Kamen works as a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness as a speaker, author, and positive psychology expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Lisa has impacted millions of people around the world.

LISA CYPERS KAMEN

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Intelligent Communication Skills: How to Listen Better with Haru Yamada, PhD

Listening is a profound gift that honors both the speaker and the observer. By understanding our individual communication style, we offer others validation and sharpen our communication skills. This commitment to intelligent communication builds deeper trust and serves as a gift to ourselves. Learning how to listen better expands our perspective and fosters genuine connection.

To gain a deeper understanding of how to listen better, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Haru Yamada, a sociolinguistics researcher and a writer with a PhD from Georgetown University.

Haru describes the physical and contextual differences between hearing and listening, and the intricacies of listener-led cultures and speaker-led cultures. From her book, Kiku: The Japanese Art of Good Listening, Haru offers strategies for creating stronger personal relationships by strengthening our listening muscles.

Original Air Date Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Haru Yamada, PhD, is a sociolinguistics researcher and a writer with a PhD from Georgetown University. With a wealth of global experience from growing up in moving countries, Haru’s life mission is to champion listening to demonstrate how our listening intelligence is also a health benefit that gifts us the capacity to show up for others and ourselves. She lives in London with her French partner in a multicultural family where listening is key!

Book: Kiku: The Japanese Art of Good Listening

Haru Yamada, PhD—Communication Skills to Listen Better:

The meaning of Kiku in Japanese. {5:31}
Communication skills required for full-body listening. {7:42}
The difference between hearing and listening. {17:57}
How to listen better in three steps. {23:29}
Strategies for intelligent conversation. {28:23}
How to bolster communication skills. {32:47}

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WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

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Shareables:

“We can’t be perfect at listening 100% of the time. The idea is to keep working at it.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Deep listening supports our language.” @harubluesun on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Japanese conversations are very listener-led.” @harubluesun on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Without listeners, there would be no speakers. Listeners are very important.” @harubluesun on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

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H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.