In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Blake Eastman, former professional poker player and the founder of the Nonverbal Group, a behavioral research and education company teaching people to better communicate and thrive in social interactions.

They delve into Blake’s journey to becoming the human behavior and communications expert he is, effective communication skills, the hard-earned lessons he got when his father was diagnosed with ALS, behind the scenes stories, and, of course, poker.

The discussion emphasizes the complexity and subjectivity of communication and how any transformation must start from within. Blake provides tips that will help you communicate like the legend that you are right away, insights into the world of professional poker, and unveils the truth behind the lies we’re told about how human behavior.

Episode Breakdown:

02:18 The truth behind the scenes of Slate’s viral article on Blake

04:22 Blake’s intense teaching schedule

05:20 A quick rise and journey of mistakes and lessons

07:14 Being an expert and an impostor

09:06 Becoming an adjunct professor at CUNY

12:24 Why a JD MBA and academia just wasn’t for Blake

16:54 The questions Blake is trying to answer

17:46 Always having a plan (even when it’s the wrong one)

20:22 How his family and early years influenced his path

24:01 Navigating the serious challenge of a parent with ALS

27:31 Hard-earned lessons

30:03 The truth behind statistics and blank statements about human behavior

33:05 How Blake approaches research as an entrepreneur

39:54 Tips to help you communicate more effectively today

41:27 The Flaw Finder 5000

43:43 Biggest barriers to truly transforming your social skills

45:01 Why people are committing to a full year of transformation

48:09 Insights into the world of poker

52:24 Tips to win a home poker game

54:18 The role of poker in Blake’s life

56:36 When Blake placed 4th at a WSOP Main Event

1:01:33 The funny story behind Blake’s run-in with the IRS

1:04:33 Finding the magic and beauty of what makes people effective

1:07:00 A letter to Blake’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Check out the Slate article Howie mentions.

Charisma is a Skill:

Get your FREE copy of the Charisma Tactical Toolkit.

Legendary Quotes:

“ You can choose how you experience the world every second. I can't move my arms, but I'm so grateful for my legs. I can't walk unassisted, but I'm so grateful I can still walk.” – Blake Eastman

“ "Most people don’t add enough context when they communicate. You can hedge so many simple things by just telling people what’s going on.".” – Blake Eastman

“ I never tell people how to act. I just make sure that their behavior is in alignment with how they want to be perceived.” – Blake Eastman

“ We're meaning making machines and it's our greatest gift and it's our greatest curse at the same time.” – Blake Eastman

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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