Description

The inner work doesn't end with us. It shapes how we show up for everyone around us.

In this second reflection episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner and co-host Sahar Emambakhsh revisit moments from their early conversations with Mónica Guzmán, Scott Barry Kaufman, Todd Kashdan, and Andrew Sether — exploring what it actually takes to connect across difference, disagreement, and the assumptions we carry into every conversation.

This is the second of two reflection episodes. The first explored the inner conditions for flourishing. This one turns outward.

Voices featured in this episode:

• Mónica Guzmán — journalist and bridge-builder
• Scott Barry Kaufman — psychologist, researcher, and author
• Todd Kashdan — curiosity researcher and professor
• Andrew Sether — peak performance expert

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:25 Assumptions Before Talk

05:05 Not Enough Nuance

08:03 Cross Aisle Friendship Story

10:35 Set Conversation Intentions

14:27 Acknowledge Pain Not Agree

19:05 Friendships Beyond Ideology

25:41 Regulate Stressful States

29:24 Takeaways

31:04 Closing and Next Steps

Connect with The Connection Effect

• Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack: connection.net/substack
• Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: podcast@connection.net