Think you’re either born a great conversationalist or destined to struggle through awkward small talk forever? Think again. In this episode, I chat with Alison Wood Brooks, behavioral scientist and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. We dig deep into the hidden mechanics of conversation, the myths holding us back, and tools you can use to connect meaningfully with anyone—whether you’re closing a deal, leading a team, or simply sharing stories with friends and family.

This isn’t your standard “how-to” guide. Alison’s research-backed insights and unique personal anecdotes make this an episode that will shift how you approach every interaction. From the small details of word choice to the big-picture art of building trust, we uncover how the most essential life skill—talking—is also the most overlooked.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why even “bad” small talk can be a bridge to deep connections

• The subtle art of asking questions that captivate, not interrogate

• Why humor isn’t about being funny—but about finding the fun

• Alison’s favorite tricks to save a dying conversation without breaking a sweat

• How technology has unlocked groundbreaking ways to study human dialogue

• Tools to turn awkward moments into powerful opportunities

Get ready to rethink what it means to truly communicate. This episode is packed with ideas you’ll want to try out immediately.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Check out Alison’s website

Alison’s Book: Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves

What does it take to truly excel under pressure, build an unbeatable team, and achieve your goals?

In this episode, I sit down with Rich Diviney, retired Navy SEAL officer and author, to uncover the secrets behind human performance and team dynamics. Rich shares his insights on the attributes that determine success, how to identify them in ourselves and others, and what separates good performers from exceptional ones. We dive into the profound difference between skills and attributes, the power of humility, and how to leverage resilience and perseverance in both life and business.

Whether you're striving to grow your business, lead a high-performing team, or simply become the best version of yourself, this episode will keep you moving forward. Tune in and find out what it really takes to thrive in uncertain and challenging environments.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The difference between skills and attributes—and why one matters more under pressure

• The essential attribute for bouncing back after setbacks

• Why humility is the secret weapon of high-performing teams

• How to focus only on what you can control and avoid the trap of overthinking

• The surprising link between your identity and your performance

• Why perseverance without resilience can lead to burnout

• The Navy SEAL approach to breaking down overwhelming challenges

• A quick tool to master compartmentalization and stay focused under stress

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Jonny Miller’s Episode on Nervous System Mastery

Henning Streubel’s Episode on Quickly Processing Setbacks

Check out Rich’s Company’s Website

Special code for 15% off the assessment: REALRELATIONSHIPS15

Have you ever wished your team would come to you with solutions instead of problems? In this episode, I sit down with Dominic Ashley-Timms , co-author of The Answer is a Question, to discuss how a simple shift in how you engage with your team can save you time, build confidence in others, and transform your impact from manager to leader. Dominic shares a groundbreaking method of “operational coaching” that replaces reactive solutions with questions that unlock potential. Drawing on years of research and proven results, Dominic explains how this powerful method can free up 20-50% of your time—so you can focus on what really matters, whether it's growth targets, client relationships, or innovation.

We break down Dominic’s “STAR Model,” a proven framework to stop, think, ask, and get results. Plus, Dominic shares some of the most provocative questions you can ask to change context, challenge barriers, and unleash your team’s ability to solve their own problems. If you’re ready to transform how you lead, this episode will give you the tools to engage differently and achieve more—without working harder.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• How to save 20-50% of your time as a leader

• Why solving your team’s problems for them is holding everyone back

• How the STAR model turns everyday conversations into coaching moments

• The simple question that boosts commitment and follow-through

• Why “low-power” questions are your secret leadership blind spot

• What happens when you challenge your team’s assumptions with a question

If you want to dive deeper into Dominic’s transformative approach, check out his book, The Answer is a Question. To take it even further, explore starmanager.global here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reshape how you lead, engage your team, and free up time for what truly matters!

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Have you ever wondered what really makes professional relationships thrive?

In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of building meaningful connections with Jason Levin, author of Relationships to Infinity. Together, we unpack why so many people say “Let’s keep in touch” but rarely follow through—and explore actionable ways to break that cycle. Jason shares the secrets of leveraging dormant ties, cultivating authentic networks, and creating consistent habits that make relationships flourish.

Curious about how relationships can shape your ceiling of success? Tune in to discover the surprising, often overlooked truths behind nurturing your network and why it's never too late to start.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why “Let’s keep in touch” might be the most misleading phrase in networking—and how to fix it

• The science behind dormant ties and how they can open unexpected doors

• A simple, one-sentence strategy to instantly reignite old connections

• How guilt and discomfort hold you back—and the surprising ways to overcome them

• The underestimated value of sharing memories in strengthening relationships

• Why ambiverts might have the ultimate networking superpower

• The role of gratitude in building lasting connections—and how it benefits you, too

• A practical approach to networking events that eliminates the “icky” feeling

Ready to take your relationship-building skills to the next level? Connect with Jason Levin at ReadySetLaunch.net or reach out directly via email at Jason@ReadySetLaunch.net, and be sure to grab a copy of his book, Relationships to Infinity.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Jason

Grab Jason’s book Relationships to Infinity

My favorite version of the "The Waiting" by Tom Petty

Check out the surgeon general's white paper on loneliness

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What if improvisation wasn’t just for comedy, but a game-changer for business, relationships, and even personal growth?

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Leonard, the creative force behind Second City's groundbreaking use of improv training in the corporate world. From recruiting comedy legends like Tina Fey and Steve Carell to co-authoring the acclaimed book Yes, And, Kelly shares stories, insights, and research-backed techniques that redefine how we approach collaboration, listening, and adaptability. You'll learn how to build trust, navigate ambiguity, and create powerful ensembles in business and life.

Kelly also delves into the science behind improv. Whether you're prepping for a high-stakes pitch, navigating personal challenges, or just looking to sharpen your creative edge, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The “Yes, And” philosophy and how it fosters creativity and collaboration

• A surprising FBI training exercise to build agility under pressure

• How to turn disagreement into a productive conversation with one simple phrase

• Stories of famous improvisers and the magic of ensemble thinking

• Why listening deeply is the ultimate superpower in high-stakes situations

• How improv can help heal anxiety and build resilience

• The unexpected ways improv transforms both individuals and organizations

If you enjoyed this conversation with Kelly Leonard, dive deeper into his world! Check out my interview on Kelly’s podcast, Getting to Yes, And. Don’t miss his acclaimed book, Yes, And, a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their collaboration and creativity.

Learn more about The Second City here, and tune into Kelly’s podcast here. You can also connect with Kelly directly on LinkedIn or follow his updates on X.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to the Give to Grow episode on Kelly’s Podcast: ​​https://www.secondcity.com/network/mo-bunnell-give-to-grow

Check out Kelly’s book, Yes, And: https://a.co/d/6f6lDYT

The Seconde City: https://www.secondcity.com

Subscribe to Kelly’s podcast: https://www.secondcity.com/network/category/getting-to-yes,-and-podcast

Connect with Kelly on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-leonard-b8495047/

Connect with Kelly on X: https://www.twitter.com/KLsecondcity

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What if trust, not time, is the true currency of relationships?

In this episode, I sit down with David Horsager, global trust expert and author of Trust Matters More Than Ever, to unpack the essential role of trust in business and life.

We dive into a high-level view of David’s research-backed eight pillars of trust. From the power of clarity and compassion to the underestimated influence of commitment and competency, you’re sure to walk away from this episode with a better understanding of how trust can transform client relationships, team dynamics, and leadership.

Tune in to learn how you can leverage trust to build stronger, more reliable connections in every area of your life.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why trust—not time—is the real currency of strong relationships

• How clarity can make or break trust in a crowded, distracted world

• Tools for rebuilding trust when it’s been broken

• Practical methods to show authentic appreciation that resonates

• How a simple engagement statement can boost connection and retention

Whether you’re aiming to improve client relationships, inspire your team, or enhance personal growth, David’s proven strategies will help you take your skills to the next level. Don’t forget to check out his book, Trust Matters More Than Ever, and review his latest research and tools at trustedge.com

Resources Mentioned:

Get the Trust Matters More Than Ever book

Check out the Trust Edge Website

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What does it really take to lead yourself before you can effectively lead others?

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hawk, host of The Learning Leader Show and author of multiple books including "The Score That Matters." With over 600 episodes under his belt interviewing top performers, Ryan shares his thoughts around leadership, personal growth, and the mindset needed for sustained excellence. We dive deep into his personal purpose statement of inspiring others to value and pursue excellence, and how he lives this out through his four core values: being thoughtful, thankful, curious, and consistent.

We also discuss the importance of setting up systems and environments that make personal growth inevitable, including how to develop your own purpose statement and values that actually drive behavior change.

If you're ready to move beyond surface-level leadership advice and discover how to create lasting impact through purposeful living, this episode is your blueprint.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The critical first step most leaders skip when trying to lead others

• A framework for developing your own purpose statement that actually drives behavior

• How top performers are using daily questions to stay aligned with their values

• Why having too many values can be worse than having none at all

• The mindset shift that separates sustained excellence from temporary success

Follow Ryan on The Learning Leader Show and grab his latest book "The Score That Matters" to continue your growth journey. Don't forget to subscribe to Real Relationships Real Revenue for more conversations that help you lead with purpose and drive meaningful results.

Resources Mentioned:

Ryan’s Episode #476 with Kat Cole

Ryan’s Episode #361 with Admiral William McRaven

Ryan’s Episode #439 with General Stanley McChrystal

Ryan’s Episode #568 with Tony Robbins

Books:

The Score That Matters

Welcome to Management

The Pursuit of Excellence

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Have you ever wished you could control your energy levels as easily as adjusting the temperature on your thermostat?

In this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of nervous system mastery with Jonny Miller, who's revolutionizing how we approach energy management and self-regulation.

Jonny shares incredibly practical techniques that can help you shift your energy state in as little as 30-60 seconds, whether you need to calm down after a stressful meeting or amp up before an important presentation. We explore the science behind these techniques, including the groundbreaking finding that there are four times as many neural pathways going from body to brain than brain to body – which explains why bottom-up regulation practices can be so powerful.

What really excites me about this conversation is how immediately applicable these tools are for business leaders and entrepreneurs. I can't wait for you to discover how these simple yet powerful techniques could revolutionize your daily energy management!

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The surprising reason why trying to "think yourself calm" is far less effective than bottom-up regulation

• A simple humming technique that can take you to instant calm

• The breathing pattern that can replace your morning coffee

• How to achieve the equivalent of 4 hours of sleep in just 15 minutes

• Why certain environmental tweaks can permanently upgrade your nervous system

• A powerful technique that can shift your state in under 60 seconds

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Apply to work directly with Jonny and join the upcoming cohort of Nervous System Mastery

Take the Zero-cost Nervous System Quotient (NSQ) Self-Assessment

Free Non-Sleep-Deep-Rest (NSDR) Recording

Listen to Jonny's Curious Humans Podcast