In this lively and deeply reflective episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex dive into the “respectrum” — the full range of how respect and disrespect show up in our lives, workplaces, and society. They explore how easily we justify our own lapses in respect while condemning others, and how that double standard quietly erodes the social ecosystem we all share. With humor, honesty, and a few delightfully unplanned metaphors, they unpack why respect often goes unnoticed until it’s missing — and how small acts of awareness and courage can rebuild it.

The conversation moves from everyday moments, like driving or team meetings, to larger questions of culture, leadership, and moral responsibility. Cristina and Alex remind us that culture is defined not by our best intentions, but by the worst behavior we allow. They challenge listeners to reflect: when you witness disrespect, do you stay silent or step in? This episode is a call to remember that respect is contagious — and so is silence.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex dive into the messy, often overwhelming experience of navigating change. From workplace restructuring to global uncertainty, and even the rise of AI, they explore what it means to not just “thrive” in change but simply survive it. Along the way, they challenge the overused and weaponized idea of resilience, reframing it as something more human and grounded: acknowledging your true capacity, accepting that it’s limited, and focusing on what restores energy instead of forcing yourself to give more than you can.

With humor, honesty, and a bit of dark levity (think black holes, stampeding elephants, and wine), the hosts share strategies for staying afloat in chaos. They discuss tools like identifying non-negotiables, building a “dopa menu” of activities that replenish you, and leaning on empathy—both for yourself and others—as a way to quiet shame and self-judgment. The conversation offers a refreshing reminder that surviving change isn’t about superhuman toughness but about self-awareness, compassion, and choosing how you want to show up in the small moments that add up to your life.

In this episode, licensed therapist and organizational consultant Amanda Gilchrist joins us to explore what real support looks like in a hyper-stimulated world. Amanda flips the script on “helping” by reminding us that it’s not a leader’s—or a therapist’s—job to hand out answers. It’s to guide, facilitate, and create space so people can hear their own wisdom. We dig into self-investment, the difference between a state change and a trait change, and why trust in ourselves is the foundation for any lasting transformation.

We also get practical about presence: how to set boundaries without guilt, why “giving 100%” looks different on different days, and how attunement—not performance—builds healthier relationships at home and at work. If you’ve ever felt pressure to do it perfectly, this conversation is a permission slip to be intentional instead—show up with what you have, listen for what matters, and let authenticity do the heavy lifting.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Alex and Cristina sit down with leadership coach Laura Shepherd for a rich conversation about following your internal compass. Laura shares her journey from corporate success to scuba instructor to coach, describing what it feels like when the compass spins, how she learned to recognize misalignment, and what it’s like to step into the “exciting discomfort” of growth. Together, they explore the power of weekly reflection, rewarding progress along the way, and the courage it takes to leap when the next step isn’t clear.

Listeners will hear how authenticity, reflection, and self-leadership intertwine to create alignment that fuels both personal energy and effective leadership. Laura explains how leaders who do their inner work show up more fully, set clearer expectations, and create safe, trusting environments where teams can thrive. With metaphors ranging from compasses and mirrors to buses and statues, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own path—and consider whether you’re moving toward possibility or simply checking boxes.

In this conversation, author and acupuncturist Connie Warden joins Cristina and Alex to talk about her book Speeding to Compassion—a project born from her surprising realization that her mindfulness practice didn’t extend to the driver’s seat. Connie shares candid stories of road rage, self-reflection, and the universal struggle of anger, showing how the car became her training ground for compassion. What starts as a book about driving quickly unfolds into a much bigger exploration of authenticity, inner critics, and how to process emotions without repressing them.

Together, they dive into the ways we invent stories about strangers on the road, the “fundamental attribution error” that makes us judge others more harshly than ourselves, and the small practices—like singing a song or reframing the moment—that can transform frustration into growth. This episode is equal parts humor and humanity, reminding us that compassion isn’t about being perfect. It’s about noticing our triggers, giving ourselves grace, and practicing empathy in everyday life—whether behind the wheel, with our kids, or in leadership.

In this conversation with speech and communication coach Bailey Massey, Alex and Cristina explore why communication remains the universal solution—and universal problem—at work and at home. They dig into the often-ignored half of communication (listening), the outsized role of tone and body language, and how Zoom-era distractions make nonverbal signals even more critical to read—and manage.

The trio shares practical, low-lift habits: breathe and pause to steady nerves, structure ideas into small chunks, prepare in ways that suit your style (including recording yourself), and validate before responding. They also connect confidence and communication in a reinforcing loop: skillful delivery sounds confident, which builds genuine confidence—and vice versa. The result is a humane, practical roadmap for anyone who wants to be heard, understood, and trusted.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex sit down with Kristin Malek, founder of the Behavior Change Design Institute, to explore how real change happens—whether in individuals, organizations, or society. Kristin draws from her diverse background in neuroscience, psychology, and event design to explain why simply declaring new values or pushing positive affirmations rarely works. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of believable steps, curiosity as a gateway to openness, and the need to address both the conscious and unconscious mind when designing for mindset and behavior change.

The conversation moves from the science of how our brains process negativity to the pitfalls of corporate messaging, the difference between change management and true behavior change, and the risks of toxic positivity. Kristin shares practical insights—like the power of neutral language, the importance of self-awareness, and why negative thoughts require multiple positive reinforcements to rebalance. Engaging, insightful, and often humorous, this episode highlights the intersection of authenticity, values, and transformation, leaving listeners with both inspiration and tangible strategies for personal growth and organizational leadership.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex take a candid look at the challenges and misconceptions around employee engagement, especially the reliance on large-scale surveys. They question the accuracy and usefulness of engagement metrics when trust and psychological safety are low, noting that survey responses are shaped by fleeting emotions, personal context, and fear of speaking openly. Engagement, they argue, is an outcome—not a metric—and real insight comes from observing daily interactions, noticing shifts in behavior, and understanding the “why” behind disengagement. They stress that numbers without follow-up action are meaningless, and that true engagement work happens in real time, not in quarterly reports.

Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that improving engagement requires curiosity, ongoing observation, and micro-level interventions rather than blanket initiatives. The hosts share examples of organizations missing the root cause of disengagement by jumping to surface-level fixes, and highlight the contagious nature of both engagement and disengagement. They encourage leaders to equip managers with the skills to recognize psychological safety, address underlying issues, and act with intention—always remembering that the goal is not a higher score, but a more connected, committed, and energized workplace.