The Connection Effect with Bill Groner

In this aftershow episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner reflects on his recent conversation with Josh Howard. Bill is joined by Harry Hofer (Executive Coach), Dee Sullivan (Marketing Director), and Laura Onelio (Internal Family Systems practitioner). While the main episode made a case for the positive potential of social media, this conversation gets personal and honest. Each member of the group arrives with their own complicated relationship to the platforms they use every day, and together they work through what Josh's research actually means for how they scroll, post, and connect. Together, the group explores: Whether social media does more harm or good — and how listening to Josh shifted more than one person's default answer How the five elements of PERMA show up in real, everyday social media use — from memes becoming inside jokes to a Facebook group that rebuilt a sense of hometown community The fine line between doom scrolling and gratitude scrolling, and what it actually looks like to cross it on purpose The conversation closes with a line from Josh that Bill carried into the aftershow: "Social media is a tool, and a tool is only as good as the intention we bring to it." This group spent the conversation proving exactly why that's easier said than done — and worth trying anyway. Topics of Discussion: 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:43 How Bill Knows Josh 01:19 Is Social Media Good 07:02 Which Platforms We Use 09:59 PERMA and Wellbeing 13:42 Relationships and Community 18:40 Gratitude vs Doomscrolling 22:11 Comparison and Reality Filters 28:58 Dopamine and Time Limits 34:52 Social Media Not Real Life 42:08 New Intentions and Wrap Up Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]   

What if social media isn't the problem — it's how we're using it? In this episode of The Connection Effect, Bill Groner sits down with Josh Howard, social media strategist, LSU adjunct professor, and MAPP alumnus, whose research makes a case you don't hear often enough: that social media, used with intention, can be a genuine tool for human flourishing. Drawing from his MAPP capstone on social media and well-being, Josh applies Seligman's PERMA framework to our digital lives — exploring how platforms we scroll through every day can foster real relationships, deepen meaning, build a sense of belonging, and even spark joy. His argument isn't that the dangers aren't real. It's that the conversation has been lopsided, and the possibilities largely ignored. Josh offers a simple reframe to take with you: turn doom scrolling into gratitude scrolling. Because there's another human on the other side of that screen — and how we show up online matters more than we think. Connect with Josh Howard Website: https://www.joshwhoward.com/ Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/joshwhoward Instagram: @joshwhoward https://www.instagram.com/joshwhoward/?hl=en X (Formerly known as Twitter): @joshwhoward https://x.com/joshwhoward Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]  Topics of Discussion:  00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:34 Josh's Positive Psych Origin 02:44 Why Study Social Media 04:37 Capstone Goals and Hunch 05:53 Anxious Generation Debate 06:47 Contrarian Gray Thinking 07:31 Personal Social Media Habits 09:19 Flourishing Thesis Overview 10:29 PERMA Relationships Power 13:57 Meaning and Online Faith 15:23 Mattering Through Culture 18:11 Belonging and Campus Life 18:47 Belonging Through Social 19:34 Achievement Online Stories 21:14 Positive Emotions Gratitude 23:32 Boundaries and Filters 26:36 Three Tips To Flourish 28:31 How Social Changed Josh 32:31 Hope Belief For Humanity 35:27 Host Wrap Key Takeaways  

In this aftershow episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner reflects on his recent conversation with Dr. Lawrence Edwards. Bill is joined by three of his classmates from the University of Pennsylvania Master of Applied Positive Psychology program: Harry Hofer (Executive Coach), Gaia Uman Borrero (Operations Manager), and Sahar Emambakhsh (Director of Operations and External Affairs, PCI). While the main episode explored the science and philosophy of meditation — from mindfulness as a starting point to the deeper meditative state — this conversation brings it home to the everyday barriers, personal struggles, and small commitments that make a practice real. Together, the group explores the honest challenges: What actually pulls our awareness away throughout the day, and whether we even notice when it happens The difference between awareness and consciousness, and why that distinction changes how we meet our emotions Whether a regular meditation practice is something we build proactively, or only reach for when we're already struggling In this aftershow, we reflect on: The light and the room: Lawrence's metaphor for awareness versus the contents of the mind How Susan David's emotional agility framework connects to what Lawrence taught The gap between knowing these tools and remembering to use them in a heated moment A 20-day meditation challenge the group commits to, live on air This conversation closes with a memory: a sunrise on a Miami beach, the four of them meditating together years before this podcast existed. It's a quiet reminder that connection and practice have a way of finding each other. Topics of Discussion: 00:00 After Show Kickoff 01:24 Meeting Laurence Edwards 03:32 Mindfulness Versus Meditation 05:24 Everyday Distractions 11:32 How Mindful Should We Be 16:22 Awareness Light Metaphor 22:07 Uncle Charlie Hypothetical 31:52 Training The Breath 34:24 Can Society Transform 41:54 Boundless Love Takeaways 43:20 Commitments And Closing Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]  

What if the thoughts and feelings flooding your mind aren't actually who you are? In this episode of The Connection Effect, Bill Groner sits down with Dr. Lawrence Edwards — retired licensed psychotherapist, Jungian therapist, board-certified neurofeedback therapist, and founder of Anam Cara Meditation — who has practiced and taught meditation for over 50 years. Drawing from both Western science and Eastern contemplative tradition, Edwards explains the critical difference between mindfulness and meditation, and why that distinction changes everything about how we practice. Connect with Lawrence Edwards Website: thesoulsjourney.com Anam Cara Meditation on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnamCaraMeditation Anam Cara Meditation: anamcara-ny.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-edwards-meditationdoctor/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACMeditation/  Books (The Soul's Journey, Gently Falls Her Rain Of Light Collected by Kalidas, and more): https://www.thesoulsjourney.com/publications-old-too/  Resources From The Episode How to Connect by Thich Nhat Hanh (Book) Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]  Topics of Discussion: 00:00 Welcome and Big Idea 01:35 Meet Dr Lawrence Edwards 03:32 Meditation vs Mindfulness 05:14 Mindfulness Basics 13:07 How Often to Practice 14:47 Benefits and Relaxation Response 19:13 Stress Triggers and Awareness 24:07 Preparing for Difficult People 29:43 Stress Floor and Resilience 33:25 Defining the Meditative State 37:58 Prison Meditation Transformation 41:34 Science Meets Spirituality 44:38 Hope and Accessibility 48:19 End of Show 50:31 Bonus Conversation Begins

The inner work doesn't end with us. It shapes how we show up for everyone around us. In this second reflection episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner and co-host Sahar Emambakhsh revisit moments from their early conversations with Mónica Guzmán, Scott Barry Kaufman, Todd Kashdan, and Andrew Sether — exploring what it actually takes to connect across difference, disagreement, and the assumptions we carry into every conversation. This is the second of two reflection episodes. The first explored the inner conditions for flourishing. This one turns outward. Voices featured in this episode: Mónica Guzmán — journalist and bridge-builder Scott Barry Kaufman — psychologist, researcher, and author Todd Kashdan — curiosity researcher and professor Andrew Sether — peak performance expert Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:25 Assumptions Before Talk 05:05 Not Enough Nuance 08:03 Cross Aisle Friendship Story 10:35 Set Conversation Intentions 14:27 Acknowledge Pain Not Agree 19:05 Friendships Beyond Ideology 25:41 Regulate Stressful States 29:24 Takeaways 31:04 Closing and Next Steps Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack: connection.net/substack Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]  

Before we can connect well with others, we have to build a better relationship with ourselves. In this first reflection episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner and co-host Sahar Emambakhsh revisit the most resonant moments from the show's early conversations — with Andrew Sether, Scott Barry Kaufman, Todd Kashdan, Fred Luskin, and Mónica Guzmán — and trace a thread that runs through all of them: a progression, almost like a map, of what it takes to truly connect to ourselves. This episode is the first of two reflection episodes. Next time, we turn outward — to the relational conditions for connection. Voices featured in this episode: Andrew Sether — peak performance expert Scott Barry Kaufman — psychologist, researcher, and author Todd Kashdan — curiosity researcher and professor Fred Luskin — founder of the Stanford Forgiveness Project Mónica Guzmán — journalist and bridge-builder Resources:  Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman  Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The Connection Effect 02:06 What is Flourishing? 02:34 Andrew Sether - Breathwork 10:46 Scott Barry Kaufman - North Star 19:19 Todd Kashdan - Curiosity 27:53 Fred Luskin - Adversity 38:49 Monica Guzman / One Last Reflection Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack: connection.net/substack Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]

In this aftershow episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner reflects on his recent conversation with peak performance expert Andrew Sether. Bill is joined by three of his classmates from the University of Pennsylvania Master of Applied Positive Psychology program: Harry Hofer (Executive Coach),  Gaia Uman Borrero (Operations Manager), and Niels Gott, Leadership Transformation Architect). While the main episode explored the science of stress and performance through elite athletics, this conversation brings it home — to the everyday moments where we all need to show up at our best, and what gets in the way. Together, we explore the real challenges: The quiet accumulation of stress throughout the day, and how it shapes our decisions and interactions The gap between knowing these tools and actually remembering to use them in the moment What it means to truly resource yourself, and why that question changes everything In this aftershow, we reflect on: How breathwork and mindfulness complement each other — and why they're not the same thing What HRV actually means, in plain language, and why it matters for everyday wellbeing The difference between a threat response and a challenge response — and how a simple mindset shift can change your performance Why stress leaves imprints on the body, and what we can do about it The personal mantras each of us can reach for when the mental chatter gets too loud This conversation is a reminder that peak performance isn't reserved for athletes. It begins with awareness — of your body, your breath, and the thoughts you choose to follow. Topics of discussion: 00:00 After Show Setup 00:48 How Bill Met Andrew 01:48 Peak Performance Takeaways 03:11 Everyday Performances 08:15 Stress Awareness Tools 09:00 Resourcing and Mindful Leadership 13:12 Mindfulness Versus Breathwork 16:03 Breathwork Skeptics 19:52 Why Deep Breaths Work 22:21 Introducing HRV Basics 23:08 Wearables and HRV Basics 23:35 HRV Flexibility Explained 25:19 Alcohol and HRV Resilience 26:43 Professional Testing and Benchmarks 30:14 Physiology Before Decisions 32:42 Stress Imprints and Sleep 35:21 Stopping Negative Self Talk 36:58 Challenge Response and Performance 38:54 One Thought Forward Mantras 42:37 Closing Thanks and Community Resources Mentioned stress.org  The Yerkes-Dodson Law of Arousal and Performance Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected] 

What if peak performance wasn't just for elite athletes, but for all of us, every day? In this episode of The Connection Effect, Bill Groner sits down with Andrew Sether, a peak performance expert whose clients include professional athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and PGA Tour. But this conversation moves quickly beyond sports. Andrew's core insight is both humbling and hopeful: what separates athletes who perform under pressure from those who fall apart is almost entirely mental — and that mental performance is rooted in physiology. Stress and "busy brain" accumulate quietly through the day, and if we don't know how to reset, that buildup shapes everything that follows, including our ability to think clearly, connect with others, and show up at our best. The good news is that we have a brake pedal. Through breathwork, nervous system awareness, and practical tools for managing negative self-talk, Andrew shows how anyone can learn to regulate their internal state at work, in difficult conversations, and in everyday life. Because performance starts with connection to self. And sometimes, it begins with just one breath. Topics of Discussion: 00:00 Connection Effect Intro 03:45 Meet Andrew Sether 04:01 Defining Peak Performance 05:44 Everyone Is Performing 10:38 Physiology Drives Thoughts 12:28 Golf Example Under Pressure 16:26 HRV And Resilience Explained 18:49 Parasympathetic Brake Pedal 19:50 Breathwork Technique Walkthrough 22:09 Diaphragm Breathing Reset 22:53 One Breath Technique 24:10 Stopping Negative Self Talk 26:29 Postgame Recovery Sleep 28:24 Everyday Stress Examples 29:18 Speech Nerves Mantras 33:33 Daily Breathwork Habit 35:30 Handling Heated Disagreements 38:02 Track HRV With Wearables 40:20 Stories Real World Results 42:18 Final Takeaways And Next Steps Connect with Andrew Sether LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsether/  Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]   

Curiosity isn't just a conversation skill. It's a way of orienting your life. In this aftershow of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner reunites with MAPP classmates Harry Hofer (Executive Coach), Noah Adams (Strategy & Operations Manager at McMaster-Carr), and Sonya Looney (World Champion Athlete and Performance Coach) to reflect on his conversation with Todd Kashdan — and what it actually means to live curiously.  What started as a discussion about dialogue and connection quickly expands into something bigger: how curiosity generates energy, dissolves judgment, sustains relationships, and can serve as a North Star for how we move through the world. The conversation is warm, personal, and grounded — each participant bringing their own story to the themes Todd raised, from Argentine tango to powerlifting to pickleball to shower singing.   In this aftershow, we explore: Why curiosity is more than asking questions — and what joyous exploration actually looks like in practice How uncertainty anxiety keeps us from leaning in, and tools for moving through it The relationship between curiosity and energy: why a curious brain may actually renew itself Why judgment and curiosity can't coexist — and what changes when you remove evaluation from the equation When not to push curiosity in a difficult conversation — and why the relationship itself is sometimes the point How clarifying your intention before a hard conversation changes everything that follows   Bill closes with the same question he posed to Todd: Where are you leaning away from something unfamiliar — and what might happen if you leaned in?   Topics of discussion: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:02 Why Todd and Curiosity 03:44 Curiosity Beyond Questions 05:45 Joyous Exploration Stories 08:41 Uncertainty and Anxiety 14:24 Curiosity as a North Star 16:52 Energy and Brain Vitality 20:12 Judgment Free Curiosity 27:07 Curiosity in Conflict 33:17 Lean In Challenge 38:03 Closing and Community Invite   Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected] 

Curiosity isn't just about asking questions or exploring novel experiences. It's about what happens when you do. In this episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner sits down with psychologist, researcher, and author Todd Kashdan — one of the world's leading experts on curiosity — to explore what curiosity really is and why it's far more powerful, more complex, and more trainable than most of us realize. Drawing from 25 years of research, Todd unpacks curiosity as a five-dimensional strength: not just a feeling of wonder, but a system that involves tolerating uncertainty, navigating the tension between what excites us and what scares us, and finding the motivation to step toward the unfamiliar rather than away from it. Bill and Todd explore why curiosity is so underestimated, and what the science actually shows about its benefits: from slowing cognitive decline and generating vitality, to building agency, easing loneliness, and helping us connect across deep political and personal divides. This is curiosity not as a personality trait, but as a way of being — and a skill anyone can build. Topics of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction: The Curiosity Expert 02:11 Meet Todd Kashdan: From Panic Attacks to Curiosity Science 03:15 Residual Unsatisfied Curiosity: The Insight That Changed Everything 03:49 The Five Dimensions of Curiosity 05:59 Approach-Avoidance Conflict and Anxiety 06:54 Curiosity as a Dormant Strength 10:12 Is Curiosity Nature or Nurture? (Baseline + Coaching Model) 23:33 Curiosity and Cognitive Decline 27:38 Curiosity as an Agentic Superpower 30:00 Control, Hope, and Our Inner Lives 33:19 Bridging Political and Personal Divides with Curiosity 39:04 Teaching Curiosity: From Classrooms to Workshops 42:05 Hope for the Future 45:14 Final Reflections and Invitations Connect with Todd Kashdan Website: https://toddkashdan.com/  Substack: https://toddkashdan.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/toddkashdan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddkashdan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toddkashdan  Books (The Art of Insubordination, The Upside of your Darkside, Curious): https://toddkashdan.com/books/  Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]   

In this aftershow episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner discusses his conversation with Fred Luskin on forgiveness, grief, and letting go. Bill is joined by Harry Hofer (Executive Coach), Ava Shahi (Talent Development at ALO), and Gaia Uman Borrero (Operations Manager). While Fred's work on forgiveness is profound and often deeply personal, the group discusses that this isn't just about forgiving others—it's about how we respond to adversity, where we place our attention, and whether we're willing to do something different when what we're doing isn't working. Together, we explore the real challenges: The pull of negativity bias and the constant onslaught of difficult news Getting stuck in rumination, anger, or grief that becomes grievance The tension between acknowledging hard emotions and not letting them consume us The question of what we're holding onto that no longer serves us And we ground those challenges in something actionable and human. In this aftershow, we reflect on: Why grief becomes grievance when we get stuck—and how to recognize when that's happening The power of asking "How's that working for you?" as a catalyst for change Why getting to "optimal" matters before we can make an impact on bigger problems Existential forgiveness: forgiving yourself for doing the best you can Practicing gratitude and kindness throughout the day, not just in isolated moments The freedom that comes from accepting reality and doing something different This conversation isn't about toxic positivity or bypassing pain. It's about agency—recognizing where you have power to shift your attention, change your response, and move forward even when life is hard. Topics of discussion: 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Fred's Episode  01:17 What Drew Bill to Fred Luskin  04:16 Redirecting Attention: Examples from Daily Life  7:34 The Pull of Negativity Bias  14:04 Grief Becomes Grievance  25:29 How's That Working For You? 29:32 Call Me When That Works For You  34:16 Power In Kindness  37:50 Reflections of Kindness 40:00 Gratitude Throughout the Day  43:37 Conclusion Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected] 

What do we do when life doesn't go the way we hoped—when we're hurt, disappointed, or overwhelmed by circumstances we can't control? In this episode of The Connection Effect, Bill Groner sits down with Fred Luskin, founder of the Stanford Forgiveness Project and one of the world's leading researchers on forgiveness. But this is not a conversation about excusing harm or forgiving others. Instead, it's a practical and deeply human exploration of how we respond to adversity—and how our responses often determine whether we remain stuck or move forward. Fred shares how unresolved grief turns into grievance, why we unknowingly "co-create our own misery," and how attention, gratitude, cognitive reframing, and nervous-system regulation can restore a sense of agency and well-being. Drawing from decades of research and lived experience, he reframes forgiveness as a way of letting go of what no longer serves us—so we can reconnect with our lives as they are, not as we wish they had been. This episode offers grounded, accessible practices for navigating disappointment,  uncertainty, and even large-scale challenges like political or climate anxiety—without bypassing pain or denying reality. If you've ever felt caught in a negative loop, emotionally drained by circumstances beyond your control, or unsure how to move on without minimizing what happened, this conversation offers a powerful and hopeful way forward. Topics of discussion: 00:00 Introduction to the Connection Effect 00:36 Exploring Self-Forgiveness with Fred Luskin 03:05 Fred Luskin's Personal Journey 05:31 Understanding the Concept of Letting Go 10:31 The Role of Grieving in Forgiveness 16:02 The Power of Gratitude and Positive Emotion 27:14 Understanding Forgiveness 28:22 Existential Forgiveness 29:24 Power of Attention and Gratitude 30:55 Cognitive Disputation and Emotional Competence 32:34 Practical Applications of Forgiveness 38:06 Gratitude Practices 39:33 Guided Imagery Exercise 45:52 Daily Practices for Happiness 49:26 Conclusion and Reflection Connect with Fred Luskin Website: https://fredluskin.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederic-luskin-2a643112/  Email: [email protected]  Books (Forgive for Good and Forgive for Love): https://fredluskin.com/books/  Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected] 

In this aftershow episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner discusses his recent podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman on self-actualization and transcendence. Bill is joined by Sahar Emambakhsh (Director of Operations & External Affairs at the Positive Connection Initiative) and Courtney Reimer (The Connection Effect Executive Producer; Founder & Principal Strategies at Sounds Great Podcast Strategy).  While this is heavy, life-shaping material, the crew discusses that self-actualization isn't an abstract ideal. It's about how we actually live—day to day, decision by decision, habit by habit—in a world that is busy, demanding, and often overwhelming. Together, we explore the real obstacles: The complexity of modern life The tension between daily responsibilities and deeper direction The quiet pressure to compare ourselves to others And we ground those challenges in something practical and humane. In this aftershow, we reflect on: Why self-actualization is a process, not a finish line How daily practices help us show up as our best selves today Why comparison quietly undermines growth and meaning The difference between living on purpose and searching for a single "purpose" How intention begins with where—and how—we place our attention This conversation isn't about fixing your life. It's about guiding it—with care, intention, and compassion for yourself along the way. Topics of discussion: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 00:42 Discussing Self-Actualization with Scott Barry Kaufman 01:12 The Sailboat Metaphor and Personal Reflections 07:48 Morning Routines and Personal Well-being 14:10 Exploring Purpose and Goals 22:14 Transcendence and Self-Actualization 32:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections 33:25 Conclusion and Farewell   Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected] 

We are not finished products. In this episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner sits down with psychologist, researcher, author, and self-actualization coach, Scott Barry Kaufman to explore what it really means to explore and grow—not as a race toward achievement or happiness, but as a lifelong process of becoming who we are capable of being. Drawing from his work revisiting and reimagining Abraham Maslow's ideas, Scott challenges the oft-cited "pyramid" of human needs and offers a more dynamic metaphor: a sailboat.  In this model, self-actualization isn't a final destination at the top, but an ongoing journey—one that depends on safety, connection, and self-esteem, which gives rise to exploration, creativity, and purpose. Throughout the conversation, Bill and Scott explore why growth is deeply personal and often misunderstood, how rigid labels can limit human potential, and why growth and creating your best-self is less about producing something impressive and more about expressing what feels most alive within us. Scott also reflects on vulnerability, what it is to transcend, and the role of purpose as a compass rather than a destination. This episode moves beyond self-improvement shortcuts to invite a more humane, patient, and hopeful approach to personal development—one that honors individuality, inner work, and connection as essential to becoming fully ourselves. Topics of discussion: 00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Self-Actualization 00:40 Meet Scott Barry Kaufman: A Modern Take on Maslow 03:47 Redefining Human Intelligence and Education 05:09 Exploring Self-Actualization and Creativity 10:12 The Sailboat Metaphor: A New Model for Growth 14:01 The Dynamics of Connection and Security 21:37 States vs. Traits: Understanding Human Potential 24:39 Measuring Love and Personality 25:34 Understanding Purpose in Life 28:42 Defining Transcendence 33:03 Self-actualization vs happiness and achievement 35:24 Practical Steps to Self-Actualization 37:07 Self-actualization is a Unique Journey  43:57 Hope for the Future 45:39 Final Reflections and Invitations Transcriptions are available at connection.net/substack Connect with Scott Barry Kaufman Substack: https://www.beautifulminds-newsletter.com/  Website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottBarryKaufman  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbarrykaufman/  Books (Rise Above, Transcend, Wired to Create, Choose Growth and more): https://scottbarrykaufman.com/books/ Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected] 

This aftershow is where theory turns into practice—and suddenly, the fog lifts. Coming off our conversation with Mónica Guzmán, host, Bill Groner, gathered members of the Positive Connection Initiative (PCI) braintrust, Trevor Fornara (PCI co-founder & board member), and Sahar Emambakhsh (Director of Operations & External Affairs) for our first-ever aftershow roundtable. The three of us unpack what actually makes connection work in the real world: with friends, family, colleagues, and people we deeply disagree with. If you've ever wondered: Why you don't feel fully comfortable talking about politics? Whether you're talking less to others about important issues and shrinking your world? Why conversations with others often result in a let down rather than an "aha" moment?  The aftershow provides some answers. In this episode, we explore: Why curiosity—not persuasion—is a PRACTICE and the real bridge between people How tiny shifts in language unlock trust, nuance, and humanity Why engagement through conversation expands your world—and avoidance shrinks it How vulnerability and uncertainty change the entire tone of a conversation This isn't abstract. It's practical, human, and quietly revolutionary. Topics of discussion: 00:00 Introduction to the After Show 00:42 Diving into Perception Gaps 02:26 The Power of Curiosity 04:43 Complexity in Political Beliefs 10:24 Engagement and Growth 17:02 Practical Tips for Dialogue 17:46 Final Reflections and Takeaways   Connect with The Connection Effect To add your voice to the discussion, please join us on Substack at connection.net/substack. Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected]   

In this episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner sits down with journalist, author, and bridge-builder Mónica Guzmán to explore a deceptively simple idea with profound implications: that the secret to enhanced inter-personal connection, curiosity,  is not a personality trait. It's a practice. Drawing from her work on depolarization and her lived experience navigating political difference within her own family, Mónica unpacks why judgment grows when engagement shrinks, and how misinformation about what's in other people's hearts quietly erodes connection. Together, Bill and Mónica explore why certainty can feel soothing, why curiosity often feels risky, and why staying connected across difference matters not just for our relationships, but for the health of society. This episode moves beyond abstract ideals to offer concrete invitations listeners can try in real life (in their own families, friendships, workplaces, and communities), and reminds us that connection begins with how we show up to ourselves before we meet one another. Topics of discussion: 00:00 A Message from Bill 00:57 Introduction: The Drive to Depolarize Society 02:21 Meet Mónica Guzmán 03:26 Monica's Motivation and Challenges 06:27 The Vicious Cycle of Judgment 08:24 The Perception Gap and Misinformation 10:32 The Importance of Engaging with Opposing Views 13:52 The Role of Activists in Bridging Divides 21:12 Curiosity takes Courage 25:25 Binary Thinking and the Need for Nuance 27:23 The Importance of Nuance in Personal Growth 28:22 Curiosity: Nature or Nurture? 28:53 Curiosity as a Practice, Not a Trait 31:57 The Power of Asking Questions 35:21 Navigating Political Differences with Friends 46:47 Hope for the Future 48:28 Final Thoughts on Anger and Self-Conversation Transcripts are available at connection.net/substack Connect with Mónica Guzmán Website: https://www.moniguzman.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reclaimcuriosity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniguzman/?hl=en  Book (I Never Thought of It That Way): https://www.moniguzman.com/book  Connect with The Connection Effect Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack  Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: [email protected] 

In an era of extraordinary division, we often focus on winning arguments rather than building understanding. But what if the key to our future as a society isn't about who is right, but about how we connect? Hosted by Bill Groner, a former trial lawyer and mediator who spent decades representing over 10,000 9/11 responders, The Connection Effect explores the profound impact of being truly heard. Drawing from a career witnessing the costs of silence and the power of resilience, Bill sits down with researchers, thinkers, and practitioners to discuss their life's work, lived experiences, and how they relate to the science, soul, and practice of connection. Join us as we explore how to bridge differences, listen deeply, and reconnect with ourselves and one another—especially when it feels most out of reach. Add your voice to the conversation by following us and chiming in at: connection.net/substack