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Conflict Skills

Conflict Skills

Written by: Simon Goode
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About this listen

Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast, where he offers free resources and tools to navigate conflicts both in and out of the workplace. With a focus on practical strategies, Simon’s podcast addresses real-world scenarios, providing listeners with the tools to handle disputes effectively. In his recent episodes, he delves into the intricacies of workplace mediation, using case studies like conflicts between managers and staff members to illustrate his points. Simon's expertise and approachable style make his podcast an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their conflict resolution skills.

© 2026 Simon Goode
Economics Education Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The 5 Layers of Self Care During Workplace Conflict: Managing Stress and Regaining Control
    Feb 3 2026

    Dealing with workplace conflict can drain your energy, challenge your confidence, and disrupt every aspect of your life. In this episode, I break down why our fight or flight response kicks in at work and offer a simple five-part self care protocol to help you regain control. By tuning into your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, perceptions, and physical state, you can develop smarter habits, build resilience, and show up as your best self—even in the toughest situations. Hit subscribe for more powerful strategies from the Conflict Skills Podcast.


    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Self-Regulation for Conflict Resolution

    04:43 "The Four Fs of Stress"

    06:43 "Workplace Conflict and Stress Responses"

    10:48 Redefining Self and Mind

    13:10 Psychology's Flaws in Mental Health

    16:57 Partial Control of Actions

    22:31 Thoughts vs Feelings: Overanalyzed Divide

    23:31 "Experiencing Workplace Conflict"

    27:47 "Impact of Stress on Perception"

    30:40 Improving Well-being and Conflict Resolution

    34:36 "Conflict Skills Podcast Farewell"



    Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast, a show he created to offer free resources and practical tools for managing conflict. Drawing on his experience mediating workplace disputes—often between managers and team members or colleagues at odds—Simon is dedicated to helping people navigate challenging interactions. His podcast regularly explores topics such as self-care strategies during workplace conflict, and he is known for his calm, insightful approach to the defensive reactions that people often experience when facing criticism or accusations. Simon’s mission is to make conflict resolution knowledge accessible to all, empowering listeners to develop healthier ways to handle disputes both at work and beyond.

    Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail

    Support the show

    Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.

    website: simongoode.com
    email: podcast@simongoode.com



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    35 mins
  • Navigating Friendship Fallout: Addressing Racism, Misunderstandings, and Repair After 25 Years
    Jan 29 2026

    In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode is joined by Helen Jarvis to explore a real-life conflict between long-term friends that erupted over accusations of racism sparked by a controversial book.

    They discuss the emotional complexity of values-based disputes, the challenge of balancing honesty with relationship preservation, and practical steps for navigating these tense situations, whether as a participant or an "accidental mediator."

    Throughout their conversation, they emphasize the importance of slowing down, seeking to understand different perspectives, and using thoughtful, non-defensive communication to help repair and rebuild relationships.

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    Helen's details:

    Helen Jarvis

    ripplelearning.com.au

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    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Conflict Skills & Resolution Insights

    05:25 "Friendship Fallout Case Study"

    08:27 "Bystander or Upstander?"

    12:15 The Power of Choosing to Speak

    15:25 "Choosing How to Engage"

    19:41 Assumptions, Values, and Understanding

    21:33 "Determining Goals and Relationships"

    26:07 "Effective Conflict Resolution Approach"

    28:27 "Listening to Understand Gemma"

    30:48 Mediating While Maintaining Friendships

    35:46 "Managing Stressful Conversations"

    37:33 "Finding Voice and Impactful Language"

    41:56 "Embracing Conflict with Self-Talk"

    43:29 "Finding the Right Words"

    Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail

    Support the show

    Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.

    website: simongoode.com
    email: podcast@simongoode.com



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    44 mins
  • Managing Difficult Conversations When Stuck in the Middle of Other People's Conflicts
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, host Simon Goode is joined by Helen Jarvis to discuss "accidental mediator" scenarios, where people find themselves stuck in the middle of others' conflicts. They explore three case studies—from a heated argument at a children's soccer match, to neighborhood disputes, to tensions among school canteen volunteers—offering practical strategies for deciding when and how to engage. Throughout the conversation, both emphasize the importance of curiosity, safety, agency, and reflective decision-making in managing these challenging situations.

    To find out more about Helen and her PD workshops: https://ripplelearning.com.au


    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Insights on Conflict and Communication

    05:16 "Facilitating Agency Through Mediation"

    09:14 Driving Reactive Behavior Explained

    12:06 "Empathy First for Effective Dialogue"

    13:15 "Evaluating Motivations and Goals"

    18:52 "Clashing Values in Parenting"

    22:30 "Engage or Understand Before Acting"

    23:32 "Curious Questions and Listening"

    28:59 "Accidental Mediator Mindset"

    32:41 School Canteen Conflict Discussion

    33:40 Creating Safety Through Responsibility

    37:38 "Measuring and Ensuring Safety"

    40:14 Eating Disorders and Food Safety

    45:04 Volunteer Management and Conflict Resolution

    47:34 "Planting Seeds of Kindness"

    Click here to send me a quick message via FanMail

    Support the show

    Thank you so much for listening! I'd love to know what you think and connect.

    website: simongoode.com
    email: podcast@simongoode.com



    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
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