The Coaching Studio with Lyssa deHart – Details, episodes & analysis

Unmuted at Work: Accent Bias, Belonging, and What We Think We Hear

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, I sit down with Heather Hansen to talk about something most of us don’t notice until it’s right in our face: how quickly we decide what someone “knows” or how competent they are, based on how they sound.

Heather shares her path into linguistics, starting with being a talker as a kid, competitive speech and debate, then studying language and society, and eventually building Global Speech Academy in Singapore. You can hear the through-line: she’s been tracking the power dynamics of English as a bridge language for a long time, who gets listened to, who gets dismissed, and what it costs people to constantly translate themselves into “acceptable.”

We dig into her book Unmuted and the framework behind it, because the ability to speak up is not just about confidence. Heather breaks it into three overlapping parts: conscious communication (reading the room, culture, timing), confident communication (skills and self-trust), and connected communication (belonging and psychological safety). When one piece is missing, people get too loud, go quiet, or start self-editing until they disappear.

Then we go deeper into accent bias, and Heather doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Perfect English” isn’t how global business actually works, and a lot of what we treat as “professional” is just power and familiarity dressed up as standards. She shares the real tension she lives with in her work: helping individuals succeed inside a biased system while also trying to change how the system listens.

We also talk about what this means for coaches and leaders. Heather points out that we’re listening to layers, pace, pitch, emphasis, tone, and then we assign meaning fast, often without realizing it. And in global workplaces, misunderstandings happen all the time because people assume understanding instead of checking for it. Her practical takeaway is simple and strong: don’t ask “Do you understand?” Ask people to reflect back what they’re taking away and what they’ll do next.

Finally, we touch on what’s coming fast: real-time translation and “accent translation” tech. Heather’s take is nuanced, yes, it can reduce harm and open access, but it also raises real questions about identity, inequality, and the cultural misunderstandings that don’t disappear just because everyone sounds the same in an earbud.

This was one of those conversations that changes how you listen the next time you’re in a meeting, on a Zoom call, or coaching someone who doesn’t sound like you. And it ends with a book recommendation I loved, and a big question about what we hope people remember about us when we’re gone.

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

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Scaling the Human Center: Tim Harrison on AI and the Future of Coaching

On this episode of the Coaching Studio, Tim Harrison, founder and CEO of the Coaching Innovation Lab, joins Lyssa deHart to explore what AI is changing in coaching, and what still requires a human being. Tim shares his path from Division I basketball into coaching and psychology, shaped by an early experience of being coached during a major identity shift. That origin story informs his focus on widening access to meaningful developmental support.

A core thread is scale without losing the human center. Tim describes building EPOG Academy and running into the practical limits of time and cost, then discovering how quickly AI could expand access when used thoughtfully. He argues that for many people the real comparison is not “AI vs. a human coach,” it’s “some support vs. none,” and he’s candid about the disruption that creates for the profession.

The conversation turns practical: how coaches can use AI without getting diluted. Tim shares what research suggests about AI’s “compression effect,” why authenticity matters (people want your voice, not generic polish), and why hybrid models are likely. He offers two frameworks coaches can apply immediately: his “Four A’s of Innovation” (automation, augmentation, amplification, adaptation) and a “Model T” mindset, rethinking the work rather than just bolting AI onto old workflows. The episode closes with Tim’s spoken word piece, “Final Slumber,” a reflection on mortality, meaning, and choosing a life that’s lived on purpose.

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join Lyssa deHart in The Coaching Studio with Hayden Lee, MCC, as they explore how the Enneagram and neuroscience reveal the deeper patterns behind growth and leadership. Discover why self-awareness, vulnerability, and courage are the real foundations of transformation.

From his early career in acting and education to his leadership as co-founder of the Master Mind Institute, Hayden shares how curiosity and courage drive both personal and professional transformation. Together, Lyssa and Hayden dive into topics such as passion as a cultivated practice, the balance between vulnerability and authenticity, and the power of aligning intent with impact.

Listeners will gain fresh insight into why inner work matters just as much as outer success, how the brain’s wiring influences growth, and how leaders can build the self-awareness needed to create psychologically safe and thriving organizations.

Check out his website.



Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

On this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart talks with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, MCC, co-founder of ImpactParents, about embracing neurodiversity through the coaching lens. Elaine shares her journey from overwhelmed parent to pioneering coach, including the profound shift of her own late ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped her understanding of herself and her family.

Together, they explore why coaching is such a powerful framework for supporting “neurospicy” kids and adults, and how curiosity, agency, and intentional motivation can transform the way we navigate challenges. Elaine introduces her playful term “neurospicy” as a way to lighten heavy conversations while affirming that nothing is broken — brains simply work differently.

The conversation also touches on the role of nutrition and brain health, the PINCH framework for activating focus, and the importance of play, presence, and humor in managing our nervous systems. Listeners will walk away inspired by Elaine’s vision of a world where coaching skills are woven into everyday life, offering hope, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the creativity that neurodiverse wiring brings.

Check out her website.

Follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart sits down with Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, a global authority on positive psychology coaching and co-author of Radical Listening and Positive Provocation. Known for his ability to ask provocative questions that shake us out of autopilot, Robert shares insights into how listening can be transformed into a practice of co-creating meaning.

The conversation begins with Robert’s personal journey, how his global experiences shaped his perspective on culture, well-being, and human potential. He describes his curiosity for exploring the “edges” of coaching, where science meets creativity. Robert emphasizes that coaching, while young as a field, benefits when practitioners embrace evidence-based practices while still leaving room for surprise, experimentation, and creative interventions.

A highlight of the discussion is Robert’s exploration of Radical Listening, which goes beyond the traditional “levels of listening” to include six key competencies: noticing, quieting, accepting, acknowledging, questioning, and interjecting. He illustrates how these practices can deepen connection, foster transformation, and counteract the distractions of our noisy, fast-paced world.

Robert also discusses the ideas from Positive Provocation, where he challenges coaches to reframe standard tools like homework into “experiments,” to view negative self-talk as potentially useful information, and to become aware of their own assumptions and self-limiting beliefs. His invitation is for both coaches and therapists to balance rigor with creativity and to practice curiosity even in discomfort.

Throughout the conversation, Robert references not only his own work but also other influential texts in psychology and coaching, including Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence, which has shaped the integration of emotion and self-awareness in modern coaching.

The episode closes with a reflection on the future of coaching: a call for practitioners to embrace both science and art, and to dare to listen and provoke in ways that create genuine change.

Check out his website

Find him on LinkedIn and on Instagram

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

What does it take to lead when the stakes are sky-high and every move counts? Dr. Carol Kauffman, founder of Harvard’s Institute of Coaching and co-creator of the MOVE framework, knows better than most. In our conversation, Carol takes us from her unlikely beginnings—growing up surrounded by thirty toy poodles and being told she wasn’t “college material”—to becoming one of the most sought-after leadership coaches in the world.

She opens up about the crucible moments that shaped her, the fine line between therapy and coaching, and why leaders need to leave their egos at the door if they want to thrive under pressure. We explore her simple yet powerful practices, such as asking, “Who do I want to be right now?” and her belief that sometimes an ounce of input can spark a pound of transformation. Along the way, Carol brings warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to what it means to be fully present when people need you most.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, presence, and real-time leadership.

Go get her book Real-Time Leadership

To connect with Carol, find her on LinkedIn

And, check out her website.

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Mastering the Moment: Emotional Intelligence Tools for Turbulent Times with Dr. Relly Nadler

In this compelling episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart sits down with Dr. Relly Nadler, Psy.D., MCC, to explore the art and science of moment mastery—how leaders and coaches can harness emotional intelligence (EI) to make smarter decisions, build trust, and stay present in today’s turbulent world.

Dr. Nadler shares powerful insights from his decades-long journey, including defining moments from his early career in behavioral youth programs and lessons drawn from the football field. His reflections reveal how every interaction has the potential to elevate or deflate, and why managing emotions in those critical seconds can change everything.

Listeners will discover practical tools like the Leadership Two-Step, the Emotional Audit, and the newly coined Empathy Audit, designed to be used in under 15 seconds to bring awareness, emotional clarity, and intention into real-time conversations. From meditation practices to laughter yoga and polyvagal techniques, this episode explores how to regulate ourselves so we can show up at our best—especially when the stakes are high.

Dr. Nadler also shares a vivid acronym (V.I.V.I.D.) for understanding what people actually want from us in the moment—validation vs. direction—and how that distinction can transform relationships at work and at home.

“If you stay on autopilot, you stay average. Mastering the moment is what makes leaders extraordinary.” — Dr. Relly Nadler

Whether you're a coach, a leader, or simply someone who wants to respond rather than react, this episode is filled with actionable insights that will help you lead and live with greater awareness, balance, and brilliance.

Check out his website

Find him on LinkedIn

Take a listen to his podcast

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Resilience, Joy, and the Power of Choice: A Conversation with Valorie Burton, MCC
In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, host Lyssa deHart sits down with internationally bestselling author and Master Certified Coach Valorie Burton, MCC to explore the transformative power of resilience, self-compassion, and intentional choice. With 14 books translated into 10 languages and a coaching legacy that spans the globe, Valorie brings both heart and science to this powerful episode of The Coaching Studio.
Valorie shares her own path to discovering coaching, how a life-changing moment in a Seattle bookstore sparked her purpose, and the surprising way her journalism career led her to Thomas Leonard and the coaching world. She opens up about navigating personal challenges—including divorce and redefining her vision for life—by applying the very tools she now teaches. Listeners will learn how coaching became her lifeline and how her background in positive psychology and resilience research informs her coaching philosophy today.
We dive into Valorie’s latest book, Rules of Resilience, including standout rules like “Close Your Energy Gap” and “Rally Your Resources.” She speaks candidly about the myth of perfection, the quiet epidemic of loneliness, and the power of choosing joy—even before circumstances align. With heartfelt stories about her family, her work, and her own inner journey, Valorie reminds us that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about showing up with self-compassion, clarity, and courage.
Whether you're a coach, leader, or someone navigating change, this conversation is a powerful invitation to reflect, reframe, and reclaim your energy and purpose.

Visit Valorie on her Website

Find her on LinkedIn

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart sits down with Paul Sanbar, MCC, a coach who doesn’t just think outside the box—he builds new ones, takes them apart, and reimagines what’s possible. Through LEGO® Serious Play® and hands-on thinking, Paul helps individuals and teams move beyond words, unlocking deeper insights through creativity and play.

Paul’s journey to coaching is anything but ordinary. Originally drawn to architecture as a way to create structure in a chaotic world, he shifted paths multiple times—through business, poetry, psychotherapy, and coaching—a journey he humorously calls A Fortunate Series of Overcorrections. Each pivot helped him refine his coaching philosophy, where play and unlearning are as essential as structure and mastery.

Lyssa and Paul dive into topics like:
 🔹 The power of liminal spaces—why transformation happens in the “in-between” moments.
🔹 How LEGO Serious Play® brings coaching to life—helping clients see and restructure their ideas.
🔹 Why unlearning is key to coaching mastery—and how it shaped Paul’s journey to MCC.
🔹 The neuroscience of play—how creativity helps clients move past stuck points and into possibility.

This conversation will challenge the way you think about coaching, learning, and growth. Whether you’re a coach, leader, or just someone fascinated by how we build and rebuild our lives, you’ll walk away with new perspectives and actionable insights.

This episode is full of practical insights, personal stories, and new ways to think about coaching and growth.

You can catch up with Paul on his website

Or find him on LinkedIn.

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart welcomes transformational coach and hypnotherapist Daniel Olexa, MCC, CIHt for an in-depth conversation about reconnecting with your intuition and reclaiming your authentic self. Daniel’s journey—from his early days as a diesel mechanic in the US Coast Guard Reserve to becoming a world-class coach—sets the stage for a powerful discussion on how life-changing leaps, both literal and metaphorical, can spark profound personal transformation.

Key Topics Covered:

• Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs: Explore how shedding old identities and learned behaviors can help you rediscover your true self.
• The Power of Hypnotherapy & Parts Work: Learn practical strategies to work with your inner voice and align your emotional energy for breakthrough change.
• Collaborative Leadership: Understand how empowering collaborative communication and collective wisdom can transform your professional and personal relationships.
• Transformational Coaching vs. Transactional Problem Solving: Discover why Daniel focuses on solving the person, creating new awareness that leads to intentional and lasting change.

Guest Insights & Resources:

• Daniel shares vivid stories from his skydiving and hypnotherapy experiences, illustrating how confronting fear can lead to a life of purpose.
• He discusses the impact of key resources such as his co-authored books, Practical Manifesting and A Pessimist’s Guide to Manifesting, and how they offer practical exercises to overcome resistance and embrace the universal laws of transformation.
• The conversation also touches on the importance of integrating your authentic self and the value of a supportive network in the journey of personal growth.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Embrace Vulnerability: Recognize that your challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth.
• Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Tune into your intuition and let it guide your decisions for a more aligned life.
• Lead with Empathy: Whether you’re in a leadership role or on a personal journey, the power of authentic communication can transform your relationships and work environment.

Join us for this transformative conversation and discover how to step into your power, reconnect with your inner strength, and create a life filled with purpose and passion.

Check out Daniel's website.

And, find him on LinkedIn to learn what he's up to.

Season 5

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Website Lyssa deHart

Producer: Michele Logan

Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo

Social Media: Lizana Guillen

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.