The Uncommon Communicator

The fastest way to kill a good team is to train adults like they are kids and then act surprised when they tune out. I sit down with Dr. Carrie Graham, a leader in adult learning and workplace development, to unpack what actually drives retention and behavior change in real organizations. We get into how adults learn through meaning, prior experience, and emotion, plus why communication training sticks only when it connects to the ...

Sunday afternoon is calm, then the thought of Monday hits and your chest tightens. That reaction is not just “part of the job.” It is data. James Gable sits down with Coach Kon (Kon Apostolopoulos), a leadership development coach and founder of Fresh Biz Solutions, to unpack why so many people dread the start of the workweek and what leaders can do to change that feeling fast. The big idea is simple: we don’t hate...

A story can make people lean in or tune out, and the difference is rarely talent. It’s structure, intention, and the courage to share something real. I sit down with Brigham Blackham, communication specialist and author of The Story Hook Method, to get practical about how to become more engaging, more trusted, and more unforgettable without turning your message into a performance.

We dig into the moment that pushed Bri...

Your message can be brilliant and still miss the room. That’s the tension we dig into with Bob Hooey, a longtime Toastmaster, international professional speaker, and the guy clients nicknamed “The Idea Man.” We talk about what actually changes when you present across cultures, why a joke that kills at home can die overseas, and how doing a little research on local norms, references, and audience expectations can s...

You can be great at your job and still get overlooked for one brutal reason: you don’t say the thing you’re thinking. I sit down with Gauri Seshadri, First Vice President of Toastmasters International, to talk about the hidden cost of hesitation and how practicing communication in a safe, structured environment changes the way you show up at work, in leadership, and in everyday conversations. Gauri shares a personal pat...

Two people can talk for ten minutes, agree with their heads, and still miss each other completely. That exact moment, when words are being exchanged but meaning is not, is where an uncommon communicator steps in and takes ownership of the conversation instead of letting it drift into confusion or conflict.

I’m James Gable, and I’m kicking off a brand new season by breaking down the core framework I use to navigat...

Ever wonder how ancient philosophy can transform modern-day communication and performance in the construction industry? Well, prepare to be enlightened as we journey into the realm of stoicism and its impacts on communication, with insights from the seasoned construction pro, Felipe Manriquez. We kick off the episode by discussing the wisdom of renowned Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, and their profound influence on cogn...

Meet Adam Hoots, founder of Construction ACHE Solutions and a change-maker in the realm of construction. His dedication to shifting the perception of skilled trades and craft workers is awe-inspiring, and our discussion today promises to shed light on this, and the fascinating world of lean construction principles. A man of many languages, Adam emphasizes the power of words in building trust with colleagues, a trait that's been ins...

Experience the transformative power of negotiation with our esteemed guest Megan Shapiro, a construction attorney turned risk management maestro. As we unravel the complex tapestry of negotiation for construction leaders, Megan imparts her wisdom on the holistic approach to risk management. It's not just about the fine print or safety protocols; it's an intricate dance with communication styles, tailored approaches, and the strateg...

When was the last time you gave someone your full trust? This isn't just about believing they'll show up on time, but trusting them with the parts of you that you might keep under lock and key. Join us as we sit down with Jennifer Lacey, the 2023 Dallas Business Journal's Woman of the Year in Business, who not only shares her journey through vulnerability and trust but also provides us with an in-depth look at the hard-won lessons ...

Have you ever witnessed a transformation that reshaped a life's trajectory? That's precisely what Jesse Hernandez has experienced, evolving from a high-achieving construction maven to a magnanimous contributor through stories and wisdom shared in his compelling book, "Becoming the Promise that you Were Intended to Be." Our conversation peels back the layers of crafting an authentic personal brand, the delicate dance of self-promoti...

Ever wonder how a melody can unlock a memory or a rhythm can help someone relearn how to walk? This is the magic that music therapist Joanna Ostrander brings to the table, and she unraveled the mysteries of neurologic music therapy with us, offering an intriguing look at music's impact on the brain. As our conversation weaved through Joanna's transition from performance to therapeutic practice, it became clear that music is not jus...

Unlock the secrets to gracefully declining requests and safeguarding your boundaries with the guidance of Sarah Ginald, our boundary expert. Prepare to navigate the tricky waters of saying "no" without ruffling feathers or compromising relationships. Our latest episode serves as a playbook for those moments when you need to stand your ground, offering nine practical strategies that marry assertiveness with empathy. Whether it's dis...

Ever felt the weight of a simple 'no'? We've all been there, wrestling with the anxiety of turning down a request, and the ripple effects it might have. That's why we invited Sarah Ginella, the insightful VP of Full Sail Partners, to unravel the emotional layers that often make it so hard to refuse. Together, we tackle the concept of 'counterfeit yeses' and how to realign our decisions with our true feelings, championing the power ...

Have you ever wondered why some conversations leave you feeling invigorated while others feel like a dead end? Tune in as Brandon and I dissect the art of asking questions that aren't just fillers but gateways to deeper connection and understanding. Our latest episode of Uncommon Communicator podcast peels back the layers of communication, emphasizing how a blend of curiosity and the right questions can transform dialogues from mun...

When Matt Ohly, Adam Hoots, and I gathered around the mics, we uncovered the threads that weave together Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" with the fabric of our daily interactions. This episode isn't just a chat; it's a deep connection through shared stories that reveal how the art of presence amplifies our ability to communicate genuinely and listen intently. We're not just industry professionals—we're seekers of moments t...

Ever found yourself sugarcoating words until your message loses its edge? Lance Furiyama joins us to champion the raw power of communication, where frankness can unexpectedly cut through noise and foster effectiveness. We navigate the origins of Lance's forthright style, deeply rooted in the unadorned cadences of Pigeon English, and unpack how a touch of authenticity can make for compelling conversations. A personal anecdote brings...

Ever found yourself in the thick of a construction project, where every voice has the potential to build or bulldoze progress? Lance Ferriyama from Trade Partner HQ joins us to hammer down the significance of communication in the trade industry, offering a blueprint for turning monologues into dialogues that construct rather than constrain. Together, we're chipping away at the old-school 'sizing-up' culture and reengineering it int...

Get ready to redefine success with our latest Uncommon Communicator podcast, where I promise you'll discover the transformative potential of one-word goals. Ever felt overwhelmed by a laundry list of New Year's resolutions that fizzles out by February? We're tackling that head-on, revealing why 91% of resolutions fail and how embracing a singular focus like "growth" or "influence" can steer you towards personal triumphs. I open up ...