Supercommunicators with Charles Duhigg

Vernée Myers, a former vice president of inclusion strategy at Netflix, and Jay Van Bavel, a psychology professor at NYU, share insights on navigating tough conversations. They discuss anticipatory anxiety that leads people to avoid difficult topics and emphasize the importance of setting ground rules for productive disagreements. Vernée recounts how her workshops at Netflix, focused on vulnerability and sharing personal experiences, transformed the company culture, fostering empathy and reducing tensions among employees.

In this insightful discussion, Dave Goetsch, a talented television writer and co-executive producer from The Big Bang Theory, shares his wisdom on the art of nonverbal communication. He highlights how gestures, tone, and pacing can convey deeper emotions without words. The conversation dives into techniques that enhance connections, like mirroring and subtle cues that convey trust. Goetsch also reflects on how the sitcom's writing effectively utilized nonverbal signals to create comedic moments and emotional clarity, making characters resonate with viewers.

Nick Epley, a psychology professor at the University of Chicago, explores the power of deep questions in conversations. He shares insights from his research on the Fast Friends procedure, revealing how 36 questions can forge bonds between strangers. Joining him is Mandy Len Catron, a writer known for her viral essay, who recounts her experience using these questions on a date, highlighting their ability to deepen connections. Together, they discuss the art of asking meaningful questions, offering practical tips for fostering intimacy and understanding in everyday interactions.