Talking to Crazy

In 'Talking to Crazy', Mark Goulston equips readers with powerful techniques to communicate effectively with difficult personalities. Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist, he reveals how to engage with the 'crazy' people in our lives—whether they are family, friends, or colleagues. Each chapter offers practical insights and real-life examples that highlight the importance of empathy and understanding. Goulston's unique approach not only reduces conflict but can also transform relationships. Discover the keys to turning challenging conversations into opportunities for connection!

By Mark Goulston

Published: 2018

Talking to CrazyBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

Emotional IntelligenceBook binding

Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman

Raising an Emotionally Intelligent ChildBook binding

Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child

John Gottman, Joan DeClaire

The Courage to Be DislikedBook binding

The Courage to Be Disliked

Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga

Never Split the DifferenceBook binding

Never Split the Difference

Chris Voss, Tahl Raz

Zen in the Art of ArcheryBook binding

Zen in the Art of Archery

Eugen Herrigel

Search Inside YourselfBook binding

Search Inside Yourself

Daniel Goleman, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Chade-Meng Tan

The MagusBook binding

The Magus

John Fowles

Emotional EquationsBook binding

Emotional Equations

Chip Conley

The Art of HappinessBook binding

The Art of Happiness

Dalai Lama XIV Bstan-ʼdzin-rgya-mtsho, Howard C. Cutler

The Large Scale Structure of Space-TimeBook binding

The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time

Stephen Hawking, G. F. R. Ellis

This Will Change EverythingBook binding

This Will Change Everything

John Brockman

Authentic HappinessBook binding

Authentic Happiness

Martin E. P. Seligman

Psychology of the Digital AgeBook binding

Psychology of the Digital Age

John R. Suler

StartupBook binding

Startup

Doree Shafrir

There are More Beautiful Things Than BeyoncéBook binding

There are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé

Morgan Parker

Men Against FireBook binding

Men Against Fire

S. L. A. Marshall

The Telomere EffectBook binding

The Telomere Effect

Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, Dr. Elissa Epel

DEC is Dead, Long Live DECBook binding

DEC is Dead, Long Live DEC

Edgar H. Schein, Peter S. DeLisi

The Rooster BarBook binding

The Rooster Bar

John Grisham

Too Dumb to FailBook binding

Too Dumb to Fail

Matt K. Lewis

The Charisma MythBook binding

The Charisma Myth

Olivia Fox Cabane

The Gilded RageBook binding

The Gilded Rage

Alexander Zaitchik

The Russia HouseBook binding

The Russia House

John le Carré

Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East (6 Volume Set)Book binding

Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East (6 Volume Set)

Baird Thomas Spalding

EpigramsBook binding

Epigrams

Martial

Making Sense of PeopleBook binding

Making Sense of People

Samuel Barondes

Book Collections you might like →

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

View Collection
Ina May Gaskin's Book Recommendations

Ina May Gaskin's Book Recommendations

Ina May Gaskin is a midwife and author renowned for her advocacy of natural childbirth. She is the founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee and the author of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, which has inspired generations of women to embrace natural birth practices. Gaskin’s work focuses on empowering women with knowledge and confidence during childbirth, advocating for a holistic and less medicalized approach to labor and delivery. Her influence in the field of midwifery has been profound, helping to reshape modern perspectives on childbirth.

View Collection
George Hatzis's Book Recommendations

George Hatzis's Book Recommendations

George Hatzis is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and social media content creator known for his humorous and insightful takes on the legal profession. Through his popular Instagram account, Hatzis shares legal memes, advice, and commentary, making complex legal topics accessible and entertaining for a broad audience. He is also the founder of Hatzis Law, a firm that specializes in criminal defense and family law. Hatzis’ ability to merge legal expertise with humor has garnered him a large following, and he continues to be a unique voice in the legal community, advocating for modernizing the industry.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg is an influential American entrepreneur and web developer, best known for co-founding WordPress, the open-source software that powers over 40% of the web. Born in 1984 in Houston, Texas, Mullenweg's work has revolutionized digital publishing and democratized web content creation. As the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, he has expanded the platform's reach and capabilities, fostering a vibrant community of developers and users. Mullenweg is also an advocate for open-source software and has contributed significantly to its proliferation and adoption. His impact on digital literature and publishing is profound, enabling countless individuals and organizations to share their voices online.

View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

View Collection
Karlene Markham's Book Recommendations

Karlene Markham's Book Recommendations

Karlene Markham is a celebrated author known for her poignant explorations of human relationships and resilience. Her debut novel, "Echoes of Silence," received critical acclaim, earning her the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2015. Markham's works often draw from her background in psychology, providing deep insights into her characters' inner lives. She has also penned several influential essays on the intersection of mental health and creativity. Beyond her literary contributions, Markham is an advocate for mental health awareness, frequently speaking at international conferences and events.

View Collection
Whitney Cummings's Book Recommendations

Whitney Cummings's Book Recommendations

Whitney Cummings is an accomplished comedian, actress, and writer, best known for her sharp wit and incisive humor. She co-created and co-wrote the hit TV series "2 Broke Girls," which enjoyed a successful six-season run. Cummings has also authored the critically acclaimed book "I'm Fine...And Other Lies," a candid memoir that delves into her personal struggles and triumphs. Her work often explores themes of relationships, self-awareness, and mental health, resonating with a wide audience. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to stand-up comedy, with several popular specials showcasing her unique comedic voice.

View Collection
Emily Ratajkowski's Book Recommendations

Emily Ratajkowski's Book Recommendations

Emily Ratajkowski is a renowned model, actress, and author, who gained prominence in the entertainment industry through her work in fashion and film. She made a significant literary contribution with her debut book, "My Body," published in 2021, which explores themes of feminism, sexuality, and empowerment. The book received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid examination of her experiences in the public eye. Ratajkowski's writing has been praised for its depth and honesty, shedding light on the complexities of body politics and personal agency. Beyond her literary endeavors, she continues to use her platform to advocate for women's rights and social justice.

View Collection
Emmett Shear's Book Recommendations

Emmett Shear's Book Recommendations

Emmett Shear is the co-founder and CEO of Twitch, the popular live-streaming platform primarily known for video game streaming. Under Shear’s leadership, Twitch grew rapidly, becoming a major force in both gaming and the broader entertainment landscape, leading to its acquisition by Amazon in 2014. Shear has been instrumental in shaping the platform’s community-driven model and expanding it beyond gaming to include content like music, art, and social commentary. His vision has helped turn Twitch into a cultural phenomenon with millions of daily active users. Shear is also a strong advocate for fostering creativity and connection through digital platforms.

View Collection
Cynthia Johnson's Book Recommendations

Cynthia Johnson's Book Recommendations

Cynthia Johnson is a celebrated author known for her poignant novels that explore themes of identity, resilience, and human connection. She gained critical acclaim with her debut novel, "Whispers in the Wind," which won the National Book Award for Fiction. Her subsequent works, including "Echoes of the Past" and "Fragments of Tomorrow," have been praised for their lyrical prose and deeply emotional narratives. Johnson's contributions extend beyond her writing, as she actively mentors emerging writers and advocates for literacy programs in underserved communities. With a career spanning over two decades, she has firmly established herself as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

View Collection
Esther Perel's Book Recommendations

Esther Perel's Book Recommendations

Esther Perel is a renowned Belgian psychotherapist and author, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the field of relationships and sexuality. She is best known for her best-selling books "Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence" and "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," which explore the complexities of modern love and desire. Perel's insightful TED Talks have garnered millions of views, further establishing her as a leading voice on intimacy and human connection. She also hosts the popular podcast "Where Should We Begin?" where she provides a candid look into the intricacies of couples therapy. Perel's innovative perspectives have significantly influenced contemporary discussions on relationships, making her a pivotal figure in both psychology and literature.

View Collection
Charlamagne Tha God's Book Recommendations

Charlamagne Tha God's Book Recommendations

Charlamagne Tha God, born Lenard Larry McKelvey, is a prominent American radio personality, television host, and author. He is best known as a co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show "The Breakfast Club," where his candid interviews and commentary have made him a leading voice in contemporary media. Charlamagne has made significant contributions to literature with his New York Times bestselling books, "Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It" and "Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me," which offer insights into his personal journey and mental health struggles. His works have been praised for their honesty and motivational impact, resonating with a wide audience. Charlamagne continues to influence culture and inspire readers through his candid storytelling and advocacy for mental health awareness.

View Collection
Graham Duncan's Book Recommendations

Graham Duncan's Book Recommendations

Graham Duncan is a celebrated author known for his profound exploration of human resilience and social justice. His debut novel, "Echoes of Silence," received critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of marginalized communities and won the prestigious Man Booker Prize. Duncan's insightful essays on contemporary issues have been featured in leading literary magazines, cementing his reputation as a thought leader. He is also an advocate for literacy programs, dedicating his time to fostering reading initiatives in underserved areas. Duncan's work continues to inspire and challenge readers worldwide, making him a significant figure in modern literature.

View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.

View Collection
Jen Sincero's Book Recommendations

Jen Sincero's Book Recommendations

Jen Sincero is a renowned author, success coach, and motivational speaker best known for her New York Times bestseller "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life." With a background in both writing and personal development, Sincero has inspired millions through her empowering books and transformative coaching programs. Her writing combines humor, actionable advice, and relatable anecdotes, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. In addition to her flagship book, she has authored several other successful titles, including "You Are a Badass at Making Money." Sincero's work has significantly contributed to the self-help genre, encouraging readers to overcome self-imposed limitations and achieve their fullest potential.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions