Language of Life - Nonviolent Communication Podcast

NVC Feelings & Needs Cards with GROK CEO Claire Schwartz

Language of Life - Nonviolent Communication Podcast

Show Notes

Most of us learned emotional vocab only after experiencing pain — but imagine if kids grew up knowing their feelings and needs are normal and understandable.

This episode's guest is Claire Schwartz, an advocate for educational equity, specialist in Nonviolent Communication and She-EO of GROK the World, the company behind the innovative NVC tool: empathy cards. These cards help you navigate feelings and needs while facilitating the NVC process. In this episode, we dive into her work at Grok the World and discuss the practical tools she uses to foster connection and understanding in our communities. You can get your free GROK starter kit at https://groktheworld.com/ Listeners can use discount code Party20 for 20% off.

Kids GROK Video links at https://groktheworld.com/pages/kids-grok-videos

In this discussion, Claire reveals how tangible tools can transform how we understand ourselves and each other from a young age. Discover how simple, beautifully designed cards can help people of all ages slow down, identify emotions, and connect deeply—whether in parenting, education, or conflict resolution. Claire shares the inspiring story of how her mother’s early experiments with feelings cards sparked a global movement, sold over 50,000 copies, and now helps children and adults alike articulate their feelings and needs effortlessly. You’ll learn about the core NVC (Nonviolent Communication) principles embedded in GROK’s tools, the power of owning feelings through physical cards, and how this approach increases emotional literacy across cultures and languages. We break down practical ways these cards are used: from easing classroom tension to improving family communication, and even supporting decision-making or expressing gratitude. Claire highlights how these simple tools slow down reactive reactions and foster empathic connection—crucial skills in today’s fast-paced world.

Plus, we explore the fascinating intersection of empathy, language, and AI, discussing how future technology could deepen our understanding of human emotions without replacing genuine connection. Perfect for parents, teachers, therapists, or anyone eager to build more compassionate relationships, this episode reveals how empowering, accessible, and universal emotional literacy truly is. Whether you’re new to NVC or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll walk away with practical insights to make empathy part of everyday life—and help others do the same.

About the Host: Nate Guadagni is an NVC based Life Coach with over 15 years of experience in coaching and group facilitation. He is also a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Qigong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ teacher, the founder of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bo Yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an accessible yoga system and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Balance for Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a senior fitness program.

1) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DOWNLOAD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the NVC Template Pack here: • The Magic Formula - 4 Step NVC Process • List of Basic Needs We All Have • Feelings When Your Needs Are Not Satisfied • Feelings When Your Needs Are Satisfied

Additional Resources: Language of Life Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Group Classes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Free Templates, Coaching, & Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Language of Life Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ NVC Teaching Videos - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apply to be a guest on the Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free NVC Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Books and Trainings - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CNVC Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Language of Life - Nonviolent Communication Podcast

Jun 9, 2026

In this episode, Gina Simm returns to Language of Life to delve deeper into the transformative power of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in classrooms and homes. Building on her book Heart to Heart: Three Systems for Staying Connected, Gina shares insights into family meetings and the importance of empathy in problem-solving.

May 26, 2026

Most of us are trapped in the cycle of labels—using diagnoses and judgments as weapons instead of tools for genuine understanding and healing. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Yvette Erasmus, a certified NVC trainer, clinical psychologist, author, and host of the podcast Conversations from the Heart. Her work seamlessly combines neuroscience, mindfulness, and social-emotional skills to help individuals and organizations thrive. Website: https://yvetteerasmus.com/

May 19, 2026

"Empathy is the bridge to understanding and connection."

Sep 15, 2025

In this conversation, Marysaba Mennuti and Nate Guadagni explore the complexities of emotional expression in the workplace, the challenges of conflict resolution, and the importance of self-awareness in career transitions. They discuss how emotions can impact communication and relationships, the resistance many face in expressing feelings at work, and the necessity of recognizing when to let go of unproductive situations. The dialogue emphasizes the role of coaching and self-reflection in fostering personal growth and empowerment.

Feb 24, 2025

Micah Salaberrios is an expert in the field of Nonviolent Communication and has been teaching since 2016. He wrote the bestselling book "The Art of Nonviolent Communication", and hosts a popular podcast, "The Art of NVC", with over 70,000 downloads. In this conversation, Nate and Micah discuss the practical application of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in real-life situations. Micah shares examples of how to use emergency empathy to de-escalate heated moments and identify underlying needs. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for practice and flexibility in using NVC and the importance of using it in your natural voice.

See all episodes →