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  • 014-Replay & Retool: Understanding Nonverbals – Part 2
    Some skills are worth revisiting. Some tools become more powerful each time you return to them.
  • 013-Replay & Retool: Understanding Nonverbals – Part 1
    Some skills are worth revisiting. Some tools become more powerful each time you return to them.
  • 012-Emotional Intelligence as the Backbone of Organizations
    Some skills are worth revisiting. Some tools become more powerful each time you return to them.
  • 011-Replay & Retool: Understanding DISC Part 2
    Some skills are worth revisiting. Some tools become more powerful each time you return to them.
  • 010-Replay & Retool: Understanding DISC Part 1
    Some skills are worth revisiting. Some tools become more powerful each time you return to them.
  • 009-Your Role in Culture: Five Ways to Make an Impact
    Culture isn’t a department. It’s a daily practice.
  • 008-Three Actionable Steps To Culture Change
    Culture doesn’t change by memo; it changes in singular moments. 
  • 007-How to Build a Coaching Culture Through Everyday Conversations
    Culture doesn’t shift through policy—it transforms through presence…
  • 006-Rebuilding Trust When You’ve Messed Up
    Ever snapped at someone and instantly thought, “Wait… what just happened?” That split-second of self-awareness might…
  • 005-How To Build An Ownership Mindset
    Ever caught yourself thinking, “Why should I be the one to fix this?” or “That sounds like a YOU problem”? That flash of…
  • 004-Mastering Emotional Catalysts
    In this episode of Beyond the Class, CFCC CEO and organizational psychologist Misty Janks explores how emotional intelligence (EI) transforms relationships, decision-making, and leadership.
  • 003-What Is Your Behavior Telling You? – The Science Behind Your Needs
    Ever snapped at someone and instantly thought, “Wait… what just happened?” That split-second of self-awareness might…
  • 002-Six Steps to Free Yourself from Frustration
    “Direct your energy toward what’s within your control. This opens space for gratitude, joy, and connection.” -Katie Trotter, Chief Program Officer at the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities We’ve all been there—pretending we’re…
  • 001-Unleashing the Power of a Learner Mindset
    “Growth is contagious. When you choose to learn and adapt, you give others permission to do the same.” Misty Janks, CEO of the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, captures…
  • Welcome Back! Retooled – Reimagined – Rejuvenated
    After a pause to retool and reimagine our purpose, we’re thrilled to return and welcome you back to our newly renamed audiocast, “Beyond The Class: From Knowledge To Action.”
  • Caring Designations – Episode 104
    At the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities (CFCC), we believe that meaningful change begins with connection, empathy, and intentional leadership. But what does it truly mean to create a Caring Workplace or a Caring Community? In this episode, we’re joined by Misty Janks, CEO of CFCC, and Micki Gibbs, Senior Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement, as they share the … Read More
  • 103 – Dissecting Top Secret F.B.I. Statements
    Can you actually enhance your relationships by calling in the F.B.I.?
  • 102 – Empathy in Action: A Story of Transformation Inside Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley
    Discover How Our Foundation is Working Alongside Multiple Organizations to Transform the Entire Colorado Valley—You Won’t Believe the Impact!
  • 101 – ALL ABOARD!: Know your three ‘stops’ on Bothered Boulevard
    In a discussion rich with personal anecdotes and refreshers from Our Community Listens, Adam Salgat and Kat Edmondson, explore the nuanced dynamics of managing emotions in confrontations. They delve into…
  • 100 – Podcast History & Reflection w/Next Level Non-Verbals in a World of Emojis-Part 2
    In our 100th episode of the Listen First Podcast, Leanne Van Beek joins me to reflect on the podcast’s growth since 2018. We discuss how the podcast began supporting alumni, the human connections behind the data, and the power of real-life testimonials. Leanne also shares some surprising thoughts on the…
  • 099 – Next level Non-verbals in a World with Emojis – Part One
    In today’s digital age, interpreting nonverbal communication can often be tricky. Many people, even in professional settings, often convey some non-verbal cues through emojis…
  • 098-Mastering Emotional Awareness: An Expert’s Guide to Navigating Stress 
    In the midst of holiday chaos, maintaining emotional awareness may not seem like a priority, yet it’s paramount. Being attuned to our emotions prevents them from overwhelming us. It equips us with a deeper understanding of our emotional patterns, their triggers, and how to express them constructively rather than reactively. So, how does one cultivate this emotional awareness?
  • 097-Got Your Six: A Conversation w/National Guardsmen
    So what happens when two 20-year military service members join forces to lead with empathy? Tune in to find out. The phrase “military leadership” typically evokes images of…
  • 096 – Listening to Learn: An Educator’s Template for Building Teacher & Student Trust
    Some would say that working in the education field takes a lot of smarts. To teach someone anything, you need first to understand it yourself, and then you have to break it down and go step by step to help build up their understanding of the subject.
  • 095 – Game-Changer in Blue: Insight on the Power of Listening Skills in Policing
    While officers undergo de-escalation and risk mitigation training, learning the Listens skills has led many to say they wish they had this communication training at the start of their careers. That includes our guest, Sergeant Brian Brown of the University of Colorado Police Department. Tune in as he explains why and how it’s making a difference in the Centennial State.
  • 094 – Big Aspirations w/Erin Wojkiewicz
    A credit union in Green Bay, WI, hopes to bring its community closer than ever through the power of listening! Our guest is alumni Erin from Green Bay, WI. Erin is the Assistant Vice President of Learning and Development at Capital Credit Union.
  • 093 – Trust in the Workplace w/Christine Mahoney
    What happens when a journalist, trained to listen to people, takes a class on listening?
  • 092 – Culture & Connection – Opportunities to Succeed
    In this episode, Adam J. Salgat and CFCC CEO Misty Janks sit down to discuss company culture and what businesses should keep in mind heading into 2023. They share some new statistics about who employees think is in charge of company culture, how culture has improved coming out of the pandemic, and provide concrete examples of how to enhance connection.
  • 091 – Our Key Takeaways of 2022…Just For You!
    Just like your favorite sitcom, we’ve put together a compilation episode! Enjoy the key messages from our interviews this past year. Happy Holidays!
  • 090 – You don’t have to think the same to love someone – Acceptance vs. Agreement
    There are many holiday celebrations on the horizon. This is often joked about as a time of family turmoil. Let’s talk about what we can do when a relative starts expressing views different from your own. Listen in as Jules Maloney, Wisconsin Regional Director & Director of Virtual Programming, shares many examples of how to … Read More
  • 089 – Get your flex on and get work done!
    Have you ever had trouble getting a co-worker to buy in on a project? Does it seem as though they don’t grasp the importance? Sometimes when we explain…
  • 088 – Digesting DISC – Part 2
    Are you new alumni? Did you recently finish the Our Community Listens course and find yourself often checking back to your learning guide? Well, this podcast and its coming episodes are here for you as another form of learning! We’ll be reviewing subjects from class, providing more examples and reminders of how to apply the skills at work and at home.
  • 087 – Mom’s Story: How I Connected With My Kids Early in the School Year (And You Can Too)
    In this episode, Adam Salgat discusses with Jill Wright of South Carolina how she tries to connect with her kids as the school year gets underway. Listen to her personal account of initially having difficulty understanding her son’s decision not to join a school club but eventually…
  • 086 – Class is in session! Five tips to connect with your child at the start of the school year
    In this episode, Adam Salgat, Micki Gibbs, and Mike Desparrois set you up for success as your family goes through the transition of starting a new school year. Listen closely for five tips to bring you closer to your child as they head into a very stressful time of their life.
  • 085 – When the Military Listens: A Researchers Pipeline to Leading Change
    In this episode, Adam Salgat visits Jenn Rudolph of Michigan Air National Guard who completed her Master’s Research Thesis for her course in the Military Arts and Sciences about listening with empathy in the military.
  • 084 – Digesting DISC – Part 1
    Are you new alumni? Did you recently finish the Our Community Listens course and find yourself often checking back to your learning guide? Well, this podcast and its coming episode are here for you as another form of learning! We’ll be reviewing subjects from class, providing…
  • 083 – Parenting without creating dependency
    In this episode, Adam Salgat sits down with Gina Wilson, OCL Alumni, mother of two teens, and Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Central Michigan University. Gina discusses…
  • 082 – Vowing to stay connected
    “When we went into the course, we were like, ‘What else are we going to learn about each other and about ourselves?’…and it was a lot. So never think that you know enough about yourself or others because there’s always more.” -Melanie Pomerville
  • 081 – OCL Skills Transforming Workplace Culture
    Listen in as host, Adam J. Salgat, talks with Bev Thiel, Executive Director of Kent County, MI Habitat for Humanity.
  • 080 – The Great Reshuffle…What is happening?
    In this episode, Adam J. Salgat and CFCC CEO Misty Janks sit down to discuss the Great Reshuffle and how the…
  • 079 – Vacationing with your partner – smooth sailing or rough waters?
    Vacations take a lot of planning, and for the most part, that work turns into fun and relaxation. But what happens when something goes wrong, and you and your partner stare at each other with accusations on the tips of your tongues?
  • 078 – Giving tough feedback, giving praise & owning up
    If you just recently finished employee reviews and struggled to provide feedback, whether it was good or bad behavior, this podcast is for you!
  • 077 – What if your child DOESN’T need you to save the day?
    Once you change your behavior and implement the OCL skills, how does that impact your connection with your children, and can it help them grow?
  • 076 – New Name, New Programs – Same Human Connection
    In this episode, Adam Salgat sits down with newly appointed CEO Misty Janks to cover the expansion of programs, including virtual classes happening at CFCC. They also discuss her excitement level moving into her new role and the heritage behind the official name change that took place about one year ago.
  • 075 – “You don’t appreciate me!” – How to make sure you never hear this.
    You may think you appreciate and recognize your partner, but is it in a way that your partner connects with?
  • 074 – Logic and Emotion: Helping Students Pull The Plug
    Joining Adam Salgat is Mike Desparrois and one of the newest team members, Micki Gibbs. The three of them discuss logic and emotion in the classroom. They talk about what it’s like for students and teachers. Listen closely to find the little tidbits that will help you work with your student or your child.
  • 073 – Understanding Our Personal Needs to Lead Better
    In this episode, Jules Maloney of the Wisconsin Chapter joins me to discuss the ‘needs onion’. This layered…
  • 072 – How to handle being overwhelmed with a new school year starting
    In this episode, Adam Salgat and Mike Desparrois discuss the nervousness and the feelings we have about our kids heading into two new realms of education. They also talk about acceptance versus agreement and how that applies to working with teachers in this busy time of year. Listen closely as they give examples of what they’re going through and how they feel overwhelmed by everything.
  • 071 – Using the skills as a parent
    Katie and Jonathan Trotter join Adam J. Salgat to discuss how we utilize our skills when working directly with our children and co-parenting. Listen close as many real-life examples are shared.
  • 070 – Building a case
    For those who have already been through communication skills training, it doesn’t take data to convince us of its worth. But as the CFCC approaches businesses, municipalities, and…
  • 069 – Learn about Foundations of Leadership
    As Our Community Listens, transitions into the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, this podcast will continue to be a tool to refresh the teachings of the communication skills course.
  • 067 – Evolving as a parent w/Misty Janks
    Our Community Listens in Partnerships – In the following conversation with Our Community Listens national team members, Leader of Education Initiatives-Mike Desparrois, and Senior Leader of Strategic Engagements, Misty Janks will discuss how…
  • 066 – Partnerships w/Shara Brice
    Join Adam J. Salgat, Mike Desparrois and Shara Brice – Strategic Engagement Leader – as they discuss the four partnership divisions of Our Community Listens. Shara also recounts her 10 years with the organization.
  • 065 – From the ballfields to the classroom, building relationships excels performance
    In this podcast, we will hear from Joe White and how he has built a successful teaching and coaching career in high school based on building and maintaining relationships with other educators and kids.
  • 064 -Delivering confrontation messages
    We tend to avoid confrontation, yet if we don’t choose to confront, will anything change?
  • 063 – Communicating with your partner and military deployment
    Join hosts Adam J. Salgat and Katie Trotter in discussing communication with military couple Jen Rudolph and Jose Tovar.
  • 062 – Happy Holidays!
    Adam J. Salgat, Sarah Weisbarth, Mike Desparrois, and Executive Director Rebecca Buell sit down with some hot cocoa and reminisce about Christmases past.
  • 061 – Connecting Despite Differences
    We all have a lens through which we see things, the world, and others. My perspective is different than yours, and yours is different than others. How do we still value people and relationships when we see the differences, people behave in ways we cannot agree with, and we just do not know what to do when people react in ways we do not understand?
  • 060 – Why should I care? The Impact of Impact
    Our behavior has an impact on ourselves and others, whether it is intended or not. Often, we are unaware of the impact of our behavior. We grow and change when we pause, address OUR OWN behavior and ensuing impact, AND share with others the impact of THEIR behavior. Impact matters. As we wrap up a series on effective confrontation, Impact is a key ingredient of our FBI statement used in recognition and when asking for change.
  • 059 – Your second child is different from your first
    In this episode Mike Desparrois, Teresa Vineyard, and Dr. Gary Morris from St. Edward University in Austin, TX discuss the relationship between the two institutes, how the university has helped students through these tough times, and the development of the Podcast Listening Group…think book club.
  • 058 – I cannot believe you did that! How behavior becomes judgement.
    Our emotional reaction to the behaviors of others can either bring us closer or drive us further apart. Listen to learn more about where our perspective or viewpoint comes from and how it influences our behavior and effectively ask others to change it.
  • 057 – Character Education
    In this episode, Mike Desparrois and Teresa Vineyard, welcome in fellow educator Dr. Emilie Johnson.
  • 056 – Feelings
    Feelings. The grease for the world. Instead of avoiding them, what would happen if we acknowledge the information they give us? Connect with something more as Jules Maloney – Our Community Listens facilitator from Milwaukee, WI – Sarah, and Adam explore the feelings within.
  • 055 – How the skills are impacting college students and staff
    Facilitators often hear alumni say, “I wish I had these skills earlier in life.” To do that, the focus on getting the skills into the hands of educators has become important.
  • 054 – Should I confront?
    We want people to change. Yet examining our motive first is imperative. Should I confront? Listen to perspectives, tips, stories, and experiences with confrontation. We can impact the outcome of the conversation if we choose.
  • 053-How to handle the upcoming school year
    The upcoming school year is going to be different. And that sentence my friends might be the understatement of the year!
  • 052 – Life is full of choices
    Just when you think you have no control over what is happening in your life…….you realize that you do. You can choose. Choose your attitude, your behavior, and how they align with your values and meet your needs. AND when your choices are different from another’s…..you have a choice then too. Life is full of choices.
  • 051 – Skills being utilized in education
    What if we had the chance to model empathetic listening in our schools and teach youth how to handle complicated emotions better?
  • 050 – Acceptance versus agreement
    Do I want to be right or be in a relationship? Acceptance versus agreement. If we can accept others and see their perspective, we have the potential to solve problems together. What does it take?…listening and understanding.
  • 049 – Want to help someone? Listen to them.
    In the world today having the ability to empathically listen to someone is in high demand. Giving someone the floor to share their story and let them share their truth, while we listen with our whole heart can be powerful and bring us together. However, there…
  • 048 – Benefits of the skills with youth and in schools
    How have the communication skills made an impact with youth? Why is it important to listen with empathy, especially to our children?
  • 047 – Logic and emotion inside the home
    What is it like inside your house right now during these times of change? Have there been blowups over dirty clothes left on the bathroom floor? Absolute panic and…
  • 046 – Handling Change
    Friends, change is difficult and we are living through a lot of them right now. Many of which are out of our control…
  • 045 – DISC Tendencies On Fire!
    Host Adam J. Salgat and Leader of Curriculum Improvement & Development for Our Community Listens, Sarah Weisbarth, have an open discussion about DISC tendencies in this extraordinary time.
  • 044 – Reflecting, connecting and future
    Host, Adam J. Salgat, and Leader Curriculum Improvement and Development, Sarah Weisbarth reflect on the past few weeks. The two of them take the time to listen, connect and acknowledge their worries.
  • 043 – Staying connected
    We are living in extraordinary times. Events and guidelines for how to live our lives in the midst of a public health crisis are changing rapidly. By following CDC guidelines for social distancing…
  • 042 – Our response in tough times
    Executive Director, Rebecca Buell Emerson, joins the podcast to update the OCL community as we all adapt to the changes taking place because of the COVID-19 virus.
  • 041 – Getting to know The Trotters
    In this podcast, Adam J. Salgat sits down with Katie and Jonathan Trotter, facilitators in Michigan who have started a communication skills training focused around helping marriages.
  • 040 – Communication skills focused around marriage
    In this podcast, Adam J. Salgat sits down with Katie and Jonathan Trotter, facilitators in Michigan who have started a communication skills training focused on helping marriages.
  • 039 – Utilizing DISC in everyday life
    In this episode, Adam J. Salgat continues his conversation with Shirley Tipton – Our Community Listens facilitator, trainer and Extended DISC trainer.
  • 038 – DISC Deep Dive
    On the first podcast of 2020, Adam J. Salgat sits down with Shirley Tipton – Our Community Listens facilitator, trainer and Extended DISC trainer.
  • 037 – Year end review
    Adam Salgat and Sarah Weisbarth reflect on the last year of the Our Community Listens podcast.
  • 036 – Handling organizational change as a leader
    Adam J. Salgat and Sarah Weisbarth sit down with President of SPACE, INC., Kathie Fuce-Hobohm to discuss how to handle change with grace.
  • 035 – The significance of a continued learning partner
    Jannette Whitcome and Stacy Keating are employees for the City of Aspen in Colorado. In this podcast, they join Adam J. Salgat to talk about how the two of them became a dynamic duo the likes of Batman & Robin, but instead of fighting crime, they fought something…
  • 034 – How to handle changes…
    In this episode of the podcast Adam Salgat and Sarah Weisbarth discuss ‘change’. Adam shares his personal story of dealing with a genetic degenerative muscle disease and Sarah walks through the process of change.
  • 033 – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    In this episode, Sarah Weisbarth, Leader of Alumni Engagement, has a conversation with two powerful, inspiring and leading women who have had a wide range of life experiences working in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion movement.
  • 032 – Parenting
    Mary Margaret Thomas, alumni, and facilitator from Aspen, Colorado joins the podcast to discuss parenting. She shares with us how the Our Community Listens skills have had an impact over the past six years and how…
  • 031 – Leadership…what is it and do you have it?
    Marsha Burns – Our Community Listens Director of Curriculum Quality and Content Development – has over 30 years of experience teaching and servicing Fortune 500 companies…
  • 030 – Life changing skills – A conversation with a St. Louis alumni
    In this episode, we will hear a conversation between Lead of Alumni Enrichment, Sarah Weisbarth, and alumni Michelle Marshall. Michelle is a Professional Counselor at Missouri…
  • 029 – Don’t pop the bubble! Logic and emotion review
    Have you ever been so upset or even so excited that you did something completely foolish or destructive? Like punched a wall, tried something dangerous because…
  • 028 – How to navigate difficult conversations
    Adam Salgat sits down with Misty Janks and Sarah Weisbarth to discuss how to handle difficult conversations.
  • 027 – Meet the Texas firecracker!
    Adam J. Salgat sits down with life long educator and Texas firecracker, Cynthia Bayuk-Bishop to discuss her partnership with Our Community Listens. Together they are bringing…
  • 026 – Listening is Close to Loving
    When your business card states you work for a ‘listening’ organization, you better do just that. But what happens when you put on earmuffs and dive deep into interrogation mode as a parent?
  • 025 – Empathy is Empowering
    Host Adam J. Salgat talks with Our Community Listens Facilitator Sarah Weisbarth as she opens up about what prevents her from being empathetic at times. She discusses her triggers and how she overcomes them.
  • 024 – Creating a safe space for feedback
    Host Adam J. Salgat talks with Our Community Listens Facilitator Sarah Weisbarth about how to create a safe space with employees,…
  • 023 – Significant behavior change and staying connected
    Listen in and be encouraged as Adam talks with facilitator Sarah Weisbarth about significant behavior change. There are resources available to you as you adjust and consider what you can do differently to improve.
  • 022 – Can you hear me now?
    Adam and Sarah work their way through the communication cycle.
  • 021 – The Onion Slide
    Sharon Clement, Our Community Listens facilitator joins the podcast to tell us about the ‘onion slide’. She takes us through…
  • 020 – Getting to know you
    National team members Executive Director, Rebecca Emerson and Strategic Initiatives Leader, Dustin Brown sit down with Adam J. Salgat for an informative look into their lives. We learn how they came to work with Our Community Listens, the impact it has had on them and what we can expect from the organization moving forward…
  • 019 – Cheerful Communication
    An alumni listener recently asked for reminders and inspiration on attentive behavior, how to listen without judgment and how not be the ‘one-upper storyteller’…