The Opposite of Small Talk

Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olinger
  • 5.0 (118)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast for curious people who know that there is no one right answer for how to live your best life. Finding new ideas about how to improve, and trying them out, is important! Join Danielle McCombs and Kristy Olinger, friends with similar mindsets and different perspectives, as they share the big and small ideas that changed them and test out new things in the ongoing trial and error of life. It's short, fun, and easy to listen to… and it's the opposite of small talk.

  1. FEB 18

    212. Strong Enough to be Kind with Shola Richards

    Most of us think kindness is about being polite or agreeable — but what if it's a sign of strength? In this thought-provoking episode, Shola Richards, a workplace civility expert and author, flips the script by revealing to Danielle and Kristy how courage, boundaries, and intentional action are at the core of real kindness. If you believe kindness is just soft or naive, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew. Guest's website: Shola Richards - Workplace Kindness Expert, International Keynote Speaker, Best-selling Author **Get the new Big Talk Questions – Starter Pack** 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. Connect with us at theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

    40 min

  2. FEB 4

    211. The Surprising Power of Deep Conversations with Danielle & Kristy

    In this episode, Danielle and Kristy engage in a candid conversation about personal growth, identity shifts, and the importance of meaningful connections. They explore how their identities have evolved over the years including their over two-decade friendship. The discussion also delves into the need for community and the significance of having deep, honest conversations that go beyond small talk. Throughout the episode share insights on how to foster these connections and the value of being present in relationships.This Episode's Big Talk Questions: What is something about yourself that has changed in the last few years? When you think about the conversations that matter most in your life, what do they all have in common? What do you need more of in your relationships right now – and what do you need less of? **Get the new Big Talk Questions – Starter Pack** 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. Connect with us at theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

    27 min

  3. JAN 21

    210. Overcoming Sticky Floors with Erica Rooney

    Most listeners are likely already familiar with the term "glass ceiling," but what about the term, "sticky floors" and the role these internal barriers can play in achieving success?  Today's guest, Erica Rooney, podcaster, keynote speaker, gender equality crusader, and author of the book "Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors," explains the internal barriers to success, otherwise known as sticky floors, and explains her four step SNAP method and the practical ways it helps to overcome barriers including imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and worrying about what others think. Big Talk Question: What would you do tomorrow if you were no longer worried about being too much or not enough? **Get the new Big Talk Questions – Starter Pack** Guest's Website: Keynote Speaker - Author - Gender Equality Crusader 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. Connect with us at theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

    40 min

  4. JAN 7

    209. Being an Expert Generalist with Monique Lecomte

    As we begin a new year, what if the key to success isn't specialization, but versatility?  Today's guest, Monique Lecomte, author of The Expert Generalist, help us answer this question and start the new year right. In her conversation with Danielle and Kristy, Monique suggests that the keys to success are within reach and are likely skills or interests we already possess from our life experiences.Big Talk Question: What is a skill or interest that isn't required for your career, but makes you better at it? **Get the new Big Talk Questions – Starter Pack** Guest's Website: Monique Lecomte 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. Connect with us at theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

    33 min
  5. 208. Signature Episodes - Start Here

    JAN 6

    208. Signature Episodes - Start Here

    www.theoppositeofsmalltalk.com/starthere With over 200 episodes it can be difficult to direct new listeners on where to start. In this episode Danielle and Kristy talk about our Signature Episodes playlist (linked above) which represent what the podcast is about and the kind of 'big talk' conversations we aim to bring to you. If you like this podcast, please consider sharing the Signature Episodes link with a friend and giving us a review on this platform.  Thank you for listening - Stay Curious, and Talk Big!

    14 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    207. A Guide to Thriving with Jon Rosemberg

    We've entered the holiday season, and it's a time that's supposed to be filled with joy, but for many of us, the high expectations and full calendars can give us anxiety and a feeling of overwhelm.  For those feeling that way, this episode is just in time!  Today's guest, Jon Rosemberg, author of "A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning," speaks to us using his scientific research and storytelling to encourage listeners to move from survival mode to a place of thriving. Big Talk Question: If you gave yourself full permission to reclaim your agency, what is the first change you would make? **Get the new Big Talk Questions – Starter Pack** Guest's Book (Affiliate Link): A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning: Rosemberg, Jon: 9781394367931: Amazon.com: Books 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. Connect with us at theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

    40 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    206. Researching Life After Death with Bob Ginsberg

    The holiday season can be particularly hard to navigate for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, but for many people there is comfort in believing that or receiving signs from their loved ones who they feel are very much still with them.  Following the loss of his daughter, today's guest, Bob Ginsberg, author and co-founder of the Forever Family Foundation, a federal 501C, alongside his late-wife Phran, began a journey into the science and evidence behind topics surrounding life after death and the certification and validation of the work of mediums.  Big Talk Question: Have you ever had an experience that seemed like a message from someone who has passed away? **Get the new Big Talk Questions – Starter Pack** Guest's Website: https://foreverfamilyfoundation.org/ Guest's Book: The Medium Explosion 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. Connect with us at theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

    1 hr

  8. 11/12/2025

    205. Meaningful Strategic Partnerships with Madeline Reeves

    As a social species we as humans are wired to seek connection with one another throughout our lives be it through romantic relationships, friendships, or family bonds.  What may not feel as natural to us is cultivating partnerships professionally or networking with others because of the perception of it feeling like a transactional relationship.  Today's guest, Madeline Reeves, Founder & CEO of Fearless Foundry, sits down with Danielle and Kristy to discuss the topic of Meaningful Strategic Partnership and how to remove some of the negativity or icky feelings you may have when networking or building out professional associations; she shares some of the ways she has created deeper connections in her professional life as an entrepreneur; and offers tips on  some of the simple ways you can do it too. **Get the new Big Talk Questions – Starter Pack** Guest's Website: https://www.fearlessfoundry.com/ Podcast: https://www.fearlessfoundry.com/findingfearless  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. Connect with us at theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

    35 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
118 Ratings

About

A podcast for curious people who know that there is no one right answer for how to live your best life. Finding new ideas about how to improve, and trying them out, is important! Join Danielle McCombs and Kristy Olinger, friends with similar mindsets and different perspectives, as they share the big and small ideas that changed them and test out new things in the ongoing trial and error of life. It's short, fun, and easy to listen to… and it's the opposite of small talk.

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olinger
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    221
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kristy Olinger 2019
  • Show Website
    The Opposite of Small Talk