Listening, Not Fixing

Joanne Lockwood talks with Greg Wasserman about the difference between listening to someone and trying to solve them. Greg shares how a lifelong “fix it” culture and a perfectionist, fixed mindset fed a deep sense of not being good enough, leading him to a crisis point and a period in rehab. Together they unpack how validation, presence, and simple language like “thank you for sharing” can help people feel heard without being redirected into advice, comparisons, or “me too” stories.

The conversation explores why many men struggle to express emotion, how stoicism and social conditioning can keep pain hidden, and why surface-level check-ins often miss what’s really going on. They discuss psychological safety, learning through mistakes, and the importance of holding space—at home, among friends, and at work—so that people can sit with discomfort and move through it rather than suppress it.

They also connect these themes to workplace dynamics, including sales and leadership cultures that reward outcomes while neglecting emotional skills. Joanne reflects on her own experience of self-acceptance and gender transition, and both highlight how accepting “I am” can reduce shame and enable more honest, resilient relationships. The episode closes with Greg’s hopes for helping others feel less lonely and for managers and teams to build healthier, more human ways of communicating.