Professionals Whose Jobs Depend On Conversation - Podcast Guests

A few months ago, I launched the Conversation Lab podcast. The idea was to blend informative content about the Conversation Compass with folks who use conversational skills as part of their own work. The goal wasn't to interview a stream of product folks, although I do love some good product nerdery. Instead I wanted to sit down with people whose careers live or die on their ability to have great conversations. To say I've been having a blast is a big understatement. So far this first season, I've talked to a Pentagon spokesman, a flight attendant, a Jewish culture trainer who works with private security firm and law enforcement, an explainer-video pioneer, and a 20-year community builder. Five very different jobs, all leaning on the same conversational soft skills. Once you start seeing conversation as a craft, you spot great teachers everywhere. And there's more conversations already recorded and on the way. I sat down with a psychologist to dig into what's really happening under the surface when two people engage. A flavor designer, whose work depends on building and using a shared language so people can actually communicate effectively about visceral experiences. And a UX and AI designer thinking hard about what conversation even means when a machine is part of it. If you want to get better at talking to your customers, the smartest move might be studying people who do it for a living somewhere else entirely. You can add the podcast at jakemckee.com/podcast And if you or someone you know uses conversation as a core part of your work, drop me a line. I'd love to talk with you about sitting down for an episode conversation. And a huge thanks to my guests, friends, and supporters who have cheered this project on!