EP218 - 15 Cigarettes a Day: The Deadly Truth About Disconnection

In this insightful episode, empathy advocate and best-selling author Mimi Nicklin joins host Tyler Dickerhoof to delve into the profound impact of empathy on leadership and personal development. Mimi shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming a global voice for empathy, highlighting how this essential skill can transform both personal and professional landscapes. The discussion covers the challenges leaders face in adopting empathy, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the tangible benefits it brings to organizations, such as increased engagement and productivity. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Mimi illustrates the power of empathy to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and create more inclusive environments. Tyler and Mimi also explore the role of empathy in overcoming personal insecurities and building stronger communities. This episode is a compelling exploration of how empathy can be a game-changer in leadership and a catalyst for positive change in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast features a conversation between Tyler Dickerhoof and Liz Bohannon, focusing on the importance of community and connection. Liz, a social entrepreneur and bestselling author, discusses the impact of chronic loneliness on health, comparing it to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. She emphasizes the role of intentional social interactions and the benefits of building community, highlighting how individualism can negatively affect our sense of connection. The discussion also covers the challenges of modern social life, the importance of vulnerability in relationships, and the need for a support network to enhance mental health and resilience. Liz shares personal insights and experiences, advocating for a shift towards prioritizing social health alongside physical and mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Gary Franchi, founder of the Next News Network. They delve into the complexities of trust and media narratives, exploring how misinformation and media bias impact public perception. Gary shares his journey from skepticism of mainstream narratives to building a platform dedicated to truth-telling. The discussion touches on the importance of community, the challenges of leadership, and the need for authentic human connection in a divided world. Both Tyler and Gary emphasize the role of personal responsibility in fostering trust and understanding, urging listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue and lead with impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Tyler Dickerhoof as he sits down with Rachel DeAlto, a renowned communications and relatability expert. Discover Rachel's fascinating journey from practicing law to becoming a leading voice in relationship dynamics and leadership. In this episode, Rachel shares her insights on empathy, the importance of authentic connections, and how leaders can foster trust and relatability in today's evolving workplace. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that delves into the heart of human connection and leadership excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Tyler Dickerhoof as he sits down with Dave Christensen, a seasoned football coach and author, to explore the transformative power of mentorship and leadership in sports. Discover how Dave's journey from a low-income background to coaching at the highest levels was shaped by influential mentors and his commitment to developing young athletes into successful individuals both on and off the field. Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of sports, the importance of discipline, and the role of relationships in achieving lasting success. Don't miss this engaging conversation that delves into the heart of coaching and leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Tyler Dickerhoof interviews leadership expert Margaret Andrews about her book 'Manage Yourself to Lead Others.' They discuss the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the challenges leaders face, and the impact of gender on leadership styles. Margaret shares personal experiences and insights on the ongoing journey of self-management, the role of vulnerability, and the significance of feedback. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership begins with understanding oneself and managing one's behavior to foster better relationships and create a positive work environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you thought you knew about trust, influence, and connection… was wrong? In this riveting episode, Dr. Abbie Marono — behavioral scientist and expert in human behavior — sits down with Tyler Dickerhoof to uncover the fine line between genuine connection and subtle manipulation. Raised in a world that forced her to question authenticity from an early age, Dr. Marono shares how her past shaped her ability to decode people and build true influence without deception. They explore: Why vulnerability is your most powerful tool (and your biggest risk) How your reputation is influencing others long before you speak The hidden mechanics of trust — and how most people get it completely backwards What authentic leadership really demands in today’s world Tyler brings his raw perspective on relationships, leadership, and the often uncomfortable truths about personal growth — challenging you to rethink how you show up in every room you're in. This isn’t just another conversation. It’s a deep dive into the psychology that shapes who we trust, who we follow, and who we become. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Tyler Dickerhoof and Eric Pfeiffer as they delve into the transformative journey of leadership through personal growth and authenticity. Discover how embracing vulnerability and doing the hard work can lead to profound insights and stronger connections. Eric shares his experiences and the lessons learned from his own path, offering valuable takeaways for leaders at any stage. Don't miss this engaging conversation that challenges conventional leadership norms and inspires a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Leslie Paterson, a world champion triathlete turned Oscar-nominated filmmaker. Discover how her passion for storytelling and resilience has shaped her career, and learn about the powerful stories she brings to life through her films. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with insights on overcoming obstacles and finding purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tyler Dickerhoof interviews Faisal Hoque—entrepreneur, author, and technologist—on the critical challenges and responsibilities leaders face in the age of artificial intelligence. Hoque outlines the risks of outsourcing human thinking to AI, including the erosion of critical thinking, the loss of authentic human interaction, and the societal consequences of mass automation. Faisal emphasizes that while AI can improve efficiency, it should be used to enhance human capacity—not replace it. Drawing from his latest book, Transcend: Unlocking the Power of Humanity in the Age of AI, Hoque presents a clear argument that organizations must remain grounded in purpose to avoid becoming generic and disconnected from their customers and teams. The conversation explores the psychological, economic, and geopolitical implications of rapid AI adoption. Hoque explains the need for leaders to think beyond technology by focusing on empathy, creativity, and self-awareness—traits that AI cannot replicate. He introduces the OPEN framework, a decision-making tool for aligning technology with organizational purpose, and warns that without intentional leadership, society risks becoming more isolated, less productive, and more dependent on systems that erode human autonomy. Both underscores the importance of maintaining human-centered leadership as AI continues to reshape the workplace and redefine productivity. Follow Faisal: https://faisalhoque.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalhoque/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeczE474RaubqetQFon0Rfg The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Do you often use AI? 03:07 It comes down to identifying what's real and not 05:00 The dangers of depending too much on AI 09:20 The effects of ChatGPT on how we think 12:12 How authentic can AI get? 18:27 Can you fully replace manpower with AI? 23:35 What's causing the loneliness epidemic? 26:31 It all starts with the younger generation 31:20 The fine balance between technology and manpower 34:36 Using technology to create more human connection 39:58 Enhancing the need for empathy 42:55 We need to be more human 45:01 Conscious use and sharing of information 48:18 Would you willingly hand over your freedom of choice? 50:08 The evolution of human workforce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices