In the 3rd instalment of the Life Skills Masterclass series Mark and Jodi break down how clear language, presence, and empathy turn daily talk into deeper levels of connection. We share simple moves like I statements, active listening, and repair attempts, then zoom out to relationship audits, love languages, and finding your tribe beyond home and work.
In this episode:
• Using I statements to reduce defensiveness
• Choosing calls over text for tough topics
• Active listening and phone boundaries
• Assertive communication over passive or aggressive styles
• Quality over quantity in friendships
• Relationship audit questions that guide investment
• Recognising bids for connection and repair attempts
• Love languages as practical communication habits
• Empathy vs sympathy with helpful phrases
• Self-empathy to cut shame and support help-seeking
• Simple check-ins that fight loneliness and build belonging
Challenge: Five peeps in your contact list. Go and do it. "Haven't spoken to you in a while, appreciate you. So glad you're in my life. Look forward to seeing you next time."
Based on the World Health Organization's Life Skills framework.
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends, leave a comment, like, subscribe, all of that sort of stuff.
For more Info on Jodi Allen:
https://www.jodiallennutrition.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-allen-944a76138/
https://www.youtube.com/@jodiallenyoga
Insta: @jodiallennutrition
For more info on The Gottman Realtionship Tools:
https://www.gottman.com/about/the-gottman-method/
For more info on the Love Languages Quiz:
https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language
Next episode: The final instalment — Managing Emotions, Mindfulness, and Lifestyle Medicine.
Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus
"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."
Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au
SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org
QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au
Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au
1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au
Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au
Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com
