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CivilTalk

by CivilTalk

Welcome to CivilTalk, the podcast where we delve into the importance of civility and social-emotional learning in today's world. Join us as we explore practical strategies, insightful discussions, and expert interviews that help navigate the complexities of modern social interactions. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or simply passionate about fostering a more empathetic and respectful society, CivilTalk provides valuable tools and perspectives to inspire positive change in your everyday life. Tune in and be part of the conversation on building a more civil and emotionally intelligent world.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 4, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. The Gap Between What You Say and What They Hear: Speaking to Influence with Dr. Laura Sicola

    What makes someone sound credible, confident, and worth listening to? And why can the message we think we’re sending be completely different from the one someone else receives? In this episode of CivilTalk, Dr. Laura Sicola joins us to explore the science behind how we speak, listen, and…

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  2. Think Like a Negotiator: Power, Influence & Self-Advocacy w/ Expert Negotiator Susie Tomenchok

    Negotiation isn’t just what happens over a contract or across a boardroom table. It’s happening when you ask for a raise, push back on an idea, navigate workplace politics, set a boundary, advocate for yourself, or simply try to get another person to meet you somewhere. In this episode of the...

  3. The Communication Habits That Define Great Leaders with Dr. Alexa Chilcutt

    What makes someone a strong communicator - and how much of leadership comes down to the way we show up in conversation? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, an expert in leadership development, executive education, and professional communication, to…

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  4. How to Truly Connect With Anyone, According to Stanford Expert Dr. Carole Robin

    What does it actually mean to connect with another person, and why does it seem to come so naturally in some relationships and feel nearly impossible in others? In this episode of CivilTalk, we sit down with Dr. Carole Robin, one of the country’s leading voices on interpersonal dynamics and...

  5. How Courageous Kindness Can Change the Way We Work with Kindness Expert Shola Richards

    What if kindness wasn't a sign of weakness - but one of the greatest acts of courage? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with workplace civility expert, bestselling author, and Go Together Global founder Shola Richards to explore what it truly means to be Strong Enough to Be...

  6. Building a Stronger Civic Future: Rich Harwood on Community, Hope & Meaningful Change

    What does it take to rebuild trust, strengthen communities, and move forward in a world that often feels divided? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Rich Harwood — founder and president of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and author of The New Civic Path and...

  7. The Science Behind Making Better Decisions with Decision Scientist Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we speak with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn - decision scientist, founder and CEO of Decisive, educator at Cornell and Columbia, and author of Problem Solved, Problem Solver, and her newest book The Human Edge: Smarter Decisions in the Age of AI. Drawing from…

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  8. The Work of Alignment: Closing the Gap Between Values and Behavior with Jason Craige Harris

    In this episode of CivilTalk, Topacio Althaus sits down with strategist, mediator, and leadership advisor Jason Craige Harris for a wide-ranging conversation about alignment, integrity, and the work of repairing relationships within families, organizations, and institutions. Jason is the CEO of...

  9. Becoming the Boss People Want to Work For with Sabina Nawaz

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, Topacio Althaus sits down with Sabina Nawaz — leadership coach, keynote speaker, and former Microsoft executive — to explore how pressure and power quietly shape behavior at the top. Drawing from her book You’re the Boss, Sabina unpacks a critical truth…

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  10. Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Leadership, Trust, and Psychological Safety with Mike Robbins

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and podcast host Mike Robbins for a thoughtful conversation about trust, authenticity, and the human dynamics that shape workplace culture. Drawing from more than twenty-five years of experience...

  11. The Human Touch: Workplace Strategist Erica Keswin, on Connection, Rituals & Modern Leadership

    Today on the CivilTalk Podcast, we are joined by the incredible Erica Keswin: a workplace strategist who has spent more than two decades helping organizations around the world build cultures rooted in connection, clarity, and care. In this episode, Erica unpacks her research on why rituals…

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  12. How to Disagree Without Dehumanizing: A Conversation with Marianne Viray of Disagree Better

    Between family arguments, online outrage, and political hostility, many people feel like civil dialogue is slipping away. Marianne Viray believes we can bring it back. In this episode, we speak with the Executive Director of Disagree Better, whose work blends decades of political experience with...

  13. Laughing Our Way Back to Humanity with Comedian Craig Shoemaker

    What if laughter isn’t just entertainment, but medicine for the mind, body, and culture? In this episode of The CivilTalk Podcast, host Topacio Althaus sits down with Craig Shoemaker— Emmy-winning comedian, TEDx speaker, and founder of Laughter Heals and Laughter Worx. With four decades of...

  14. What Leaders Can Learn from SEL in Schools with Dr. Jessica Hoffmann, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jessica Hoffmann, Assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and Director of Research at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Jessica leads groundbreaking research on how social and emotional learning (SEL) shapes…

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  15. The Purpose Gap: Why Most of Us Feel Disconnected at Work with Bea Boccalandro

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Bea Boccalandro, author of Do Good at Work and a leading voice on workplace purpose. Bea has spent decades helping companies and individuals discover how meaningful work transforms not only organizations, but also our personal well-being....

  16. The Rhythm of Resilience: Mike Veny on Transforming Stigma into Strength

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, host we sit down with Mike Veny — award-winning mental health speaker, drummer, author, and CEO of Lovely Refinement. Determined to overcome a lifetime of severe mental health challenges, Mike has built a career helping leaders and organizations turn pain...

  17. The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Create Cultures of Significance with Dr. Zach Mercurio

    What happens when people don’t feel they matter? Burnout, disconnection, and disengagement. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Zach Mercurio — author of The Power of Mattering — joins the CivilTalk Podcast to discuss the essential role of significance in leadership and organizational life....

  18. Why True Collaboration Starts with Team Culture with Dr. Vanessa Druskat

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Vanessa Druskat—award-winning researcher, professor, and the pioneering mind behind the Team Emotional Intelligence (Team EI) model. With over three decades of research into what makes teams succeed, Vanessa shares how emotionally...

  19. Behind the Build: How CivilTalk Engineers Designed for Emotional Intelligence and Human-Led AI

    In this special behind-the-scenes episode, we sit down with the engineers who helped bring CivilTalk to life: Mike Castor, Nick Nartaro, and Mike Fara. Together, we explore how the platform was intentionally designed to center emotional intelligence, civil discourse, and human-led...

  20. Leading with Creativity: Why the Future of Business Depends on It with Creativity Strategist Natalie Nixon

    What if creativity—not constant hustle—was the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and sustainable growth? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Natalie Nixon, PhD—award-winning author, creativity strategist, and founder of Figure 8 Thinking—to explore why creativity is…

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  21. From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: The Attributes That Unlock True Performance with Retired Navy SEAL Rich Diviney

    What makes someone truly perform under pressure? And why do some people thrive in chaos while others break? In this episode of CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Rich Diviney—retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author, and founder of The Attributes Inc. We explore the hidden drivers of...

  22. What It Means to 'Do the Work': A Conversation on Leadership, Agility & Authenticity

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we’re joined by global leadership expert and author Henna Inam to explore what it really means to lead from within. We dive into practical, honest conversation around emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and personal growth — for anyone who wants...

  23. How Leaders Can Make Space for Racial Literacy: Insights from Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson

    What does it really take to lead in today’s world—and what are most leaders still overlooking? In this episode, Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson—clinical psychologist, professor, and founder of RACE Space Inc.—joins us to unpack why racial literacy is an essential and teachable skill for emotionally...

  24. The Psychology of Rebellion: Dr. Todd Kashdan on Principled Dissent and The Art of Insubordination

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, CivilTalk host Topacio Althaus is joined by psychologist and author Dr. Todd Kashdan for a bold and thought-provoking conversation on emotional intelligence, curiosity, and the science of dissent. Drawing from his latest book The Art of Insubordination,...

  25. Race, Friendship & Emotional Truth: A Conversation with Dr. Marcella Runell

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, Topacio is joined by Dr. Marcella Runell — Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Mount Holyoke College —for a powerful conversation about emotional intelligence, cross-racial friendship, hip hop, multifaith leadership, and creating...

  26. Designing the Future of Learning: Personalization & The Human Side of Disruption with Michael Horn

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Michael Horn—coauthor of Disrupting Class, Blended, and Choosing College—for a deep conversation about how education can evolve through innovation, disruption and human-centered design. We explore how the current system wasn’t built to...

  27. Building Better Schools and Beyond: David Adams on SEL, Equity, and the Future of Public Education

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly and a nationally recognized leader in SEL integration and educational equity. Together, we explore how schools can embed emotional intelligence into systems, support both students and teachers, and...

  28. Emotional Intelligence as a Business Strategy: A Conversation with Robin Hills of Ei4Change

    Robin Hills, Director of Ei4Change and author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business, joins us to talk about how emotional intelligence can be taught, applied, and embedded into leadership. With over 500,000 learners across 200+ countries, Robin shares his journey of building…

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  29. The Emotional Intelligence Blueprint: How Leaders Drive Real Change with Dr. Richard Boyatzis

    In this episode of the CivilTalk podcast, we sit down with world-renowned emotional intelligence expert and author Dr. Richard Boyatzis to explore what truly drives great leadership and lasting personal change. Co-author of the groundbreaking book Primal Leadership and author of The Science of...

  30. The Power of Ethical Persuasion: Influence, Civility & AI with Dr. Christopher Phelps

    How can understanding the science of persuasion help us foster more civil conversations, build trust, and navigate the digital age ethically? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Phelps—entrepreneur, best-selling author, and U.S. CEO of the Cialdini...

  31. The EQ Revolution: Richard Hua on Leadership, Civility, and Amazon’s Business Transformation

    In this episode, CivilTalk Podcast sits down with Richard Hua, a global leader in emotional intelligence and innovation. As the founder of EQ@Amazon and the Worldwide Head of EPIC at AWS, Richard has empowered over 250,000+ professionals through EQ training, reshaping how leaders and teams...

  32. From Vision to Reality: Celebrating CivilTalk’s Milestone Year with Keith Fox & Rick Fiorito

    In this special milestone episode, we are joined by CivilTalk co-founders and leaders Keith Fox and Rick Fiorito to reflect on an incredible year of growth and innovation. From fostering civility among college students to pioneering the integration of ethical AI in education, CivilTalk has come a...

  33. Mindful Connections: Cultivating Civility Through SEL with Athea Davis

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with mindfulness educator and SEL expert Athea Davis to explore the intersection of mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and civility. Athea shares her inspiring journey from law to education and discusses her impactful work as Director of...

  34. The Science of Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Stephanie Catella

    In this episode of Civiltalk, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Catella, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-author of The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook, to explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in fostering civility and meaningful connections. Dr. Catella shares…

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  35. How to Build Better Workplaces with Civility Partners' Founder Catherine Mattice

    This episode of the CivilTalk Podcast features Catherine Mattice, CEO and founder of Civility Partners, as she shares her expertise on transforming toxic workplace cultures into environments where employees can thrive. Catherine has worked with major organizations like Chevron, NASA, and Stanford...

  36. Teaching Beyond Tests: Dr. Maurice Elias on Life Skills and Civil Discourse in Schools

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Maurice Elias, a trailblazer in social-emotional learning (SEL) and character development, to explore how equipping students with essential SEL skills and fostering civic engagement prepares them for lifelong success. Dr. Elias, professor of psychology at Rutgers...

  37. Leading with the HEART in Mind: Emotional Intelligence and School Leadership with Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez, founder of HEART in Mind and author of Teaching with the HEART in Mind: A Complete Educator’s Guide to Social Emotional Learning. Dr. Martínez shares her journey into the world of Social Emotional Learning (SEL),...

  38. Leading Bristol with Civility: A Conversation with Mayor Jeff Caggiano

    In this special episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we welcome Mayor Jeff Caggiano, the current mayor of Bristol, Connecticut, to explore the crucial role of civility and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in local leadership. With over 30 years of experience in the pharma and biotech industries…

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  39. Building an Emotionally Aware Family: Insights from SEL Expert Jennifer Miller

    In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jennifer Miller, a pioneering leader in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with nearly three decades of experience. Jennifer’s journey began in dropout prevention, and over the years, she’s transformed classrooms and school systems through her…

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  40. Student Voices - PhD Student Al Kasani on Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and Emotional Intelligence

    In this special edition of CivilTalk, we sit down with a formidable student voice: Al Kasani, PhD student and founder of Particle-N, a company revolutionizing the precious metal catalyst industry to make green energy more efficient and affordable. Al shares his journey from inventor to business...

  41. Choose Love, Not Fear: Leadership, Civility, and Emotional Intelligence with Gary Heil

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we interviewed Gary Heil, an internationally renowned expert in leadership, management, and organizational culture. Gary is the co-founder of the Center for Innovative Leadership and author of several best-selling books, including Leadership & the…

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  42. Empathy-Driven Leadership: Elevating Sales Education with Professor Bill Ryan

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Professor Bill Ryan, the Academic Director for University of Connecticut's Professional Sales Leadership Program. With a rich background in corporate sales management and marketing, Professor Ryan brings a unique blend of industry...

  43. In Search of Civility: Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Wellness with Dr. Jarik Conrad

    In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Jarik Conrad, a leading HR expert and one of the world's top "people practitioners." From his inspiring journey growing up in public housing to becoming an authority in emotional intelligence and wellness, Dr. Conrad brings a wealth of knowledge and...

  44. Building Future Leaders: The Power of Civility and EI in Career Success with Jim Lowe

    In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we are joined by Jim Lowe, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director at UCONN's Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. With extensive experience in guiding young professionals, Jim shares invaluable insights on career development, job search...

  45. Bridging Medicine and Civility w/ Dr. Saurabh Shah & Keith Fox

    Join host Topacio Althaus on the CivilTalk Podcast as she welcomes Keith Fox, founder of CivilTalk, and Dr. Saurabh Shah, a board-certified ENT specialist at Palomar Health. Discover how civility and social-emotional learning play crucial roles in both healthcare and leadership. Gain valuable...

  46. Cultivating Civility in Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with UConn Professor Kevin Gardiner

    Join host Topacio Althaus on the CivilTalk Podcast as she welcomes Professor Kevin Gardiner, Director of UConn’s Innovation Quest Program. Discover how civility and emotional intelligence play crucial roles in modern entrepreneurship and student innovation. Tune in for expert insights and…

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  47. Engineering Empathy: SEL in the Tech World with Engineer Mike Castor

    Join us on as we delve into the intersection of technology and humanity with Mike Castor, lead engineer at CivilTalk. In this episode, Mike shares his insights on the pivotal role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and empathy in the engineering world. Discover how these principles are not only...

  48. Bridging the Gap: AI and Emotional Intelligence in Our Modern World with Rick Fiorito

    In this episode of "CivilTalk," we are in conversation with Rick Fiorito - mentor and partner at CivilTalk - exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI). We delve into how these two distinct yet interconnected realms are shaping younger generations…

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  49. The Vision Behind CivilTalk: A Conversation with Co-Founder Keith Fox

    Join us on as we chat with Keith Fox, co-founder of CivilTalk - a platform to help individuals strengthen and exercise their civility and social-emotional learning skills. Today we are talking about the importance of these two subject matters in our digital and real-life interactions. Discover…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to CivilTalk, the podcast where we delve into the importance of civility and social-emotional learning in today's world. Join us as we explore practical strategies, insightful discussions, and expert interviews that help navigate the complexities of modern social interactions. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or simply passionate about fostering a more empathetic and respectful society, CivilTalk provides valuable tools and perspectives to inspire positive change in your everyday life. Tune in and be part of the conversation on building a more civil and emotionally intelligent world.

HOSTED BY

CivilTalk

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does CivilTalk have?

CivilTalk currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is CivilTalk about?

Welcome to CivilTalk, the podcast where we delve into the importance of civility and social-emotional learning in today's world. Join us as we explore practical strategies, insightful discussions, and expert interviews that help navigate the complexities of modern social interactions. Whether...

How often does CivilTalk release new episodes?

CivilTalk has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to CivilTalk?

You can listen to CivilTalk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts CivilTalk?

CivilTalk is created and hosted by CivilTalk.
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