Welcome back to the 52 Weeks Podcast! This is Part Two of our deep-dive into Crucial Conversations with the ever-wise and relatable Lyndsey V. In this episode, we explore something that doesn’t get enough love in the communication world: how to actually listen—like, really listen. Not just nodding and thinking about what snack you’re going to eat next.

Steph and Lyndsey unpack why psychological safety is the secret to better conversations—at work, at home, and with friends—and how to build that safety using tools like paraphrasing, validation, and a surprisingly powerful technique called “I Don’t and I Do.” This episode is full of real-life stories, including one where Steph unintentionally offended a friend and another where gossip nearly derailed a friendship group. If you've ever wished you could go back and say something differently—this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• A quick review of CPR and FSA (from Part One) and how to use them

• The three signs you’re in a Crucial Conversation: High Stakes, Strong Emotion, Opposing Viewpoints

• How to handle gossip with grace—and protect your own peace in friend groups

• Why listening is emotionally exhausting (and why it’s totally worth it)

• What the “I Don’t and I Do” strategy is—and how it can diffuse defensiveness instantly

• Why validation does not equal agreement—and how that helps in tense conversations

  
  

Quote of the Episode:
"When you stop fighting to be heard and start listening with curiosity, that’s when real connection happens." — Lyndsey V

Challenge of the Week:
Practice just one of these listening or safety-building tools this week:

• Paraphrasing (“What I hear you saying is…”)

• Validating (“That totally makes sense why you’d feel that way.”)

• “I Don’t and I Do” (Example: “I don’t want to criticize you—I do want us to be on the same page.”)

  
  

Connect with Lyndsey V:Website: http://lyndseyv.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lyndseyv_
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063502151086
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseyv