CivilTalk

What does it really take to lead in today’s world—and what are most leaders still overlooking? In this episode, Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson—clinical psychologist, professor, and founder of RACE Space Inc.—joins us to unpack why racial literacy is an essential and teachable skill for emotionally intelligent leadership. We explore how this competency can be developed, modeled, and passed on to younger generations to help them navigate difficult conversations and complex realities. Dr. Anderson shares insights from her work with Black families, her EMBRace intervention, and the powerful role racial socialization plays in building resilience, improving communic...

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, CivilTalk host Topacio Althaus is joined by psychologist and author Dr. Todd Kashdan for a bold and thought-provoking conversation on emotional intelligence, curiosity, and the science of dissent. Drawing from his latest book The Art of Insubordination, Kashdan explains how principled nonconformity can drive justice, creativity, and meaningful change—when practiced with intention and emotional agility. They also explore why discomfort is essential for growth, how curiosity strengthens relationships, and what it truly means to challenge the status quo with purpose.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, Topacio is joined by Dr. Marcella Runell — Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Mount Holyoke College —for a powerful conversation about emotional intelligence, cross-racial friendship, hip hop, multifaith leadership, and creating cultures of care in higher education. Dr. Runell shares reflections from her co-authored book UnCommon Bonds, her groundbreaking programs like Faith Zone and the Hip-Hop & Pedagogy Initiative, and how we can build more emotionally honest communities.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Michael Horn—coauthor of Disrupting Class, Blended, and Choosing College—for a deep conversation about how education can evolve through innovation, disruption and human-centered design.

We explore how the current system wasn’t built to support every student, what we can learn from other sectors through the lens of disruptive innovation, and how schools can move beyond simply adding technology to "personalized" learning. Michael shares insights from his work with the Clayton Christensen Institute, reflections on blended learning models that work, and how emotional readiness plays a role...

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly and a nationally recognized leader in SEL integration and educational equity. Together, we explore how schools can embed emotional intelligence into systems, support both students and teachers, and innovate in public education despite resource challenges.

David shares insights from his work leading the Resilient Scholars Program, contributing to CASEL, and co-authoring The Educator’s Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or passionate citizen, this episode offers practical takeaways for building emotionally intelligent communities — starting with our...

Robin Hills, Director of Ei4Change and author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business, joins us to talk about how emotional intelligence can be taught, applied, and embedded into leadership. With over 500,000 learners across 200+ countries, Robin shares his journey of building a global platform for EQ education, the intersection of AI and emotional intelligence, and how resilience plays a critical role in both business and personal growth.

In this episode of the CivilTalk podcast, we sit down with world-renowned emotional intelligence expert and author Dr. Richard Boyatzis to explore what truly drives great leadership and lasting personal change.

Co-author of the groundbreaking book Primal Leadership and author of The Science of Change, Dr. Boyatzis shares insights from decades of research on emotional intelligence, leadership development, and the neuroscience of transformation. With over 1.5 million students enrolled in his Coursera course Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence, his work continues to shape how individuals, coaches, and organizations approach growth and connection.

Together, we dive into:<...

How can understanding the science of persuasion help us foster more civil conversations, build trust, and navigate the digital age ethically? In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Phelps—entrepreneur, best-selling author, and U.S. CEO of the Cialdini Institute—to explore the intersection of ethical influence, emotional intelligence, and civility.

Together, we discuss how persuasion differs from manipulation, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how AI can be programmed for ethical influence rather than deception. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or just looking to improve your daily inte...

In this episode, CivilTalk Podcast sits down with Richard Hua, a global leader in emotional intelligence and innovation. As the founder of EQ@Amazon and the Worldwide Head of EPIC at AWS, Richard has empowered over 250,000+ professionals through EQ training, reshaping how leaders and teams collaborate. Together, we discuss the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership, the challenges of integrating EQ into corporate culture, and the role of civility in fostering high-performance workplaces. Richard also shares insights on measuring EQ’s impact, overcoming skepticism in business, and the essential skills leaders need to thrive in the modern workplace.

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In this special milestone episode, we are joined by CivilTalk co-founders and leaders Keith Fox and Rick Fiorito to reflect on an incredible year of growth and innovation. From fostering civility among college students to pioneering the integration of ethical AI in education, CivilTalk has come a long way.

Keith and Rick share their inspiring journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their vision for the future. We delve into the evolution of the company, the importance of certifying educators in emotional intelligence, and how CivilTalk is reshaping the way universities, teachers, and students engage with civility an...

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with mindfulness educator and SEL expert Athea Davis to explore the intersection of mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and civility. Athea shares her inspiring journey from law to education and discusses her impactful work as Director of Social Emotional Learning at Étoile Academy Charter School.

Join us as we uncover strategies for creating compassionate school and workplace cultures, practical mindfulness exercises to foster empathy, and the transformative power of introspection in cultivating civility. From adapting SEL practices for diverse audiences to addressing today’s societal challenges, this conversation is pac...

In this episode of Civiltalk, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Catella, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-author of The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook, to explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in fostering civility and meaningful connections.

Dr. Catella shares her expertise in managing trauma and anxiety through therapies like Emotion Efficacy Therapy (EET) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We dive into practical strategies for staying composed in difficult conversations, leading with values, and building empathy in today’s fast-paced world.

Discover how emotional intelligence can enhance your relationships, reduce conflict, and create a...

This episode of the CivilTalk Podcast features Catherine Mattice, CEO and founder of Civility Partners, as she shares her expertise on transforming toxic workplace cultures into environments where employees can thrive. Catherine has worked with major organizations like Chevron, NASA, and Stanford University to build cultures rooted in respect, engagement, and productivity. In our conversation, she discusses the warning signs of toxic behavior, effective strategies for fostering civility, and the profound impact of a positive workplace on employee well-being. Tune in for valuable insights and a roadmap to help any organization flourish through the power of civility.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Maurice Elias, a trailblazer in social-emotional learning (SEL) and character development, to explore how equipping students with essential SEL skills and fostering civic engagement prepares them for lifelong success. Dr. Elias, professor of psychology at Rutgers University and director of the Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab, discusses his foundational work in helping educators integrate SEL into the classroom. We'll dive into his renowned techniques, detailed in his books Morning Classroom Conversations and Students Taking Action Together, to understand how educators can inspire purpose, and promote democratic values within schools.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez, founder of HEART in Mind and author of Teaching with the HEART in Mind: A Complete Educator’s Guide to Social Emotional Learning. Dr. Martínez shares her journey into the world of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), the importance of emotional intelligence in education, and how school leaders can foster emotionally intelligent environments for both students and staff.

Together, we explore the role of SEL in resilience, academic performance, and the post-pandemic classroom, while offering practical advice for educators, parents, and l...

In this special episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we welcome Mayor Jeff Caggiano, the current mayor of Bristol, Connecticut, to explore the crucial role of civility and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in local leadership. With over 30 years of experience in the pharma and biotech industries, Mayor Caggiano brings a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and change management.

Join us as we dive into how SEL and civility influence decision-making, conflict resolution, and community engagement in public service. Whether you're passionate about leadership or looking to foster more civil dialogue in your community, this episode offers valuable insights...

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jennifer Miller, a pioneering leader in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with nearly three decades of experience. Jennifer’s journey began in dropout prevention, and over the years, she’s transformed classrooms and school systems through her dedication to fostering emotional intelligence in both students and educators. As the author of Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence In Ourselves and Our Kids, Jennifer has empowered parents to nurture their children's emotional growth while honing their own.

Today, we explore Jennifer’s work with parents, teachers, and organizations, and discuss practi...

In this special edition of CivilTalk, we sit down with a formidable student voice: Al Kasani, PhD student and founder of Particle-N, a company revolutionizing the precious metal catalyst industry to make green energy more efficient and affordable. Al shares his journey from inventor to business leader, discussing how emotional intelligence and civility shape his leadership style and drive his commitment to sustainability. Tune in for insights on navigating entrepreneurship, fostering a respectful company culture, and the future of green hydrogen as a leading energy source.

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we interviewed Gary Heil, an internationally renowned expert in leadership, management, and organizational culture. Gary is the co-founder of the Center for Innovative Leadership and author of several best-selling books, including Leadership & the Customer Revolution and his latest, Choose Love, Not Fear.

In this session, we dive into how love, empathy, and emotional intelligence can transform leadership and foster innovative, high-performing organizations. Gary shares actionable insights on overcoming fear-based management and building a culture of trust, civility, and positive emotions to unlock human potential and drive success. Tune in to...

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with Professor Bill Ryan, the Academic Director for University of Connecticut's Professional Sales Leadership Program. With a rich background in corporate sales management and marketing, Professor Ryan brings a unique blend of industry experience and academic insight to the discussion.

Together, we explore the pivotal role of emotional intelligence (EI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) in shaping the future of sales management and business education. From integrating SEL into academic programs to using innovative tools like the CivilTalk app, Professor Ryan shares invaluable insights on how these concepts...

In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Jarik Conrad, a leading HR expert and one of the world's top "people practitioners." From his inspiring journey growing up in public housing to becoming an authority in emotional intelligence and wellness, Dr. Conrad brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Join us as we delve into his groundbreaking work, including his best-selling books The Fragile Mind and In Search of Humanity. We discuss the evolving role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how organizations can foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and mental well-being. Plus, learn how...

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we are joined by Jim Lowe, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director at UCONN's Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. With extensive experience in guiding young professionals, Jim shares invaluable insights on career development, job search strategies, and the critical role of civility and emotional intelligence in the modern workplace. Tune in as we explore how to develop the "whole" student, the importance of a civil culture in both academia and business, and practical advice for new graduates entering the workforce.

Join host Topacio Althaus on the CivilTalk Podcast as she welcomes Keith Fox, founder of CivilTalk, and Dr. Saurabh Shah, a board-certified ENT specialist at Palomar Health. Discover how civility and social-emotional learning play crucial roles in both healthcare and leadership. Gain valuable insights and practical advice on fostering respect, empathy, and effective communication in high-stress environments.

Join host Topacio Althaus on the CivilTalk Podcast as she welcomes Professor Kevin Gardiner, Director of UConn’s Innovation Quest Program. Discover how civility and emotional intelligence play crucial roles in modern entrepreneurship and student innovation. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice on fostering respect, empathy, and effective communication in high-pressure projects.

Join us on as we delve into the intersection of technology and humanity with Mike Castor, lead engineer at CivilTalk. In this episode, Mike shares his insights on the pivotal role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and empathy in the engineering world. Discover how these principles are not only transforming workplace dynamics but also enhancing innovation and collaboration within tech teams. Tune in to explore the future of engineering through the lens of emotional intelligence and empathetic leadership.

In this episode of "CivilTalk," we are in conversation with Rick Fiorito - mentor and partner at CivilTalk - exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI). We delve into how these two distinct yet interconnected realms are shaping younger generations and influencing budding entrepreneurs today. Tune in to discover the potential of integrating AI with EI and its implications for the future of civility and social-emotional learning.

Join us on as we chat with Keith Fox, co-founder of CivilTalk - a platform to help individuals strengthen and exercise their civility and social-emotional learning skills. Today we are talking about the importance of these two subject matters in our digital and real-life interactions. Discover how the CivilTalk platform promotes respectful dialogue and is empowering users to engage thoughtfully and empathetically both on and offline.