153 episodes

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.

The Opposite of Small Talk Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olinger

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 109 Ratings

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.

    148. A Discussion on Domestic and Interpersonal Violence with Jennifer Peterkin

    148. A Discussion on Domestic and Interpersonal Violence with Jennifer Peterkin

    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?
     

    • 53 min
    147. #kristy What To Do With Those Awkward Minutes Before the Meeting Starts

    147. #kristy What To Do With Those Awkward Minutes Before the Meeting Starts

    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.
     

    • 6 min
    146. Overcoming Upper Limits and Self-Sabotage with Gay Hendricks

    146. Overcoming Upper Limits and Self-Sabotage with Gay Hendricks

    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?
     

    • 51 min
    145. How Strong Boundaries Create Safe Spaces with Dr. Yanique Redwood and Kate Schatz

    145. How Strong Boundaries Create Safe Spaces with Dr. Yanique Redwood and Kate Schatz

    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?
     

    • 55 min
    144. #kristy Grace, Grit, and Getting it Done!

    144. #kristy Grace, Grit, and Getting it Done!

    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/
     

    • 38 min
    143. The Art of Quitting with Amani Zaveri

    143. The Art of Quitting with Amani Zaveri

    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?
     
     

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
109 Ratings

109 Ratings

ConfettiCreative.Co | PR ,

Hard-hitting questions wrapped in love!

What I like most about this podcast is that the hosts aren’t afraid to ask difficult questions! Instead of the same surface-level talking points, Kristy and Danielle get down to the questions you might be afraid to ask but need to know in order to become a better co-worker, ally, and friend — even to yourself. And, they’re never rude or insensitive! They always take a careful approach and lead from a place of compassion.

tsethi ,

Always a gem

Danielle and Kristy not only have guests who are innovative and inspiring, what I really love is their interviewing style. It feels more like I’m listening in on an intimate conversation and there’s always a gem in each episode that pulls at me all week. They know how to go in for the pieces that matter, the questions that linger in your heart.

Marbella Perfumes ,

No small talk in this space!

Packed with excellent speakers and excellent topics!! I always learn something new here, and it gives me so much to think about.

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