TRUE Wellness with Dr. Z

Why Most Adults Argue Like 12-Year-Olds—And How to Fix It Fast

Dr. Dee Season 1 Episode 24

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0:00 | 55:21

What if conflict isn’t the problem—but your brain’s outdated way of responding to it is?

In this game-changing episode of the TRUE Wellness Podcast, Dr. Dee sits down with Carol Barkes, one of the nation’s top neuroscience-informed conflict resolution experts, to explore the untold science behind how we communicate, argue, and heal.

With over three decades of experience, Carol has worked with global organizations like the U.S. Air Force, Amazon, HP, and even the United Nations, applying cutting-edge brain science to transform communication and negotiation at the highest levels. She’s directed one of Idaho’s largest court mediation programs and serves as an ADR advisor to FEMA. But beyond her impressive credentials—she brings the tools that actually work for everyday people, in real-life relationships.

💡 What Listeners Will Learn

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 ✅ How unresolved conflict creates hidden health problems—from anxiety to inflammation

 ✅ Why most adults have the conflict resolution skills of a 12-year-old (and how to fix it)

 ✅ The “90-Second Rule” to stop spiraling arguments in their tracks

 ✅ How to disarm defensiveness and create safety in any conversation

 ✅ The role of tone, texting, and triggers in modern communication breakdowns

 ✅ Why conflict is your biggest opportunity for growth—not your enemy

Carol’s viral TEDx Talk “From Flames to Solutions” was one of the Top 30 most influential TEDx Talks of the century (LA Magazine)—and after hearing her insights, you’ll understand why.

Find out more about Carol here:

www.carolbarkes.com

https://www.instagram.com/carol.barkes/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-barkes-2aa9192b/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046888702012

Tedx Talk Episode: Conflict and Negotiation: From Flames to Solutions | Carol Barkes | TEDxHuntingtonBeach

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A Gift for You
If today’s episode resonated with you, we created something to help you start restoring your nervous system and energy rhythm.

The 21-Day Nervous System Calibration is designed to help you begin shifting out of survival mode and back into a state of regulation. https://go.southbaywellness.com/calibrationregistration

Schedule a FREE discovery call with Dr. Z and our team: https://go.southbaywellness.com/schedule-call

Thanks for listening to T.R.U.E. Wellness with Dr .Z, where we’re redefining health and empowering change. Hosted by Dr. Dee, creator of the T.R.U.E. Wellness Framework, this podcast brings you expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies to help you thrive.

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