Join Dr. Kate Watson, of the Advocacy Academy, LLC, and Leslie Ballway as they help every day people better advocate for the ones they love and cherish. Dr. Watson has traveled the world speaking to large audiences about basic helping and communication skills. All over the world, informal counselors walk among us. These kind-hearted and well-meaning people are trying to support friends, children, spouses, and coworkers through life’s challenges. They are hair dressers and bartenders doling out relationship advice, parents and grandparents hoping to comfort the family through grief, and managers or coworkers attempting to motivate someone to aim higher. Every episode includes cutting edge research, humor, and case examples. These strategies are not tricks, nor traps. More accurately, they are a form of scientific kindness.
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Join Dr. Kate Watson, of the Advocacy Academy, LLC, and Leslie Ballway as they help every day people better advocate for the ones they love and cherish. Dr. Watson has traveled the world speaking to large audiences about basic helping and communication skills. All over the world, informal counselors walk among us. These kind-hearted and well-meaning people are trying to support friends, children, spouses, and coworkers through life’s challenges. They are hair dressers and bartenders doling out relationship advice, parents and grandparents hoping to comfort the family through grief, and managers or coworkers attempting to motivate someone to aim higher. Every episode includes cutting edge research, humor, and case examples. These strategies are not tricks, nor traps. More accurately, they are a form of scientific kindness.
In this episode, Kate Watson sits down with guest Leslie Ballway for a thoughtful conversation about the simple yet powerful act of asking permission before offering help. Together, they explore why well-intentioned support can sometimes miss the mark, how “rescuing” can undermine autonomy, and what it looks like to shift from assumption to curiosity. Kate and Leslie share practical language, real-life examples, and gentle reminders that asking first isn’t just polite—it’s foundational to trauma-informed, respectful, and effective helping relationships. Tune in for an honest, illuminating discussion that will change the way you show up for others.
In this episode, Dr. Kate Watson sits down with Reyna Puentes for a candid conversation about our natural urge to give advice—especially when we want to help. Together, they unpack why “fixing” often feels like caring, how advice-giving can unintentionally shut down connection, and what to do instead when someone comes to us in pain. It’s an honest, insightful look at the tension between wanting to help and learning to truly listen.
Join Dr. Kate Watson, of the Advocacy Academy, LLC, and Leslie Ballway as they help every day people better advocate for the ones they love and cherish. Dr. Watson has traveled the world speaking to large audiences about basic helping and communication skills. All over the world, informal counselors walk among us. These kind-hearted and well-meaning people are trying to support friends, children, spouses, and coworkers through life’s challenges. They are hair dressers and bartenders doling out relationship advice, parents and grandparents hoping to comfort the family through grief, and managers or coworkers attempting to motivate someone to aim higher. Every episode includes cutting edge research, humor, and case examples. These strategies are not tricks, nor traps. More accurately, they are a form of scientific kindness.
