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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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In 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.

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In 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.

What 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.