These days, with everyone multitasking and constantly plugged in, real connection can feel rare. But what if the key to resilience and healthy relationships wasn't about talking more, but listening better? 

In a world filled with noise, distraction, and division, could the simple act of truly listening be the key to deeper connection, better mental health, and greater understanding—even across opposing viewpoints? In this powerful and timely episode, Chester and Adrian are joined by journalist and workplace mediator Emily Kasriel, whose upcoming book, Deep Listening, explores how we can transform our relationships by listening not just to others—but also to ourselves.

Emily shares her 8-step method rooted in science and real-world examples—from Nelson Mandela’s reconciliation efforts to Indigenous listening rituals—showing how active listening can ease anxiety, bridge divides, and foster psychological safety at work and at home.

What You'll Learn:

• Why deep listening is a radical act in today’s distracted world
• How leaders can balance empathy and efficiency in the workplace
• The surprising benefits of listening to your "foes"
• How self-reflection and curiosity make you a better listener
• Why listening ≠ agreement—and how to hold boundaries while staying present
• A real-world story from Latvia that illustrates deep listening's power in divided communities

Notable Quotes:

“We rarely listen to understand. We listen to respond.” – Emily Kasriel
 “Listening does not signal agreement. It signals respect.” – Emily Kasriel
 “Being curious is the gateway to empathy and connection.” – Adrian Gostick

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Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.

If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.

Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.

They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.

Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.
Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...