Christian reveals a game-changing insight most people overlook: every time we listen, we bring an intention. Maybe to fix something. Maybe to understand. Maybe just to connect. But unless our intention matches what the other person actually needs, we miss the moment.
We can be kind, empathetic - and still leave them feeling unheard.

Drawing from his book (written with psychologist Robert Biswas-Diener), Christian introduces six distinct listening intentions - learning, understanding, solving, appreciating, connecting, influencing - and shows how choosing the right one can transform relationships, trust, and connection.

This isn’t just theory. Fiona and Christian share honest stories about when they got it wrong - and what it taught them about emotional intelligence, ego, and psychological safety. From leaders in the workplace to partners at home to fleeting interactions with strangers, this episode makes a bold claim:

Radical listening - when done with the right intention - is one of the most powerful relational tools we have.
And one of the most underused.

Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or just trying to build better connections in a noisy world, this conversation offers something rare:

A framework for listening that doesn’t just improve communication - it changes the way we are with others.

For more from Fiona go to:

www.fionamurden.com

Christian's book is out March 25 2025 

For more from Christian go to 

www.coachonmotorcycle.com

Practical Take-Aways from the Podcast on Radical Listening:

Matching Listening Intentions:

Before conversations, pause and consider: What does the other person want from this interaction?

Acknowledgement Techniques:

• Look for strengths in the other person
• Highlight things you admire about them

Quieting Inner Dialogue:

• Notice internal thoughts that might distract from listening
• Focus fully on the other person
• Minimize interrupting or thinking about your response

Practical Listening Experiments

• Listen to appreciate someone
• Ask "How can I be most helpful in this conversation?"
• Track the impact: How good did the interaction feel? (1-10 scale)

Connection Strategies

• Genuinely ask "How are you?" in everyday interactions
• Look people in the eye
• Show real interest in their responses
• Be open and curious
• Relationship Investment
• Practice listening as a way of building future relationship networks
• Invest time in quality interactions

For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com