Big Swings Only

Mónica Guzmán is a journalist who couldn't even have an honest conversation with her own parents about politics — and she turned that painful personal failure into a methodology that works in boardrooms, courtrooms, and living rooms. Mónica is a bridge-builder journalist, Senior Fellow at Braver Angels, host of A Braver Way podcast, and bestselling author of I Never Thought of It That Way. In this...

Patrick Leddin reveals the negotiation mindset that helped him close a 50/50 book deal with James Patterson — and the one relationship trap that nearly cost him everything. Patrick Leddin is a professor at Vanderbilt University, former U.S. Army Ranger, and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Disrupt Everything — co-written with James Patterson. He has taught negotiation and leadershi...

Most people think negotiation is about winning — but what if that mindset is exactly why they keep losing? In this masterclass episode, you’ll hear three expert perspectives that completely reframe how negotiation actually works — from high-level strategy to real-world legal battles to the future of human communication. The common thread? The best negotiators aren’t the most aggressive — they’re t...

In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian sits down with expert Jack Schafer to explore the intricate dynamics of deception and how it fits into the broader context of negotiation and human interaction. Schafer, with his extensive background in law enforcement and behavioral analysis, shares insights into understanding deception not merely as a negative influence,...

Why do smart, successful people feel trapped in constant busyness? In this episode, Dorie Clark — author of The Long Game — joins Kwame Christian to reveal why thinking long-term feels almost impossible in a world that rewards urgency. They explore the psychology of busyness, how scarcity rewires our decisions, and what it takes to find courage, patience, and joy in the process — even when the wor...

When life shatters everything you thought was safe, what do you do next? In this powerful conversation, emotional recovery coach Louize Yafai shares how she rebuilt her life after losing everything — her marriage, her company, and her sense of self. From surviving financial and emotional abuse to helping others turn pain into strength, Louize reveals the mindset shifts and daily actions that trans...

In this episode, Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, joins Kwame Christian to explore one of the biggest challenges of our time: the collapse of trust. From misinformation and social media outrage to AI deepfakes and short-term thinking, Jimmy shares what he’s learned about truth, integrity, and human connection after decades shaping the world’s largest source of information. Discover why trust...

Gaslighting isn’t just a relationship issue—it happens at work too. In this powerful conversation, psychotherapist and author Farah Harris opens up about her own painful experience with a toxic hire who weaponized her teachings, blurred boundaries, and tried to undermine her confidence as a leader. ⁠Buy The Book: The Color of Emotional Intelligence by Farah Harris⁠ ⁠Fara's website: www.workingwell...

What do you do when a high-stakes negotiation turns aggressive? In this episode, Ken Sterling—EVP at BigSpeak, USC professor, and legendary dealmaker—reveals why the loudest person in the room is often the least dangerous. Ken grew up on the rough streets of New York, where he learned that negotiation wasn't just a business skill; it was a survival tactic. He shares a harrowing story of surviving...

What if the biggest thing holding you back in negotiations isn’t your strategy — but your mindset? In this powerful masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, we bring together multiple expert voices to unpack what really drives success in negotiation—and why confidence, belief, and ambition often matter more than tactics alone. You’ll hear from Wies Bratby, founder of Women in Negotiation, whose...

What does it really take to build a $745 million startup from the ground up? Hint: It’s messy, painful, and nothing like the glamorous success stories you’ve heard. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with Cas and Mike Lazerow—the entrepreneurial power couple behind the massive success of Golf.com, which they sold to Time Warner for $745 million. But behind the impressi...

You can have the best facts in the world, but if you’re a bad storyteller, your message will never land. In this special Masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, we go deep into the art and science of Storytelling. You’ll hear from two experts with completely different lenses: Allegra Salomon, an award-winning fiction writer, and John Moore, a master of LinkedIn communication and IT marketing. W...

Conflict doesn’t have to break relationships—it can actually strengthen them when handled the right way. In this masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, we explore the art and strategy of building rapport in even the most difficult conversations. Featuring insights from experts across law, business, and high-stakes negotiation, this episode reveals why connection—not control—is the real key to...

Narcissists don’t negotiate—they manipulate. In this episode, negotiation expert Kwame Christian interviews attorney and bestselling author Rebecca Zung to break down how narcissists think—and how to outsmart them in any negotiation. You’ll learn how to recognize narcissistic behavior, set strong boundaries, and protect yourself from manipulation. Rebecca shares her powerful S.L.A.Y. Method, desig...

What if the reason you’re being overlooked isn’t your performance — but your relationships? In this masterclass episode, we unpack the uncomfortable truth most high achievers avoid: doing great work isn’t enough. If you’ve ever watched less qualified colleagues rise faster, felt invisible in meetings, or wondered why your career isn’t matching your effort, this conversation will hit home. Featurin...

We love hero stories where everything works out—but those stories are actually hurting the next generation. In this episode, Dr. Alexis Redding, a leader at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and co-author of The End of Adolescence, reveals why our "triumphant narratives" prevent us from connecting with young people. After reopening a "lost" 50-year study, Alexis discovered that the loneline...

What if the real reason you freeze in high-stakes moments isn’t a lack of confidence — but a nervous system trying to protect you? In this powerful conversation, somatic coach and author Jay Moon Fields reveals why so many high-performing professionals sabotage themselves in the moments that matter most — and how to reclaim control using the intelligence of the body. Drawing from over 20 years of...

Failure isn’t a setback — it’s the fastest path to growth, clarity, and real success. In this masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, we dive deep into the idea that the most important breakthroughs don’t come from getting it right — they come from getting it wrong and choosing to move forward anyway. Entrepreneur Jeremy Delk shares his journey from small-town beginnings to Wall Street, reveali...

In a world of mass layoffs and AI automation, your reputation is no longer enough to save your job. In this episode, brand and behavior strategist Howie Chan explains why "personal branding" is a trap that turns most professionals off—and why you should focus on becoming a Professional with Influence instead. Howie spent 20 years in corporate leadership before being laid off, an experience that le...

What if everything you’ve been taught about networking is missing the point? In this episode, we sit down with relationship strategy expert Andy Lopata to uncover why real professional success isn’t built in networking events — it’s built in intentional relationships. If you’ve ever felt that traditional networking advice feels transactional, awkward, or even a little manipulative, Andy offers a r...

What if the key to loving your work again isn’t changing jobs — but changing how you show up? In this episode, workplace strategist and bestselling author Elizabeth Lotardo reveals why fulfillment at work isn’t something your boss, company, or circumstances can give you. Instead, it’s something you create through self-leadership, mindset, and personal ownership. We explore why so many people leave...

Money isn’t just about numbers — it’s about the stories we tell ourselves about success, freedom, and what “enough” really means. In this thought-provoking conversation, bestselling author Morgan Housel ( The Psychology of Money ) reveals why our financial decisions are rarely logical — and why understanding our emotions around money might matter more than understanding money itself. From envy and...

Communication is the foundation of every relationship, but how do you talk about the one topic everyone is afraid to mention? In this episode, Caitlin V—a renowned sexologist, researcher, and author of Harder, Better, Longer, Stronger—reveals why most people hit a wall when communicating their intimate needs. Caitlin has spent over a decade helping men and couples overcome anxiety to build deeper,...

Silence can win you the negotiation before you even say a word. In this masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian speaks with mediator Amy Mariani and leadership expert Elaine Lin Herring about the hidden power of silence in negotiation and leadership. They explore how intentional pauses, body language, and thoughtful communication can reveal critical information, shift dynamics,...

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠ In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes Ivna Curi to discuss the art of assertive communication in negotiations. Overcoming numerous setbacks, the duo dives deep into the core of being assertive without losing warmth, an essential skill for both personal and professional life. Ivna shares invaluable insight...