Trash Talk: Where Bad Advice + Cliches Get Taken Out

"Let Them: Round II" | Mel Robbins (Season Wrap)

“Let Them”  Round II / Mel Robbins In this episode, we close out our guru series by circling back to the origin story: Mel Robbins and the “Let Them” phenomenon; specifically, we get into domain “leakage” and the uncomfortable truth about expertise that travels well. We also recap patterns we’ve charted over the course of these episodes, a few things became hard to ignore:  The reality is, that we help construct gurus as much as we consume them. Stay in Touch During Summer Break We’re heading into a summer break to step back and resist the urge to immediately turn every insight into content. If you miss us in the meantime, we’re still having these conversations, just in slightly different corners of the internet: Follow Erin Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/] Erin’s newsletter: https://erinthomascommunications.com/ [https://erinthomascommunications.com/] Follow Erica Breuer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/] Erica’s virtual meetup: Visit Trash Talk Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264] Other items we mentioned during this episode Blanding, M. (2025, February 20). Women are avoiding AI. Will their careers suffer?: Working Knowledge. Harvard Business School. https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/women-are-avoiding-using-artificial-intelligence-can-that-hurt-their-careers [https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/women-are-avoiding-using-artificial-intelligence-can-that-hurt-their-careers]

“We can do hard things” | Glennon Doyle

“We can do hard things.” Cute. Catchy. But somewhere along the way, it shape-shifted from a comforting reminder into a borderline threat. This conversation starts with Glennon Doyle’s cultural footprint: her phrase, her storytelling style, and why her work landed so strongly in a moment when everyone was already maxed out. From here, Erica and Erin explore how their definition of “hard things” has evolved to include something less celebrated: ease.  And as we approach the end of our “All the Gurus” series, this conversation also examines what we want and need from the people we allow to shape us. The Trash Talk Hotline Tell us about a cliche that bothers you every time you hear it. Leave a message on the Trash Talk hotline at (719) 819-2175—your voice could end up in a future episode. And while you’re at it, do us a solid: subscribe, drop a review, and share this episode with your fellow Trashies.  Other Links & Resources Libro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you listen to great books while supporting your favorite independent bookstore. Get three audiobooks for the price of one with a new membership:  Use code TRASHTALK https://libro.fm/membership [https://libro.fm/membership] Follow Erica Breuer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/] Follow Erin Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/] Visit Trash Talk Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264]

“Scale or Fail” with Adriana Tica

Our guest Adriana Tica drops some hard truths about the shiny, influencer-driven promises of “rapid growth at all costs.” Together we explore the psychology behind the hype (why your brain loves the idea of exponential growth even when it’s a terrible fit for reality) and practical ways to reframe growth so you can focus on what actually works–all backed by Adriana’s 2026 State of Solopreneurship report. The Trash Talk Hotline Heard “scale or fail” one too many times and want to vent?  Hit up the Trash Talk hotline at (719) 819-2175—your take might just make it into a future episode. And while you’re at it, do the usual:  Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow Trashies who are tired of hype. Adriana’s Links https://www.adrianatica.com/newsletter/ [https://www.adrianatica.com/newsletter/] https://dedicated-artist-4510.kit.com/products/strategy-session [https://dedicated-artist-4510.kit.com/products/strategy-session] https://www.threads.com/@adriana__tica [https://www.threads.com/@adriana__tica] https://x.com/adriana_tica [https://x.com/adriana_tica] https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianatica/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianatica/] Other Links & Resources Libro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you listen to great books while supporting your favorite independent bookstore. Get three audiobooks for the price of one with a new membership:  Use code TRASHTALK https://libro.fm/membership [https://libro.fm/membership] Connect with her Follow Erica Breuer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/] Follow Erin Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/] Visit Trash Talk Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264]

"What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" with Lee Densmer

Lee Densmer knows a thing or two about real-life chaos and she joins us on the podcast today to explain why platitudes like “this will make you stronger” aren’t it. We explore what real strength and support look like, and sharper, smarter lenses for navigating hardship without feeling like you’re failing at growth. The Trash Talk Hotline Tell us about a cliche that bothers you every time you hear it. Leave a message on the Trash Talk hotline at (719) 819-2175—your voice could end up in a future episode. And while you’re at it, do us a solid: subscribe, drop a review, and share this episode with your fellow Trashies.  Lee Densmer Links Website & Book: https://leedensmer.com/book/ [https://leedensmer.com/book/] Cohort & Course: https://leedensmer.com/cohort/ [https://leedensmer.com/cohort/] Newsletter: https://leedensmer.com/newsletter/ [https://leedensmer.com/newsletter/] Other Links & Resources Libro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you listen to great books while supporting your favorite independent bookstore. Get three audiobooks for the price of one with a new membership:  Use code TRASHTALK https://libro.fm/membership [https://libro.fm/membership] Follow Erica Breuer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/] Follow Erin Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/] Visit Trash Talk Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264]

Cliches, Resilience, & Other Updates!

This week, we’re taking a short break from our regular episode schedule. We’ll be back next week with a special guest, Lee Densmer, joining us for a conversation around the theme “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger.” Thanks for your patience and support while we reset and get ready for the next episode. New episode drops next week.