The Art of Charm

Why Nice People Stay Stuck | Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Stanford professor Jeffrey Pfeffer joins AJ and Johnny to break down the uncomfortable truth about power: good work alone rarely gets you ahead. From...

Avoid This Charisma Killer | Social Intel Brief

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Want the fastest way to kill your charisma? Pull out your phone. AJ and Johnny break down the research showing that even the mere presence of a phone...

Stop Letting AI Think for You | Dr. Vivienne Ming

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AI is making us faster — but is it also making us worse? AJ and Johnny sit down with Dr. Ming to unpack what it really means to become “robot pro...

Why AI Is Telling You to Break Up | Social Intelligence Briefing

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why is AI so quick to tell people to break up? AJ and Johnny unpack what relationship advice culture gets wrong — and why outsourcing hard conversa...

Why Conversations Turn Into Arguments | Julia Minson

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do disagreements spiral into conflict — even when both people think they’re being reasonable? AJ and Johnny sit down with psychologist Julia ...

"We Should Hang Out” Usually Goes Nowhere | Social Intelligence Briefing

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

“We should hang out sometime” sounds like interest — but usually leads nowhere. AJ and Johnny break down why adult friendships stall in ambigui...

The Job Search Mistake Everyone Makes | Michelle Schafer

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Career coach Michelle Schafer joins AJ to break down what most people get wrong during a job search — especially in today’s uncertain market. Ins...

How to Build Friendship Faster: Why Trust Is Earned, Not Felt

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ever meet someone you instantly “click” with — but the connection never turns into a real friendship? AJ and Johnny explain why chemistry alone...

Your Beliefs Are Sabotaging You | Nir Eyal

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do high performers know exactly what to do — yet still fail to take action? AJ and Johnny sit down with Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Hooked ...

The Hidden Tests in Every Important Conversation | Social Intelligence Briefing

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ever leave a conversation feeling like it went well — only to realize later nothing actually moved forward? AJ and Johnny break down the hidden lay...

The Hidden Status Game of Hypocrisy | Michael Hallsworth

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We love calling out hypocrisy — especially in leaders, corporations, and politics. But what if our obsession with inconsistency is doing more harm t...

The People Around You Are Aging You | Social Intelligence Briefing

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new PNAS study found that the people who chronically stress you out don’t just ruin your mood — they accelerate your biological aging. AJ and J...

Why You’re Afraid to Open Up | Leslie John

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Harvard Business School professor Leslie John joins AJ and Johnny to unpack why we systematically get vulnerability wrong. We obsess over the risks o...

How to Grow Your Network Effortlessly (Even If You’re Introverted) | Social Intelligence Briefing

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If networking feels exhausting, you’re doing it wrong. AJ and Johnny break down new research showing that closeness doesn’t require deep conversa...

The Secret Service Guide to Influence | Brad Beeler

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Secret Service agent Brad Beeler joins AJ and Johnny to break down what actually gets people to open up — especially when the stakes are high...

Why You “Click” With Some People (It’s Mostly Timing) | Social Intelligence Briefing

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some conversations feel effortless — while others fall flat even when you said nothing wrong? AJ and Johnny break down the neuroscience of “...

How to Get Your Brain to Turn Goals Into Habits | Emily Falk

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with neuroscientist Emily Falk to explore why our goals so often collapse after January, and what the brain is actually optimiz...

How to Train Your Social Skills (Based on Science) | Social Intelligence Briefing

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny break down why high performers train everything except the moments that decide outcomes: conversations. Most people rely on experience a...

Work Is Taking More Than You Think | Guy Winch

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: AJ and Johnny sit down with psychologist Guy Winch, author of Mind Over Grind, to unpack how grind culture quietly erodes our men...

The Psychology of Reaching Out — and the Easiest Win You’re Not Taking | Social Intelligence Briefing

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny break down why reconnecting with old friends feels harder than it should — and why the hesitation isn’t rejection, it’s symmetry. ...

The Myth of Self-Made Success | Daniel Coyle

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with Daniel Coyle, bestselling author and culture researcher, to explore what it actually means to flourish — and why flouris...

Hidden Logic of High-Status Networks Infiltration | Social Intelligence Briefing

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: AJ and Johnny reveal two tactical moves from their infiltration method — the same framework they’ve used to train special for...

Modern Dating Is Broken | Paul Eastwick

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with Paul Eastwick, relationship scientist and author of Bonded by Evolution, to unpack what modern dating has gotten wrong —...

Why High Social Skills Win in the Age of AI | Social Intelligence Briefing

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny break down the real competitive edge in the age of AI — emotional regulation and social intelligence. As automation levels the playin...

Is AI Coming For Your Job? | Zack Kass

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with Zack Kass, AI futurist and author of The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential, to explore how artific...

AI Can’t Save You in the Conference Room (Or on a Date) | Social Intelligence Briefing

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny reveal the single most important human skill to master in 2026 — and why it’s the one AI will never replace: validation. As automat...

The Art of Charm Best Of 2025

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny close out the year with The Best of 2025 — sixty minutes of the most replayed, talked-about moments that defined the year on The Art o...

Invisible Workers Get Cut First | Rebecca Hinds

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with Rebecca Hinds, author of Your Best Meeting Ever, to uncover why meetings aren’t broken — they’re just poorly designe...

Why Trying is Ruining You | Carla Ondrasik

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with Carla Ondrasik, author of Stop Trying, to unpack why the word try is secretly holding you back from real change. Carla sha...

Why Smart Ideas Stall — And What’s Really Happening | SIB

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny unpack why great ideas often get rejected — even when the logic and data are flawless. The truth? You didn’t lose the argument; you ...

Friendship Fuels Achievement | Matt Ritter

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ sits down with Matt Ritter, co-host of Man of the Year, to unpack the male loneliness epidemic and why so many men lose friendships as they get old...

Stop DESTROYING Your Status | Social Intelligence Briefing

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny break down the real status game — and why working harder, proving yourself, or chasing approval can actually lower your value. They re...

The Secret Power of Losing | Dave Berke

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with Dave Berke, retired Marine Corps fighter pilot, Top Gun instructor, and leadership coach with Echelon Front. Dave shares l...

How High-Value People Hold Frame | Social Intelligence Briefing

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny break down how to hold your frame when someone takes a subtle dig or tries to knock you off balance. Whether it’s a jealous coworker, ...

Are You Chasing a Prize You Don’t Even Want? | Bree Groff

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the reason change feels so hard is because you're using the wrong psychological model to navigate it? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down ...

Stop Trying to Be Liked — Start Being Chased | Social Intelligence Briefing

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny break down the X-Factor Operating System — the mindset and skill set that turns overthinkers into magnetic communicators. If you’ve ...

Start Designing a Life That Matters

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny sit down with Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, Stanford professors and authors of Designing Your Life, to explore how to build a more meanin...

The One Body Language Cue That Beats All the Others | Social Intelligence Briefing

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal one of the most powerful — and overlooked — body language cues in human behavior: the freeze. First uncovere...

3 Steps to Move from Stress to Strength | Jon Rosemberg

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: AJ and Johnny sit down with Jon Rosemberg to unpack how to break free from survival mode and start thriving in your work, relatio...

The Elicitation Protocol | Social Intel Brief

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder how top performers turn casual small talk into career-changing conversations? In this episode of Social Intelligence Brief, AJ and Johnny ...

3 Mindset Shifts to Build Emotional Resilience | Shireen Rizvi and Jesse Finkelstein

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When emotions clash with reason, clarity feels impossible. In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with psychologists Dr. Shireen Rizvi and Dr. Jesse ...

The Intrigue Framework — Presence That Does the Talking

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why some people light up a room the moment they walk in? That’s not luck — it’s aura. In this episode, AJ and Johnny unpack the scie...

The Science of Courage and Fear | Ranjay Gulati

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do only 9% of people and companies grow stronger during crises? According to Harvard Business School professor and author Ranjay Gulati, the answe...

The Aura Effect: How to Make People Chase Your Vibe | Social Intel Brief

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why some people light up a room the moment they walk in? That’s not luck — it’s aura. In this episode, AJ and Johnny unpack the scie...

Why Flaws Make You More Likable | Richard Shotton

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes people trust you faster, remember your message longer, and say “yes” more often? Behavioral science has the answers. In this episode, A...

The Spy’s Secret to Instant Trust | Social Intel Brief

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most networking advice tells you to “be nice” — but nice is forgettable. In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal the three hidden signals spies us...

3 Reasons You Need a Personal Brand Now | Goldie Chan

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the fastest way to future-proof your career isn’t networking — it’s owning your story? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with Gold...

The 90-Second Bonding Loop | Social Intel Brief

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had a five-minute conversation that felt like you’d known someone for years? That’s not luck — it’s a loop. In this short, high-impact ep...

The Secret to Beating Burnout | Steven Kotler

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if peak performance isn’t about superhumans — but about biology? In this powerful conversation, AJ and Johnny sit down with New York Times be...

The Ancient Formula for Modern Influence — Cicero’s Secret to Magnetic Persuasion | Social Intel Brief

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the secret to modern influence was 2,000 years old? In this episode of Social Intelligence Brief, AJ and Johnny uncover Cicero’s three-step ...

Luck Isn’t Random—It’s Designed | Judd B. Kessler

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people always seem “lucky” while others miss out? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with Wharton economics professor Judd Kessle...

Hack Your Confidence with Body Language | Social Intel Brief

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if confidence wasn’t in your head, but in your posture? In this episode, AJ and Johnny unpack the science of body language and embodied cogniti...

3 Viral Mental Health Myths Debunked | Joe Nucci

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are we drowning in psychobabble? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with psychotherapist and author Joe Nucci to debunk the viral mental health m...

Why High-Value People Don’t Avoid Conflict | Social Intel Brief

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people command instant respect without saying a word? In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal the four high value signals that separate quie...

How to Use Emotions as Data | Dr. Marc Brackett

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your emotions weren’t problems to fix, but signals to guide you? Dr. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intel...

The Hidden Language of Laughter | Social Intel Brief

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if laughter wasn’t just fun—but a social superpower? In this episode, AJ and Johnny unpack the science of laughter and why it’s one of the ...

How to Connect Deeper in Minutes | Charles Duhigg

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people make every conversation better? Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg (Supercommunicators, The Power of Hab...

3 Low-Value Behaviors That Quietly Kill Your Respect | Social Intelligence Brief

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why people don’t take you seriously—even when you’re smart and hardworking? In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal the three most com...

How to Leverage Status for Career Growth | Toby Stuart

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people rise effortlessly while others go unnoticed? Toby E. Stuart, Leo Helzel Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at UC Be...

Why High-Value People Don’t Avoid Conflict | Social Intel Brief

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you avoid conflict—or use it to grow your influence? In this episode, AJ and Johnny share a science-backed framework for conflict resolution that...

The Truth About Psychological Safety | Colin M Fisher

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do brilliant individuals so often create dysfunctional groups? AJ and Johnny sit down with organizational behavior professor Colin Fisher, author ...

The Magnetic Entrance: Why Charisma Isn’t About Being Loud

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your charisma started before you even spoke a word? In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal how to make a magnetic entrance—one that commands ...

Playing It Safe Holds You Back | Elizabeth Weingarten

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the very questions keeping you up at night were the key to moving forward? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with author Elizabeth Weing...

The Social Domino Effect [Social Intelligence Brief]

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the biggest wins in your career, relationships, and social life didn’t require three separate strategies? In this episode, AJ and Johnny rev...

Why Strengths Become Weaknesses | Martin Dubin

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Executive coach and former CEO Martin Dubin joins AJ and Johnny to reveal the hidden blind spots that quietly sabotage leaders and high performers. Fr...

5 Levels of Listening [Social Intelligence Brief]

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever leave a meeting thinking it went fine… but something didn’t land? In this concise training, AJ and Johnny unpack the five levels of listening...

How Modern Life Makes Us Unhappy | Bill von Hippel

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Economist and researcher Bill von Hippel joins AJ and Johnny to unpack a surprising question: if modern life is safer, richer, and more comfortable th...

You’re Listening Wrong: Why Charisma Is About What You Feel, Not What You Say [Social Intelligence Brief]

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AJ and Johnny reveal the hidden layer of charisma most people ignore—what they call “conversation radar.” It’s not about perfect lines or clev...

Perception Beats Perfection | Laura Huang

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people stand out and get ahead—even when they’re not the most qualified? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with Harvard professo...

Why ‘Always Be Closing’ Is Killing Your Network [Social Intelligence Brief]

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you dread networking events, this episode explains why — and how to flip the script. AJ and Johnny break down the toxic "always be closing" minds...

How to Defuse Any Situation | Gary Noesner

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former FBI crisis negotiator Gary Noesner joins AJ and Johnny to unpack what it means to lead—and survive—under pressure. With over 30 years of fi...

The Secret Purpose of Small Talk (and How to Use It to Build Instant Connection) [Social Intelligence Brief]

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people dread small talk. But in this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ and Johnny explain why it’s not about the weather, jobs, or generic que...

You’ve Been Lied To About Growth | Howard Falco

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it really mean to reclaim your power? In this deep and grounded episode of Social Intelligence, AJ and Johnny talk with transformation coach...

The Social Gravity Effect [Social Intelligence Brief]

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people walk into a room and instantly attract attention, introductions, and opportunities—while others grind endlessly and get ignored? ...

Self-Talk That Actually Works | Jay Heinrichs

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the key to change isn’t willpower—but persuasion? In this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak sit down with Jay...

From Likable to Influential: The 3C Method [Social Intelligence Brief]

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do people like you… but never seem to respect you? In this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak reveal the hidden social t...

Your Brain Needs More Space, Not More Hacks | Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can being "too smart" actually hold you back socially? In this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak sit down with Anne-Laure...

Supercharge Your Charisma [Social Intelligence Brief]

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever felt invisible in a room full of people, it’s not your personality—it’s your presence. In this episode of Social Intelligence, ...

Nice Guys Finish First—If They Do This | Dr. Ryan Fehr

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When high-stakes emotions hit — anger, anxiety, fear — most people default to either freezing or reacting. In this episode of Social Intelligence,...

Present Like a Pro: The 4 Brain Hacks Used by Top Performers [Social Intelligence Brief]

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short, tactical episode, AJ and Johnny deliver a science-backed masterclass on how to create presentations that audiences remember. Forget rea...

Don’t Chase Trends—Chase Tension | Robert Siegel

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some leaders command respect while others get ignored? In this episode of Social Intelligence, Stanford professor and venture capitalist Robert...

Your Network Is Weak—Here’s How to Fix It [Social Intelligence Brief]

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people attend networking events hoping something good happens. High-performers don’t hope — they engineer connection. In this episode of Soci...

Rejection Is Part of the Job | Dr. Abbie Maroño​

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people think influence is about clever tactics or quick wins. But true, lasting influence is built on trust, emotional intelligence, and understa...

Never Be Overlooked Again [Social Intelligence Brief]

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You only get one shot at a first impression—and most of it happens before you even speak. In this episode, AJ and John break down the four science-b...

Presentation Hacks: How to Say Less and Win More | Bill McGowan

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you think good communication means saying more, think again. Emmy-winning journalist and executive coach Bill McGowan joins AJ and Johnny to reveal...

Present Like a Pro: The 4 Brain Hacks Used by Top Performers [Social Intelligence Brief]

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people think confidence means knowing exactly what to say. But in reality, social confidence starts with knowing how to start—not how to be per...

3 Rules to Reconnect with Old Friends | Anna Goldfarb

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Modern life has made friendship feel more confusing, fragile, and isolating than ever. In this episode, journalist and author Anna Goldfarb joins us t...

Lost Touch? Simple Prompts to Reignite Friendships [Social Intelligence Brief]

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve got names in your phone that make you smile—but when’s the last time you actually reached out? In this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ...

Radical Listening: Transform Your Relationships | Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Art of Charm, we sit down with Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener and Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh, authors of Radical Listening:...

3-Step Framework That Turns Strangers into Friends [Social Intelligence Brief]

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Moving to a new city can feel like starting over—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak br...

3 Traits of Rainmakers: What Top Performers Do Differently | Matt Dixon

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Art of Charm, we sit down with Matt Dixon, co-author of The Challenger Sale and The Activator Advantage. In today’s conversat...

Networking on Easy‑Mode: 3 Proven Plays [Social Intelligence Brief]

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most networking advice feels awkward, outdated, or downright useless—until now. In this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzub...

4 Principles of Influence from a Hostage Negotiator | Scott Tillema

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Art of Charm, retired SWAT hostage negotiator Scott Tillema shares his battle-tested four-part framework for leading difficult ...

The Secret to Owning Any Room

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it actually mean to be "high value" at a networking event—and how can you radiate it without saying a word? In this episode of Social Inte...

Escape the Dream Job Trap | Simone Stolzoff

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, to explore why modern work culture traps so many of...

3 Tips to Grow Your Charisma Instantly [Social Intelligence Brief]

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Charisma isn't just for extroverts or performers—it's a scientific advantage that determines how often you're invited, trusted, and remembered. In t...

3 Powerful Tools to Manage Emotions Under Pressure | Ethan Kross

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Art of Charm, we're joined by award-winning psychologist and bestselling author Ethan Kross to explore the fascinating science of emo...

How to Vibe With Anyone [Social Intelligence Brief]

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you missing the skill that actually determines success? In this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak reveal how to creat...

Ping & Persuade: How to Win in the Era of Always-On Communication | Andrew Brodsky

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a world where remote work, Slack threads, and Zoom fatigue dominate, The Art of Charm welcomes Andrew Brodsky, management professor at UT Austin an...

Stress Isn’t the Enemy: The Science of Peak Leadership Performance | Sebastien Page

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Art of Charm, we sit down with Sebastien Page — Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and author of The Psychology of Lea...