I See What You're Saying

What separates a leader who communicates with confidence from one who communicates with true influence?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Joel Silverstone, founder of This Feels Right and a former professional actor who now coaches leaders on elevating their interpersonal communication and influence. Joel blends emotional and social intelligence with his acting background to help leaders move from confident to compelling, and the framework he shares in this conversation is immediately actionable.Joel breaks down his MOVE model, the difference between acting, reacting, and responding in real conversations, and why most people are listening to solve the problem rather than listening to understand. He also challenges the idea that validation means agreement, and explains why skipping that step is one of the most common ways leaders quietly damage trust.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy an actor's job has nothing to do with acting, and what that teaches us about presence in conversationHow the MOVE model (Mindset, Observe, Validate, Engage) creates momentum in even the most difficult conversationsThe difference between reacting and responding, and why one builds trust while the other breaks itWhy validation is not agreement, and how skipping it quietly damages relationshipsHow to listen without solving the problem, and why that skill matters more than most leaders realizeWhat the "clue bird" reveals about the moments leaders most commonly missHow to change the script when a conversation goes sideways, and why breathing is the first moveThe difference between motivating and manipulating, and how to tell which one you are actually doingChapters:(00:00) Introduction to Joel Silverstone and the MOVE Model(04:22) Why an Actor's Job Is to Move the Other Person(06:13) Breaking Down the MOVE Model: Mindset, Observe, Validate, Engage(09:03) How to Stop Making the Other Person the Problem(13:02) Observation Skills and the Closed Circuit Camera Technique(17:14) Why Validation Is Not Agreement and How to Practice It(21:29) The "Yes, And" Framework and Listening Without Solving(26:15) Driving Engagement When Someone Won't Play Ball(31:00) How to Change the Script When Conversations Get Challenging(35:12) The Difference Between Motivating and ManipulatingLinks and Resources:This Feels Right - https://www.thisfeelsright.caJoel Silverstone | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-silverstoneSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What if the most powerful thing you could do to grow your business was to stop asking for referrals entirely?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Stacey Brown Randall, author, speaker, and host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast. Stacey has spent over a decade helping business owners and sales professionals generate referrals without asking for them by applying brain science, psychology, and behavioral economics to how relationships are built and maintained.Stacey breaks down why asking for referrals actually works against you, what is really happening in the brain of the person who refers you, and how the right language planted at the right time can move referrals from a conscious ask into someone's subconscious. She also introduces her three-bucket framework for building a referral strategy that compounds year over year, and shares two concrete referral seeds you can start using immediately.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy asking for referrals triggers a brain response you cannot manufacture or replicateHow referrals are actually about your referral source, not about youThe three scientific principles that drive referrals beyond the psychology of trustThe difference between keeping in touch and actually moving a relationship forwardHow to segment your referral strategy across three distinct buckets of potential referral sourcesWhy using someone's name in a thank you note changes how the brain encodes the memoryHow to plant referral seeds during your client experience without it feeling forcedWhat to do when a referred prospect ghosts you before the conversation ever startsChapters(00:00) Introduction to Stacey Brown Randall and the Referral Without Asking Framework(03:24) Why Referrals Change the Entire Dynamic of a Sales Conversation(07:03) Why You Are Never Allowed to Ask for Referrals(10:42) The Three Scientific Principles Behind How Referrals Actually Happen(15:50) The Difference Between Keeping in Touch and Moving Relationships Forward(17:37) The Three Buckets of Referral Sources and How to Approach Each One(24:43) Planting Referral Seeds vs. Asking: What the Difference Actually Looks Like(28:57) The Right and Wrong Way to Write a Referral Thank You Note(34:21) How to Build a Referable Client Experience from the Inside Out(36:40) Recovery Strategies When a Referred Prospect Ghosts You(41:44) How to Onboard a Referred Prospect Without Rushing or Ignoring Them(45:29) How to Learn More and Work with StaceyLinks and ResourcesStacey Brown Randall | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall/Home - Stacey Brown Randall - https://staceybrownrandall.com/The Disciplined Listening Method: How A Certified Forensic Interviewer Unlocks Hidden Value in Every Conversation - https://a.co/d/02ZfcnZmSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What does it actually mean to close the gap between what you think you said and what your audience actually heard?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Dr. Laura Sicola, a cognitive linguist and executive communication coach who helps leaders master communication and executive presence. Dr. Sicola works with senior leaders, business owners, and professionals across Fortune 500 companies to help them translate their expertise so it lands with clarity, credibility, and impact.This conversation is packed with practical tools for anyone who has ever walked away from a conversation wondering why their message didn't land. Dr. Sicola breaks down the expert's curse, the hidden cost of trying to sound smart, and how the alignment between your words, voice, and body language either builds or destroys credibility in real time.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat the expert's curse is and why deep knowledge is often the biggest obstacle to clear communicationWhy trying to sound smart usually backfires and what to do insteadHow analogies and metaphors bypass conscious processing and create instant comprehensionThe simple one-minute video exercise that reveals the gap between your intent and your actual deliveryWhy credibility depends on aligning your verbal, vocal, and visual channelsHow to stop telegraphing your nerves without faking confidenceWhy adjusting your communication style for different audiences is not inauthenticity, it is self-awarenessHow Dr. Sicola's Listening to Understand protocol creates the conditions for genuine resolution in any conflictAbout the GuestDr. Laura Sicola is a cognitive linguist, executive communication coach, and the author of Speaking to Influence. She helps leaders close the gap between what they think they said and what their audience actually heard, translating technical expertise into messages that move people to action. She is the founder of Vocal Impact Productions and speaks and coaches across industries worldwide.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Laura Sicola and the Expert's Curse(04:32) Why Trying to Sound Smart Makes You Less Persuasive(06:07) The Most Counterintuitive Advice on Executive Communication(07:17) How to Simplify Without Dumbing It Down(17:30) Using Analogies and Metaphors to Speak to the Unconscious Mind(23:34) The One-Minute Video Exercise That Changes Everything(31:14) Verbal, Vocal, and Visual: The Three Channels of Credibility(39:42) Authenticity Is Not a Fixed Point: The Prismatic Voice Framework(45:23) The Listening to Understand ProtocolLinks and ResourcesDr. Laura Sicola's Website: https://www.laurasicola.comSpeaking to Influence by Dr. Laura Sicola: https://laurasicola.com/shop/Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What if the key to developing yourself and your team isn't more training, but more honesty about where your "weapon system" actually stands?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Dr. Keith Castille, CEO and co-founder of C2H (Connecting Heads to Hearts) and a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 28 and a half years of service, including roles in talent management and at the Pentagon. Dr. Castille brings a rare combination of military precision and deep human development expertise to his work helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their full potential.This conversation is a masterclass in what it really means to develop people, not just manage them. Dr. Castille introduces the concept of the human weapon system, explains how to shift from judgment to curiosity when assessing others, and shares the hard-earned lessons from his own transition out of the military that most people only share after they've figured it out.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat a "human weapon system" actually means and why it has nothing to do with conflict or violenceWhy meeting people where they are is more effective than holding them to a standard they haven't been givenHow to shift from judgment to curiosity to open people up instead of shutting them downWhat timing, temperature, and tone have to do with whether your conversations move people forward or backwardWhy the way people see themselves and the way others see them is almost never the same, and what to do about itWhat the hardest part of military transition really looks like when the emails stop and the phone goes quietHow building a coaching culture starts with spending more time asking questions than delivering answersWhy ownership matters more than solutions when working with individuals and organizationsChapters(00:00) Introducing Dr. Keith Castille and C2H(05:53) What Is a Human Weapon System?(09:14) Meeting People Where They Are, Not Where You Want Them to Be(14:02) The Shift from Judgment to Curiosity(18:24) Assessing Individuals Without Comparing Them to Anyone Else(23:01) The Hidden Difficulty of Military Transition(30:24) Aligning Strategic Intent with Operational Reality(40:29) Developing Patience and a Coaching Mindset(44:20) Timing, Temperature, and Tone in Every Conversation(51:01) How to Build Self-Awareness in Leaders Who Don't Know They Need ItAbout the GuestDr. Keith Castille is the CEO and co-founder of C2H (Connecting Heads to Hearts), a workforce solutions company specializing in leadership development, AI integration, gender-based violence policy, and organizational transformation. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2024 after 28 and a half years of service, including work in talent management and at the Pentagon. Since retiring, Dr. Castille has worked with companies and organizations across the globe, including in Zambia, and has built C2H into a team of problem-solvers committed to meaningful, mission-driven work.Links and ResourcesC2H Connecting Heads to Hearts - https://www.c2htransform.com/Dr. Keith Castille | LinkedIn - Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/keith-castille- Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What if the way you speak is actually telling people whether or not you deserve to lead?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Lauren Sergy, a communication expert and author with a background spanning radio, corporate communications, classical rhetoric, and the performing arts. Lauren has built a career helping leaders and organizations master the science, art, and alchemy of speaking so that their message lands with the right people in the right way.This conversation covers the full landscape of strategic communication for leaders, from building authentic executive presence to applying ancient rhetorical principles in modern high-stakes conversations. Lauren brings a rare combination of academic rigor and practical playfulness to topics that most people either overlook entirely or get completely backwards.Lauren unpacks what it really means to speak the language of leadership, why the most dangerous thing a leader can do is be unpredictable, and how the three pillars of classical rhetoric can help anyone diagnose communication breakdowns in real time. She also makes a compelling case for why leaning too heavily on AI to write your communication isn't just a style problem — it's a trust problem.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat executive presence actually is and why it has nothing to do with being the smartest or toughest person in the roomWhy the person speaking up to a leader carries all the risk and what leaders must do to change that dynamicHow to use ethos, logos, and pathos to diagnose and fix communication breakdowns before they derail a conversationWhy trying to imitate another leader's style almost always backfires and what to do insteadHow to listen for the words your audience uses and mirror them back to move people from anxiety to confidenceWhy unpredictability is one of the most damaging things a leader can bring to a teamThe real problem with using AI to write speeches and internal communicationsWhy the ability to speak extemporaneously will become one of the most valuable leadership differentiators as AI becomes more commonChapters:(00:00) Welcome and Introduction to Lauren Sergy(03:28) What the Language of Leadership Actually Is(06:29) How to Develop Your Own Executive Presence Without Imitating Anyone Else(12:31) Adapting Your Communication to Different Industries and Audiences(17:14) Why Whoever Speaks Up the Ladder Carries All the Risk(24:35) Ethos, Logos, and Pathos as a Real-Time Communication Diagnostic(33:05) How to Move Someone's Thinking While Keeping Their Trust(39:04) How Well Does AI Actually Handle Communication?(45:32) Why Extemporaneous Speaking Will Become a Leadership DifferentiatorLinks and ResourcesLauren Sergy | LinkedInUp Front Communication with Lauren Sergy: Speaker, Author, TrainerAbout the GuestLauren Sergy is a communication expert, speaker, and author with a passion for the art, science, and alchemy of interpersonal communication. Her background includes radio, corporate communications, classical rhetoric, and the performing arts. She works with leaders and organizations to help them understand how to make their message impactful — whether it's a technical briefing for the C-suite or a keynote at an industry conference.Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What does it really mean to lead with your heart when the work is hard, the pressure is relentless, and you're still carrying your own baggage?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Josh Rizzo, a West Point graduate, Bronze Star recipient, and leadership consultant with over 30 years of experience developing leaders on the battlefield, in the boardroom, and on job sites across the country. Josh works at the intersection of elite performance, mental health, and human connection, helping organizations in construction, defense, and beyond build cultures where people can actually thrive.Josh brings a rare combination of military discipline and deep emotional intelligence to this conversation, and the result is one of the most grounded, practical discussions on heart-centered leadership you'll hear. He breaks down why leaders must heal themselves before they can truly serve others, how to build trust by choosing curiosity over judgment, and why the biggest breakthroughs in organizations almost always start with the smallest changes.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy effective leadership starts with looking inward before you can genuinely lead othersHow the airplane analogy reframes your responsibility to yourself, your inner circle, and your teamWhat it means to choose curiosity over judgment and how that one shift changes the entire dynamic of a conversationWhy forgiving yourself is harder than forgiving others and why it matters more than most leaders realizeHow the sun and moon framework helps people connect through their shadow side rather than just their highlightsWhat "islands of progress" are and how to create bottom-up change that people actually ownWhy big doors swing on little hinges and how to find the small changes that move the biggest systemsHow to listen with your ears, your eyes, and your heart and why so few people actually do itChapters:(00:00) Introduction to Josh Rizzo and Heart-Centered Leadership(03:57) What It Means to Lead While Balancing Mental Health Awareness(05:24) The Airplane Analogy: Starting with Yourself Before Your Team(10:44) Curiosity Over Judgment: Pairing Candor with Compassion(14:34) How to Show Up Authentically Without Being Performative(16:39) Self-Forgiveness, Accepting Your Shadow Side, and the Sun and Moon Framework(20:47) Creating Islands of Progress: Bottom-Up Change That Sticks(30:54) Big Doors Swing on Little Hinges: Finding the Small Changes That Matter(37:19) The Most Beautiful Thing We Can Do Is Listen(43:54) Honoring the Umwelt: Why Two People Can Share the Same Environment and Have Completely Different ExperiencesLinks and Resources:Josh Rizzo | Website - https://www.joshrizzohuman.comJosh Rizzo | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-rizzo/Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What if the emotions you've been trying to control are the very reason you stay stuck?In this episode, Cedric walks Michael through how the brain actually constructs emotion, why the way most of us were taught to manage our feelings keeps those patterns locked in place, and what it looks like to genuinely resolve an emotion rather than just regulate it. The conversation covers trauma, interoception, the three levels of emotion, the "not good enough" belief, and the difference between being kind and being ethical as a coach, parent, or leader.Cedric Bertelli is the founder and director of the Emotional Health Institute and the creator of Emotional Resolution (EmRes), a groundbreaking method rooted in neuroscience and the psychology of emotions. With over 15 years of experience developing and delivering this work, Cedric leads a team of dedicated professionals and trains mental health professionals and educators across the United States to help individuals and communities achieve lasting emotional well-being.What You'll LearnHow the brain uses prediction to construct emotion and why that matters for changing your patternsWhy emotional regulation (deep breaths, counting to 10) can actually prevent resolutionThe three levels of emotion: conscious, unconscious, and subconscious, and how to work with eachThe critical difference between being kind and being ethical as a coach, parent, or leaderWhy the "I'm not good enough" belief is always a symptom, never the root causeHow AI companionship can deepen emotional isolation rather than resolve itChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome(02:52) - How the Brain Constructs Emotion Through Prediction(06:48) - What Trauma Really Is and How Emotional Patterns Form(11:13) - Interoception: Feeling Emotions in the Body, Not the Head(13:16) - Why Controlling Emotions Keeps You Stuck(18:01) - How to Help Others Without Controlling Them(28:24) - The Three Levels of Emotion: Conscious, Unconscious, and Subconscious(33:55) - Working Through the "I'm Not Good Enough" Belief(36:09) - The Difference Between Being Kind and Being Ethical(37:23) - How AI Is Affecting Our Emotional LivesAbout the GuestCedric Bertelli has over 15 years of experience developing and delivering Emotional Resolution (EmRes), a groundbreaking method that helps people overcome emotional difficulties by tapping into their innate physiological capacity. As the founder and director of the Emotional Health Institute, Cedric leads a team of dedicated professionals who share his vision of empowering individuals and communities to achieve emotional well-being. He draws on his extensive knowledge of neuroscience, the psychology of emotions, and philosophy, as well as his own personal and professional experience transforming lives with EmRes.Links and ResourcesCedric Bertelli | LinkedInEmotional Resolution with Cedric BertelliWhat Is EmRes? | Emotional Health InstituteSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What does it actually mean to "hold the calm" when everything around you is falling apart?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Hesha Abrams, an acclaimed master attorney mediator, negotiator, and deal maker with over 30 years of experience resolving high-profile, high-stakes conflicts, including mediating the dispute over the private recipe for Pepsi. Hesha is also the author of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Reducing Tension.This conversation is packed with immediately applicable strategies for anyone who leads difficult conversations, navigates conflict, or needs to move people toward resolution without losing their own footing in the process.Hesha breaks down the neuroscience behind why telling someone to calm down backfires every time, how to read the room before a single word is spoken, and why most people are not trying to win. They are trying not to lose. That distinction alone will change how you approach your next negotiation.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy "calm down" makes conflict worse and what to say to yourself insteadHow the amygdala shuts down rational thinking and what it takes to reset itThe three diagnostic questions Hesha uses to read anyone in under five minutesWhy high emotions are diagnostic information, not obstacles to manageThe difference between gratitude and validation and why one is almost always the wrong moveHow to use the VUCS framework to move any conversation toward resolutionWhy the quietest person in the room almost always holds the most powerHow blame signals low emotional maturity and what to do insteadWhy most people are trying not to lose, not trying to win, and how that changes your strategyHow to close commitments by giving people the ability to say noChapters:(00:00) Introduction to Hesha Abrams and Holding the Calm(04:27) What "Holding the Calm" Really Means and the Neuroscience Behind It(08:19) The Three Diagnostic Questions to Read Anyone Quickly(11:28) Why High Emotions Are Diagnostic, Not Just Symptoms(16:41) Gratitude vs. Validation and Why the Difference Matters(21:13) How We Were Conditioned to Communicate Like Kids(22:44) Why Blame Never Solves Anything and What to Do Instead(26:18) Winning vs. Not Losing: The Hidden Driver in Every Negotiation(27:30) Situational Awareness as the Antidote to Narcissism(32:28) How to Claim Your Space Without Blame(41:45) How Much Conflict Is Actually Avoidable(43:01) Using Validation to Defuse Contentious Conversations(45:49) How to Close Commitments Without PressureLinks and Resources:HoldingTheCalm.com - https://www.holdingthecalm.com/HeshaAbramsMediation.com - https://www.heshaabramsmediation.com/Hesha Abrams | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesha-abrams-esq/Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What does it really take to draw someone’s story out of them?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with ghostwriter and nonfiction strategist Jennifer Locke to explore how powerful listening, trust, and patience help uncover the stories people struggle to tell.From building deep trust with clients to identifying the central event that shapes a narrative, Jennifer shares how her approach to “therapeutic listening” allows authors to open up, process their experiences, and bring clarity to their message.This conversation goes far beyond writing.It applies to leaders, coaches, interviewers, and anyone responsible for understanding and representing someone else’s story.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat “therapeutic listening” looks like in practiceHow to build trust before asking someone to share their storyWhy removing judgment is critical to great communicationHow to identify the central event in someone’s storyWhy patience allows better insights to emerge over timeHow to guide conversations without taking controlThe importance of helping others feel safe, heard, and understoodHow to navigate emotional moments in conversationsWhy clarity of audience and message shapes better outcomesAbout the GuestJennifer Locke is a USA Today bestselling business book ghostwriter and nonfiction book strategist who helps entrepreneurs and thought leaders elevate their brands through books.She has been writing fiction since 2011 and brings a fiction writer’s approach to her nonfiction and ghostwriting work. Jennifer has ghostwritten business books published by both business presses and Big Five publishers.Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, Jennifer lives for stories and is passionate about bringing them to life for her clients.Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction to Jennifer Locke and Ghostwriting(04:05) - How to Interview and Draw Out Someone’s Story(08:36) - Building Trust Before the Work Begins(14:29) - What “Therapeutic Listening” Really Means(18:20) - Handling Emotional Moments in Conversations(22:00) - Identifying the Central Event in a Story(27:27) - Structuring Conversations Without Losing Trust(31:17) - Why Judgment Destroys the Work(34:53) - Navigating Time-Constrained Conversations(39:38) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Writing(42:02) - Resources for Writing Your Own BookLinks and Resources:Jennifer Locke Writes |Book in Six by Jennifer Locke WritesJennifer Locke | LinkedInJennifer Locke Writes (@jenniferlockewrites) • Instagram photos and videosSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What happens when someone has never been truly listened to?In this powerful conversation, Michael Reddington sits down with Dr. John DeGarmo, a leading expert in foster care who has welcomed over 60 foster children into his home.Together, they explore what it really means to listen, especially when working with individuals who have experienced deep trauma.Dr. DeGarmo shares insights from decades of experience inside the foster care system, revealing how empathic listening, patience, and trust-building can transform lives.This conversation goes far beyond foster care.It applies to parents, leaders, coaches, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively in high-stakes, emotional situations.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat “empathic listening” really looks like in practiceWhy trying to “fix” problems can actually make things worseHow trust is built with people who have every reason not to trustThe difference between lashing out vs withdrawing and how to respondWhy children lie or steal and what’s really behind those behaviorsHow trauma impacts communication, behavior, and decision-makingThe importance of patience, consistency, and emotional controlHow small actions can create massive impact in someone’s lifeChapters:(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. John DeGarmo(04:00) - What Is Empathic Listening?(08:37) - How Listening Builds Trust and Healing(12:24) - Why Trust Takes Time (and Patience)(17:06) - Trauma-Informed Communication Explained(20:59) - Helping Withdrawn Children Open Up(23:44) - Understanding Lashing Out Behavior(31:49) - Why Children Lie and Steal(38:12) - Turning Awareness Into Action(45:13) - Recognizing Warning Signs and Red FlagsLinks and Resources:Foster Care Institute Dr. John DeGarmo - HomeJohn DeGarmo, Ed.D. Keynote Speaker, TED Talk Speaker | LinkedIn - Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What does it really mean to live a meaningful life… and how does that impact the way we communicate with others?In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Terry Tucker, a former SWAT hostage negotiator, Division I athlete, coach, and cancer warrior, to explore the mindset, resilience, and communication principles that shape how we lead, listen, and connect.Terry shares his powerful framework of “4 Truths and a Lie” and how these ideas influence everything from high-stakes conversations to everyday relationships.This is not just a conversation about communication. It is a conversation about perspective, purpose, and how we show up for others.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• The 4 truths that can guide your life and leadership• Why controlling your mind is foundational to communication• How to embrace pain and adversity to become more resilient• The difference between what you achieve vs. what you leave behind• Why curiosity is one of the most powerful communication tools• How to put people at ease in high-stress conversations• The biggest lie that holds people back and how to overcome itAbout the GuestTerry Tucker is a former Division I college basketball player, SWAT hostage negotiator, coach, speaker, and author of Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life.His diverse background and personal journey through cancer have shaped a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and human connection.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to Terry Tucker(02:00) - The 4 Truths That Guide Your Life(05:00) - Controlling Your Mind and Mental Discipline(09:00) - The Stockdale Paradox and Resilience(12:30) - Embracing Pain and Adversity(15:00) - The Legacy You Leave Behind(18:30) - Curiosity and Deep Human Connection(23:00) - SWAT Negotiation and Communication Under Pressure(27:00) - Putting People at Ease in Difficult Conversations(31:00) - Lessons from Sports, Coaching, and Leadership(35:00) - Building Confidence and Changing Culture(39:00) - The One Lie That Holds People Back(43:00) - Shifting from Achievement to Contribution(46:00) - Finding Meaning in Adversity(49:00) - Final Reflections and TakeawaysLinks and Resources:Terry Tucker Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.comTerry Tucker | LinkedInSustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life by Terry TuckerFour Truths and a Lie: Ancient Wisdom For Living Your Modern Purpose by Terry TuckerSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we explore storytelling, curiosity, and disciplined observation with filmmaker and explorer Chris Baron, founder of Frontier Films and host of the No Ordinary Monday podcast.After spending more than fifteen years traveling the world filming scientific and nature documentaries for outlets like the BBC, National Geographic, and Disney+, Chris shares how viewing the world through a camera lens has shaped the way he listens, observes, and connects with people. From negotiating access to remote locations to building trust with people across cultures, Chris reveals how curiosity, preparation, and authentic conversation open doors to extraordinary experiences.Together we discuss the parallels between filmmaking, interviewing, and disciplined listening. Chris also shares unforgettable stories from the field, including negotiating access to historic locations, filming in extreme environments, and the mindset required to capture powerful stories from around the world.Join us for a fascinating conversation about storytelling, exploration, and how strong listening and communication skills create opportunities in even the most challenging environments.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introducing Chris Baron and Frontier Films(02:10) - How documentary filmmaking shapes observation and listening(05:45) - Negotiating access to remote and restricted locations(09:20) - Building trust with people from different cultures and backgrounds(14:30) - The mindset required to capture authentic stories(19:40) - Lessons learned from interviewing people around the world(25:10) - Chris Baron’s experiences filming in extreme environments(31:50) - Storytelling and the power of curiosity in conversations(38:15) - Applying disciplined listening in filmmaking and interviewing(46:20) - Launching the No Ordinary Monday podcast(52:30) - Final reflections on exploration, storytelling, and curiosityLinks and Resources:Podcast Website: https://noordinarymonday.com/Company Website: https://www.frontierfilms.tv/Podcast Smart Link: https://pods.link/noordinarymondayPodcast Social Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/NoordinarymondayChris Baron | IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5835394/Chris Baron | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbaron7/Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we explore leadership, trust, and the future of modern policing with retired LAPD Lieutenant Jeff Weninger. With more than three decades of law enforcement experience, Jeff shares insights from his career and research on the evolving mindset required for effective policing today.Together we examine the difference between the warrior and guardian mindset, how organizational culture shapes behavior, and why leadership, training, and accountability are essential for rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Jeff also shares lessons on personal responsibility, professional standards, and the role of education and fitness in developing well-rounded officers.Join us for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, mindset, and how disciplined listening can help professionals navigate complex and high-stakes environments.Timestamps: 00:00 Introducing Jeff Weninger and his 33-year career in law enforcement 03:00 Warrior mindset vs guardian mindset in modern policing 08:45 How mindset influences officer behavior and decision making 15:50 Rebuilding trust between law enforcement and communities 24:05 Leadership responsibility in shaping police culture 33:40 Training, education, and professional development for officers 43:20 The role of physical fitness and personal discipline in policing 51:10 Encouraging critical thinking and accountability in organizations 57:40 Final leadership insights and Jeff Weninger’s ongoing workLinks and Resources:(1) Jeff Wenninger | LinkedInJeff Wenninger |On Thin Ice: An LAPD Veteran's Journey to Reimagine Policing: Wenninger, Jeff:Sponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media