Episode Details

Rockne O’Leary talks with divorce mediator Joe Dillon, founder of Equitable Mediation Services, about a seven step negotiation framework designed to help people handle hard conversations more effectively. They break down how the Power Up Method applies not just to marriage, but to friendships, coworkers, family members, and boss conversations too.

Joe explains why so many arguments keep looping because the real issue never gets addressed, and he shares practical ways to move conversations toward resolution instead of escalation.

Key topics:

In this episode, Joe Dillon explains the Power Up Method, his seven step negotiation framework for relationships and conflict resolution.
He shares why many arguments come from an “I’ve decided” mindset, where one person assumes a decision was mutual when it really wasn’t.
The episode explores the most common conflict buckets in divorce and relationships: kids, spending styles, family decisions, jobs, and career choices.

Joe introduces detached engagement, a technique for staying mentally outside the conflict so you can ask better questions and keep your emotions in check.

He explains why “what” and “how” questions work better than “why” questions, which often put people on the defensive.
The conversation covers deep thinkers, verbal processors, and the “deer in headlights” shutdown response, and how each affects communication.

Joe outlines red flags in negotiation, including narcissism, ego, taking without giving, and bad faith bargaining.

He contrasts those with green flags like collaborative language, mutual problem solving, and a willingness to exchange value fairly.
Joe argues that the most important step is preparing the connection so the other person is actually available and receptive.
He shares a real example of using the framework at home to negotiate a $3,300 home gym purchase with his wife.

Key framework:
Prepare the connection
Outline your request
Weigh their perspective
Express your why
Reward with value
Use patience
Proceed accordingly

Sponsor:
The Vertigo Centre:
www.thevertigocentre.com

ROCKNE:
rockoleary.com
Momentous Discount Link:
https://crrnt.app/MOME/VxbnA-Bv
Discount Code: RockneO'Leary

Joe Dillion:
IG: @thejoedillon
https://thejoedillon.com/