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More than a third of Americans say they have lost a friend, family member, or partner over political differences. With the midterms days away and the holidays right behind them, how do we keep that from happening at our own tables?

Host John O'Brien is joined by three experts who each bring a piece of the answer. Psychologist Tania Israel shares how to prepare for and carry on a conversation with someone who sees things differently. Psychologist Dana Ackley explains what happens emotionally when a political conversation heats up, and how to steady yourself in the moment. Michael Lee, communication professor and director of the College of Charleston's Civility Initiative, looks at how political identity and messaging shape the way we talk to each other.

In this episode, we will talk about:

• How to stay curious instead of defensive
• Changing minds versus keeping relationships
• When to set a boundary or walk away
• How to handle the days after the results, win or lose
• One thing to try before Election Day

I hope that you’ll consider listening in to this enlightening discussion.

For more on my work on rudeness and incivility, you can find information at:

www.activatesuccess.org

www.rudenessrehab.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmobrienphd/

https://www.youtube.com/@RudenessRehab

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Psychological safety, workplace culture, and empathy in leadership take center stage on this episode of Civility Matters. Host Dr. John O'Brien sits down with Karen Hall — known worldwide as the "Queen of Empathy" — a psychological safety keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leadership strategist who helps organizations build trust, engagement, and emotional intelligence at every level.

Together they unpack what psychological safety actually means, the warning signs it's missing from a conversation or a team, and how empathetic leadership fuels civility even during disagreement. Karen tackles a question many leaders avoid: can you create psychological safety for someone whose views you find genuinely harmful? She also draws a clear line between healthy disagreement and dehumanizing conflict, and offers one practical habit anyone can use today to build more trust and safety at work.

Whether you're a manager navigating a toxic workplace, an HR leader building a healthier culture, or just curious about emotional intelligence and leadership, this conversation delivers real, usable strategies.

For more on my work on rudeness and incivility, you can find information at:

www.activatesuccess.org

www.rudenessrehab.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmobrienphd/

https://www.youtube.com/@RudenessRehab

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Civility Matters, John O'Brien sits down with Eleni Kelakos to explore the powerful link between civility and charismatic presence. Eleni shares how treating others with respect actually amplifies a leader's charismatic presence which, in turn, reinforces civil behavior. This can create a positive feedback loop within workplace culture. The conversation also turns to the flip side: how rudeness and incivility quietly erode charisma, diminishing trust and influence over time. Left unchecked, these behaviors can spiral into a toxic workplace where connection and leadership impact suffer. A compelling case for civility as a leadership superpower.

You can find out more about Eleni's work at:

https://elenikelakos.com/

For more on my work on rudeness and incivility, you can find information at:

www.activatesuccess.org

www.rudenessrehab.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmobrienphd/

https://www.youtube.com/@RudenessRehab

For more on my work on rudeness and incivility, you can find information at:

www.activatesuccess.org

www.rudenessrehab.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmobrienphd/

https://www.youtube.com/@RudenessRehab