In today's episode, Heather sits down with Kim Bisset to explore Motivational Interviewing and why it is such a powerful tool for communication, leadership, coaching, and advocacy. Rather than relying on pressure, persuasion, or fixing, Motivational Interviewing focuses on curiosity, collaboration, and helping people uncover their own reasons for change.

Drawing from Kim's expertise and Heather's background in law, coaching, and healthcare communication, this conversation breaks down what Motivational Interviewing really is, what it is not, and why it works so well in high stakes conversations. Whether you are leading a team, working with clients, parenting, coaching, or advocating for yourself, this episode shows how changing the way you ask questions can change outcomes.

Together, Heather and Kim unpack how Motivational Interviewing builds trust, reduces resistance, and helps people move forward without feeling pushed or judged.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What Motivational Interviewing Actually Is A clear explanation of the principles behind Motivational Interviewing and why it is more effective than telling people what to do.
Why People Resist Change How resistance is often a signal of miscommunication, not stubbornness.
The Power of Autonomy Why people are more likely to change when they feel heard, respected, and in control of their choices.
Asking Better Questions How open ended questions invite insight, reflection, and ownership.
Listening for Change Talk How to recognize the language that signals readiness for growth and how to respond to it.
Motivational Interviewing in Real Life How these tools apply in leadership, healthcare, law, coaching, parenting, and everyday conversations.
Why This Skill Matters More Than Ever How compassion based communication creates better outcomes in a world full of pressure and noise.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Motivational Interviewing and inner wisdom

02:25 What Motivational Interviewing is and how Kim discovered it

04:15 How MI is used in real-world work with youth and communities

06:05 Why telling people what to do often shuts them down

08:20 When Motivational Interviewing works best and why it's effective

09:55 Understanding ambivalence and mixed motivations

12:10 Finding the reasons behind behavior and change

14:20 Change language, sustain language, and emotional motivation

15:55 The spirit of Motivational Interviewing: belief, compassion, and autonomy

18:20 OARS explained: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries

21:10 Why specificity and affirmations build trust and confidence

24:10 Helping people feel seen, heard, and understood

27:45 Reflections and summaries as powerful communication tools

29:40 Is Motivational Interviewing manipulative? Addressing misconceptions

31:05 Where to find trained Motivational Interviewing practitioners

33:10 Final thoughts on conversations that empower change

Resources and Links:

📘 Motivational Interviewing Book: Helping People Change by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick Learn the foundational framework behind Motivational Interviewing and why it works.

🧠 Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) Explore training resources, research, and best practices for Motivational Interviewing.

🌐 Connect with Kim Bisset - Website

Learn more about Kim's work, training, and approach to compassionate communication.

Connect with Heather:

The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

350: What is Motivational Interviewing and Why Should I Care? With Kim Bisset