In this episode, we have the pleasure of exploring the power of authentic communication and strategic storytelling with marketing expert Cassandra D'Alessio. We dive into the importance of taking control of our own narrative, differentiating between branding, sales, and marketing, and infusing authenticity into all facets of our messaging. Through Cassandra’s practical advice and real-world examples, we discover how to turn words into strategy, build trust, and create lasting relationships in both business and personal conversations. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on patience, consistency, and audience understanding that elevate our communication and help us stand out in a noisy marketplace.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introducing Cassandra D’Alessio and her expertise in B2B marketing and branding.

(04:09) - Importance of taking control of your own story online.

(06:02) - Balancing authenticity without sounding salesy or cheesy.

(09:54) - Clarifying the differences between sales, brand, and marketing.

(13:44) - Explaining why consistency in messaging matters across all channels.

(16:11) - Turning words into effective communication strategy.

(22:21) - How writing shapes Cassandra’s communication approach and perception.

(34:21) - Lessons from Cassandra’s book on launching a business as a female entrepreneur.

(41:30) - Teaching college students and applying those lessons to business clients.

(46:22) - Role of imagery in stopping the scroll and engaging audiences online.

Links and Resources:

• Cassandra D'Alessio | This Won't Be Pretty - https://www.cassandradalessio.com/
• Next Page Brand Strategies - https://www.turnthenextpage.com/
• Cassandra D'Alessio, M.A. | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-dalessio/

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we dive into the science and strategy of decision-making with expert decision coach Greg Dinkin. We explore how focusing on decisions rather than outcomes can transform our approach to challenges, drawing on lessons from poker, executive coaching, and practical psychology. Through empowering questions, forward-thinking strategies, and real-world examples, we discover the mindset and habits that set winners apart. Join us as we uncover actionable tools for making better choices, handling pressure, and creating lasting success in both our professional and personal lives.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Michael introduces Greg Dinkin, decision coach and poker champion.
• (03:08) - Greg explains what it means to be a decision coach.
• (04:56) - Discussing the mantra “decisions, not outcomes.”
• (09:56) - How to plan moves ahead in decision making and negotiation.
• (13:30) - Preparing for high-pressure situations by deciding in advance.
• (18:25) - The power and strategy of asking the right questions.
• (22:04) - Michael and Greg discuss the crucial role of listening in decision processes.
• (27:38) - Greg details how context and motive influence observing behavior.
• (34:23) - Importance of debriefing and accountability after outcomes.
• (35:31) - Greg shares the “thermostat vs thermometer” winner’s mindset concept.

Links and Resources:

• Hire TedX speaker Home - Greg Dinkin
• Greg Dinkin | LinkedIn

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of humor in the workplace with comedian, author, and consultant Andrew Tarvin. We explore the science and art behind humor, distinguish between comedy and everyday levity, and reveal seven essential humor competencies that anyone can learn to drive engagement and effectiveness. From practical techniques like the comic triple to strategies for reading the room and staying appropriate, we uncover valuable ways that humor boosts problem-solving, increases connection, and creates a true competitive advantage. Join us as we unlock actionable insights to elevate our professional relationships, productivity, and everyday interactions through the skillful use of humor.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introducing Andrew Tarvin, comedian and workplace humor expert.
• (04:54) - Andrew explains why humor is a valuable professional skill.
• (09:19) - Difference between humor and comedy in the workplace.
• (11:06) - Humor as a learnable skill and Andrew’s journey to being funnier.
• (14:55) - Seven humor personas and competencies discussed.
• (19:33) - Importance of practicing humor safely and learning from feedback.
• (25:20) - Research on appropriate versus inappropriate workplace humor.
• (31:32) - Applying humor as a problem-solving tool.
• (39:43) - The four styles of humor and workplace appropriateness.
• (58:23) - Andrew’s “one smile per hour” strategy for daily humor.

Links and Resources:

• humor speaker | engineer | comedian - (an)drew tarvin | Founder of Humor That Works | Speaker, Author, Consultant
• Andrew Tarvin | LinkedIn
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Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we dive into the essential listening and communication skills that truly make a difference in challenging conversations, with insights from retired police inspector, crisis negotiator, and cognitive behavioral therapist Andy Fairie. We explore the powerful distinction between listening and problem-solving, practical techniques for de-escalating heightened emotions, and the art of earning the right to have our say. Through real-world examples and actionable frameworks, we discover how their approach can enhance understanding, build trust, and transform how we connect with others—even in the most intense moments. Join us as we uncover practical tools to improve both our personal and professional conversations in this insightful and value-packed discussion.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introducing guest Andy Fairie, retired police inspector and author.
• (04:50) - Why "listening is not problem solving" in crisis and everyday life.
• (08:23) - Example of crisis negotiation and power of simply listening.
• (13:56) - Building trust through small gestures and genuine connection.
• (16:01) - Pitfalls of telling people to "calm down" or "I understand."
• (17:55) - Emotional labeling as a tool for de-escalation.
• (25:25) - Andy explains the SIMPLE framework for effective listening.
• (38:04) - How to use "I when because" statements to express impact.
• (45:05) - Importance and technique of practicing breathing for calm communication.
• (51:16) - Research on empathy in policing and the risk of compassion fatigue.

Links and Resources:

• Andy Fairie | LinkedIn
• Amazon.com: Listening Skills for Effective Policing eBook : Fairie, Andy: Kindle Store

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we delve into the science-backed techniques of investigative interviewing with Christian Corey, a seasoned police captain and expert in eliciting the truth. We explore how open-ended questions, strategic evidence disclosure, and disciplined listening transform the way we gather information—not just in law enforcement, but in business and everyday life.

Uncover practical strategies to foster trust, avoid common interview pitfalls, and build rapport, empowering them to solve problems and guide conversations with confidence.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introducing guest Christian Corey.
• (04:57) - Christian explains the power of big free narrative questions.
• (06:31) - Discussing the importance of allowing yourself to be surprised and staying curious.
• (08:17) - How to frame open-ended questions for better information gathering.
• (10:00) - The patience and control gained by letting people talk freely.
• (12:25) - The value of listening to lies and using them strategically.
• (17:26) - Christian defines the investigator’s mindset as following evidence and embracing adaptability.
• (21:44) - Red teaming explained and its role in challenging assumptions.
• (32:30) - Planning strategic evidence disclosure and maximizing information from interviews.
• (41:44) - The benefits of active listening and building rapport during interviews.

Links and Resources:

• Home - National Policing Institute
• Christian Cory | LinkedIn
• Home | National Institute of Justice
• Project Aletheia – A Collaborative Center for Improving the Science and Practice of Interrogation

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing Jim Neitzel’s remarkable journey as he adapts to life and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after losing his eyesight. We explore how Jim’s unique perspective transforms not just his martial arts practice, but also his approach to communication, listening, and teaching others. Through powerful stories and actionable insights, we discover the importance of contextual awareness, nonverbal communication, and finding the elegant solution in life’s challenges.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introducing Jim Neitzel and his journey with vision loss.
• (05:06) - Jim explains adapting to progressive blindness.
• (09:16) - Emphasizing the mindset of "learning your way out" of challenges.
• (13:55) - Jim discusses adapting Jiu Jitsu training as his vision deteriorated.
• (15:59) - Enhancing listening skills and using other senses in Jiu Jitsu.
• (18:16) - Techniques for listening to instruction and inferring details.
• (22:41) - Listening to nonverbal cues like breathing during grappling.
• (26:35) - The importance of context in both martial arts and communication.
• (37:01) - Jim shares his approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu for diverse learning styles.
• (52:34) - Adopting a counterpuncher's mindset for communication and problem-solving.

Links and Resources:

• www.JimNeitzel.com
• www.LakesideBJJ.com

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we sit down with David Lund, Executive Director of the International Association of Interviewers, to uncover the real meaning behind being a Certified Forensic Interviewer and to explore the science-backed techniques that drive ethical and effective investigative conversations. Together, we examine how principles of disciplined listening, empathy, and rapport aren’t just invaluable in interviews and interrogations, but also transform business, leadership, and family communications. Listeners gain powerful, actionable strategies for gathering information, building trust, and uncovering the truth in any high-stakes situation. Join us to discover how adopting an investigative mindset elevates our everyday conversations and leads us to better results.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introducing David Lund.
• (04:34) - What it means to be a Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI).
• (06:42) - Applying investigative interviewing skills to everyday high-stakes conversations.
• (10:39) - The investigative mindset of a CFI.
• (15:37) - Ethics and humility in interviews are explored.
• (21:34) - How CFI techniques help in leadership and corporate settings.
• (29:38) - Key interview and interrogation techniques used by CFIs explained.
• (41:40) - Debunking common nonverbal myths and old interview misconceptions.
• (47:51) - The future of interviewing and evolving scientific approaches.
• (52:41) - Resources, upcoming events, and how to learn more about CFI.

Links and Resources:

• Home - Wicklander-Zulawski
• https://www.certifiedinterviewer.com/
• David Lund, CFI, LPC, MBA | LinkedIn

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we have the privilege of learning from Officer Vic Montalvo, a seasoned law enforcement professional who brings a unique, compassionate approach to serving as a School Resource Officer. We explore the vital role empathy, relationship-building, and genuine care play in creating safe, positive educational environments for students and staff alike. By prioritizing learning over punishment and investing deeply in the well-being of children and their families, Officer Vic demonstrates how law enforcement can profoundly impact communities beyond enforcement alone. Join us as we uncover powerful lessons on trust, leadership, and human connection that can transform the way we work with young people and support our communities.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introducing Officer Vic Montalvo and his background in law enforcement.
• (01:29) - Importance of school resource officers who want to work with kids.
• (04:43) - Host shares personal experiences with school resource officers.
• (07:31) - Officer Vic explains how building relationships with students is key.
• (10:14) - Early career influence from working school outreach in New York City.
• (16:28) - Gaining trust and integrating with school staff and community.
• (21:22) - Connecting kids with positive activities and community sponsors.
• (25:10) - Impact of empathy and prioritizing learning over punishment.
• (31:56) - Teaching students to take responsibility and tell the truth.
• (38:05) - Advice for authority figures working with children: be genuine and empathetic.

Links and Resources:

• Police | Town of Waxhaw, NC - https://www.waxhaw.com/government/departments/police
• vmontalvo@waxhaw.com

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media