Listen In

Imagine a cartoon opening a door to transform a challenging conversation into a productive and meaningful conversation in your team.  In this episode, we explore how listening and observation can engage humor which can shift our mindset and enhance our ability to engage with others meaningfully. Dave Coverly is the award-winning creator of the internationally syndicated cartoon Speed Bump, featured in hundreds of publications including The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and The Globe & Mail. A four-time winner of the National Cartoonists Society’s “Best Newspaper Panel” award, he received their highest honor, the Reuben Award for “Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year,” in 2009. His work appears on greeting cards, in books, and across major media outlets, and he serves as the principal cartoonist for BarkBox.  Dave Coverly has authored several cartoon collections and children's books published by Macmillan namely Speed Bump: A Collection of Cartoon Skidmarks (Andrews McMeel), Cartoons for Idea People (ECW)

What if our effort to listen well actually interfered with the power of listening itself? What happens when we let go and allow listening to be about presence, depth, and genuine human connection? In this episode, we’re joined by James Cook, a learning and development specialist in coaching and team development at a large global organization. With 28 years of experience in fast-moving consumer goods—spanning process development, supply chain, business optimization, and leadership—James has spent his career fostering growth and transformation. An ICF- and EMCC-accredited coach, he’s deeply committed to the power of listening, not just in leadership and team development, but also in life’s most critical moments. As a volunteer listener for Samaritans UK, he brings a unique perspective on the profound impact of listening in times of crisis. In this conversation, James shares personal stories and insights that have reshaped his understanding of what listening truly is—and how he applies these lessons in his daily

Have you ever felt unheard in a conversation?  Or wondered why society seems more divided than ever? Historian and podcast host Ramona Houston joins us to reveal how radical listening can bridge cultural divides, resolve conflicts, and reshape history. Ramona Houston is a U.S. historian specializing in African American and Mexican American history.  As we celebrate Black History Month, Ramona shares her insights on the power of listening and its impact on understanding history and resolving conflicts. In this episode, she highlights the significance of radical listening—truly hearing what others say and what remains unspoken. Ramona discusses how listening can transform relationships, whether personal or professional, and how it plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges. Through her experiences, Ramona emphasizes the importance of recognizing often-overlooked contributions to history, particularly from women and marginalized communities. By listening to diverse voices, we can reshape our understa

We all appreciate the dedication of healthcare providers. Yet, with only 10-minute appointments and research historically centered on men, the quality of care is impacted. Every day, countless women leave doctor’s offices feeling unheard, dismissed, or worse—misdiagnosed. Their symptoms are downplayed, their concerns minimized—especially with conditions like menopause and endometriosis, which often take years to diagnose. This doesn’t just affect women; it impacts their families and the men who support them. But what if there were a better way? In this episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast, join me in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sally Doust, a UK family physician with 12 years of experience. She reveals how the simple act of truly listening has transformed her patients' lives. Through real patient stories and practical insights, discover how empathetic communication and more research can bridge the critical gaps in women's healthcare and lead to better outcomes In this episode, she highlights th

What if too much collaboration can hinder productivity?   Our guest, author Joe McCormack, a communication expert who helps professionals navigate information overload, shares practical tips on how to balance collaboration with the essential quiet time needed for deep thinking. Joe McCormack is a communication expert who helps professionals navigate information overload.  As an entrepreneur, he founded Sheffield Company and The BRIEF Lab, specializing in concise communication and leadership development. He's the author of "Brief," "Noise," and "Quiet Works," which address the challenges of focus and distraction. His work includes a podcast, "Just Saying," and the development of "Quiet Workplaces," dedicated spaces for focused work. Previously, he was a senior executive at Ketchum. Joe McCormack holds a BA in English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago. In this episode, Joe discusses the release of his new book, Quiet Works, which is part of a trilogy focused on achieving clarity and intentionality at

Curious about the art of asking questions? Mike discusses the importance of crafting the right questions and how they can lead to deeper connections. Dr. Michael W. Purdy (PhD Ohio University) is co–editor with Deborah Borisoff (NYU) of Listening in Everyday Life: A Personal and Professional Approach (2nd ed). He has authored articles for the International Journal of Listening, (including two articles in 2015). His publications include: Listening and Qualitative Research, in Listening and Human Communication in the 21st Century; Listening and the Non–Technologized Self in Cultura De Guatemala This last year he also posted an article (Listening Ecology: Tuning into the Environment, Saving the Planet) for the Global Listening Centre (http://www.globallisteningcentre.org).  and Listening Nudges: Empowerment (Not Power) draft on academia.edu. In this episode of the Listening Superpower podcast, Mike shares his extensive journey in the world of listening, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liz, a respected voice in the realm of listening and cultural dynamics. Liz brings a unique perspective on how listening varies across different cultures and the importance of adapting our listening styles to foster deeper connections. Dr. Elizabeth S. Parks is an instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. An affiliate faculty with the Colorado School of Public Health. Dr. Parks' work is at the intersection of social science and the humanities and explores how we can improve listening across diversity and difference. Today, she has over 50 peer reviewed publications and two acclaimed books, including the recently published book that we'll talk about in the podcast, Listening the Key Concepts, which explores 177 different ways to listen. Her books bring deep insight into ethics and the power of listening. Liz shares her journey of growing up in a bicultural home, where she learned early on that listening is not a one-size-fits-all approach. She disc

Are you tired of being just another leader? Want to inspire your team, drive innovation, and build lasting relationships? The secret lies in a skill you may have overlooked: listening. Effective leadership often hinges on a surprising skill that can go unnoticed: listening. Raquel Ark shares that listening isn't just a soft skill; it's a powerful skill that can shape how you lead and influence. Imagine leading a team that's motivated, engaged, and full of ideas. Effective listening fosters trust, respect, and a positive work culture. It's can play an important role in increasing productivity and wellbeing for you and your team.  What if you could make better decisions, prevent explosive conflicts or manage tensions with more ease. Listening helps you connect with your team's needs, concerns, and aspirations, as well as your own. It's not just a skill; it's a superpower. Join Raquel as she explores the different types of power that listening can bring to leadership and everyday interactions, providing practica

How can the power of empathy create deeper connections with others? And what are work hacks that create a safe space in teams? Sebastian Kremser is the host of Empathie Schenker, a podcast where he listens to guests with empathy and no judgment. Sebastian is a process facilitator who helps clients navigate dynamic and complex environments, addressing both current and future challenges. Known for his empathetic and needs-oriented approach, he creates space for individual and organizational needs while fostering awareness of personal responsibility and potential through structured process guidance. After 12 years in the military, Sebastian transitioned in 2013 to become a consultant and coach, focusing on supporting organizations ranging from hierarchical public institutions to agile, collaborative structures. He is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a licensed mediator with the German Mediation Association. His work has taken him to China and Kenya, and he is a

Many organizations struggle to balance technical project demands with the human elements essential for successful change. This gap often leads to inefficiencies, low morale, and failed initiatives, despite thorough planning and structured processes. Ignoring the emotional aspects of teams prevents companies from unlocking their workforce's full potential. Integrating both technical and human sides of work, with a focus on consistent communication and emotional awareness, is crucial. Enabling this holistic approach helps organizations achieve dynamic processes that meet goals and foster a joyful, productive work environment. Agathe Daae-Qvale is an Integral Master Coach™ working in leadership development that focuses on both the human and tech sides of digital transformation. She works as a special advisor in the Norwegian public health care sector on new software technologies and their successful applications. In 2017, she founded TinkerBlue AS and later co-founded DoubleYou AS in an effort to unleash underus

Do you find yourself struggling to navigate through the storms of life, both personally and professionally? It's easy to get lost amidst the distractions and challenges, leaving us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. But there is a way to find clarity amidst the chaos: by listening to the voice of our own intuition and harnessing our inner strength to overcome any obstacle. Dubbed "the da Vinci of Visionary Leadership" by many leading authorities of our time, Oleg Konovalov is the author of *The Fisherman's Path to Leadership*, *The Vision Code*, *LEADEROLOGY*, *CORPORATE SUPERPOWER*, *ORGANISATIONAL ANATOMY*, and *HIDDEN RUSSIA*. Oleg sees every organization as unique and strongly believes that most leadership problems can be solved by shifting patterned paradigms and applying tailor-made solutions. He is on the Thinkers50 Radar, was shortlisted for the Leadership Award at Thinkers50 2021, is among the Global Gurus Top 30 in Leadership, and is the #1 Global Leading Coach (Marshall Goldsmith Thinkers50). In

In the workplace, we encounter various personalities, some more challenging than others. Traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy among colleagues or leaders can significantly impact workplace dynamics, leading to conflicts, manipulation, and toxicity within teams. Recognizing and understanding these traits can help you navigate such environments more effectively.   Meet our guest, Jon Gruda, a Professor in Organizational Behavior who specializes in anxiety, leadership, and personality research. He discusses how to identify characteristics of the Dark Triad and shares strategies on how to manage interactions with these individuals.   Jon Gruda is a lifelong learner with impressive credentials. He holds a PhD in Management from emlyon business school, a Doctorate in Psychology from Goethe University, and an MSc in Affective Neuroscience from Maastricht University, alongside several business and management degrees. Throughout his academic career, Jon has consulted organizational leaders and CEO

It's easy to feel drowned out, overlooked, or even silenced amidst the clamor of opinions and power plays. But what if, amid this chaos, we dared to pause and embrace a far reaching act—the profound power of listening? Imagine a world where instead of engaging in heated debates, we develop genuine, attentive listening. Not merely hearing words, but understanding the deeper nuances of human interaction and connection, even when on the surface, it seems to be only about the money.  My guest on your SUPERPOWER listening podcast, Peter Yaholkovsky, has an extensive background in the linguistic foundations of trust and communication, having studied and worked with Dr. Fernando Flores since the 1980's and being certified by the Strozzi Institute as a Master Somatic Coach. Over the past three decades, Peter has coached families and executive teams in building and restoring trust. Prior to his consulting career,  Peter practiced Internal Medicine as a Board Certified Internist after graduating from Stanford Universit

How often do you catch yourself merely waiting for your turn to respond, not really noticing or even caring about what the other person is trying to communicate. This reactive mode of communication often stifles genuine expression, preventing us  from fully emptying our thoughts and emotions. Consequently, a lack of authentic listening extends to various facets of our lives, from family dynamics to professional environments, hindering meaningful connections and triggering misunderstandings. Author of Better Listening, Stan Slovin has worked over 30 years in the securities industry with individuals, families, and business owners as a financial professional with major national brokerage firms. Stan earned his bachelor of science degree in finance at the Champaign- Urbana campus of the University of Illinois. He also holds a Juris doctorate from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Stan is actively involved in charitable organizations focusing on mental health and children with disabilities. He lov

It's easy to overlook the power of listening to and reflecting on the pulse of the team, encouraging genuine connection and understanding. Before moving ahead towards our goals, why not take a moment to take a pulse of the collective team energy, ensuring alignment and fostering a more empathetic environment?    As the Director of Engineering at Hotjar, Clint Calleja leads the engineering teams for the core features tribes, overseeing the development and delivery of web applications that help over 900,000 websites in 180+ countries understand and improve their user experience. With more than 16 years of experience, he has a proven track record of aligning, inspiring, and enabling others to succeed through communication, coaching, mentoring, and empowerment.   He uses a people-first, servant leadership approach and a data-driven, outcome-oriented mindset to guide teams and the organization towards achieving their goals and vision. His mission is to leverage his expertise in web applications, software developme

Navigating leadership authentically and self-care is not as easy, especially when it seems like everything around you is “crashing down”.  Yet, what if this is an opportunity to find your purpose?   Discover the power of listening in purpose-lead leadership through this thought-provoking podcast episode. Dive into a reflective conversation about the importance of being present, self-care, purpose, and trusting the process. Explore the journey of a working dad, leadership principles, and the impact of listening on personal and professional growth. In this episode,you will enjoy listening to how Benjamin ‘Benny’ Achenbach  has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship.  He shares a story about how he learned to listen to his inner voice amidst a family crisis that wiped his slate clean.  Benny is a sports enthusiast, a proud father of three, and the vice President of People & Culture at Just Spices GmbH . Benny shares his experience around heart led leadership and decision making. Not only do we talk abo

Conflicts can cause major stress on your relationships and your wellbeing. And often it's hard to put your finger on what just happened or why the same thing keeps happening.    What if in that moment of chaos, when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, listening could be your answer to breaking unhealthy communication patterns. In this episode of your listening SUPERPOWER podcast, we do a deep dive into how listening to our subconscious patterns and limiting beliefs can impact how we communicate at work and at home.     My guest Thais Gibson, the creator of the Gibson Integrated Attachment Theory™, gives us insight on how our subconscious patterns impact how we make meaning about ourselves and how this impacts how we communicate.    Her innovative framework unites traditional attachment theory, developmental psychology insights, and the potent subconscious reprogramming techniques.  She shares stories about how subconscious patterns can be managed for healthier relationships, and she gives us practical tips on

Imagine sitting in a chair looking into a camera and being seen in a new way that feels like complete belonging.  And even though it's new, it's like it has always been there. It's always been you.   Our guest filmmaker Nic Askew, shares a simple, yet profound way to experience listening, and his method may surprise you.  He is the creator of Soul biographies, which includes the search for the Soul of America.  His unique interview method is a profound way to witness the human soul. This is an experience where you feel interconnected, belonging and have conscious insight. Nic shares his stories about how he uses film and works with individuals and groups. Nic describes his work…“so that we might see ourselves reflected in each other so that we might see beyond all differences, so that we might come to remember that we belong to each other without condition, and act accordingly.” Enjoy listening to this unique episode where we dive into nothingness so that something can emerge.   “The business of a witness, we

It's easy to lose touch with our true selves in a world that constantly bombards us with external noise and expectations. We often find ourselves seeking validation and approval from others, forgetting that the most important voice to listen to is our own. Revealing our identities and embracing our unique qualities can be a transformative experience. It's about recognizing that we don't need to add anything or strive to be something we're not. We already are 100% enough, just as we are.  So why do we hesitate? Why do we hold back from presenting our authentic selves to the world? Perhaps it's the fear of judgment or the belief that we're still lacking in some way. But the truth is, we don't need anything else. We have everything we need within us to shine brightly. Dr. Katja Brunkhorst is a Human Disco Ball, with the following facets of serious serial expertise: Writer | Coach | Yoga Teacher | Punk Rock Philosopher | Personal Branding Strategist | Founder of Bright Idea, the agency for authentic communication

Are you ready to take your organization to the next level? When you decide to shift your time and resources towards systems, tools and processes for organizational listening to effectively listen to stakeholders, you will have impressive benefits that may surprise you. Be the pioneer.   Jim Macnamara, a pioneer in listening research and Distinguished Professor of Public Communication in the School of Communication at the University of Technology Sydney, returned to your listening SUPERPOWER Podcast to share incredible insights from his latest book, "Organizational Listening II: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice," published by Peter Lang.   Jim Macnamara is internationally recognized as a leader in evaluation of public communication and for his pioneering studies into organizational listening. He is the author of 16 books and almost 100 book chapters and journal articles and a sought-after keynote speaker. In this episode, Jim discusses the surprising lack of listening from governments and organizati