The Communicate Great Podcast

In this episode of Communicate Great , host Traci Poe sits down with therapist and social worker Ken Hyra , who brings 25 years of experience helping couples and individuals navigate communication breakdowns. Together, they explore why conversations don’t fail because of words alone—but because of how those words are interpreted through past experiences, emotional triggers, and the nervous system....

Healthy relationships aren’t built on better words alone, they’re built on deeper self-awareness. In this episode of Communicate Great , host Traci Poe welcomes back therapist and relationship coach Sherry McClurkin, M.S. for a powerful conversation that goes beneath surface-level communication skills and into the real drivers of relational breakdown: unexamined needs, hidden assumptions, and unme...

Have you ever realized you were listening—but not really understanding? In this episode of Communicate Great , Traci Poe sits down with Maria Gallucci, real estate agent, author, and a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) , to explore how being raised in silence shaped her approach to communication, presence, and connection. Maria shares what it means to grow up with ASL as her first language, why communic...

Do you listen to respond… or do you listen to truly listen? In this re-released episode, Traci Poe revisits a powerful and thought-provoking conversation with David Creel , known as The Blind Spot Coach . This episode was too impactful not to share again. Together, they unpack how blind spots shape the way we communicate, why most conflict escalates automatically, and how learning to respond inste...

In this re-release episode, host Traci Poe sits down with licensed professional counselor and grief specialist Jessica Frasier for a deeply insightful conversation on emotions, energy, and communication — both with others and within ourselves. Originally recorded as a past episode, this interview remains just as relevant and impactful today. Jessica shares her personal journey into the world of gr...

Today is a re-release of one of our most impactful episodes of The Communicate Great Podcast . We’re bringing this conversation back because the message is timeless and continues to resonate deeply with listeners. In this episode, host Traci Poe sits down with Barb Pastuszko to explore a powerful and personal topic: do you listen to your inner critic—or your personal power? Barb shares insight int...

In this powerful episode, we welcome back advanced grief-recovery specialist Danielle Southwick — and we’re re-releasing this conversation because the wisdom she offers is simply too impactful to hear only once. Danielle opens up about her personal journey through trauma, emotional numbness, addiction, healing, and rediscovering hope. She breaks down the true definition of grief, the 40+ types of...

In this episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe sits down with retired undercover officer and high-stakes leadership expert Traci Ruiz to uncover what it truly means to communicate under pressure — whether in crisis, challenge, or change. From navigating life-or-death moments during her 25-year law enforcement career to equipping today’s leaders with the tools to make confident d...

In this episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe sits down with writer and editor Ronda Payne — also known as A Girl with a Pen — to explore the power of the written word and why choosing the right tool for your message matters more than ever. From texts that get lost in tone to emails that escalate too quickly, Rhonda shares practical, real-world tips for improving your communica...

What if the way you communicate with yourself could shape the kind of parent you become—before your child even arrives? In this episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe sits down with parenting coach Chanie Twersky to explore how self-awareness, healing, and emotional intelligence lay the foundation for strong family communication. Chanie shares her approach to “pre-parenthood tra...

What if the way you attach to others is silently shaping every conversation you have—and every relationship you’re in? In this episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe welcomes Bryan Power, an Integrated Attachment Theory coach who turned his own season of struggle into a powerful framework for growth. Bryan shares his journey of “failing forward,” how attachment styles form, and...

What do you do when you want to communicate clearly, but your words keep wandering—and every sentence feels like a winding river? In this insightful episode of the Communicate Great Podcast , host Tracy Poe sits down with Ronda Payne, writer and editor known as Girl with a Pen , to talk about how to get to the point in your writing and communication. Whether you’re crafting emails, blog posts, or...

What do you do when your ex is still a big part of your life—especially when kids are involved—and every conversation feels like a battle? In this powerful episode of the Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe welcomes back returning guest Jenni Rock , toxic co-parenting and relationship breakdown expert, to talk about how to communicate effectively with an ex. Whether you're newly separated o...

What if the key to powerful communication lies not just in knowing your audience—but in deeply knowing yourself ? In this episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe sits down with Dominique Vacheresse, an operational excellence consultant and self-care strategist, who shares how understanding both your internal wiring and your external audience can transform the way you communicate—...

In this episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe sits down with engineer and business strategist Sairan Aqrawi to explore why communication is the essential skill—no matter your industry. Sairan shares her journey from engineering to helping midlife women uncover and monetize their passions, and how mastering communication plays a pivotal role in personal and professional transiti...

In this powerful episode of the Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe welcomes back grief recovery specialist Danielle Southwick for a deep dive into limiting beliefs —what they are, where they come from, and how they quietly shape the way we see ourselves and the world. From unpacking self-talk to exploring how unreconciled grief, past experiences, and societal messages can block our persona...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with my new friend Dee—an inspiring entrepreneur whose journey from small-town Indiana to building a six-figure business and traveling the world is nothing short of remarkable. Dee opens up about growing up with low expectations, wrestling with doubt in his faith and purpose, and what it really takes to build a life you love. From a breaking point that had him...

What if talking about death is actually one of the most loving things you can do? In this moving episode, Traci Poe talks with caregiver and coach Isabel Melgarejo about the conversations we tend to avoid — and why facing them matters. Drawing from her personal journey as a 20-year-old caregiver navigating grief, responsibility, and identity, Isabel offers powerful insights into how to communicate...

Ever feel like you're holding back in conversations — even when you have something important to say? Emotional blocks like anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing can silently sabotage how we communicate. In this eye-opening episode, Traci Poe talks with coach and former trauma therapist Sherry McClurkin about what really gets in the way of authentic connection — and how to break free. Sherry...

How do you stay calm and communicate clearly when everything feels like it's falling apart? When emotions are high, communication can break down fast — especially during divorce. In this powerful episode, divorce coach and strategist Sharri Freedman shares how to protect your peace while communicating through one of the most emotionally charged seasons of life. You'll learn how to stay calm in the...

What if the secret to more authentic communication and effortless creativity wasn’t more effort—but smarter tools? This conversation will spark ideas and encourage you to explore how digital tools can support authentic human connection. In this inspiring episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe chats with LeAnn Lyon, Chief Joy Officer of Joyminder, about how AI is changing the way...

Ever freeze up during small talk or feel awkward at networking events—or even dinner parties? In this episode of The Communicate Great Podcast , host Traci Poe sits down with networking coach Rachel, who shares her powerful “Three P’s” strategy—Passion, Personal, and Problem—to help steer conversations with confidence and authenticity. Rachel’s insights apply to both professional relationships and...

Ever freeze up the moment the mic goes live or the camera turns on? You're not alone— In this episode of the Communicate Great Podcast , Traci Poe sits down with Chris Templeton, founder of Influence Spotlights, to unpack how video and voice can become powerful tools for sharing your story with confidence and authenticity. Hear how Chris helps people go from "I hate my voice" to “I c...

How do you stay calm and productive when emotions are running high? In this episode, Traci sits down with mediator and communication coach Alice to dive into the world of high-stakes conversations—from divorce and family feuds to workplace conflict. Alice shares her top strategies for keeping conversations civil, spotting emotional triggers, and helping people with wildly different goals find a pa...

In this episode, we dive into The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace with our special guest, who shares how organizations can thrive by intentionally encouraging their people. Discover how learning and using the right “appreciation language” can boost employee morale, improve teamwork, and reduce burnout. Whether you're a leader, manager, or teammate, you'll walk away with practical insi...