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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 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 presence
• Moving from armored to daring coaching
• The power differential in coaching: Are you rescuing or partnering?
• Self-compassion and nervous system awareness as grounding tools

Whether you're early in your coaching journey or deepening your mastery, this episode offers both reflection and practical wisdom to support your growth.

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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 — 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 them
• Why grounded confidence feels quieter (and more trustworthy) than polished performance
• How repetition, reflection, and rest shape mastery over time
• What it means to grow at the speed of integration — not urgency

Whether 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.

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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 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 Code

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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-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 attention
• Sticky emotions like fear, anger, and sadness as coaching data
• What curiosity + acceptance really mean for coaches
• Reframing "helping" from problem-solving to presence
• Practical shifts to update your coaching self-concept 

ICF Core Competencies Highlighted: 

#2: Embodies a Coaching Mindset
#6: Listens Actively
#7: Evokes Awareness

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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 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 Bookshelf

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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 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.

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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 coaches
• How to use your core purpose to align your habits and coaching presence

Whether 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.”

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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:

• 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.

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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 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.

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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'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.

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