Do you ever feel like you're a spectator in your own life – watching things happen rather than getting in the driver’s seat and making them happen?  If so, today’s guest is encouraging you to become the latter.  Cathy Heller, renowned teacher, podcaster, and author discusses with us how her belief in how each of us has the power to manifest our best life, magical examples she’s experienced first hand, and excerpts from her latest book,  “Abundant Ever After: Tools for Creating a Life of Prosperity and Ease,” available now for pre-order and released on December 3, 2024. Guest’s Website:  Home - Cathy Heller Book:  Abundant Ever After by Cathy Heller - the book TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you practiced manifestation in the past?  Or do you find yourself skeptical, but curious? Are you someone who relates more to the magic involved in good happening or the practicality of how it works? Are there things or events in your life that you believe you manifested into existence in the past? Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com  and find her work journal at Work Journal — Kristy Olinger.  

In the second installment of, The Opposite of Small Talk’s Coaches Corner, a new monthly mini segment, which explores topics through a coach’s lens, centers around the topic of group coaching. This week’s guest coach, Kerry Dobson, a respected group coaching expert sits down with Danielle for the discussion.  Guest’s Website:  JJ Dak Inc. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.   

Contrary to the opening of the 1968 song by Harry Nilson, one is NOT the loneliest number, especially for those who are thriving in single life, like today’s guest, Bella DePaulo, PhD, social scientist, psychologist, researcher, and author of “Single at Heart.” She suggests that for her and many others, single is arguably the most authentic and fulfilling way to live.  We speak to Dr. DePaulo about her own experiences, thoughts and take-aways from her book, as well as the affirming encouragement she offers to those who are happily single. Guest’s Website:  Home - Bella DePaulo TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Are you or someone you know single at heart?   Have you ever done activities such as a concert or dinner solo?  What was your experience?  If not, would you be more apt to try it now? What are some misconceptions you or someone close to you has had about single life?  Have your perspective or views on being single changed following this episode?  Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com  and find her work journal at Work Journal — Kristy Olinger.  

In this #askmeanything episode, Kristy answers YOUR questions received in Instagram DMs and from participants of her team training program Communication Accelerator. Today's episode covers: How to motivate others How to handle a co-worker who is too assertive when you are not assertive Improving accountability Speaking to deliver an idea fully, without overwhelming the other person with too much information   For more workplace communication tips, follow Kristy on Instagram @ko.communication    

Do you find that the work you do gives you a sense of purpose or that your contributions as an employee are important to a cause bigger than yourself?  This week’s guest, Moe Carrick, author, podcast host, and CEO of the workplace culture consultancy, Momentum, Inc. views work as a human need.  Moe brings her wealth of knowledge, and decades of experience in the study of workplace culture to our spirited discussion on the topic of Why Work Matters.   Guest’s Website:  JMoementum, Inc. | Making organizations fit for human life.   TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. What are your conditions to thrive in a workplace?  Are they being met at your current job, why or why not? Have you had to have a courageous conversation at work about your needs or the needs of a colleague as an employee or employer?  If so, how did your employer react? Do you believe in the work that you do?  Or do you see work as a means to an end?   Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com  and find her work journal at Work Journal — Kristy Olinger.

In this episode of The Opposite of Small Talk, Danielle introduces Coaches Corner's, a new monthly segment, which explores topics through a coaches lense.  The inaugural guest is Julie Hess, author, executive coach, coaching supervisor and educator. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Guest’s Website:  Catalyst Consulting – Catalyst Consulting & Coaching (catalystresults.com)

The Opposite of Small Talk Live (October 19th!):  Live Podcast Event — The Opposite of Small Talk Podcast We have reached peak election season in the United States and many of us are feeling the burnout from political discussions (arguments) and want to be able to genuinely connect with people, even those we disagree with. If you are feeling the election fatigue and struggling with what feels like a very divided world, this episode is for you. Today’s guest, Justin Jones-Fosu, author, highly sought-after business speaker, social entrepreneur, and meaningful work researcher provides us with some truly thought provoking, uplifting, useful advice on the topic of How to Respectfully Disagree in a Divided World.    Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com  and find her work journal at Work Journal — Kristy Olinger. Guest’s Book:  Justin Jones-Fosu: I Respectfully Disagree (howtorespectfullydisagree.com)   TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you chosen to take the exit on someone in the past because of your differences?  How would you or will you do things differently now with that person? After this episode, is there someone you would like to delve into the gray with? Is there a person or persons in your life who you have been able to have a respectful disagreement with?      

LIVE EVENT Oct 19th in BOSTON - LEARN MORE AND REGISTER   According to Bill Gates, "We all need people who will give us feedback. That's how we improve." But what do you wo when you ask for critical feedback and only ever receive praise? In this episode, Kristy shares 3 tips for how to get better feedback.    Follow us on Instagram @theoppositeofsmalltalk  

LIVE EVENT IN BOSTON - OCT 19th - LEARN MORE AND REGISTER As we enter the season of fall, it seems appropriate for us to discuss ghosts, but not the type of “ghosts” most people would think of at Halloween, today’s guest helps other authors write their stories as a ghostwriter. Kate Manley, author, coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host, joins us for a discussion on the topic, Writing Your Way Through Life.  Kate encourages us to consider all forms of writing as a powerful way of expressing our thoughts throughout our life experiences. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com  and find her work journal at Work Journal — Kristy Olinger. The Opposite of Small Talk Live (October 19th!):  Live Podcast Event — The Opposite of Small Talk Podcast Guest’s Website:  Kate Hanley - Author, Podcast Host, Writer, Ghostwriter, and Coach TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you ever or have you ever considered writing your own story or your own thoughts down before?  If you have, how did it feel once you’d done it? Were you familiar with the term ghostwriter, prior to this episode? Did you consider other forms of writing, i.e. journaling, list making, note taking to be “real” writing?  Do you have a different perspective on writing following this episode?  

LIVE EVENT IN BOSTON - OCT 19th - LEARN MORE AND REGISTER Most of us have experienced a significant amount of high stakes and low stakes negotiation in our personal lives, even when we don’t realize it.  Whether it is negotiating the terms of a contract with a client, negotiating bedtime with a child, or negotiating a better deal at the car dealership it can feel daunting.  Today’s guest, Fotini Iconomopoulos, best selling author of, “Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want,” Fortune 50 advisor, coach, and speaker, brings her decades of impressive corporate experience and a ton of real world applicable advice to our conversation on the topic of Effective Negotiation.     Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com     The Opposite of Small Talk Live:  Live Podcast Event — The Opposite of Small Talk Podcast Kristy’s Work Journal:  Work Journal — Kristy Olinger Guest’s Website:  Home - Fotini (fotiniicon.com) Quiz:  What's Your Negotiation Style Quiz - Fotini (fotiniicon.com) TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. What has been the most difficult experience you’ve had with negotiation?  What has been the most rewarding?  Have you found yourself preparing for a negotiation beforehand?  Follow this conversation will you be more likely to psych yourself up and prepare ahead? What lessons or advice did you find most helpful from this episode’s guest?  

Ask yourself these questions:  First, what's something in your life, right now, that you've been avoiding or delaying due to fear?  Second question, If you knew you couldn't fail, what would you do?   Today’s guest, Collin Henderson, author, Fortune 500 speaker, and highly respected coach, asks his own clients these questions regularly. He joins us on our latest episode, to discuss the topic of Nurturing a Growth Mindset.  During our conversation, Collin offers some advice and tools he’s learned through his work on himself; as a father of five children; and as a coach to clients including professional athletes.  He also shares helpful insight into how it’s never too early to start supporting children in building their own self confidence and self image and how it’s never too late for adults to do the work on themselves and rebuild or strengthen their own sense of self personally and professionally. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com   Kristy’s Work Journal:  Work Journal — Kristy Olinger Guest’s Website:  MASTER YOUR MINDSET (thecollinhenderson.com) TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Overall do you find your own self talk to be mostly positive, negative, or somewhere in between? Is there an experience growing up where you felt particularly supported by yourself or someone else in putting effort toward achieving a goal?  Do you think your current focus or mindset is helping or hindering you in achieving what you want?  

How many Mondays have you lived, how many Mondays do you have left?  It may be a provocative or even unsettling question for some, but today’s guest looks at it more as motivation over morbidity.  We speak to Jodi Wellman, author of the book, “You Only Die Once, How to Make it to the End with No Regrets,” on the topic of Making Friends with the Grim Reaper.  She discusses how taking inventory of her mother’s personal items, following her death, was a catalyst for writing her book as well as for her general outlook on life.  During the episode Jodi explains how facing the inevitability of death can really help us to live in the here and now and accomplish our goals. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com   Kristy’s Work Journal:  Work Journal — Kristy Olinger Guest’s Website and Book Information:  Home | Four Thousand Mondays TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Following this episode, will you “count your Mondays?”   Are you really present in your life currently or do you find yourself more stuck in the routine? If you sat quietly right now, like Jodi mentioned during the episode, what are some of the unfinished things you still want to accomplish?     

Most people are familiar with the saying, “actions speak louder than words.”  This week’s guest explains how your actions, facial expressions, and even the tone of your voice can communicate a lot about you to your colleagues, clients, friends, and acquaintances.  Blake Eastman speaks to us on the topic of Nonverbal Communication and its important role in both professional and personal life.  He emphasizes the importance of context in this essential form of communication; clears up some misconceptions related to the topic; and explains how video and audio playback are vital to his work. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com   Kristy’s Work Journal:  Work Journal — Kristy Olinger Guest’s Website:  Nonverbal Group - Behavioral Research and Education   TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you ever or would you consider recording yourself before a presentation, meeting or other work engagement in order to see how others see you? Was there something you heard in this episode that surprised you in terms of your communication style? Do you use or would you be open to using a journal or writing down your immediate thoughts following a professional engagement?  

As human beings we have many unique ways of communicating with one another including sharing some of our most personal thoughts, which when verbalized or written down can give others a deeper insight into who we are inside.  This week’s guest has learned, first-hand, and now teaches others that storytelling can be a powerful tool that each of us possesses, whether we know it yet or not.  Katherine Kennedy, a teacher, storytelling coach and author of the book, Speaking to What Matters: My story of learning how to share what’s inside, released in fall 2023, discusses with us the topic of The Act of Storytelling.  Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s Bio:  TED Talk, Speech Coach, Storytelling (katherinekennedysf.com) Guest’s book:  Amazon.com: Katherine Kennedy: books, biography, latest update TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you ever sat down and shared your story with someone else or had someone share their personal story with you?  If so, what changed following that experience? Is there someone in your life that immediately comes to mind who you’d be comfortable storytelling with? Are you someone who would consider telling your story in public or would you prefer to write it down? Have you ever asked a parent, grandparent, or relative to share their story with you?  If not, following this episode, would you now consider it in order to potentially strengthen that bond?  

It could be argued that at no other time in history has there been more external distractions in the average person’s daily life than there are today.  This week’s guest Nir Eyal, bestselling author, teacher, consultant, and lecturer, discusses his book, “Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life” as well as the topic of Traction vs. Distraction.  During our discussion Nir stresses the importance of the four strategies or principles that can help us break away from distraction, how to identify what it is we want to gain traction on in our own lives, the distractions getting in the way of this, and the internal and external triggers that may be bringing on those distractions.  Finally, he shares how making pacts with ourselves can be a powerful tool in taking that final step toward choosing your life. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s Bio:  Nir Eyal Official Site: Articles, Videos, and Newsletter (nirandfar.com)  Guest’s book:  Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life (nirandfar.com)  

To commemorate Juneteenth, we are rebroadcasting an episode that originally aired in December of 2021.   In this episode Danielle and Kristy talk with Janese Murray, a thought leader in the field of diversity and inclusion, about race in the United States. We touch on critical race theory; what it is, what it isn’t, and what you can do about it. We talk about why laws are important but not enough, and how personal stories can make big impacts in the hearts and minds of individuals. The outlook is optimistic, some days… but culture change is a long game and it can be tough to know if it's going well. Ironically, resistance can be a signal that we're on the right track.   Connect with us on Instagram: @theoppositeofsmalltalk

The month of June is upon us and with it brings many rites of passage including graduation season.  This episode is especially timely for new grads; anyone who may be looking to make a change in their career path; or even for someone who loves their current job and isn’t ashamed to admit it.  This week’s guest, Erika Ayers Badan, the first CEO of Barstool Sports and current CEO of Food52, as well as author of the new book, “Nobody Cares About Your Career,” available on June 11th, speaks to us on the topic of Career Fulfillment and Success.  She discusses how she embraces being a self described, career “nerd” who loves to work; explains how things like taking risks or experiencing failures, on your career path, can lead to growth and success; and offers some advice on navigating some of the more difficult and tricky things that come with a career – like the do’s and don'ts of socializing with coworkers or clients outside of work. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s Bio:  Introducing Food52's New CEO  Guest’s book:  Nobody Cares About Your Career (macmillan.com)  (Available June 11, 2024)   TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Are you or have you ever been a “career nerd” like Erika and Kristy? What kinds of failures or struggles have you faced in your career that you think have helped you to grow? Have you ever chosen a career because of someone else’s influence or to gain the approval or praise of someone else?  

There are multiple good reasons to be funny at work; it’s proven to release stress, it inspires and motivates teams (according to research), and it’s well… fun. Listen to this episode to learn about different kinds of humor to start using at work and what to avoid.   WORK JOURNAL: Build a reflection habit that turns every interaction into an opportunity for growth. Find it >   Do you have a workplace communication question? Send Kristy a DM on Instagram @KO.Communication

Have you ever heard the saying, be your own biggest fan?  That type of self confidence and assurance can be attainable according to our latest guest.  In this episode, we discuss the topic of Gravitas: Living a Life of Self Assurance with entrepreneur and author, Lisa Sun.  Lisa shared how we can learn a lot from the self-confidence displayed by 5 year olds; we discuss the eight types of confidence “superpowers” and Danielle and Kristy’s results from the superpower quiz; and examples of ways in which we can do the work and reflection needed to shift our mindset and come to our place of personal gravitas.   Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s website: ABOUT GRAVITAS (gravitasnewyork.com) Guest’s book:  Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence: Sun, Lisa: 9781401972530: Amazon.com: Books TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Is there a time in your life, so far, where you’ve felt the most self-confident? Do you feel more or less confident than you felt 10 years ago? Do you feel less confident in a room full of strangers or a room full of friends?  Why? Are your closest friends, ones that you share values or demographics with?  

In this episode of The Opposite of Small Talk, Danielle shares her experience of attending an Improv class. She provides ways that improv skills are put to use in real life. 

Domestic and interpersonal violence do not discriminate and can happen to people from all walks of life.  In this episode, we have a Discussion on Domestic and Interpersonal Violence with our guest, Jennifer Peterkin.  Jennifer helps us to understand the difficulties of recognizing and exiting a violent relationship as well as some of the harmful stereotypes and expectations society has pushed in regards to domestic and interpersonal violence.  We also discuss ways you can support a loved one or friend who you believe to be in this type of toxic relationship, while also protecting your own mental, emotional, and physical health. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic or interpersonal violence there are resources available.  Visit Domestic Violence (justice.gov) for more information and resources. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s podcast: The Human Experience (thehxpod.com)   TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Did you know much about the topic of domestic and interpersonal violence prior to this episode? Do you recognize in your own life or someone close to you a relationship that may be toxic? In what ways do you try to actively listen and support your friends or loved ones?  Following this episode are their techniques you learned that may help you to be more supportive?  

What do you do with those few minutes after you've joined a meeting when some people have arrived, but not everyone is there yet so the meeting can't get started? Do you turn to your email inbox? Do you sit in awkward silence? Or do you initiate conversation with the group? In this episode Kristy shares the secret that will make it easier to connect with your colleagues and build rapport quickly during that weird pre-meeting phase.     Visit: kristyolinger.com to learn how Kristy can help you and your team with workplace communication skill building.  

Have you ever felt like you are your own “worst enemy” or that you just can’t seem to get out of your own way personally or professionally?  This may be what this week’s guest would refer to as an “upper limit” problem.  In this episode, we speak to Gay Hendricks on the topic of Overcoming Upper Limits and Self-Sabotage.  Gay shares his own personal struggles, how he came to recognize patterns of self-sabotage, and some of the techniques he uses to help others break through sabotaging behaviors to achieve liberation in their daily lives.   Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.    Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com   Guest’s website:  Home - Hendricks Institute Guest’s books:  Amazon.com: Gay Hendricks: books, biography, latest update TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. After listening to this week’s guest, do you think you’ve experienced upper limits or self-sabotage?  Is there a clear pattern on how or when you’ve done this in the past? What do you most love to do? What do you think some of your biggest contributions to the world might be?  

In this special TOOST episode we had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Dr. Yanique Redwood, author, speaker, and facilitator, and Kate Schatz, now a three-time TOOST podcast guest, following an experimental event they held in Fall 2023 in Oakland, CA, with the goal of centering black female voices and experiences as well as a book talk on Dr. Redwood’s book, White Women Cry and Call Me Angry, moderated by Kate.  We delve deeper into that experience, what takeaways came out of this event, and the further work that needs to be done to create safe spaces particularly for black women and women of color sharing their experiences. Dr. Yanique Redwood’s website   Kate Schatz’s website Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Would you attend an experimental event like the one described by Dr. Redwood and Kate? Do you find yourself listening more to people who share experiences different than your own?  Or do you find it hard to listen without interjecting your own experience? What are some ways you try to create a safe space for others?  After this episode, are you more committed to safe spaces?  

In this episode Kristy is interviewed with Lisa Gillette of Big Sky Coaching on her podcast Grace, Grit, and Getting it Done! Kristy shares her experience of struggling with workplace communication as a mid-career professional how she learned to be more prepared to speak up at work.   https://gracegritgettingitdone.com/  

For most of us, at some point in our lives, we will come to a crossroads with a job or career, be it from burnout, finding it no longer brings us joy, or it doesn’t align with our values or goals. If or when we reach that crossroads, it may mean quitting or leaving that job or career behind. In this episode, we discuss with Amani Zaveri the topic of The Art of Quitting.  Amani shares with us some of the benefits of quitting, reasons or circumstances that may hold us back, and finally, she offers advice on how to gracefully quit without burning bridges. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com. TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you ever quit a job?  What were the circumstances that led you to that decision?    Did this episode resonate with you or make you think deeper about your current circumstances? What advice have you or would you offer a loved one or friend who is contemplating quitting a job? Were you or would you be supportive? Would you quit something without having a plan/next opportunity lined up?    

In this episode Danielle explores the real meaning of listening, the three types of listening and how to practice to be a better listener. 

It’s true, we’re not a one size fits all society, but individuals deemed as overweight, obese, or fat can face a rush to judgment and unfair treatment based solely on their larger body size.  Today’s guest Kate Manne discusses with us the topic of How to Face Fatphobia.  Kate shares with us some fascinating historical origins of the Body Mass Index (BMI); ways fat phobia shows up in areas of society including in medical treatment; and other relevant topics tackled in her book, released in January 2024, titled, Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia.    Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s book: Unshrinking by Kate Manne: 9780593593837 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books Guest’s website:  Kate Manne - ABOUT   TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you or someone close to you ever experienced fatphobia?  In what ways?  How did you or they respond to it?     Have you ever avoided medical care because of fear of judgment or bias? Did you ever find yourself trying a fad diet, exercise regime, or drug in order to lose weight?  How did you feel afterwards?  

This episode is for you if you’re overwhelmed with meetings and spending nights and weekends catching up on work that you couldn’t get to during the day. Learn practical steps to take today to get your work hours under control.    Work with Kristy: Learn more about workplace communication workshops and contsulting at www.kristyolinger.com  

Many of us associate the season of winter with hibernation and the need for extra rest.  Just as some animals and plants hibernate during winter – we too, as humans, need a dedicated period of time to rest and recharge.  So, what do you do when sleep doesn’t come as easily as it should?   This week we speak to Monica Le Baron on the topic of Sleep Simplified.  Monica shares how several experiences including a relocation impacted the quality of her own sleep, some easy beginners steps she recommends in her book by the same name, “Sleep Simplified:  Simple Tools to Reduce Anxiety, Finish the Stress Cycle, and Sleep Like a Queen,” and how yoga nidra, a form of guided meditation, has been a real game changer for her on her journey to good quality sleep. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s book: Sleep Simplified: Simple Tools to Reduce Anxiety, Finish the Stress Cycle, and Sleep like a Queen Guest's website:  MONICA LE BARON, LLC TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Has there been a time in your life, in which you recall having the best or worst quality sleep?   Had you heard of yoga nidra prior to this episode?  Would you try it or another form of meditation to help you sleep? Do you currently have a night and morning routine or specific bed time that you try to stick to?    

Just in time for “Galentine’s Day,” this special episode features author Rhaina Cohen on the topic of, The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center.  Her book, by the same name, was released today.  We discuss excerpts from the book, the unique friendship stories she’s found through her research; and how her own close friendship was the catalyst to her interest in this topic. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest’s new book:  The Other Significant Others (macmillan.com) TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Do you have a friendship that immediately comes to mind following this episode’s discussion? What lengths have you or would you go to for a friend?  What lengths has a friend gone to for you? Do you celebrate your closest friendships in a unique or special way (i.e. “Galentine’s Day” style)? Have you found it hard to balance a romantic relationship and close friendships in past situations?    

"The biggest problem in communication is the illusaion that it has taken place" according to George Bernard Shaw. In this episode, Kristy covers the communication cycle and the different blockers that can prevent your message from getting through to your intended recipient.    If your team is ready to upskill workplace communication to make work easier, learn more about workshops and team training programs at kristyolinger.com   For more workplace communication tips, follow Kristy on Instagram at @ko.communication

Many people tend to believe that professional success is measured by the amount of money in their bank account and that the harder they work the more successful they’ll become, but what happens when that type of “hustle harder” mentality leaves you burned out and disenchanted?  This week’s guest suggests there is an alternative that offers a balance between hard work and success.  Today we speak to Matt LeBris on the topic of “Mindful Hustling.”  Matt suggests, through his own experiences, that he’s learned over the years, how to apply mindfulness to his natural mentality to hustle for what he wants and how the challenges he was facing five years ago personally, pursuing therapy for the first time, as well as the launch of his podcast were catalysts for his own transformational shift.   Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest website: Matt Lebris – Award Winning Entrepreneur, Speaker, Podcast Host TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. What kind of reaction does the word “hustle” bring up for you? Would you consider yourself a curious person?  Are there certain subjects that spark more curiosity for you then others? Had you heard the term “mindful hustle” prior to this episode?  What are your thoughts on this concept?   

In this episode Danielle shares tips and ideas on how to stay authentic and true to yourself through all different stages of your career. By idenifying and reevealuating your core values, strengths and super powers throughout your life you can honor yourself at all stages of your career. 

When the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, each year, we often dedicate ourselves to resolutions or new habits, but what about dedicating ourselves to less burnout and more personal growth?  This week we speak to Kate Vanden Bos on the topic of the Soul Path Growth Cycle.  During our discussion Kate shares how through her work she encourages her clients to listen to their whole self – body, mind, and soul when facing burnout or looking for personal growth; she stresses the importance of balancing intuition and intellect; and we finish this insightful conversation with a deeper dive into the Soul Path Growth Cycle process. TOOST listeners can now get $100 off the Soul Path Growth Cycle by going to www.katevandenbos.com/growth.  Use code: DANIELLE at checkout.    Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest website: Kate Vanden Bos | Leading with Intuition TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Do you connect with the idea of needing to be in control or do it all? How often do you trust a colleague or loved one with a task that you would have otherwise completed yourself? Do you think you rely more on intuition, intellect, or an even balance of both, in your personal or professional life?  

REGISTER FOR THE 'CHOOSE YOUR LIFE' CHALLENGE - STARTING JAN 15 2024 Work shouldn't be this hard and it shouldn't be a barrier to living the life you want. In this episode, Kristy talks about why improving communication could be the key that unlocks a work life that is easier, more effective, and more enjoyable.    Follow Kristy on Instagram for more workplace communication tips.  

Register for the Choose Your Life Challenge - Use promo code LISTENER20 for a 20% discount! The new year is a great time to reflect on our personal goals and harness our strengths and emotions to reach them.  Today’s guest explains how even awkwardness, in social situations, can be a powerful tool to get where you want to go this new year.  In this episode we talk with Henna Pryor, a fellow University of Delaware alumna (go Fighting Blue Hens!), on the topic of Good Awkward.  During this entertaining and insightful discussion, Henna shares pieces from her book by the same name, “Good Awkward,”; discusses how awkwardness is unique from other emotions; and shares first-hand lessons she’s learned from her own awkward moments.      Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest website:  Henna Pryor – Speaker, Strategist, + Leadership & Performance Coach – Modern Keynote Speaking, Performance Optimization, and Executive Coaching for High Achievers (pryoritygroup.com) Order her book: Good Awkward. Confidence and courage, a better way. BUY NOW! – Henna Pryor – Speaker, Strategist, + Leadership & Performance Coach (pryoritygroup.com) TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Have you had an awkward moment in a social situation that stands out to you? Do you think you're more or less awkward than your friends or family? In the past have you tried to avoid awkwardness?  How did avoiding it work out for you?  

Register for the Choose Your Life Challenge - Use promo code LISTENER20 for a 20% discount! In this episode Kristy and Danielle review 2023; the themes, the milestones, and hopes for the future. Do you have an idea for a topic or guest? Contact Danielle and Kristy

In this episode of The Opposite of Small Talk, Danielle gives a quick talk about the importance of CELEBRATING! 

When the holiday season rolls around do you ever feel like singing, “deck the halls with stress and chaos?”  If so, you’re not alone, but there are solutions and in this episode we talk with Laura Vanderkam on the topic of Scheduling Intentionality.  We begin the conversation with Laura finding out what an average Tuesday looks like for her, we touch on the phenomenon of “revenge procrastination” particularly related to bedtime, we discuss how much free time we actually have available to us on an average day and the reflective work we can do through logging that time to maximize its potential.      Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com. TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Do you ever find yourself practicing “revenge procrastination” around bedtime? What are some productive ways that you spend your free time? What are some unproductive ways? Have you ever thought about logging your free time to reflect on it at a later date?  

If you don't have enough time to do your work because you're always in meetings, this episode is for you.  Kristy walks through a series of simple steps that will help you reclaim your time and break up with bad meeting using a calendar audit.   WORK WITH KRISTY: Kristy helps mid-career corporate professionals to communicate better at work through interactive workships, team programs, and 1:1 consulting.  https://www.kristyolinger.com

Pain can be found in every corner of our world, but so can joy.  Today’s guest encourages us to seek the joy from within and harness it in powerful and life changing ways.  In this episode we talk with Tanmeet Sethi, MD on the topic of Joy as a Human Right.  During this moving and powerful discussion, Dr. Sethi explains the difference between happiness and joy; offers tips to those who aren’t sure how to begin tapping into their own joy; and discusses the current inequities and stigmas surrounding access to mental healthcare and the use of psychedelics as a treatment option.      Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. Do you believe that joy is something that every human has access to?  Do you think that you let yourself feel joy fully? When was the last time you felt joyful?  What are your thoughts about taking psychedelic drugs to relieve mental illnesses?  

This fourth anniversary episode of TOOST was recorded in front of a live audience on October 21, 2023, at Neon in San Francisco.  In this special episode, Danielle and Kristy take a look back at how the podcast started and some of the triumphs and challenges. Dia Bondi, who originally appeared as their guest in episode 71, returns for a discussion about her new book, “Ask Like an Auctioneer,” available today; and Dia takes questions from the live audience on the topic of how to “ask for more and get it.” Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com Guest website:  Dia Bondi - Home Order Ask Like an Auctioneer  

In this episode Kristy tackles three interesting and complex questions from followers. M wonders how she should respond when her team laughs about her authoritative style in a meeting, L feels undervalued as the youngest member of her team, and S wonders how to build rapport when he is not a person that socializes over drinks and coffee.  If you'd like to submit a workplace communication questions email Kristy HERE or follow on Instagram @KO.Communication

The world can be a scary place – some of our fears are very real and others are of our own making. This week’s guest addresses identifying and utilizing healthy fear as a tool for personal growth.  In this week’s episode we talk with Farnoosh Torabi, a muti-bestselling financial author and go-to money expert, on what it means to be in a healthy state of panic.  We discuss details from her latest book, by the same name, A Healthy State of Panic, how the surprising combination of fear and finance go hand-in-hand, and how a healthy fear of loneliness during her early college years led her to personal growth and finding herself. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. What are some of your biggest fears? How often have you allowed yourself to recognize and utilize those fears for personal growth? Have you ever allowed a fear to stop you from accomplishing something?  Going forward will you now “remember who you are?”    

In this episode Danielle talks about the difference between doing and being. She offers some ways to get more being into your life. 

Sometimes we’re so wrapped up in the past or worried about the future that we forget how to really live in the present.  In this episode we talk with Catherine Duncan about How to Have Everyday Awakenings.  Catherine shares her unique perspective on living in the moment – not only having experienced two near-death experiences of her own, but also while serving as a hospital chaplain.  We discuss some of the surprising things she learned about living from her interactions with terminal patients, how even newbies can take small steps to ground themselves in the present, and how Catherine herself starts each new day of life. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com   TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. How do you define, “the mystery of life?” Do you try to stay in the present moment?  In what ways?   Which of the practices Catherine suggested, in order to ground yourself in the present, most spoke to you and why?  

There is something that you use every day to communicate, but never think about. It influences how you are perceived by others. It's something you can eaisly develop with practice. It's your voice. In this episode, you'll learn the characteristics of the voice, how to use vocal variety to sound more interesting and confident, and an easy practice activity to improve.   Looking for more ways to improve your workplace communication? Follow me on social: Instagram @KO.Communication TikTok @KO.Communication