Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon

John Kinyon
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Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon

Host and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) expert John Kinyon guides guests through conflicts in their lives and the larger social-political world toward bridging differences and healing hurts using processes and principles rooted in empathic communication. The Mediate Your Life podcast with John Kinyon explores how to transform conflict into connection and possibility. Drawing from over two decades of experience in nonviolent communication (NVC) and conflict resolution, John shares powerful tools and insights to help you navigate challenging conversations and relationships with greater ease and effectiveness. Each episode offers practical guidance for moving from reactivity to presence, judgment to understanding, and conflict to collaboration. Learn evidence-based approaches for self-connection, difficult conversations, and mediating your own conflicts developed from John's extensive work with Marshall Rosenberg, founder of Nonviolent Communication. Whether you're looking to improve personal relationships, enhance workplace communication, or contribute to positive social change, this podcast provides a roadmap for creating peace - one conversation at a time. Join John to discover how awareness, empathy and compassionate dialogue can transform conflict into an opportunity for deeper understanding and meaningful connection.

Episodes

  1. NOV 6

    Healing Societal & Personal Divides: The Power of Presence & Nonviolent Communication w/ Jeff Krasno

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John speaks with Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune Media and a leader in the health and wellness world. Jeff shares deeply and movingly about his experiences facilitating difficult conversations during times of social and political turmoil, particularly in his recent efforts organizing a 5-day intensive peace initiative on the Israel-Palestine situation.   The discussion explores the challenges of navigating polarized viewpoints and the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue. Jeff recounts powerful moments of connection that emerged from seemingly insurmountable differences, highlighting the transformative potential of empathy and active listening.   John and Jeff explore the application of Nonviolent Communication and Mediate Your Life principles in both global conflicts and personal relationships. In a vulnerable part of the conversation, Jeff opens up about his family of origin and relationship with his aging father.   The conversation also touches on Jeff's upcoming book, "Good Stress," and how embracing discomfort in controlled doses can lead to personal growth and improved communication skills.   Listeners will gain practical insights into managing difficult conversations, the importance of presence in conflict resolution, and how to apply these principles in their own lives. This episode holds value for anyone interested in personal growth, effective communication, and making a positive impact in an increasingly divided world.    Find Jeff Krasno here: https://www.jeffkrasno.com/   Discover Jeff’s books here: https://www.jeffkrasno.com/book https://www.onecommune.com/goodstressbook   Read “Good Stress:” http://www.onecommune.com/goodstressbook    Discover Commune Media: https://www.onecommune.com/ Chapters:   00:00:00 - Introducing Jeff Krasno 00:04:09 - Discussion of political polarization and recent Israel-Palestine event 00:06:11 - Background on Commune platform and Jeff's newsletter 00:11:00 - Jeff's approach to responding to critical emails and inviting zoom conversations 00:20:06 - Learnings about difficult conversations and finding points of connection 00:25:00 - Building psychological immune system through exposure to criticism 00:29:00 - Creating safe containers for difficult conversations 00:42:00 - Background on Israel-Palestine Peace Summit 00:49:00 - Trauma and healing in Israel-Palestine dialogue 00:54:30 - Historical context and shared trauma between groups 01:03:30 - Biographical stories exercise 01:06:15 - Comforting a Palestinian participant who lost his cousin 01:13:00 - Difficult conversations with aging parents 01:16:00 - John guides Jeff through internal mediation process  01:23:50 - Strength and carrying others’ burdens 01:38:30 - Nurturing vs healing needs 01:43:00 - Discussion of Jeff's upcoming book "Good Stress" and its key themes 01:45:00 - Final thoughts on importance of difficult conversations for democracy   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:   Good Stress with Jeff Krasno: https://commune.to/goodstress    Jeff Krasno on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeffkrasno/  Jeff Krasno on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffpatrickkrasno/

    1h 52m

  2. OCT 8

    Healing Family Rifts with Tejumo Ogouma

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tejumo Ogouma, a conflict resolution professional with an international background. Tejumo opens up about a deeply personal family conflict, centered on his relationship with his sister in the wake of their parents' passing.   The discussion explores the complexities of sibling dynamics, estate management, and the profound impact of lost connection. John guides Tejumo through a process of self-empathy and compassion, helping him navigate the pain, sadness, and frustration he experiences in this difficult family situation.   This episode demonstrates how the tools and approaches used in professional mediation can be applied to our own intimate family conflicts. Tejumo's journey of self-reflection and his efforts to find compassion for both himself and his sister provide a powerful example of the transformative potential of empathy in healing relationships.   Listeners will gain practical insights for dealing with family conflicts, understanding the importance of self-compassion, and recognizing the universal human needs that underlie even the most challenging behaviors. This episode is a worthwhile listen for anyone grappling with family discord or seeking to deepen their understanding of conflict resolution in personal relationships.

    1h 15m

  3. SEP 11

    Transforming Political Differences with Candidate Jovanka Beckles

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jovanka Beckles, a seasoned community leader running for California State Senate. Jovanka shares her journey from mental health professional to political activist, highlighting how her experiences shaped her commitment to social justice and community healing.   The discussion covers the challenges of running a corporate-free campaign, the emotional impact of political conflict, and the importance of addressing root causes of societal issues. John guides Jovanka through a process of empathy and self-reflection, helping her navigate the hurt and frustration she feels when encountering opposition to her platform.   This episode offers listeners a unique perspective on political engagement, demonstrating how empathy and compassion can transform our approach to political differences. It provides practical insights for anyone seeking to engage in political discourse with greater understanding and connection, while also offering a compelling look at grassroots political activism in action.

    1h 9m

  4. AUG 27

    The Enemies Project with Larry Rosen

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a deep conversation with Larry Rosen, a mediator who is creating a documentary series called, "The Enemies Project." Larry introduces his theory of the "enemy trance," explaining how empathy shutdown leads to misunderstanding and conflict escalation. He shares insights from the documentary he’s creating, which aims to bring together politically opposed individuals for transformative dialogues.    The discussion covers the neuroscience of conflict, the role of "enemy makers" in society, and how to break cycles of animosity. John also guides Larry through an internal mediation process, demonstrating Mediate Your Life principles and how these relate to the Enemies Project. This episode offers listeners an exploration of conflict dynamics on both societal and personal levels, providing practical insights for anyone seeking to navigate disagreements with greater compassion and understanding.   About Larry:   Larry’s experience with peacemaking is multifaceted and long. As the founder of the mediation law practice Through Understanding, Larry has helped thousands craft stable solutions to crippling conflicts. In September 2024, Larry begins hosting the documentary film series The Enemies Project, whose goal is to help rivals and enemies see deeply inside each other. Larry’s TEDx, The Secret to Understanding Humans, viewed 1.5 million times, offers simple, profound insight into human psychology. His popular article series, Understanding Humans, further illuminates the hidden human mind. In 2024, Larry completed writing the soon-to-be-published novel The Enemy Dance, posing the question: Can a society riven by tribalism heal itself or must it descend into war? Larry graduated in the top 10 from UCLA School of Law where he was Editor of the Law Review. His many projects share a common purpose: feeling what is inside our enemies — so that we know how to convert them into friends.     If you would like to participate in the documentary film series The Enemies Project, please visit the website and submit an inquiry.

    1h 14m

  5. AUG 15

    Navigating Self-Care and Activism with Palestinian Activist Ashira Darwish

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a deeply moving conversation with Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian activist, journalist, and founder of Catharsis Holistic Healing. She was also featured in the powerful documentary, Where Olive Trees Weep.    Ashira shares her experiences living in Jerusalem, and her personal journey of healing and activism. The episode explores themes of intergenerational trauma, the weight of bearing witness to seemingly insurmountable conflict, and the complex interplay of rage, guilt, and the need for self-care in the context of sustained activism.   John accompanies Ashira through a process of the Mediate Your Life approach, navigating the internal conflict between her intense drive to help her community and her personal need for self-care. This process reveals the challenges activists face in balancing their commitment to their cause with caring for their own well-being, and offers a compassionate framework for integrating these often seemingly opposing needs.   Watch “Where Olive Trees Weep:” https://whereolivetreesweep.com/ Visit Ashira’s Website: https://www.ashirapremrachana.com/

    1h 5m

  6. JUL 24

    Crossing Political Differences and Divides with Cory Tyler

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Cory Tyler, exploring the transformative potential of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in our politically divided world.   Cory, drawing from his background in show business and his journey to becoming an NVC practitioner, coach, and trainer, shares examples of navigating political disagreements within his own family. Through these personal stories, he illustrates the shift from reactive debate to compassionate curiosity.   John and Cory explore the nuances of self-empathy, the challenge of facing our inner judgmental thoughts, and the liberating process of translating these into compassionate understanding. They discuss the ongoing practice required to maintain presence in difficult conversations and the importance of having support systems.   This episode offers practical insights for anyone seeking to bridge divides in their personal relationships or broader communities. John and Cory explore these themes with candor and sensitivity, revealing how NVC can be a powerful tool for personal growth and social change.   Listeners will come away with concrete strategies for transforming potentially volatile interactions into opportunities for deeper connection and mutual understanding.

    52 min

  7. JUL 9

    Embracing Freedom and Love with Nicole Gibson, Part 2

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John continues his moving conversation with Nicole Gibson, founder of Love Out Loud. In this part of the conversation they use the Mediate Your Life map of internal mediation to delve into Nicole's intimate relationship journey towards self-trust, authenticity, and embracing one's true self in the loving of another.    They discuss the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and the transformative power of truly understanding and integrating all parts of oneself.   Nicole shares her experiences of learning to navigate complex relationship dynamics, making choices that honor her authentic self, and the ongoing process of reconciling inner and outer conflicts.   This episode is a heartfelt examination of the path of love and self-love in intimate relationships. John and Nicole explore these themes with empathy and adept sensitivity, uncovering moments of resilience and healing through their conversation.

    1h 4m

  8. JUN 25

    Embracing Freedom and Love with Nicole Gibson, Part 1

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John engages in a deeply moving, inspiring, and insightful conversation with Nicole Gibson, founder of Love Out Loud, an organization dedicated to scaling community and leadership capacity for emotional presence, love, and recognition.    Together, they explore Nicole's journey from a challenging childhood and a life-threatening eating disorder to becoming a successful social entrepreneur and advocate for mental health.   John and Nicole delve into themes  of authenticity and vulnerability, the transformative power of personal storytelling and how it fosters deep human connection and healing, and Nicole's experiences with radical truth, honesty, and freedom as integral to love.    Throughout their conversation, Nicole shares revelations of navigating intricate layers of facing fears and discovering resilience.    We invite you to join us for this insightful discussion on embracing all parts of oneself, living a life guided by love and authenticity, and the continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. For more information about Nicole Gibson and the Love Out Loud organization, visit https://loveoutloud.io/.

    57 min

  9. JUN 6

    Empathy and the Violence in Palestine with Rasha (Part 2)

    In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John continues working with Rasha, exploring the enormously challenging, complex, and deeply personal perspective she holds surrounding the Palestine-Israel conflict.    Using the Mediate Your Life approach, they delve into a journey of empathy and compassion when there is great hurt and harm being done, and intense emotions of fear, anger, and profound pain.    The episode culminates with Rasha and John doing a roleplay together that reveals an  unexpected and powerful moment of connection, opening the door to transformation.     Join us for a moving and heartfelt conversation on bridging and healing divides in this territory of one of humanity’s deepest wounds.   This episode was recorded on April 24, 2024.

    1h 4m

  10. MAY 14

    Empathy and the Violence in Palestine with Rasha

    Growing up in the Middle East, Rasha learned to hold generalized views conflating Jewish people with the actions of people in the Israeli government and military. Moving to Canada as an adult, she learned to separate these differences. However, the escalating violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th reignited intense anger, sadness, and a sense of helplessness for her.    In this episode, John works with Rasha to empathize with her experience and explore empathy for those inflicting this violence and suffering. Through this empathic dialogue, Rasha explored her emotions, needs, and values around this complex conflict.

    46 min

  11. APR 22

    Societal Racism and Self-Compassion with Janine Lyman

    After moving to the U.S. from growing up in apartheid South Africa, Janine was deeply disturbed to notice implicit racial bias arise inside herself while teaching a college math course. Host John Kinyon guides Janine through the Mediate Your Life map for self-compassion—the Chooser-Evaluator process—to help Janine find empathy and healing for herself and discover a new integration, wholeness, and insight moving forward.   Timestamps:   [0:00:00] Intro [00:04:05] A risky personal story [00:05:00] Challenging assumptions about racism [00:10:11] Racial awareness and transitions [00:13:36] The Chooser-Evaluator framework [00:19:19] Betrayal of Presented Worldview [00:24:15] Inherent value of everybody. [00:28:29] Justice and Empathy [00:35:07] Balancing social and cultural injustices [00:38:18] Naming the Internal Helper [00:43:57] Intersection of Guilt and Activism [00:49:11] Empathy between Justice and Helper [00:55:34] Challenging assumptions about others [01:04:08] The complexity of white privilege [01:09:45] Healing and justice for all [01:10:33] Genuine appreciation and connection Listen to the Mediate Your Life Podcast here: Website: https://johnkinyon.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mediate-your-life-with-john-kinyon/id1737459241  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YtsSPcBnmN5bOF9hfegfF?si=7e6ea91ea4134fef  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhkLAtPVA1gS4eGZb5OJFze03dULqdoXn  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-mediate-your-life-with-joh-161219283/  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a4de1d3-4f90-46b0-8394-884e07cfd161/mediate-your-life-with-john-kinyon  Player.Fm: https://player.fm/series/mediate-your-life-with-john-kinyon Learn more about the Mediate Your Life framework: Website: https://johnkinyon.com/  Download the Mediate Your Life App: https://mediateyourlifeapp.com/  Sign up for our Newsletter: https://johnkinyon.activehosted.com/f/1 Courses: https://johnkinyon.com/myl-courses/  Trainings and Events: https://johnkinyon.com/events/     Connect with John Kinyon here:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkinyon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.kinyon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGkwWKX2OB2kvb0XHnTzWQ

    1h 13m

  12. TRAILER

    Coming Soon: Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon

    Host John Kinyon guides guests through conflicts in their lives and the larger social-political world toward bridging differences and healing hurts using processes and principles rooted in empathic communication.

    1 min

Trailer

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About

Host and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) expert John Kinyon guides guests through conflicts in their lives and the larger social-political world toward bridging differences and healing hurts using processes and principles rooted in empathic communication. The Mediate Your Life podcast with John Kinyon explores how to transform conflict into connection and possibility. Drawing from over two decades of experience in nonviolent communication (NVC) and conflict resolution, John shares powerful tools and insights to help you navigate challenging conversations and relationships with greater ease and effectiveness. Each episode offers practical guidance for moving from reactivity to presence, judgment to understanding, and conflict to collaboration. Learn evidence-based approaches for self-connection, difficult conversations, and mediating your own conflicts developed from John's extensive work with Marshall Rosenberg, founder of Nonviolent Communication. Whether you're looking to improve personal relationships, enhance workplace communication, or contribute to positive social change, this podcast provides a roadmap for creating peace - one conversation at a time. Join John to discover how awareness, empathy and compassionate dialogue can transform conflict into an opportunity for deeper understanding and meaningful connection.

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