I See What You're Saying

Michael Reddington
  • 5.0 (11)
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Truly becoming a great listener and influential communicator requires people to embrace the universality of the human experience. Join Certified Forensic Interviewer Michael Reddington as he speaks with experts from across the spectrum of human communication to explore how they’ve learned to listen and influence others within the context of their lives and careers. Business leaders, investigators, military leaders, scientists, social workers, athletic coaches and beyond all join Michael to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas. Every episode provides listeners with new skills, perspectives and techniques for unlocking hidden value in all of their high impact conversations and relationships.

  1. 3D AGO

    Owning Responsibility for Their Story: A Ghostwriter’s Approach to Drawing Out Central Events | Jennifer Locke | Ep. 154

    What does it really take to draw someone’s story out of them? In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with ghostwriter and nonfiction strategist Jennifer Locke to explore how powerful listening, trust, and patience help uncover the stories people struggle to tell. From building deep trust with clients to identifying the central event that shapes a narrative, Jennifer shares how her approach to “therapeutic listening” allows authors to open up, process their experiences, and bring clarity to their message. This conversation goes far beyond writing. It applies to leaders, coaches, interviewers, and anyone responsible for understanding and representing someone else’s story. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What “therapeutic listening” looks like in practiceHow to build trust before asking someone to share their storyWhy removing judgment is critical to great communicationHow to identify the central event in someone’s storyWhy patience allows better insights to emerge over timeHow to guide conversations without taking controlThe importance of helping others feel safe, heard, and understoodHow to navigate emotional moments in conversationsWhy clarity of audience and message shapes better outcomes About the Guest Jennifer Locke is a USA Today bestselling business book ghostwriter and nonfiction book strategist who helps entrepreneurs and thought leaders elevate their brands through books. She has been writing fiction since 2011 and brings a fiction writer’s approach to her nonfiction and ghostwriting work. Jennifer has ghostwritten business books published by both business presses and Big Five publishers. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, Jennifer lives for stories and is passionate about bringing them to life for her clients. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Jennifer Locke and Ghostwriting(04:05) - How to Interview and Draw Out Someone’s Story(08:36) - Building Trust Before the Work Begins(14:29) - What “Therapeutic Listening” Really Means(18:20) - Handling Emotional Moments in Conversations(22:00) - Identifying the Central Event in a Story(27:27) - Structuring Conversations Without Losing Trust(31:17) - Why Judgment Destroys the Work(34:53) - Navigating Time-Constrained Conversations(39:38) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Writing(42:02) - Resources for Writing Your Own Book Links and Resources: Jennifer Locke Writes |Book in Six by Jennifer Locke WritesJennifer Locke | LinkedInJennifer Locke Writes (@jenniferlockewrites) • Instagram photos and videos Sponsor Links: InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

    49 min

  2. 4D AGO

    10 Listening Lessons From the Interrogation Room | Michael Reddington | Ep. 153

    What can interrogation teach us about everyday communication? In this solo episode, Michael Reddington breaks down 10 powerful listening lessons learned from real-world interrogation environments and how they apply to leadership, business, and high-stakes conversations. This is not about intimidation or pressure. It is about building trust, understanding human behavior, and creating the conditions where people feel comfortable telling the truth. From handling resistance to navigating difficult conversations, these lessons will challenge how you think about listening and give you practical ways to improve your communication immediately. What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why we have more in common with people than we think • How to build rapport quickly in difficult conversations • Why it’s a mistake to take dishonesty personally • How helping people “save face” leads to better outcomes • Why excuses can actually lead you to the truth • The importance of patience in high-stakes conversations • Why the direct path often creates more resistance • How to ask better questions that get honest answers • Why control in conversations is often an illusion • How focusing on outcomes improves your listening and decision-making Chapters: (00:00) - Why Interrogation Is Really About Listening(01:33) - The Reality of High-Stakes Conversations(05:30) - Lesson 1: We Have More in Common Than We Think(08:33) - Lesson 2: You Can Learn From Everyone(10:02) - Lesson 3: It’s Okay to Be Lied To(13:20) - Lesson 4: People Need to Save Face(14:25) - Lesson 5: Excuses Lead You to the Truth(18:04) - Lesson 6: Let Them Feel in Control(19:26) - Lesson 7: The Direct Path Creates Resistance(20:40) - Lesson 8: Patience Wins(23:33) - Lesson 9: Ask Questions They Can Answer Honestly(24:54) - Lesson 10: Focus on Outcomes Links and Resources: Disciplined Listening (Book & Method): https://disciplinedlistening.com Sponsor Links: InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

    31 min

  3. MAR 25

    The Power of Listening in Trauma and Foster Care | Dr. John DeGarmo | Ep. 152

    What happens when someone has never been truly listened to? In this powerful conversation, Michael Reddington sits down with Dr. John DeGarmo, a leading expert in foster care who has welcomed over 60 foster children into his home. Together, they explore what it really means to listen, especially when working with individuals who have experienced deep trauma. Dr. DeGarmo shares insights from decades of experience inside the foster care system, revealing how empathic listening, patience, and trust-building can transform lives. This conversation goes far beyond foster care. It applies to parents, leaders, coaches, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively in high-stakes, emotional situations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What “empathic listening” really looks like in practiceWhy trying to “fix” problems can actually make things worseHow trust is built with people who have every reason not to trustThe difference between lashing out vs withdrawing and how to respondWhy children lie or steal and what’s really behind those behaviorsHow trauma impacts communication, behavior, and decision-makingThe importance of patience, consistency, and emotional controlHow small actions can create massive impact in someone’s life Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Dr. John DeGarmo(04:00) - What Is Empathic Listening?(08:37) - How Listening Builds Trust and Healing(12:24) - Why Trust Takes Time (and Patience)(17:06) - Trauma-Informed Communication Explained(20:59) - Helping Withdrawn Children Open Up(23:44) - Understanding Lashing Out Behavior(31:49) - Why Children Lie and Steal(38:12) - Turning Awareness Into Action(45:13) - Recognizing Warning Signs and Red Flags Links and Resources: Foster Care Institute Dr. John DeGarmo - HomeJohn DeGarmo, Ed.D. Keynote Speaker, TED Talk Speaker | LinkedIn - Sponsor Links: InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

    53 min

  4. MAR 23

    Learn How to Recognize and Improve the Accuracy of Your Observations | Michael Reddington | Ep. 151

    How often are your observations actually… wrong? In this episode, Michael Reddington breaks down one of the most overlooked skills in communication: accurately interpreting what we see and hear in conversations. Because the truth is, most communication breakdowns don’t happen because we didn’t listen… They happen because we misinterpreted what we observed. Michael walks through the most common ways we unintentionally mislead ourselves, and shares practical questions you can use in real time to slow down, reassess, and respond more effectively. If you want to improve your leadership, communication, and decision-making in high-stakes conversations, this episode will change how you think about observation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • The 3 ways we unintentionally misread conversations • Why we often see what we want, choose, or expect to see • How misinterpretation leads to poor emotional reactions and decisions • Simple self-check questions to improve observation accuracy • The role of environment, mood, and context in communication • How your goals and motivations shape what you notice • Why observation is a skill you must actively train Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction: Why Observation Accuracy Matters(01:15) - The 3 Ways We Misinterpret What We See(04:48) - How Misinterpretation Leads to Bad Decisions(07:22) - How to Course Correct in Real Time(09:43) - Asking Better Questions for Clarity(11:25) - The Role of Context in Communication(13:01) - How Your Behavior Impacts Others(14:54) - How Goals and Bias Shape Observations(17:19) - Building Better Communication Habits(21:54) - Final Question: Being Right vs Being Effective Links and Resources: The Disciplined Listening Method: How A Certified Forensic Interviewer Unlocks Hidden Value in Every Conversation by Michael ReddingtonInQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

    23 min

  5. MAR 18

    The 4 Truths That Will Change How You Lead, Listen, and Live | Terry Tucker | Ep. 150

    What does it really mean to live a meaningful life… and how does that impact the way we communicate with others? In this episode, Michael Reddington sits down with Terry Tucker, a former SWAT hostage negotiator, Division I athlete, coach, and cancer warrior, to explore the mindset, resilience, and communication principles that shape how we lead, listen, and connect. Terry shares his powerful framework of “4 Truths and a Lie” and how these ideas influence everything from high-stakes conversations to everyday relationships. This is not just a conversation about communication. It is a conversation about perspective, purpose, and how we show up for others. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • The 4 truths that can guide your life and leadership • Why controlling your mind is foundational to communication • How to embrace pain and adversity to become more resilient • The difference between what you achieve vs. what you leave behind • Why curiosity is one of the most powerful communication tools • How to put people at ease in high-stress conversations • The biggest lie that holds people back and how to overcome it About the Guest Terry Tucker is a former Division I college basketball player, SWAT hostage negotiator, coach, speaker, and author of Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life. His diverse background and personal journey through cancer have shaped a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and human connection. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to Terry Tucker(02:00) - The 4 Truths That Guide Your Life(05:00) - Controlling Your Mind and Mental Discipline(09:00) - The Stockdale Paradox and Resilience(12:30) - Embracing Pain and Adversity(15:00) - The Legacy You Leave Behind(18:30) - Curiosity and Deep Human Connection(23:00) - SWAT Negotiation and Communication Under Pressure(27:00) - Putting People at Ease in Difficult Conversations(31:00) - Lessons from Sports, Coaching, and Leadership(35:00) - Building Confidence and Changing Culture(39:00) - The One Lie That Holds People Back(43:00) - Shifting from Achievement to Contribution(46:00) - Finding Meaning in Adversity(49:00) - Final Reflections and Takeaways Links and Resources: Terry Tucker Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.comTerry Tucker | LinkedInSustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life by Terry TuckerFour Truths and a Lie: Ancient Wisdom For Living Your Modern Purpose by Terry Tucker Sponsor Links: InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

    45 min

  6. MAR 16

    Understanding the Risks and Limitations of Traditional Active Listening | Michael Reddington | Ep. 149

    In this solo episode, Michael Reddington takes a closer look at the concept of active listening and why it may not always be enough in high-stakes conversations. Active listening techniques like maintaining eye contact, nodding, paraphrasing, and reflecting emotions are widely taught as the foundation of good communication. But what happens when these behaviors create the appearance of listening without actually helping us capture the information that matters most? Michael explores the origins of active listening, how it developed in therapeutic environments, and why those same techniques can sometimes fall short in professional situations involving leadership, negotiation, investigation, and conflict. This episode challenges listeners to move beyond simply looking like they’re listening and instead adopt a more strategic approach to communication. By recognizing that listening is a goal-oriented activity, we can better capture meaningful information, strengthen relationships, and move conversations toward productive outcomes. If you want to improve how you communicate, build trust, and navigate complex conversations, this episode will help you rethink what effective listening really looks like. Timestamps: (00:30) - The origins of active listening and early research(02:14) - Why active listening works well in therapeutic environments(03:35) - Traditional behaviors associated with active listening(05:05) - Why listening should be treated as a goal-oriented activity(06:28) - Appearing to listen vs actually listening(09:57) - How we deceive ourselves into thinking we listened(11:05) - The role of environmental awareness in conversations(12:27) - How robotic listening behaviors damage trust(14:50) - Why saying “I understand” can create more tension(16:37) - The risks of mirroring behavior in communication(18:12) - Matching behavior vs mirroring behavior(20:10) - When paraphrasing can backfire(22:11) - When traditional active listening works best(22:56) - Clarifying conversational goals before listening(23:40) - Increasing situational awareness in conversations(24:28) - Capturing strategically valuable information(25:11) - Building a conversational strategy to move relationships forward(26:01) - Final thoughts on evolving beyond traditional active listening Links and Resources: Active Listening by Carl R. Rogers, Richard Evans Farson - https://a.co/d/0h61MdebThe Disciplined Listening Method by Michael Reddington - https://a.co/d/0b9GQLbq Sponsor Links: InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media Links and Resources: Active Listening by Carl R. Rogers, Richard Evans Farson - https://a.co/d/0h61MdebThe Disciplined Listening Method by Michael Reddington - https://a.co/d/0b9GQLbq Sponsor Links: InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media ABOUT THE PODCASTI See What You're Saying: The Disciplined Listening Podcast explores the science and strategy behind communication, influence, and human behavior. Each episode focuses on practical techniques that help leaders, investigators, negotiators, and professionals improve their listening skills, strengthen relationships, and achieve better outcomes in their conversations.

    27 min

  7. MAR 11

    How Filmmaking Taught Chris Baron to Observe, Listen, and Negotiate the World | Ep. 148

    In this episode, we explore storytelling, curiosity, and disciplined observation with filmmaker and explorer Chris Baron, founder of Frontier Films and host of the No Ordinary Monday podcast. After spending more than fifteen years traveling the world filming scientific and nature documentaries for outlets like the BBC, National Geographic, and Disney+, Chris shares how viewing the world through a camera lens has shaped the way he listens, observes, and connects with people. From negotiating access to remote locations to building trust with people across cultures, Chris reveals how curiosity, preparation, and authentic conversation open doors to extraordinary experiences. Together we discuss the parallels between filmmaking, interviewing, and disciplined listening. Chris also shares unforgettable stories from the field, including negotiating access to historic locations, filming in extreme environments, and the mindset required to capture powerful stories from around the world. Join us for a fascinating conversation about storytelling, exploration, and how strong listening and communication skills create opportunities in even the most challenging environments. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introducing Chris Baron and Frontier Films(02:10) - How documentary filmmaking shapes observation and listening(05:45) - Negotiating access to remote and restricted locations(09:20) - Building trust with people from different cultures and backgrounds(14:30) - The mindset required to capture authentic stories(19:40) - Lessons learned from interviewing people around the world(25:10) - Chris Baron’s experiences filming in extreme environments(31:50) - Storytelling and the power of curiosity in conversations(38:15) - Applying disciplined listening in filmmaking and interviewing(46:20) - Launching the No Ordinary Monday podcast(52:30) - Final reflections on exploration, storytelling, and curiosity Links and Resources: Podcast Website: https://noordinarymonday.com/Company Website: https://www.frontierfilms.tv/Podcast Smart Link: https://pods.link/noordinarymondayPodcast Social Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/NoordinarymondayChris Baron | IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5835394/Chris Baron | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbaron7/ Sponsor Links: InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com) Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

    1h 13m

  8. MAR 9

    Why Leaders Struggle to Listen, and How to Quickly Improve | Michael Reddington | Ep. 147

    Learn how leaders can improve listening skills, gather better intelligence, and communicate more effectively in high impact conversations. In this episode, Michael Reddington explores a surprising challenge many leaders face. The more successful, experienced, and knowledgeable we become, the harder it can be to truly listen. Senior leaders and technical experts often feel pressure to solve problems quickly. That pressure can push us into validation mode instead of learning mode. Instead of listening for new information, we start listening for the first opportunity to prove we are right, defend our ideas, or move the conversation forward faster. Michael explains why our brains are naturally wired to seek comfort and confirmation, and how that tendency can prevent us from gathering valuable intelligence during important conversations. You will learn practical techniques to improve your listening immediately, including how to elevate your outcomes, reduce internal distractions, relinquish control of conversations, and create space for others to share meaningful information. Michael also explains why excuses can actually reveal important truths and how leaders can use patience and curiosity to uncover the real issues behind problems. These strategies help leaders gather better intelligence, strengthen relationships, and improve decision making in high impact conversations. Chapters 00:00 Why successful leaders often struggle to listen 01:35 How expertise and experience create communication barriers 03:32 The real reasons we listen in conversations 05:38 Why the human brain is not wired for great listening 07:05 Elevating outcomes and expectations to improve listening 10:23 Why the person with the information controls the conversation 12:02 Staying in a learning mindset and allowing yourself to be surprised 13:30 Limiting internal monologue to capture the full message 16:00 Recognizing emotional triggers and regaining focus 18:09 Why time pressure is the enemy of empathy 20:04 Leading to your expertise instead of leading with it 22:19 Why patience is one of the most valuable listening skills 23:35 Why excuses can reveal valuable truths in conversations 27:45 Key takeaways for leaders looking to improve their listening Resources The Disciplined Listening Method by Michael ReddingtonConnect with Michael Reddingtonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelreddington/ Sponsors InQuasive:http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: https://www.humintell.com/Enter code INQUASIVE25 for 25% off online training.International Association of Interviewers https://www.certifiedinterviewer.com/ Podcast Production Services https://everyword.media

    30 min
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About

Truly becoming a great listener and influential communicator requires people to embrace the universality of the human experience. Join Certified Forensic Interviewer Michael Reddington as he speaks with experts from across the spectrum of human communication to explore how they’ve learned to listen and influence others within the context of their lives and careers. Business leaders, investigators, military leaders, scientists, social workers, athletic coaches and beyond all join Michael to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas. Every episode provides listeners with new skills, perspectives and techniques for unlocking hidden value in all of their high impact conversations and relationships.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Reddington
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025
  • Show Website
    I See What You're Saying

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