Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication and the Brain: Conversations that Transform Cultures

Behind Beliefs, Behaviors & The Brain: Your Communication Podcast takes listeners on a journey into the science of communication and leadership through the lens of Dr. Maiysha Clairborne. A physician, coach, consultant, and expert in trauma-informed communication, organizational culture. With a focus on brain science, psychological safety, navigating conflict, and cultivating trust, each episode provides practical tools for tackling difficult conversations and leading with confidence, clarity, and impact.

Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication and the Brain: Conversations that Transform Cultures is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 121 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication and the Brain: Conversations that Transform Cultures, a business show with 121 episodes published.

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  Episode #121

  Bringing Joy to Leadership with Kyle Cronk

  Aug 31, 202641 minS1

  In this episode of Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication, and the Brain, I’m joined by Kyle Crump, President and CEO of South Sound YMCA, to explore what it means to bring joy into leadership. Together, we unpack how playfulness, trust, psychological safety, and authenticity can create stronger teams and healthier workplaces. From identifying the joy bringers and joy blockers in your life to letting go of perfectionism and taking yourself too seriously, Kyle shares practical insights for leading with more connection and purpose. Tune in to discover how who you are as a leader shapes the way you lead, communicate, and create meaningful experiences for others. Key Takeaways: Joy Can Be a Choice - Bringing joy into the workplace does not mean every situation has to be easy or positive. It often comes down to the attitude and thoughts we bring to the situation. Leadership Is About Pouring Into People - A leader’s impact is not measured only by what they accomplish personally, but by how they invest in the people they lead. Play Creates Joy and Builds Community - The lessons learned through shared experiences, teamwork, and even conflict can create a community where people learn to rely on and support one another. Play Can Create Psychological Safety - Leaders who are willing to be authentic, imperfect, and approachable can build trust and create space for more open and meaningful conversations. Joy and Excellence Can Coexist - Clear expectations and honest feedback can help people grow while creating an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Joy Is Found in Moments of Growth - Joy in leadership is not always about big achievements or organizational success. It can be seen in the moments when people feel supported, take courageous steps, discover their agency, and grow through experiences that are challenging but meaningful. Perfectionism Can Block Joy - A lack of trust and psychological safety can reinforce that pressure, while giving people permission to learn, grow, and make mistakes can create more space for joy. Joy Starts with Who You Choose to Be - Identifying what brings you joy, doing more of those things, and intentionally structuring your day around them allows joy to become part of how you lead, rather than something you simply try to create About Our Guest Kyle Cronk is the President and CEO of South Sound YMCA and a longtime YMCA leader with nearly four decades of experience in leadership, youth development, and working with communities. He is passionate about bringing joy, playfulness, connection, and authenticity into leadership. Through his coaching and leadership work, Kyle helps leaders and teams create cultures where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. Connect with Kyle: Website: https://southsoundymca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.cronk.7 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southsoundymca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylecronk Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne Communication is the foundation of everything and everything happens in communication. If you’re ready to take your communication to the next level, our Communication That Transforms course dives deep into creating psychological safety, handling crucial conversations, navigating conflict, and cultivating trust in a way that truly leaves the people in your life feeling seen, heard, respected and valued. It will transform how you lead and how you show up in all of your relationships . Learn more and register at www.mindremappingacademy.com/ticc . If you are a leader and your employees or teams are struggling with team dynamics, consider taking them through our new “Communications That Transforms” group cohort. See the full course breakdown and get a free preview of key modules to experience the value. Go to https://mindremappingacademy.com/course-catalogue and schedule a call with Dr. Clairborne at www.mindremappingacademy.com/corporate-programs Follow Dr. Maiysha on Social media Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaiysha Instagram: www.instagram.com/DrMaiysha YouTube: www.YouTube.com/DrMaiysha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaiysha

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  Episode #120

  Why Avoiding Conflict Deepens the Fracture Between Relationships

  Aug 24, 202618 minS3

  In this episode of Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication, and the Brain, I explore why avoiding conflict doesn't protect our relationships. Instead, it often leaves us with unspoken emotions, incomplete stories, and growing disconnection. Inspired by the themes of my TEDx Talk, I share what's happening in our brains during conflict and how emotional regulation can help us move from avoidance to honest, healing conversations. Tune in for practical insights to help you navigate disagreement with greater courage, clarity, and compassion. Key Takeaways: Avoiding Conflict Doesn't Heal Relationships – Avoiding difficult conversations may bring temporary relief, but it rarely resolves the underlying issue. Growth comes from learning to regulate our emotions, approach conflict with courage, and stay engaged in conversations that strengthen trust instead of allowing distance to grow. Conflict Is Both Emotional and Practical – Disagreement is rarely just about differing opinions. It also brings emotions like frustration, fear, confusion, or discomfort. Learning to recognize and regulate those emotions helps us respond more thoughtfully instead of avoiding conflict or reacting from old patterns. Unspoken Conflict Doesn't Stay Quiet – Avoiding difficult conversations may ease discomfort in the moment, but it rarely resolves the issue. Unprocessed emotions tend to linger, shaping how we think, interpret others' actions, and tell ourselves stories that may not be true. Open the Door to the Conversation – Avoiding difficult conversations often leaves both people filling in the gaps with their own stories. Taking time to regulate before talking is important, but when it feels safe, opening the door to honest conversation brings clarity, reduces assumptions, and creates the possibility for understanding, repair, or healthy closure. Helpful Resource: Watch Why “I’m sorry” doesn’t heal relationships | Maiysha Clairborne | TEDxAsheville here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjMqlcae9YI Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne Communication is the foundation of everything and everything happens in communication. If you’re ready to take your communication to the next level, our Communication That Transforms course dives deep into creating psychological safety, handling crucial conversations, navigating conflict, and cultivating trust in a way that truly leaves the people in your life feeling seen, heard, respected and valued. It will transform how you lead and how you show up in all of your relationships . Learn more and register at www.mindremappingacademy.com/ticc . If you are a leader and your employees or teams are struggling with team dynamics, consider taking them through our new “Communications That Transforms” group cohort. See the full course breakdown and get a free preview of key modules to experience the value. Go to https://mindremappingacademy.com/course-catalogue and schedule a call with Dr. Clairborne at www.mindremappingacademy.com/corporate-programs Follow Dr. Maiysha on Social media Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaiysha Instagram: www.instagram.com/DrMaiysha YouTube: www.YouTube.com/DrMaiysha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaiysha

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  Episode #119

  Bridging the Generational Communication Gap with Anna Ettin

  Aug 17, 202643 minS3

  In this episode of Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication, and the Brain, I’m joined by Anna Ettin, co-founder of Tapestry Partner Solutions, to explore how we can bridge the generational communication gap. Together, we unpack the assumptions, values, and life experiences that shape the way different generations communicate, lead, and work together. From understanding Gen Z’s approach to boundaries and purpose to recognizing how every stage of life influences our perspectives, this conversation offers practical insights for building stronger relationships across generations. Tune in to discover how curiosity, empathy, and better questions can help you create more meaningful connections at work, at home, and beyond. Key Takeaways: Labels Can Get in the Way of Listening - Generational differences often become more difficult when people rely on labels or stereotypes instead of listening. Dismissing someone as "that kid" or "OK, boomer" may seem harmless at first, but over time it can erode trust, undermine respect, and make genuine understanding less likely. Generational Differences Are Real, But They’re Not New – Every generation challenges the norms of the one before it. While technology has accelerated how quickly cultures, communication, and expectations change, the desire of younger generations to question, explore, and establish their own identity has always been part of human development. Development Shapes Perspective - Every stage of life brings different priorities and ways of seeing the world. Younger generations often seek independence, while older generations focus on legacy and stability. Every Generation Has Something to Teach – Generational differences are not simply about work ethic. Millennials challenged the idea that work should be meaningful, while Gen Z is challenging the belief that success requires constant sacrifice. Productivity Isn't Measured by Constant Busyness – Finishing work well doesn't always mean doing more work. As younger generations challenge the idea that productivity requires constant availability, organizations have an opportunity to value outcomes over hours, embrace healthy boundaries, and create more sustainable ways of working. Curiosity Builds Stronger Organizations – Rather than criticizing younger generations for approaching work differently, organizations can ask better questions about what employees need to succeed. About Our Guest Anna Ettin is the co-founder of Tapestry Partner Solutions and co-leader of the Global ERG Network. She helps organizations strengthen leadership, bridge generational communication gaps, and build workplace cultures where people and teams can thrive. Connect with Anna: Website: https://www.tapestrypartnersolutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-ettin-7054ab1 Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne Communication is the foundation of everything and everything happens in communication. If you’re ready to take your communication to the next level, our Communication That Transforms course dives deep into creating psychological safety, handling crucial conversations, navigating conflict, and cultivating trust in a way that truly leaves the people in your life feeling seen, heard, respected and valued. It will transform how you lead and how you show up in all of your relationships . Learn more and register at www.mindremappingacademy.com/ticc . If you are a leader and your employees or teams are struggling with team dynamics, consider taking them through our new “Communications That Transforms” group cohort. See the full course breakdown and get a free preview of key modules to experience the value. Go to https://mindremappingacademy.com/course-catalogue and schedule a call with Dr. Clairborne at www.mindremappingacademy.com/corporate-programs Follow Dr. Maiysha on Social media Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaiysha Instagram: www.instagram.com/DrMaiysha YouTube: www.YouTube.com/DrMaiysha

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  Episode #118

  Conflict as Information, Not Failure

  Aug 10, 202616 minS3

  In this episode of Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication, and the Brain, I challenge the belief that conflict is something to fear or avoid. Instead, I explore how disagreement can become valuable information that reveals miscommunication, unmet needs, differing values, or new perspectives. By learning to approach conflict with curiosity instead of defensiveness, we can move beyond survival responses, strengthen relationships, and create healthier conversations. Tune in for practical questions and tools to help you navigate disagreement with greater clarity, compassion, and confidence. Key Takeaways: Conflict Isn't the Problem, Our Relationship with It Is - Many of us were taught to see conflict as something dangerous, abnormal, or something to avoid. As a result, our brains often associate disagreement with past experiences that felt threatening, triggering protective survival responses. Disagreement Is a Natural Part of Healthy Relationships - Conflict is not a sign that something is broken. Whenever people with different experiences, perspectives, and ideas come together, disagreement is inevitable. Conflict Reveals What Needs Attention - Disagreement often points to something that needs to be clarified, whether it's a difference in ideas, values, priorities, or simply a misunderstanding. Curiosity Creates Better Conflict - When disagreement happens, resist the urge to react immediately. Instead, get curious. Ask what the disagreement is really about, what may have been misunderstood, and what values or perspectives are influencing each person. Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne Communication is the foundation of everything and everything happens in communication. If you’re ready to take your communication to the next level, our Communication That Transforms course dives deep into creating psychological safety, handling crucial conversations, navigating conflict, and cultivating trust in a way that truly leaves the people in your life feeling seen, heard, respected and valued. It will transform how you lead and how you show up in all of your relationships . Learn more and register at www.mindremappingacademy.com/ticc . If you are a leader and your employees or teams are struggling with team dynamics, consider taking them through our new “Communications That Transforms” group cohort. See the full course breakdown and get a free preview of key modules to experience the value. Go to https://mindremappingacademy.com/course-catalogue and schedule a call with Dr. Clairborne at www.mindremappingacademy.com/corporate-programs Follow Dr. Maiysha on Social media Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaiysha Instagram: www.instagram.com/DrMaiysha YouTube: www.YouTube.com/DrMaiysha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaiysha

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  Episode #117

  The Most Critical Conversations Happen at the Dinner Table with Ashley Berger

  Aug 3, 202635 minS3

  In this episode of Beliefs, Behaviors, Communication, and the Brain, I sit down with Ashley Berger of Sweet Pea Lifestyle to explore how the dinner table can become a space for connection, trust, and meaningful conversation. Together, we discuss how sharing a meal can help people find common ground, navigate difficult conversations, and strengthen relationships at home, at work, and in the community. Tune in for practical insights on creating intentional spaces where people feel safe, heard, and invited to connect. Key Takeaways The Table Is Where Connection Grows - The dinner table is more than a place to share a meal. It is a sacred space where relationships are nurtured, stories are exchanged, difficult conversations find a home, and lasting memories are made. Connection Happens Best Face-to-Face - Meaningful conversations are easier when people gather around a table instead of behind screens. Sharing a meal naturally slows us down, invites us to listen, serve one another, and engage with kindness. Connection Grows Through Shared Humanity - You don't have to agree with someone to have a meaningful relationship. When we choose to focus on shared values instead of opposing opinions, we create space for honest conversation and mutual respect. The Table Creates Space for What Matters Most - A table is more than a place to share a meal. It becomes a space where people feel safe enough to have difficult conversations, celebrate relationships, redefine them, or even bring them to a healthy close. Safety Is Something We Create - A "table" isn't defined by the furniture. It's any space where people feel safe enough to be honest, ask for help, receive feedback, or have difficult conversations. Whether it's a dining table, a desk, or a quiet corner, connection begins when we intentionally create an environment of welcome, trust, and openness. Bring the Table Into the Workplace - The idea of the table extends beyond the dining room. In organizations, leaders can create "table spaces" where every voice is welcomed, people feel safe to contribute, and conversations are grounded in trust rather than ego. Be the Invitation - Every meaningful connection begins with someone willing to extend an invitation. Opening your table, your time, or your presence to another person creates opportunities for trust, understanding, and transformation. About Our Guest Ashley Berger is the founder of Sweetpea Lifestyle and the creator of Sweetpea Supper Club, where she helps people simplify entertaining and cultivate meaningful connection through shared meals. A TEDx speaker and hospitality advocate, Ashley believes that the kitchen and dining table are the true heart of the home—places where community is built, relationships are strengthened, and people are loved well. Through practical resources, conversation guides, and her passion for intentional gatherings, she empowers others to create memorable experiences around the table with ease, joy, and purpose. Connect with Ashley: TEDx: https://youtu.be/ApJdsC9_x6s?si=Mizmwqrmt4IC2Cce Website: https://sweetpealifestyle.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweetpealifestyle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetpealifestyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetpealifestyle YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sweetpealifestyle Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne Communication is the foundation of everything and everything happens in communication. If you’re ready to take your communication to the next level, our Communication That Transforms course dives deep into creating psychological safety, handling crucial conversations, navigating conflict, and cultivating trust in a way that truly leaves the people in your life feeling seen, heard, respected and valued. It will transform how you lead and how you show up in all of your relationships . Learn more and register at www.mindremappingacademy.com/ticc . If you are a leader and your employees or teams are struggling with team dynamics, consider taking them through our new “Communications That Transforms” group cohort. See the full course breakdown and get a free preview of key modules to experience the value. Go to https://mindremappingacademy.com/course-catalogue and schedule a call with Dr. Clairborne at www.mindremappingacademy.com/corporate-programs Follow Dr. Maiysha on Social media Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaiysha Instagram: www.instagram.com/DrMaiysha YouTube: www.YouTube.com/DrMaiysha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaiysha

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