Episode 9: The Art of an Effective Apology

04.18.25 | Skills | 58 min

We learn how to say “I’m sorry” at a young age - but do we really know how to apologize effectively? Too often, apologies focus on our intentions rather than the impact of our actions, leaving the other person feeling unheard or invalidated. In this episode, we break down the psychology of effective apologies using Adams-Clark and colleagues’ (2022) I'M SORRY framework. We explore the common mistakes people make when apologizing, what gets in the way of a genuine apology, and how to know when an apology is (or isn’t) warranted.

With practical strategies rooted in behavioral science, we’ll help you move beyond defensiveness and guilt to repair relationships with honesty, accountability, and care. Whether you're trying to mend a relationship or feel frustrated by past apologies that fell flat, this episode will give you the tools to apologize in a way that actually matters.

Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media.