207. A Guide to Thriving with Jon Rosemberg
The Opposite of Small Talk
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...
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206. Researching Life After Death with Bob Ginsberg
The Opposite of Small Talk
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:...
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205. Meaningful Strategic Partnerships with Madeline Reeves
The Opposite of Small Talk
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...
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204. From Homelessness to Hope with David Ambroz
The Opposite of Small Talk
Today’s guest wrote, as he puts it, “a memoir with a mission.” David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home: A Memoir, sits down with Danielle and Kristy to talk about his incredible story of trial, resilience, and deep purpose. David shares his powerful story growing up homeless in New York City and navigating the foster care system; discusses the collective responsibility of society to address the systemic failures that lead to child poverty and homelessness; urges listeners to take action; and shares ways individuals can engage locally and make a difference starting in their...
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203. The Sneakiness of Grief with Lisa Keefauver
The Opposite of Small Talk
In this heartfelt and deeply personal conversation, Danielle and Kristy welcome Lisa Keefauver, author of, “Grief is a Sneaky Bitch” to explore the complexities of grief, sharing personal experiences, and insights on how to navigate loss. Lisa, a grief activist and author, discusses the importance of understanding grief as a multifaceted experience that impacts our identity, relationships, and overall well-being. The conversation also touches on the challenges of showing up for others in their grief and the necessity of open communication and understanding. **Get the new ** Guest’s...
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202. The Need for Rest with Maegan Megginson
The Opposite of Small Talk
What if the most productive thing you could do right now… was rest? In today’s episode, we talk to leadership coach Maegan Megginson about what it really means to be deeply rested; explore how rest is not a “one size fits all;” and discuss the nuances between vacations, retreats, and sabbaticals. Guest’s Website: Guest’s Podcast: TODAY’S BIG TALK QUESTIONS: What is something that you find restful that you don’t think others would also find restful? When was the last time that you did something (other than sleep) in the name of rest? : If you are ready to start working...
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201. Workload vs. Thought Load with Liane Davey
The Opposite of Small Talk
Sometime too much information is the real problem in our age of constant connectivity. In today’s episode Danielle and Kristy sit down with Liane Davey, organizational psychologist to discuss the topic of workload vs. thought load and how too much of the latter is leading to serious burnout. Leanne offers practical strategies for managing thought load, including creating priority lists, understanding emotional experiences, and embracing "doing nothing" to restore creativity and productivity. Guest’s Website: Resource: : If you are ready to start working with a life coach...
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200. Milestone Episode, a little reflection and a sneak peek into the future of TOOST
The Opposite of Small Talk
We’ve reached the 200th Episode of The Opposite of Small Talk (TOOST). Join Danielle and Kristy as they celebrate this milestone with a bit of reflection, discussion of their first summer “break,” and a peek into the future of TOOST. Cheers to the 200th and here’s to 200 more opportunities to “stay curious and talk big!” Connect with us at : 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 and schedule a complimentary exploratory...
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199. Simple Daily Habits for Mental Fitness with Lindsey Wilson
The Opposite of Small Talk
What if in just five minutes a day you could completely change the way you think, perform, and handle life’s challenges? We’ll explore this question and more in today’s episode with Lindsey Wilson, a mindset and mental performance coach best known as The Sports Hypnotist™. With a professional basketball career spanning close to a decade, Lindsey took her knowledge of the mental game to work with athletes at all levels including professional athletes (including Olympians and players in the NFL and WNBA); collegiate athletes; and youth athletes early in their...
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198. Special Series: Summer Camp, Episode 4 – Danielle McCombs with Kerry Dobson
The Opposite of Small Talk
In the final installment of the special four-part series, Summer Camp, which explores the topic of solopreneurship, Danielle is once again joined by Kerry Dobson, previous TOOST guest, respected group coaching expert, and friend of the podcast. In today’s discussion, Danielle and Kerry come full circle following three episodes of discussing all things solopreneur and share the early stages of an endeavor they are working on which will aim to bring together a group of solopreneurs for what they hope will be a powerful and fruitful collaboration. Kerry Dobson: : If you are...
info_outlineIn popular culture, there was a time where views of workplace relationships, between employees and managers, were seen through the lens of the likes of Emily and her over the top demanding boss, Miranda Priestly, in the 2006 movie, the Devil Wears Prada. Fast forward to 2025, workplace culture has evolved and terms like, managing up, the focus of today’s conversation, have become normalized and encouraged. Today’s guest is Melody Wilding, therapist, professor, executive coach and author of, Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge, released in March. In her conversation with Kristy, Melody shares insights from her book on navigating workplace relationships through strategic conversations, they discuss key workplace communication strategies, and practical techniques.
Guest’s Website: Managing Up | Leadership Keynote Speaker | Melody Wilding
Guest’s book via our affiliate link: Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge: Wilding, Melody: 9780593444658: Amazon.com: Books
TALK BIG QUESTIONS
Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life.
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Have you had a managing up situation in your workplace? How did you handle it and would you handle it differently following this episode?
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Did you identify as one of the four C’s discussed in the conversation?
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What is one of the techniques that most resonated with you?
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.