Shows
CivilTalkLeading with Creativity: Why the Future of Business Depends on It with Creativity Strategist Natalie NixonWhat if creativity—not constant hustle—was the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and sustainable growth?In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Natalie Nixon, PhD—award-winning author, creativity strategist, and founder of Figure 8 Thinking—to explore why creativity is a strategic imperative for leaders and organizations in every industry.Natalie unpacks her signature WonderRigor™ framework, showing how balancing curiosity with discipline unlocks innovation and drives better results. She also introduces insights from her upcoming book Move. Think. Rest., where she reframes productivity around movement, reflective thought, and intentional rest—three practi...2025-07-291h 01
CivilTalkFrom the Battlefield to the Boardroom: The Attributes That Unlock True Performance with Retired Navy SEAL Rich DivineyWhat makes someone truly perform under pressure? And why do some people thrive in chaos while others break?In this episode of CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Rich Diviney—retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author, and founder of The Attributes Inc. We explore the hidden drivers of performance that go beyond skill—resilience, adaptability, humility—and how they shape our ability to lead, adapt, and succeed in unpredictable times.Rich shares insights from his two books, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance and Masters of Uncertainty, revealing how to unlock your own potential and bu...2025-07-1758 min
CivilTalkWhat It Means to 'Do the Work': A Conversation on Leadership, Agility & AuthenticityIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we’re joined by global leadership expert and author Henna Inam to explore what it really means to lead from within.We dive into practical, honest conversation around emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and personal growth — for anyone who wants to become a better leader, educator, or human. Henna shares key insights from her books Wired for Authenticity and Wired for Disruption, including how to lead through change, build self-awareness, and stay grounded in fast-paced environments.We also talk about something many people reference but few define: what it mean...2025-07-0954 min
CivilTalkHow Leaders Can Make Space for Racial Literacy: Insights from Dr. Riana Elyse AndersonWhat does it really take to lead in today’s world—and what are most leaders still overlooking? In this episode, Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson—clinical psychologist, professor, and founder of RACE Space Inc.—joins us to unpack why racial literacy is an essential and teachable skill for emotionally intelligent leadership. We explore how this competency can be developed, modeled, and passed on to younger generations to help them navigate difficult conversations and complex realities. Dr. Anderson shares insights from her work with Black families, her EMBRace intervention, and the powerful role racial socialization plays in building resilience, improving communic...2025-06-1746 min
CivilTalkThe Psychology of Rebellion: Dr. Todd Kashdan on Principled Dissent and The Art of InsubordinationIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, CivilTalk host Topacio Althaus is joined by psychologist and author Dr. Todd Kashdan for a bold and thought-provoking conversation on emotional intelligence, curiosity, and the science of dissent. Drawing from his latest book The Art of Insubordination, Kashdan explains how principled nonconformity can drive justice, creativity, and meaningful change—when practiced with intention and emotional agility. They also explore why discomfort is essential for growth, how curiosity strengthens relationships, and what it truly means to challenge the status quo with purpose.2025-06-0541 min
CivilTalkRace, Friendship & Emotional Truth: A Conversation with Dr. Marcella Runell In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, Topacio is joined by Dr. Marcella Runell — Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Mount Holyoke College —for a powerful conversation about emotional intelligence, cross-racial friendship, hip hop, multifaith leadership, and creating cultures of care in higher education. Dr. Runell shares reflections from her co-authored book UnCommon Bonds, her groundbreaking programs like Faith Zone and the Hip-Hop & Pedagogy Initiative, and how we can build more emotionally honest communities.2025-05-2739 min
CivilTalkDesigning the Future of Learning: Personalization & The Human Side of Disruption with Michael HornIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Michael Horn—coauthor of Disrupting Class, Blended, and Choosing College—for a deep conversation about how education can evolve through innovation, disruption and human-centered design.We explore how the current system wasn’t built to support every student, what we can learn from other sectors through the lens of disruptive innovation, and how schools can move beyond simply adding technology to "personalized" learning. Michael shares insights from his work with the Clayton Christensen Institute, reflections on blended learning models that work, and how emotional readiness plays a role...2025-05-1844 min
CivilTalkBuilding Better Schools and Beyond: David Adams on SEL, Equity, and the Future of Public EducationIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly and a nationally recognized leader in SEL integration and educational equity. Together, we explore how schools can embed emotional intelligence into systems, support both students and teachers, and innovate in public education despite resource challenges. David shares insights from his work leading the Resilient Scholars Program, contributing to CASEL, and co-authoring The Educator’s Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or passionate citizen, this episode offers practical takeaways for building emotionally intelligent communities — starting with our...2025-04-2934 min
CivilTalkEmotional Intelligence as a Business Strategy: A Conversation with Robin Hills of Ei4ChangeRobin Hills, Director of Ei4Change and author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business, joins us to talk about how emotional intelligence can be taught, applied, and embedded into leadership. With over 500,000 learners across 200+ countries, Robin shares his journey of building a global platform for EQ education, the intersection of AI and emotional intelligence, and how resilience plays a critical role in both business and personal growth.2025-04-2232 min
CivilTalkThe Emotional Intelligence Blueprint: How Leaders Drive Real Change with Dr. Richard BoyatzisIn this episode of the CivilTalk podcast, we sit down with world-renowned emotional intelligence expert and author Dr. Richard Boyatzis to explore what truly drives great leadership and lasting personal change.Co-author of the groundbreaking book Primal Leadership and author of The Science of Change, Dr. Boyatzis shares insights from decades of research on emotional intelligence, leadership development, and the neuroscience of transformation. With over 1.5 million students enrolled in his Coursera course Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence, his work continues to shape how individuals, coaches, and organizations approach growth and connection.Together, we dive into:2025-04-1056 min
CivilTalkThe Power of Ethical Persuasion: Influence, Civility & AI with Dr. Christopher PhelpsHow can understanding the science of persuasion help us foster more civil conversations, build trust, and navigate the digital age ethically? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Phelps—entrepreneur, best-selling author, and U.S. CEO of the Cialdini Institute—to explore the intersection of ethical influence, emotional intelligence, and civility. Together, we discuss how persuasion differs from manipulation, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how AI can be programmed for ethical influence rather than deception. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or just looking to improve your daily inte...2025-03-0345 min
CivilTalkThe EQ Revolution: Richard Hua on Leadership, Civility, and Amazon’s Business TransformationIn this episode, CivilTalk Podcast sits down with Richard Hua, a global leader in emotional intelligence and innovation. As the founder of EQ@Amazon and the Worldwide Head of EPIC at AWS, Richard has empowered over 250,000+ professionals through EQ training, reshaping how leaders and teams collaborate. Together, we discuss the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership, the challenges of integrating EQ into corporate culture, and the role of civility in fostering high-performance workplaces. Richard also shares insights on measuring EQ’s impact, overcoming skepticism in business, and the essential skills leaders need to thrive in the modern workplace....2025-01-2939 min
CivilTalkFrom Vision to Reality: Celebrating CivilTalk’s Milestone Year with Keith Fox & Rick FioritoIn this special milestone episode, we are joined by CivilTalk co-founders and leaders Keith Fox and Rick Fiorito to reflect on an incredible year of growth and innovation. From fostering civility among college students to pioneering the integration of ethical AI in education, CivilTalk has come a long way.Keith and Rick share their inspiring journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their vision for the future. We delve into the evolution of the company, the importance of certifying educators in emotional intelligence, and how CivilTalk is reshaping the way universities, teachers, and students engage with civility an...2025-01-2147 min
CivilTalkMindful Connections: Cultivating Civility Through SEL with Athea DavisIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with mindfulness educator and SEL expert Athea Davis to explore the intersection of mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and civility. Athea shares her inspiring journey from law to education and discusses her impactful work as Director of Social Emotional Learning at Étoile Academy Charter School.Join us as we uncover strategies for creating compassionate school and workplace cultures, practical mindfulness exercises to foster empathy, and the transformative power of introspection in cultivating civility. From adapting SEL practices for diverse audiences to addressing today’s societal challenges, this conversation is pac...2024-12-0436 min
CivilTalkThe Science of Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Stephanie CatellaIn this episode of Civiltalk, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Catella, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-author of The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook, to explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in fostering civility and meaningful connections.Dr. Catella shares her expertise in managing trauma and anxiety through therapies like Emotion Efficacy Therapy (EET) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We dive into practical strategies for staying composed in difficult conversations, leading with values, and building empathy in today’s fast-paced world.Discover how emotional intelligence can enhance your relationships, reduce conflict, and create a...2024-11-1937 min
CivilTalkHow to Build Better Workplaces with Civility Partners' Founder Catherine MatticeThis episode of the CivilTalk Podcast features Catherine Mattice, CEO and founder of Civility Partners, as she shares her expertise on transforming toxic workplace cultures into environments where employees can thrive. Catherine has worked with major organizations like Chevron, NASA, and Stanford University to build cultures rooted in respect, engagement, and productivity. In our conversation, she discusses the warning signs of toxic behavior, effective strategies for fostering civility, and the profound impact of a positive workplace on employee well-being. Tune in for valuable insights and a roadmap to help any organization flourish through the power of civility.2024-11-0735 min
CivilTalkTeaching Beyond Tests: Dr. Maurice Elias on Life Skills and Civil Discourse in SchoolsIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Maurice Elias, a trailblazer in social-emotional learning (SEL) and character development, to explore how equipping students with essential SEL skills and fostering civic engagement prepares them for lifelong success. Dr. Elias, professor of psychology at Rutgers University and director of the Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab, discusses his foundational work in helping educators integrate SEL into the classroom. We'll dive into his renowned techniques, detailed in his books Morning Classroom Conversations and Students Taking Action Together, to understand how educators can inspire purpose, and promote democratic values within schools. 2024-10-3136 min
CivilTalkLeading with the HEART in Mind: Emotional Intelligence and School Leadership with Dr. Lorea Martínez PérezIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez, founder of HEART in Mind and author of Teaching with the HEART in Mind: A Complete Educator’s Guide to Social Emotional Learning. Dr. Martínez shares her journey into the world of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), the importance of emotional intelligence in education, and how school leaders can foster emotionally intelligent environments for both students and staff. Together, we explore the role of SEL in resilience, academic performance, and the post-pandemic classroom, while offering practical advice for educators, parents, and l...2024-10-2532 min
CivilTalkLeading Bristol with Civility: A Conversation with Mayor Jeff CaggianoIn this special episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we welcome Mayor Jeff Caggiano, the current mayor of Bristol, Connecticut, to explore the crucial role of civility and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in local leadership. With over 30 years of experience in the pharma and biotech industries, Mayor Caggiano brings a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and change management.Join us as we dive into how SEL and civility influence decision-making, conflict resolution, and community engagement in public service. Whether you're passionate about leadership or looking to foster more civil dialogue in your community, this episode offers valuable insights...2024-10-0832 min
CivilTalkBuilding an Emotionally Aware Family: Insights from SEL Expert Jennifer MillerIn this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jennifer Miller, a pioneering leader in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with nearly three decades of experience. Jennifer’s journey began in dropout prevention, and over the years, she’s transformed classrooms and school systems through her dedication to fostering emotional intelligence in both students and educators. As the author of Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence In Ourselves and Our Kids, Jennifer has empowered parents to nurture their children's emotional growth while honing their own.Today, we explore Jennifer’s work with parents, teachers, and organizations, and discuss practi...2024-09-1340 min
CivilTalkStudent Voices - PhD Student Al Kasani on Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and Emotional IntelligenceIn this special edition of CivilTalk, we sit down with a formidable student voice: Al Kasani, PhD student and founder of Particle-N, a company revolutionizing the precious metal catalyst industry to make green energy more efficient and affordable. Al shares his journey from inventor to business leader, discussing how emotional intelligence and civility shape his leadership style and drive his commitment to sustainability. Tune in for insights on navigating entrepreneurship, fostering a respectful company culture, and the future of green hydrogen as a leading energy source.2024-09-1136 min
CivilTalkChoose Love, Not Fear: Leadership, Civility, and Emotional Intelligence with Gary HeilIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we interviewed Gary Heil, an internationally renowned expert in leadership, management, and organizational culture. Gary is the co-founder of the Center for Innovative Leadership and author of several best-selling books, including Leadership & the Customer Revolution and his latest, Choose Love, Not Fear. In this session, we dive into how love, empathy, and emotional intelligence can transform leadership and foster innovative, high-performing organizations. Gary shares actionable insights on overcoming fear-based management and building a culture of trust, civility, and positive emotions to unlock human potential and drive success. Tune in to...2024-09-0536 min
CivilTalkEmpathy-Driven Leadership: Elevating Sales Education with Professor Bill RyanIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Professor Bill Ryan, the Academic Director for University of Connecticut's Professional Sales Leadership Program. With a rich background in corporate sales management and marketing, Professor Ryan brings a unique blend of industry experience and academic insight to the discussion.Together, we explore the pivotal role of emotional intelligence (EI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) in shaping the future of sales management and business education. From integrating SEL into academic programs to using innovative tools like the CivilTalk app, Professor Ryan shares invaluable insights on how these concepts...2024-08-2331 min
CivilTalkIn Search of Civility: Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Wellness with Dr. Jarik ConradIn this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Jarik Conrad, a leading HR expert and one of the world's top "people practitioners." From his inspiring journey growing up in public housing to becoming an authority in emotional intelligence and wellness, Dr. Conrad brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.Join us as we delve into his groundbreaking work, including his best-selling books The Fragile Mind and In Search of Humanity. We discuss the evolving role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how organizations can foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and mental well-being. Plus, learn how...2024-08-1934 min
CivilTalkBuilding Future Leaders: The Power of Civility and EI in Career Success with Jim LoweIn this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we are joined by Jim Lowe, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director at UCONN's Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. With extensive experience in guiding young professionals, Jim shares invaluable insights on career development, job search strategies, and the critical role of civility and emotional intelligence in the modern workplace. Tune in as we explore how to develop the "whole" student, the importance of a civil culture in both academia and business, and practical advice for new graduates entering the workforce.2024-08-1438 min
CivilTalkBridging Medicine and Civility w/ Dr. Saurabh Shah & Keith FoxJoin host Topacio Althaus on the CivilTalk Podcast as she welcomes Keith Fox, founder of CivilTalk, and Dr. Saurabh Shah, a board-certified ENT specialist at Palomar Health. Discover how civility and social-emotional learning play crucial roles in both healthcare and leadership. Gain valuable insights and practical advice on fostering respect, empathy, and effective communication in high-stress environments.2024-07-1938 min
CivilTalkCultivating Civility in Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with UConn Professor Kevin GardinerJoin host Topacio Althaus on the CivilTalk Podcast as she welcomes Professor Kevin Gardiner, Director of UConn’s Innovation Quest Program. Discover how civility and emotional intelligence play crucial roles in modern entrepreneurship and student innovation. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice on fostering respect, empathy, and effective communication in high-pressure projects.2024-07-1930 min
CivilTalkEngineering Empathy: SEL in the Tech World with Engineer Mike CastorJoin us on as we delve into the intersection of technology and humanity with Mike Castor, lead engineer at CivilTalk. In this episode, Mike shares his insights on the pivotal role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and empathy in the engineering world. Discover how these principles are not only transforming workplace dynamics but also enhancing innovation and collaboration within tech teams. Tune in to explore the future of engineering through the lens of emotional intelligence and empathetic leadership.2024-07-0835 min
CivilTalkBridging the Gap: AI and Emotional Intelligence in Our Modern World with Rick FioritoIn this episode of "CivilTalk," we are in conversation with Rick Fiorito - mentor and partner at CivilTalk - exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI). We delve into how these two distinct yet interconnected realms are shaping younger generations and influencing budding entrepreneurs today. Tune in to discover the potential of integrating AI with EI and its implications for the future of civility and social-emotional learning.2024-06-1435 min
CivilTalkThe Vision Behind CivilTalk: A Conversation with Co-Founder Keith Fox Join us on as we chat with Keith Fox, co-founder of CivilTalk - a platform to help individuals strengthen and exercise their civility and social-emotional learning skills. Today we are talking about the importance of these two subject matters in our digital and real-life interactions. Discover how the CivilTalk platform promotes respectful dialogue and is empowering users to engage thoughtfully and empathetically both on and offline.2024-06-1239 min
Liftoff with Keith NewmanThe Look Back with former Apple and Cisco exec Keith FoxThe Fox in the Hen House > I just finished a great chat with former Apple and Cisco executive Keith Fox. Keith walks us thru his journey from the growth daze at both Co's and how that led him to a late career in philanthropy and mentorship. Great lessons shared and special attention to his new project https://www.civiltalk.com/ - wow, love to see this get some support!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keith-fox/id1560219589?i=10006095836102024-03-2340 minLiftoff with Keith NewmanKeith FoxThe Fox in the Hen House > I just finished a great chat with former Apple and Cisco executive Keith Fox. Keith walks us thru his journey from the growth daze at both Co's and how that led him to a late career in philanthropy and mentorship. Great lessons shared and special attention to his new project - https://www.civiltalk.com - wow, love to see this get some support!2023-04-1938 min
Democracy CaravansCivil Talk With Matt Cremins - DC 17On Today's show, we have Matt Cremins from Civil Talk!To find out more about Civil Talk, click on the link below https://www.civiltalk.com/2022-10-2436 min