The Coaching Book Club Podcast

Send a textWhat 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:• Why improvisation is the heart of coaching• The power of “Yes, and” in client partnership• How clear agreements free your brain to be present• Why “there are no mistakes” changes everything• Skillful interruption (without losing trust)• How play creates embodied learning — not just cognitive insightIf you’ve ever felt pressure to “get it right” in coaching, this episode will feel like an exhale.Because presence comes before tools.And sometimes the best way to deepen your craft… is to practice differently.📘 Get the book: Coaching With a Twist📘 Coaching Book Club Guide + CCEsSupport the show

Send a textIn 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 intuitive or abstract. Together, Christy and Ken unpack how three of those languages — feedback, acknowledgment, and follow-through — show up in coaching relationships and why they matter more than we might realize.In this episode, we explore:• How expectation gaps quietly erode trust• Why acknowledgment isn’t cheerleading — and what it is instead• How follow-through builds trust not only with clients, but within ourselves• Questions you can ask to intentionally cultivate trust from day oneIf you’ve ever wondered:“What does trust actually look like in my coaching practice?”This episode will give you language — and tools — to strengthen it.📘 Get the book: Talk to Me Nice📘 Coaching Book Club Guide + CCEsSupport the show

Send a textIn 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 humble inquiry is the coach’s job description.How slowing down builds deeper trust and clearer outcomes.What the Johari Window reveals about blind spots and coaching presence.The danger of defaulting to advice-giving (especially with clients or kids).How intimacy and vulnerability show up in professional coaching spaces.Whether you’re newly certified or a seasoned coach, this episode will invite you to rethink the role of questions in your practice.📘 Get the book: Humble Inquiry📘 Coaching Book Club Guide + CCEsSupport the show

Send a textWhat 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 working in a helping role who wants to move beyond compliance, urgency, and performance pressure — and toward change that is sustainable, human, and meaningful.We explore:Why real change begins in trust, safety, and relationshipThe difference between coaching for compassion vs. coaching for complianceIntentional Change Theory and the role of the ideal selfHow positive emotional attractors create conditions for learningWhy a learning orientation supports deeper growth than a performance mindsetWhat this means for feedback, supervision, and coach developmentWhether you’ve read this book before or are encountering it for the first time, this episode invites you to slow down and reconsider what actually creates movement — in coaching, leadership, and learning.📘 Get the book: Helping People Change 📘 Coaching Book Club Guide + CCEsSupport the show

Send a textIn 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 conditions for thinkingThe importance of contracting and shared clarity in every sessionHow tools & models support — but shouldn’t drive — the coaching conversationPractical takeaways to strengthen your coaching presence and confidenceWhether you’re an emerging coach or seasoned pro, this conversation offers clarity about when to step in — and when to step back so your clients generate their own insights.Get the Coaching Book Club Guide to Simplifying Coaching + earn CCEs: https://the-coaching-book-club-podcast.kit.com/23165c82d1Support the show

Send a textIn 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 lens on embodied coaching. Christy and Ken share their favorite insights and real-life coaching reflections on:Why gestures can reveal deep, unspoken ideasHow movement activates insight for both coaches and clientsThe powerful role of thinking with others in supervision and peer groupsIf you’re looking to integrate more somatic intelligence, curiosity, and creativity into your coaching, this episode is for you.👉 Get the Book Guide PDF when you join our free newsletterSupport the show

Send a textIn 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 difference between mind reading and mind knowingWhat it means to embody self-differentiationThree anxiety-driven behaviors coaches fall into: accommodating, acting out, and avoidingExpect real stories, honest reflections, and practical examples that show how this book can help you coach with more courage and clarity. Whether you’re deep in credentialing or navigating the emotional rollercoaster of coaching, this conversation will help you come home to yourself—and stay there.Support the show

Send a textIn 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 coaching space.You’ll hear Christy share insights from the ICF Converge Conference and Ken’s breakthrough moment with the Empowerment Triangle. Together, they unpack how presence, humility, and curiosity shape meaningful coaching—and how coaches can support themselves in staying grounded.Key Takeaways:The “line of fear” and how it shapes our leadership presenceMoving from armored to daring coachingThe power differential in coaching: Are you rescuing or partnering?Self-compassion and nervous system awareness as grounding toolsWhether you're early in your coaching journey or deepening your mastery, this episode offers both reflection and practical wisdom to support your growth.Buy the bookGet the Reflection Guide Support the show

Send a textIn 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 — especially in the messy middle of becoming a coach.We explore:What “compensation muscles” look like in coaching — and how to spot when we’re using themWhy grounded confidence feels quieter (and more trustworthy) than polished performanceHow repetition, reflection, and rest shape mastery over timeWhat it means to grow at the speed of integration — not urgencyWhether you're building toward your MCC or just beginning to trust your presence over your credentials, this episode is a gentle reminder: real growth doesn’t rush. It roots.Buy the bookGet the Reflection Guide Support the show

Send a textIn 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 psychological safety before a client even signs on.Ways to design inclusive sessions — from sensory-aware setups to communication preferences.Why neuroinclusion isn’t just good customer service — it’s core to cultivating trust and safety.Whether you’re new to coaching or reimagining your practice, this episode invites you to reconsider what true inclusion looks like — not just in what you say, but in how you show up.Explore the book on Bookshop.org: The Canary CodeSupport the show

Send a textIn 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-life coaching reflections, they offer a candid look at how personal development shows up in coaching practice. Key themes we explore:The "time thief" trap — and how to reclaim attentionSticky emotions like fear, anger, and sadness as coaching dataWhat curiosity + acceptance really mean for coachesReframing "helping" from problem-solving to presencePractical shifts to update your coaching self-concept ICF Core Competencies Highlighted: #2: Embodies a Coaching Mindset#6: Listens Actively#7: Evokes AwarenessSupport the show

Send a textIn 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 own habits, motivations, and calendars — and invite you to do the same. This episode will help you:Understand the line between doing meaningful work and being compulsively driven.Recognize how your energy source (love vs. fear) impacts your coaching presence.Reimagine recovery — not as laziness, but as leadership.Whether you’re soaking wet chasing down an idea or scheduling over yourself out of scarcity, this episode will offer grounding and guidance. Tune in for a compassionate look at what fuels us — and how to recover our best selves.🛒 Want to support the show and explore the books we feature? Check out our curated shelf on Bookshop.org:👉 The Coaching Book Club Podcast BookshelfSupport the show

Send a textIn 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 and resourceful past, instead of getting bogged down in the present problem. This episode uncovers:Why storytelling is at the core of transformational coaching.How repeating clients’ exact words can deepen connection and insight.The difference between “what matters to the client” vs. “what’s the matter with the client”—and why that shift changes everything.Whether you’re a solution-focused coach or just curious about elevating your coaching presence, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, meaningful reflection, and a reminder that our clients are the true authors of their stories.Support the show

Send a textIn 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 purposeWhat “willpower isn’t always on will-call” means for coachesHow to use your core purpose to align your habits and coaching presenceWhether you're navigating credentialing, leadership transitions, or just feeling pulled in too many directions, this conversation offers a refreshing lens for grounding your work.Golden quote:"The success is the destination—but the magic? That’s the journey."Try this:What’s the one thing that fuels your coaching? Write it down. Let it guide your next session, reflection, or decision.We’d love to hear from you—drop us a note on LinkedIn with your “one thing.”Support the show

Send a textIn 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:How fiction can reveal truths about the coaching relationship.Why every client’s version of reality is a shifting story.The power of curiosity, presence, and humility in coaching.What “the meaning effect” teaches us about value and transformation.This episode invites you to rethink how we show up for our clients and ourselves — with more compassion, less certainty, and a deeper trust in the process.Whether you're heading on vacation or staying close to home, Wellness is the big, juicy summer read you didn’t know your coaching practice needed.Support the show

Send a textIn 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 takeaways from this episode include:The transformative impact of generative attention: How deep listening enhances client insight and trust.Navigating the tension between coaching protocols and presence: When to follow structure vs. when to simply be with the client.Applying Nancy Kline’s wisdom to parenting and leadership: Real-world stories on the ripple effect of intentional silence.Whether you’re new to Kline’s work or returning for a refresher, this episode offers fresh perspective on how to cultivate independent thinking and “Thinkability” in your clients—without needing to fill the silence.Support the show

Send a textIn 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're navigating imposter syndrome or looking to add spontaneity and playfulness to your coaching, this book—and this episode—offers fresh tools for growth.Key takeaways include:Letting go of the “script” and coaching in the moment.Using humor and emotional nuance as coaching tools.Turning “I don’t know” into a launchpad for client breakthroughs.If you're curious how “yes, and” can apply to coaching conversations, this one's for you.Support the show

Send a textIn 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 conversation.Key takeaways from this episode include:The importance of embodying a coach’s mindset: How continuous self-awareness, supervision, and reflection build coaching resilience.Recognizing and overcoming emotional saboteurs: Why letting go of performance pressure is vital to effective coaching.The neuroscience of coaching presence: How small adjustments, like posture, can impact nervous system regulation and client connection.With practical tools, heartfelt reflection, and a touch of humor, this episode invites you to explore how coaching is not just about technique—but about who you are becoming. Whether you're new to coaching or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights to enrich your practice and reconnect with your coaching purpose.Support the show

Send a textIn 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 move from performing to being.Whether you’re a new coach or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll walk away with powerful insights into trust-building, self-awareness, and honoring the full humanity of every client.📚 Listen now to deepen your understanding of coaching presence and create spaces where transformation is truly possible.Support the show

Send a textWhat 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 prepare clients for coaching, redefine the purpose of chemistry sessions as compatibility meetings, and hold space for independent thinking without hijacking the client’s process.You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your coaching agreements, support client readiness, and deepen your understanding of the coach-thinker partnership. Whether you’ve read the book or this is your first time hearing about it, you’ll leave with fresh insights to apply in your own coaching practice.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on LinkedIn to share what you’re taking away from today’s conversation.Support the show

Send a textWhat 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.Together, Christy and Ken explore how this memoir challenges coaches to reflect on their own identities, biases, and responsibilities when working with diverse clients — and why these conversations are essential to effective, ethical coaching.Tune in to explore three key insights from the book, including:✅ Why coaching isn’t just about skill — it’s also about the context we create for those skills to unfold✅ The power of reflective practice to reveal personal bias, build trust, and strengthen client connection✅ How collective healing, not just individual growth, shows up in coaching — and what that means for your sessionsWhether you’re cultivating safer spaces in one-on-one coaching or navigating trust in team and group settings, this episode will expand your lens and invite you into the ongoing work of coach development.🎧 Listen now for a heartfelt and provocative conversation that proves: the way we coach is part of the legacy we leave.Support the show

Send a textWhat 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 us as we dive into key provocations from the book, including: ✅ Why great coaches never stop evolving — and what that means for your ongoing development✅ The “coach’s agenda” — how bringing your values into the coaching space can actually empower clients✅ What happens when we interrupt or use less empathy — and why these ideas might not be as taboo as you thinkFrom ethics and supervision to reflective practice and client relationships, this conversation will stretch your thinking and offer new ways to refine your coaching craft.Whether you’re a seasoned MCC or new to the profession, this episode delivers powerful insights, real-world reflections, and a playful-yet-deep discussion that proves learning never ends.🎧 Tune in now to explore how Positive Provocation can push you forward as a coach — in the best way possible.Support the show

Send a textDid 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 episode is for you.Join us as we dive into three powerful insights from the book:✅ How your brain predicts (almost) everything you do — and why that matters for coaching conversations✅ The “energy budget” and practical strategies to manage your mental and emotional resources as a coach✅ Brain-to-brain regulation — why staying calm and present helps create a safe environment for your clientsWhether you’re a coach seeking personal growth, a manager wanting to build leadership skills, or someone looking to deepen your understanding of neuroscience, this episode offers practical coaching techniques and mindset shifts you can start using right away.Learn how to build coaching confidence through brain science and apply these insights to overcome imposter syndrome, improve coaching skills, and cultivate stronger client connections. This episode is packed with professional development tips for coaches, practical coaching strategies, and actionable takeaways from one of the best coaching books of the year.Tune in now to discover how understanding the brain can transform your coaching practice!Support the show

Send a textUnlocking Coaching Confidence with Metaphors: Insights from Light UpIn 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 conversations, helping clients connect with abstract ideas in meaningful and memorable ways. Whether you’re a practicing coach, a new coach seeking confidence, or a manager looking to improve leadership coaching skills, this episode offers actionable insights you can apply immediately.Christy and Ken break down key concepts from Light Up, revealing how coaches can:✅ Use metaphors to deepen client conversations and build trust✅ Develop practical coaching techniques that inspire clarity and insight✅ Apply coaching strategies to tackle imposter syndrome and boost confidence✅ Enhance coaching skills for managers and leaders navigating complex conversationsThis insightful book review podcast offers practical coaching takeaways and tips for developing leadership coaching skills. Whether you're building your coaching practice, exploring coaching techniques for beginners, or searching for the best coaching podcasts for managers, this episode will leave you with fresh ideas and strategies to elevate your coaching conversations.Tune in to discover how metaphor-driven coaching can create transformative learning moments — and take your coaching skills to the next level.Support the show

Send a textIn 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, guiding breakthrough moments, and helping clients navigate challenging decisions.Key Insights in This Episode:✅ Why assumptions can hinder coaching conversations — and how adopting a “hypothesis guide” mindset strengthens client trust.✅ How Voss’s ‘Three Yeses’ model — Counterfeit, Confirmation, and Commitment — helps coaches distinguish true buy-in from surface-level agreement.✅ The neuroscience behind labeling emotions — and how this simple technique can shift clients from overwhelm to clarity.✅ How tactical empathy — a core negotiation skill — mirrors coaching presence and supports meaningful change.Drawing from her experience running a suicide hotline, Christy reflects on the overlap between crisis negotiation techniques and effective coaching strategies — including the power of presence, empathy, and meeting clients where they are.Whether you're a coach looking to refine your skills, a manager learning coaching strategies, or a leader seeking better communication techniques, this episode offers actionable insights to improve your practice.📚 Tune in now to discover how negotiation insights can enhance your coaching skills and unlock powerful client breakthroughs.Support the show

Send a text📚 Welcome to The Coaching Book Club Podcast!In this brief introduction, host Christy Stuber shares why she and co-host Ken McKellar created this podcast — and what you can expect from each episode.If you’re a coach looking to build confidence, refine your skills, and unlock powerful insights — all inspired by impactful books — you’re in the right place.🎧 Subscribe now so you don’t miss our first two episodes, dropping on March 15!Unlock powerful insights — one book at a time.Support the show