The re.think Podcast

He cared deeply about his team—until one day, he just didn't have it in him anymore. In this episode, Dr. David Zierk names a phenomenon hiding in plain sight: empathic amnesia, the gradual forgetting of how to be empathetic when it's needed most. It's not a character flaw. It's emotional fatigue in a world that never stops demanding. And there's a surprisingly simple formula for getting it back. Highlights → Why empathic amnesia rarely announces itself and how it disguises itself as efficiency, decisiveness, and focus, while connection quietly erodes beneath the surface. → The difference between authentic empathy and artificial empathy, and why a world saturated with global suffering has made us less connected to individual pain. → Dr. Zierk's human version of E=MC²—empathy as the product of mindfulness multiplied by compassionate curiosity squared—and how small, deliberate practices can counteract the drift toward numbness. Follow Dr. David Zierk Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Take the r.IQ quiz and get personalized feedback that helps you grow: https://www.davidzierk.com/resources/riq-quiz/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains. Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify! If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one! For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

You may have stopped trying, but you never stopped believing. In Part 2 of his T.I.D.E. series, Dr. David Zierk unpacks the emotional cycle that keeps people caught in the T.I.D.E. and feeling trapped, isolated, deprived, and empty. He introduces the pivot that changes it. It’s about a deliberate choice that interrupts your limiting pattern and begins restoring your sense of worth. If you've been tolerating the intolerable, this episode is your next step. Highlights → The difference between riding the tide and stemming it: Why staying the course feels safe but quietly deepens disconnection. → How self-awareness and self-doubt diverge, and why humans are wired to predict rejection before it even happens. → The core triad for turning the T.I.D.E.: intentionality, curiosity, and flexibility. Dr. Zierk also explains the reflection prompt to put it into practice this week. Follow Dr. David Zierk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains. Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify! If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one! For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

In this episode, Dr. David Zierk unpacks what really drives your reactions when tension rises—whether you freeze, fight, fix, or finesse your way through conflict. We all have a conflict personality—a reflex we fall into when emotions run high. But it’s not who you are; it’s the person you become to protect a connection or preserve control. In this episode, Dr. Z reveals the five conflict styles (and their more relatable nicknames) and offers a practical way to rethink your reactions before they rule you. Episode Highlights: ➔ Setting the Scene: Everyday Conflict ➔ Conflict Isn’t Who You Are ➔ What Shapes Your Style ➔ Mapping the 5 Styles ➔ The 5 Conflict Personalities ➔ The Real Problem Isn’t Disagreement ➔ Rethink Reflection and Call to Action ➔ Micro Rethinks Follow Dr. David Zierk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.

In Episode 11, "Facing Your Insecurities: From Self-Protection to Self-Awareness," Dr. David Zierk reveals how past experiences of rejection, exclusion, and devaluation create deep-rooted insecurities that silently shape our behaviors, relationships, and leadership styles. Explore the six core types of insecurities and learn practical strategies to identify and overcome these emotional barriers. By rethinking insecurity as an opportunity for growth, discover how to shift from defensive reactions to powerful responses, enhancing connection, confidence, and performance in all areas of life. Episode Highlights: ➔ "Understanding Your Insecurity Triggers" Discover how past experiences resurface as present insecurities and impact your interactions. ➔ "The Origin of Insecurity" How repeated experiences of rejection, exclusion, and devaluation form lasting relational wounds. ➔ "The Six Core Types of Insecurities" Exploring inadequacy, inferiority, insignificance, incompetence, incompleteness, and ordinary insanity as primary insecurity types. ➔ "How Insecurity Shapes Habits" Uncovering how insecurities influence our behaviors and internal dialogues, reinforcing negative self-perceptions. ➔ "From Reaction to Reflection" Practical steps for recognizing and managing your insecurities, enabling personal and professional growth through self-awareness and intentional response. Follow Dr. David Zierk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol. Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify! If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one! For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

In Episode 9, "Relationship Intelligence: Turning Conflict into Connection," Dr. David Zierk introduces Relationship Intelligence (r.I.Q.), a powerful framework designed to transform workplace interactions and personal relationships. Learn how to recognize unmet needs beneath conflict and replace outdated relational instincts with mutuality, relatability, adaptability, and accountability. Discover practical strategies to foster deep connections, enhance communication, and cultivate an environment where teams thrive—not just comply. Join Dr. Zierk to rethink conflict and build meaningful, lasting relationships. Episode Highlights: ➔ "Understanding the Rethink Moment" Exploring the deeper needs beneath conflicts and how relationship intelligence can address them. ➔ "Introducing Relationship Intelligence (r.I.Q.)" Dr. Zierk explains how r.I.Q. helps people effectively turn conflict into meaningful connections. ➔ "The Five Primary Attachment Needs" Identifying attention, affection, acknowledgement, approval, and applause as essential human needs that underlie conflict. ➔ "Four Essential Principles of R.I.Q." Unpacking mutuality, relatability, adaptability, and accountability as core practices for navigating relational challenges. ➔ "Practical Application for Leaders" Real-world scenarios illustrating how r.I.Q. transforms workplace interactions from compliance to committed engagement. Follow Dr. David Zierk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol. Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify! If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one! For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

Dr. David Zierk explores the hidden mental biases that disrupt clarity and connection in workplace relationships. Unpacking how deception, distortion, and delusion subtly impact team dynamics, Dr. Zierk provides actionable insights for recognizing and addressing these common psychological pitfalls. Leaders and teams will discover powerful strategies to overcome misunderstandings, enhance communication, and cultivate stronger, more authentic connections at work and beyond. Episode Highlights: ➔ "The Mind's Mental Tricksters": Dr. Zierk introduces deception, distortion, and delusion as hidden barriers to workplace clarity. ➔ "Why Your Mind Prefers Simplicity": Exploring how the mind's need for certainty contributes to biased perceptions. ➔ "Recognizing Workplace Deception": Examples and insights into intentional misdirection within teams. ➔ "Distortion’s Impact on Team Dynamics": Understanding how unconscious biases and emotional states skew workplace perceptions. ➔ "Delusion at Work": Identifying the deep-rooted illusions that prevent accountability and impede team cohesion. Handouts: https://www.davidzierk.com/resources/free-ideas/ Download Dr. Zierk’s helpful guide about this episode: Deception, Distortion, and Delusion Follow Dr. David Zierk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and to corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol. Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify! If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one! For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

In this episode, Dr. David Zierk explores the profound impact that empathy—and its absence—has on leadership, teamwork, and personal relationships. Introducing the novel concept of "dysempathy," Dr. Zierk explains how missed empathetic opportunities can harm connections and how recognizing and addressing these moments can dramatically improve interactions. Discover where you fall on the empathy spectrum and learn practical strategies to move from disconnect to deep connection, strengthening your relational intelligence in the process. Episode Highlights: ➔ ➔ "Defining Empathy and Introducing Dysempathy" Understanding empathy as real-time relational responsiveness and identifying its opposite, dysempathy. ➔ "Empaths vs. Empathy": Exploring differences between highly sensitive empaths and effective empathy in everyday leadership and relationships. ➔ "Repairing Dysempathy Moments" Actionable strategies for addressing missed empathetic opportunities and rebuilding connections. ➔ "Understanding Neuro-Atypicals" Insights into why some individuals struggle more frequently with empathy and how leaders can effectively engage them. ➔ "The Danger of Apathy": Exploring apathy’s destructive impact on teams and relationships and how leaders can counteract this damaging mindset. Handouts: Download Dr. Zierk’s helpful guide about this episode: Empathy Versus Dysempathy here >> https://www.davidzierk.com/resources/free-ideas/ Follow Dr. David Zierk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/ Website: www.davidzierk.com Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/ About Dr. David Zierk: With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and to corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind? Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol. Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify! If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one! For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

Do you want to become skilled in relating to others and enhance your leadership style at work and home? It’s about thinking with connection in mind, or “re.think.” This powerful term means “relationship-enhanced thinking.” While thinking is something we naturally do, re.thinking takes some tinkering. To re.think involves a sweeping awareness, unending curiosity, creative reflection, and plenty of practice…always keeping mutuality in mind, as it is the pinnacle of human development. This is how you elevate your relationship intelligence to the next level. In this episode, we tackle the common issue of over-attending to other people’s needs at the expense of our mutual connections. Too often, we exhaust ourselves trying to fix others when our relationships would thrive if we prioritized the bond of "us." Hi, I’m Dr. David Zierk, and I’m excited to get you rethinking your relationships and embracing healthy conflict as a means of connecting. Get ready to rethink your connections in life with The re.think Podcast. Learn more at davidzierk.com.Downloads for this episode found: https://www.davidzierk.com/resources/free-ideas/