That's Life, I Swear

Every Wednesday, join Rick Barron as he unravels the intricate threads of life's most captivating stories. From heart-pounding political dramas to the awe-inspiring challenges of climate change, he explores the topics that shape our world and define our era.

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That's Life, I Swear

Interview #10 Michael Ashford – The Art of Communication

March 25, 2025 • Rick Barron • Season 4 • Episode 175

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Summary: In this engaging conversation, Rick Barron and Michael Ashford explore the intricacies of communication, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and deeper questioning in fostering meaningful connections. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional education in teaching effective communication skills and propose a redesign that encourages students to ask nuanced questions.

The dialogue highlights the impact of clichés in conversations and the necessity of building trust through genuine inquiry. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they illustrate how understanding diverse perspectives can enrich our interactions and lead to more profound human experiences. In this conversation, Michael Ashford discusses the importance of asking questions and self-reflection in communication.

He shares insights from his book 'Can I Ask a Question' and emphasizes the need for understanding different perspectives in today's polarized environment. The dialogue explores how to navigate disagreements constructively, the significance of protecting relationships during conflicts, and the personal growth that comes from questioning one's beliefs. Ashford also reflects on his journey to delivering TEDx talks and the lessons learned along the way.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Communication and Curiosity

08:13 Real-World Learning Experiences

17:10 The Impact of Cliché Questions

26:10 Building Trust Through Communication

32:57 The Impetus Behind 'I Ask a Question'

38:23 Navigating the Sea of Anger in Discourse

44:57 The Art of Communication During Disagreements

50:49 Resilience in Conflict and Protecting Relationships

59:38 Key Takeaways for Meaningful Conversations

Supporting links

1. Michale Ashford [Website Home page]