What happens when someone has never been truly listened to?

In this powerful conversation, Michael Reddington sits down with Dr. John DeGarmo, a leading expert in foster care who has welcomed over 60 foster children into his home.

Together, they explore what it really means to listen, especially when working with individuals who have experienced deep trauma.

Dr. DeGarmo shares insights from decades of experience inside the foster care system, revealing how empathic listening, patience, and trust-building can transform lives.

This conversation goes far beyond foster care.

It applies to parents, leaders, coaches, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively in high-stakes, emotional situations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. What “empathic listening” really looks like in practice
2. Why trying to “fix” problems can actually make things worse
3. How trust is built with people who have every reason not to trust
4. The difference between lashing out vs withdrawing and how to respond
5. Why children lie or steal and what’s really behind those behaviors
6. How trauma impacts communication, behavior, and decision-making
7. The importance of patience, consistency, and emotional control
8. How small actions can create massive impact in someone’s life

Chapters:

1. (00:00) - Introduction to Dr. John DeGarmo
2. (04:00) - What Is Empathic Listening?
3. (08:37) - How Listening Builds Trust and Healing
4. (12:24) - Why Trust Takes Time (and Patience)
5. (17:06) - Trauma-Informed Communication Explained
6. (20:59) - Helping Withdrawn Children Open Up
7. (23:44) - Understanding Lashing Out Behavior
8. (31:49) - Why Children Lie and Steal
9. (38:12) - Turning Awareness Into Action
10. (45:13) - Recognizing Warning Signs and Red Flags

Links and Resources:

1. Foster Care Institute Dr. John DeGarmo - Home
2. John DeGarmo, Ed.D. Keynote Speaker, TED Talk Speaker | LinkedIn -

Sponsor Links:

1. InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
2. Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
3. Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
4. International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media