CivilTalk

What makes someone truly perform under pressure? And why do some people thrive in chaos while others break?

In this episode of CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Rich Diviney—retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author, and founder of The Attributes Inc. We explore the hidden drivers of performance that go beyond skill—resilience, adaptability, humility—and how they shape our ability to lead, adapt, and succeed in unpredictable times.

Rich shares insights from his two books, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance and Masters of Uncertainty, revealing how to unlock your own potential and build teams that excel when the stakes are highest.

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating personal change, or simply curious about what sets elite performers apart, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you approach uncertainty, growth, and leadership.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we’re joined by global leadership expert and author Henna Inam to explore what it really means to lead from within.

We dive into practical, honest conversation around emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and personal growth — for anyone who wants to become a better leader, educator, or human. Henna shares key insights from her books Wired for Authenticity and Wired for Disruption, including how to lead through change, build self-awareness, and stay grounded in fast-paced environments.

We also talk about something many people reference but few define: what it means to “do the work” — the inner work of healing, reflection, and growth that’s essential to leading with clarity and care.

Whether you’re managing a team, teaching a classroom, navigating tough decisions, or simply trying to show up more fully in your life — this episode offers real tools for self-leadership, emotional resilience, and personal transformation.

Tune in and visit www.civiltalk.com to learn more.

What does it really take to lead in today’s world—and what are most leaders still overlooking? In this episode, Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson—clinical psychologist, professor, and founder of RACE Space Inc.—joins us to unpack why racial literacy is an essential and teachable skill for emotionally intelligent leadership. We explore how this competency can be developed, modeled, and passed on to younger generations to help them navigate difficult conversations and complex realities. Dr. Anderson shares insights from her work with Black families, her EMBRace intervention, and the powerful role racial socialization plays in building resilience, improving communication, and strengthening team dynamics. Whether you’re raising kids, leading a classroom, or managing a team, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead with more clarity, courage, and cultural fluency.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, CivilTalk host Topacio Althaus is joined by psychologist and author Dr. Todd Kashdan for a bold and thought-provoking conversation on emotional intelligence, curiosity, and the science of dissent. Drawing from his latest book The Art of Insubordination, Kashdan explains how principled nonconformity can drive justice, creativity, and meaningful change—when practiced with intention and emotional agility. They also explore why discomfort is essential for growth, how curiosity strengthens relationships, and what it truly means to challenge the status quo with purpose.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, Topacio is joined by Dr. Marcella Runell — Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Mount Holyoke College —for a powerful conversation about emotional intelligence, cross-racial friendship, hip hop, multifaith leadership, and creating cultures of care in higher education. Dr. Runell shares reflections from her co-authored book UnCommon Bonds, her groundbreaking programs like Faith Zone and the Hip-Hop & Pedagogy Initiative, and how we can build more emotionally honest communities.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Michael Horn—coauthor of Disrupting Class, Blended, and Choosing College—for a deep conversation about how education can evolve through innovation, disruption and human-centered design.

We explore how the current system wasn’t built to support every student, what we can learn from other sectors through the lens of disruptive innovation, and how schools can move beyond simply adding technology to "personalized" learning. Michael shares insights from his work with the Clayton Christensen Institute, reflections on blended learning models that work, and how emotional readiness plays a role in student success.

We also discuss how AI can either enhance or erode meaningful learning, and what gives Michael hope for the future of education. Tune in for a very special episode.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly and a nationally recognized leader in SEL integration and educational equity. Together, we explore how schools can embed emotional intelligence into systems, support both students and teachers, and innovate in public education despite resource challenges.

David shares insights from his work leading the Resilient Scholars Program, contributing to CASEL, and co-authoring The Educator’s Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or passionate citizen, this episode offers practical takeaways for building emotionally intelligent communities — starting with our schools.

Robin Hills, Director of Ei4Change and author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business, joins us to talk about how emotional intelligence can be taught, applied, and embedded into leadership. With over 500,000 learners across 200+ countries, Robin shares his journey of building a global platform for EQ education, the intersection of AI and emotional intelligence, and how resilience plays a critical role in both business and personal growth.

In this episode of the CivilTalk podcast, we sit down with world-renowned emotional intelligence expert and author Dr. Richard Boyatzis to explore what truly drives great leadership and lasting personal change.

Co-author of the groundbreaking book Primal Leadership and author of The Science of Change, Dr. Boyatzis shares insights from decades of research on emotional intelligence, leadership development, and the neuroscience of transformation. With over 1.5 million students enrolled in his Coursera course Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence, his work continues to shape how individuals, coaches, and organizations approach growth and connection.

Together, we dive into:

• Why emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership
• How lasting personal and organizational change really happens
• The role of coaching and resonance in helping people thrive
• Practical tools for self-awareness, self-management, and relational growth
• How neuroscience supports sustainable behavior change

Whether you're a leader, educator, coach, or simply someone seeking to grow, this conversation offers powerful takeaways on how to lead with insight, compassion, and impact.

How can understanding the science of persuasion help us foster more civil conversations, build trust, and navigate the digital age ethically? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Phelps—entrepreneur, best-selling author, and U.S. CEO of the Cialdini Institute—to explore the intersection of ethical influence, emotional intelligence, and civility.

Together, we discuss how persuasion differs from manipulation, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how AI can be programmed for ethical influence rather than deception. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or just looking to improve your daily interactions, this episode will provide valuable insights into the power of persuasion for a more civil and connected world.