Best Danielle McCombs Podcasts (2025)

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201. Workload vs. Thought Load with Liane Davey 54:43

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7d ago54:43

54:43

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 l…

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200. Milestone Episode, a little reflection and a sneak peek into the future of TOOST 19:36

14d ago19:36

19:36

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 theoppos…

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199. Simple Daily Habits for Mental Fitness with Lindsey Wilson 38:23

22d ago38:23

38:23

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 to…

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198. Special Series: Summer Camp, Episode 4 – Danielle McCombs with Kerry Dobson 19:59

29d ago19:59

19:59

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 thi…

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197. Special Series: Summer Camp, Episode 3 – Danielle McCombs with Kerry Dobson 33:50

1M ago33:50

33:50

In the third 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. Today’s discussion touches on the positive aspects of being a solopreneur and the great things Danielle a…

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196. Special Series: Summer Camp, Episode 2 – Danielle McCombs with Kerry Dobson 28:28

1M ago28:28

28:28

In the second episode 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. Today’s discussion touches on, “what is missing” as a solopreneur and how both Danielle and Kerry have navig…

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195. Special Series: Summer Camp – Danielle McCombs with Kerry Dobson 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

In this episode of The Opposite of Small Talk (TOOST), Danielle introduces a special four-part series, Summer Camp, which explores the topic of solopreneurship. Danielle will be joined by Kerry Dobson, previous TOOST guest, respected group coaching expert, and friend of the podcast. In upcoming episodes of Summer Camp, Danielle and Kerry will discu…

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194. Boredom, Creativity, and Breaking the Rules with Terri Trespicio 1:09:57

2M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

In this special episode, live from Danielle’s hometown, Terri Trespico, award-winning writer, speaker, brand advisor, and author of “Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You,” joins Danielle and Kristy for a funny and engaging conversation on the topic of Boredom, Creativity, and Breaking the Rules. Terri discusses her book a…

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193. Creating Possibility Out of Adversity with Daria Burke 44:55

2M ago44:55

44:55

In this episode on the topic of Creating Possibility Out of Adversity, author Daria Burke shares reflections from her memoir "Of My Own Making," which explores her journey from a challenging childhood in Detroit to becoming a successful marketing executive. In Daria’s conversation with Danielle and Kristy she discusses post-traumatic growth, the im…

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Friendship Series #3: The Other Significant Others, with Rhaina Cohen 31:07

2M ago31:07

31:07

Join us for the last of our three-part Friendship Series, a rebroadcast of a selection of our most popular episodes centered around the topic of friendship. In the final installment, we revisit episode 138. In this episode from February 2024, Danielle and Kristy speak with journalist and author Rhaina Cohen, on the topic of her book on the topic of…

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Friendship Series #2: Better Friendships, with Danielle Bayard Jackson 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

Join us for the second episode of our three-part Friendship Series, a rebroadcast of a selection of our most popular episodes centered around the topic of friendship. In the second installment, we go back to the 34th episode of TOOST. In this episode from March 2021, Danielle and Kristy talk to Danielle Bayard Jackson, author, podcast host, and cer…

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Friendship Series #1: How to Make Friends 41:47

3M ago41:47

41:47

Join us for a three-part Friendship Series, a rebroadcast of a selection of our most popular episodes centered around the topic of friendship. In the first installment, we travel back to the 9th episode of TOOST. In this early episode, from February 2020, Danielle shares her best advice about how to make new friends and the practical strategies she…

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192. Charisma and Magnetic Leadership with Milam Miller 38:33

3M ago38:33

38:33

Is there someone in your life that you would say exudes qualities like authenticity, boldness, and curiosity? If so, today’s guest would likely tell you that person is exhibiting the ABCs of Charisma. In this episode, leadership expert Milam Miller demystifies charisma, revealing it's a skill anyone can develop; shares practical strategies for genu…

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191. Unscripted Pivots with Danielle Sprouls, Esq. 37:33

4M ago37:33

37:33

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, personally or professionally, wanting to make a long held dream or goal a reality? Today’s guest, Danielle Sprouls shares her transformative journey from commercial real estate to coaching and how it’s possible for anyone to make the powerful decision to “pivot,” face their fears, and grow both personal…

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190. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: JL Heather 28:59

4M ago28:59

28:59

In the latest installment of Coaches Corner, guest coach JL Heather, who holds over two decades of experience as an organizational transformation coach sits down with Danielle for a discussion on the topic of innovation and creativity. Guest’s Website: About Centered: Leadership & Transformation Experts Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start…

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189. Using Language and Mindset with Rebecca Bonnington 41:32

4M ago41:32

41:32

Today's guest is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) expert. If you are stateside, NLP may not be a term you’re very familiar with, but after today’s episode you may just find an appreciation for this fascinating area of study and how language and mindset can transform personal and professional experiences. Rebecca Bonnington sits down for a reall…

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188. Managing Up with Melody Wilding 42:21

5M ago42:21

42:21

In 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 t…

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187. Learning Self-Compassion with Tara Cousineau, Ph.D. 37:42

5M ago37:42

37:42

Have you ever dealt with a negative voice inside your head that is constantly discouraging you, second guessing you, or telling you that you aren’t good enough? Even if you don’t self-identify as a perfectionist, this episode explores those tendencies we all have to chase perfection in our everyday life. Our guest, Tara Cousineau, Ph.D., is a clini…

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186. #Kristy The Um Episode 9:56

5M ago9:56

9:56

When you use too many fillers it makes your message unclear and causes people to think you don’t have confidence in what you are saying. In this episode we are FINALLY talking filler words; why you use them, how to identify your unique fillers, and what to do about it. Get the free worksheet that goes along with this episode: The Um Worksheet 🌱 Tap…

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185. New Ways to Network with Rosalind Chow, Ph.D. 43:51

6M ago43:51

43:51

Many professionals have likely encountered mentorship at one time or another, but may be less familiar with a different type of networking known as sponsorship and its many unique benefits. Today’s guest shares her deep insight into the key differences between mentorship and sponsorship, how sponsorship can open doors to stronger inclusivity in the…

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184. How to be a Grownup with Raffi Grinberg 43:16

6M ago43:16

43:16

As we officially welcome spring, many rites of passage including graduation season are almost upon us. If you are a member of the Class of 2025 or know someone who is graduating or has recently graduated, this episode includes an insightful discussion on real life skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom, but can prove extremely beneficial…

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183. Reach for Wild Courage with Jenny Wood 37:08

6M ago37:08

37:08

Have you ever winced at the thought that someone else might label you as weird, selfish, or wreckless? Today’s guest Jenny Wood, a former Google Executive, career coach, and author of the new book (released today!), “Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It,” wants you to be courageous and run towards these labels rather than away from them.…

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182. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: Suzanne Campi with Danielle McCombs 27:58

6M ago27:58

27:58

In the latest installment of Coaches Corner, guest coach Suzanne Campi, a life transition coach and community builder, sits down with Danielle for a discussion on the topic of Retirement. Guest’s Website: Suzanne Campi Coaching Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that c…

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181. Menopause with Susan A. Miele, PhD 50:04

7M ago50:04

50:04

If you are a woman or have a woman you love or care for in your life, then this episode is for you. Whether that person has or will someday experience the three stages of menopause while navigating personal and professional life, today’s guest assures that they are not alone. Dr. Susan Miele, who holds a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems and …

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180. The Pink Tax with Janine Rogan 29:52

7M ago29:52

29:52

The next time you’re shopping the aisles of your local pharmacy or supermarket you might just notice the price difference between products marketed towards women vs. men, if so, you are seeing the “pink tax” in action. Today’s guest, Janine Rogan, a keynote and TEDx speaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder of The Wealth Building Academy Inc. is o…

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179. The Evolving Landscape of DEI with Elena Joy Thurston 45:39

7M ago45:39

45:39

In 2025, the landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work is rapidly evolving and facing well documented challenges, but these challenges also offer new opportunities and growth. Today’s guest, Elena Joy Thurston, an HR consultant, discusses the evolution and challenges facing DEI; shares her personal journey of deconstructing internali…

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178. Rethinking Professional Development with Gemma Toner 35:44

8M ago35:44

35:44

A chance invitation to present at a Women in Leadership Conference on the topic of “Career’ Pivots” led today’s guest to found a network dedicated to empowering tomorrow’s leaders to take control of their own professional growth and success. Gemma Toner, a media and telecommunications leader and the founder and CEO of Tone Network speaks to us on t…

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177. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: Shabnam Golmohammadi with Danielle McCombs 23:41

8M ago23:41

23:41

In the latest installment of Coaches Corner, guest coach Shabnam Golmohammadi, a Silicon Valley career and leadership coach, workshop facilitator, and speaker, sits down with Danielle for a discussion on the topic of how women view the workplace. Guest’s Website: Shabnam Golmohammadi Website Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working wit…

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176. Bold Risks with Anne Marie Anderson 40:34

8M ago40:34

40:34

As human beings most of us tend to be adverse to risk – as a matter of self preservation. However, today’s guest argues that having the audacity or trying something new, to take bold risks, when it comes to goals, can be more than worth the risk. Anne Marie Anderson, three-time Emmy Award winning broadcaster, keynote speaker and author of the new b…

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175. #Kristy 3 Easy Frameworks for Work Conversations 8:00

8M ago8:00

8:00

The majority of speaking that you do at work is not in scripted presentations, it’s in conversation-style speaking during meetings. Even when you are giving a presentation, it’s not an uninterrupted monologue, it's a conversation. This means you need to be good at extemporaneous speaking. That's where frameworks can help. A framework is an outline …

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174. Competing With Yourself with Jake Thompson 43:53

8M ago43:53

43:53

It’s officially mid-January, resolution making is behind us and so is National Quitters Day (January 10th), the day most resolutions are abandoned. Today’s guest poses an important question, “what are you doing differently in 2025 to make it a better year?” In this episode, Jake Thompson, an entrepreneur, author, performance coach and motivational …

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173. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: Molly Kittle with Danielle McCombs 23:07

9M ago23:07

23:07

In the latest installment of Coaches Corner, guest coach Molly Kittle, a Coach, consultant, and performing artist with a background in experimental theater, business strategy and behavioral psychology, sits down with Danielle for a discussion on the topic of Conscious Creative Leadership. Guest’s Website and Linkedin: https://www.connectwithstory.c…

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172. Anniversary Show; talking big, adult friendship, authenticity, and connection 1:19:38

9M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

In this very special 5-year anniversary show, Danielle and Kristy welocome past podcast guests to the stage to pair off for four mini opposite of small talk conversations: What makes a conversation the opposite of small talk? (Kristy & Danielle) Why is it so difficult to make friends as an adult? (Julie & Linda) What does it mean to be your "authen…

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171. Futures Building with Ilana Lipsett 39:33

9M ago39:33

39:33

The anticipation of turning the page of the calendar to a new year can also open our minds up to what our future, in this case 2025, can hold. Today’s guest, a professional futurist, encourages us to imagine our futures and not just for ourselves, but also for our communities. Ilana Lipsett, is a participatory futures design strategist, who has pro…

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170. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: Todd Karges with Danielle McCombs 24:16

10M ago24:16

24:16

In the latest installment of Coaches Corner, guest coach Todd Karges, a Certified Executive and Leadership Development Coach and host of the LinkedIn Live Broadcast "Coaching Conversation,” sits down with Danielle for a discussion on the topic of soft skills – what they are, why they’re important, and how best to utilize them. Guest’s Website: Home…

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169. Strategizing Success with Alison Fragale, PhD 47:48

10M ago47:48

47:48

At this time of year when we are celebrating the holidays with much socializing and networking, this week’s guests would likely suggest that, amongst the merriment, we should also be prioritizing self promotion and peer promotion. Alison Fragale, PhD, scholar, author, research psychologist, and award winning professor sits down to discuss how you c…

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168. #Kristy The Power of Thank You at Work 4:28

10M ago4:28

4:28

This is the very true story of the most thankful boss I ever worked for and how it made all the difference to one member of our team. Thank you for listening. Work with Kristy: If you're ready to improve workplace communication skills for you or your team, Book a call with Kristy.By Kristy Olinger

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167. Manifesting an Abundant Life with Cathy Heller 53:23

10M ago53:23

53:23

Do you ever feel like you're a spectator in your own life – watching things happen rather than getting in the driver’s seat and making them happen? If so, today’s guest is encouraging you to become the latter. Cathy Heller, renowned teacher, podcaster, and author discusses with us how her belief in how each of us has the power to manifest our best …

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166. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: Kerry Dobson with Danielle McCombs 14:37

11M ago14:37

14:37

In the second installment of, The Opposite of Small Talk’s Coaches Corner, a new monthly mini segment, which explores topics through a coach’s lens, centers around the topic of group coaching. This week’s guest coach, Kerry Dobson, a respected group coaching expert sits down with Danielle for the discussion. Guest’s Website: JJ Dak Inc. Work with D…

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165. The Single Life Experience with Bella DePaulo, PhD 49:41

11M ago49:41

49:41

Contrary to the opening of the 1968 song by Harry Nilson, one is NOT the loneliest number, especially for those who are thriving in single life, like today’s guest, Bella DePaulo, PhD, social scientist, psychologist, researcher, and author of “Single at Heart.” She suggests that for her and many others, single is arguably the most authentic and ful…

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164. #Kristy On motivating others, accountability, and speaking concisely 8:05

11M ago8:05

8:05

In this #askmeanything episode, Kristy answers YOUR questions received in Instagram DMs and from participants of her team training program Communication Accelerator. Today's episode covers: How to motivate others How to handle a co-worker who is too assertive when you are not assertive Improving accountability Speaking to deliver an idea fully, wit…

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163. Why Work Matters with Moe Carrick 46:36

11M ago46:36

46:36

Do you find that the work you do gives you a sense of purpose or that your contributions as an employee are important to a cause bigger than yourself? This week’s guest, Moe Carrick, author, podcast host, and CEO of the workplace culture consultancy, Momentum, Inc. views work as a human need. Moe brings her wealth of knowledge, and decades of exper…

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162. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: Julie Hess with Danielle McCombs 22:02

12M ago22:02

22:02

In this episode of The Opposite of Small Talk, Danielle introduces Coaches Corner's, a new monthly segment, which explores topics through a coaches lense. The inaugural guest is Julie Hess, author, executive coach, coaching supervisor and educator. Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more ab…

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161. How to Respectfully Disagree in a Divided World with Justin Jones-Fosu 41:32

12M ago41:32

41:32

The Opposite of Small Talk Live (October 19th!): Live Podcast Event — The Opposite of Small Talk Podcast We have reached peak election season in the United States and many of us are feeling the burnout from political discussions (arguments) and want to be able to genuinely connect with people, even those we disagree with. If you are feeling the ele…

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160. #kristy: Get Better Feedback 7:51

12M ago7:51

7:51

LIVE EVENT Oct 19th in BOSTON - LEARN MORE AND REGISTER According to Bill Gates, "We all need people who will give us feedback. That's how we improve." But what do you wo when you ask for critical feedback and only ever receive praise? In this episode, Kristy shares 3 tips for how to get better feedback. Follow us on Instagram @theoppositeofsmallta…

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159. Writing Your Way Through Life with Kate Hanley 50:00

1y ago50:00

50:00

LIVE EVENT IN BOSTON - OCT 19th - LEARN MORE AND REGISTER As we enter the season of fall, it seems appropriate for us to discuss ghosts, but not the type of “ghosts” most people would think of at Halloween, today’s guest helps other authors write their stories as a ghostwriter. Kate Manley, author, coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host, joins us for…

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158. Effective Negotiation with Fotini Iconomopoulos 54:19

1y ago54:19

54:19

LIVE EVENT IN BOSTON - OCT 19th - LEARN MORE AND REGISTER Most of us have experienced a significant amount of high stakes and low stakes negotiation in our personal lives, even when we don’t realize it. Whether it is negotiating the terms of a contract with a client, negotiating bedtime with a child, or negotiating a better deal at the car dealersh…

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157: Nurturing a Growth Mindset with Collin Henderson 48:16

1y ago48:16

48:16

Ask yourself these questions: First, what's something in your life, right now, that you've been avoiding or delaying due to fear? Second question, If you knew you couldn't fail, what would you do? Today’s guest, Collin Henderson, author, Fortune 500 speaker, and highly respected coach, asks his own clients these questions regularly. He joins us on …

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156. Making Friends with the Grim Reaper with Jodi Wellman 41:25

1y ago41:25

41:25

How many Mondays have you lived, how many Mondays do you have left? It may be a provocative or even unsettling question for some, but today’s guest looks at it more as motivation over morbidity. We speak to Jodi Wellman, author of the book, “You Only Die Once, How to Make it to the End with No Regrets,” on the topic of Making Friends with the Grim …

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155. Nonverbal Communication with Blake Eastman 57:42

1y ago57:42

57:42

Most people are familiar with the saying, “actions speak louder than words.” This week’s guest explains how your actions, facial expressions, and even the tone of your voice can communicate a lot about you to your colleagues, clients, friends, and acquaintances. Blake Eastman speaks to us on the topic of Nonverbal Communication and its important ro…