How to Resolve Conflict: Mediation, Difficult People & Finding Common Ground | Give & Receive

How do you resolve conflict without losing your mind... or your energy? In this episode of Give & Receive, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov dive into the art of mediation, conflict resolution, and navigating difficult conversations in relationships, business, and everyday life. Brian shares real-world experiences mediating disputes in both his legal practice and personal life, while Elizabeth brings research-backed insight into how tone, emotional intelligence, and human connection can completely change the outcome of disagreements. The conversation explores: Why most conflicts are decided in the first few moments How to mediate disputes between family members, coworkers, and business partners Why people often don’t actually want what they say they want Practical ways to stay calm and impartial in emotional situations The hidden emotional toll of conflict and how to protect your energy Whether AI could ever replace human mediators Plus, Elizabeth shares a simple but powerful mindfulness exercise to help you approach conflict with more empathy, clarity, and compassion. If you’ve ever struggled with difficult people, workplace tension, family disagreements, or simply want to communicate better, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can use right away. Listen now and learn how to turn conflict into connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices