The Coaching Book Club Podcast

Send a text What if one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your coaching wasn’t another framework — but play? In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast, Christy and Ken explore Coaching with a Twist: Improv for Coaches  by Betsy Salkind and Amy Washawsky — a practical and surprisingly joyful guide to strengthening coaching skills through improvisation. This conversation dives into: •...

Send a text In this episode of the Coaching Book Club Podcast, Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore Talk to Me Nice by Minda Harts — a powerful book on building trust in professional relationships. If coaching is built on trust, then this conversation is foundational. Minda Harts introduces the concept of seven trust languages , giving structure and clarity to something that often feels intuiti...

Send a text In this reflective and engaging episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast, Christy and Ken dive into Humble Inquiry (Third Edition) by Edgar and Peter Schein. Through thoughtful storytelling and real coaching moments, they unpack the central premise of the book: asking better questions—with presence, trust, and humility—can transform coaching and leadership. Listen as they explore: Why...

Send a text What actually helps people change — and what quietly gets in the way? In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore Helping People Change: Coaching with Compassion for Lifelong Learning and Growth by Richard Boyatzis, Melvin Smith, and Ellen Van Oosten. This conversation is especially relevant for coaches, leaders, managers, and anyone work...

Send a text In this episode of the Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken explore Simplifying Coaching by Claire Pedrick — a short but powerful book that challenges the assumption that more complexity makes coaching better. Instead, Claire invites coaches to do less , listen more , and create space for transformation. You’ll hear: Why coaching isn’t about doing for the client, but creating c...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul—a compelling look at how thinking extends beyond the brain and into our bodies, environments, and social interactions. Whether it’s tuning into physical sensations, noticing client gestures, or walking in nature to spark creativity, this book offers a fresh...

Send a text In this episode of the Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken dive into True to You by Kathleen Smith, a powerful guide for staying grounded in yourself while navigating anxiety, expectations, and relationships. Drawing on Bowen Family Systems theory, they explore how coaches can maintain presence, set boundaries, and resist over-functioning in sessions. They reflect on: The diff...

Send a text In this follow-up to our first episode on Strong Ground by Brené Brown, Christy and Ken dive deeper into what it means to coach from grounded confidence rather than from protection. They reflect on how this shows up in real coaching relationships and explore powerful concepts like the “line of fear,” the shift from armored to daring coaching, and the impact of power dynamics in the coa...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken explore Strong Ground by Brené Brown — a powerful invitation to lead and coach from the inside out. Instead of chasing polished performance, Dr. Brown offers a deeper path: one rooted in clarity, consistency, and grounded confidence. Together, we unpack what it means to build strength that’s steady, not showy — especia...

Send a text In this episode of the Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken explore The Canary Code by Ludmila Praslova, PhD — a transformative guide on neurodiversity, dignity, and intersectional belonging at work. While written for organizational leaders, this book holds profound implications for coaching. Christy and Ken reflect on: What pre-boarding means for coaching, and how it creates p...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast, Christy and Ken explore The Possible Self by Maja Djikic — a practical and reflective guide for coaches navigating identity, mindset, and growth. Together, they unpack the challenges of transitions, sticky emotions, and what it means to redesign not just behaviors, but the beliefs beneath them. Through storytelling, laughter, and real-...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken explore Never Not Working by Melissa Clark — a thought-provoking book that distinguishes between healthy work engagement and workaholism. While both may look similar on the outside, the internal energy and motivation behind them make all the difference. Through real talk and laughter, Christy and Ken reflect on their o...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken explore Coaching A to Z by Haesun Moon—a beautifully structured and story-rich guide that brings coaching to life through powerful language and the lens of solution-focused practice. Moon’s “Listening Compass” tool is at the heart of the conversation, offering a fresh way to guide clients toward their preferred future...

Send a text In this episode, we dig into The ONE Thing by Gary Keller—one of those deceptively simple books that sticks with you. Together, we explore how this book can help coaches clarify purpose, reduce noise, and create real momentum in both personal and professional life. We talk about: The surprising power of choosing less, on purpose What “willpower isn’t always on will-call” means for coac...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken dive into Wellness by Nathan Hill — a sweeping work of literary fiction and an Oprah Book Club pick from 2023. While it may not be a traditional coaching resource, Wellness offers rich insights into human behavior, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves — all essential territory for coaches. Tune in to explore: Ho...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore The Promise That Changes Everything by Nancy Kline—a book that dares us to make one powerful commitment: “I won’t interrupt you.” Through personal stories and deep reflection, Christy and Ken unpack how this promise transforms not only coaching sessions but relationships and daily life. Key take...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy and Ken explore the transformative power of improv through Yes, And by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton of The Second City. Blending humor with coaching insight, they discuss how improvisational techniques can foster deeper presence, unlock creativity, and shift the way we handle uncertainty in client conversations. Whether you&ap...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar dive into Breakthrough Coaching by Marcia Reynolds—a must-read for coaches striving to deepen their presence, build trust, and grow professionally. Christy recounts her personal meetings with Marcia, while Ken reflects on his long-time admiration of her work, setting the tone for a lively and insightful...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club , Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore James by Percival Everett and its profound lessons for coaches on identity, safety, and performance. Through the lens of this award-winning novel, they unpack how code-switching, survival strategies, and unspoken truths show up in coaching—and how presence, curiosity, and emotional safety help clients m...

Send a text What does it really mean for a client to be “ready” for coaching? And how do we, as coaches, avoid stealing the learning by inserting our own insights? In this episode of the Coaching Book Club Podcast , Christy Stuber and Ken McKeller dive into Cultivating Coachability by Clare Norman—an essential read for every coach’s bookshelf. Together, they explore the coach’s responsibility to p...

Send a text What does it take to create a truly safe coaching space — one rooted in trust, context, and cultural awareness? In this episode of The Coaching Book Club , hosts Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar unpack Legacy by Dr. Uché Blackstock — a deeply personal and powerful book about racism in healthcare, family lineage, and the urgent need to reimagine trust and equity in professional spaces. T...

Send a text What if the best coaches are the ones still learning? 🤔 In this episode of The Coaching Book Club , hosts Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore Positive Provocation by Robert Biswas-Diener — a refreshingly bold read that dares coaches to challenge convention, embrace discomfort, and grow through curiosity. If you’re ready to think differently about coaching, this one’s for you. Join...

Send a text Did you know your brain’s primary job isn’t thinking? 🤯 In this episode of The Coaching Book Club , hosts Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett — a thought-provoking book that challenges our assumptions about how the brain works. If you’re a coach looking to understand brain science and its impact on coaching, this epi...

Send a text In this episode of The Coaching Book Club , hosts Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar unpack powerful insights from Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, revealing how FBI hostage negotiation tactics can elevate your coaching skills. From active listening to emotional labeling and building trust, Voss’s strategies offer coaches actionable tools for fostering deeper client relationships...

Send a text Unlocking Coaching Confidence with Metaphors: Insights from Light Up In this episode of The Coaching Book Club , hosts Christy Stuber and Ken McKellar explore Light Up: The Science of Coaching with Metaphors by Lyssa deHart — a must-read coaching book for anyone looking to enhance their coaching skills and leadership strategies. Metaphors are powerful tools that can transform coaching...