The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations
Episodes
How to Speak Up When the System Wasn't Built for You (Part 1)
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Overview In this powerful Part 1 conversation, hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova sit down with Gift Tshuma — disability rights advocate, a...
How to make difficult conversations simpler (Part 2 with Travis Dalrymple)
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: In part 2 of their conversation, Chris, Lucie, and Travis walk through practical strategies for having difficult conversations, asking ...
How to make difficult conversations simpler (Part 1 with Travis Dalrymple)
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: This week, join Lucie and Chris as they interview Travis Dalrymple, a leadership coach and former entertainer, who shares his unconventional ...
How to deal with overbearing parents (Part 2 with Roberta Dombrowski)
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In part 2 of their interview with Roberta Dombrowski, Chris and Lucie pick her brain on how to deal with the guilt trips and the reality that sometime...
How to set boundaries with your family (Part 1 with Roberta Dombrowski)
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: In this week’s episode, Chris and Lucie get the privilege to interview Roberta Dombrowski, a coach who helps leaders function at their best...
Roleplay: Dealing with Inappropriate Jokes in the Workplace (Part 2)
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Platt shares practical strategies for addressing disrespectful behavior, giving effective feedback, and fostering respectful workplace environm...
How to Navigate Disrespectful Behavior in the Workplace with Rachel Platt (Part 1)
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova engage with Rachel Platt, a people strategist, to explore the dynamics of difficult conversations ...
Roleplaying Performance conversations with Peter Vinge (Part 2)
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you tell someone they are not performing at the level you expect or need them to, without crushing them or demotivating them, and instead makin...
How to Address Performance Issues with Peter Vinge (Part 1)
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova engage with HR consultant Peter Vinge to explore the complexities of performance conversations in ...
How to Create Teams that Innovate (Part 2 with Kristina Joy Carlson)
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In the 2nd part of their interview with Kristina, Chris and Lucie explore the importance of fostering a culture of productive disagreement within...
How to Create Teams that Innovate (Part 1 with Kristina Joy Carlson)
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova talk with Kristina Joy Carlson, founder and author of "Outrageous Kindness." There’s lots of talk aro...
How to Fix Organizational Silos (Part 2 – with Julian Chender)
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In part 2 of their conversation, Chris, Lucie, and Julian discuss the complexities of leadership and organizational design, emphasizing the importance...
How to fix organizational silos (Part 1 with Julian Chender)
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Chris and Lucie had the pleasure of chatting with Julian Chender, an expert in organizational design, to explore the difficulties of commun...
Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Psychological Safety, Accountability & Compassionate Layoffs (Compilation)
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does leading with emotional intelligence look like in practice? That’s what we’re exploring in today’s special compilation of The Art &...
Honest Conversations in Love: Open Communication, Conflict & Dating (Compilation)
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Description: In this special compilation episode of The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, we’re taking a break from work convers...
Finding Your Voice Under Pressure: Courage, Conflict & Leadership Conversations (Compilation)
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Say the Hard Thing: Courageous Conversations Under Pressure Most difficult conversations don’t fail because we don’t know what to say. They fail b...
How to give performance feedback (Compilation Episode)
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you give feedback that actually builds a high-performing team? That’s the theme of our compilation episode today. In the first segment, you’...
How to give feedback to your boss (Part 2 with Sara and Laurel)
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part 2 of their conversation with Laurel Engbretson, Chris and Lucie are joined by Sara Firestein. This is especially fun because Sara report...
How to Manage Up (Part 1 with Laurel Engbretson)
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Chris and Lucie interview Laurel Engbretson, a VP of strategy and operations, discussing the complexities of difficult conversations in lea...
How to Overcome Networking Anxiety (part 2 with Jack Pittas)
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part 2 of their conversation, Chris and Lucie dive even deeper into the intricacies of networking with Jack Pittas, discussing essential strategies...
How to overcome networking anxiety (Part 1 with Jack Pittas)
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Chris and Lucie talk about the art and science of networking with expert Jack Pittas. They explore the importance of networking for profess...
Boundaries in Leadership with Angela Barnes - Part 2 (Roleplay)
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's the difference when a leader has healthy boundaries vs when they don't? Join us for the second part of our interview with Angela Barnes, where ...
Kind vs. Nice: The Boundary Difference That Changes Everything - Part 1 with Angela Barnes
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Overview In this insightful episode, hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova welcome Angela Barnes, MBA, CFRE, to explore one of the most challeng...
Navigating Power Dynamics: Six Types of Power + Scripts to Manage Up, Down & Across
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want a guide to follow while listening? Or notes for future reference? Download the free Power Dynamics Playbook here. Ever freeze in a meeting ...
How to build credibility as a leader Part 2 with Matt Brown
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: In part 2 of their conversation, Matt Brown shares his insights on building credibility and trust within teams, overcoming skepticism i...
How to turn critics into cheerleaders Part 1 (with Matt Brown)
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova interview Matt Brown, an Executive Director of a Watershed nonprofit, to discuss the intricacies of dif...
Part 2: The Secret to Scaling Communities: Culture, Consistency, and Celebration (with Tasha Van Vlack)
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to build an international community? In part 2 of the conversation with Tasha Van Vlack, Chris and Lucie explore the intricacies of ...
Part 1: How to Overcome Self-Doubt (With Tasha Van Vlack)
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you get the confidence to build something in public In part 1, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova interview Tasha Van Vlack, the founder of th...
Roleplay: Boss to Employee - Performance Conversation with Jevon Gondwe (Part 2)
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for the second part of our conversation with Jevon Gondwe, who is a Leadership Transformation Architect and the founder of Influential Sk...
Building a Culture of Champions with Jevon Gondwe (Part 1)
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you build High-Performing Teams? What kind of skills and factors are essential for effective leadership? Join us for a conversation with Jevon ...
Transform crisis into an opportunity with Scott Harvey (Part 2 - Roleplay)
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you turn a crisis into an opportunity and rebuild trust? Join us for another episode of the Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, whe...
Transform crisis into an opportunity with Scott Harvey (Part 1)
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you turn a crisis into an opportunity and rebuild trust? Join us for another episode of the Art & Science of Difficult Conversations...
Part 2: How to talk about race and social justice (with Hilary Giovale)
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to talk about race and social justice in a productive way? Listen to our interview with Hilary Giovale to find out the answer to that q...
How to Talk about Race and Social Justice with Hilary Giovale
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to talk about race and social justice in a productive way? Listen to our interview with Hilary Giovale to find out the answer to that q...
The SIMPLEST Way to read someone's nonverbals
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 3! Chris and Lucie are back with a whole new season, but we’re starting things off simple since Lucie’s tied up! In this episode...
Compilation: Politics, Money, and Marriage
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
NOTES: One more week of rest! In this week's compilation, we re-visit episodes on how to talk about politics, money issues, and marr...
Compilation: Feedback Strategies that ACTUALLY work
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SHOW NOTES: More rest month! In this week’s compilation episode, feedback is on the menu – specifically, how do you give feedback that stick...
Brave conversations that could save a life (Compilation Episode)
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trigger Warning: Suicide, Sexual AbuseIf you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:USA: 988 Suicide &...
C2: Leading Through Change: Real Conversations About Resistance, Layoffs, and Emotional Intelligence
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday's logic.” – Peter Drucker Welcome to this sp...
Compilation Episode - The Art of Setting Boundaries
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can you believe we are at the end of Season 2 of the Art & Science of the Difficult Conversations Podcast? What a journey it has been! We have had...
Where do things stand after 2 years?
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: In this episode, Chris and Lucie do their annual round up and reflect on season 2 of their podcast. They discuss listener engagem...
The Hard Conversations Business Owners NEED to be having
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are the hard conversations business owners are avoiding? This week, Chris and Lucie interview Nicky Billou, a bestselling author and entrep...
Navigating Conflict: Healthy Communication Strategies for Couples
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Chris flies solo without Lucie and interviews Heather Garbutt to discuss the intricacies of difficult conversations in relat...
Why is talking about sex so uncomfortable? (with Jannine MacKinnon)
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Chris and Lucie talk with Jannine MacKinnon, a certified sex, love, and relationship coach, to explore the complexities of difficult ...
42: Application is power. Not knowledge any more.
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How much "knowledge" and information do you daily consume, but don't apply? Join us for a reflection & celebration episode, where Chris and Lucie ...
Helping Veterans with PTSD: Understanding Their Unique Challenges (with Ryan Casavant)
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really take to transition from military life back into the civilian world—and how do you talk about the trauma that comes with it? And ...
Knock. Smile. Connect. — Lessons from Sales and Life with Jamaal Mullings
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our podcast conversations are not scripted; we go with the flow. And in this episode, even though we started about managing a large group of people, a...
Navigating Modern Dating: Insights from an Expert (Whitney Kobrin)
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
- In this episode, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova interview Whitney Kobrin, a dating and relationship expert, to explore the evolution of dating, the i...
Is HR your friend or ... your enemy? With Amy Pagett
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you see HR? Is it your friend in the business or your enemy? Join us for a conversation with Amy Pagett on navigating difficult conversations i...
Preventing Suicide: How to Help Someone in Crisis (with Kacy Maitland)
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: Trigger Warning: Suicide How do you actually talk to someone who’s feeling suicidal? This week, Lucie and Chris talk to Kacy Ma...
Healing Journey: Finding Support after Suicide and Trauma (with Paula)
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summary Trigger Warning: Suicide, Sexual Abuse If you want someone to talk to, you can always call or text 988 This week, Lucie and Chris get pe...
The Courage to Communicate: Insights from Tina Englisch
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you afraid to make the wrong decision or to say the wrong thing and you end up not changing and procrastinating? Are doubts holding you back from ...
How to empower others to be accountable and take ownership
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you get frustrated when your team members don't seem to take ownership of their work and the results that they should be producing? You are not alo...
On Leadership with Dr. Tenia Davis
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us today for a conversation with Dr. Tenia Davis about leadership, the misconceptions around servant leadership, and how to lead in a way that de...
On building trust, relationships and asking for money - with Rick Peck
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On building trust, relationships, and asking for money - with Rick Peck How do you build trust and relationships with people and how do you have ...
Navigating Respect & Communication Across Generations & Cultures
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Title: Navigating Respect & Communication Across Generations 🎙️ Hosts: Chris Wong – Owner of Leadership Potential, helping nonprof...
How Emotional Intelligence can transform your Leadership (with Dr. Rick Fearnbaugh)
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can a military veteran learn how to be a more emotionally intelligent leader?Rick Fearnbaugh is proof that it’s possible.Coming from a world of Mari...
How leaders can cultivate psychological safety
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: Is psychological safety still a thing? YES, absolutely! But talking about it doesn’t make it any easier to get right. Cult...
How to Communicate Layoffs Compassionately and Ethically (Summer Miller)
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to conduct layoffs in a way that’s respectful and compassionate? According to Summer, there definitely is. In this week’...
How to confidently set boundaries (with Becky Upchurch)
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why are boundaries so hard to set? Even better question – why are boundaries so hard to keep? On this week’s episode, Lucie and Chris welcom...
How to talk to your partner about their unhealthy eating
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wanted your partner to change? Maybe they have an unhealthy habit that makes you worried about their wellbeing? If so, join us for this episode o...
Connect and Lead More Effectively with Randy Wheeler
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us today for a conversation with Randy Wheeler, where we discuss how understanding different personality and working styles can help us not ...
How to find the courage to talk about family trauma - Interview with Keeper Catran-Whitney
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SUMMARY: **Trigger Warning: Discussion of trauma, sexual abuse** What happens when you learn a family member has been experiencing sexual abuse?...
How to handle a peer stealing credit for your work
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever dealt with a situation when you worked really hard and came up with a great idea, only to find out your peer presented the same idea as ...
Giving feedback, asking for a raise, dealing with someone defensive or upset (Episode 23)
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for this last mid-season compilation episode! You will hear three segments today: Five elements of giving effective feedback How to ask...
Compilation Episode 22: interviews with 3 experts on communication and bonus challenge question
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this compilation episode, we picked 3 experts to share with you and a bonus mini-communication challenge question that you can ask yourself and you...
Episode 21 - Compilation Episode - Difficult Conversations with Family
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Holidays are the special time of the year when we get together with our loved ones to celebrate. Yet sometimes, holidays may be a time of increased st...
Episode 20 - Compilation Episode - Difficult Conversations At Work
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you deal with tough communication situations at work? Be it when someone keeps interrupting you when you speak, when your team member keeps goi...
5 Steps to Giving Effective Feedback
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations, hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova dive deep into the art of delivering feedback t...
How to Be Present, Communicate, and Thrive in the Digital Age
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been struggling to feel fulfilled in life? In this week’s episode, Chris and Lucie welcome high-performance expert Purdeep Sangha to discus...
How to Handle Underperformers Asking for Promotions
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever faced the tricky scenario of an underperforming team member asking for a promotion? In this episode of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversat...
Mastering the Art of Open and Honest Communication - Interview with Grace Gavin
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you being the “real you” in conversations? Not many people would disagree that productive conversations mean both sides being open and honest....
How to deal with a high performer who got promoted and is now slacking
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What To Do When a High Performer Slacks After a Promotion? Today’s episode is a deep dive into the complexities of leadership. Chris and Lucie tackl...
Family Conversations That Can Change Your Life - Interview with Becky Ellis
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re interested in understanding family dynamics, navigating generational trauma, or fostering connection through meaningful conversations...
Navigating Holiday Decisions: Whose Family Do We Spend It With? #difficultconversations
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating Holiday Decisions: Whose Family Do We Spend It With? In today’s episode, Chris and Lucie dive into a common holiday dilemma many cou...
Is there a such thing as too much communication?
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We love communication here at the Art and Science of Difficult Conversations. In fact, that’s our tagline, “Communicate better, live better”...
Managing High Performers Who Struggle with Team Dynamics: A High-Stakes Conversation
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss how to handle situations where a high-performing employee or leader is creating interpersonal challenges in the workplace....
Helping Husbands Get Through Marital Issues - Interview with Randy Pryor
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What can you say if your wife wants a separation? Or a divorce? If you’re like most men, you’ll feel blindsided and/or you’ll immediately ...
How to deal with interruptions
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Chris and Lucie discuss what to do when someone keeps interrupting you while you speak, or, when you are the one who keeps interrupti...
S2E8 How to talk about politics at work
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating Political Conversations at Work Politics can seem super divisive. And really, how do we talk about it in the workplace? In this...
S2E7 How to deal with a parent that bad-mouths your partner
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Setting boundaries with our family members might be the most difficult thing for many of us, yet not doing so might be very detrimental to our well-be...
S2/E06: How to trust our instinct - Interview with Emily Aarons
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, the hardest conversations we need are with ourselves. Mainly, how do we find confidence in what we’re doing, even in the face...
05 How to Deal with Employees Resisting Change
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations," hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova dive deep into the complex issue of managing ...
04: How to talk about Money and Death
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: You know what’s hard? Talking about money with your partner or family. You know what’s even harder? Talking about money and e...
03: How to Deal with People Who Go Off on Tangents - strategy and roleplay
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations," Chris and Lucie tackle a common challenge in both professional and personal setti...
02: Finding the courage to speak up in high stakes meetings
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Title: Finding the courage to speak up in high stakes meetings Summary: Conflict in high stakes meetings is inevitable. Whether it's a boar...
01: How to Negotiate a Raise - the Do's and Don'ts
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Do’s and Don’ts of negotiating a raise Summary: Being paid fairly for your work is always a hot topic issue. In fact, if you...
34: Personal Conversations Roleplays - Compilation of Season 1
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for another compilation episode! This time, we put together Season One's most popular roleplay episodes of personal relationship scenarios. En...
33: Compilation of professional relationship scenarios (Roleplays)
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for another compilation episode! This time, we put together Season one's most popular roleplay episodes of professional relatio...
32: Special Compilation Episode: Most Popular Interviews
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're doing something a little different. Over the past few months, we've had some amazing guests share their wisdom, personal stories, and str...
31: Compillation Episode - Strategies for Difficult Conversations
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for the Season 1 Compilation Episode, focusing on several strategies that can make your difficult conversations better and more effe...
30: Wrapping Up Season One: Reflections and Future Plans
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for the final episode of season one of our podcast! Thank you for joining us on this journey, for all your comments and support, and for your ...
29 How Authenticity Can Give You Courage to Speak Up
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Aries Yeo, a former banking executive turned leadership coach, to discuss how her cultural background and upbringing...
28: How to Ask Your Partner to Keep the Place Clean (Roleplay)
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us this week to explore how to talk with your partner (spouse) about household chores and responsibilities. In this episode, Chris Wong and Lucie...
27: How to Validate Others to Make your Communication More Effective & Relationships Stronger
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: In this episode, Lucie explores the transformative power of validation in communication. Learn how validation can break the cycle of miscommu...
26: Don't have difficult conversations unless you do this - Interview with Relationship Coach Tahi Matejko
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Art and Science of Difficult Conversations, we have a special guest, a performance and relationship coach, Tahi Matejko. In thi...
25: How to deal with a guilt-tripping friend (Roleplay)
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️ Navigating Difficult Conversations: Setting Boundaries with Empathy 🎙️ In our latest podcast episode, Lucie and Chris dove deep into...
24: On Guilt-Tripping and How to Deal With It
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Art and Science of Difficult Conversations" podcast, we tackle the challenging topic of setting boundaries around guilt-trippi...
23: Talking about body image - Interview with Laura Conley
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do we have conversations about body image? Especially in a culture where a high premium is placed on how we look and how much we weigh, it’s har...
22: How to Deal with Staff Member Pushing Back on Delegation (Roleplay)
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Overview: In this role-play episode, Lucie and Chris delve into a common workplace challenge: managing delegation effectively, especially...