hug we all need (and the tearjerker hug she gets from Rev. William Barber at the end). It echoes in my mind and elevates my soul. I watch this six minute video every new year’s day.
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7. Chadwick Boseman’s Howard Commencement Address
Gone too soon, Chadwick Boseman’s remarks are worth the thirty minutes (he begins at the 7 minute mark). Boseman urges Howard University grads (and us) to take the harder way, the more complicated way, the way with more failures at the start. And, to press on with pride and purpose.
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8. Daily Affirmations, Toddler Style
Okay, at first this hit me as staged. But the farther I got into the 45 second video, the more I bought in. By the end, I was ALL IN. We are bold and worthy of greatness!
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9. Pentatonix’s Little Drummer Boy Performance
These four minutes never fail to make my spirit soar. It is a beautiful message. Give what you can. Do what you can. We each have a drum.
“Me and my drum, pa rum pum pum-pum.”
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10. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt’s Found/Tonight Mashup
Produced, arranged, and orchestrated by musical genius and lovely person Alex Lacamoire, this three minute mashup soars as a studio recording, a live performance at a Broadway cast performance.
Tomorrow, there will be more of us.
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11 (bonus). Past Issues of Dear Good People
Past issues of Dear Good People are always here for you when you need a pep talk (links to all past issues also appears below my signature at the bottom of this email; you might need to click "view entire message.")
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Want to Share A More Just Future?
As I was making a pep talk list, maybe you were making a gift list? Do you have someone in your life who would appreciate A MORE JUST FUTURE?
I would love to help you make your gift a little extra special by personalizing and signing a free book plate (or ten!) for you and those you are sharing the book with. Think about friends, family, colleagues, book clubs, and educators.
All you need to do is buy A MORE JUST FUTURE from any bookseller you like and click here to request a free personalized book plate from me. I will personally write each book plate and mail it to you so you can put it in the book.
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Request as many as you like (just fill out a unique form for each) and don't forget to get one for yourself! I would love to hear your thoughts on the book.
Please submit your request today (December 11!) if you would like your book plates to be in the batch going in the mail tomorrow, December 12 (in order to hit your mailbox before Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa). Cocoa and I will be spending this evening with our sharpies in hand, ready to sign your book plate!
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Here's to 2023!
I am so honored to be in your inbox and in your heart. Thank you for joining me in building a more just future together.
Cocoa and I wish you a joyful and courageous new year. We'll see you in 2023.
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