About this episode
Want to be a better conversationalist, listener, and all-around great company? In this special episode, host Cristina Quinn talks with Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg (" Supercommunicators " and " The Power of Habit ") about the science of effective communication. Duhigg breaks down why some conversations feel effortless while others leave us frustrated — and how simple skills like asking deeper questions, practicing active listening, and matching emotional tones can make a difference. They discuss the concept of “neural entrainment” — how our brains sync up during great conversations — and why feeling understood is more important than agreeing. You’ll walk away with three easy tips to practice right away, plus a new mindset that could transform how you connect with friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts .