Join host Nicky McCrudden for a solo exploration of empathy in the workplace on Heart and Graft. Through moving personal stories and the latest scientific insights, Nicky unpacks the good, the bad, and the risky sides of empathy—including how caring deeply can drive connection, but also lead to burnout or bias. The episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies for spotting and managing emotions, setting boundaries, and building healthier, more resilient teams.

• Get inspired by Nicky's warmth, honesty, and her blend of research and real-world stories. Discover how empathy truly works, why it matters for team success, and how to practice it wisely. Learn how unchecked empathy can lead to pitfalls and takeaway practical tactics for better empathy.

This episode frames empathy as a powerful, sometimes risky tool for building resilient, thriving workplaces—offering listeners research-backed insight, practical approaches, and heartfelt inspiration for being more authentically human at work.

Join host Nicky McCrudden and psychologist-trainer Damian Fearns for a candid exploration of difficult conversations at work in this episode of "Heart and Graft". Drawing on decades of coaching and organisational psychology experience, Damian unpacks why these talks are so often avoided and shares concrete tips for addressing—and recovering from—challenging feedback exchanges.

Why Listen?

• Discover relatable advice for giving and receiving feedback, preparing for tough talks, and building more resilient, trusting relationships—whether with managers, peers, or teams. Learn psychological strategies to create psychological safety, transforming feedback from a source of tension into an opportunity for real growth.

This episode reframes difficult conversations as keys to stronger teams and lasting workplace bonds, offering listeners actionable approaches and inspirational insights for being more authentically human at work.

Explore the hidden dynamics of digital incivility in workplace communication as host Nicky McCrudden interviews occupational psychology PhD researcher Marc Fullman. In this episode of Heart and Graft, listeners gain a clear, research-based understanding of what incivility online looks like in the workplace—whether through curt e-mails, ambiguous Teams messages, or overlooked pleasantries—and why even low-level rudeness can erode wellbeing and drive disengagement.

Why Listen?

• Learn how social norms differ across e-mail, Teams, and Slack, and discover practical steps managers and teams can take to prevent, address, and reduce the unintended harm of passive or active digital incivility. Hear relatable tips for sending kinder messages, diffusing tension, and recognising when communication styles—or missing details—might be undermining trust.

With real examples, actionable advice, and insights on training interventions, this episode sheds light on why civility matters and how a moment’s pause before hitting ‘send’ can make workplaces

Discover what truly makes a team compassionate in this solo episode of Heart and Graft with host Nicky McCrudden. Drawing from a standout study by Jacobus Lilius et al., Nicky explores seven simple, actionable everyday practices that set exceptional teams apart—spanning recognition, candid conversations, playful rituals, and collective support. Whether designing training, nurturing workplace wellbeing, or simply striving to be a kinder colleague, listeners will find research-backed insights and real stories to spark positive change.

Why Listen?

• Gain fresh evidence and vivid examples of how small daily actions can drive both compassion and high performance in teams. Hear relatable anecdotes and practical takeaways for fostering genuine care and resilience, whatever your role or sector.

Tune in to understand how noticing, celebrating, and helping become the building blocks of a thriving team culture—where compassion is both a norm and a business advantage

Join host Nicky McCrudden for the introductory episode of Heart and Graft, a new podcast celebrating humanity at work. With warmth and honesty, Nicky shares her own journey—from childhood aspirations and a career in training to her current research on compassion in organisations. This episode sets the tone for a series that promises real stories, evidence-based discussion, and practical ideas for building workplaces where people lift each other up, embrace mistakes, and celebrate successes.

Discover the guiding vision behind Heart and Graft —a podcast designed to support anyone seeking more kindness and authenticity in their workplace. With previews of upcoming topics like empathy, digital civility, and difficult conversations, this episode invites listeners to join a growing community focused on creating workplaces where people truly thrive.