Making Yourself Clear

Chris Iskander and Patrick Neary

0.0 (0)
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to “Making Yourself Clear”, where we explore the art and science of clarity. We’ll discuss these things theoretically because it’s fun and interesting — but more importantly, you’ll get practical tools, mindsets, and frameworks to help you think and communicate clearly.

10/01/2025

Let's Talk About Sex

🔍 Episode Summary: Sex isn’t just about sex—it’s about connection, freedom, and authenticity. In this episode, Chris and Patrick sit down with Dr. Stephen de Wit, a leading sexologist and therapist who has spent over two decades helping people reclaim joy and intimacy in their relationships. They explore why sex remains one of the most suppressed and misunderstood aspects of human life, and how healing in this area creates ripple effects across friendships, workplaces, and communities. With humor, candor, and expertise, Dr. de Wit breaks down the myths and taboos that keep people stuck, offering a vision of sexual empowerment that’s free from shame, guilt, and fear. This is a conversation about honesty, healing, and the kind of connection we all crave. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why breakthroughs in sex often spark transformations in all areas of lifeThe cultural baggage that keeps people disconnected from their sexualityHow to dismantle shame and create more open conversationsThe role of communication in building authentic intimacyPractical ways to reframe sex as empowerment rather than fear🎧 Listen now and discover how talking openly about sex can transform not just your relationships, but your entire life. 👥 Let’s Connect Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-iskander/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wj-neary-578ba8241/ 👥 Connect with Dr. Stephen de Wit https://drdewit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drdewit/ stephen@drdewit.com https://sexlifeunleashed.com/

1h 4m
09/23/2025

Connection: The Art of Storytelling

🔍 Episode Summary: What do magic tricks, TEDx coaching, and effective leadership have in common? They all rely on storytelling that connects. In this episode, Chris and Patrick are joined by Chris Graham, founder of TellPeople.ca and former head of speaker coaching for TEDx Toronto. Together, they explore the deep power of storytelling—not just to entertain, but to foster empathy, create trust, and build stronger relationships at work and beyond. Chris Graham shares lessons from coaching thousands of professionals across law firms, government, and industry, revealing what most people get wrong about storytelling—and how to fix it. The conversation is full of practical insights, personal anecdotes, and one big reminder: your story isn’t about you. It’s about connection with your audience. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why storytelling is the foundation of trust and connectionHow to make your stories land—without ramblingWhy even smart professionals often tell bad stories (and how to fix that)How to go beyond "narration" to evoke emotionWhat magic and TEDx have in common with workplace communicationThe one mindset shift that makes your stories more powerful instantly🎧 Listen now and learn how to tell stories that stick, connect, and lead. 👥 Let’s Connect Websites: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ https://www.tellpeople.ca/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-iskander/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wj-neary-578ba8241/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-graham-tellpeople/

39 min
09/15/2025

Real Talk About Self Talk

🔍 Episode Summary: Ever notice how your inner critic can be a real jerk? In this punchy, thought-provoking episode, Chris and Patrick tackle the invisible commentary running through your mind—your self-talk. They call out the ridiculous, often toxic messages we give ourselves, and offer a radically simple idea: what if you stopped believing your own b******t? With humor, empathy, and a refreshing dose of realism, they explore how negative self-talk becomes habitual, how it keeps us stuck, and what to do when that inner voice starts trash-talking. You’ll learn how to separate fact from fiction, shame from accountability, and discomfort from destruction. This isn’t about pretending everything is great—it’s about seeing things clearly, especially when it comes to how you treat yourself. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why your internal monologue might be full of liesHow to identify unhelpful self-talk and challenge itWhy shame isn’t a useful motivator (and what is)How to create internal boundaries for your own voiceA practical tool for interrupting the shame spiralThe difference between true reflection and self-punishment🎧 Listen now and start a new conversation—with yourself. 👥 Let’s Connect Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442

46 min
07/08/2025

The Power of Questions

🔍 Episode Summary: What if the secret to being a great conversationalist wasn’t about having the right answers—but about asking the right questions? In this episode, Chris and Patrick explore how powerful questions shape connection, curiosity, and conversation. Whether you're introverted, unsure what to say next, or just want to get better at dialogue, they offer one universal tool that works across nearly every situation. From lighthearted banter to moments that stop you in your tracks, they unpack why the best communicators are often the best question-askers. And no, you don’t need to be extroverted or performative—you just need to be curious. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why asking great questions is more powerful than having great answersHow to keep a conversation going—even when you feel awkward or stuckWhat makes a question meaningful, memorable, and connectiveHow to shift the spotlight to the other person (in a good way)Why a well-placed question can build trust faster than a great story👥 Let’s Connect Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442

36 min
06/15/2025

The Hidden Scale Behind All Communication

🔍 Episode Summary: Have you ever gotten lost in the clouds of abstract language—or buried under too much detail? Welcome to the Ladder of Abstraction. In this episode, Chris and Patrick explore how this powerful concept shapes every conversation you have. Whether you're talking about a specific cow named Bessie or referring to "assets" or "conscious beings," you're moving up or down a ladder that affects how clearly you’re understood. They explain how mastering this ladder helps you hit the right level of detail for your audience, improve clarity, and avoid both oversimplification and overcomplication. With practical examples, playful metaphors, and some laughs along the way, they’ll help you recognize when to zoom in—and when to zoom out. 💡 What You’ll Learn: • What the Ladder of Abstraction is and why it matters • How to recognize when you're speaking too generally—or too specifically • How to move up or down the ladder depending on your audience • Why clarity lives in the ability to flex across levels • How to apply this concept in conversations, writing, and presentations 👥 Let’s Connect Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442 🔷 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-iskander/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wj-neary-578ba8241/

32 min
06/09/2025

Four Rules for Clear Communication

🔍 Episode Summary: You know those conversations where someone gives you an answer that’s technically correct… but still leaves you confused, misled, or frustrated? In this episode, Chris and Patrick introduce four unwritten rules for clear communication—based on philosopher H.P. Grice’s famous “Maxims of Conversation.” These rules govern how we speak so that others understand, and how to listen for clarity or misdirection. With real-life examples, smart humor, and practical insight, they explore how these rules show up (or fall apart) in politics, relationships, and everyday conversations. Whether you're leading a team, parenting a teenager, or just trying to be less misunderstood, this one’s for you. 💡 What You’ll Learn: • Why “technically true” isn’t always clear • How to recognize when someone is dodging, deflecting, or confusing on purpose • Four practical rules to follow in any conversation • How to communicate clearly without oversharing or under-delivering • The subtle difference between being accurate and being helpful 🎧 Listen now and sharpen your ability to speak clearly, listen critically, and make yourself understood—every time. 👥 Let’s Connect Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442

43 min
05/30/2025

How to Set Boundaries Without Being a Jerk

🔍 Episode Summary: Setting boundaries is essential—but for many people, it feels uncomfortable, guilt-inducing, or downright scary. In this episode, Chris and Patrick unpack the art of boundary-setting in a way that’s honest, kind, and clear (and occasionally funny). They explore why saying “yes” too much can leave you depleted, how to shift your inner narrative around “no,” and why boundaries aren’t about pushing people away—they’re about protecting what matters. Along the way, they offer practical tips, relatable stories, and even a few tongue-in-cheek metaphors (yes, including electric fences and cattle prods). If you’ve ever struggled to set limits without feeling like a jerk, this episode is for you. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why boundaries are an act of self-respect (not selfishness)How to set limits without guilt or apologyScripts and strategies for saying “no” with clarity and kindnessWhat to do when someone pushes past your boundaryWhy your internal narrative matters just as much as your words🎧 Listen now and learn how to protect your time, energy, and sanity—without burning bridges. 👥 Let’s Connect Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442

1h 17m
05/24/2025

How to Prepare for High-Stakes Conversations

Some conversations change the course of your life—and you don’t always see them coming. But when you do know in advance that a conversation could be high stakes, what do you do with that knowledge? In this episode, Chris and Patrick introduce the CPR framework: a simple, powerful method for preparing to have high-stakes conversations with greater clarity, purpose, and respect. Whether you're navigating tough feedback, negotiating a relationship change, or facing a conflict that matters, this episode offers a roadmap for walking in ready—and walking out proud of how you showed up. 💡 What You’ll Learn: 1. Why preparation is the secret to high-quality dialogue 2. The 3-part CPR Framework: Context: What stance do I want to adopt for this interaction?Purpose: Why am I doing this? Results: What do I want to accomplish? 3. How just 20 minutes of prep can make the difference between a blow-up and a breakthrough Why CPR is more than a strategy—it’s a commitment to showing up effectively when it matters most. 👥 Let’s Connect Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268 RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b62ac464-9205-46bf-a4e8-f66a16fd61e1/making-yourself-clear Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6491442

47 min

Welcome to “Making Yourself Clear”, where we explore the art and science of clarity. We’ll discuss these things theoretically because it’s fun and interesting — but more importantly, you’ll get practical tools, mindsets, and frameworks to help you think and communicate clearly.

Creator

Chris Iskander and Patrick Neary
Years Active

2K
Episodes

14
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Executive Sound Board
Show Website

Making Yourself Clear