We've all been "triggered"—that moment in a conversation when an emotional bomb goes off, and we say something unplanned, unscripted, and forceful that we later regret. The result is the painful "cleanup on aisle three": the relationship repair work that follows an automatic, defensive reaction we didn't mean.

In this episode, host Brett Hill shares his personal story of being one of the most reactive people he knew and the lifelong pursuit that followed. He reframes this work not as simple "self-improvement," but as a "craft"—a set of skills, like playing an instrument, that must be practiced before you're in a high-stress situation.

Learn a two-part practice to build your resilience: first, how to develop an "early warning system" by studying the physical "surge" of a trigger. Second, discover a "foundational practice" you can use in low-stakes conversations (like with a cashier) to intentionally "wire in the circuitry" for a considered response.

This episode is a practical guide to reclaiming your power and becoming the person in charge of your voice, rather than giving someone else the ability to "press a button on you".

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Being interrupted is more than just rude—it's a frustrating experience that can leave you feeling dismissed and invisible. In our fast-paced world, conversations can often feel like a battle for airtime. So what do you do when you're cut off mid-sentence?

In this episode, host Brett Hill provides a powerful and practical guide to mindfully handling interruptions. Going beyond simple etiquette, he explores the hidden power dynamics at play, backed by surprising research on why and how often interruptions happen. Through compelling personal stories and a toolkit of field-tested phrases—from the simple power of using someone's name to a non-verbal gesture that stops interrupters in their tracks—Brett offers a new philosophy for engaging in conversations. This isn't just about reclaiming your own voice; it's about being a steward for a more respectful culture.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The surprising research behind why people interrupt and the hidden power dynamics often at play.

• Specific, word-for-word phrases you can use to immediately and respectfully reclaim your space in a conversation.

• A powerful non-verbal technique to stop even the most persistent interrupter.

• How to mindfully intervene on behalf of someone else who is being silenced.

Get Your FREE Communication Report:

Discover your unique communication "superpower" and "kryptonite" with a personalized, AI-generated report trained on Brett's unique methods. The results are instant and completely free.

• Text the word REPORT to +1 (425) 584-5883 (US/Canada only)

• International listeners, visit TheMindfulCoach.com

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app.

Artificial Intelligence is the most disruptive technology of our time. It's both overhyped and incredibly powerful, but its greatest danger may not be what you think. It's not just that AI can be spectacularly wrong—it's the surprising way we relate to it.

In this episode, host Brett Hill shares a personal story of being fooled by AI-generated research and explores the deeper question: what is it about our human psychology that grants AI so much authority? He discusses the disturbing trend of people forming deep, emotional relationships with chatbots, not as a judgment of them, but as a sign of a vulnerability inherent in our nervous systems.

Drawing on research, real-world examples, and a lifetime in technology, Brett unpacks why AI systems are designed for influence, not our well-being. Learn why you are more influencable than you think (the "Eye on the Coffee Can" experiment) and discover a mindful approach to engaging with this powerful technology safely and consciously.

In this episode, you will learn:

• A personal story of how AI can fabricate "facts" and why our brains are so eager to believe them.

• Why people are forming deep, emotional relationships with AI and the psychological needs this phenomenon reveals.

• The critical distinction: AI doesn't have feelings or morals; it is designed to influence by mimicking them.

• How the "Eye on the Coffee Can" experiment proves our nervous systems are unconsciously influencable, and why this makes us vulnerable to AI.

• A mindful approach to interacting with AI and the importance of establishing guardrails for yourself and your children.

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Have you ever been caught off guard by a hurtful comment or an unexpected insult? As a mindful communications coach, I've observed how these moments can trigger automatic reactions that often escalate conflicts. In this episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, we explore a powerful approach to handling difficult interactions and maintaining your composure.

The Gift Analogy

I introduce a unique perspective on dealing with negative comments:

• Viewing kind words as pleasant gifts
• Reframing insults as "dirty sponges" you can choose not to accept

This shift in mindset empowers you to decide how you engage with others' words and actions.

Non-Negotiable Boundaries

Learn how to establish and maintain personal boundaries:

• Recognizing your authority in determining acceptable treatment
• The importance of self-respect in professional settings

I share a personal story that illustrates the potential impact of standing firm in your values, even in challenging situations.

Practical Strategies for Difficult Conversations

Discover effective techniques for responding to aggressive or disrespectful communication:

• The power of silence: Using pauses to diffuse tension
• Requesting clarification: A subtle way to highlight inappropriate behavior
• Setting clear expectations: Establishing mutual respect as a prerequisite for dialogue

Cultivating Mindful Responses

Develop the skill of intentional pausing:

• Practicing deliberate delays in everyday conversations
• Building neural pathways for composed reactions in tense moments

This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to navigate challenging interactions with grace and authority. By mastering these techniques, you'll not only protect your own well-being but also contribute to more conscious, connected conversations in your personal and professional life.

Are you ready to take control of how you're treated and elevate the quality of your interactions? Join me in exploring these transformative practices that can lead to more fulfilling and respectful relationships.

Connect & Go Deeper:

THE LETTERS: If you enjoyed this episode, get a letter like this each week by signing up for The Mindful Coach Letters

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When a friend or colleague shares something vulnerable, our immediate instinct is often to say, "I know exactly how you feel..." and share a similar story. While well-intentioned, this "me too" response can unintentionally steal the spotlight, shifting the focus away from the person who needs support.

In this episode, host Brett Hill breaks down this common communication habit and offers a more powerful, two-part alternative. First, learn the art of "bearing witness" by simply holding space for another's experience. Then, discover how to shift from quiet support to "letting curiosity lead" with a simple, game-changing phrase.

This episode is a practical guide to transforming your conversations, deepening your connections, and demonstrating conscious leadership, both personally and professionally.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The common communication mistake that can make a vulnerable person feel unheard, even when you're trying to empathize.
• How to practice "bearing witness" and hold space for someone's emotions without making it about you.
• The simple but powerful shift from a "me too" story to a curiosity-led question like "Tell me more."
• Why this approach is a potent act of conscious leadership in any professional setting.

THE MINDFUL COACH LETTERS:

If you found this helpful, you'll enjoy The Mindful Coach Letters. Sign up via the pop-up at themindfulcoach.com to get tips and stories like this twice a week.

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How many times a day do we say "Hi, how are you?" This simple greeting is so common that we reply on autopilot. Not really saying what's true. It's "normal" and expected.

But because it's so common, there is an opportunity here to do something different - and turn this into a profound tool for creating genuine connection in the first three seconds of a conversation.

In this episode, presence and communications expert Brett Hill shares the two-part journey that transformed his understanding of this everyday moment. First, he recounts how he learned what he now calls "letting the world come to you." He shares how he learned this through a powerful story about being on the receiving end of a truly authentic answer from a somatic therapist and Hakomi trainer - Phil DelPrince. Replying to "how are you" in a thoughtful, mindful way created a more profound connection out of thin air. Amazing.

Then, he reveals how he evolved that lesson into a "proactive" practice: learning to initiate a present "Hello" by intentionally "speaking to the whole person."

This simple act is not only a greeting, but an invitation.

To what? Listen in for details.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The power of using "How are you?" as a prompt to be mindful in the moment.
• The difference between a "receptive" and a "proactive" mindfulness practice in daily conversations.
• How to invite richer connections and better experiences every day, when you say "Hello" in a specific way.

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Our culture tells a relentless story: to succeed, you must be a superhero. You have to be the champion, the conqueror standing alone at the top of the hill, no matter the cost. But what is the true cost of this superhuman achievement mentality? For two-thirds of workers, it's burnout, shame, and the crushing weight of feeling like you are never enough.

In this episode, host Brett Hill shares a powerful and transformative moment from a coaching session with Hakomi co-founder Phil delPrince. Deep in the anxiety of striving to have a greater impact, he was offered one piece of advice that changed everything: "Go for the bronze."

This episode is a powerful invitation to release the impossible standards our culture imposes. It's a guide to reconnecting with your "embodied authority"—the unshakable, internal sense of your own goodness, independent of any external scoreboard. Discover why it's enough to simply be in the race, why your colleagues will benefit more from your grounded presence than your burned-out brilliance, and why your goodness is the real gold.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The true human cost of the "superhero" or "win-at-all-costs" mentality that leads to widespread burnout.
• The concept of "embodied authority" and how to ground your sense of self-worth in something that no one can take from you.
• The story behind the powerful advice to "Go for the Bronze" and how it can release you from the anxiety of constant striving.
• Why showing up with your authentic goodness is more valuable and impactful than chasing an impossible ideal.

Connect & Go Deeper:

• THE BOOK: Discover the principles behind this episode in Brett's upcoming book.
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Have you ever been in a meeting you were invited to, but felt more like an uninvited guest? Many professionals adopt a "wait and see" approach, staying quiet until they feel comfortable. They believe their silence is neutral, but the truth is, it's having a tremendous impact.

In this episode, host Brett Hill reveals the powerful lesson he learned the hard way in a series of intensive group dynamics trainings: when you don't engage, people will invent a story to explain your silence. He shares the direct, surprising feedback he received—"I just thought you were another geeky guy in his head"—and how it taught him the critical importance of "dealing yourself in" early to establish an authentic presence.

Learn why your silence is so powerful, how to reclaim your agency in group settings, and the simple practice you can use this week to be seen and heard for who you truly are.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The surprising and often negative impact your silence has on how colleagues and peers perceive you.
• Why our brains are hardwired to invent stories about people who don't engage—and the kinds of stories they tell.
• The concept of "agency" and how to take control of your own narrative in professional settings.
• A simple, low-stakes practice to "deal yourself in" and ensure your presence is felt authentically.

Explore the Book:

• Discover the principles behind this episode in Brett's upcoming book. the Language Of Mindfulness

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