Advertise on podcast: The Opposite of Small Talk

Most of us shy away from rejection because we see it as a personal failure or a sign, we're not good enough, but what if rejection holds the key to unlocking your true potential? Today's guest, Alice Draper, a writer turned rejection advocate, reveals how deliberately seeking and experiencing rejection can transform your life in exciting ways including drastically boosting confidence, sharpening skills, and even transforming other areas of life, from dating to entrepreneurship. In this eye-opening conversation, Alice shares her personal rejection challenge: intentionally pursuing 100 rejections in a year and tracking every "no" in a spreadsheet. What she discovered will change how you approach failure forever.  Guest's website: https://hustlingwriters.com/                           Podcast Pitch Template - Hustling Writers  **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 OlingerConnect with us at [email protected]

There comes a time in most people's lives where a health or personal crisis requires them to ask for help.  Why if it is a fairly common human experience, does it feel so hard for many of us to do?  In this episode Marisa Renee Lee, author of "Waiting for Dawn: Living with Uncertainty," available now, shares with Danielle and Kristy her experience with long COVID and reveals how living well amid profound unpredictability can actually change everything. When her plans to support loved ones shifted to needing support herself, she uncovered a powerful framework for resilience, one built on ruthless honesty, strategic delegation, and an unwavering commitment to hope. Guest's website: Marisa Renee Lee | Author, Grief Expert & Keynote Speaker Guest's new book: Waiting for Dawn: Living with Uncertainty — Marisa Renee Lee **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 [email protected]

Most people believe time management is about squeezing more into less. But what if the real secret to a fuller life isn't about managing time better, but about experiencing the moments more fully? Laura Vanderkam, bestselling author and speaker, whose newest book, "Big Time: A Simple Path to Abundance," is available now, joins us again to discuss and challenge conventional wisdom around time management and to introduce listeners to a revolutionary mindset: viewing time as abundant, not scarce. Guest's website: Laura Vanderkam | Writer, Author & Speaker | Time Management Guest's new book: Big Time: A Simple Path to Abundance  **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 [email protected]

Have you heard the saying, "age is just a number?"  Well, for many women aging, and aspects around it, can create a sense of dread. However, today's guest, Andrea Nakayama, Functional Medicine Nutritionist, educator, and founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance, flips that narrative, revealing how many factors including: society, diet, and even our beliefs shape our experience of getting older and how we can reclaim our vitality and purpose at any age.  This conversation empowers women to embrace and enjoy the art of aging with a shift in perspective. Guest's website: Andrea Nakayama **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 [email protected]

Today's episode isn't just about shifting careers, but about transforming your relationship with work and worth. It highlights the importance of curiosity, intuition, and resilience. If you've ever wondered whether you can rewrite your story at any stage of life, or how to navigate the fears that come with change, you'll find inspiration in our discussion with Christine Amerman, a seasoned professional who moved from entrepreneurship into corporate real estate, leveraging her background in coaching and education to thrive in a new environment. **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 [email protected]

Most of us are held back less by our fears than by the stories we're telling ourselves about them. In this episode, Rich Sirop, an Emmy-winning producer, turned transformational coach, shares how simple techniques can transform fear into a force for growth by understanding your self-worth. This episode challenges the myth that self-help is about fixing what's broken; instead, it's about remembering your wholeness and reclaiming your power through small, intentional steps. Guest's website: Rich Sirop, New York Life Coach, Career Coach, Business Coach **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 [email protected]

What if the conversations, you're craving are closer than you think, you're just afraid to ask the first question?  In today's episode we explore the transformative power of meaningful conversations through the Big Talk movement, founded by Kalina Silverman. Kalina shares her journey of overcoming loneliness by engaging in deep, impactful dialogues with strangers, which has led to a global movement fostering genuine connections. We also discuss highlights from Kalina's new book, "Big Talk," available now!  Guest's website: Kalina Silverman Guest's book: Big Talk by Kalina Silverman: 9780593855317 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books **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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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!

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]