What does it really mean to “speak your truth”? And when does honesty strengthen connection—or quietly damage it?

In this episode of the More in Common Podcast, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor sit down with Jen Oliver—speaking coach, podcast host, and founder of Speaking Real Communications—to explore the emotional, relational, and cultural complexity of truth-telling.

Jen shares her personal “no lying” experiment inspired by Martha Beck, unpacking how small, socially acceptable untruths create distance in relationships. Together, they examine the difference between honesty that’s true, kind, and necessary, and honesty that’s self-serving, avoidant, or unintentionally harmful.

From intimate relationships and parenting to recovery culture and modern “speak your truth” rhetoric, this conversation challenges black-and-white thinking and offers a more human, compassionate framework for emotional honesty.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

00:00 – Cold open & unexpected honesty

03:00 – Meet Jen Oliver

04:45 – The “no lying” challenge

07:30 – Giving people the dignity of their response

10:45 – Honesty vs. emotional responsibility

14:30 – The Three Gates of Honesty

18:00 – Parenting, protection, and selective truth

21:30 – Truth as a barrier or a bridge

24:00 – Leaving certainty behind

27:15 – “Do I look good in this?”

30:30 – Why this conversation continues

Emotional honesty

Speaking your truth

Authentic communication

Emotional intelligence

Relationship communication

Truth vs kindness

Boundaries and self-trust

Vulnerability and connection

Masculinity and emotional awareness

Conflict navigation

Jen Oliver is a speaking coach, podcast host (Listen for Real), and founder of Speaking Real Communications. Her work focuses on helping leaders and creatives communicate with authenticity, courage, and emotional clarity—without performing or people-pleasing.

In this episode of More in Common, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor are joined by Zach Amatore to explore the journey of emotional awareness and how masculinity is shaped by environment, leadership, and lived experience.

Zach reflects on growing up in high-pressure, male-dominated spaces — from sports culture to family business — and how those environments influenced how emotion, anger, and authority were expressed. The conversation examines how men often confuse intensity with aggression, why emotional regulation is misunderstood as weakness, and how learning to pause can radically change relationships at work and at home.

Throughout the episode, Zach connects his personal growth back to the emotional intelligence tools he learned through More in Common alongside Keith — emphasizing listening without fixing, managing tone, and creating safety in male relationships. Rather than rejecting masculinity, the discussion reframes it as something that evolves through awareness, accountability, and intentional practice.

This episode is for anyone navigating leadership, fatherhood, relationships, or self-growth — especially men learning how to hold strength and emotional clarity at the same time.

emotional awareness, emotional intelligence, modern masculinity, male identity, leadership, mental health, vulnerability, communication, conflict regulation, personal growth, masculinity studies, podcast

00:00 – Introduction & setting the conversation

Emotional awareness is learned, not innate

Masculinity isn’t broken — it evolves

Regulation creates trust, not weakness

Listening is often more powerful than solving

Growth happens through practice, not perfection

“Masculinity isn’t about being louder — it’s about being steadier.”

“Sometimes the pause is the most powerful move.”

“Strength without awareness turns into damage.”

In this episode of More in Common, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor sit down with Zach Amatore to explore what it actually looks like to practice emotional intelligence in real life—at work, in leadership, and in moments of pressure.

Zach’s appearance on the show isn’t accidental. As he shares in the conversation, his approach to emotional regulation, listening, and supporting others was deeply shaped by the More in Common learning he experienced alongside Keith. That foundation—slowing down before reacting, staying present in hard moments, and choosing curiosity over control—runs through every part of this discussion.

Together, they unpack why “staying calm” isn’t about suppressing emotion, but about creating space for clarity, trust, and better outcomes. From workplace dynamics to being heard without overpowering others, this episode explores how emotional mastery shows up not as perfection, but as practice.

This conversation is for anyone navigating leadership, teamwork, or personal growth—and wondering how to respond more thoughtfully when it matters most.

communication

Curiosity can disarm conflict when it’s rooted in care, not performance

Listening isn’t passive—it’s an intentional skill

We often react to discomfort before we understand it

Slowing down creates room for better conversations

You don’t need to fix someone to show up for them

“Curiosity isn’t about being right—it’s about staying open.”

00:00 – Opening & episode framing

02:15 – Why curiosity feels risky

06:40 – Listening vs. reacting

11:30 – Power, identity, and discomfort

17:10 – Slowing the conversation down

22:45 – Curiosity as an act of care

28:30 – What it looks like to stay present

33:20 – Final reflections & listener takeaway

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More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

More In Common Podcast

In this episode, Keith Richardson, Gerren Taylor, and Nicholas Miller unpack the confusion, pressure, and possibility surrounding modern masculinity. As social expectations shift, many men are left asking: What am I supposed to do now?

Rather than framing masculinity as something broken, this conversation reframes it as evolving—and explores how healthier models of masculinity can foster connection, purpose, and emotional resilience.

🕒 Episode Chapters

🧠 Key Takeaways

💬 Memorable Quotes

🔑 Keywords & Topics

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ 

Keywords

masculinity, code-switching, social connections, loneliness epidemic, impression management, gender roles, community building, emotional literacy, fatherhood, societal expectations

This conversation delves into the complexities of masculinity, exploring themes of code-switching, societal expectations, and the importance of community. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how men navigate their identities in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the need for emotional literacy and connection to combat loneliness and isolation.

Code-switching is a form of impression management in social contexts.

Sound bites

"Life is a game. It's all dramaturgy."

00:00 The Complexity of Masculinity and Code-Switching

About the Guest

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

In this episode of More In Common, hosts Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson sit down with sociologist and systems-change strategist Nicholas Miller to explore the evolving meaning of masculinity in today’s world.

Using public conversations around modern masculinity—including ideas popularized by Scott Galloway—as a starting point, the group examines how masculinity has always been shaped by economic systems, social expectations, and access to opportunity. They discuss why narratives around rugged individualism, dominance, and self-reliance no longer serve most men—and never truly served everyone equally.

The conversation addresses the growing male loneliness crisis, the misdirection of resentment toward women and immigrants, and why redefining masculinity isn’t about blame—but about reconnection. Rather than offering a single definition, the episode makes space for multiple masculinities rooted in care, accountability, protection, and community.

This episode launches a multi-part series exploring masculinity, identity, and what it means to belong in a rapidly changing world.

Masculinity is socially constructed, not biologically fixed

There has never been one “correct” way to be a man

Economic systems shape identity more than we admit

Loneliness is a structural issue, not a personal failure

Blame narratives distract from systemic causes

Protection, care, and accountability are undervalued masculine traits

Redefining masculinity is essential for healthier relationships and communities

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Why Masculinity Is Having a Moment

Nicholas Miller is a tenured sociology professor at Sacramento City College, founder of multiple workforce pipeline programs, and co-founder of nationally recognized initiatives supporting justice-impacted students. He is also the founder of Conduits for Change, partnering with organizations to build equity-driven cultures and sustainable community impact.

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

Keywords

Thanksgiving, family dynamics, conversation strategies, emotional intelligence, holiday stress, boundaries, gratitude, family traditions, communication tips, conflict resolution

In this episode, Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson discuss the complexities of family dynamics during Thanksgiving. They share personal anecdotes and explore the emotional tensions that can arise during family gatherings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, establishing boundaries, and navigating difficult conversations with curiosity and grace. The hosts provide practical strategies for maintaining peace and fostering meaningful connections, ultimately highlighting the significance of gratitude and shared experiences during the holiday season.

Self-awareness is crucial when navigating family dynamics.

Sound bites

"Don't try to win Thanksgiving."

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections

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More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ 

Summary

In this conversation, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor explore the No True Scotsman logical fallacy, and the complexities of belonging and identity in social movements. They discuss how purity tests can create division and the importance of empathy and curiosity in fostering deeper connections within communities. The dialogue emphasizes the need for inclusivity and understanding in navigating diverse perspectives, ultimately advocating for a more open and accepting society.

Hamilton, No True Scotsman, belonging, identity, purity tests, empathy, curiosity, social movements, community, inclusion

Hamilton is a cultural masterpiece that resonates across age groups.

"It's a purity test that has no definition."

00:00 The Cultural Impact of Hamilton

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More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ 

Summary

In this conversation, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor delve into the topic of logical fallacies, particularly focusing on ad hominem attacks. They explore the different forms of ad hominem, how these fallacies manifest in political discourse, and the emotional triggers that lead to such attacks. The discussion emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating conversations and offers strategies to avoid falling into the trap of ad hominem reasoning. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with curiosity and to reflect on their responses in discussions.

Keywords

logical fallacies, ad hominem, emotional intelligence, political discourse, communication skills

Takeaways

Logical fallacies can hinder productive dialogue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Logical Fallacies

Summary

In this episode of the More In Common Podcast, Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson delve into the concept of logical fallacies, specifically focusing on the straw man argument. They explore how these arguments manifest in discussions, the emotional implications behind them, and the importance of curiosity and clarity in communication. The hosts emphasize the need for emotional intelligence and community connection to navigate disagreements effectively, ultimately advocating for a more understanding and less combative approach to conversations.

Keywords

logical fallacies, straw man argument, emotional intelligence, communication, debate, curiosity, understanding, community, conflict resolution, conversation skills

Logical fallacies hinder effective communication.

Sound bites

"Curiosity is key to understanding."

00:00 Introduction to Logical Fallacies