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.

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 used to find and make connections when she moved to a new city.  TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> As an adult have you found it difficult to make friends? </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Thinking back to your most recent connection with a new friend – under what circumstances did you make that connection personally or professionally? </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Was there a particular piece of advice Danielle offered in this episode that resonated with you? </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.daniellemccombs.com">Work with Danielle</a>: 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 <a href= "http://www.daniellemccombs.com/">www.daniellemccombs.com</a> and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  <a href="http://www.kristyolinger.com">Work with Kristy</a>: 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 <a href= "http://www.kristyolinger.com">www.kristyolinger.com</a>  and find her work journal at <a href= "https://www.kristyolinger.com/workjournal">Work Journal — Kristy Olinger</a>.

The Opposite of Small Talk

Friendship Series #1: How to Make Friends

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 genuine connection; and valuable techniques for meaningful interactions and more impactful communication. Drawing from sports and leadership experience, Milam explains that true charisma is about making others feel seen and heard, not self-promotion.  His debut book The Charisma Craft:  A Modern Leadership Guide to Enhance Your “Rizz” Factor will be published on June 25, 2025.  Guest’s Website: <a href= "https://beconfidentandkind.com/">BCK: Be Confident & Kind | Leading in the Age of AI</a> Guest’s Book (Available June 25, 2025): <a href= "https://beconfidentandkind.com/book">About | Empower Your Leadership to Be Confident and Kind — BCK: Be Confident & Kind, Charisma Training for Leaders</a> TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Would you have labeled yourself as charismatic prior to this episode?  Has your view changed? </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> What one technique discussed in this episode would you be most likely to incorporate into your daily interactions? </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Is there someone in your personal or professional life you feel you have a genuine connection with? </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.daniellemccombs.com">Work with Danielle</a>: 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 <a href= "http://www.daniellemccombs.com/">www.daniellemccombs.com</a> and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  <a href="http://www.kristyolinger.com">Work with Kristy</a>: 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 <a href= "http://www.kristyolinger.com">www.kristyolinger.com</a>  and find her work journal at <a href= "https://www.kristyolinger.com/workjournal">Work Journal — Kristy Olinger</a>.

192. Charisma and Magnetic Leadership with Milam Miller

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 personally and professionally.  In this insightful discussion, she touches on points in her book, “WTF: Women That Flourish:  Transform Life’s ‘What the F#$k’ Moments Into Your Greatest Wins;” explores the importance of intuition, visualization, and taking bold steps; and offers practical tips on turning challenges into opportunities. Guest’s Website: <a href= "https://www.unscriptedpivots.com/">Unscripted Pivots | Career Coaching by Danielle Sprouls</a> Book Affiliate Link:  <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2JJR9FJ/ref=nosim?tag=kocommunicati-20"> WTF: Women That Flourish: Transform Life's "What the F#$k" Moments Into Your Greatest Wins: Sprouls Esq., Danielle: 9798315383390: Amazon.com: Books</a> TALK BIG QUESTIONS Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life. <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Have you had a light bulb or “what the f#$k” moment?  How did you react and how would you react now? </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> What advice or encouragement would you give to a loved one if they came to you expressing they wanted to make a bold or drastic change personally or professionally? </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> What is one practical piece of advice you took from today’s conversation? </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.daniellemccombs.com">Work with Danielle</a>: 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 <a href= "http://www.daniellemccombs.com/">www.daniellemccombs.com</a> and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.  <a href="http://www.kristyolinger.com">Work with Kristy</a>: 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 <a href= "http://www.kristyolinger.com">www.kristyolinger.com</a>  and find her work journal at <a href= "https://www.kristyolinger.com/workjournal">Work Journal — Kristy Olinger</a>.

191. Unscripted Pivots with Danielle Sprouls, Esq.

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: <a href= "https://centered.work/about-us">About Centered: Leadership & Transformation Experts</a> <a href="http://www.daniellemccombs.com">Work with Danielle</a>: 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 <a href= "http://www.daniellemccombs.com/">www.daniellemccombs.com</a> and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.

Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olinger

The Opposite of Small Talk by Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olinger

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