Awakened Life Podcast - Interview with Deb Porter "Unlocking Empathy: The CORE Method of Effective Communication” Awakened Life Podcast Season 4 Ep. 33 -- In this enlightening episode of the Awakened Life Podcast, Deb Porter, a dedicated advocate for improving communication through effective listening, shares her comprehensive journey and the powerful insights she's gained along the way. Deb emphasizes the profound impact that listening—truly listening—can have on both personal and professional relationships. Through her course, Deb teaches the importance of decoding nonverbal cues, asking impactful questions, and fostering an environment where people feel safe to express themselves openly and honestly. She believes that mastering these "soft skills" can dramatically enhance our interactions and connections with others. Deb's path to becoming an expert in listening is both personal and profound. Originally from Oskaloosa, Iowa, her early aspirations of becoming a secondary English teacher evolved as she felt a deeper calling that led her to seminary and a specialization in caring counseling. Her life's journey took unexpected turns, including a family member coming out during a tumultuous time for the United Methodist Church and facing her husband's critical illness, which demanded her full attention as a caregiver. These experiences deepened her understanding of the crucial role listening plays in supporting and understanding others, inspiring her to focus on teaching listening as a skill. The episode delves into Deb's CORE method of listening: Calm, Outcome, Relate, and Empathy, providing listeners with a practical framework for improving their listening abilities. Deb's story is a testament to the power of listening, not only as a tool for communication but as a foundation for building stronger, more empathetic connections with those around us. For anyone looking to deepen their relationships and improve their listening skills, this episode offers valuable lessons and practical tips. Deb Porter's journey from a would-be English teacher to a seminary graduate, and eventually to a listening expert, is a compelling narrative of transformation, resilience, and the unending quest for understanding. -- Link to the course "Listen Your Way to Deeper Connections" https://courses.hearingoutlifedrama.com/listen-your-way-to-deeper-connections And for a full list of courses: www.hearingoutlifedrama.com --- To find greater balance in your work and life, download the Total Freedom (life wheel) Exercise here: ⁠⁠⁠wheel.awakenedlife.com⁠⁠⁠ To join the Awakened Life Community at our next live retreat in Scottsdale, please apply here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.awakenedlife.live/⁠