I have a question for you: Are we witnessing the end of humanevolution? At first glance, it might sound dramatic. But think about it. Physiologically, evolution leaves tracesbehind.

• Some people can still wiggle their ears—uselessnow, but once a survival tool.
• Our coccyx? A remnant of a tail we no longer need.

So shouldn’t our mental models evolve, too? And yet, we still say “the sun is rising” when we’ve known for centuries that the sun doesn’t move—we do.

When a “meeting” turns into a power play—what happens when there’s no one to stop it? The recent Oval Office showdown between Trump and Zelensky wasn’t just a diplomatic exchange—it was a textbook case of power imbalance, psychological intimidation, and provocation.

Ever wondered why a rigid, “by-the-book” approach to conflict often falls flat? In my latest Emote & Think episode, I explore why intuition is just as important as method in resolving disputes. We dive into how strict protocols can miss the emotional undercurrents that drive human behavior—just like a jazz improv, where every note is spontaneous and alive.

In a world where truth is becoming a rare commodity, conflictresolution is no longer just a skill—it’s a necessity.

Disinformation, AI-generated deception, and radical polarization are reshaping democracies from within. As facts become harder to prove beyond reasonable doubt, conflicts risk spiraling into endless deadlocks. The challenge is no longer just who is right or wrong, but how to move forward when certainty is out of reach.

In this episode, we’re talking about something that’s always there in every dispute but often goes unnoticed:the wounds we carry into conflict.Because let’s be honest—when we argue, negotiate, or push back against someone, it’s rarely just about the issue at hand. What really drives us is the unseen,unspoken, and sometimes unresolved experiences of our past.

In this episode, we’re diving into a fascinating and deeply personal struggle: the tension between determinism and free will. At first glance, this might seem like a philosophical debate, something best left to dusty books and late-night discussions over wine. But in reality, this conflict plays out in our everyday lives, in our choices, our fears, and even in how we handle conflict itself.

Today, I want to share something personal: why I’m so captivated by conflict. Not just conflict in the sense of arguments or disagreements, but the deeper, richer idea of the conflict of opposites—the contrasts in life that make it worth living.

Here’s the thing: We can’t change the past. But the way we interpret it can profoundly influence our confidence and effectiveness in dealing with the inevitable tensions of life.

Let’s face it: Conflict has a way of hijacking our brains. Your boss sends you an email marked URGENT, and suddenly, your heart’s racing. Or your partner makes a snide comment at dinner, and your blood pressure skyrockets. So, what should you do? STOP!

Here's an idea that might make you uncomfortable: Some environments are built for conflict. Imagine a company where leaders lack emotional intelligence or common sense. They recruit without considering personality dynamics, mix oil with water, and then act surprised when tensions explode.