On this episode of The Stroke It Podcast, Jenny Townsend sits down with Dr. Tim Newman — a communication coach, podcast host, and former college professor — to unpack why communication is collapsing among young professionals and what leaders, parents, and partners can do about it.

From 20+ years in education to training public speakers and mentoring teens, Tim shares a no-fluff take on how social media, overprotective parenting, and generational gaps have created a world where people don’t know how to talk anymore. He shares real stories — including the moment a student rejected his feedback — and practical skills employers, parents, and partners must instill.

You’ll hear how to coach teens to communicate clearly, how to create safe space for conflict in your marriage, and why asking for help might be the most powerful skill you can teach.

This episode is packed with truth bombs and real tools to help you connect with more clarity — at work, at home, and in life.

Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro: Confidence, Golf, and Communication

00:02:15 - Tim’s Life Now: From Professor to Coach

00:04:00 - How Podcasting Helped Tim Find Joy Again

00:08:20 - Communicating Across Generations (Why It’s So Hard Now)

00:10:16 - “If You Can’t Communicate, You Won’t Succeed”

00:13:00 - The Student Who Refused Feedback

00:15:00 - Are Parents Hurting Their Kids’ Confidence?

00:19:45 - How Tim Raised Communicative, Confident Kids

00:23:53 - Top 4 Must-Have Skills for Young Professionals

00:26:00 - Using ChatGPT to Practice Tough Conversations

00:29:15 - Email vs. Picking Up the Phone

00:33:44 - Building Confidence to Have Real Conversations

00:35:18 - Marriage, Work, and Wearing Multiple Hats

00:40:00 - How to Communicate Needs in a Relationship

00:45:00 - Final Thoughts: Ask for Help. Start Today.

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EP 185 Why Most Young Professionals Struggle to Communicate — And What To Do About It