In the last episode, the Proxy team asked me to mediate what they called a "cage match" between introverts and extroverts — and wow, did it spark conversation!
Now, in this bonus episode (offered to Proxy subscribers and YOU, my newsletter subscribers we take it a step further. I share what changes I've made to get along better with the introverts in my life and answer listener questions from the live chat.

Support "Emotional Journalism"
If you enjoy Proxy, please consider subscribing and supporting Yowei Shaw's incredible work in "emotional journalism."
Her storytelling brings humanity, humor, and heart to every episode — and this one is no exception.

What happens when introverts and extroverts form deep friendships?
In the newest episode of Proxy with award-winning host Yowei Shaw, I was the surprise guest joining a vibrant (and emotional!) discussion about what drives us crazy about each other — and what we secretly envy.

Together with Ryan Letts (they/them) and Aparna Nancherla, we explored the humor and heart that surface when opposites attract. By the end, there were more than a few tears as we uncovered how these relationships help us grow and understand ourselves better.

Yowei's thoughtful preparation and masterful editing reminded me why storytelling matters. She took a wide-ranging conversation and wove it into something meaningful.

1. Exploring Our Grievances
It started by naming what gets under our skin — from introverts needing space to extroverts craving engagement. The honesty and laughter in this exchange set the tone for everything that followed.

2. Why Introverts Ghost
Ever wonder why an introverted friend might disappear for a while? The discussion unpacked the myth of "ghosting" and reframed it as necessary solitude — a time to recharge, not reject.

3️⃣ When Extrovert Energy Is Too Much (or Just Right)
Sometimes an extrovert's enthusiasm can feel like a tidal wave. But when that energy is grounded in empathy, it becomes a bridge, not a barrier.

4️⃣ Introvert ↔ Extrovert Pet Peeves
We laughed about the quirks that drive each other crazy — the talker who fills every silence, the quiet friend who never picks up the phone — and recognized the small adjustments that make these friendships thrive. We had fun playing a buzzer game to spot our pet peeves.

5️⃣ Finding Validation in Friendships
Our conversation turned tender as we reflected on how friendship with our opposites can validate who we truly are. The episode closes on that emotional note — a reminder that we all need both to share what we truly appreciate about each other.

If you enjoy Proxy, please consider subscribing and supporting Yowei Shaw's incredible work in "emotional journalism."
Her storytelling brings humanity, humor, and heart to every episode — and this one is no exception.

Listen here: [Insert episode link]
Donate or subscribe: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ProxyPodcast
Explore her newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extrovert-and-140824660 — it's awesome and filled with useful insights!

In the season finale of Introvert Ally, Jennifer Kahnweiler welcomes back her favorite recurring guest—and husband—Dr. Bill Kahnweiler, to reflect on the standout themes from an especially rich and extended third season. With 14 insightful episodes featuring a wide array of introverted leaders and allies, Jennifer and Bill deeply dive into the key takeaways and personal reflections that emerged.

Bill, the self-proclaimed "resident introvert," listened to each episode and distilled five thoughtful themes that surfaced across conversations:

🔹 Push Outside Your Comfort Zone – Many guests shared how growth often required introverts to intentionally step out of their preferred solitude to be seen, heard, and valued at work.

🔹 Extroverts Have Needs Too – A call for mutual understanding: just as introverts need space and quiet, extroverts thrive on interaction and energy. Valuing differences means recognizing and respecting both.

🔹 Communicate Needs Clearly – Introverts can't assume their extroverted bosses or colleagues know what they need. Whether it's more time to process or space to reflect, saying it aloud matters.

🔹 Beware Negative Self-Talk – Many introverts internalize messages that something's "wrong" with them. Guests like Jennifer FitzPatrick and Carrie Wheeler reminded us to embrace introversion as a strength, not a flaw.

🔹 Break the Stereotypes – From introverts excelling in sales and networking (thanks, Andy Lopata!) to scientists being just as likely to be extroverted as not (Dr. Gwen Acton), guests consistently shattered outdated myths.

The episode is filled with warmth, candid stories, humor, and thoughtful moments—plus a few laughs about life and partnership in a household of one introvert and one extrovert.

Tune in for an engaging wrap-up to an inspiring season. And stay tuned—this may be the finale, but it's certainly not the end of the conversation.

Resource:

Shaping Your HR Role by William M. Kahnweiler, Ph.D. and Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D. Routledge,Taylor and Francis 2005 Dr. Bill Kahnweiler has accumulated more career pivots than the number of coffee mugs serious collectors possess. From high school peer counseling director to teaching in prisons, Fortune 10 HR exec to global consultant, and finally professor of human resource development at Georgia State University. His research focused on participative leadership, innovative career development, and helping organizations and people thrive at work. He taught everyone from undergrads to Ph.D. students about "the human aspects of work organizations"—aka why people are weird, annoying, and baffling at work and what we can do about it. His body of work includes over 90 articles and the book, "Shaping Your HR Role," co-authored with Jennifer B. Kahnweiler. Bill figured out early that the best teachers are curious students. He admits he probably learned more than his students did. His proudest achievement? Being crowned "Funniest Professor Ever" by the hundreds who "endured" his classes. He also discovered higher education's rarely acknowledged truth: it exists primarily to employ the otherwise unemployable—a category in which he cheerfully includes himself.