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Description
Transform your relationships. Speak your truth. Get what you deserve—with Kwame Christian as your guide. This is the #1 negotiation podcast in the world with over 15 million downloads, but it’s about so much more than that.
This isn’t about manipulation or domination—it’s about showing up more powerfully, leading with authenticity, and speaking your truth with more clarity. Whether you’re leading a team, parenting through stress, or learning to speak up without fear, the skills you’ll build here will transform how you show up in every area of your life.
Kwame doesn’t just teach strategy—he teaches transformation, helping you become the kind of person who moves through life with more clarity, courage, and compassion. Every episode is rooted in empathy, psychology, and Kwame’s signature warmth, blending real-world stories, expert guests, and practical frameworks so you can break through the fears that have been holding you back.
Join millions of listeners who’ve discovered that the best things in life really are on the other side of difficult conversations.
Ready to level up at work and at home?
About the Host: Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A.
Kwame Christian the founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute. He's known for his viral TEDx Talk, “Finding Confidence in Conflict,” and is a bestselling author of two books:
• How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race (2022)
• Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life (2020)
As a degrees in law, psychology, and public policy, Kwame brings a wealth of knowledge to every episode. He’s also a LinkedIn instructor with over 2.3 million learners, making complex negotiation concepts accessible to everyone.
Why This Podcast?
At the American Negotiation Institute, we believe that the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. Our mission is to empower you to negotiate anything, anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned negotiator or just starting, our podcast equips you with the tools and confidence to navigate any conversation.
Tune in to Transform Your Life:
Join millions of listeners who have already unlocked the power of negotiation. Subscribe now and start mastering the skills that will transform your professional and personal life. Watch our episodes on YouTube for more visual insights and tips.
Connect with Us:
• Website: American Negotiation Institute
• Email: simon@negotiateanything.com
• LinkedIn: Kwame Christian
• YouTube: Negotiate Anything
Produced by the American Negotiation Institute
1615 Episodes
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Your paycheck isn’t just a number — it’s a reflection of what you believe you deserve.
But most of us were never taught how to ask for more. In this raw and practical episode, LinkedIn journalist and Gen Z voice Gianna Prudente joins Kwame Christian to expose the emotional barriers that keep people — especially young professionals — from negotiating their worth. You’ll learn how to reframe the conversation, build your career story, and walk into negotiations with confidence, even if you’re scared. If you've ever felt like you should just be "grateful" to have a job, this episode will help you see the cost of staying silent — and give you the tools to speak up.
Let's talk Offline Podcast
Follow Giana Prudente on LinkedIn
Let's Talk Offline Podcast
Gianna’s weekly newsletter: https://linkedin.com/letstalkoffline.
Gianna (http://linkedin.com/in/giannaprudente) and Jamé (http://linkedin.com/in/jamejackson)
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negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
They won’t listen. They won’t budge. And every argument feels like running into a wall. Sound familiar? In this episode, Kwame Christian breaks down exactly how to deal with stubborn people in negotiation—without losing your cool or wasting your time. You’ll learn why trying to “change” them never works, how your own ego might be making things worse, and the smarter strategies that actually move the conversation forward. Whether you're facing a tough client, a rigid boss, or just someone who refuses to compromise, this episode gives you the tools to outsmart—not outshout—them.
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negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
What if the real reason people overlook you has nothing to do with your skills—and everything to do with how you show up?
In this powerful episode, Kwame sits down with Jamé Jackson—storyteller, actor, fashion journalist, and LinkedIn’s resident voice for creatives—to uncover the brutal truth about presence, authenticity, and why faking confidence never works.
Jamé shares how she went from feeling invisible to building a brand that speaks volumes before she says a word. From ancient Greek to fashion runways to corporate boardrooms, she’s mastered the art of negotiating without pretending to be someone else.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing small, struggling to be taken seriously, or unsure how to show up as the real you in high-stakes rooms—this episode will change the game.
Because before anyone buys into your ideas, they have to buy into you.
Connect with Jamé
Do you have any burning questions about work? We want to hear them! You can email us your questions at letstalkoffline@linkedin.com.
Let's Talk Offline Podcast
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Most negotiation failures start before the conversation even begins
In this episode, Kwame sits down with Seth Freeman — NYU and Columbia professor, corporate lawyer, and author of 15 Tools to Turn the Tide — to reveal the single most practical negotiation tool you’ve probably never heard of: the TTT Grid.
Together, they break down:
Why elite negotiators rely on checklists (and why you should too)
How MasterCard’s top dealmakers use this 4-column framework
The “Golden Minute” technique that instantly lowers tension
A 10-letter mnemonic that saved a dentist, a Congress bill, and a merger
You’ll walk away with plug-and-play strategies that work in the real world — whether you're leading a high-stakes deal or just trying to avoid getting steamrolled. No fluff, no theory dumps — just powerful tools that win.
Follow Seth Freeman on LinkedIn
Buy Now Seth's Book: 15 Tools to Turn the Tide: A Step-by-Step Playbook for Empowered Negotiating
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Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
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negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
You’re not being ignored because your ideas are bad — you’re being ignored because your delivery is forgettable.
Buy the book: Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience by Bill McGowan
In this episode, Emmy-winning journalist and communication coach Bill McGowan joins Kwame Christian to expose the hidden mistakes even smart professionals make when they speak. From meetings to pitches, presentations to interviews, you’re probably missing key moments to influence — and you don’t even realize it.
You’ll learn:
Why “winging it” is sabotaging your credibility
The 3 parts of a message your audience always remembers
How to craft punchy openings, unforgettable closings, and sticky metaphors
What “theftosterone” is — and how to protect your ideas from being stolen
The truth about authenticity (and why faking it isn’t always bad)
Whether you're a leader, speaker, or content creator, this episode will sharpen the way you speak — forever.
Contact ANI
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn
negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
1That’s the rule Sharmin Ali lives by — even when it almost killed her.
Buy now the book Bitch, Stop! Please . . . : An Entrepreneur's Journey of Innovation, from Chaos to Clarity by Sharmin Ali
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Sharmin reveals what it takes to walk away from Google, build two multi-million dollar companies across continents, and face the brutal cost of ambition.
We go deep into the art of negotiating exits, building trust from scratch, and why most people fail — not because they lack talent, but because they never learned to hear themselves.
If you’ve ever felt like you're too intense, too chaotic, or too much for the system you're in... this episode is your permission to go all in — without losing yourself.
Connect with Sharmin Ali
sharminali.com
Buy now the book Bitch, Stop! Please . . . : An Entrepreneur's Journey of Innovation, from Chaos to Clarity by Sharmin Ali
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Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
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negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Blame is easy. But real power? That comes when you take responsibility for your part — and invite others to do the same. In this masterclass with Sheila Heen, we dismantle the blame game and show you the negotiation move that changes everything.
Connect with Sheila Heen:
Follow Sheila on LinkedIn
Buy the Book: Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most
triadconsultinggroup.com
Help Yourself
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
If no one’s following you, it’s not your message — it’s your mindset.
In this raw and revealing episode, change strategist Pam Marmon exposes the hidden forces that sabotage even the smartest visions: fear, control, passive resistance, and the lie we keep telling ourselves — that change is just “hard.”
You’ll learn:
Why employees resist you, not just the change
The subtle ways leaders micromanage without realizing it
How your need to “get it done” is killing your influence
The three forms of resistance and how to defuse each one
What real listening looks like — especially when no one is talking
Why every failed transformation begins with the wrong belief
Whether you're rolling out a new initiative, rebranding your business, or simply trying to get your team to care — this conversation is your crash course in becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.
Because if your people feel like change is happening to them, not with them — you’ve already lost.
Contact Pam
Buy the book "No One's Listening and It's Your Fault"
Marmon Consulting
Pam's LinkedIn
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negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
If you think empathy makes you soft, you’ve already lost the negotiation.
In this masterclass, psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Judith Orloff dismantles the myth that empathy is a weakness — and reveals how it can become your sharpest strategic edge in business, leadership, and life.
You’ll learn:
Why emotionally detached “logic” leaders burn out — and how to fix it
How to disarm aggression and navigate conflict with strength and clarity
The difference between performing empathy and actually living it
How to lead teams without shame, ego, or bulldozing ideas
When empathy can fail — and how to spot narcissists before they exploit you
Tactical ways to respond when you're out of time, out of patience, or totally disagree
Dr. Orloff shares practical, actionable tools from her book The Genius of Empathy (with a foreword by the Dalai Lama), including strategies for tough conversations, emotional self-protection, and leading with intention — not intimidation.
If you want to be respected, trusted, and heard — this episode is your blueprint.
Connect with Judith
judithorloff.com
Follow Judith Orloff on LinkedIn
Dr. Orloff’s Shop
Order Now The Genius of Empathy by Dr. Judith Orloff
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negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
You don’t have a “difficult people” problem — you have a perception problem.
Most of the tension you feel with others doesn’t come from who they are — it comes from how you’re reading them. In this masterclass episode, Kwame Christian breaks down the psychological patterns that make certain personalities seem “impossible” — and shows you how to turn frustration into collaboration using practical, repeatable strategies.
You’ll learn:
The 5 personality traits you must understand to lead and persuade anyone
How to quickly assess someone’s behavior — without labeling or judging
Why your best leadership tools stop working with certain people (and how to adapt)
How to handle pushback, coldness, or resistance without losing your cool
A real-time script for giving feedback without triggering defensiveness
Why emotional control, not charisma, is your most persuasive asset
How to reframe every tense moment — even with bulldozers, skeptics, and cynics
If you’ve ever said “I just don’t know how to deal with this person,” this episode is your playbook.
Contact ANI
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn
negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Most people think they’re bad at negotiating. The truth? They’re just not noticing when the negotiation begins.
In this episode, professor and global negotiation expert Suzanne de Janasz joins Kwame to reveal why missed moments — not missing skills — are what keep most people stuck. Whether it’s asking your partner for help, challenging unfair dynamics at work, or speaking up about the “small things” before they blow up, negotiation is happening everywhere… even if you don’t see it.
You’ll learn:
Why timing is strategy — and why ambushing never works
How small annoyances become big problems when you stay silent
How to evaluate if something is worth negotiating — or worth letting go
The invisible labor women take on without realizing it
Why sarcasm, snark, and silence are all signs of negotiation avoidance
A simple mindset shift to start recognizing negotiation opportunities in daily life
If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking “I should’ve said something…” — this one’s for you.
Follow Suzanne de Janasz on LinkedIn
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
They read you before they hear you.
In this episode, Dr. David Matsumoto—renowned psychologist, judo black belt, and expert in nonverbal behavior—reveals how your body language shapes every negotiation before a single word is spoken. You'll learn the critical difference between nonverbal behavior and nonverbal communication, why observation is your most underused superpower, and how to project confidence without faking it. Whether you're in the boardroom or on the mat, this conversation will change how you see others—and how they see you.
Contact David Matsumoto, Ph.D.
Humintell: https://www.humintell.com/
Follow David on LinkedIn
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
In this episode, world-renowned chef and entrepreneur Robert Irvine reveals the turning point that changed his leadership forever.
He built his empire through grit and command — but it wasn’t until he embraced empathy that everything truly leveled up. Robert shares the raw, behind-the-scenes lessons that reshaped how he leads people, grows businesses, and connects in high-stakes negotiations. If you think success is just about pushing harder, this conversation will flip that idea on its head.
chefirvine.com
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People don’t trust who you are—they trust what they feel around you.
In this powerful episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Shawn Anthony—entrepreneur, talent manager, and host of School’s Over… Now What?—to reveal the hidden mechanics behind trust, influence, and real connection. Discover how Shawn turned his ability to connect people into a six-figure side hustle and then a thriving media business. From the boardroom to the podcast studio, Shawn shares real stories and strategies about building credibility, creating opportunity through generosity, and using podcasting as a tool for persuasive leverage.
Whether you're trying to grow your brand, gain buy-in, or lead with confidence, this episode shows you what actually makes people believe in you—and what quietly pushes them away.
Connect with Anthony
podpromax.com
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
If self-promotion makes you cringe, you're not alone
In this episode, Emmy-winning journalist turned communications coach Jessica Chen shares a new, smarter way to stand out at work — especially if being loud, flashy, or self-congratulatory just isn't your style. Drawing from her book Smart, Not Loud, Jessica explains how to build executive presence, advocate for yourself, and get noticed for all the right reasons — without betraying who you are.
She and Kwame explore why common workplace advice doesn’t work for everyone, how cultural values shape confidence, and what it really means to be assertive on your own terms. Whether you're naturally reserved or just tired of being told to "speak up more," this conversation offers a refreshing, actionable path to visibility, respect, and career growth.
Connect with Jessica
Follow Jessica on LinkedIn
Jessica Chen’s Services
https://soulcastmedia.com/
Podcast: Communicating Confidently With Jessica Chen
Buy the book Smart, NOT LOUD: How to Get Noticed at Work For All the Right Reasons
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Most feedback fails not because it’s wrong — but because it triggers defensiveness.
Buy the book Let's Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower by Therese Huston
In this episode, cognitive scientist and author Therese Huston joins Kwame Christian to reveal the brain science behind effective, non-threatening feedback. You’ll learn why even well-meaning feedback can backfire, how to prevent emotional resistance before it starts, and what most managers get completely wrong when delivering hard truths.
Whether you're a leader avoiding uncomfortable conversations or someone who wants to build a culture of trust, this episode gives you practical, research-backed tools to speak up without sparking conflict. Discover the subtle shifts — from leading with listening to stating your intentions — that make feedback land with clarity and care.
🔍 You’ll learn:
Why your brain sees feedback as a threat — and how to override it
The “Jedi” feedback move that instantly lowers defenses
What to say before criticism to avoid sounding like an enemy
Why silence makes things worse — and how to break it safely
Connect with Dr. Therese Huston
theresehuston.com
Buy the Book - Sharp - 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science
Follow Therese on LinkedIn
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
You don’t need pressure to persuade — you need the right question.
In this episode, Yale professor and bestselling author Zoe Chance joins Kwame Christian to share the most practical, science-backed influence strategies used by top leaders, negotiators, and communicators. You'll learn how to apply her signature "magic question" in real conversations, how unfair forgiveness can increase loyalty, and why most people misunderstand what real persuasion looks like.
Zoe also breaks down why kindness isn’t weakness, how to influence without manipulation, and what Hollywood gets completely wrong about negotiation. Whether you’re leading a team, managing conflict, or just trying to get through a difficult conversation, this episode will help you shift from force to connection — and become more influential in the process.
You’ll discover:
The 4-word question that changes everything
Why empathy builds more commitment than incentives
A reframe that helps you handle resistance with grace
The mistake most people make when trying to sound powerful
If you’ve ever struggled to be persuasive without losing yourself — this one’s for you.
Connect with Zoe
Follow Zoe Chance On LinkedIn
Buy the Book: Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen
Zoe Chance's Website
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Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Two of the most powerful men in America—Elon Musk and Donald Trump—just had a very public, very personal falling out.
What caused it? And more importantly, what can this teach us about trust, loyalty, power dynamics, and how relationships break down when interests collide?
This is not about politics—it’s about people. In this non-partisan breakdown, negotiation expert Kwame Christian unpacks the deeper patterns behind the Trump-Musk conflict and reveals the hidden strategies you can apply to your own life. Whether it’s a business partnership, leadership team, friendship, or marriage—these lessons apply to everyone.DISCLAIMER: This content is brought to you by the American Negotiation Institute, a non-governmental, non-partisan organization. Our mission is to help people communicate more effectively and resolve conflict with confidence. We use high-profile moments like this one to spark learning and growth for everyday people navigating complex relationships.In this video, you’ll learn:
Why track record matters more than promises in evaluating trust
How conflicting interests—even among allies—can predict future tension
What happens when two alpha personalities refuse to take the backseat
How to map out hidden interests in any high-stakes relationship
How to protect yourself from sudden breakdowns in trust and loyalty
If you’ve ever been burned by someone you thought you could trust—or if you’ve wondered why power struggles seem to emerge out of nowhere—this video will give you the clarity and tools to navigate those dynamics like a strategist.
Contact ANI
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn
negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Everyone talks about getting buy-in—but how do you actually do it when you have no product, no team, and no traction?
In this episode, Marc Howland breaks down the exact strategy he used to build Breadless from scratch. From convincing a co-founder at a barbecue, to earning community trust through gym pop-ups, and finally closing $1.1M in funding—Marc reveals the step-by-step process to go from rejection to real support. If you're struggling to get others to believe in your idea, this conversation is your blueprint.
Connect with Marc
Breadless Company
Follow Marc on LinkedIn
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negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
They smile, they compliment, they even laugh at your jokes—but something always feels off.
In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with NYU psychology professor and best-selling author Tessa West to uncover the real danger of workplace frenemies. From subtle mixed signals to the science of stress, you’ll learn how these ambiguous relationships drain your confidence, distort your judgment, and quietly sabotage your career.
You’ll also discover:
– Why consistency matters more than kindness
– The behavioral cues that reveal discomfort and distrust
– How to collect real data on your workplace relationships
– What to do when a "nice" colleague is actually your biggest obstacle
If you've ever walked away from a conversation feeling confused, second-guessed your instincts, or felt tension with someone who's "never done anything wrong"—this episode is for you.
Connect with Tessa
Buy now the book: JOB THERAPY FINDING WORK THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Follow Tessa on LinkedIn
https://www.tessawestauthor.com/
Buy Now the book: JERKS AT WORK
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Such an interesting topic and great energy in the interview!
i was wondering how this person has written 29 books. I realize now. He has nothing to say. sorry but shallow
I'll be going to my first job interview in ages and I was really worried about the "what do you want to earn" question since, as you said, being way below or above your interview partner's estimation creates problems. The solution you mentioned is exactly what I was looking for 😊 Thank you!
عالیییی
great episode on salary negotiation!! https://www.surveyzop.com/tellculvers/ https://www.surveyzop.com/taco-bell-breakfast-hours/
Hey everyone, if you want to connect with me, check out my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian
This is NOT about having difficult conversations about race. This would assume everyone agrees with the premise, comes to the table willing to listen to one another, being open to learning something, changing one's mind, or coming to a compromise. This podcast assumes "systemic, institutional racism," refers to "the other side" and instructs on recruiting allies to "the cause." The a'priori assumption needs to be agreed upon by all before a conversation can be had.
I wish I discovered this valuable podcast sooner. It's such quality material that everyone can relate to & greatly benefit from.
Very nice demonstration. Thank you. Even the ending of the demo conversation was exemplary so as to sustain decency and looking forward to next communication.
Amazing episode. Very relevant for current times. Thank you so much both of you for sharing wisdom.
Nice episode. Good structure and execution. Thank you.
Nice episode. Thank you Kwame.
Lovely!
I haven't listened to many Podcasts, but this one really is fun and resonates with me. I also love how Kwame laughs and tells us what's working and what's not working with his podcast.
I've become quite fond of this negotiation podcast. Always find something interesting and useful. Also helps that the host has a great voice and tone. thanks!
Great interview! Thanks for the insights on acknowledging own emotions in order to avoid an emotional response.
How do you manage freezing? someone is very angry and says "this is absolutely ridiculous, you don't go home to your wife and children tonight until this problem is fixed". it's complex but you can't work on it because you are Frozen by fear. takes you a day to get over it and start being productive and another two days to find the problem was not yours and was in fact not a problem at all because it was incorrectly defined!