The Secret Language Of Emotions | Karla McLaren
9 September 2024 - 1 hour 5 minsIn today’s episode, we cover emotions and empathy with Karla McLaren, a renowned expert in emotional intelligence and empathy development. As an award-winning author, educator, and social science researcher, Karla dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations understand and harness the power of emotions. She developed the "Six Essential Aspects of Empathy" model, which breaks down empathy into accessible and actionable steps, making it possible for everyone to enhance their emotional skills. Karla's books, including "The Language of Emotions," "The Power of Emotions at Work," and "Embracing Anxiety," offer transformative insights into revaluing even the most challenging emoti...
How Mentally Strong People Prepare for Bad Days | Social Intelligence Briefing
Most people think resilience shows up in the moment. It doesn’t. AJ and Johnny break down why resilience is a system — not a personality trait — and how top performers decide their responses before pressure hits. Instead of reacting emotionally, they use simple “if-then” plans, emotional regulation, and repeatable behaviors to stay grounded. This episode gives you a practical framework to stop spiraling, recover faster, and respond with intention when it counts. Chapters 00:00 – Why resilience isn’t a personality trait01:30 – Stop being surprised by your own patterns02:10 – The power of if-then planning03:30 – Emotional regulation vs suppression04:45 – What resilience looks like in behavior06:30 – Building better response patterns Join us at UnlockYourXFactor.com Check out Johnny on Instagram @Social_Intell or on Tiktok @social_intel The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. Download Stuff for free today by going to trystuff.app or by searching for “Stuff” in the App Store. You can get 50% off your first year of Extra Stuff by using code CHARM at checkout. Don’t let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CHARM at monarch.com in your browser for HALF OFF your first year. Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm. Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM TODAY to get started Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. resilience, emotional regulation, mindset, behavior change, stress response, mental toughness, habits, self awareness, decision making, confidence, composure, performance psychology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12 mins
23 April Finished
Your Environment Is Controlling You | Leidy Klotz
We spend so much time trying to improve ourselves — but ignore the environments shaping us every day. Leidy Klotz joins AJ and Johnny to explain how the spaces we live and work in quietly influence our behavior, relationships, and performance. From agency and attention to connection and memory, small environmental shifts can have outsized effects. This episode breaks down how to design your space for focus, growth, and better conversations — without needing more time, money, or complexity. Chapters 00:00 – Why your environment shapes your behavior03:00 – Agency: the hidden driver of well-being08:00 – Designing spaces for connection and focus15:00 – The signals your space sends to others23:00 – Attention, screens, and the “campfire effect”32:00 – Small changes that create big impact A Word From Our Sponsors Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at unlockyourxfactor.com The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. If you’ve put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Use code CHARM at monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year. Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at makeheadway.com/CHARM and use my code CHARM for 25% off. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. Episode resources: www.LeidyKlotz.com In a Good Place Check in with AJ and Johnny! AJ on LinkedIn Johnny on LinkedIn AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok environment design, behavior change, productivity, focus, agency, attention, workspace design, communication, human behavior, environment psychology, habits, connection, home office, decision making Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
49 mins
20 April Finished
The Tiny Habit That Makes Relationships Stronger | Social Intelligence Briefing
Most relationships don’t fail because of the bad moments — they fade because the good ones don’t stick. AJ and Johnny break down new research on “joint savoring,” showing that couples who actively slow down and share positive moments build stronger connection, confidence, and resilience under stress. A good moment isn’t enough — it has to be noticed, shared, and extended. This episode gives you three simple ways to turn everyday moments into real closeness. Chapters 00:00 – Why good moments don’t build connection by default01:15 – What “joint savoring” actually means02:00 – The research: why shared moments matter more03:15 – Why relationships feel flat over time04:15 – 3 ways to build connection from good moments06:30 – Turning moments into real closeness Join us at UnlockYourXFactor.com Check out Johnny on Instagram @Social_Intell or on Tiktok @social_intel The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. Download Stuff for free today by going to trystuff.app or by searching for “Stuff” in the App Store. You can get 50% off your first year of Extra Stuff by using code CHARM at checkout. Don’t let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CHARM at monarch.com in your browser for HALF OFF your first year. Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm. Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM TODAY to get started Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. relationships, connection, communication skills, savoring, relationship habits, emotional connection, couples communication, intimacy, relationship growth, shared experiences, positive psychology, social connection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 mins
17 April Finished
How to Build Real Confidence | Amy Morin
What actually builds mental strength — and why do so many high performers still struggle with confidence, stress, and self-doubt? Psychotherapist Amy Morin joins AJ and Johnny to break down the real components of mental strength: thoughts, emotions, and behavior. From acting confident before you feel it to managing stress, reframing negative thought loops, and building resilience through action, this episode is a practical playbook for performing at a higher level. If you’ve been focusing on results but ignoring the internal skills that drive them, this episode shows you how to train your mind like a muscle. Chapters 00:00 – What mental strength actually is (and isn’t)08:00 – Why confidence comes from action, not belief16:00 – Breaking negative thought loops and self-doubt25:00 – Stress: when it helps vs. hurts performance35:00 – Why emotions aren’t the enemy48:00 – Boundaries, behavior, and better relationships A Word From Our Sponsors Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at unlockyourxfactor.com The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. If you’ve put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Use code CHARM at monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year. Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at makeheadway.com/CHARM and use my code CHARM for 25% off. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. Episode resources: https://amymorinlcsw.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amymorinauthor/ Check in with AJ and Johnny! AJ on LinkedIn Johnny on LinkedIn AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok mental strength, confidence, stress management, resilience, behavior change, emotional intelligence, self-doubt, mindset, habits, emotional awareness, boundaries, communication skills, performance psychology, personal development Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hour 6 mins
13 April Finished
Why People Don’t Feel Close to You | Social Intelligence Briefing
Why do so many good conversations still go nowhere? AJ and Johnny break down the hidden reason conversations stay surface level: understanding connection isn’t the same as creating it in real time. Most people can recognize what they missed after the moment — but still flatten out when pressure, vulnerability, or opportunity shows up live. This episode gives you a simple diagnostic for the five places connection quietly dies before it becomes something real. Chapters: 00:00 – Why good conversations still stay surface level 01:10 – Knowing the framework vs. creating real depth02:00 – Hidden signals and presence under pressure03:00 – Emotional bids and where depth actually dies03:45 – Recovering when the room goes cold04:30 – Why chemistry still leads nowhere Join us at UnlockYourXFactor.com Check out Johnny on Instagram @Social_Intell or on Tiktok @social_intel The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. Download Stuff for free today by going to trystuff.app or by searching for “Stuff” in the App Store. You can get 50% off your first year of Extra Stuff by using code CHARM at checkout. Don’t let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CHARM at monarch.com in your browser for HALF OFF your first year. Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm. Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM TODAY to get started Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. surface level conversations, emotional bids, communication skills, social intelligence, deeper connection, relationship skills, presence under pressure, conversational depth, trust building, human connection, follow up, social awareness, vulnerability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9 mins
9 April Finished
Why Nice People Stay Stuck | Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer
Stanford professor Jeffrey Pfeffer joins AJ and Johnny to break down the uncomfortable truth about power: good work alone rarely gets you ahead. From hierarchy and self-promotion to body language, personal branding, weak ties, and political skill, Pfeffer explains why many talented people stay stuck — not because they lack ability, but because they misunderstand how power actually works. If you’ve ever felt behind despite doing “all the right things,” this episode gives you a more realistic framework for influence, advancement, and visibility. Chapters 00:00 – Why hard work and being “good” isn’t enough08:00 – The biggest blind spots people have about power 13:00 – Body language, anger, and powerful communication19:00 – Personal branding and becoming visible29:00 – Weak ties, networking, and career opportunity38:00 – Why power requires tradeoffs A Word From Our Sponsors Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at unlockyourxfactor.com The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. If you’ve put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Use code CHARM at monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year. Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at makeheadway.com/CHARM and use my code CHARM for 25% off. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. Episode resources: https://jeffreypfeffer.com/ Check in with AJ and Johnny! AJ on LinkedIn Johnny on LinkedIn AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok power dynamics, career advancement, influence, personal branding, self promotion, leadership, networking, weak ties, body language, communication skills, workplace politics, visibility, status, career strategy, executive presence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
56 mins
6 April Finished