Cultural Commentary Episodes

The subject of race is a hot-button topic, one that many people shy away from for fear of offending someone. But in America today, it’s not going away. Part of being an effective communicator means being able to relate to and talk to a range of people, regardless of race, creed, origin, sexual preference, age and more. That’s why I wanted to talk to Jeffrey Blount about the topic. Jeffrey is an accomplished speaker on race and social justice and gives us deep insight into what it means to grow...

December is one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged, which means that many brides (and their mothers) are planning weddings! There are so many communication dynamics that go into wedding planning--from announcing the big day to booking vendors to managing family relationships and opinions. In this episode, we’re tackling all of these issues, as well as how vendors can help brides feel a little less overwhelmed during this busy time of their lives. Wedding planning requires two-w...

In this non-traditional Golden Globes recap, I’m looking at how the stars’ publicists did on one of the most important nights in Hollywood. More than 18 million people tuned in to the 2019 Golden Globes on Sunday night and I was among them, as usual. As a Gen-Xer, I’m a pop culture fan and usually tune into the awards shows for both the entertainment value and to theorize about publicists’ angles. The show did not disappoint, as I discuss with my long-term friend and fellow pop culture enthusi...

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” - Stephen R. Covey. Are you really listening? One of the most valuable tools for communication is the ability to listen and understand what someone is saying and feeling. Whether we are solving issues at home or tackling tasks in the workplace, effectively listening can help us reach our goals sooner. In this episode, I explore some great tips for improving your listening skills, as well as some per...

With our daily communications frequently moving to the online world, we have forgotten some of the nuances of face to face interaction. Improving our conversation skills, both as a speaker and a listener, allows us to sharpen our message and get a better understanding from those we communicate with. This episode features a recent NY Times article about NPR's Terry Gross and the art of a good conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn: The only icebreaker you'll ever need. How to prepare for...