Every human being is a natural-born storyteller, and the stories we tell ourselves have the power to change our lives. The problem is, most of us tell ourselves stories without even knowing we’re doing it. Today’s Communication Guys podcast is “The Stories We Tell Ourselves,” where the Guys help you understand the stories that have shaped you—and how to write some better ones.

Have you ever noticed how different people respond to criticism? Some brood, some become depressed, and others fly off the handle. But criticism can be your friend, if you take the right attitude toward it. In this Communication Guys podcast, the Guys help you identify your natural response to criticism, and describe a more positive and constructive way of handling it.

Ever have trouble connecting effectively with colleagues, friends, or loved ones? It might be a problem of different communication styles. Knowing your natural communication style is crucial to becoming a better communicator. In today’s Communication Guys podcast, the Guys explain the four major styles of communication, how to recognize them, and how to use them to your advantage.

When people are suffering, we naturally want to offer comfort through both our actions and words. But what’s the right thing to say when someone is in pain? Sometimes our well-intended words only seem to make things worse. This special Communication Guys podcast is “What to Say to Someone Who is Suffering,” where the Guys offer 6 helpful guidelines for choosing just the right words—and for avoiding those awkward and regrettable comments we’ve all said.

If you fail to communicate with your boss, it could cost you your job—but if you fail to communicate with your doctor, it could cost you your life. What’s the best way to talk to your doctor, and what are the most important questions to ask? In this Communication Guys interview with Dr. Ann Smithson, the Guys ask a physician’s advice on the most effective way to connect with the people responsible for our health.