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
Major Buzzkills: Volume I, The Greatest Hits (of Nonsense)
You know those phrases that sound important but mean absolutely nothing? Yeah, we made a list.
In this rapid-fire episode, Erica and Erin pull back the curtain on some of the most overused (and underwhelming) buzzwords in business, leadership, and personal development, or rather “Business BS,” “Leadership Lies,” and “Personal Development Delusions.”
It’s a roast. It’s a reset. It’s your permission slip to stop pretending these phrases are helpful.
Major Buzzkills: Volume I, The Greatest Hits (of Nonsense)
Trash Talk — Episode 9 | May 6, 2025
Episode Summary
In this rapid-fire episode, Erica Breuer and Erin Thomas break down the most annoying buzzwords and jargon invading business leadership and personal development. They explore three categories: business buzzwords, leadership clichés, and personal development delusions, calling out phrases that need to die. Tune in for sharp critique, witty banter, and a call to reclaim authentic communication.
Table of Contents
- Intro
- Main Topic 1: Business Buzzwords That Need to Go
- Main Topic 2: Leadership Lies and Personal Development Delusions
- Guest Interview Highlights
- Key Takeaways
- Call to Action
Intro
Erica and Erin kick off this special buzzkill episode by welcoming listeners and explaining the break from their usual format. Instead of one piece of advice, they dive into multiple buzzwords that clutter conversations in leadership and personal growth, aiming to call out clichés that just don’t hold up.
Main Topic 1: Business Buzzwords That Need to Go
Erin starts with her top offenders in business jargon: “move the needle” (unless you’re a DJ or phlebotomist), “uplevel” or “next level” hype, and “leverage your zone of genius,” which she translates simply as “use it.”
Erica’s picks include “boil the ocean,” a phrase that feels tone-deaf in the climate crisis context; “six-figure” attached to everything from offers to mindsets, which she finds unhelpful; and “burnout,” a term she says is overused and often performative in today’s culture.
They reflect on how these buzzwords often signal vague ambitions pushed by leaders more focused on ego than clear progress.
Main Topic 2: Leadership Lies and Personal Development Delusions
Erica highlights “visionary,” calling it a cloak for people who start projects but rarely finish them; “catalyst for change,” which centers credit on the person rather than the change; and “whole self,” a phrase she finds more demanding than inviting.
Erin points to “change management” as corporate code for “this is going to suck, but it’s happening,” “human-centric” which should be baseline rather than buzzworthy, and the unrealistic “giving 110%,” reminding listeners that rest and limits matter.
On personal development, Erin critiques “disruptive” as an overused personality trait, “elevate” which has lost clear meaning, and “empower,” questioning the idea that empowerment can be handed out like a gift.
Erica adds “self-mastery,” which feels hierarchical; “neurohacking,” which reduces self-care to performance optimization; and “detox,” especially digital detoxes that imply toxicity where there may be none.
Together, they discuss how buzzwords often mask vague promises, fuel performative behaviors, or enforce unrealistic expectations.
Guest Interview Highlights
- Erin’s sharp take on how buzzwords like “uplevel” and “leverage” often disguise vague leadership goals
- Erica’s critique of “burnout” culture as performative and exhausting
- The challenge of “visionary” leaders who never follow through
- The problem with “whole self” as a demand rather than a choice
- Personal development jargon that feels hierarchical or unrealistic
Key Takeaways
- Many popular buzzwords lack clarity and contribute to superficial conversations.
- Business jargon often pushes vague ambitions that lack actionable meaning.
- Leadership buzzwords can mask lack of follow-through or accountability.
- Personal development language sometimes enforces unrealistic or hierarchical ideals.
- Authenticity requires moving beyond jargon to honest, clear communication.
- Listeners are invited to share their worst buzzwords for future episodes.
Call to Action
If you’ve ever been buzzword-bombarded, subscribe to Trash Talk to hear more honest conversations that cut through the noise. Leave a review and share your worst buzzword offenders on social media or via our website — we’ll feature the best (or worst) in 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
