No Small Talk- Conversation Starters for Introverts

Latest Episodes:

40. No Small Talk Conversation with Courtney Ferguson | Conversation Starters for any Situation Sep 09, 2020

Show notes

In the midst of a global pandemic, social injustice, and the many other challenges that came in 2020, we all need a little peace in our lives. So, for today’s conversation starter we asked ourselves “Where do you go to find peace and why?”

On today’s episode we are joined by fellow introvert Courtney Ferguson, a blogger and actress who hates small talk just like us.

We also talk about:

What peace means to us
How we find peace in our daily lives
The different activities and self-care tips that's helping us survive COVID-19
The importance of self-care and being intentional about making time to take care of one’s physical and mental health.

Our conversation starters are designed to create more interesting and memorable social interactions. The great thing about our conversation starters is that they start off with one basic question, but will prompt a back-and-forth exchange of ideas and lead to other interesting topics. Use them and watch your relationships grow stronger as you share your answers and listen to others.

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Introvert Actress: The Quiet Lead
@introvert_actress
Click herefor our "20 Easy Conversation Starters You Can Use Anytime".
Audible- Use our link to get your free audiobook + 2 Audible Original books (so you get THREE free books!)

Get Social with Us:

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more motivation, tips and resources
No Small Talk Podcast Instagram- @nosmalltalkpodcast
Twitter- @nosmalltalkpod1
Facebook Group- No Small Talk Podcast

Subscribe & Review in Apple

Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you're not, we want to encourage you to do that today. We've been adding a lot of bonus tips and conversation starters to each episode, and if you're not subscribed, you may miss out on the goodness. Click here to subscribe in Apple. Now if you're feeling extra generous, we'd love if you left us a review on Apple as well. Those reviews help other people find the podcast. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let us know what you love about the episode. Thank you!

No Small Talk is hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; produced by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

39. No Small Talk Conversation with Petra Pindar | Conversation Starters for any Situation Sep 02, 2020

Show notes

Are there some things that you do, beliefs that you hold on to, or behaviors that you grew up with that you now look at and ask "Where did I learn this from and does it actually make sense for me in this moment in my life?

There are certain things that we were taught, that were nurtured, or we just picked up on unconsciously. And as we do this thing called "adulting", we realize some of these things are no longer serving us or aren't actually true. And so, the journey of unlearning these things begins, which isn't always easy or comfortable.

On today's episode we are joined by friend to the show Petra Pindar, and we explore this question. Petra is President & CEO, of Petra Pindar Inc., a non profit organization dedicated to building and cultivating leaders in both the faith and business sectors.

We also talk about:

How we had to unlearn that you must please and appease everyone, especially those that are close to you, that successful friendships and relationships are meant to last forever, that you're responsible for the disappointments that happen in your life and that if you work harder and longer, you'll be successful.

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Click here for our "20 Easy Conversation Starters You Can Use Anytime".

PetraPindar.com @petrapindar

Get Social with Us:

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more motivation, tips and resources

No Small Talk Podcast Instagram- @nosmalltalkpodcast

Twitter- @nosmalltalkpod1

Facebook Group- No Small Talk Podcast

Subscribe & Review in Apple

No Small Talk is hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; produced by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

38. No Small Talk Conversation with Marsha Badger | Conversation Starters for any Situation Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever looked at your life and thought "this is not what I had in mind when I was 10"?

Maybe you didn't expect to be where you are today in your career, or that you'd be single or that you'd have kids. Whatever it is, we're sure that there are some things that your younger self would not believe about your life today. On today's episode we are joined by fellow introvert Marsha Badger, and explore this question. Marsha is a Journalist and Founder of the lifestyle website and podcast Introvert N the City.

We also talk about:

The difficulties of adulting
The challenges of being single in your 30's
The importance of community when raising kids
Dealing with 2 pandemics in 2020 and shifting plans and goals in order to adjust

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Click here for our "20 Easy Conversation Starters You Can Use Anytime".
Episode 27: What Can You: A Response to George Floyd and Racial Injustice
Episode 26: The Black Vote: Can We Afford to Hold It Hostage
Introvert n the City
@introvertnthecity

Get Social with Us:

No Small Talk Podcast Instagram- @nosmalltalkpodcast

Twitter- @nosmalltalkpod1

Facebook Group- No Small Talk Podcast

Subscribe & Review in Apple

Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you're not, we want to encourage you to do that today. We've been adding a lot of bonus tips and conversation starters to each episode, and if you're not subscribed, you may miss out on the goodness. Click here to subscribe in Apple. Now if you're feeling extra generous, we'd love if you left us a review on Apple as well. Those reviews help other people find the podcast. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let us know what you love about the episode. Thank you!

No Small Talk is hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; produced by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

37. How to Host a No Small Talk Party Aug 19, 2020

Show notes

Fun fact: Sherry hosted a "No Small Talk" party about 2 years ago at the recommendation of a friend, and that's how the podcast got started. Yup!

And now, is the perfect time for YOU to have your own No Small Talk party. You may not take up podcasting afterwards, but you will learn new and interesting things about your friends and deepen your relationships. On today's episode we talk about how you can host your very own No Small Talk party using our conversation starters, and other ways people have used them to build new friendships or strengthen existing ones. We also discuss what new things you can expect from the podcast.

Resources:

Click here for our "20 Easy Conversation Starters You Can Use Anytime".

Get Social with Us:

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more motivation, tips and resources
No Small Talk Podcast Instagram- @nosmalltalkpodcast
Twitter- @nosmalltalkpod1
Facebook- No Small Talk Podcast

Subscribe & Review in Apple

Now if you're feeling extra generous, we'd love if you left us a review on Apple as well. Those reviews help other people find the podcast. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let us know what you love about the episode. Thank you!

No Small Talk is produced and hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; edited by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

36. No Small Talk Conversation Starters | Couples Edition Aug 12, 2020

Show notes

On today’s episode we did something a little different and brought you No Small Talk conversation starters- the couples edition. Our special guest today is Chimdi, my (Ebony) husband of life. On this episode we take turns asking each other some really good conversation starter questions.

In this episode, we explore the following questions:

What do you remember about the first time we met?
If you could grant me one wish what would it be?
If you could go back to when we started our relationship, what advice would you give yourself?
And more!

These conversation starters are great for couples at any stage in your relationship. We encourage couples to use our conversation starter questions as an opportunity to create an atmosphere where you can foster deep conversations, reminisce on the past and even learn new things about each other, even if you have been together forever. Conversation starters are a great way for couples to grow with each other and build deeper connections. We hope that you will be encouraged by this episode to have those deeper conversations within your already established intimate relationships too!

Get Social with Us:

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more motivation, tips and resources
No Small Talk Podcast Instagram- @nosmalltalkpodcast
Twitter- @nosmalltalkpod1
Facebook- No Small Talk Podcast

Subscribe & Review in Apple

Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you're not, we want to encourage you to do that today. We've been adding a lot of bonus tips and conversation starters to each episode, and if you're not subscribed, you may miss out on the goodness. Click here to subscribe in Apple. Now if you're feeling extra generous, we'd love if you left us a review on Apple as well. Those reviews help other people find the podcast. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let us know what you love about the episode. Thank you!

No Small Talk is produced and hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; edited by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

35. Things I'm Afraid to Tell You (Ebony) Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

Today we are continuing to let down our walls, letting go of shame and embracing full vulnerability. We have another solo episode where I share a few things that I’m afraid for people to know about me. Now, on the surface they may not seem like big things, but for me, they are things I have struggled with and still struggle with from time to time; and a woman who cares so much about the perception of others, it was really hard for me to break down these walls. But I did it. I put on my big girl pants, and spoke my truth.

On this podcast we like to encourage you all to feel open to building those deeper connections, and sometimes that will require you to go to a place where you have to be vulnerable and uncomfortable. You know what they say, great things don’t come from staying in our comfort zones.

I hope that by Sherry and I sharing these stories and truths, you'd also be encouraged to identify those parts of your lives that you've been afraid to share with others and dare to start breaking down walls in order to build meaningful connections at work, at home, in your company and in love.

In this episode, you'll find out about the things I've been afraid to discuss including: My own experience dealing with Imposter syndrome with my career and success, dealing with Mommy Guilt and feeling inadequate as a mother at times, and also my issue with internalizing and overthinking criticism and fear of others perceptions of me.

Social Media:

No Small Talk Podcast- @nosmalltalkpodcast

#nosmalltalk

Subscribe & Review in Apple

No Small Talk is produced and hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; edited by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

34. Things I'm Afraid to Tell You (Sherry) Jul 29, 2020

Show notes

Today, we're doing things a bit differently. We have a solo episode where I share the biggest things that I've been afraid to speak about publicly and share with different people in my life. Now these aren't a few small things. These are some real hard areas that I've struggled with and have had difficulty sharing out of fear of judgement, shame, and just discomfort. But these are things that could serve as connection points with other people going through similar things. I hope by sharing these stories and truths, you'd also be encouraged to identify those parts of your lives that you've been afraid to share with others and dare to start breaking down walls in order to build meaningful connections at work, at home, in your company and in love. In this episode, you'll find out about the things I've been afraid to discuss including: Imposter syndrome Confidence and self-esteem Money issues Failed relationships Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 23: If You Can Be an Expert at Something, What Would it Be? Episode 30: How to Talk to Your Kids about Race and Racism Episode 33: The Power of Introverts in an Extrovert World Lauren Westbrook, Westbrook Strategies Get Social with Us: Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more motivation, tips and resources No Small Talk Podcast Instagram- @nosmalltalkpodcast Twitter- @nosmalltalkpod1 Facebook Group- No Small Talk Podcast Subscribe & Review in Apple Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you're not, we want to encourage you to do that today. We've been adding a lot of bonus tips and conversation starters to each episode, and if you're not subscribed, you may miss out on the goodness. Click here to subscribe in Apple. Now if you're feeling extra generous, we'd love if you left us a review on Apple as well. Those reviews help other people find the podcast. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let us know what you love about the episode. Thank you! No Small Talk is produced and hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; edited by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

33. The Power of Introverts in an Extrovert World | TEDTalk by Susan Cain Jul 22, 2020

Show notes

Would you believe it if we told you that we have an introvert friend who is really quiet but did something major like delivered a TEDTalk to hundreds of people. Would you believe us? It's true!

Well, sort of. Today we share with you a TEDTalk from our friend (in our head) and the Queen of introversion, Susan Cain. Susan's TEDTalk has attracted over 10M views on YouTube, and in it she argues that introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world that should be celebrated and encouraged; not shamed.

Susan also talks about:

The typical biases and labels associated with introversion
The tendency of introverts to go out of our way to fit in or be accepted, instead of putting ourselves in the zone of stimulation that works for us
The love and value introverts place on community and collaboration, but the need to balance that with solitude and reflection
Introverts' pursuit of passion and drive to do what is right which sometimes puts us in the spotlight, even if uncomfortable

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

The Power of Introverts | Susan Cain | TedTalks

Social Media:

Susan Cain- @susancainauthor

No Small Talk Podcast- @nosmalltalkpodcast

#nosmalltalk

Subscribe & Review in Apple

Now if you're feeling extra generous, we'd love if you left us a review on Apple as well. Those reviews help other people find the podcast. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let us know what you love about the episode. Thank you!

No Small Talk is produced and hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; edited by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

32. No Small Talk Conversation | Conversation Starters for any Situation Jul 15, 2020

Show notes

We often set rules or boundaries to protect our space, time, and peace of mind. And sometimes we're fighting with others to respect these boundaries, but sometimes we're struggling to respect those boundaries as well. Today we discuss the different personal boundaries we've set in our lives and the reasons why these are important to us.

We also talk about:

How setting clear boundaries can help strengthen relationships by allowing us to be more present and focused
The value of routines and rules in raising children and the impact that it has on self care
The effect of being "plugged in" all the time on our mental health
The importance of clearly explaining our boundaries and rules to close friends and loved ones so that they are aware of our desires and needs, and how we want to be treated

Get Social with Us:

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for more motivation, tips and resources
No Small Talk Podcast Instagram- @nosmalltalkpodcast
Twitter- @nosmalltalkpod1
Facebook Group- No Small Talk Podcast

Subscribe & Review in Apple

No Small Talk is hosted by Ebony Anuforo and Shereefat Balogun; produced by Wale "Breathe Easy" Balogun

31. No Small Talk Conversation | Conversation Starters for any Situation Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

If you had to leave your home for a period of time and can only pick 3 things from your home, what would you pick?

Despite all the stuff we buy and consume, and fill our homes and lives with, there's probably just a few things that we really need or value. Whether those things come from a more practical perspective or they have some sort of sentimental value that you can't let go of, this conversation explores the things that matter to us most.

We also talk about: