In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa sits down with Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, a global authority on positive psychology coaching and co-author of Radical Listening and Positive Provocation.
Known for his ability to ask provocative questions that shake us out of autopilot, Robert shares insights into how listening can be transformed into a practice of co-creating meaning. The conversation begins with Robert’s personal journey, how his global experiences shaped his perspective on culture, well-being, and human potential. He describes his curiosity for exploring the “edges” of coaching, where science meets creativity. Robert emphasizes that coaching, while young as a field, benefits when practitioners embrace evidence-based practices while still leaving room for surprise, experimentation, and creative interventions. A highlight of the discussion is Robert’s exploration of Radical Listening, which goes beyond the traditional “levels of listening” to include six key competencies: noticing, quieting, accepting, acknowledging, questioning, and interjecting.
He illustrates how these practices can deepen connection, foster transformation, and counteract the distractions of our noisy, fast-paced world. Robert also discusses the ideas from Positive Provocation, where he challenges coaches to reframe standard tools like homework into “experiments,” to view negative self-talk as potentially useful information, and to become aware of their own assumptions and self-limiting beliefs.
His invitation is for both coaches and therapists to balance rigor with creativity and to practice curiosity even in discomfort. The episode closes with a reflection on the future of coaching: a call for practitioners to embrace both science and art, and to dare to listen and provoke in ways that create genuine change.
You can connect with Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener on LinkedIn here: / robert-biswas-diener-a860289
His website here: https://positiveacorn.com/
Robert's books: Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection: https://amzn.to/4pe8Ny5
Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice: https://amzn.to/42lNkJF
The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self--Not Just Your "Good" Self--Drives Success and Fulfillment: https://amzn.to/4mYzyFc
Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on positive psychology coaching. Known for his bold curiosity and innovative approach, Robert has spent more than two decades researching, teaching, and challenging the coaching profession to grow both in scientific rigor and in creative experimentation.
He has published more than 70 scholarly articles and chapters and is the author of nine influential books, including Radical Listening (2025) and Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice (2023). His groundbreaking work explores how practices such as radical listening, surprise interventions, and reframing self-talk can deepen connection and drive genuine transformation.
Equal parts scientist and storyteller, Robert is known for asking provocative questions that push beyond autopilot thinking. His work equips coaches and therapists alike to balance evidence-based practice with creative, client-centered interventions, shaping the future of coaching as both an art and a science.
Complimentary resources for expanding your coaching skills that Lyssa offers - https://academy.lyssadehart.com/
Lyssa deHart ditched her therapy practice to become a Leadership Confidence Coach. Along the way she discovered a passion for professional coaching and wanted to find ways to share that passion with the world. Come join her in discovering and meeting some of the most amazing professional coaches on the planet. Her goal is to inspire coaches. Lyssa is the author of StoryJacking: Change Your Dialog, Transform Your Life, The Reflective Coach - a 12 Month Journal, and her newest book Light Up: the Science of Coaching with Metaphors. Lyssa is an ICF PCC Assessor, Certified Mentor Coach, and budding Coach SuperVisor. Lyssa uses her understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, combined with her knowledge of Neuroscience, to work with people to become extraordinary professional coaches. Let's Go!
Where can you find Lyssa?
Website: https://lyssadehart.com/
Book: Light Up: The Science of Coaching with Metaphors - https://amzn.to/42iI74l
Lyssa deHart Coaching Academy: https://academy.lyssadehart.com
Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer
License #: 3449621 Premium Beat by Shutterstock
00:00:00 Personal Growth
00:00:41 Welcome to the Coaching Studio
00:01:20 Welcome Robert Biswas-Diener
00:05:23 Asking questions about our world
00:07:00 Subscribe to the channel today!
00:07:17 Start with Curiosity
00:09:10 Being in the Moment
00:10:38 Authenticity?
00:20:41 Being Thoughtful
00:21:36 Positive Provocation
00:28:11 Embodied Grounded Goals
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