How to Master De-Escalation and Choose Peace in Everyday Life

Guest: Leila J. Lawson What happens when conflict threatens to spiral out of control? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Leila J. Lawson—professional life coach, keynote speaker, and former law enforcement officer with 15 years of experience in crisis response. From domestic disturbances to workplace conflicts, Layla has seen firsthand how tension can escalate—and how choosing peace can transform outcomes. Drawing from her upcoming book Choose Peace Anyway, Leila reveals practical strategies for calming chaos, listening with empathy, and extending grace—even in stressful, everyday interactions. She shares stories from her career, lessons from the field, and insights into why de-escalation is a skill we all need to practice, not just first responders. If you’ve ever struggled with heated conversations, stress at work, or personal conflict, this episode will give you the tools to respond with calm, clarity, and confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why most conflicts escalate—and the hidden triggers behind themHow to practice active listening that builds trust and defuses tensionWhy empathy and grace are the foundation of effective communicationHow nonverbal cues like tone, posture, and breathing influence outcomesPractical tools to choose calm over chaos in everyday life Connect with Leila J. Lawson: Website: gottobeme79.comPre-Order Book: Choose Peace Anyway Her book Choose Peace Anyway is available now for digital download, with the print edition open for pre-order. Reserve your copy today and start building your own de-escalation toolkit. Click here to claim your free gift: The Everyday De-Escalation Toolkit