The Opposite of Small Talk - podcast cover

The Opposite of Small Talk

Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olingerwww.theoppositeofsmalltalk.com
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.
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Episodes

104. Living your best life when you're the f-ing worst with Laura Belgray

Have you ever wondered who comes up with the witty and compelling promos for your favorite television shows? Well, today we have the answer, our latest guest, that’s who! In this episode we talk with Laura Belgray about Living your best life when you’re the f-ing worst. She talks about her journey from copywriting to finding her own authentic voice in her new book; connecting with fellow late bloomers through her personal storytelling, and how she encourages others to be unapologetically and aut...

May 31, 202342 minEp. 104

103. The Introvert Who Could, with Andreea Sandu

If you are an introvert or have ever been curious about what it means to be an introvert in an extroverted world – this episode is for you! Today, we talk with Andrea Sandu on the topic of introverts. She shares her own first-person experience as an introvert in an extroverted world, some ways she learned to advocate for herself professionally, and guidelines that an extrovert can use, to better communicate with their introverted colleagues. Work with Danielle : If you are ready to start working...

May 24, 202334 minEp. 103

102. Exploring the Mixed Race Experience with W. Kamau Bell

The podcast comes full circle with this special episode which features a guest whose work, unbeknownst to him, has served as an inspiration to The Opposite of Small Talk over the last several years. In this episode we talk with W. Kamau Bell about his new documentary, 1000% Me; Growing Up Mixed, released this month on HBO Max. We touch on some of the insightful things he learned from the mixed kids and families featured in the documentary including his own children, and how they give him hope fo...

May 17, 202341 minEp. 102

100. A milestone and a stepping stone

In this milestone episode, we share and discuss clips that are a good representation of what this podcast is all about about; connection, reflection, and social justice. If you’ve never listened to this podcast before, this episode would be a good place to start. If you’re a long time listener, join us in this walk down memory lane. We close with some hopes for the future of the podcast and recognize that in some ways, this is just the beginning. Featured clips include the following episodes: Ep...

May 03, 202328 minEp. 100

99. #Kristy: Should you curse at work?

Should you curse at work? Yes!…sometimes… with ground rules. In this solo episode of the podcast, Kristy shares why she curses at work and the three ground rules she follows. If you’re looking to improve your workplace communication, you can hire Kristy to work with you one-on-one to build your skills. Visit www.kristyolinger.com to learn more.

Apr 29, 20235 minEp. 99

98. Letting Yourself Unfold with Arielle Estoria

For many of us, life is all about the routine and sometimes we have to remind ourselves to shut off autopilot, challenge ourselves, and start living. In this episode we talk with Arielle Estoria on the topic of Letting Yourself Unfold. Arielle shares the sources of inspiration and influence for her book of poetry, “The Unfolding: An Invitation to Come Home to Yourself,” reads a stirring excerpt from the book, and offers advice on taking the first steps in unfolding our own lives. Work with Danie...

Apr 19, 202339 minEp. 98

97. #Danielle - Connection

It is well documented that strong relationships and friendships can extend your life. In this episode Danielle talks about the power of connection in her life and how we should rethink measuring it.

Apr 14, 20234 minEp. 97

96. Creativity: How to Stop Working and Start Playing with Kristina Eisenhower

As the to-do list gets longer each day, at work and home, we sometimes forget to prioritize fun, joy, and creativity. In this episode we talk with Kristina Eisenhower about Creativity: How to Stop Working and Start Playing. We cover Kristina’s commitment to live a creative life, how she inspires others, and ways anyone can get started on prioritizing creativity, right now! Work with Danielle : If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that co...

Apr 05, 202331 minEp. 96

95: #kristy Powerful two-person meetings

Some of the most productive and valuable meetings happen between two people, this is because 2-person meetings create an environment that requires engagement. In this episode, Kristy shares three kinds of 2-person meetings that should be on your calendar and how to get the most from them. Work with Kristy : You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Follow on Instagram @ko.communication and @theoppositeofsmalltalk...

Mar 29, 20239 minEp. 95

94: Taking Ownership of Your Life with Catie Campbell

Today’s guest has worked for the likes of the Pentagon and Butterball Turkey discovering along the way how human behavior and leadership intersect. In this episode, we talk with Catie Campbell about Taking Ownership of Your Life. We find out how her psychology degree and a doubting professor were the beginning of a dynamic career in business, how she coaches business leaders to take ownership by being, “rooted in reality,” and ways we can do the same. Work with Danielle : If you are ready to sta...

Mar 22, 202344 minEp. 94

93: Embracing your Personal Power with Melissa Martin

On this International Women’s Day, when we celebrate the achievements of women from around the globe, embrace and celebrate your own personal power! In this episode we speak with Melissa Martin, a Business & Embodiment Coach, on the topic of personal power, why it’s important, how to harness it, and ways to make it an everyday practice in your personal and professional life. Work with Danielle : If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact t...

Mar 08, 202348 minEp. 93

92: Life Shifts: Connecting Through Our Pivotal Moments with Matt Gilhooly

It’s been said many times that life’s a journey and for the majority of us that journey will include its fair share of joy, heartache, love, and loss. In this episode we talk with Matt Gilhooly about the topic of “life shifts,” and how through sharing his personal story and that of his guests on his podcast, he’s found purpose, hope, and healing. 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 lif...

Feb 22, 202333 minEp. 92

91: #kristy 3 Tips for Hybrid Meetings

Just when we started to figure out virtual meetings, we have a new variation – the hybrid meeting; where a portion of the group are gathered in person and others are remote. This format is here to stay, and requires thoughtful facilitation strategies to be effective. In this episode, Kristy shares three tips to improve participant’s experience during hybrid meetings. Visit: kristyolinger.com for more workplace communication tips. If you are looking to improve communication at work, hire Kristy a...

Feb 16, 202310 minEp. 91

90: The Power of Novelty, get yourself a hobby, with Jill Donovan

A chance encounter with Oprah, yes that Oprah, led to a life shifting hobby for this week’s guest. In this episode we talk to Jill Donovan about the power of hobbies. Jill discusses how she got started on this now decades-long journey, the ways she encourages those around her to do the same, as well as the tricks she uses to keep herself on track. 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 li...

Feb 08, 202344 minEp. 90

89. #Danielle What is Intuition?

In this episode, Danielle talks about what intuition is. She gives an example of how following her intuition has enhanced her life and shares some ways to tap into your own intuition. 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 complementary exploratory session.

Feb 01, 20236 minEp. 89

88: Career Transition, with Kristy Olinger

There’s never a wrong time to bet on yourself! In this special episode Danielle interviews Kristy covering the topic of career transition, the lessons Kristy’s learned during this process, and how her own career transition into development, after two decades, has been a breath of fresh air for her 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...

Jan 25, 202334 minEp. 88

87. #mini Choose Your Life, with Danielle & Kristy

Have you ever felt like it’s too late to make a change in your life? Like the clock has run out on following your dreams? Even smaller dreams, like trying a tap dance class or visiting a new place, get pushed aside and never move into action. You worry about what others will say and that you’ll look stupid if it doesn’t work out. You struggle to start. In this episode Danielle and Kristy talk about the ‘Choose Your Life’ Challenge , a 30 day interactive experience that gives you the confidence t...

Jan 18, 202310 minEp. 87

86. Selling is Serving, with Nicole Cramer

A New Year brings talk of resolutions, goal setting, and fresh starts… could the key to achieving what you want in 2023, whether personally or professionally, be your mindset? In this episode, we talk with Nicole Cramer about her experiences as a high school educator and a corporate sales professional and how they both helped to shape her, her mindset, and the services she provides to her clients as a successful sales coach. Choose Your Life : Gain the confidence to live the life you want throug...

Jan 11, 202335 minEp. 86

85. #Kristy Inbox Zero method for managing email

Email is one of the primary communication channels at work. If you're consistently missing due dates or work requests because you mismanage your inbox, you get a reputation for being disorganized and unresponsive. It can hurt your work relationships. The email systems you have in place and how well they work drive your ability to communicate and build relationships and influence at work. In this episode Kristy shares why she started using the inbox zero method over a year ago and how you can set...

Jan 05, 202313 min

84. 2022 Year in Review

Danielle and Kristy reflect on the episodes released in 2022. We share the ideas that impacted our lives most. If you’re behind on listening, be sure to catch these episodes. Episode 65: Improving Filter Quality to Protect Your Time, with Dr. John Tuders Episode 66: Visual Communicating, with Todd Cherches Episode 63: Finding Your Feminine Genius, with Gina Marotta Episode 58: Addiction Recovery, One Day at a Time, with Guy Mercadante Episode 71: Ask Like An Auctioneer, with Dia Bondi Episode 70...

Dec 23, 202222 minEp. 84

83. #Danielle Connect The Dots of Your Life for Confidence in Your Future

Danielle shares the talk that she wrote, crafted and presented through a 30 day Speaker Intensive. The Talk is called Connect The Dots of Your Life for Confidence in Your Future. If you are interested in participating in a future speaker intensive please visit: www.territrespicio.com to sign up for her next cohort starting in January 2023.

Dec 14, 202211 minEp. 83

82. Accessible Activism with Kate Schatz

You can care about a cause deeply and at the same time be overwhelmed into inaction. When the issues are big and complex, like racial injustice and reproductive healthcare rights, it’s easy to feel like you can’t make a difference. In this episode we talk with with feminist author and activist Kate Schatz about how to start where you are with what you have in order to take action for social change. We discuss using the power of conversation, parenting as activism, and how any action you take mat...

Dec 07, 202245 minEp. 82

81. #Kristy How to have a Difficult Conversation

From giving feedback to communicating a project delay to saying no to someone… there are many conversations that can make us uncomfortable. In this solo episode of the podcast, Kristy shares 6 tips for having a difficult conversation. If you’re looking to improve your workplace communication, you can hire Kristy to work with you one-on-one to build your skills. Visit www.kristyolinger.com to learn more and book a free consultation. This episode was recorded live on Instagram. Follow Kristy @ko.c...

Dec 01, 202211 minEp. 81

80. ‘Tis the season for burnout, with Cait Donovan

As we enter a holiday season of increased expectation and decreased time, stress happens. Caitlin Donovan, Author of the book The Bouncebackability Factor and host of FRIED the burnout podcast says stress in and of itself is not a bad thing. However, burnout is a different story. In this episode, we talk about our own burnout stories, the role that companies play, and why beautiful spaces matter. Visit us at www.theoppositeofsmalltalk.com and subscribe to receive show notes by email. Continue th...

Nov 23, 202255 minEp. 80

79. #danielle Benefits of Coaching

Working with a coach can provide immense benefits to your life. In this episode Danielle talks about the way her life has changed as a result of working with a life coach. By taking time to reflect on who she is, how she shows up in the world with the help of a coach has led her to make more intentional choices and steer her life in the direction she wants and help others in the process. If you are ready to start workng with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching ...

Nov 16, 20227 minEp. 79

78. A financial wake up call, with Kimberlee Davis

Though the average person is not likely to hit the Powerball in their lifetime, financial health and freedom is attainable as long as you heed this wake up call and realize that financial ignorance is not bliss. In this episode, Danielle and Kristy talk with financial expert Kimberlee Davis about why you should care for your financial health with the same effort you put into your physical health, the importance of being open and transparent about money in a relationship, and how societal norms a...

Nov 09, 202242 minEp. 78

77. #kristy Practicing Workplace Communication

Workplace communication is a skill and skills get better with practice. This is great news. It means that no matter where you are in terms of communication ability, you can improve. In this episode, Kristy shares the 10,000 hour rule, the difference between practice and intentional practice, and a sports example of dramatic improvement without investing more time practicing and instead paying better attention. If you wish that meetings were more effective and more fun? Join Better Meetings start...

Nov 02, 20227 minEp. 77

E76: Confidence with Nicole Kalil

Nicole Kalil was playing an Oscar-worthy performance as a confident leader at a fortune 100 finance company while on the inside she was having a totally different experience. Now she is a confidence sherpa, leading people to discover how to build their own confidence. In this episode we talk about how to grow the trust in ourselves, letting go of the idea of being all things to all people, and why the hard moments are magic. Website: www.nicolekalil.com Book: Validation is for Parking **** Are y...

Oct 26, 202245 minEp. 76

Birthday Episode - The podcast turns 3!

The podcast turns 3 today! In this mini-episode we reflect on lessons learned and talk about the future. We announce a format change. In addition to our regular episodes, which we launch every other week, Danielle and Kristy will be doing shorter, solo episodes. In these episodes Kristy will share workplace communication strategies and Danielle will share insights from life coaching. ** If you need a coach to help you on your journey of self-discovery, you can hire Danielle. Danielle McCombs Coa...

Oct 21, 202212 min
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