342: Discovering Your Communication Type with Jason VanRuler

342: Discovering Your Communication Type with Jason VanRuler

From Crystal Paine Show by Crystal Paine

April 14, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 342

About this episode

Crystal Paine interviews Jason VanRuler about communication styles and their impact on relationships and parenting.

I am truly so excited for this episode because, honestly, it felt like a little therapy session for me, and I really hope that it gives you some aha moments too! I am talking with Jason VanRuler about his book Discovering Your Communication Type: The Five Paths to Deeper Connections and Stronger Relationships , and right from the start as I read it, I was hooked. I could see how the insights would help me with my husband, my kids, and my friendships because it’s practical, relatable, and so surprisingly accessible - like someone finally saying, “Here’s how this actually works,” without all the jargon! Jason walks us through the five communication styles that make up his PATHS model - Peacemaker, Advocate, Thinker, Harbor, and Spark - and he explains how our words are driven by different motivations: maintaining peace, standing up for what’s right, being logically correct, protecting feelings, or bringing energy and momentum. He and I get into how knowing your style (as well as the styles of those around you) can truly change your conversations, especially when conflict or stress shows up. I had one of those aha moments when I realized that I have been showing up in relationships…

People in this episode

Host: Crystal Paine

Guest: Jason VanRuler

Topics covered

  • communication styles
  • relationships
  • parenting
  • self-care
  • conflict resolution

Keywords

  • communication type
  • PATHS model
  • relationships
  • parenting
  • conflict

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Discovering Your Communication Type: The Five Paths to Deeper Connections and Stronger Relationships

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