Active Listening: The Most Underrated Communication Skill | The Free and Open Mind Podcast

In this episode of The Free and Open Mind Podcast, Hardy Brooklyn (Leonard Shostak) and Stan Nelson dive into the art of active listening — a core coaching skill that can transform your relationships, your work, and your everyday conversations.We explore:What active listening really is (beyond just “hearing” someone)Why interrupting and “waiting for your turn to talk” kills real connectionHow to handle those silent pauses without rushing to fill the spaceThe role of eye contact, body language, and non-verbal cuesWhy taking notes helps you stay present and catch what’s not being saidThe impact of ADHD, ASD, anxiety, and depression on listening—and how to support people who experience themHow to avoid unsolicited advice, assumptions, and “one-up” storytellingA simple, practical one-skill challenge you can start using this weekFocus fully on the other person (phone away, distractions off);Paraphrase or repeat back what they’ve said to confirm you’ve understood;Notice how it changes the quality of the interaction. “There’s a big difference between listening and waiting for your turn to talk.”This week’s practice:Pick one conversation and:Let us know how it went—comment below with your experience practicing active listening.Connect with us: Hardy Brooklyn (Leonard Shostak) – Coaching & more: 🌐 https://www.boxofrain.com Stan Nelson – Coaching with Stan: 🌐 https://coachingwithstan.com.au