The Opposite of Small Talk

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!