More In Common

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Episodes

Welcome to the More In Common Podcast — where curiosity meets courage. Hosted by Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor, this show explores the human side of connection, communication, and emotional intelligence. Every week, we dive deep into real conversations that challenge assumptions, build trust, and help us all navigate complex relationships — at work, at home, and in our communities. 🎙️ From mindful parenting to leadership, political division to self-awareness — we ask the hard questions and model the tools to stay in the conversation when it matters most.

✅ New episodes every Friday

🎧 Listen in for practical insights, heartfelt stories, and a better way to be in the world — together.

🔔 Subscribe now if you’re ready to grow, stay curious, and connect more deeply.

Episodes

7 days ago

The Cycle of Generational Judgment and How to Break It

7 days ago

summary

Explore generational differences, societal perceptions, and strategies for fostering understanding and connection across age groups. Kelly Brinkman, Keith Richardson, and Gerren Taylor delve into the roots of generational stereotypes, the impact of social media, and practical ways to build empathy and resilience.

keywords

generations, social media, empathy, mental health, workplace, youth development, social change

key topics

Generational stereotypes and their origins
Impact of social media on youth and mental health
Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding across generations

guest name

Kelly Brinkman, Keith Richardson, Gerren Taylor

Titles

Bridging Generational Gaps: Understanding and Empathy in a Changing World
The Cycle of Generational Judgment and How to Break It

sound bites

"This cycle of judgment repeats every 20 years."
"We want our kids to succeed but judge them harshly."
"Embrace your regional identity and differences."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Generational Perspectives
03:29 The Cycle of Generational Judgment
06:24 Cognitive Bias and Memory
09:10 The Impact of Environment on Behavior
12:19 Navigating Youth Sports and Competition
15:20 Understanding Generation Z's Mental Health
18:23 Mentorship and Support for Gen Z
21:13 Cultural Shifts and Emotional Well-being
24:26 Concluding Thoughts and Practical Takeaways

resources

Bridgeworks on Generational Dynamics - https://bridgeworksonline.com
Understanding Social Media's Impact on Youth - https://www.example.com/social-media-impact
Mentorship Strategies for Young Employees - https://www.example.com/mentorship-strategies

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kellybrinkman
Twitter - https://twitter.com/keithrichardson

content type

Interview

primary goal

Discussion

Friday Mar 06, 2026

The Future of Work: Adapting Leadership for Generational Diversity

Friday Mar 06, 2026

Summary

Join us as Kelly Brinkman, a generational dynamics expert, explores the nuances of workplace stereotypes, generational differences, and how leadership can adapt to a rapidly evolving workforce. This episode offers research-backed insights and practical strategies for fostering collaboration across generations.

keywords

generational differences, workplace stereotypes, leadership, collaboration, work culture, remote work, generational traits

key topics

Generational stereotypes and their impact on workplace dynamics
How leadership can adapt to generational differences
The role of technology and remote work in shaping new work norms

sound bites

"Every individual is a unique snowflake."
"Leadership must be flexible and adaptable."
"Generational cycles repeat every 80 years."

Chapters

00:00 Generational Dynamics and Cultural References
05:21 Understanding Stereotypes and Their Impact
10:02 Navigating Workplace Communication Across Generations
15:27 The Evolution of Work Expectations
19:59 Leadership in a Multigenerational Workplace
25:09 Future Generations and Societal Cycles

resources

BridgeWorks - Generational Insights - https://bridgeworks.com/
The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe - https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Turning-Annealing-Crisis-Change/dp/0761514001
ChatGPT by OpenAI - https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellybrinkman/
BridgeWorks - https://bridgeworks.com/

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

Friday Feb 27, 2026

Bridging Generations: How Formative Years Shape the Modern Workplace | Kelly Brinkman

Friday Feb 27, 2026

Episode Description

In this episode of More In Common, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor sit down with Kelly Brinkman, generational dynamics expert at BridgeWorks, to unpack how formative experiences shape workplace behavior across generations.

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, Kelly explains how brain development, cultural context, technology, and major world events influence how each generation approaches trust, loyalty, feedback, authority, and ambition.

Using neuroscience and sociology, the conversation explores why workplace friction isn’t about age — it’s about context. Kelly breaks down how neural pathways formed during adolescence create “rumble strip” moments when we encounter unfamiliar behaviors, and how understanding this can transform conflict into collaboration.

If you’ve ever wondered why Gen Z seems impatient, why Gen X values independence, or why Millennials blend personal and professional identity — this episode provides clarity.

At its core, this conversation is about one thing: building stronger human connection across differences.

Keywords

generational differences, workplace culture, Gen Z in the workplace, Millennials at work, Baby Boomers leadership style, Gen X independence, formative years psychology, neural pathways and behavior, workplace conflict resolution, generational trust, loyalty in the workplace, generational communication styles, neuroplasticity, generational dynamics expert, More In Common podcast

Core Themes & Takeaways

Generations are shaped by formative brain development, not just age.
Technology influences expectations of speed, access, and advancement.
Trust and loyalty look different across generations.
Neural pathways formed early in life create behavioral defaults.
Workplace tension is often contextual, not personal.
Neuroplasticity allows us to adapt — but it takes intention.
Understanding context reduces judgment.

Sound Bites

“It’s not about age — it’s about context.”

“Those deep neural pathways formed in our formative years become our default lane.”

“If you drive on the shoulder, you hit the rumble strips — and your instinct is to get back in your lane.”

“Gen Z isn’t entitled — they’ve grown up in a world where change happens every six months.”

“Trust is innate for some generations. For others, it has to be earned.”

Chapters / Time Stamps

00:00 – Neural Pathways & The “Rumble Strip” Analogy
02:00 – Meet Kelly Brinkman & BridgeWorks
03:10 – What Defines a Generation? Formative Brain Development
06:30 – Baby Boomers: Authority, Loyalty & Structure
09:15 – Gen X: Independence, Disruption & Skepticism
12:45 – Millennials: Collaboration, Identity & Technology
15:30 – Gen Z: Speed, Smartphones & Imposter Syndrome
18:40 – Trust & Loyalty Across Generations
22:00 – Feedback, Advancement & Workplace Expectations
25:00 – Neuroplasticity & Breaking Out of Default Patterns
28:45 – Context vs Age: Reframing Workplace Conflict
32:20 – Final Reflections & Personal Insights

Episode Through-Line

This episode reframes generational tension through neuroscience and sociology.

The friction we feel isn’t about “kids these days” or “outdated leadership.”
It’s about deeply wired expectations formed during our most impressionable years.

Understanding that context doesn’t eliminate differences — but it gives us a path to bridge them.

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

Friday Feb 20, 2026

Navigating the Truth: A Conversation with Jen Oliver

Friday Feb 20, 2026

Episode Description

In this episode of More In Common, Keith Richardson sits down with Jen Oliver for a deeply personal and grounded conversation about truth, recovery, relationships, and self-awareness.

Jen opens up about her lived experience navigating honesty in recovery, the subtle ways we distort truth to protect ourselves, and how self-protection can quietly erode intimacy. The conversation explores how unspoken narratives shape relationships, how motives influence communication, and what it takes to build trust when honesty feels risky.

This episode isn’t about abstract philosophy — it’s about the practical, emotional work of telling the truth when it costs you something. Together, Keith and Jen unpack how emotional maturity develops, how recovery sharpens self-awareness, and why integrity in relationships requires both courage and humility.

If you’ve ever struggled with hard conversations, protecting yourself in conflict, or reconciling your internal truth with what you present to the world, this episode will hit close to home.

Keywords

truth in relationships, honesty in recovery, emotional maturity, self-protection, emotional intelligence, relationship conflict, communication skills, recovery journey, personal accountability, relational integrity, vulnerability, navigating honesty, growth mindset, modern relationships

Core Themes & Takeaways

Truth often reveals itself through tension.
Recovery sharpens awareness of motive.
Self-protection can become isolation.
Integrity requires alignment between inner and outer truth.
Honesty in relationships is built, not assumed.
Emotional maturity is developed through discomfort.
The stories we tell ourselves shape how we show up.

Sound Bites (Aligned to Episode Tone)

“Sometimes the truth isn’t what we say — it’s what we’re avoiding.”

“You can protect yourself right out of connection.”

“Recovery forces you to look at your motives.”

“Honesty doesn’t mean being harsh. It means being aligned.”

Chapters / Time Stamps

00:00 – Introduction & Framing the Conversation
02:18 – Finding Your True Voice in a Noisy World
08:07 – The Impact of Untruths in Relationships
14:25 – Motives, Self-Protection & Emotional Safety
20:40 – Honesty in Recovery: What It Really Requires
26:15 – Conflict, Accountability & Growth
32:48 – Navigating Truth Without Losing Compassion
38:10 – Living in Alignment with Your Values
42:30 – Final Reflections on Integrity & Connection

Episode Through-Line

Jen is on the show to explore how truth functions as a muscle — one strengthened through recovery, relationship friction, and self-examination.

Throughout the conversation, the recurring thread is this:

Truth isn’t just about accuracy — it’s about alignment.

When our motives, words, and actions drift apart, connection erodes. When they realign, trust grows.

This episode reinforces a central More In Common idea: growth happens when we’re willing to examine ourselves honestly — especially in the places we’d rather not.

///

Friday Feb 13, 2026

Navigating the Truth: When Honesty Builds (or Breaks) Connection

Friday Feb 13, 2026

Episode Description

What does it really mean to “speak your truth”? And when does honesty strengthen connection—or quietly damage it?

In this episode of the More in Common Podcast, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor sit down with Jen Oliver—speaking coach, podcast host, and founder of Speaking Real Communications—to explore the emotional, relational, and cultural complexity of truth-telling.

Jen shares her personal “no lying” experiment inspired by Martha Beck, unpacking how small, socially acceptable untruths create distance in relationships. Together, they examine the difference between honesty that’s true, kind, and necessary, and honesty that’s self-serving, avoidant, or unintentionally harmful.

From intimate relationships and parenting to recovery culture and modern “speak your truth” rhetoric, this conversation challenges black-and-white thinking and offers a more human, compassionate framework for emotional honesty.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

Time Chapters

00:00 – Cold open & unexpected honesty
Nudist colonies, hats, and why this episode immediately goes off-script.

03:00 – Meet Jen Oliver
Speaking coach, podcast host, and her mission to help people stop performing and start connecting.

04:45 – The “no lying” challenge
Inspired by Martha Beck: what counts as a lie—and why saying “yes” when you mean “no” matters.

07:30 – Giving people the dignity of their response
Why telling the truth isn’t about managing someone else’s emotions.

10:45 – Honesty vs. emotional responsibility
Where truth ends and self-protection begins in relationships.

14:30 – The Three Gates of Honesty
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

18:00 – Parenting, protection, and selective truth
Why something can be true—but still not kind or needed.

21:30 – Truth as a barrier or a bridge
How untruths quietly erode connection over time.

24:00 – Leaving certainty behind
Jen reflects on religion, dogma, and the discomfort of emotional ambiguity.

27:15 – “Do I look good in this?”
A cultural landmine—and why there’s no universal right answer.

30:30 – Why this conversation continues
Honesty isn’t black and white—and that’s the work.

Key Topics & Keywords

Emotional honesty
Speaking your truth
Authentic communication
Emotional intelligence
Relationship communication
Truth vs kindness
Boundaries and self-trust
Vulnerability and connection
Masculinity and emotional awareness
Conflict navigation

About the Guest

Jen Oliver is a speaking coach, podcast host (Listen for Real), and founder of Speaking Real Communications. Her work focuses on helping leaders and creatives communicate with authenticity, courage, and emotional clarity—without performing or people-pleasing.

Friday Feb 06, 2026

Emotional Awareness, Masculinity, and Learning to Pause

Friday Feb 06, 2026

Episode Description

In this episode of More in Common, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor are joined by Zach Amatore to explore the journey of emotional awareness and how masculinity is shaped by environment, leadership, and lived experience.

Zach reflects on growing up in high-pressure, male-dominated spaces — from sports culture to family business — and how those environments influenced how emotion, anger, and authority were expressed. The conversation examines how men often confuse intensity with aggression, why emotional regulation is misunderstood as weakness, and how learning to pause can radically change relationships at work and at home.

Throughout the episode, Zach connects his personal growth back to the emotional intelligence tools he learned through More in Common alongside Keith — emphasizing listening without fixing, managing tone, and creating safety in male relationships. Rather than rejecting masculinity, the discussion reframes it as something that evolves through awareness, accountability, and intentional practice.

This episode is for anyone navigating leadership, fatherhood, relationships, or self-growth — especially men learning how to hold strength and emotional clarity at the same time.

Key Topics & Keywords

emotional awareness, emotional intelligence, modern masculinity, male identity, leadership, mental health, vulnerability, communication, conflict regulation, personal growth, masculinity studies, podcast

Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & setting the conversation
02:10 – Early influences: sports culture, masculinity, and emotion
06:45 – Anger vs intensity: how tone gets misread
11:30 – Learning emotional regulation in male spaces
16:20 – Taking over the family business & leadership pressure
20:50 – Listening without fixing: lessons from More in Common
25:40 – Redefining masculinity through awareness
30:10 – Modeling healthier masculinity in relationships
34:00 – Growth without perfection: final reflections

Takeaways

Emotional awareness is learned, not innate
Masculinity isn’t broken — it evolves
Regulation creates trust, not weakness
Listening is often more powerful than solving
Growth happens through practice, not perfection

Sound Bites

“Masculinity isn’t about being louder — it’s about being steadier.”
“Sometimes the pause is the most powerful move.”
“Strength without awareness turns into damage.”

Friday Jan 30, 2026

Emotional Intelligence in Action: Leadership Beyond the Title

Friday Jan 30, 2026

Episode Description

In this episode of More in Common, Keith Richardson and Gerren Taylor sit down with Zach Amatore to explore what it actually looks like to practice emotional intelligence in real life—at work, in leadership, and in moments of pressure.

Zach’s appearance on the show isn’t accidental. As he shares in the conversation, his approach to emotional regulation, listening, and supporting others was deeply shaped by the More in Common learning he experienced alongside Keith. That foundation—slowing down before reacting, staying present in hard moments, and choosing curiosity over control—runs through every part of this discussion.

Together, they unpack why “staying calm” isn’t about suppressing emotion, but about creating space for clarity, trust, and better outcomes. From workplace dynamics to being heard without overpowering others, this episode explores how emotional mastery shows up not as perfection, but as practice.

This conversation is for anyone navigating leadership, teamwork, or personal growth—and wondering how to respond more thoughtfully when it matters most.

Keywords

communication
curiosity
emotional intelligence
conflict resolution
active listening
social conditioning
power dynamics
self-awareness
relationships
More in Common podcast

Key Takeaways

Curiosity can disarm conflict when it’s rooted in care, not performance
Listening isn’t passive—it’s an intentional skill
We often react to discomfort before we understand it
Slowing down creates room for better conversations
You don’t need to fix someone to show up for them

Sound Bites

“Curiosity isn’t about being right—it’s about staying open.”
“Listening well changes the temperature of the room.”
“Most conflict comes from moving too fast with too little information.”
“We confuse reaction with honesty.”

Chapters / Time Stamps

00:00 – Opening & episode framing
Setting the tone: curiosity, communication, and why this conversation matters

02:15 – Why curiosity feels risky
How social conditioning shapes the way we enter hard conversations

06:40 – Listening vs. reacting
Why most of us respond before we actually hear each other

11:30 – Power, identity, and discomfort
How dynamics of power affect communication and emotional safety

17:10 – Slowing the conversation down
Creating space instead of escalation

22:45 – Curiosity as an act of care
When questions build connection instead of control

28:30 – What it looks like to stay present
Letting go of the need to fix, prove, or win

33:20 – Final reflections & listener takeaway
How to practice better conversations in real life

\\\

Friday Jan 23, 2026

What Are Men Supposed to Do Now?

Friday Jan 23, 2026

Family Dynamics, Masculinity, And Meeting the Moment

Saturday Jan 17, 2026

Keywords

masculinity, code-switching, social connections, loneliness epidemic, impression management, gender roles, community building, emotional literacy, fatherhood, societal expectations

Summary

This conversation delves into the complexities of masculinity, exploring themes of code-switching, societal expectations, and the importance of community. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how men navigate their identities in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the need for emotional literacy and connection to combat loneliness and isolation.

Takeaways

Code-switching is a form of impression management in social contexts.
Masculinity is often defined by societal expectations and personal experiences.
The loneliness epidemic among men is linked to a lack of social connections.
Men often struggle to find their place within traditional masculine roles.
Mentorship from older generations can provide valuable perspectives on masculinity.
Community building is essential for men's mental health and well-being.
Emotional literacy should be viewed as a vital skill for modern masculinity.
Men need to adapt their definitions of masculinity to meet evolving societal norms.
The influence of media and culture shapes men's understanding of masculinity.
Navigating masculinity involves recognizing and embracing vulnerability.

Sound bites

"Life is a game. It's all dramaturgy."
"Men heal in community."
"Men need to meet the moment."

Chapters

00:00 The Complexity of Masculinity and Code-Switching
07:13 Navigating Masculinity Through Personal Experiences
15:17 The Influence of Family Dynamics on Masculinity
20:02 Exploring Community and Connection in Masculinity
27:51 Redefining Masculinity for Modern Relationships

About the Guest
Nicholas Miller is a tenured sociology professor at Sacramento City College, founder of multiple workforce pipeline programs, and co-founder of nationally recognized initiatives supporting justice-impacted students. He is also the founder of Conduits for Change, partnering with organizations to build equity-driven cultures and sustainable community impact.

Friday Jan 09, 2026

Modern Masculinity: What does it mean?

Friday Jan 09, 2026

In this episode of More In Common, hosts Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson sit down with sociologist and systems-change strategist Nicholas Miller to explore the evolving meaning of masculinity in today’s world.

Using public conversations around modern masculinity—including ideas popularized by Scott Galloway—as a starting point, the group examines how masculinity has always been shaped by economic systems, social expectations, and access to opportunity. They discuss why narratives around rugged individualism, dominance, and self-reliance no longer serve most men—and never truly served everyone equally.

The conversation addresses the growing male loneliness crisis, the misdirection of resentment toward women and immigrants, and why redefining masculinity isn’t about blame—but about reconnection. Rather than offering a single definition, the episode makes space for multiple masculinities rooted in care, accountability, protection, and community.

This episode launches a multi-part series exploring masculinity, identity, and what it means to belong in a rapidly changing world.

Key Takeaways

Masculinity is socially constructed, not biologically fixed
There has never been one “correct” way to be a man
Economic systems shape identity more than we admit
Loneliness is a structural issue, not a personal failure
Blame narratives distract from systemic causes
Protection, care, and accountability are undervalued masculine traits
Redefining masculinity is essential for healthier relationships and communities

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Why Masculinity Is Having a Moment
02:45 – What People Mean When They Say “Masculinity Is Broken”
06:10 – Masculinity as a Social and Economic Construction
10:55 – Rugged Individualism: Who It Served and Who It Didn’t
15:30 – The Male Loneliness Epidemic
19:40 – Why Resentment Gets Misplaced
24:10 – Patriarchy, Feminism, and Misunderstanding Power
28:50 – Multiple Masculinities Across Race and Class
33:20 – Protection vs. Domination
38:10 – Redefining Masculinity Through Connection
42:30 – Why This Conversation Is Just Beginning

About the Guest

Nicholas Miller is a tenured sociology professor at Sacramento City College, founder of multiple workforce pipeline programs, and co-founder of nationally recognized initiatives supporting justice-impacted students. He is also the founder of Conduits for Change, partnering with organizations to build equity-driven cultures and sustainable community impact.