Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast · Life Management Science Labs

Dr. Ryan C. Warner: How to Cultivate Positive Interactions at Work | Doing Well #90

·50 min·3 clips

Ryan's path from physical therapy tech to psychology began when injured athletes said listening helped more than rehab alone.

1. Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast focuses on Dr. Ryan C. Warner's view of positive interactions at work and social wellbeing. 2. Host Lu Mo interviews Ryan C. Warner, an award-winning psychologist, military veteran, speaker, scholar, and founder of RC Warner Consulting. 3. The episode asks how workplace relationships can support wellbeing without feeling forced or performative. 4. Warner says he first noticed the emotional side of wellbeing while working as a physical therapist technician with injured athletes and students. 5. He explains that those patients talked about depression, difficulty walking, and strain on social relationships. 6. Their feedback that listening and empathy mattered as much as physical rehab pushed him toward psychology. 7. Warner describes studying community health at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, then earning a master's in rehabilitation psychology and a PhD in counseling psychology. 8. He says graduating with a PhD at 27 led to a military role as director of psychological health for over 20,000 service members and their families. 9. He later moved from speaking into consulting, strategic planning, and executive coaching before leaving the military in 2022. 10. Warner defines wellbeing as a holistic state of feeling healthy, secure, and capable mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially. 11. He defines social wellbeing at work as feeling connected, respected, and psychologically safe rather than simply being liked. 12. He says adults spend so much time at work that social wellbeing there can affect personal life and resilience outside work. 13. He cites American Psychological Association survey data showing around 70% of U.S. employees were stressed or burned out. 14. He says workplace connections can buffer that distress and help people feel included, belonging, and engagement. 15. Warner separates small talk, task-focused conversations, and deeper vulnerable conversations as different layers of workplace interaction. 16. He says casual exchanges like memes can strengthen rapport, while shared work goals can reduce conflict and divisiveness. 17. The interview style is practical and conversational, with Lu Mo adding examples from her own workplace and asking follow-up questions. 18. Warner's tone is reflective and managerial, with repeated emphasis on culture, ethics, feedback, and psychological safety. 19. People managing teams, mentoring employees, or improving workplace culture would benefit most. 20. Viewers focused on entertainment-only content or avoiding workplace psychology may skip it.

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