The Opposite of Small Talk

Hosted by Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olinger

Business Careers EducationInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

228

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 22, 2026Episode 21638 min

216. Redefining Aging with Andrea Nakayama

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 theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

April 8, 2026Episode 21538 min

215. Entrepreneur to Corporate with Christine Amerman

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 theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

March 26, 2026Episode 21443 min

214. Unlocking Self-Worth Secrets with Rich Sirop

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 theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

March 4, 2026Episode 21336 min

213. Big Talk with Kalina Silverman

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 theoppositeofsmalltalkpodcast@gmail.com

February 18, 2026Episode 21239 min

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

February 4, 2026Episode 21127 min

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

January 21, 2026Episode 21039 min

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

January 7, 2026Episode 20933 min

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

January 6, 2026Episode 20813 min

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!

December 10, 2025Episode 20739 min

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