The final installment of our series explores the conversations that most of us dread, like frank discussions of our differences or a negative performance review at work. We often anticipate that these chats will go badly—and end in hurt feelings or embarrassment—but there are proven ways to make them easier to navigate.
Host Charles Duhigg talks with psycho ... Show More
Mar 2025
2. How to Communicate Without Words
Why is it that we can tell someone “I’m totally fine!” and they instantly know we’re not? Gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other subtle nonverbal cues play a huge role in how we connect with one another. In this episode, host Charles Duhigg explores how we communi ... Show More
28m 37s
Feb 2025
The Conversations that Bring Us Closer
Last week on the show, we looked at the science of conversation, and how even ordinary chats can involve a delicate dance of coordination. This week, we explore the discussions we all dread: the tough ones. Telling someone they treated us poorly. Demanding a raise. Taking away an ... Show More
49m 17s
Jan 2025
The science of better workplace conversations
What can we learn about the way we speak by analysing thousands of everyday conversations? That’s a question that fascinates Alison Wood Brooks. Alison, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, and author of the forthcoming book, Talk: The Science of Conversation and th ... Show More
17m 41s
Jun 4
How Asking One Hard Question Builds Deeper Trust, with Alain de Botton
This new Essential Habits series breaks down the key habits behind high performance, one episode at a time. This week’s habit is deceptively simple: asking better questions.Philosopher Alain de Botton joins us to explore how a single, uncomfortable question, “How have I annoyed y ... Show More
34m 31s
Mar 2025
112. Hater Hour: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Leaving Mormonism, and Making Adult Friendships | ft. Prince Abi Our Editor!
It’s about time we had another Hater Hour…and in this episode, Caroline is joined by Not For Everyone Editor Prince Abi! They’ve got lots to say about listener submissions, including discussions about freelancing, working together while maintaining their friendship, building a li ... Show More
1h 37m
Jul 11
How to Handle Difficult Conversations
Avoiding tough conversations might feel easier, but it often holds us back.In this episode, Jake and Damian unpack why leaning into difficult conversations is essential for growth, connection, and real leadership. With insights from guests like James Vowles, Emily Maitlis, Charle ... Show More
23m 15s
Nov 2022
Difficult Conversations and How to Discuss What Matters Most | Human Behavior | YAPClassic
"Hey, we need to talk..." -- if these words scare you, trust that you're not alone! Whether we’re dealing with an underperforming employee, upset with our spouse, or facing issues with a difficult client, we attempt to avoid difficult conversations every day. Healthy relationship ... Show More
53m 45s
Mar 2025
The Truth About Bringing Your "Authentic Self” To Work - A Leadership Coach Explains
Work takes up more of our lives than almost anything else—so it’s no wonder that it can leave us feeling drained, stuck, and oftentimes further away from who we authentically are. This week, JVN is sitting down with leadership coach and author Mory Fontanez to unpack what it real ... Show More
51m 17s
Jun 18
Special: Difficult Conversations
From April 27, 1999: Oprah dedicates a show to women who have a hard time expressing their true feelings when in difficult situations and conversations. Assertiveness coach, Jan Ferris, shares the importance of boundary setting and tips for learning how to say, “No.” New York Tim ... Show More
34m 20s