In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode interviews Linda Kochanski, an experienced mediator and trainer, about her 33-year journey in mediation, her approach to training new mediators, and the importance of reflective practice and resilience in the field. They explore how mediation skills benefit professionals from diverse backgrounds, including HR and rehabilitation, and discuss the challenges and rewards of working with conflict, especially in family dispute resolution. Linda Kochanski also shares insights on mentorship, continuing professional development, and her commitment to helping others build lifelong conflict management skills.

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Linda coordinates several courses with the College of Law in different states around Australia. For information please visit: https://www.collaw.edu.au/

The book Linda mentions: Mediating with Families (5th edition)

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Mediation Skills as Life Tools"

03:44 Qualities of Effective Mediators

09:12 "Breaking Down Mediation Process"

12:03 Encouraging Growth Through Coaching

15:05 "Becoming a Reflective Practitioner"

16:17 "Mediator Challenges in Family Disputes"

20:15 "Prioritizing Growth and Mentorship"

23:43 "Importance of Verbalizing Thoughts"

27:49 "Learning and Growth Through Mediation"

29:28 "Mediation Skills for Life"

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

In this episode, Simon Goode explores practical strategies and mindset shifts for new graduates navigating workplace conflict, emphasizing the inevitability and complexity of such challenges. He breaks down five types of conflict—data, value, structure, relationship, and interest—and offers actionable advice on responding effectively while maintaining self-care and composure. Throughout, Simon normalizes the discomfort of conflict and highlights the importance of self-improvement as a core skill for professional growth

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Simon Goode is a professional mediator and the host of the Conflict Skills Podcast, where he provides free resources and practical tools for handling conflict. With a passion for helping others navigate disagreements, Simon launched his podcast to guide listeners—especially new graduates—on managing workplace challenges. Recognizing that many people misunderstand the nature of workplace conflict, Simon offers expert insights to dispel common misconceptions and empower individuals to thrive in their careers. Through his engaging podcast, Simon continues to support and educate anyone seeking to develop their conflict resolution skills.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Preparing for Conflict Effectively"

05:35 Outdated Stress Response System

07:09 "Navigating Discomfort with Change"

10:27 "Mastering Workplace Conflict Resolution"

15:14 "Seeking Clarity Through Dialogue"

17:03 Defining Respect and Conflict Resolution

21:30 Improving Meeting Structure

25:38 Navigating Work Relationships Wisely

28:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Calmly

33:06 Assertiveness, Compromise, and Clarity

35:27 "Managing Conflict and Assertiveness"

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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

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

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

Ripple Learning facilitates customised, dynamic, safe, and highly effective learning experiences that support workplaces to build the skills needed to navigate conflict, manage stress and maximise performance.

We are a social enterprise, creating a ripple effect by directing 100% of profits to youth mental health charities.

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My details:

Simon Goode

simongoode.com

podcast@simongoode.com

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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"

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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

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"

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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

In this episode, Simon Goode explores a workplace conflict scenario where a team member's promotion disrupts previous dynamics among close colleagues. He discusses Tuckman's stages of team development—forming, storming, norming, and performing—and offers practical conflict resolution strategies focused on open communication, de-escalation, and collaborative problem-solving. The episode provides actionable advice for navigating evolving relationships and expectations after internal changes within small teams.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Team Dynamics and Role Changes

05:36 "Adapting to Management Style Changes"

08:44 Collaborative Communication for Conflict Resolution

14:27 Navigating Relationships and Leadership Goals

17:20 "Team Dynamics and Conflict Management"

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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

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode explores the topic of mending rifts, especially within families, sharing practical strategies for repairing strained relationships and the importance of empathetic listening and effective apologies. He emphasizes the value of small, positive steps to rebuild trust and illustrates how to interrupt negative cycles that keep conflicts alive. The episode offers actionable tools for navigating difficult dynamics and encourages listeners to develop new, healthier relationship patterns over time.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 "Family as Society's Foundation"

05:49 "Rethinking Conflict and Control"

07:43 "Navigating and Mending Conflict"

12:51 Resolving Conflicts with Calm Intent

14:25 "Fostering Empathy and Resolution"

17:48 Steps for Making Amends

21:05 "Short Lead Time for Positivity"

24:31 "Repairing Relationships and Conflict"

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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

Have you ever had a colleague that kept using the IM system just to write, "hi"?

What do they want? Why can't they just be more clear? Why are they so annoying and should they be thrown into the sun?

In this episode of the Conflict Skills Podcast, Simon Goode tackles a common yet surprisingly irritating workplace communication issue: colleagues who send instant messages that simply say "hi"—and nothing else. Drawing from a Reddit case study and its lively comment section, Simon Goode explores why this behavior can be so frustrating, especially on asynchronous platforms like email or chat, where quick and purposeful exchanges are expected.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Extreme Workplace Conflict Case Study

05:46 "Navigating Communication and Conflict"

08:19 Open Communication and Understanding

10:16 Boundaries and Clear Communication Tips

14:57 Clear Communication and Choices

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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