Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And"

Maryellen MacDonald, Donald P. Hayes Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, dives into the intriguing world of psycholinguistics. She explains how talking sharpens our cognition and the unique flexibility of human language compared to animal calls. Exploring the power of self-talk, MacDonald highlights its role in focus and motivation. She also emphasizes active learning's importance and how children's interactions shape their development, challenging the notion that language change should be resisted. A captivating look at the science of conversation!

Kelly talks to Martin Dubin, a clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, business coach, and adviser to C-suite executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, about his new book: “Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7711876/7711876_2025-09-16-023416.64kmono.mp3 “Things go well until they don’t.”  “We are not as self-aware as we believe.”  “Your identity is the least fixed part of you.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Kelly talks to educator Maya Smart about her new book “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7700601/7700601_2025-09-09-031401.64kmono.mp3 “Alarms ring; they don’t teach. And often when an alarm rings for too long, we tune it out.”  “Spoken words are the precursor of all precursors to reading.”  “Praise the process.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Kelly digs in with author Keir Graff, who has written a new book about a legendary building in the Windy City, “Chicago’s Fine Arts Building: Music, Magic and Murder.”  https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7689385/7689385_2025-09-02-151125.64kmono.mp3 “All passes – Art alone endures.” “You’ll feel as you’ve just stepped out of a time machine.”  “Let the building haunt you; it’s a place where you can feel the energy of the past.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Kelly talks with psychologist Dr. Adam Dorsay about how connection is our path to a happy and meaningful life. Adam’s latest book is Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7678934/7678934_2025-08-26-144234.64kmono.mp3 “Connection is vital for life.”  “Our brains are wired for fear.”  “Time is our most nonrenewable resource.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Kelly welcomes Shannon Watts back to the podcast. The founder of Moms Demand Action has a new book: “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.”   https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7654093/7654093_2025-08-19-024333.64kmono.mp3 “Happiness is a temporary state, not a life goal.”  “Women’s desires are hijacked by their obligations.”  “Your fire starts where all your shoulds end.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Gary Noesner, a legendary former FBI hostage negotiator and author, shares fascinating insights on crisis communication and active listening. He discusses the shift from force to negotiation, highlighting how active listening has transformed outcomes and reduced violence. Gary explores the importance of validation, tracing influences from Carl Rogers, and reveals how improv exercises can enhance listening skills. He also reflects on key cases like Waco and the DC sniper response, showcasing the critical role of timing and communication in negotiations.

Kelly connects with James Cordova, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Clark University. His new book is “The Mindful Path to Intimacy: Cultivating a Deeper Connection with Your Partner.”   https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7560511/7560511_2025-08-05-152611.64kmono.mp3 “Attention is the most basic form of love.”  “Vulnerability is not for the faint of heart.”  “Deep listening is a radically selfless act.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Kelly connects with Telle Whitney, who has logged decades in Silicon Valley’s tech industry. She has a new book: “Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive.”  https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7546242/7546242_2025-07-28-171442.64kmono.mp3 “Culture change is not a comfortable topic.”  “Creativity and collaboration are the foundations of innovation.”  “Failure is one of our greatest teachers.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Kelly has a fascinating conversation with psychologist and professor Caroline Fleck to discuss her new book “Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life.”  https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7533860/7533860_2025-07-22-020400.64kmono.mp3 “Fear is a liar.”  “You don’t encourage good behavior by convincing someone they’re bad.”  “Taking about shame takes courage.”  Recent Posts Second City Works presents “Getting to Yes, And” Tony Wagner – ‘How Education is Failing Our Kids’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And… | John August – “Scriptnotes”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Getting to Yes, And…| Louis Henry Mitchell – “Behind the Scenes at Sesame Street”  .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more