JD Schramm: The conversation we need to have about suicide, mental health & communication

From Speaking of Meaning · 1:13:40

Show by Ibrahim Mohamad

What does it mean to communicate with mastery? And why are some of the most important conversations also the hardest ones to have?In this episode of Speaking of Meaning, I sit down with JD Schramm, communication educator, speaker, author, and former leader of communication programs at Stanford Graduate School of Business. JD is the co-author of Communicate with Mastery: Speak with Conviction and Write for Impact, a book that explores how we can become more effective and intentional communicators.Our conversation explores communication as a continuous practice rather than a destination or a pursuit of perfection. We discuss the importance of presence, preparation, focus, and understanding the people we communicate with. We also examine why effective communication is not simply about what we say, but about how well we listen, connect, and respond to others.We talk about common communication mistakes in the workplace, why storytelling should put the audience rather than the speaker at the centre, and how leaders can create environments where people feel comfortable expressing disagreement, taking risks, and challenging existing ideas.But this conversation goes beyond communication and leadership. Breaking the silence on suicide and mental health. One of the most important parts of our conversation is JD's decision to speak publicly about his experience with depression and a suicide attempt.In his TED Talk, Break the Silence for Suicide Attempt Survivors, JD addresses the stigma and silence surrounding suicide attempts and the importance of recognizing and supporting those who survive them.We discuss why he chose to share such a deeply personal experience, what it means to create environments where people feel safe enough to speak about their struggles, and how colleagues, friends, and leaders can better support someone who may be going through a difficult time.We also explore an important distinction: sometimes our instinct is to give advice when what another person needs most is someone willing to listen.This part of the conversation is a reminder that communication is not only a professional skill. It can also be deeply human, personal, and meaningful.What we explore in this episodeCommunication mastery: Why becoming a better communicator is a lifelong process, not a pursuit of perfection.Fear and anxiety: How unrealistic expectations can make communication more difficult.Presence and preparation: Why both matter when speaking and connecting with an audience.Audience-centred storytelling: Why the most effective stories focus on the people listening, not just the person telling them.Leadership communication: Common mistakes leaders make when they forget to consider their audience.Communicating across political differences: How curiosity and empathy can help maintain relationships despite disagreements.Depression and suicide: JD's personal experience with depression and a suicide attempt, and his decision to break the silence.Supporting others: Why listening can be more valuable than immediately trying to solve someone's problems.About JD SchrammJD Schramm is a communication educator, speaker, and author who has dedicated much of his professional life to helping people communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.He co-authored Communicate with Mastery and previously created and led communication programs at Stanford Graduate School of Business.Beyond his professional work, JD has become an advocate for breaking the silence surrounding suicide attempts and mental health. His TED Talk, Break the Silence for Suicide Attempt Survivors, reflects his commitment to encouraging more open conversations and reducing stigma.Connect with JD:Website: https://www.jdschramm.com/TED Talk: Break the Silence for Suicide Attempt SurvivorsJD's recommended bookPresent Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living – Shauna NiequistJD recommends this book, which explores the importance of slowing down, letting go of the pressure to do everything perfectly, and making room for a more intentional and meaningful life.Episode Chapters00:00 – Meet JD Schramm01:35 – Finding His Voice03:09 – Communication Mastery Mindset06:23 – Fear of Getting It Wrong09:12 – Presence Versus Preparation13:42 – Workplace Communication Focus15:22 – Charisma Versus Storytelling20:13 – Leader Mistakes: Putting the Audience First25:42 – Vision and the Long Game30:14 – Psychological Safety and Dissent35:26 – When Teams Stay Silent38:51 – Communicating Across Politics41:25 – Politics Without Bubbles42:36 – An Appeal for Empathy Across Political Differences44:47 – Practicing Everyday Empathy49:00 – Connection Over Being Right50:13 – Why JD Shared His TED Talk55:55 – The Fear of Going Public57:54 – Creating Workplace Safety for Sharing01:00:42 – How to Support Colleagues01:03:58 – Start Practicing Mastery Tomorrow01:06:57 – Using AI Without Cheating01:08:36 – Free Resources and Newsletter01:10:46 – Slow Down and…

More episodes of Speaking of Meaning

More episodes

PodSearch is a free, independent podcast search engine. Read about PodSearch, the privacy policy or contact us.