This newsletter is sponsored by Momentus. Hey Reader, Some people drain the life out of every conversation. They interrupt, pick apart your words, or shut down anything that doesn’t match their opinion. So how do you handle it? How do you communicate clearly—without getting defensive or backing down? In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing 3 communication strategies I’ve used for years in courtrooms, depositions, and high-stakes negotiations. This newsletter is sponsored by Momentous. Use...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Ever dread having a difficult conversation? You keep putting it off because you're not sure how to start or what to say. You want it to go smoothly, but you're nervous it'll blow up. Here's how to handle it: #1. Skip the small talk. Don't start with "How are you?" Because difficult conversations are not the time for small talk. The first thing you should say is, "Thank you for taking the time to talk to me." #2. Ask for their help. Your very next sentence is, "I need your help...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, You know those people who instantly light up a room? Who make you feel seen, heard, and somehow just… get it? That’s not luck or magic. It’s communication. This week on the podcast, I’m talking with my friend Vanessa Van Edwards—a human behavior expert—about how charisma actually works. Not in a fake, performative way. In a real, practical, science-backed way. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why your “hello” matters more than you think Subtle body language cues that make or break trust...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, You said something that came out wrong. Maybe you hurt someone's feelings or confused them with your words. You want to fix it, but you're not sure what to say. Here's how to make it right: #1. Acknowledge how it came across to them. Begin with "I can see how that came across confusing" or "I can see how that came across hurtful." If you want them to listen to you, validate their perception first. #2. Follow it up with this exact phrase: "That was not my intention." People are...
22 days ago • 1 min read
This episode is sponsored by LMNT—get your free sample pack. Hey Reader, You’re trying to have a normal conversation. But they shut down.Or they lash out.Or they twist your words and make you the problem. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking… “That made no sense… but somehow I feel like the bad guy.” You’re probably dealing with someone who is emotionally immature. In this week’s podcast episode, we’re talking about how to spot emotional immaturity—and how to respond with...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, You're arguing with a narcissist. They twist your words, make everything about them, and leave you feeling drained.And you feel like you’re going crazy. Here are 3 rules for dealing with a narcissist: #1. Don't take the bait. A narcissist wants you to say something ugly. Because the moment you do, the focus shifts. Now it’s about your reaction—not their behavior. They flip the script, and suddenly you’re the problem. So when they give you an opening to lash out, don’t take it. #2....
29 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Let’s be honest. There are people you don’t like. And there are people who don’t like you. That’s part of life. But what happens when you have to work with them, live near them, or see them regularly? This week on the podcast, I’m teaching you how to hold your ground in conversations with people who don’t like you—without lowering your character in the process. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why acting like they do like you actually works How to stay neutral and keep the peace Why...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Each week, I send you practical communication tools to help you show up with clarity and confidence. But sometimes, the content you love the most isn’t what I expected. So I'm trying something new here. This is your monthly recap of what hit home—the messages that got people talking and helped us all communicate a little better. Whether you're catching up or revisiting a favorite, I hope something here speaks to you. #1. How to Respond to an Insult When someone crosses the line,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, One of the hardest conversations to have is with someone who’s grieving. Because you want to comfort them.But you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. In this week’s episode, I’m walking through exactly what to say (and what not to say) when someone you care about is facing deep loss. Here’s what you’ll learn: The 1 phrase you should never say to someone who’s grieving How to be truly helpful, even when words fall short The right way to acknowledge their pain instead of trying to...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read