Celeste Headlee: journalist, bestselling author, NPR host, and one of TED's most-watched speakers (31 million views+) has spent decades studying the art (and science) of conversation. But she didn't always get it right. In fact, she says she used to be "the worst." In this episode, Celeste shares how she rewired her communication style, what most people get wrong about connection, and the powerful tools anyone can use to become a better conversationalist. Celeste shares:
How to start a conversation when you don't know what to say
Why the common advice about conversation (like "maintain eye contact") doesn't actually work
The real difference between debate and discussion + why we're confusing the two
The surprising neuroscience behind great conversation (and why voice matters more than words)
The truth about curiosity + how to practice it (even if it doesn't come naturally)
How neural coupling creates the feeling of being seen and understood
What small talk really does for your brain + why it's not so "small" after all
The simple trick she uses to diffuse conflict and build connection in just 3 questions
How to stop trying to "win" arguments and start learning from disagreement
Why younger generations are craving connection more than ever (and what's getting in the way)
The power of follow-up questions + how they make people feel heard
What we're getting wrong about inclusion and how tiny micro-interactions create belonging
Why performative listening is worse than not listening at all
How to say "I don't know" in a way that builds trust and authority
Why smart people often struggle in conversation and what to do about it 

Book Rec: Bleak House by Charles Dickens

Follow Celeste Headlee here.

Grab a copy of her book We Need To Talk here

Celeste Headlee: journalist, bestselling author, NPR host, and one of TED's most-watched speakers (31 million views+) has spent decades studying the art (and science) of conversation. But she didn't always get it right. In fact, she says she used to be "the worst." In this episode, Celeste shares how she rewired her communication style, what most people get wrong about connection, and the powerful tools anyone can use to become a better conversationalist. Celeste shares: <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li2">How to start a conversation when you don't know what to say</li> <li class="li2">Why the common advice about conversation (like "maintain eye contact") doesn't actually work</li> <li class="li2">The real difference between debate and discussion + why we're confusing the two</li> <li class="li2">The surprising neuroscience behind great conversation (and why voice matters more than words)</li> <li class="li2">The truth about curiosity + how to practice it (even if it doesn't come naturally)</li> <li class="li2">How neural coupling creates the feeling of being seen and understood</li> <li class="li2">What small talk really does for your brain + why it's not so "small" after all</li> <li class="li2">The simple trick she uses to diffuse conflict and build connection in just 3 questions</li> <li class="li2">How to stop trying to "win" arguments and start learning from disagreement</li> <li class="li2">Why younger generations are craving connection more than ever (and what's getting in the way)</li> <li class="li2">The power of follow-up questions + how they make people feel heard</li> <li class="li2">What we're getting wrong about inclusion and how tiny micro-interactions create belonging</li> <li class="li2">Why performative listening is worse than not listening at all</li> <li class="li2">How to say "I don't know" in a way that builds trust and authority</li> <li class="li1">Why smart people often struggle in conversation and what to do about it </li> </ul> Book Rec: Bleak House by Charles Dickens Follow Celeste Headlee <a href="https://www.instagram.com/celesteheadlee/">here</a>. Grab a copy of her book We Need To Talk <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/we-need-to-talk-how-to-have-conversations-that-matter-celeste-headlee/266175?ean=9780062669018&next=t"> here</a>

Behind every headline is a person + a deeper story. Question Everything with journalist Danielle Robay cuts through social media buzz to uncover the voices, ideas, and cultural moments that shape how we see the world. Each week, she asks bold questions that challenge assumptions and reveal the nuance behind the narratives, inviting you to look closer at the world, and at yourself. Because there's always more to the story.
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Danielle is also the creator of the bestselling QUESTION EVERYTHING card game series, which has sparked connection and conversation in thousands of living rooms around the world. She's also the co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) and host of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club. With her signature curiosity—dubbed "The Queen of Questions"—and a background in political science, Danielle brings both heart and rigor to every conversation. A Gloria Steinem Fellow and mentee of Larry King, she's carried forward a legacy of curiosity and connection, interviewing icons from Taylor Swift to Malala Yousafzai in more than 8,000 hours of elevated conversation.

QUESTION EVERYTHING

Tools For Deeper Connection: How To Have Better Conversations with Celeste Headlee— TED's Most-Watched Expert on Communication

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/eb5fd993-a247-45d2-b508-b38a013723a3/transcript

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