In this raw, funny, and wildly relatable episode of Beyond The Mud, we dive into the art of communicating with difficult people — and not just strangers, but your kids, your ex, your boss, and that one person who always sends 10-paragraph texts. If you've ever found yourself shutting down, blowing up, or bottling it in, this episode is for you.

Mike gets honest about his own past struggles with emotional outbursts, the silent treatment, people-pleasing, and straight-up terrible communication, especially as a parent and partner. But this isn’t just a vent session — it’s a transformation.

Backed by science, psychology, and real-world tools, this episode gives you:

How to communicate with someone who shuts down

Why arguments escalate — and how to stop the cycle

The neuroscience of defensiveness and emotional hijacking

How emotional intelligence plays into every conversation

Real tools for active listening, de-escalation, and connection

Plus: the hilarious ways grown adults act like toddlers in conflict

You’ll leave this episode laughing, learning, and finally understanding how to break toxic patterns and actually connect with people you care about — without losing your mind.

Listen now, share with someone you care about, and let’s break the cycle — one conversation at a time.

📧 Contact: beyondthemudpodcast@gmail.com

🎙️ Full episodes:

Spotify: Beyond The Mud

Apple Podcasts: Beyond The Mud