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PODCAST

Straight Forward Conversations

A podcast where we embrace the challenging terrain of tricky conversations, where honesty meets empathy, and vulnerability meets strength. Join me as we peel back the layers of our lives, delving into the uncomfortable and awkward conversations we"d rather not have. I"ve been there, where it"s easier to avoid a conversation than front up and communicate it. And ultimately, it has cost me; friends, romantic relationships, family members, professional contacts, the list goes on. What I have learned

education self-improvement

All Episodes

13:12

Things Unsaid

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/10/22

In this episode, Things Unsaid, we explore the delicate balance between speaking up and staying silent — and how this choice reveals our emotional intelligence, courage, and vulnerability. Through relatable stories and reflections, the episode delves into the moments we hold our tongue out of fear, care, or timing, and when silence becomes a quiet burden of regret. From personal relationships to professional settings, it challenges listeners to examine their intentions, trust, and communication

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08:12

Internal Standards

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/10/08

In this episode, Internal Standards, we explore how small actions and everyday choices reflect the personal benchmarks we set for ourselves. Using simple examples—from picking up litter to returning a shopping trolley—the conversation dives into how our behaviour influences others and shapes the standards around us. Through stories from the workplace and reflections on integrity, accountability, and leading by example, this episode encourages listeners to examine their own internal standards,

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12:44

Breaking Up

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/09/22

Breaking up isn’t just for romantic relationships—sometimes it’s friendships that come to an end. In this episode, we explore what it really means to “break up” with a friend: why friendships fizzle out, how to recognize when someone is no longer good for your well-being, and the tough choices between ghosting, distancing, or having the direct conversation. You’ll hear practical tools for setting boundaries, navigating difficult discussions with kindness and empathy, and understanding the deeper

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11:22

Catalyst for Change

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/09/08

This episode takes us back to Ireland, where I reconnect with an old friend and reflect on the power of challenging the status quo. From being among the first girls in our school to push through barriers and choose woodwork over commerce, to making bold choices in work and life decades later, I explore how trusting your intuition and standing your ground can spark change—not just for yourself, but for others too. It’s a story of small acts of courage, leading by example, and the ripple effect our

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13:31

Life Begets Death

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/07/29

This episode explores the universal truth that life inevitably leads to death—a topic often avoided in close relationships, especially in Western culture. It contrasts various cultural attitudes toward death, ranging from honour and acceptance to fear and grief. The episode highlights how openness about death can lead to deeper communication, reduce fear, and foster peace, emphasizing the importance of discussing wishes and emotions with loved ones. Through personal reflections and cultural

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11:56

Resistance is Futile

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/07/13

AI is no longer just a buzzword—it's rapidly becoming part of our daily lives, from chatbots and self-driving cars to smart shopping experiences and workplace automation. In this episode, we dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming society, the mixed feelings it stirs up, and why open conversations about its impact, are more important than ever. Are you ready to embrace the change, or do you find yourself resisting? Join us as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and the vital role

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13:42

Curiosity Killed the Cat

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/06/17

Unlock the transformative power of curiosity in this episode, where we explore how being genuinely curious can deepen your connections, enhance communication, and build resilience. From personal stories and practical tips, to insights from leadership and psychology experts, discover why curiosity is more than just asking questions—it’s a vital skill for navigating relationships, overcoming challenges, and fostering growth. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationships, communicate more

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16:53

Direct, Not Rude!

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/06/02

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of having tough, honest conversations in today’s workplaces, schools, and social circles. Inspired by Paul Doherty’s reflections on the growing discomfort around direct feedback, we explore why open dialogue now feels like walking a tightrope—where raising concerns can risk strained relationships or even legal fallout. We discuss how shifting societal norms, reduced resilience, and the influence of social media have made people more hesitant to speak up,

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19:55

Conflict Resolution

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/05/20

In this episode, I explore the often misunderstood topic of conflict and the vital role it plays in healthy communication. Drawing on personal experiences and thought-provoking quotes from Cheryl Richardson and Gandhi, the discussion delves into why avoiding conflict can lead to internal turmoil and how reframing our perspective can transform conflict from something to fear, into an opportunity for connection and resolution. You will be guided through practical strategies for navigating

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16:55

Speaking Up

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/05/05

In this reflective and honest episode, we dive into the tricky terrain of speaking up—why it can be surprisingly hard, even when we know it’s the right thing to do. Sharing a recent personal experience, I unpack how fear, people-pleasing, and the desire to avoid conflict led to silence when assertiveness was needed most. Through reflection, I explore the primal roots of our fear of rejection, the importance of self-awareness, and how to overcome hesitation with practical, respectful communication

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15:54

Non Verbal Communiation

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/04/21

Does the body language match the words? What are the hands & eyes doing? Are you tuned in to what isn’t being said? Is this person comfortable around you, or are they stressed and not saying or sharing about it? Being aware of some non-verbal cues can help you in your everyday conversations with people and we identify & discuss some of the key ones in this episode.

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13:59

Dealing with Rude People

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/04/07

I was taken back to my 21st podcast episode recently when I was listening to DOAC by Steven Bartlett interviewing Jefferson Fisher, a trial attorney now speaking coach who through his time in court, has observed people in their communication behaviours & patterns and shares a few useful tactics. In this episode I’m summarising what he shares on dealing with rude people as a follow up to my previous episode, which I recommend going back to listen to that first, & then compliment it with this episode

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15:40

Losing Strategies

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/03/24

Do you ever feel like you’re fighting a losing battle with your partner? Or in your other close relationships? There might be a good reason for feeling that way and in this episode, we’ll explore 5x losing strategies for conflict resolution where you might recognise an unhelpful pattern. Identifying and being aware is always, always the first step in improving something. In this 15min episode, I summarise some insights from Terry Real’s book, ‘Fierce Intimacy’ that Tim Ferriss shared on his podcast

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13:35

Give & Take

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/03/11

In this episode, we dive into the delicate dance of conversation: the give and take between talking and listening. Are you lending an ear or dominating the discussion? We've all heard the saying about having two ears and one mouth, but putting that wisdom into practice can be trickier than it seems. Drawing from personal anecdotes—including a disastrous date—we explore how to identify your conversational tendencies, take ownership of them, and implement practical tips to strike a better balance

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11:35

Gossip & Drama

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/02/25

It happens everywhere, at work, at the gym, at home, with friends, in media, magazines/TV, the list goes on. But how do we ‘not’ get caught up in the drama that so often accompanies gossip, how do you avoid getting involved. In this episode you’ll come away with a few useful and practical tips on what to say to cut it off before it becomes drama.

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12:43

No Straight Answers

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2025/02/10

We’re often directed on websites to the FAQ page to have our questions answered or offered a chatbot to troubleshoot and find an answer there. But in our every day lives, interacting with people, it can be challenging to get an answer to the question we’re asking. Is it the way we’re asking, or did they not understand the question? Or do they simply not have or don’t know how to answer? Let’s explore the topic in this episode of Straight Forward Conversations.

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17:10

Radical Honesty

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2024/12/03

Growing up, we’re taught that lying is bad and that we should always tell the truth. We’re also taught that the truth can hurt, or like the movie with Tom Cruise, A Few Good Men, “You can’t handle the truth” But the truth is, pardon the pun, you can tell the truth and have it not hurt, it can be handled. In this episode, we cover some really practical tips you can implement right away when you need to be radically honest.

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14:33

Grace in the Face

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2024/11/19

What do you do when faced with an aggressive manager or boss? When they’re having a go at you, maybe they’re yelling at you? Are you that boss/manager who get’s upset and yells at people? In this episode we cover some useful tips for how to deal with this situation from both sides.

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16:30

Ghosting

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2024/11/05

This episode tackles a phenomenon that's all too common in our digital age—ghosting. Have you ever been left wondering what went wrong after someone suddenly disappeared from your life? Whether it happened in the realm of online dating, a transaction on Facebook Marketplace, or even among friends at a gathering, ghosting leaves a trail of confusion, frustration, and unresolved emotions. In today's episode, we'll explore: Ghosting Experiences: I'll share three recent encounters where ghosting

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14:44

Don't be So Rude!

Straight Forward Conversations ·

2024/10/21

It’s going to happen, we’re going to come across rude and/or aggressive people in our lives. It might be a Client, it might be a colleague, a friend or family member. We might not feel like we can speak our mind, there are things at stake, be it company revenue, your job, a relationship…… It a challenge, no doubt, but there are things we can do, practice tangible things. Let’s find out what they are!!

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41 results

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