Our episode today is being published around the holiday season. I couldn’t imagine a better gift than this: the gift of mindful communication, or skillful communication.

We all know that communication is a fundamental part of human interaction and plays a crucial role in shaping our relationships and human experiences. I wish topics like effective communication and emotional regulation were taught in a more intentional way at home and school.

There is a wealth of power hidden in the simple-yet-challenging act of bringing awareness to the language we use in our lives. And by that I mean not just the world we live in, but also the world within us. There is so much to be discovered when we practice bringing awareness to our thoughts and emotions and learning how to express ourselves in a skillful and helpful way.

Our interview today is with Mudita Nisker and Dan Clurman, the authors of "Let's Talk: An Essential Guide to Skillful Communication.” In our discussion, we have the opportunity to explore their insights and perspectives on this important subject. Their book offers practical guidance and strategies for improving communication skills and cultivating deeper connections with others.

Mudita Nisker is a licensed marriage family therapist (LMFT), coach, and trainer. A strong advocate of lifelong learning, she’s led women’s communication-training groups for over thirty-five years.

Dan Clurman is a coach, trainer, and professor. Over the past thirty years, he has provided communication training and coaching to individuals and organizations in the private, public, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Let’s Talk offers invaluable guidance for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and relationships. Whether you are a parent, lover, teacher, or leader, you can benefit greatly from the kindly guidance provided in this book. By reading and applying the strategies outlined in "Let's Talk," you can improve your communication with everyone in your life and find yourself getting into fewer conflicts. And when conflicts do arise, you will be better equipped to navigate them with more skill and grace.

Since this interview with Dan and Mudita, I have purchased multiple copies of their book and I even started a little book club with my wife and three young boys. Not just for me and my learning, but also for them and preparing them for their lives. I don’t want them to be challenged in the same way that I was. I hope to give them the gifts of self awareness, emotional literacy, self regulation, and effective communication. And I couldn’t think of a better book to use as our guide to transform the way we relate to ourselves and others — one conversation at a time.

Learn more at letstalkmethod.com

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We would love to hear from you! - What would you like to know about mindfulness or how it can help you with the issues you are facing? Record your question for our podcast team. If your message is selected, we will answer it on the podcast!

Ask us a question on our website at https://www.austinmindfulness.org/podcast

Host Lance Vaughn, co-owner of the Austin Mindfulness Center and mindfulness student.

Co-host Claudio Barrientos, LMSW, Certified Mindfulness Instructor at Austin Mindfulness Center.

Special guest Brother Dave Kenneally has been practicing mindfulness for over twenty years. A former Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps AND a former Buddhist Monk in the tradition of the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, he seems to have a penchant for shaving his head and wearing a uniform. Or perhaps it’s his love of service. After spending six years living in Buddhist Monasteries and Practice Centers, he now resides in San Diego, CA and travels the world teaching mindfulness. 

Dave is a Certified Teacher of the Search Inside Yourself Program, a course in mindfulness, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence, designed at Google for the corporate setting. He has experience teaching mindfulness to a wide variety of populations including business leaders, teachers, yoga instructors, social workers, cancer patients and their families, teens, and military veterans. He has helped facilitate programs from New York City to Anchorage, Alaska and everywhere in between. 

A certified instructor for the US Veterans Affairs Department teaching the 8 week course: Taking Charge of My Life and Health, Dave brings Mindfulness to Vets, helping them heal and thrive in every aspect of their lives.

As an Ordained member of the late Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing, Brother Dave believes that all of us can use the tools of mindfulness to live fuller, happier lives right now. He likes to say that he spent all those years training in monasteries so you don’t have to. 

Website: https://www.davekenneally.com/

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We would love to hear from you! - What would you like to know about mindfulness or how it can help you with the issues you are facing? Record your question for our podcast team. If your message is selected, we will answer it on the podcast!

Ask us a question on our website at https://www.austinmindfulness.org/podcast

Host Lance Vaughn, co-owner of Austin Mindfulness Center and self-described ‘mindfulness student.’

Co-host Claudio Barrientos, LMSW, Certified Mindfulness Instructor at Austin Mindfulness Center.

Special guest Dr. Caroline Buzanko - Her mission is to inspire and empower mental health professionals, educators, and families in promoting children and teens' resilience and long-term success.

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/ 

Emotion Cards and Body Outline: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotioncardsbodyoutlines/

Anxiety Compass Parent masterclass: https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/anxiety-compass-for-parents

Facebook 

Dr. Buzanko Page: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Super parents of Kids with Anxiety Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720299805212614

Podcasts

Parents of the Year: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/parents-of-the-year/id1611916146

Overpowering Emotions:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overpowering-emotions-podcast-helping-children-and/id1618828819

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We would love to hear from you! - What would you like to know about mindfulness or how it can help you with the issues you are facing? Record your question for our podcast team. If your message is selected, we will answer it on the podcast!

Ask us a question on our website at https://www.austinmindfulness.org/podcast

Host Lance Vaughn, co-owner of Austin Mindfulness Center and self-described ‘mindfulness student.’

Co-host Claudio Barrientos, LMSW, Certified Mindfulness Instructor at Austin Mindfulness Center.