The Opposite of Small Talk

In this episode Danielle talks about the difference between doing and being. She offers some ways to get more being into your life. 

Sometimes we're so wrapped up in the past or worried about the future that we forget how to really live in the present.  In this episode we talk with Catherine Duncan about How to Have Everyday Awakenings.  Catherine shares her unique perspective on living in the moment – not only having experienced two near-death experiences of her own, but also while serving as a hospital chaplain.  We discuss s...

There is something that you use every day to communicate, but never think about. It influences how you are perceived by others. It's something you can eaisly develop with practice. It's your voice. In this episode, you'll learn the characteristics of the voice, how to use vocal variety to sound more interesting and confident, and an easy practice activity to improve.   Looking for more ways to imp...

We have so many devices that we need to recharge on a daily basis – cell phones, tablets, watches, but what about ourselves? In this episode we talk with Lori Saitz about Living a sabbatical life.  Lori shares how following a month-long sabbatical, of her own, which included a roadtrip with her beloved cat, showed her the benefits of taking a sabbatical. We discuss how to live a sabbatical life wi...

In this episode of The Opposite of Small Talk, Danielle shares a her experience of opening up her creativity through writing. She reads a piece that she wrote while in a Gateless Writing Salon about a time she was surprised. 

As humans one of our strongest instincts is to build and strengthen connections with one another.  In this episode we talk with Tony Martignetti about Creating Deeper Connections.  We discuss the positives of creating deeper connections in the workplace,  how connecting with yourself is a critical first step, and how Tony encourages clients to share their "weird" to open up or deepen those connect...

One of the toughest things about being in the mid-level of a company is that your success depends on your ability to collaborate with people and teams that you don't directly manage. It's not enough to just do your work well. You have to be able to influence without authority to deliver together.  Being able to hold people accountable without being a jerk is an advanced communication skill and cri...

Anyone who has walked through the fragrance department during a day of shopping knows there is an abundant number of smells (and choices) out there when it comes to a signature scent.  What they may not have thought about, however, is the deeper meaning behind the scents that draw us in or repel us.  In this episode we talk with Helida Dodd, an engineer by trade who fell in love with the art and s...

In this solo episode Danielle shares a powerful quote that has meant a lot to her and encourages listeners to reflect on how they are showing up in the world. 

At the end of a stressful or demanding day, do you ever feel like your inner child could use a hug?  Well then in today's episode, you've come to the right place!  In this episode we talk with Tina Hamilton on the topic of Getting to know your inner child.  Tina shares some examples of how experiences from our childhood can impact how we now react or parent; how she recognized in herself the need...

Inevitably, throughout the course of our lives, the majority of us will at one time or another ask or be asked what we deem an "uncomfortable question" on a myriad of hot button topics including, race, gender inequality, and gender identity.  In this episode we talk with Melina Cordero, who went from, as she describes it, a "corporate executive to equity trailblazer," on the topic of Uncomfortable...

< < SHOP OFFICIAL MERCH >> If you were to search the term 'managing up' you would get a wide variety of definitions, but you would notice a common idea that managing up is something that benefits your boss. Articles from the Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review talk about things like anticipating your managers needs and adapting to their style. While these ideas have merit, they aren't...

In 2020, many of us went from social drinking to socially isolated drinking.  In this episode we talk with Nell Hurley, a Gray Area Drinking Coach, about the topic of understanding our relationship with alcohol.  Nell shares her own relationship with sobriety, defines the terms Gray Area Drinking and sober curiosity, and offers advice for anyone who may think they fall into these categories. Work...

Following a series of events that caused grief, isolation, and fear this week's guest found her purpose and calling to help others.  In this episode, we talk with Amanda McKoy Flanagan about Trusting Yourself to be All in.  Amanda shares how the grief and losses in her life, her almost two decades of sobriety, and the global pandemic helped her to do the work to heal from generational family dysfu...

Access the Work Journal prompts < > Normally solo episodes are just that... solo. But for this episode Kristy is sharing her interview with Matt Gilhooly from The Life Shift podcast . In this interview Kristy shares the story of a very specific moment that changed the trajectory of her life. It woke her up from living a life on auto-pilot and was the catalyst for restarting a journaling practice....

A discussion on the phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome is a springboard to a deeper dive on societal pressures for both women and men, and the systemic factors that may have influenced them. In this episode we talk with Kim Meninger about Imposter Syndrome and Societal Pressures. We cover the phenomenon of imposter syndrome in the workplace, discuss the ways it's both a personal and systemic problem...

In this episode Danielle talks about her experience of tuning into her sense of hearing after reading Gretchen Rubin's latest book "Life in Five Senses" and forgetting her airpods on a trip to New York City. 

During the course of our daily lives, many of us can take for granted the simple tasks we're able to complete with little effort or difficulty.  In this episode we talk with Diana Elizabeth Jordan on the topic of Ability Privilege.  Diana shares her unique perspective, how to create space to discuss difficult topics, and how we can all be more inclusive of one another's experiences and needs, in p...

Having a micromanager is a very specific kind of terrible work experience. This episode covers the mindset shift that could help in the short term, a couple of strategies to address it, and an important question to ask yourself to be sure you're seeing this from every possible angle.   If you like this episode and want more workplace communication strategies, follow Kristy on Instagram @ko.communi...

Have you ever wondered who comes up with the witty and compelling promos for your favorite television shows?  Well, today we have the answer, our latest guest, that's who!  In this episode we talk with Laura Belgray about Living your best life when you're the f-ing worst.  She talks about her journey from copywriting to finding her own authentic voice in her new book;  connecting with fellow late...

If you are an introvert or have ever been curious about what it means to be an introvert in an extroverted world –  this episode is for you!  Today, we talk with Andrea Sandu on the topic of introverts.  She shares her own first-person experience as an introvert in an extroverted world, some ways she learned to advocate for herself professionally, and guidelines that an extrovert can use, to bette...

The podcast comes full circle with this special episode which features a guest whose work, unbeknownst to him, has served as an inspiration to The Opposite of Small Talk over the last several years.  In this episode we talk with W. Kamau Bell about his new documentary, 1000% Me; Growing Up Mixed, released this month on HBO Max. We touch on some of the insightful things he learned from the mixed ki...

Being a human is hard! May is Mental Health Awareness month, Danielle shares the things that she does in order to keep her mental health in check. 

In this milestone episode, we share and discuss clips that are a good representation of what this podcast is all about about; connection, reflection, and social justice. If you've never listened to this podcast before, this episode would be a good place to start. If you're a long time listener, join us in this walk down memory lane. We close with some hopes for the future of the podcast and recogn...

Should you curse at work? Yes!…sometimes… with ground rules. In this solo episode of the podcast, Kristy shares why she curses at work and the three ground rules she follows. If you're looking to improve your workplace communication, you can hire Kristy to work with you one-on-one to build your skills. Visit www.kristyolinger.com to learn more.