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This episode is step ten in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuring Steven Windisch, the Director of the Crime and Security Data Analytics Lab in the Terrorism Research Center at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Windisch's research breaks away from approaches limited to specific phases of the extremist’s life course, such as their period of incarceration. Instead, his research emphasizes the accumulation of risk factors (e.g., physical abuse) and life events (e.g., divorce) that occur during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and how these experiences increase one’s susceptibility to accepting extremist beliefs. 

 In this episode, we:

• discuss risk factors to lead to extremism
• examine the role of compassion and exposure in creating change
• the importance of support systems in drawing people out of extremism
• tangible tools to aid and be open to change
  
  

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the  Q&A with Dr. Windisch, please email [email protected] And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

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Timestamps:

04:26 Defining Change in Extremist Beliefs

12:21 Risk Factors and Pathways to Extremism

19:59 The Role of Compassion and Empathy

26:01 Challenges in Addressing White Supremacy

33:30 Navigating the Stigma of White Supremacy Upon Deradicalization

35:13 The Power of Kindness in Initiating Change

36:53 Personal Experiences with Change

38:36 Parenthood and Identity Transformation

40:17 The Process of Change and Openness

42:43 Challenges in Critical Conversations

46:10 Finding Common Ground in Difficult Dialogues

50:38 Supporting Change and Overcoming Stigma

59:16 Three Captivating Things

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This episode is step nine in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuring Barret Michalec, director of the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (CAIPER), and an associate professor in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Michalec’s research examines humility, empathy, and belonging, particularly within the healthcare field. 

 In this episode, we:

• discuss the difference between empathy and sympathy
• explore how to build emotional resilience
• define the concept of emotional contagion
• provide practical exercises for building empathy
  
  

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the  Q&A with Dr. Michaelec, please email [email protected] And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:

02:57 Understanding Empathy vs. Sympathy

03:26 Empathy in Critical Conversations

04:35 Empathy in Leadership

05:22 Judicial Empathy and Bias

07:58 Emotional Contagion in Clinical Settings

09:35 Building Emotional Resilience

13:47 Empathy Exercises and Practices

19:54 Innate Empathy and Adversity

25:02 Empathy, Vulnerability, and Humility

35:54 Expanding Empathy Beyond In-Groups

39:52 Understanding Limits and Vulnerability

42:39 The Science Behind Empathy

44:46 Empathy in Healthcare

48:34 Measuring Empathy

57:52 Practical Exercises for Building Empathy

01:04:34 Empathy and Decision Making

01:08:16 Three Captivating Things

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This episode is step eight in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuring Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School who was recently named a Best 40-Under-40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants. Her book TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves will be published by Crown (Penguin Random House) in January 2025.

Her research on the science of conversation has been published in prestigious academic journals, including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and Psychological Science, as well as in popular media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The New York Times, Scientific American, and Harvard Business Review. 

 In this episode, we discuss:

• how to build a secure identity
• the power of hedging and receptive language
• mechanisms for holding accountability in conflict
• ways to move away from small talk 
• tangible tools to release defenses in conversation
  
  

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the  Q&A with Dr. Brooks, please email [email protected] And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:

02:11 The Influence of Being a Twin

04:40 Exploring Self-Talk and Its Impact

06:32 Defining Conversation and Defensiveness

08:24 The Complexity of Conversations

10:29 The Dance of Communication

16:01 Navigating Sensitive Topics

19:39 Layers of Conversation Conflict

27:15 Building a Secure Identity

29:46 The Power of Receptive Language

32:21 Personal Reflections on Defensiveness

35:07 Accountability in Conversations

38:45 Navigating Difficult Conversations

44:41 The Art of Deep Conversations

51:28 Practical Tools for Better Conversations

54:48 Three Captivating Things

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This episode is step seven in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuring Dr. Mariel Buqué, an Afro-Latina psychologist and author of the best-selling book, Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. She earned her doctoral degree in psychology at Columbia University, where she trained as a holistic mental health fellow within Columbia University's Irving Medical Center. Within this role, she focused on helping Black and Latine community members overcome trauma and build better health; a mission she continues to carry into her consultation with health organizations and Fortune 500 companies. 

 In this episode, we discuss:

• why breaking the cycle of trauma is imperative for connection
• the impact of inflammation on physical health and mental wellbeing
• the impact of prolonged crisis on our DNA
• the relationship between ancestral knowing and epigenetics
• tools to heal intergenerational trauma

Don't forget to check out the bonus episodes that feature an audience Q&A and the Soundbath led by Dr. Buqué. And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:

02:32 Understanding Intergenerational Trauma: Definitions and Dynamics

04:46 The Role of Vulnerability in Healing and Connection

10:57 Challenging Traditional Therapy: Beyond Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

14:21 The Inflamed Mind: Rethinking Depression and Healing

16:44 Holistic Approaches to Mental Health: A New Paradigm

25:15 The Power of Ancestral Wisdom and Resilience

34:06 Confronting the Mental Health Crisis with New Perspectives

35:19 The Impact of Prolonged Crisis on Our DNA

35:35 Breaking the Cycle: Why It's Essential for Critical Conversations

35:45 Understanding Our Nervous System's Response to Stress

37:23 Reprogramming Our Bodies for Better Conversations

41:14 Introducing DRIVE: A Tool for Navigating Difficult Conversations

46:22 Exploring the Questions of What Happened to You

47:39 The Importance of Contextualizing Intergenerational Trauma

51:48 Ancestral Knowing and Western Medicine: Bridging the Gap

55:33 Practical Steps for Addressing Intergenerational Trauma

01:02:33 Breaking the Cycle Beyond Procreation

01:05:32 Three Captivating Things

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This episode is step six in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Julian Treasure, a top-rated international speaker and award-winning author on the power of sound and the skills of speaking and listening for both individuals and organizations. Julian’s five TED talks have been viewed more than 150 million times; one of them is the sixth most-viewed of all time. He is also an audio branding consultant who uses innovative biophilic soundscapes in retail and hospitality spaces.

 In this episode, we discuss:

• the difference between listening and hearing
• the impact of noise on our relationships and conversations
• the power of music and sound in shaping behaviors
• the perfect setting for critical conversations
• tools to harness the art of listening

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the  Q&A with Julian Treasure, please email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:

01:20 Julian Treasure: The Sound Expert

06:01 Understanding Listening vs. Hearing

09:27 The Personal Nature of Listening

18:21 The Impact of Listening on Critical Conversations

29:22 The Power of Context in Communication

31:16 The Unseen Impact of Noise Pollution

32:21 How Sound Affects Us: A Deep Dive

35:14 The Power of Music and Sound in Shaping Behavior

36:47 Crafting the Perfect Setting for Critical Conversations

38:48 The Art of Listening: Enhancing Interpersonal Communication

48:04 Exploring Silence and Its Varieties

56:46 Three Captivating Things

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This episode is step five in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Natalie Nixon, a creativity strategist and keynote speaker. She is valued for her accessible expertise in creativity, the future of work, and innovation. Natalie has been named among the top women keynote speakers by Real Leaders and BigSpeak and has features in Forbes, Fast Company, and INC. She is the author of the award-winning book, The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation and Intuition at Work, and her firm, Figure 8 Thinking, was named among the top women-led innovation firms by Core 77.

 In this episode, we discuss:

• the influence of inquiry on innovation and creativity different question typologies  
• how the power of inquiry distinguishes the rule-makers from the rule-followers
• tangible tools to enhance your inquiry skills

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the  Q&A with Dr. Nixon, please email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:

00:00 The Power of Silence and Inquiry

00:28 Introducing Critical Conversations Podcast

01:12 Step Five: Mastering the Art of Asking Questions

01:28 Spotlight on Dr. Natalie Nixon: Creativity and Inquiry

02:05 Exploring Inquiry with Dr. Nixon

04:05 Personal Reflections on Inquiry and Relationships

05:35 Embracing Ambiguity and the Unknown

07:35 The Role of Questions in Expanding Creativity

12:19 Inquiry as a Tool for Connection and Empathy

17:29 Cultural Contexts and the Art of Asking

21:56 Silence, Confidence, and the Inquiry Process

40:03 Practical Steps to Cultivate Inquiry

51:55 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

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This episode is step four in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Peter T Coleman, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University and a renowned expert on constructive conflict resolution, intractable conflict, and sustaining peace. Dr. Coleman has authored or edited a dozen books, well over 100 scientific articles and chapters, is the recipient of various awards, and his work has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Nature, Scientific American, PBS Newshour, and Harvard Business Review. His most recent book, The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization (2021) focuses on breaking through the intractable polarization plaguing the U.S. and other societies.

 In this episode, we:

•  discuss the benefit of conflict
• explain how to navigate political discussions with family, friends, and strangers
• identify the importance of tolerance
• provide tools for conflict resolution

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the  Q&A with Dr. Coleman, please email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro

01:32 Insights from Dr. Peter T. Coleman on Conflict and Polarization

03:41 Understanding Polarization: Definitions and Implications

04:43 The Constructive Side of Political Differences

09:11 Personal Stories and the Power of Intention in Conversations

13:40 Dialogue vs. Debate: Strategies for Meaningful Conversations

20:23 The Role of Self-Awareness in Navigating Conflict

27:59 Practical Tips for Reducing Conflict and Enhancing Understanding

33:52 Exploring the Mind-Body Connection in Conflict Resolution

35:13 The Evolution of Human Conflict and Settlement

35:53 Navigating Political Discussions at Family Gatherings

36:48 Setting the Tone for Constructive Conversations

37:40 Conflict Resolution in the Classroom: A Case Study

39:41 The Challenge of Changing Minds and the Power of Listening

44:50 Complicating the Narrative: Beyond Two Sides

58:27 The Importance of Tolerance and Understanding in Conflict

01:01:14 Personal Interests Beyond Conflict Resolution

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This episode is step three in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Todd B. Kashdan, a Professor of Psychology at George Mason University, and a leading authority on well-being, curiosity, courage, and resilience. He has published over 200 scientific articles, his work has been cited over 35,000 times, and he received the American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology. His books The Art of Insubordination,  Curious? and The Upside of Your Dark Side have been translated into over 15 languages. His writing has appeared in the Harvard Business Review, National Geographic, and other publications, and his research is featured regularly in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, Fast Company, and Time Magazine. 

 In this episode, we:

• define curiosity
• identify ways to become more "psychologically flexible"
• discuss why curiosity is key to conversation
• provide tangible tools to cultivate curiosity

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the  Q&A with Dr. Kashdan, please email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(02:39) The Journey from Panic Attacks to Curiosity

(08:35) Curiosity as a Tool for Personal Growth

(12:22) Cultivating Curiosity: Strategies and Insights

(17:13) Curiosity in Relationships and Social Dynamics

(24:27) Curiosity as a Lifelong Learning Skill

(29:22) Innovative Decision-Making Processes

(30:09) Exploring Psychological Flexibility

(35:54) The Power of Self-Distancing

(40:20) Curiosity as a Tool for Critical Conversations

(51:47) The Role of Curiosity in Understanding and Inclusion

(55:07) Three Captivating Things 

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This episode is step two in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, with expertise in stereotyping and prejudice from the perspective of both target and perceiver, intergroup relations, and how these processes influence educational outcomes.

 In this episode, we:

• define the three elements of bias
• discuss the importance of bias in critical conversations
• examine how bias is an outcome of fear
• provide tangible practices to address personal biases

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Live Q&A with Dr. Hanson, please email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:

(00:01:22) Defining Bias

(00:08:02) Rudy's Personal Story on Food Addiction

(00:14:27) Addressing Bias in a Safe Space

(00:15:12) Providing Grace During Critical Conversations

(00:21:17) Addressing Bias as a Skill to Hone

(00:31:02) Bias and Fear

(00:24:28) Science Behind Self-Awareness

(00:39:39) Cultural Associations

(00:44:19) Tangible Practices to Address Personal Biases

(00:46:49) Three Captivating Things 

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This episode is step one in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Rick Hanson, a psychologist, senior fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times bestselling author. His seven books have been published in 31 languages and include Making Great Relationships, Neurodharma, Hardwiring Happiness, and Buddha's Brain, with over a million copies in English alone. He's the founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Studies. He's also the co-host of the Being Well podcast, which has been downloaded over 10 million times. His free newsletters have 250, 000 subscribers, and his online programs have scholarships available for those with financial needs.

 In this episode, we:

• define mindfulness and self-awareness and contrast the two
• discuss the importance of self-awareness in critical conversations
• unpack the science behind self-awareness
• provide tangible practices to becoming more self-aware

If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Live Q&A with Dr. Hanson, please email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening! 

And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)

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Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Defining Mindfulness and Self-Awareness

(00:09:11) Why Self-Awareness is Important in Critical Conversations

(00:12:39) How Self-Awareness Creates Joy

(00:16:26) How Self-Awareness Cultivates Connection to Others

(00:17:18) Horizontal vs. Vertical Self-Awareness

(00:21:38) Self-Awareness and Vulnerability

(00:24:28) Science Behind Self-Awareness

(00:35:13) Self-Awareness in the Face of Adversity

(00:40:09) Tangible Practices to Enhance Self-Awareness

(00:55:29) Three Captivating Things 

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