The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations

How to Deliver Bad News Effectively with Dr. Toby Campbell (Part 2)

April 21, 2026·20 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Explore effective strategies for delivering bad news, managing difficult conversations, and fostering a supportive team culture with our guest today, Toby Campbell. Learn practical techniques, metaphors, and leadership insights to improve communication skills. About Dr. Toby Campbell Dr. Toby Campbell is Professor of Medicine, Thoracic Oncologist, Chief of Palliative Care and the Ellen and Peter O. Johnson Chair in Palliative Care at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  An award-winning doctor,  writer, and podcaster, he conducts the most difficult, "once in a lifetime" type conversations with people and families every day and translates those skills into lessons for anyone who wants to make their hard conversations go better.  His communication tools have been featured on NPR, The Colbert Report, and Armchair Expert.  He is currently writing A Doctor's Guide to Hard Conversations (Post Hill Press) and created the Extraordinary Conversations podcast, exploring the rare and pivotal moments when lives intersect around organ donation and transplantation.  Dr. Campbell created and hosts the Palliatively Speaking podcast, where he interviews inspirational figures from the field of hospice and palliative care.     Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Warm-Up00:06 Delivering Bad News Effectively05:45 Self-Regulation in Difficult Conversations08:32 Creating a Supportive Team Culture Make sure you listen to part 1 of this interview here.  We cover: Strategies for delivering bad news Using metaphors to understand conversations Building team culture for hard conversations Managing emotions during difficult talks Leadership tips for effective communication   Resources:  Extraordinary Conversations Podcast - https://extraordinaryconversationspodcast.com We Talk Labs - https://wetalklabs.org Mindfitter Be Free Assessment - https://mindfitter.com/befree Difficult Conversation Playbook for Leaders   Connect with the Hosts Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com Chris – https://www.myleadershippotential.com | www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc | download the Difficult Conversation Playbook for Leaders Lucie – www.mindfittery.com | www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova and take the Saboteur Assessment

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