Richard Schwartz on IFS, NVC, Mediation, Spirituality, and Society - S2 Ep 1
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
Release Date: 05/22/2026
Richard Schwartz on IFS, NVC, Mediation, Spirituality, and Society - S2 Ep 1
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John sits down with Richard Schwartz, founder of the internationally renowned and respected work of Internal Family Systems (IFS), for a wide-ranging and heart-warming dialogue on the bridges between IFS, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and Mediate Your Life models and approaches, as well as revealing and inspiring conversation about Dick’s life, core aspects of the models, and the healing of our world. Dick shares the unlikely origins of IFS, including the personal struggles that nearly stopped him from bringing it forward, and why humility...
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Yoga, NVC, and Mediate Your Life with Nat Kendall
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this expansive and heartfelt episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John is joined by yoga teacher and musician Nat Kendall for a conversation that weaves together wisdom from the ancient philosophy and practices of yoga, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), mindfulness, and somatic awareness. Together they explore the art and humility of teaching, the paradox of duality and nonduality, and the experience of a holistic Self and “no self.” They delve into the four core components of NVC—observation, feeling, need, and request—through the lens of levels of mindful awareness, inviting...
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The Neuroscience of Emotion Circuits and Navigating Territories of Conflict with Sarah Peyton, Part 2
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In Part 2 of my conversation with Sarah Peyton, we dive deeper into the neuroscience of conflict and emotional healing, bridging the Mediate Your Life framework with the groundbreaking research of affective neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp. Together, we explore how different emotional circuits—rage, fear, grief, disgust, and care—shape the way we experience and navigate conflict, both internally and in our relationships. Sarah shares profound insights into how empathy rewires the brain, transforming reactive patterns into resilience, and we discuss how shame and self-judgment can block our...
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Trauma, Conflict, and Healing with Sarah Peyton, Part 1
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this fascinating and heartwarming episode, I sit down with Sarah Peyton, a renowned expert in trauma healing, relational neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Sarah’s work bridges the worlds of science, empathy, and healing, helping us understand how conflict—both internal and external—can be transformed into connection and growth. We explore the deep connections between trauma, conflict, and healing, weaving together neuroscience, empathy, and the transformative power of resonance. Together, we discuss how the brain processes conflict,...
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A “Unividual” Perspective on Politics and Polarization with Philosopher Tim Freke
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this compelling episode of the Mediate Your Life Podcast, John’s guest is pioneering philosopher Tim Freke. Tim is the author of 35 books that have been translated into 15 languages. The conversation explores how Tim’s groundbreaking, revolutionary philosophy of “Unividualism” integrates evolutionary science with deep spirituality and offers a new paradigm for personal and political evolution. Rooted in individuality and consciousness of collective unity, the unividual perspective fosters universal benevolence and open system of paralogical thinking—embracing the complexity...
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Healing Societal & Personal Divides: The Power of Presence & Nonviolent Communication w/ Jeff Krasno
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John speaks with Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune Media and a leader in the health and wellness world. Jeff shares deeply and movingly about his experiences facilitating difficult conversations during times of social and political turmoil, particularly in his recent efforts organizing a 5-day intensive peace initiative on the Israel-Palestine situation. The discussion explores the challenges of navigating polarized viewpoints and the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue. Jeff recounts powerful moments of connection that...
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Healing Family Rifts with Tejumo Ogouma
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tejumo Ogouma, a conflict resolution professional with an international background. Tejumo opens up about a deeply personal family conflict, centered on his relationship with his sister in the wake of their parents' passing. The discussion explores the complexities of sibling dynamics, estate management, and the profound impact of lost connection. John guides Tejumo through a process of self-empathy and compassion, helping him navigate the pain, sadness, and frustration he...
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Transforming Political Differences with Candidate Jovanka Beckles
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jovanka Beckles, a seasoned community leader running for California State Senate. Jovanka shares her journey from mental health professional to political activist, highlighting how her experiences shaped her commitment to social justice and community healing. The discussion covers the challenges of running a corporate-free campaign, the emotional impact of political conflict, and the importance of addressing root causes of societal issues. John guides Jovanka through a process of...
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The Enemies Project with Larry Rosen
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a deep conversation with Larry Rosen, a mediator who is creating a documentary series called, "The Enemies Project." Larry introduces his theory of the "enemy trance," explaining how empathy shutdown leads to misunderstanding and conflict escalation. He shares insights from the documentary he’s creating, which aims to bring together politically opposed individuals for transformative dialogues. The discussion covers the neuroscience of conflict, the role of "enemy makers" in society, and how to break cycles...
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Navigating Self-Care and Activism with Palestinian Activist Ashira Darwish
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a deeply moving conversation with Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian activist, journalist, and founder of Catharsis Holistic Healing. She was also featured in the powerful documentary, Where Olive Trees Weep. Ashira shares her experiences living in Jerusalem, and her personal journey of healing and activism. The episode explores themes of intergenerational trauma, the weight of bearing witness to seemingly insurmountable conflict, and the complex interplay of rage, guilt, and the need for self-care in the context...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John sits down with Richard Schwartz, founder of the internationally renowned and respected work of Internal Family Systems (IFS), for a wide-ranging and heart-warming dialogue on the bridges between IFS, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and Mediate Your Life models and approaches, as well as revealing and inspiring conversation about Dick’s life, core aspects of the models, and the healing of our world.
Dick shares the unlikely origins of IFS, including the personal struggles that nearly stopped him from bringing it forward, and why humility even more than brilliance turned out to be key to its success. Together, Dick and John explore how Self in IFS and empathic presence and needs language in NVC are pointing at the same essential ground, how parts language can support NVC practice, and why speaking from Self rather than parts changes everything in conflict and communication.
The conversation moves from the deeply personal to the boldly collective — touching on spirituality, legacy trauma, the social-political world, and what it might mean to bring more Self-energy onto the planet at this moment in history.
A rich, honest, and at times deeply moving exchange between two founders who have dedicated their lives to the work of human connection.
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - John Introduces Richard
3:25 - Richard’s Pathway to IFS and Relationship with Father
6:40 - Parts and Inner Personalities
11:50 - Stigma around Multiplicity/Fragmenting
16:25 - How Richard has handled adversity
21:45 - NVC and criticism
23:15 - Being the Founder of IFS
26:25 - Non-Violent Communication Principles
33:15 - Emotion and NVC
35:25 - Similarities between IFS and NVC
37:35 - “C Word Qualities”
39:25 - Requests
42:35 - Where you are Speaking From
49:55 - Needs
53:25 - Self
57:35 - Empathic Resonance & Compassion
1:00:25 - Goals of IFS vs NVC
1:05:25 - The Self vs Parts Leading
1:09:10 - Leadership and Cooperation Between Parts
1:13:10 - Spirituality and Self
1:15:50 - Consciousness, Psychedelics, and the Psychic World
1:18:50 - Guides and Wisdom
1:21:45 - The Energy of Self
1:25:20 - Richard’s Advice to Others