Trash Talk: Where Self-Help Cliches Go to Die
What if the so-called “truths” about growth and success are actually keeping playing small?
On Trash Talk, hosts Erica Breuer and Erin Thomas unpack empty platitudes and tired cliches that dominate the business and personal development world. These ideas might be popular, but that doesn’t mean they’re useful.
Who listens to Trash Talk?
- Skeptics and Questioners of hollow advice
- Those asking why self-help advice fails
- People done with toxic self-help culture
- Anyone who wants a place to finally talk openly about all the advice that makes you roll your eyes
Trash Talk: Where Self-Help Cliches Go to Die
The Dumpster Dive That Started It All
In this episode Trash Talk, Erin and Erica take a step back to reflect on their podcast journey…from their first encounter in a Google Doc to deciding to turn their weekly coffee chats into a podcast, they share the behind-the-scenes story.
They also dive into the juicy bits of their personal histories, like Erin’s dumpster dive moment that launched her career (literally), and Erica’s museum exhibition background that led her to shaping big ideas for brands.
Tune in for a mix of branding, life lessons, and personal anecdotes, with a sneak peek at what’s to come in Season 2.
Links to passion projects that mentioned in this episode:
www.youtube.com/@MultigenMagic
The Dumpster Dive That Started It All
Trash Talk — Episode 8 | April 29, 2025
Episode Summary
In this episode, Erica Breuer and Erin Thomas reflect on the origins of Trash Talk. From their first encounter in a shared Google Doc to deciding to turn their weekly coffee chats into a podcast, they share the backstory. Along the way, Erin reveals how a literal dumpster dive launched her career, while Erica discusses her museum exhibition experience and how it shaped her approach to big ideas and branding. Tune in for personal anecdotes, branding insights, and a sneak peek at what Season 2 holds.
Table of Contents
- Intro
- Main Topic 1: The Beginning of Trash Talk
- Main Topic 2: Personal Histories and Career Launch Moments
- Guest Interview Highlights
- Key Takeaways
- Call to Action
Intro
Erica and Erin welcome listeners to a special episode reflecting on their podcast journey so far. They set the stage by revisiting how their casual conversations evolved into a full-fledged podcast, sharing the initial spark and the connection that brought them together.
Main Topic 1: The Beginning of Trash Talk
The hosts describe their first interactions, starting with a shared Google Doc that sparked their collaboration. What began as weekly coffee chats gradually turned into the idea of launching a podcast. They discuss the excitement and vulnerability involved in making that leap and how their unique dynamic fuels the show’s tone and content.
Main Topic 2: Personal Histories and Career Launch Moments
Erin opens up about her defining “dumpster dive” moment — a literal dive that kickstarted her career and shaped her approach to risk and creativity. Erica shares her background working in museum exhibitions, explaining how that experience taught her to craft compelling narratives and shape big ideas for brands. These personal stories illustrate how their past experiences inform the podcast’s mix of branding insight and candid life lessons. They also tease some themes and projects coming in Season 2.
Guest Interview Highlights
- Erin’s dumpster dive story that launched her career
- Erica’s museum exhibition background and its impact on her work
- The transition from informal chats to an intentional podcast
- Insight into the podcast’s evolving themes and future direction
Key Takeaways
- Strong collaborations can start in unexpected ways, like a shared Google Doc.
- Personal career-defining moments often involve risk and creativity.
- Past professional experiences deeply influence how we tell stories and build brands.
- Podcasts can evolve organically from authentic conversations.
- Season 2 promises more insight, storytelling, and thoughtful discussion.
Call to Action
If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at Trash Talk, subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow Erica and Erin on LinkedIn to stay connected and share your own career-defining moments. Visit the Trash Talk website for updates and upcoming episodes.
Show Notes & Links
- Follow Erica Breuer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/
- Follow Erin Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/
- Visit Trash Talk Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264
Related Passion Projects Mentioned:
