328: Avoiding Conflict Is Costing You More Than You Think—Here’s What to Do Instead

Have you ever avoided a hard conversation… or ghosted someone instead of working through the discomfort?

In today’s raw and inspiring episode, I sit down with the vibrant and truth-speaking Justin Jones-Fosu—keynote speaker, TEDx powerhouse, social entrepreneur, and author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.

Together, we unpack how to move from confrontation to conversation—whether you're navigating family drama at the holidays, challenging dynamics in the workplace, or identity-based tension on social media. Justin shares his signature frameworks like the Circle of Grace and Asymmetric Insight, helping us understand why most of us get triggered and shut down when disagreement shows up—and what to do instead.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to disagree without disrespect, set healthy boundaries with compassion, and be brave enough to listen even when it’s hard.

What you'll get out of this episode… 

• Why we default to avoidance, ghosting, or shutting down—especially with the people we care about most
• A powerful question that can shift your entire approach to disagreement
• How to prepare yourself emotionally before a hard conversation even begins
• What neuroscience and social psychology reveal about why we assume others “just won’t get us”
• The real difference between boundaries and emotional walls—and how to tell which one you’re building
• How to navigate conflict with family members without losing your voice (or your peace)
• A framework for connecting with people you deeply disagree with—without betraying your own values
• Stories that will challenge your assumptions about what’s possible in healing conversations

Want more?

🧠 Join my Free 30-Day Nervous System Reset Challenge to experience a deep shift in your body, your mind, and your heart → click here to join 

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Connect with Justin

WEB / workmeaningful.com

IG / @iworkmeaningful

BOOK / www.amazon.com/Respectfully-Disagree-Difficult-Conversations-Divided/dp/152300651X 

FREE CHAPTER / howtorespectfullydisagree.com/

Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

YOUTUBE / @TheBraveTable

IG / @neetabhushan 

IG / @thebravetable 

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com

If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep. #305: Healing Family Relationships Through Radical Acceptance with Vasavi Kumar (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep. #277: The Secret to Thriving Relationships: Boundaries, Healing, and Connection with Simone Heng (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep. #228: Relationship Hacks Every Married Couple Must Know with Ajit Nawalkha (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

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Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x award-winning author, emotional health advocate, and host of The Brave Table podcast. CEO of Highest Self Institute and author of That Sucked, Now What, she’s been featured in Forbes, ABC, and more. A former dentist turned global speaker, Neeta’s work blends psychology, ancient wisdom, and resilience from her own life experiences. She's also a mom, wellness lover, and chai enthusiast.