Valerie Polunas walks into conflict like it’s a room she already rearranged. In this episode of 50 Tastes of Gray, she unpacks the quiet mechanics of tension — why we avoid it, how we disguise it, and the subtle ways conflict becomes part of our identity.
We talk about the stories we inherit, the emotional weather systems we carry, and the cultural scripts that tell us to stay “unbothered” even when we’re anything but. Valerie brings humor, clarity, and a deep sense of humanity to the conversation, turning conflict into something textured, navigable, and strangely comforting.
If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” while your whole body disagreed, this episode will feel like someone finally naming the thing you’ve been carrying.
#ValeriePolunas #ConflictResolution #50tastesofgray
CHAPTERS
00:00 Unveiling Personal Stories in Business
02:44 Understanding Conflict Resolution
10:23 Navigating Communication Challenges
14:47 The Emotional Cost of Conflict Resolution
24:53 The Philosophy of Argumentation
27:08 Metaphors in Conflict Resolution
30:18 Bridging Divides in Difficult Conversations
34:14 The Role of Music in Stress Relief
37:04 Turning the Tables: A Personal Reflection
40:46 The Impact of AI on Business Dynamics
About Valerie: Valerie Polunas is a conflict listener, cultural interpreter, and founder of Flowing River Conflict Solutions. She approaches conflict like a living current — something to understand, not fix.
Valerie Polunas Contact Info:
Email: vpolunas@flowingrivercs.com
Call: +1.216.202.4886
Book a Meeting: https://calendar.app.google/q265oYFyfFA16XWs6
Learn More: www.flowingrivercs.com
Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-polunas/
ABOUT 50 TASTES OF GRAY
Hosted by Matthew, 50 Tastes Of Gray is a show about food, memory, identity, and the emotional cost of living fully. Each episode blends humor, intimacy, and storytelling with guests who bring their whole selves to the table.
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