Rob, Empathy Activist, Author
@empathyactivist.bsky.social
Improving communication and positive outcomes through empathy. Author of award-winning Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time
I’m Naughty #3 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List:
I lost my cool.
Empathy isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, accountability, and repair.
Happy Holidays!
I lost my cool.
Empathy isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, accountability, and repair.
Happy Holidays!
December 25, 2025 at 10:34 PM
I’m Naughty #3 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List:
I lost my cool.
Empathy isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, accountability, and repair.
Happy Holidays!
I lost my cool.
Empathy isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, accountability, and repair.
Happy Holidays!
Nice #4 on my Naughty & Nice List:
People pushing for healthier, more humane relationships with tech especially as AI and social media reshape how we connect.
Empathy means boundaries in design and use.
@pivotpod.bsky.social @karaswisher.bsky.social @profgalloway.com @jonathanhaidt.bsky.social
People pushing for healthier, more humane relationships with tech especially as AI and social media reshape how we connect.
Empathy means boundaries in design and use.
@pivotpod.bsky.social @karaswisher.bsky.social @profgalloway.com @jonathanhaidt.bsky.social
December 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Nice #4 on my Naughty & Nice List:
People pushing for healthier, more humane relationships with tech especially as AI and social media reshape how we connect.
Empathy means boundaries in design and use.
@pivotpod.bsky.social @karaswisher.bsky.social @profgalloway.com @jonathanhaidt.bsky.social
People pushing for healthier, more humane relationships with tech especially as AI and social media reshape how we connect.
Empathy means boundaries in design and use.
@pivotpod.bsky.social @karaswisher.bsky.social @profgalloway.com @jonathanhaidt.bsky.social
Naughty #4 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List:
Corporations cutting DEI without listening, acknowledging impact, or naming who would be hurt.
The issue wasn’t change — it was the absence of empathy in how it was handled.
Just look at Target and Costco…
Corporations cutting DEI without listening, acknowledging impact, or naming who would be hurt.
The issue wasn’t change — it was the absence of empathy in how it was handled.
Just look at Target and Costco…
December 24, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Naughty #4 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List:
Corporations cutting DEI without listening, acknowledging impact, or naming who would be hurt.
The issue wasn’t change — it was the absence of empathy in how it was handled.
Just look at Target and Costco…
Corporations cutting DEI without listening, acknowledging impact, or naming who would be hurt.
The issue wasn’t change — it was the absence of empathy in how it was handled.
Just look at Target and Costco…
Nice #5 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List:
The View reminds us that empathy doesn’t require agreement. it requires respect and a willingness to stay human with each other.
The Ladies of The View nail it.
@theviewabc.bsky.social
The View reminds us that empathy doesn’t require agreement. it requires respect and a willingness to stay human with each other.
The Ladies of The View nail it.
@theviewabc.bsky.social
December 23, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Nice #5 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List:
The View reminds us that empathy doesn’t require agreement. it requires respect and a willingness to stay human with each other.
The Ladies of The View nail it.
@theviewabc.bsky.social
The View reminds us that empathy doesn’t require agreement. it requires respect and a willingness to stay human with each other.
The Ladies of The View nail it.
@theviewabc.bsky.social
Empathy isn’t toxic.
Losing curiosity or refusing to see others as human is.
Empathy doesn’t mean agreement. It means understanding.
Naughty No. 5 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List.
Losing curiosity or refusing to see others as human is.
Empathy doesn’t mean agreement. It means understanding.
Naughty No. 5 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List.
December 23, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Empathy isn’t toxic.
Losing curiosity or refusing to see others as human is.
Empathy doesn’t mean agreement. It means understanding.
Naughty No. 5 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List.
Losing curiosity or refusing to see others as human is.
Empathy doesn’t mean agreement. It means understanding.
Naughty No. 5 on my 2025 Empathy Naughty & Nice List.
USPS Priority 7-Day service…
Dropped off a dozen packages of holiday cookies for friends and family last night (12/19). Used the 2-day packaging and paid for the service.
USPS says they won’t arrive till the 26th!!!
Anyone else running into this?
Dropped off a dozen packages of holiday cookies for friends and family last night (12/19). Used the 2-day packaging and paid for the service.
USPS says they won’t arrive till the 26th!!!
Anyone else running into this?
December 20, 2025 at 5:24 PM
USPS Priority 7-Day service…
Dropped off a dozen packages of holiday cookies for friends and family last night (12/19). Used the 2-day packaging and paid for the service.
USPS says they won’t arrive till the 26th!!!
Anyone else running into this?
Dropped off a dozen packages of holiday cookies for friends and family last night (12/19). Used the 2-day packaging and paid for the service.
USPS says they won’t arrive till the 26th!!!
Anyone else running into this?
Not everyone is having the same holiday.
For some, this season brings joy and connection.
For others, it can bring grief, stress, or loneliness.
A little empathy can make a real difference.
Try kindness and check in with those who may be struggling
For some, this season brings joy and connection.
For others, it can bring grief, stress, or loneliness.
A little empathy can make a real difference.
Try kindness and check in with those who may be struggling
December 19, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Not everyone is having the same holiday.
For some, this season brings joy and connection.
For others, it can bring grief, stress, or loneliness.
A little empathy can make a real difference.
Try kindness and check in with those who may be struggling
For some, this season brings joy and connection.
For others, it can bring grief, stress, or loneliness.
A little empathy can make a real difference.
Try kindness and check in with those who may be struggling
Empathy isn’t limitless.
Watching someone accidentally stir mold into pancake batter taught me where kindness needs a boundary. I call it The Pancake Rule.
Where do you draw the line between being polite and speaking up? A
Watching someone accidentally stir mold into pancake batter taught me where kindness needs a boundary. I call it The Pancake Rule.
Where do you draw the line between being polite and speaking up? A
December 17, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Empathy isn’t limitless.
Watching someone accidentally stir mold into pancake batter taught me where kindness needs a boundary. I call it The Pancake Rule.
Where do you draw the line between being polite and speaking up? A
Watching someone accidentally stir mold into pancake batter taught me where kindness needs a boundary. I call it The Pancake Rule.
Where do you draw the line between being polite and speaking up? A
The contrast between empathy and cruelty have never been more clear.
December 16, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The contrast between empathy and cruelty have never been more clear.
The holiday table isn’t just where we eat. It’s where we tell stories.
Every dish carries identity, memory, and belonging.
When we get curious about the story behind the food, judgment gives way to empathy.
What story does your favorite holiday dish tell?
youtube.com/shorts/6KjKc...
Every dish carries identity, memory, and belonging.
When we get curious about the story behind the food, judgment gives way to empathy.
What story does your favorite holiday dish tell?
youtube.com/shorts/6KjKc...
Every Holiday Table Tells a Story - Holiday Empathy in 60 Seconds
YouTube video by Empathy Activist Rob Volpe
youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:12 AM
The holiday table isn’t just where we eat. It’s where we tell stories.
Every dish carries identity, memory, and belonging.
When we get curious about the story behind the food, judgment gives way to empathy.
What story does your favorite holiday dish tell?
youtube.com/shorts/6KjKc...
Every dish carries identity, memory, and belonging.
When we get curious about the story behind the food, judgment gives way to empathy.
What story does your favorite holiday dish tell?
youtube.com/shorts/6KjKc...
You’re allowed to decline a holiday dish and still be kind.
A simple script:
“That looks wonderful — I’m pacing myself tonight.
Where’s the recipe from?”
Empathy + boundaries is a powerful combination.
What dish do you gently avoid each year?
youtube.com/shorts/dDj-J...
A simple script:
“That looks wonderful — I’m pacing myself tonight.
Where’s the recipe from?”
Empathy + boundaries is a powerful combination.
What dish do you gently avoid each year?
youtube.com/shorts/dDj-J...
A Kinder Way to Say No to Aunt Linda’s Rum Balls
YouTube video by Empathy Activist Rob Volpe
youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:02 AM
You’re allowed to decline a holiday dish and still be kind.
A simple script:
“That looks wonderful — I’m pacing myself tonight.
Where’s the recipe from?”
Empathy + boundaries is a powerful combination.
What dish do you gently avoid each year?
youtube.com/shorts/dDj-J...
A simple script:
“That looks wonderful — I’m pacing myself tonight.
Where’s the recipe from?”
Empathy + boundaries is a powerful combination.
What dish do you gently avoid each year?
youtube.com/shorts/dDj-J...
Holiday fights usually aren’t about food at all — they’re about the meaning we attach to it.
A recipe is someone’s identity, their history, their sense of belonging.
Asking “What does this dish mean to you?” opens the door to connection instead of conflict.
youtube.com/shorts/8jycK...
A recipe is someone’s identity, their history, their sense of belonging.
Asking “What does this dish mean to you?” opens the door to connection instead of conflict.
youtube.com/shorts/8jycK...
Holiday Fights Aren't About Food...
YouTube video by Empathy Activist Rob Volpe
youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Holiday fights usually aren’t about food at all — they’re about the meaning we attach to it.
A recipe is someone’s identity, their history, their sense of belonging.
Asking “What does this dish mean to you?” opens the door to connection instead of conflict.
youtube.com/shorts/8jycK...
A recipe is someone’s identity, their history, their sense of belonging.
Asking “What does this dish mean to you?” opens the door to connection instead of conflict.
youtube.com/shorts/8jycK...
Reposted by Rob, Empathy Activist, Author
Voila! Lemon Almond Pavlova
It’s really not that hard, just requires some patience with the meringue.
And where did I get the platter? It’s from the home collection Nigella has a while back. I only have a few pieces and the mezzanine but I ❤️❤️❤️ it all
Recipe from @nigella.bsky.social Simply Nigella
It’s really not that hard, just requires some patience with the meringue.
And where did I get the platter? It’s from the home collection Nigella has a while back. I only have a few pieces and the mezzanine but I ❤️❤️❤️ it all
Recipe from @nigella.bsky.social Simply Nigella
November 28, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Voila! Lemon Almond Pavlova
It’s really not that hard, just requires some patience with the meringue.
And where did I get the platter? It’s from the home collection Nigella has a while back. I only have a few pieces and the mezzanine but I ❤️❤️❤️ it all
Recipe from @nigella.bsky.social Simply Nigella
It’s really not that hard, just requires some patience with the meringue.
And where did I get the platter? It’s from the home collection Nigella has a while back. I only have a few pieces and the mezzanine but I ❤️❤️❤️ it all
Recipe from @nigella.bsky.social Simply Nigella
Making dessert first!
Meringue base is ready.
@nigella.bsky.social Lemon Almond Pavlova on it’s way!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Meringue base is ready.
@nigella.bsky.social Lemon Almond Pavlova on it’s way!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
November 27, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Making dessert first!
Meringue base is ready.
@nigella.bsky.social Lemon Almond Pavlova on it’s way!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Meringue base is ready.
@nigella.bsky.social Lemon Almond Pavlova on it’s way!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Chicken soup started on the stove.
November 26, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Chicken soup started on the stove.
Happy day!
Scanning the channels for something to watch, thinking I’d find another showing of Independence Day to have on in the background while working.
Much to my delight, I found a marathon of @nigella.bsky.social Cook, Eat, Repeat on @tastemade.bsky.social
❤️❤️❤️
Scanning the channels for something to watch, thinking I’d find another showing of Independence Day to have on in the background while working.
Much to my delight, I found a marathon of @nigella.bsky.social Cook, Eat, Repeat on @tastemade.bsky.social
❤️❤️❤️
November 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Happy day!
Scanning the channels for something to watch, thinking I’d find another showing of Independence Day to have on in the background while working.
Much to my delight, I found a marathon of @nigella.bsky.social Cook, Eat, Repeat on @tastemade.bsky.social
❤️❤️❤️
Scanning the channels for something to watch, thinking I’d find another showing of Independence Day to have on in the background while working.
Much to my delight, I found a marathon of @nigella.bsky.social Cook, Eat, Repeat on @tastemade.bsky.social
❤️❤️❤️
Did not have this one on my Friday night bingo card. Did you?
#mtgresigns #magabuhbye @chrislhayes.bsky.social @allinwithchris.bsky.social
#mtgresigns #magabuhbye @chrislhayes.bsky.social @allinwithchris.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Did not have this one on my Friday night bingo card. Did you?
#mtgresigns #magabuhbye @chrislhayes.bsky.social @allinwithchris.bsky.social
#mtgresigns #magabuhbye @chrislhayes.bsky.social @allinwithchris.bsky.social
Reposted by Rob, Empathy Activist, Author
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, we remember the bright and courageous trans people whose lives were stolen by hatred. Their absence is felt across our city.
We will honor them by building a New York where every trans person can live safely, fully and freely.
We will honor them by building a New York where every trans person can live safely, fully and freely.
November 20, 2025 at 4:57 PM
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, we remember the bright and courageous trans people whose lives were stolen by hatred. Their absence is felt across our city.
We will honor them by building a New York where every trans person can live safely, fully and freely.
We will honor them by building a New York where every trans person can live safely, fully and freely.
November 21, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Reposted by Rob, Empathy Activist, Author
For this week's #ThursdayFilmRec 🗃️🎥🍿🎬 #HATM
Watch (or Rewatch) one of my favorite films: "Broadcast News" (1987) - Dir. James L. Brooks
Fantastic performances by Holly Hunter, William Hurt, & Albert Brooks.
And, this unforgettable scene featuring Joan Cusack. ⬇️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYCE...
Watch (or Rewatch) one of my favorite films: "Broadcast News" (1987) - Dir. James L. Brooks
Fantastic performances by Holly Hunter, William Hurt, & Albert Brooks.
And, this unforgettable scene featuring Joan Cusack. ⬇️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYCE...
Broadcast News - Tape Scene
YouTube video by Peter Ghosh
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:18 PM
For this week's #ThursdayFilmRec 🗃️🎥🍿🎬 #HATM
Watch (or Rewatch) one of my favorite films: "Broadcast News" (1987) - Dir. James L. Brooks
Fantastic performances by Holly Hunter, William Hurt, & Albert Brooks.
And, this unforgettable scene featuring Joan Cusack. ⬇️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYCE...
Watch (or Rewatch) one of my favorite films: "Broadcast News" (1987) - Dir. James L. Brooks
Fantastic performances by Holly Hunter, William Hurt, & Albert Brooks.
And, this unforgettable scene featuring Joan Cusack. ⬇️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYCE...
What if we've been afraid of the wrong things?
And what is the path out of them?
Don't miss the latest edition of RBTL, dropping in the morning!
Sign up now!
readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com/subscribe
And what is the path out of them?
Don't miss the latest edition of RBTL, dropping in the morning!
Sign up now!
readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Reading Between the Lines with Rob Volpe
"Reading Between the Lines" is designed to deliver of-the-moment insights into human behavior and empathy, drawn from the world of marketing research; practical and tactical tips on using the skill of...
readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:45 AM
What if we've been afraid of the wrong things?
And what is the path out of them?
Don't miss the latest edition of RBTL, dropping in the morning!
Sign up now!
readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com/subscribe
And what is the path out of them?
Don't miss the latest edition of RBTL, dropping in the morning!
Sign up now!
readingbetweenthelines.beehiiv.com/subscribe
The autocalls I’ve been getting telling me I’m approved for consumer loans have dropped from $150k offers down to today’s new low of $35k. I’d think they’d want to be going up to make it more enticing.
Anyone else noticing this?
Anyone else noticing this?
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The autocalls I’ve been getting telling me I’m approved for consumer loans have dropped from $150k offers down to today’s new low of $35k. I’d think they’d want to be going up to make it more enticing.
Anyone else noticing this?
Anyone else noticing this?
Will it flip over at midnight like the NYE ball drop??? Can’t wait to see!
@11thhourmsnbc.bsky.social @stephruhle.bsky.social
@brianstelter.bsky.social
@msnownews.bsky.social
@11thhourmsnbc.bsky.social @stephruhle.bsky.social
@brianstelter.bsky.social
@msnownews.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Will it flip over at midnight like the NYE ball drop??? Can’t wait to see!
@11thhourmsnbc.bsky.social @stephruhle.bsky.social
@brianstelter.bsky.social
@msnownews.bsky.social
@11thhourmsnbc.bsky.social @stephruhle.bsky.social
@brianstelter.bsky.social
@msnownews.bsky.social
Reposted by Rob, Empathy Activist, Author
And never discount your intuition. It is your third eye of knowledge. Something gives you that nudge and it is usually from the ether. Someone who loves you. 🪶💕
November 12, 2025 at 11:31 PM
And never discount your intuition. It is your third eye of knowledge. Something gives you that nudge and it is usually from the ether. Someone who loves you. 🪶💕