The Matt Townsend Show

Matt Townsend specializes in energizing and involving audiences with his unique approach to building and maintaining successful relationships. Known as one of America’s top presenters in the field of Human Relations and Development, Matt blends humor and story telling with interactive, real-life solutions that motivate and inspire his listeners.

Latest Episodes:

Humor Dec 01, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Scott Weems discuss humor. Scott talks about people understanding the humor they are consistently around. He says most people tend to spend time with those who have the same sense of humor because they seem to understand each other. It isn't awkward trying to understand a punch line. Matt and contributor Heather Johnson discuss humor as a positive tool to use with communication. Heather also suggests it may be useful to incorporate humor when coping. Humor is helpful in a wide range of situations that may require coping. Hard tragedies such as death may be dealt with using humor the same way day-to-day mishaps are.

Hard-Wiring Happiness Nov 24, 2014

Show notes

Is your brain hard-wired for happy? Matt shares how our brains work and give a little input on how to make sure your mind finds that happy wiring. Rick Hanson is on the show to talk with Matt about how we as human being are hard to please, yet still want to have happiness in our lives.

The Opa Way Nov 20, 2014

Show notes

Matt, Alex Pattakos and Elaine Dundon discuss finding meaning in our lives. They talk about most people looking for answers to the following questions, "What makes our lives meaningful? What is really important in our lives? What really matters to us? Why are we here?" Each of these questions come back to finding meaning, and this meaning "is really the core of our existence." Contributor Hank Smith talks about helping teenagers feel happy. He suggests that teenagers take time to exercise. Teenagers may feel like they are exercising and getting outside often when really they're just seeing the outdoors from inside windows. Hank also recommends teaching children about the importance of sleep.

How Not to Raise a Brat Nov 19, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Erica Riescher discuss raising children who aren't bratty. Erica suggests that many issues with parenting may be solved by paying attention. For example, when a child is asking for something in a disrespectful tone, parents may hand the item over without paying much attention. Instead of doing this, Erica suggests that parents take time to teach children in the moment. Correct the child's mistake, and move on. Don't give in to the bratty voice. This just teaches children to continue with the behavior because they were successful the first time. Contributor Meg Conley discusses timeouts. She says timeouts actually aren't very effective for some children. Instead, Meg recommends this list of three things to do with your children instead of sending them away: 1. Connect with your child before you react to their behavior. 2. Spend time-in instead of timeout. 3. Discipline your child instead of punishing them.

Breakups Nov 18, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Suzanne Lachmann talk about dealing with breakups. Suzanne suggests that the process of breaking up and the way people react to breakups will depend on the experiences they've lived through prior to the breakup. Suzanne also suggests people react differently based on their level of resilience. A common question people ask after a breakup is, "Why?" A higher amount of resilience in people gives them the ability to move on and stop asking why. Contributor Brooke Walker talks with Matt about the funny one-liners people use when breaking up. Brooke also shares funny ways people break up with each other.

Rookie Smarts Nov 17, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Liz Wiseman discuss the phenomenon of rookies' advantage over veterans. Liz says that the heightened state of alert rookies feel when performing a task results in a more successful performance. Rookies pay attention to detail and want to do each step of a task correctly. Liz also suggests that rookies cannot operate solely on their own knowledge. They are consistently looking for advice and input from professionals around them. This desire to do well results in more successful outcomes. Contributor Heather Johnson discusses with Matt the idea that children have their own thoughts, ideas and opinions. These ideas formulate the types of hobbies children enjoy. Many parents hold certain hobbies close to their hearts and hope their children will share these passions too. When children challenge these hobbies and desire to participate in differing activities, it can be hard for parents to accept. Parents must have an open mind and be willing to support their children in hobbies they love.

Constructive Wallowing Nov 13, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Tina Gilbertson discuss the importance of taking time to wallow. Tina argues that wallowing could be beneficial to people. Wallowing welcomes the idea that feelings are okay to be felt. Many people become uncomfortable with negative emotions in other people when the fact is, you don't actually have the power to feel the way you want to. Tina suggests, "You can choose your attitude, you can choose your outlook, you can choose your thoughts maybe, but that's not the same as choosing your feelings." She suggests that we let our negative emotions come and go as they will instead of struggling and fighting the emotions. Contributor Sarah Gowans talks with Matt about helping kids get out of a funk. Sarah suggests parents can support their children, and help them get out of the funk, just by talking with them. This requires that parents practice good listening skills.

Pushback Nov 10, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Selena Rezvani discuss the importance of assertiveness in women. Selena suggests those who defer topics to others are hurting their assertiveness. Women must own up to their opinions and decide to stand up for what they believe. Contributor Heather suggests that being assertive extends to all aspects of our lives. She says it's important to be assertive through methods of discipline as well. Instead of saying, "Stop, you're being a brat," you should say, "Stop hitting her." This disciplines the behavior and not the person.

Siblings Nov 06, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Avidan Milevsky discuss the importance of siblings. Avidan emphasizes parents doing things correctly from the beginning. He also suggests the involvement of parents must be done in moderation. Too much parental intervention isn't helpful with sibling bonding. The gang discusses the idea of bonding with siblings. They talk about starting over at any point in life. The struggles from the past don't have to affect the relationships you have with your siblings now. The idea that each of you are still brothers and sisters seems to tie everything together and help siblings put their differences aside.

Family Communication Nov 05, 2014

Show notes

Matt and Kirsten Wright discuss family communications. They discuss how technology affects a family's communication skills. Kirsten talks about her app. The app asks a question and records the answers. The answers may be archived and shared with friends and family. The gang discusses the benefits that come from family movie night. These reasons include things such as improvement in planning, compromising, and media literacy. Additionally, family movie night provides viewers with a fun and relaxed way to bond with each other as a family.

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