podcast

Everyone needs encouragement – but great encouragement does more than make people feel good. It helps them believe in their ability to meet challenges, connect to purpose, and keep going when things get difficult. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Erin dig into the science behind effective pep talks, inspired by research from Harvard Business Review and Motivating Language Theory.

Bravery isn’t just about big, dramatic moments—it also shows up in everyday choices, like meeting someone new, stepping into an unfamiliar space, or staying curious when you feel uncomfortable. In this episode, Jessica and Erin explore how to build everyday courage for collaboration, using skills like curiosity, empathy, and intellectual humility

In this week’s episode, Erin and Jessica discuss intellectual humility – the willingness to recognize that what you think might be wrong, and to make real space for other people to be right. Together, they explore how this shows up in everyday collaboration, from project meetings to tough decisions, and why it matters so much for psychological safety and trust at work.

In this Practicing Connection practicast, Erin and Jessica unpack what organizational resilience is, where the idea comes from, and how it shows up in our everyday work lives. Resilience is often framed as an individual trait, but it’s also a property of our organizations – how they anticipate disruption, respond to it, and support recovery.

In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf talks with Havelock, North Carolina Mayor Will Lewis about what it looks like when a city and an installation grow together.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Erin explore how to stay grounded and connected when collaboration gets tough. Erin shares a reflective practice that helps you rethink how you see the person on the “other side” of disagreement, using social intelligence skills like awareness and generosity of perspective.

Are you really collaborating – or just coordinating? This episode offers a short reflection to help you notice where you are on the spectrum and make one small shift toward true collaboration.

Learning to receive feedback well is one of the most powerful skills you can build for collaboration and growth. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Erin talk about how to prepare your mindset, identify which feedback deserves your attention, and turn even tough conversations into moments of learning.

Change is part of every journey – even the ones we love most. In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf welcomes new co-host Erin Carlson Rivera, and shares parting reflections from longtime co-host Coral Owen. Together, they explore how slowing down, creating space, and staying curious can help us stay connected through seasons of change.

Are you tired of leaving conferences or trainings feeling overloaded – like you missed what mattered most?

This was one of our most popular episodes of 2025, and it’s as relevant as ever as we dig into the new year, with more conferences and events on the horizon. Coral and Jessica reveal a simple, powerful practice that can turn every professional development opportunity into meaningful, actionable growth. Get ready to take charge of your learning with intention!