Relationships Let's Talk About It!

Gregg Levoy is a distinguished author, speaker, seminar leader and a frequent expert guest on various national news networks such as CNN, ABC-TV, NPR, and PBS. He is a regular contributing writer for Psychology Todayand the author of the books Vital Signs: The Nature and Nurture of Passion as well as Callings: Finding and Following An Authentic Life, the latter being one of Workforce Information Group's "Top 20 Career Publications." Additionally, he also conducts workshops for business, educational, governmental, faith-based, and human potential industries.

Gregg joins me today to share how taking risks can inspire others and benefit the relationships in your life. We discuss how to transform and enhance stagnant relationships as well as the significant role that creativity plays in improving your relationships. We also share stories of the risks that people in our lives have taken that inspired us to take various risks as well as the ways to nurture your relationships by identifying your individual passions.

"Say yes to yourself so you can say yes to your relationships because they will all benefit from your enlivenment and they will suffer from your dispassion." - Gregg Levoy

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• Why people's relationships become stagnant.
• Risks that enhance your relationship.
• What a vision quest is and how it affected my relationship with my wife.
• How taking risks can empower you to establish new limits in your mind and help you clearly define what you really want.
• How Gregg got inspired to travel to new places.
• The main reason I started a podcast.
• An inspiring message about pursuing a dream regardless of age.
• Why part of my mission is to encourage people to take risks.
• The individual steps to take when you're stuck in a stagnant relationship.
• The essence of stepping out in the relationship to bring the fire back.
• What percentage of your needs should be met by your primary relationships.
• How Gregg inspired one of his colleagues to take risks as he quit his day job to become a freelance writer.
• How to instill passion and inspiration when taking risks.
• The meaning of his father's advice, "Don't take courses. Take professors."
• The significant risk of moving into the town where his twin brother lives after their mother's efforts to separate them.
• How his decision to divorce affected the people around him.
• How my traveling and storytelling impacted my son's desire to travel and have his own stories.
• My wife's inspiring risks and adventures that I never thought she would do and the impact of sharing these with others.
• The legacies we want to leave.

Connect with Gregg Levoy:

• Gregg Levoy website
• Gregg Levoy on Facebook

Let's Talk About It!

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Relationships! Let's Talk About It - the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review.

Don't forget to visit our website, join us on Facebook at HeartShare Counseling and Relationships! Let's Talk About It, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.

And if our content has helped you forge deeper connections and more meaningful relationships, be sure to help support the show by visiting our Support the Podcast page!

Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

Relationships! Let's Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com

Respect, trust, and honesty are some of the factors that contribute to a healthy relationship. But there is one essential ingredient in the success of any relationship that many do not consider - emotional intelligence. To be able to understand and identify your emotions. To manage them well as you respond to the emotions of others. That beats being the top performer in class or at work because these abilities allow you to impact one of the things that matter most in life - your relationships.

Today, I discuss what emotional intelligence (EQ) is and the impact that having a high EQ can make in your life and the people around you. I share tips on how to show emotional intelligence in various relationship aspects such as with partners, colleagues, and children. I explain how men can contribute to their relationships in a positive way when they understand and increase their EQ. I also share why self-awareness is crucial in developing emotional intelligence and why self-regulation is the most important thing you can do to make the world a better place.

"Developing emotional intelligence is the very first step to relationship success." - Pripo Teplitsky

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• What emotional intelligence is and why it is significant in relationships.
• The essential role that self-awareness plays in enhancing emotional intelligence.
• Why you need to have a good emotional vocabulary and the benefits of learning emotional words.
• What the "sacred pause" is and the importance of pausing when cultivating your emotional intelligence.
• How to increase your self-awareness.
• The significance of knowing what makes you tick.
• How to increase your capacity to self-regulate.
• The difference between being a doormat husband vs. accepting your partner's influence.
• What the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" are in relationships.
• Telltale signs that a man is resisting his wife's influence.
• Why men may reject their partner's influence.
• How a wife can increase the positivity in her marriage.
• The relationship between emotional intelligence and being a good leader at work.
• The greatest modeling parents can do to their children.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work book by John Gottman
• Emotional Intelligence book by Daniel Goleman

Let's Talk About It!

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Relationships! Let's Talk About It - the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review.

Don't forget to visit our website, join us on Facebook at HeartShare Counseling and Relationships! Let's Talk About It, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.

And if our content has helped you forge deeper connections and more meaningful relationships, be sure to help support the show by visiting our Support the Podcast page!

Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

Relationships! Let's Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com

Have you ever felt trapped in a conversation with someone who can't seem to run out of things to say? You start to wonder when the monologue will end so you can carry on with your life and make the most out of your time. If bumping into a talkaholic feels like your time has been stolen from you, then it's time to speak the truth and be authentic in your encounters.

In today's episode, I explain the different factors that contribute to the making of a talkaholic. I share stories of my interactions with people who talk excessively as well as how I have experimented on my responses under those circumstances. I also share strategies you can use when dealing with talkaholics, including actual phrases you can practice and experiment with to discover the best way for you to handle these situations.

"Don't have the fear to interrupt. Allow yourself to do that - experiment with interrupting." - Pripo Teplitsky

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• The declaration my wife made during a significant time in her life that inspired me to be more authentic in my conversations.
• How my siblings and I rescued each other from our talkaholic Uncle Harry.
• What makes a talkaholic.
• How Excessive Talking Disorder is a symptom of several mental, physical, and emotional health issues.
• The effect on talkaholics when they listen to another person.
• How people with genuine self-confidence and self-esteem respond in conversations.
• What an arrogant person thinks that causes him or her to keep on talking.
• The possible effect of having even one dominant parent at home.
• Why it's crucial to know the cause of a talkaholic's excessive talking.
• How to still have compassion while maintaining your boundaries.
• Steps to take when confronting a talkaholic.
• Good starter sentences when confronting a talkaholic at work and at home.
• Ways to help others be aware of and cope with their excessive talking.
• Defining what a conversation is.
• Expressions I use as a therapist that work well and bring about empathy from the other person.
• When to leave the conversation.
• What to do if you intend to stay and not confront the person.
• How to use your imagination as a way to deal with a talkaholic.
• What 'mindfulness presence' is and how to practice it.
• Questions to ask when talking with a talkaholic.
• How to experiment with interrupting.
• How to take advantage of the pause.
• How to deal with talkaholics if the person is someone you have a relationship with.
• What happens when you do not do something to take care of yourself and be authentic.
• Why five minutes is a good allotment for a back and forth conversation.
• How to condition each other through the back and forth continuity of your discussion.
• The story of how a female talkaholic trained herself to pause and give chance to others.
• Different ways to set boundaries.

Sponsored by Still Point Wellness

Still Point Wellness is Asheville's premier spa experience. Enjoy effortless relaxation and rejuvenate your body through Still Point's world-class services including Esalen Massage®, Salt Water Floatation also known as sensory deprivation, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Somatic Psychology. Experience the healing powers of deep relaxation like never before!

Schedule your first appointment by visiting www.StillPointWell.comor call (828) 348-5372.

Mention the code:Pripoto receive 10% off your first Salt Water Floatation or Esalen Massage®!

Let's Talk About It!

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Relationships! Let's Talk About It- the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review.

Don't forget to visit our website, join us on Facebook at HeartShare Counselingand Relationships! Let's Talk About It, and follow us on Twitterand Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.

And if our content has helped you forge deeper connections and more meaningful relationships, be sure to help support the show by visiting our Support the Podcastpage!

Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

Relationships! Let's Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own greatpodcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com.

Sally and Randy Frazer are the owners of Double Exposure Art, a fine art & photography printmaking studio in Fletcher, North Carolina that helps artists archive and reproduce their work. On top of their passion, dedication, and use of top-quality materials, their ability to color-match your work truly sets their studio apart. Randy has been a sailor all his life and while they have been my neighbor for almost 20 years, their home has become a gathering point for several social events throughout our neighborhood. On today's episode, Randy explains what it takes to be a great neighbor. We discuss how he has looked out for his neighbors -- whether on water or land -- and how he has helped them not only because he wanted to, but also because the situation required him to. We also discuss how he provides assistance to others, the impact that being neighborly can have on children, and how his good deeds and intentions have enhanced my family, in particular.

"Some neighbors can get really stubborn. That's when we have to work on the compromise part." - Randy Frazer

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• The different kind of social gatherings that take place at Randy's house.
• What led to the 5-Day Feast at his home.
• Why compromise plays a crucial role in maintaining a harmonious neighborhood.
• The kind of family environment he grew up in.
• What makes it easy for him to reach out when someone needs help.
• What led him and his family to live in their current neighborhood.
• Why he built a house after traveling the world on a boat for two years.
• How to be neighborly even - if you're on a boat.
• How to connect with your neighbor who has different values than you.
• What brings people together.
• The difference between the relational neighbors in town and the ones in his current neighborhood.
• How children benefit from being neighborly.
• Why his wife is very accommodating towards the neighbors.
• What I learned from Randy that has impacted my life and my family.

Connect with Randy Frazer:

• Double Exposure Art Website
• Double Exposure Art on Facebook
• Double Exposure Art on Instagram
• Double Exposure Art on Twitter
• Double Exposure Art on Pinterest

Sponsored by Double Exposure Art

Double Exposure Art is a premier source for fine art printmaking services. Located in Fletcher, North Carolina, Double Exposure Art is passionate about helping artists archive and reproduce their artwork with highly accurate color matching skill and technology as well as top quality inks, papers, and canvas.

Be proud to share your artwork with the public. Contact Double Exposure Art for all your digital fine art and printmaking needs.

Visit DoubleExposureArt.comand use the code: Pripo to receive a one-time 20% discount on your first high-resolution digital capture.

Let's Talk About It!

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Relationships! Let's Talk About It- the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review. Don't forget to visit our website, join us on Facebook at HeartShare Counselingand Relationships! Let's Talk About It, and follow us on Twitterand Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.

Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

Relationships! Let's Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own greatpodcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com

Steve Torma is the co-founder of The REAL Center, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that is committed to encouraging compassion, communication, and intimacy. He is also the former president of Earthaven Ecovillage in Black Mountain, North Carolina as well as a former core faculty member of The Asheville Tantra School. For over 30 years, he has been passionate about helping others master the art of communication and compassion. His deep desire to help others seek healing and find direction in their lives led him to pursue training in several fields such as Non-Violent Communication, Radical Honesty, Restorative Circles, and Permaculture.

Steve joins me again to elaborate what non-violent communication is, what it looks like, and the different ways to show it. We discuss the concepts of Evolutionary Psychology, Mismatch Instincts, and Negativity Bias and why the latter is the greatest cause of human suffering. We also share helpful tips and tools to overcome Negativity Bias as well as how to change this habit so you can improve the quality of your life and your relationships.

"The more we focus on gratitude, the more we'll have neuro-pathways for gratitude and the more inner peace we'll have. The more inner peace we have, the better the relationships we will have. It just becomes an upward spiral." - Steve Torma

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• What is Non-Violent Communication (NVC).
• The "honesty" part of the NVC Model.
• The distinction between a need and a request.
• Examples of the four parts of the communication model in a real-life situation.
• The two types of requests in the NVC World.
• The kind of request that helps most people work through a conflict.
• Why making a connection request is crucial before making an action request?
• The significance of being curious and interested versus listening to judgmental self-talk - even during conflicts.
• Why curiosity is important in conversations.
• What empathy deficit is and why many people are operating on it.
• The concept "Interrupting a conversation to bring it back to life."
• The root behind the impulse of talkaholics.
• How to make it easier for people to hear feedback.
• Defining Evolutionary Psychology and its relation to a person's responses.
• What are Mismatched instincts?
• Identifying one of the most obvious types of mismatched instincts.
• The main mismatch instinct that hampers human beings.
• The ratio between positive interactions and negative interactions for a relationship to be sustainable.
• Explaining the concept of Unchosen Nature and how this explains a person's impulse to look for what's wrong.
• Why you should make a list of the ten most memorable positive moments in your life.
• The chain reaction that happens in your body when you choose to feel gratitude.
• The power of choice and changing your belief system.
• How negative awareness and thoughts are part of the healing and growth process.

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 10: Non-Violent Communication

Connect with Steve Torma:

• The REAL Center
• Email: [email protected]

Sponsored by Still Point Wellness

Still Point Wellness is Asheville's premier spa experience. Enjoy effortless relaxation and rejuvenate your body through Still Point's world-class services including Esalen Massage®, Salt Water Floatation also known as sensory deprivation, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Somatic Psychology. Experience the healing powers of deep relaxation like never before!

Schedule your first appointment by visiting www.StillPointWell.comor call (828) 348-5372.

Mention the code:Pripoto receive 10% off your first Salt Water Floatation or Esalen Massage®!

Let's Talk About It!

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Relationships! Let's Talk About It- the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review. Don't forget to visit our website, join us on Facebook at HeartShare Counselingand Relationships! Let's Talk About It, and follow us on Twitterand Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.

Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

Relationships! Let's Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own greatpodcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com

The secret to love is kindness -- a very simple concept that many people tend to overlook. Take a closer look at your relationships, for example. When was the last time you made coffee for your husband or gave your wife a back rub?

When was the last time you were present and available to listen to what your children had to say?

When was the last time you did an unexpected good deed for someone you don't know just because you want to be kind?

When was the last time you made a conscious effort to pay attention to your tone and attitude when expressing your feelings or a different point of view?

Today, I share how to be kind to the people in your relationships -- to your spouse, children, even to strangers. I explain the difference between being nice and being kind, the impact that a parent's kindness can have on their children's character, and the significance of being kind to yourself. I also emphasize the roles that your tone and body language play in showing kindness to others and yourself as well as some actionable tips on showing kindness to the people in your relationships.

"Research has shown that kindness along with emotional stability is the most important predictor of satisfaction and stability in a marriage." - Pripo Teplitsky

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• Why it is often hard for kindness to thrive.
• Why I believe people are not more kind to others.
• How being kind to yourself allows you to be more kind to others.
• Small acts of kindness you can do for yourself.
• Showing kindness by owning up to an unkind act.
• The best situation to practice kindness.
• Factors at the root of extreme niceness.
• The difference between being nice and being kind.
• How my wife has been a continuous inspiration of being kind to oneself.
• How openness, seeking positive attributes and giving them the benefit of the doubt are powerful signs of love and kindness.
• Telltale signs that you're not kind in the relationship.
• The importance of your tone and intention.
• Why people can take your text messages the wrong way.
• Choosing between leaving a voicemail versus texting emotional content.
• Why you should make it a priority to spend time with your spouse.
• The "hypocrisy of kindness" parents are not aware they're doing.
• How to show kindness through body language.
• An inspiring story about showing small acts of kindness to strangers.
• How the "little things" show small acts of kindness.
• How holding your tongue or holding back on things you want to say can be a small act of kindness.
• Quick tips on showing kindness to your spouse every day.
• One of the kindest acts a person can do.
• How being rude, hurtful, and mean destroys trust and intimacy in your relationships.
• Reflective questions parents can ask themselves to check if they are kind to their children.
• Things parents can do to show kindness to their children.
• The direct correlation between the parent's kindness towards their children and having kind children.
• Why moving away from talkaholics is considered a kind act to yourself.

Resource Mentioned:

• Diane A. Ross

Sponsored by Still Point Wellness

Still Point Wellness is Asheville's premier spa experience. Enjoy effortless relaxation and rejuvenate your body through Still Point's world-class services including Esalen Massage®, Salt Water Floatation also known as sensory deprivation, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Somatic Psychology. Experience the healing powers of deep relaxation like never before!

Schedule your first appointment by visiting www.StillPointWell.comor call (828) 348-5372.

Mention the code:Pripoto receive 10% off your first Salt Water Floatation or Esalen Massage®!

Let's Talk About It!

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Relationships! Let's Talk About It- the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review. Don't forget to visit our website, join us on Facebook at HeartShare Counselingand Relationships! Let's Talk About It, and follow us on Twitterand Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.

Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

Relationships! Let's Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own greatpodcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com