Cultivating empathy is crucial in developing solid relationships in our personal and professional lives — but what exactly is it, how is it different from sympathy, why did Michael Ventura found a company based on it, and what steps can we start taking today to work on it?

Technology in the digital age has made it easier than ever to form new connections and stay in touch with old ones, but it’s also led to increased loneliness and flakiness as people rack up more screen time and less face time, so why is this, why is showing up so important in deepening your connections with others, and what does showing up actually mean?

We all rely on 3 levels of connection when it comes to meeting people — but what are they, do we have to follow them in order, and how do we know what level we’re on with someone?

In this episode of The Art of Charm, AJ (@AJHarbinger) and Johnny (@AOCJohnny) wrap up September’s month of Emotional Bids. Before answering listener questions, they speak with Andrea Lee (andreajlee.com), an accomplished coach, a successful author, and a strong voice in the fight against domestic abuse. Andrea offers her unique insights the importance of building one’s confidence and overcoming obstacles. AJ and Johnny share what they learned from confronting the ones they love through difficult conversation.