Varun Sharma has spent years working in green energy and hydrogen. So why is he now taking on defense and oil & gas clients?
Kwame Christian welcomes Varun back to the show to unpack "pragmatic idealism": holding on to your ideals while staying honest about how power actually works. Drawing on a decade in Estonia on NATO's eastern edge, a father who serve ... Show More
Oct 8
Vanessa Van Edwards: How to Turn Small Talk Into Real Connection
Vanessa Van Edwards once lost a dream TV deal over small talk. After 20 years of research, she knows how to turn small talk into real connection. On this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Vanessa Van Edwards, behavioral researcher, founder of Science of People and bestselli ... Show More
1h 49m
Oct 5
Why High Achievers Never Feel Successful | Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Kwame Christian sits down with psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, and it quickly turns into two high achievers comparing notes on the hidden cost of always chasing the next win. Kwame opens up abou ... Show More
1h 24m
Oct 1
Stop Grinding: Do Less, Protect Your Energy, and Perform Better With DJ Vanas
If you've been pushing hard but feeling empty, this episode will challenge everything you believe about high performance. DJ Vanas — Air Force veteran, member of the Ottawa Nation, and author of The Warrior Within (Penguin Random House) — brings centuries of tribal wisdom into a ... Show More
1h 7m
Jun 2025
Never Be Overlooked Again [Social Intelligence Brief]
You only get one shot at a first impression—and most of it happens before you even speak. In this episode, AJ and John break down the four science-backed factors that shape how people instantly judge your presence, confidence, and trustworthiness. Whether you’re walking into a jo ... Show More
15m 29s
Sep 2025
Why High-Value People Don’t Avoid Conflict | Social Intel Brief
Why do some people command instant respect without saying a word? In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal the four high value signals that separate quiet authority from desperate posturing. Respect isn’t about aggression, volume, or proving you belong—it’s about presence. With rese ... Show More
11m 6s
Oct 2025
How To Speak CLEARLY & Confidently Under Pressure
Ever find your mind going blank when all eyes are on you? Even with 10/10 expertise, if you can't communicate your ideas clearly under pressure, you're doing your hard work a disservice. In this episode, I’ll share a powerful 3-step framework to help you communicate with bulletpr ... Show More
9m 30s
Nov 2022
How to Make A Great First Impression: The Science Behind It with Sylvie di Giusto
People we meet make quick decisions about us. Should they hire us? Trust us? Buy something from us? Be friends with us? It takes a blink of an eye, and like it or not, you are going to be judged. Wouldn’t you want to limit the risk of wrong assumptions? In this episode, you learn ... Show More
27m 31s
Mar 2025
The Speaking Coach: The One Word All Liars Use! Stop Saying This Word, It's Making You Sound Weak! The More You Do This, The More You Sound Like A Liar!
How do you communicate like a top lawyer and command respect? Jefferson Fisher reveals the courtroom-tested tricks that win cases AND everyday conversations
Jefferson Fisher is a trial lawyer, communication expert, and host of ‘The Jefferson Fisher Podcast’, where he teaches ho ... Show More
2h 17m
Feb 2025
217. Silence Your Inner Critic: How to Stop Caring What Others Think (Without Burning Professional Bridges)
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> Are you tired of holding back in meetings, second-guessing your decisions, or letting the fear of judgment keep you from sharing your brilliant ideas? In this value-packed e ... Show More
21m 21s
Aug 2025
Body Language Expert: The #1 Cue That Makes People Dislike You
Ever wonder why some people just click with everyone? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Vanessa Van Edwards—behavioral investigator, author, and founder of Science of People—to break down the science behind first impressions, charisma, and connection. We dig into what pe ... Show More
55m 56s
Dec 2024
337: 3 Tips to Deliver a Killer Presentation That Makes You Unforgettable and Your Executive Presence Unquestionable
They already know what you’re going to say. That’s why you fail at influence.As a high-performing leader, you’re already juggling countless responsibilities, but here’s the thing: uninspired communication costs you credibility, opportunities, and executive presence.
In today’s f ... Show More
11m 22s
Sep 2025
#670: How To Get People To Really Listen To You
Do you ever feel invisible in conversations, overlooked in meetings, or ignored on social media — even when you know your ideas have value? In this episode, we dive into the art and psychology of being heard. You’ll learn why confidence alone isn’t enough, how to stop people from ... Show More
31m 58s