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Dr. Pamela Kreiser (with Meredith Edwards Nagel and Teighlor Polendo) shares her practical insights about how to improve relationships and promote peace—drawing upon her experience teaching graduate and undergraduate students, serving as a Lead Mediator, and training Mediators. Submit your questions to hello@afafpodcast.com KEYWORDS: Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Conflict, Relationships, Mediation, Human Connection, Dyadic Communication, Interpersonal Communication Skills.
Episodes

Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
#114: AFAF with Melissa Beck on Impactful Generosity
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
In this episode, we welcome Melissa Beck, President of Anonymous, an organization specializing in philanthropic strategies for wealthy families. Melissa discusses the complexities of giving away money effectively, emphasizing the importance of identifying specific goals and passions. She highlights the personal nature of their process, which involves deep, empathetic listening and strategic planning to maximize impact and fulfillment.
Listen in to our conversation as we touch on the challenges and joys of philanthropy, the evolving landscape of generosity, and how even small acts of kindness can profoundly impact lives. Join us as we explore fresh perspectives on generosity, creativity in giving, and how to make a lasting difference.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
About Melissa:
https://www.anonymousllc.com/melissa-beck
About Anonymous Philanthropy:
https://www.anonymousllc.com/who-we-are
Melissa’s Favorite Reads:
Measure What Matters by John Doerr
The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath
https://heathbrothers.com/books/the-power-of-moments/
Die with Zero by Bill Perkins
https://www.diewithzerobook.com/welcome
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
#113: Overcoming Comparison! The Thief of Joy
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
In this episode, we explore the deep-seated impact of comparison on our creativity, happiness, and overall well-being, inspired by the insights of Brené Brown. We dive into Social Comparison Theory, breaking down the differences between upward and downward comparisons, and how each shapes our self-perception and emotional state. Through candid personal stories and actionable strategies—like the practice of gratitude—we reveal the often unnoticed harm that comparison brings to our lives. We'll also share tips on how to shift focus from external benchmarks to personal growth and joy. Join us as we unpack the nuances of comparison and discover ways to cultivate a more fulfilling, self-directed life.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Experts : Dr. Brene Brown, Dr. Leon Festinger
Resources :
“Comparison is the thief of Joy” - President Theodore Roosevelt
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
https://brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart/
Overview of Social Comparison Theory:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-comparison-theory

Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
In this insightful episode, hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser (TalkDoc), Meredith Edwards Nagle, and Teighlor Polendo dive into the phenomenon of negative sentiment override. Discover how negative experiences can overshadow positive ones in relationships and learn the importance of maintaining a healthy emotional balance.
This episode offers practical strategies to manage and improve personal interactions, highlighting the psychological impact of negative sentiment override. Through real-life examples and expert advice, the hosts provide valuable insights on fostering better communication and enhancing positivity in the relationships we want to keep.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Experts : Dr. John Gottman, Gottman Institute
Resources :
https://www.gottman.com/blog/blame-resentment-and-negative-sentiment-override/

Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
#111: AFAF with Christopher Faris on Imposter Syndrome
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Join us as we sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Christopher Faris, who shares his journey from traditional therapy to creating engaging YouTube content on his channel Mort's Garage. In this episode, we delve into imposter syndrome—what it is, where it comes from, and how it affects individuals, especially high achievers. Christopher offers insight into the intersection of anxiety and imposter syndrome and provides practical advice on how to manage and overcome these feelings through exposure to truth, specific praise, and meaningful communication.
Tune in for an informative and relatable discussion that will leave you pondering the depths of your own achievements and self-worth. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt or looking to better understand this pervasive issue, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies to help you recognize and combat imposter syndrome. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from an expert and take steps toward a more confident, authentic self.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Resources :
Brene Brown on compassion:
Attachment theory:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html
Links :
Mort’s Garage YouTube Channel by Christopher Faris:
https://www.youtube.com/@MortsGarage
Healthy Gamer GG:

Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
#110: AFAF Rewind! How to Control Your Anger
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
In this episode, hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagle, and Teighlor Polendo revisit episode 59 featuring Christopher Faris and Carrie Johnson. The discussion delves into anger management, exploring the nature of anger, its physiological effects, and strategies for controlling emotional responses. Through insightful definitions and personal anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of understanding and managing anger to prevent negative consequences. The hosts also highlight the significance of being curious rather than condemning one's feelings, and the role of emotions in deriving meaning from experiences.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Link: AFAF Episode #059 Anger Management! How to Tame Your Temper with Christopher Faris and Carrie Johnson
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/d3a4aa5fad6104f0aafc2a80e3cb04dc

Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
#109: Direct vs. Indirect Communication: Understanding the Differences
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
In this episode of "Asking for a Friend,” join Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagle, and Teighlor Polendo dive deep into the nuances between direct and indirect communication styles. Through personal experiences, expert insights, and practical examples, they explore why individuals might prefer one method over the other and how these preferences are influenced by cultural backgrounds. The discussion includes an analysis of Cynthia Joyce's article on communication impact, interactive quizzes, and valuable tips for bridging the gap between different communicative approaches. Whether it's navigating breakups, professional settings, or everyday interactions, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to improving communication and relationships.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Experts : Dr. Cynthia Joyce
Resources :
Dr. Cynthia Joyce’s Chart:
Huffington Post Article:
Breaking up:
https://news.byu.edu/news/delivering-bad-news-dont-beat-around-bush
Direct vs. Indirect Speech:
Ending Relationships:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254376804_Strategies_for_ending_relationships_Two_studies
Links :
AFAF Episode #027: The Dance of Visibility (Part 1): How to Speak Up!
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/1980a02db6d55a72c46cfe659ca2cb03
AFAF Episode #028: The Dance of Visibility (Part 2): How to Stop Over Explaining!
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/7256cb9fd6ba3bb1893f130453818b47
AFAF Episode #027: The Dance of Visibility (Part 3): Strategic Alignment - How to be a Better Communicator!
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/51e031a91f4867fad1d39e7929d4247a
AFAF Episode #018: Beating Around the Bush - How to Choose Your Words
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/d5be7964f269f49c542b588e21652c8a

Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
#108: Understanding Contempt: The Silent Relationship Killer
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
In this episode of "Asking for a Friend,” join Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagle, and Teighlor Polendo as they delve into the toxic dynamics of contempt in interpersonal relationships. Dubbed the "worst of the four horsemen" by renowned researcher John Gottman, contempt is a critical indicator of potential relationship demise.
Tune in as we unpack the verbal and non-verbal signs of contempt, its devastating effects on relationships, and its alarming impact on individual health, including heightened vulnerability to infectious diseases. Through engaging discussions, we highlight practical solutions and emphasize the importance of nurturing a culture of appreciation rather than criticism. Featuring real-life examples and personal stories, this episode offers listeners valuable insights into recognizing and addressing contempt in their relationships. Join the conversation and learn how to build healthier, more respectful connections.
Music by epidemic sound.

Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
#107: Lies Lies Lies! Exaggeration, Deception, and Confabulations
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of deception, exaggeration, and confabulations in our everyday interactions. We start by unraveling the mechanics of intentional deception, where people consciously mislead others to alter beliefs or obscure the truth. Our discussion then transitions to exaggeration—a widespread yet often overlooked form of deception used for storytelling, emphasis, or humor. Through relatable anecdotes, we expose how even harmless exaggeration can erode trust over time.
Next, we explore the realm of confabulations, where individuals unknowingly fabricate false memories or beliefs. These 'honest lies' can have profound effects on relationships and communication. By examining both scientific research and personal experiences, we shed light on the subtle yet significant impact of these phenomena.
Join TalkDoc, Meredith, and Teighlor as we uncover the delicate balance between truth and falsehood in our interactions, offering insights and reflections that will make you rethink the way you communicate and build trust with others.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Experts : Brene Brown, Clifton, and Gottschall
Resources :
Brene Brown’s Books: Dare to Lead and Rising Strong
Clifton Strengths Finder 2.0
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx
Jonathan Gottschall (2013) - The Story Telling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human
https://www.amazon.com/Storytelling-Animal-Stories-Make-Human/dp/0544002342
Strength Finder Tool:
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
Links :
AFAF Episode 13 “The Stories We Make Up”
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/97368b3e753092d12a97c52d74b58cbf
Key and Peele Skit - Text Message Confusion:

Tuesday May 28, 2024
#106: AFAF Rewind! Spotting Red and Green Flags in Relationships and Dating
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Join TalkDoc, Meredith, and Teighlor on the latest episode as we dive into understanding the intricacies of healthy relationships. In this episode, we revisit essential topics covered in our previous discussions on spotting red flags (Episode 80) and green flags (Episode 82). We take a retrospective look at episodes 80 through 83, exploring how past experiences and family backgrounds shape our ability to identify warning signs and the role of compassion in this process.
Highlights include a robust discussion on the significance of green flags, such as experiencing genuine happiness and self-assuredness in the presence of a partner. We emphasize the importance of personal growth and boundary setting, underlining how self-awareness contributes to building fulfilling relationships.
Tune in as we stress the educational aspect of our content, offering practical insights aimed at enhancing communication and fostering healthy relationships.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Links :
AFAF Episode 80: How to Spot Red Flags in Relationships and Dating
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/04fba5aa22def91904d762e99f13460b
AFAF Episode 82: How to Spot Green Flags in Relationships and Dating
https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/ee9c3bc999440ea80693b973303b7eeb

Tuesday May 21, 2024
#105: The Truth About Lying: White Lies, Omission, and Equivocation
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
In this latest episode, TalkDoc, Meredith and Teighlor embark on a deep dive into the intricate world of deception within human communication and relationships. Unveiling the staggering statistics that reveal an average of three lies every ten minutes in a conversation, the hosts unravel the multifaceted layers of lying.
From harmless white lies to intentional omissions and complex equivocations, the discussion uncovers the spectrum of lies we encounter daily, shedding light on the ethical dilemmas they pose. Through personal stories and compelling research, the hosts illuminate how lies often serve dual purposes—shielding feelings while also serving the liar's self-interests.
Tune in as we dissect the myriad reasons behind lying, dissecting its impact on relationships, and navigating the delicate balance between honesty and maintaining social harmony. This episode promises an engaging dialogue that challenges our understanding of truth and deception in the fabric of human connection.
Music by epidemic sound.
SHOW NOTES:
Experts : Adler and Towne, Bavelas et al., Metts
Statistics on Lying - University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
https://www.uwlax.edu/currents/how-often-do-people-lie/
Lying Less Linked to Better Health by American Psy. Association
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/lying-less
The Brain Adapts to Dishonesty by Garrett et al. (2016)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5238933/
Study on Sexual Rejection Messages by Metts, Cupach, and Imahori:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10570319209374398
Resources :
Adler and Towne’s Book: Looking Out, Looking In