All Things Private Practice Podcast Episode 199: Leaning Into Uncomfortable Conversations: Curiosity Over Conflict [featuring Michael Ashford]
Patrick Casale and Michael Ashford, the director of marketing for The Receptionist for iPad, a TEDx speaker and communications coach, a TEDx speaker himself, and an author, talk about a topic that couldn’t be more relevant in today’s climate. They discuss how curiosity, open conversation, and a willingness to step outside our bubbles are essential, not just for healthy workplaces, but for thriving as business owners and humans.
3 key takeaways:
- Lean Into Discomfort for Growth: There’s power in having uncomfortable conversations—whether with colleagues, clients, or even those we disagree with. Real progress and understanding often begin with a willingness to engage rather than retreat to our echo chambers.
- ASK-then-SEE Approach: Michael shared a tangible framework for communication:
- ASK: Assume positive intent. Set aside your ego. Know you can’t know everything.
- SEE: Search yourself (reflect on your own beliefs and biases). Explore other perspectives. Exchange curiosity—talk to people from different backgrounds and viewpoints.
- Expand Your World—Even Locally: You don’t need to travel internationally to break out of your echo chamber. Engage with new communities close to home. Curiosity and openness to new perspectives enrich us both personally and professionally.
Whether you’re in private practice, leading a team, or just navigating a divided world, embracing curiosity and respectful dialogue is a game-changer.
More about Michael:
Michael Ashford is a communications explorer and a tireless optimist. He has spent years researching leadership, conflict communications, and how to overcome political and social polarization in an effort to chart a path to help us bridge divides, communicate well, and find more common ground. Michael is the Director of Marketing at a Denver-based software company, The Receptionist, as well as a podcaster, a two-time TEDx speaker, and what he calls an "independent journalist" as a shoutout to his former career as a newspaper editor.
- Website: michaelashford.com
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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats!
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.
✨ Alma
Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.
Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.
✨ All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats
All Things Private Practice has some amazing retreat experiences coming up in 2025 and 2026.
If you're a leader or aspiring to start a group practice, join our Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete, from September 6th to 11th. In 2026, we have two retreats in Queenstown, New Zealand. The first is for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs from March 1st to 8th, and the second retreat, Beyond Private Practice, focuses on moving beyond one-on-one therapy and creating alternative income streams from March 15th to 22nd.
Spaces are limited, so check the links to sign up today. Doubt yourself, do it anyway!
- Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete: empoweredescapes.com/greece-retreat-2025
- Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs in Queenstown, New Zealand: allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-neurodivergent
- Beyond Private Practice in Queenstown, New Zealand: allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-income-streams
Mentioned in this episode:
Alma
I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode. Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.
All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats
All Things Private Practice has some amazing retreat experiences coming up in 2025 and 2026. Join us in Edinburgh, Scotland for the second Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit from July 14th to 17th, 2025! We have an incredible lineup of 12 speakers and offer 12 MBCCEs. If you're a leader or aspiring to start a group practice, join our Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete, from September 6th to 11th. In 2026, we have two retreats in Queenstown, New Zealand. The first is for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs from March 1st to 8th, and the second retreat, Beyond Private Practice, focuses on moving beyond one-on-one therapy and creating alternative income streams from March 15th to 22nd. Spaces are limited, so check the links to sign up today. Doubt yourself, do it anyway! Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit in Scotland: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/scotland-july-2025-summit Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/greece-retreat-2025 Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs in Queenstown, New Zealand: https://www.allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-neurodivergent Beyond Private Practice in Queenstown, New Zealand: https://www.allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-income-streams
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.