EP 94: Why Conversations Fall Apart with Ken Hyra
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this episode of Communicate Great, host Traci Poe sits down with therapist and social worker Ken Hyra, who brings 25 years of experience helping couples and individuals navigate communication breakdowns. Together, they explore why conversations don’t fail because of words alone—but because of how those words are interpreted through past experiences, emotional triggers, and the nervous system.
From dishwasher-loading arguments to facial expressions, interruptions, and unspoken assumptions, this conversation reveals how seemingly minor moments activate old patterns that lead to defensiveness, shutdown, or escalation. Ken explains why communication is a practice, not a talent—and why becoming curious instead of reactive can completely change the direction of a relationship.
Get in touch with Ken:Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/ken-hyra-chatham-on/1068868
Skool: https://www.skool.com/the-cothera-communication-lab-3063
Substack: https://substack.com/@kenrsw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenhyra/
For personal or professional life, we offer tips and tricks to help you Communicate Great, leveling up your communication to connect with and build deeper relationships with all of your important people.
Want to work with us? Want to just check us out? Visit and Bookmark our WEBSITE: https://www.communicategreat.online
Level up your communication skills in your personal and professional life: subscribe, like, and follow us on our social media links below.
To support this podcast, visit us on Anchor: Communicate Great
Follow us on IG: communicate_great
Like and follow us on FB: Communicate Great
Connect with and follow us on LI: Communicate Great
Subscribe, hit notifications, like, share on YouTube: Communicate Great
Follow up on Pinterest: @CommunicateGreat
Connect with us on Alignable: Communicate Great
Want to start your own podcast? Check out the online recording studio Riverside - Riverside affiliate: Riverside.fm - Record Podcasts And Videos From Anywhere
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In this episode of Communicate Great, host Traci Poe sits down with therapist and social worker Ken Hyra, who brings 25 years of experience helping couples and individuals navigate communication breakdowns. Together, they explore why conversations don’t fail because of words alone—but because of how those words are interpreted through past experiences, emotional triggers, and the nervous system. From dishwasher-loading arguments to facial expressions, interruptions, and unspoken assumptions, this conversation reveals how seemingly minor moments activate old patterns that lead to defensiveness, shutdown, or escalation. Ken explains why communication is a practice, not a talent—and why becoming curious instead of reactive can completely change the direction of a relationship. Get in touch with Ken:Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/ken-hyra-chatham-on/1068868 Skool: https://www.skool.com/the-cothera-communication-lab-3063 Substack: https://substack.com/@kenrsw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenhyra/ For personal or professional life, we offer tips and tricks to help you Communicate Great, leveling up your communication to connect with and build deeper relationships with all of your important people. Want to work with us? Want to just check us out? Visit and Bookmark our WEBSITE: https://www.communicategreat.online Level up your communication skills in your personal and professional life: subscribe, like, and follow us on our social media links below. To support this podcast, visit us on Anchor: Communicate Great Follow us on IG: communicate_great Like and follow us on FB: Communicate Great Connect with and follow us on LI: Communicate Great Subscribe, hit notifications, like, share on YouTube: Communicate Great Follow up on Pinterest: @CommunicateGreat Connect with us on Alignable: Communicate Great Want to start your own podcast? Check out the online recording studio Riverside - Riverside affiliate: Riverside.fm - Record Podcasts And Videos From Anywhere