Bernie teaches that the words you choose can shape your reality. In this episode, we explore the subtle but powerful impact of language on how we think, act, and relate to others. From a simple yes/no exercise to the power of and versus but, this episode explores how language can either empower or disempower us—and why Bernie earned the nickname ‘Bernie's with And.’
We're joined by Allison Okamura, Stanford professor and researcher, who shares how Bernie's language teachings transformed how she thinks about her research and how her daughter caught her saying "I love you, but...".
Changing a word might change your life. Come prepared to never think about language the same way again.
00:00 The Yes/No exercise
03:14 And builds, But shuts down
08:05 Have to vs. Want to
08:45 Help vs. Assist - Bernie's cooking story
09:40 The problem with Should
10:08 Why questions between equals
13:08 The "Bernie's with And" hat story
15:07 Introducing Allison Okamura
17:02 Allison’s class project: Japan, robotics, and her an ex-ex-ex
23:47 Allison on using And vs. But
26:11 Getting called out by her daughter
27:13 Bernie summarizes
28:28: Bernie’s book And/But edits
Follow us on Instagram: @yelloweyedcats to see Bernie's 'And' hat and other references from our podcast.
Co-hosts: Bernie Roth & Krista Donaldson; Producer: Krista Donaldson
