Alison Wood Brooks on How to Make Every Conversation Matter | EP 563

Passion Struck with John R. Miles

John R. Miles

Mental Health, Alternative Health, Education, Self-improvement, Health & Fitness

4.7 • 779 Ratings

🗓️ 23 January 2025

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this transformative episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles is joined by Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a behavioral scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of the groundbreaking book TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they explore how intentional communication can deepen connections, affirm our sense of mattering, and unlock greater meaning in our relationships.Drawing on her pioneering research, Dr. Brooks introduces her TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—and demonstrates how even small shifts in how we communicate can profoundly impact our personal and professional lives. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations, striving to build trust, or seeking to create a culture of inclusion, this episode is packed with actionable insights to transform the way you connect with others.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/alison-wood-brooks-on-every-conversation-matter/Sponsors:

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In this episode, you will learn:

How conversations are more than just words—they’re opportunities to make others feel seen, valued, and heard.
Practical strategies to approach even the most difficult conversations with curiosity and kindness.
How to actively listen in a way that fosters trust and understanding.
The TALK framework: Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness, and how it transforms communication into a tool for connection and growth.
Why intentional communication is key to creating relationships that matter.

Connect with Alison Wood Brooks: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/Next Week on Passion Struck:
Next week, join John for a captivating conversation with Dr. Dave Vago, a neuroscientist and mindfulness expert, as they explore how our brains are wired for belonging and purpose. It’s a powerful discussion you won’t want to miss!For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.Speaking Engagements & Workshops Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.Episode Starter Packs With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.Catch More of Passion Struck:

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.How to Connect with John:Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John’s website.Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!

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Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Coming up next on Passionstruck.
0:02.2	So your question is, how can we think about the way that we communicate, how does that relate to us mattering?
0:07.9	It's such a profound question.
0:10.8	I think one thing that I've learned by doing this research and teaching this course about conversation is that our evidence to ourselves and to other people that we matter and that they matter, the place
0:23.8	where that happens is so often during our conversations and in these little tiny moments where
0:30.2	we make small choices that show, oh, I believe in myself or I believe in you.
0:36.2	And the difference between micro-kindnesses and micro-harmes,
0:41.1	sometimes when you're looking at a transcript, they look very subtle. But I think in the emotional
0:45.8	experience of those interactions, the difference can be massive in terms of how much you are
0:52.3	conveying that you believe that you matter and how much you care
0:56.7	about the other person and convey that they matter.
1:00.0	Welcome to Passion Struck.
1:01.0	Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and
1:06.6	guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turned their wisdom into practical advice
1:12.0	for you and those around you.
1:14.1	Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become
1:19.8	the best version of yourself.
1:21.6	If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays.
1:26.3	We have long-form interviews the rest of the week
1:29.2	with guests ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military
1:36.6	leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become Passionstruck.
1:42.3	Hey, Passionstruck, fam. welcome to episode 563. Have you ever
	...

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