🔍 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 answers
• How to keep a conversation going—even when you feel awkward or stuck
• What makes a question meaningful, memorable, and connective
• How 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

🔍 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/

🔍 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

🔍 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 apology
• Scripts and strategies for saying “no” with clarity and kindness
• What to do when someone pushes past your boundary
• Why 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

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

In a world of curated highlight reels and shallow small talk, real connection can feel like a lost art. In this episode, Chris and Patrick argue that deep, meaningful connection requires us to be a little messy, a little vulnerable, and a lot more intentional. They explore why we often feel most connected during our least polished moments — and how embracing emotional risk creates space for deeper conversations. Along the way, they share practical tips and mindsets to help you go deeper with the people in your life and start building bonds that actually matter.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why vulnerability is essential for true connection
• How shallow habits (like quick replies) are silently blocking intimacy
• Practical ways to deepen your everyday conversations
• How better listening and better questions can transform your relationships

Building deeper relationships starts with asking better questions. Here are five conversation starters designed to move beyond the surface and open the door to real connection.

1. "What’s something you’re excited about that most people wouldn’t expect?"

This helps reveal hidden passions and sparks surprising conversations.

2. "When was a time you felt truly seen by someone?"

A powerful way to invite emotional vulnerability and personal storytelling.

3. "What’s something that’s been on your mind lately, even if it feels small?"

Shows care for the little (but meaningful) thoughts we often keep hidden.

4. "What does feeling 'at home' mean to you?"

Gets at people's sense of belonging, safety, and authenticity.

5. "What’s something you wish people would ask you about more often?"

A direct, generous way to offer someone the chance to share what matters most to them.

Remember: Use these questions not as checklists, but as invitations. Go slow. Stay curious. Listen deeply.

Connection isn't found by staying safe — it's built by going deeper.

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this episode of Making Yourself Clear, Chris and Patrick take on one of the most misunderstood and misused tools in communication: feedback. They begin by rejecting the outdated “compliment sandwich” and offer a fresh, practical perspective on what actually makes feedback land—and what makes it awkward or counterproductive.

With trademark humor and clarity, they explore why feedback often feels risky, how to avoid triggering defensiveness, and how to shift your mindset from critique to collaboration. Whether you’re a leader, teammate, or just someone who wants to get better at tough conversations, this episode offers the mindset and methods you need to give feedback that actually helps.

🧠 What You'll Learn

1. Why the “compliment sandwich” doesn’t work
2. What makes feedback effective vs. awkward
3. How to be clear, kind, and direct—without making it weird
4. Tips for giving feedback that builds connection
5. The five-part S-B-I-R-C model for delivering effective feedback:

• Situation
• Behaviour
• Impact
• Request (or recommendation)
• Check-in / confirmation

👥 Let’s Connect

Website: https://www.makingyourselfclear.com/

RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/makingyourselfclear/feed.xml

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PIiklfkBV3fwbCt9i20h

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-yourself-clear/id1798973268

iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-making-yourself-clear-269115710/

In this episode, Chris and Patrick dive deep into the art of genuine apologies. They explore why most apologies fail, the anatomy of a real apology, and how to avoid common pitfalls when apologizing. The hosts emphasize that effective apologies aren't about relieving your own guilt but about acknowledging harm, taking responsibility, and rebuilding trust. They discuss how proper apologies can strengthen relationships through the "rupture-repair cycle" and provide a practical five-step framework for delivering meaningful apologies.