Heart & Graft

Heart & Graft (Episode 8) - Boom Goes the Feedback

alt titles: The good, the awkward and the the specific, Praise Addicts Anonymous, 

 

Ever wondered why workplace praise feels so awkward to receive, even though we crave it? Join Nicky in this candid café-style conversation with Joel Fielder and Mia Shepherd as they unpack the complex psychology of positive feedback at work.​ They discuss why generic "great job" comments disappear into thin air, explore the difference between praise and affirmations, and share their views on giving feedback that actually lands. From emotional bank accounts to creating "praise addicts," discover what makes recognition meaningful and sustainable.​

Why Listen:

• Learn the crucial difference between praise and affirmations – and why one creates dependency while the other builds lasting confidence.​

• Understand the "emotional bank account" concept and how positive recognition helps teams admit mistakes faster and work more collaboratively.​

• Explore workplace feedback systems – from digital platforms to peer recognition tools.

• Hear honest personal stories about the awkwardness of receiving compliments, creating praise notebooks, and transforming from managers who think "you get paid to be here" to leaders who build thriving teams​

Heart & Graft (Episode 7) - Horror Stories and Hunger - Untangling the Roller Coaster of Change

In this episode of Heart and Graft, the very human experience of coping with organizational change takes center stage. Change is inevitable in the workplace, yet it brings a complex roller coaster of emotions—from shock and denial to acceptance and problem-solving. Join your host Nicky McCrudden as she unpacks the emotional journey of her own career change, reveals the psychological hungers that shape our reactions, and explores common thinking traps that keep us stuck. Whether you're navigating change yourself or supporting others through it, this episode offers practical insights, compassionate perspectives, and relatable stories to help you embrace change with resilience.

Why Listen?

• Understand the emotional stages of navigating organizational change through the metaphor of the change curve as a roller coaster.

• Learn why change can feel so difficult and how basic human needs influence our reactions.

• Discover common thinking patterns that keep us stuck in painful cycles and practical ways to break free.

• Gain insights for managers, HR, coaches, and employees on supporting oneself and others during times of transition.

This creative and insightful approach combines psychology, storytelling, and workplace wisdom to help listeners become more human and more resilient through change

Heart & Graft (Episode 6) - From Pulse to Processor, when AI joins the team

In this episode of Heart and Graft, host Nicky McCrudden teams up with AI thought-leader and project management expert Emanuela Giangregorio to examine what being truly human at work means as AI becomes our new team member. From project status reports to mentorship moments, discover how collaboration between people and algorithms can free us to focus on what really matters: being human. With playful anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode will leave listeners inspired—and (hopefully) a little more optimistic about the digital future.

Why Listen

• Insights on how AI can free up valuable time for genuine human connection at work.

• Practical advice for anyone wondering how to keep their career future-proof in the age of automation.

• Actionable strategies for upskilling and adapting, regardless of your role or learning style.

• A soulful reminder of the enduring power of how we make others feel—AI can crunch the numbers, but only humans can craft connection.

Connect with Emanuela on LinkedIn, or view her books on Amazon.

Heart and Graft (Episode 5) - The Day Empathy Saved My Life

Join host Nicky McCrudden for a solo exploration of empathy in the workplace on Heart and Graft. Through moving personal stories and the latest scientific insights, Nicky unpacks the good, the bad, and the risky sides of empathy—including how caring deeply can drive connection, but also lead to burnout or bias. The episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies for spotting and managing emotions, setting boundaries, and building healthier, more resilient teams.

Why Listen?

• Get inspired by Nicky's warmth, honesty, and her blend of research and real-world stories. Discover how empathy truly works, why it matters for team success, and how to practice it wisely. Learn how unchecked empathy can lead to pitfalls and takeaway practical tactics for better empathy.

This episode frames empathy as a powerful, sometimes risky tool for building resilient, thriving workplaces—offering listeners research-backed insight, practical approaches, and heartfelt inspiration for being more authentically human at work.

Heart & Graft (Episode 4) - Difficult Discussions Delivered

Join host Nicky McCrudden and psychologist-trainer Damian Fearns for a candid exploration of difficult conversations at work in this episode of "Heart and Graft". Drawing on decades of coaching and organisational psychology experience, Damian unpacks why these talks are so often avoided and shares concrete tips for addressing—and recovering from—challenging feedback exchanges.

Why Listen?

• Discover relatable advice for giving and receiving feedback, preparing for tough talks, and building more resilient, trusting relationships—whether with managers, peers, or teams. Learn psychological strategies to create psychological safety, transforming feedback from a source of tension into an opportunity for real growth.

This episode reframes difficult conversations as keys to stronger teams and lasting workplace bonds, offering listeners actionable approaches and inspirational insights for being more authentically human at work.

Heart & Graft (Episode 3) - When Screens Get Mean: The Truth About Digital Incivility

Explore the hidden dynamics of digital incivility in workplace communication as host Nicky McCrudden interviews occupational psychology PhD researcher Marc Fullman. In this episode of Heart and Graft, listeners gain a clear, research-based understanding of what incivility online looks like in the workplace—whether through curt e-mails, ambiguous Teams messages, or overlooked pleasantries—and why even low-level rudeness can erode wellbeing and drive disengagement.

Why Listen?

• Learn how social norms differ across e-mail, Teams, and Slack, and discover practical steps managers and teams can take to prevent, address, and reduce the unintended harm of passive or active digital incivility. Hear relatable tips for sending kinder messages, diffusing tension, and recognising when communication styles—or missing details—might be undermining trust.

With real examples, actionable advice, and insights on training interventions, this episode sheds light on why civility matters and how a moment’s pause before hitting ‘send’ can make workplaces 

Heart & Graft (Episode 2) - The Compassionate Team Tune-Up: Fueling Stronger Teams

Discover what truly makes a team compassionate in this solo episode of Heart and Graft with host Nicky McCrudden. Drawing from a standout study by Jacobus Lilius et al., Nicky explores seven simple, actionable everyday practices that set exceptional teams apart—spanning recognition, candid conversations, playful rituals, and collective support. Whether designing training, nurturing workplace wellbeing, or simply striving to be a kinder colleague, listeners will find research-backed insights and real stories to spark positive change.

 

Why Listen?

• Gain fresh evidence and vivid examples of how small daily actions can drive both compassion and high performance in teams. Hear relatable anecdotes and practical takeaways for fostering genuine care and resilience, whatever your role or sector.

Tune in to understand how noticing, celebrating, and helping become the building blocks of a thriving team culture—where compassion is both a norm and a business advantage

Heart & Graft - Introductory Episode

Join host Nicky McCrudden for the introductory episode of Heart and Graft, a new podcast celebrating humanity at work. With warmth and honesty, Nicky shares her own journey—from childhood aspirations and a career in training to her current research on compassion in organisations. This episode sets the tone for a series that promises real stories, evidence-based discussion, and practical ideas for building workplaces where people lift each other up, embrace mistakes, and celebrate successes.

Why Listen?

Discover the guiding vision behind Heart and Graft —a podcast designed to support anyone seeking more kindness and authenticity in their workplace. With previews of upcoming topics like empathy, digital civility, and difficult conversations, this episode invites listeners to join a growing community focused on creating workplaces where people truly thrive.