Tiny Pep Talks: Bite-Size Encouragement for Life's Annoying, Stressful, and Flat-Out Lousy Moments

by Paula Skaggs, Josh Linden

Two comedians offer hilarious encouragement for your most mundane struggles.

Anybody can tell you “You can do it!” before the big job interview, or before you walk down the aisle, or before you blast off on the first human-powered mission to Mars. But who’s going to gas you up for all of life’s low-stakes situations when you need an extra push?

Comedians Paula Skaggs and Josh Linden are here to cheerlead you through your daily challenges. You’ll find specific, constructive, and—most of all—very funny motivation for:

· Sending a scary email (if you died and came back as a ghost, wouldn't it suck if this was your unfinished business?)
· Getting through a breakup (did you know the grocery store will sell you a cake on any day for any reason?)
· Remembering that all your friends are not secretly mad at you (they're busy worrying all their friends are secretly mad at them)
·...and many more!


If you’re going through it, have ever gone through it, or will maybe go through it in the future, let Tiny Pep Talks give you the boost you need.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Humor, Inspirational

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Nora Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. Uplifting. Goofy and laugh-out-loud worthy but with surprising pangs of honesty and earnestness that make the reader stop and place their hand over their heart (speaking from experience). Paula and Josh feel like your best friends that you just texted something subtly anxious and they reply with a full blown voice memo pep talk knowing exactly what you need. This book is good.

[Luby K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful read! If you do any form of comedy, you’ll have the “dang! I wish I wrote that!” feeling. If you consume any form of comedy, you’ll love the spicy moments along with the earnestness. Josh and Paula have such a distinct writing voice, and the topics are organized in a compelling way and flow very smoothly, making it a real page turner. Not only are they funny, their emotional intelligence is through the roof! I was especially impressed by their advice on dealing with break-ups and grief. This book ain’t just for the little moments! It comes with a beautiful life philosophy. Can’t wait for more from these two!!

[Matt Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

a damn delight!

[Wendy Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what I needed. It’s packed with kind, earnest, and funny advice. I especially loved the section on “You and the Big Stuff” which tackles issues like the news, anxiety and grief with clever and touching humor. Can’t wait to give it to friends as a gift — and to see what’s next from Josh and Paula!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for something to read in the mornings with your coffee, this book is a nice alternative to literally anything else because the news is terrible. Also, it's an EXCELLENT graduation gift that is more memorable than a $6 card.

Tiny Pep Talks is exactly what I needed to get my eyes OFF my phone for 2 seconds for a little funny breather. It's a comforting little side table book that isn't a huge commitment and feels like sitting down with a friend.

This book + coffee gift card + a new candle is what I'm giving my friends this Xmas because we all need a little self care that doesn't require starting an entirely new complicated routine. Also because I want to get on this before it blows up and everyone will know how cool I was for having it first.

[Adam Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many other books. None are better than this book. Among books, TPT stands alone as the #1 book.

[Lauren King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. A quick, witty, punny, uplifting read that make me chuckle at every turn

[Alicia Erasmus · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ll save you a few hours time- the bottom line is go easy on yourself.

[JV Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome gift book for just about anyone - who doesn't need a pep talk to get them off the sofa and into bed?
It's a funny yet useful book.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. It manages to balance playful humor while also giving you a meaningful pep talk. This book makes a lovely gift to anyone (including yourself!), and I’m looking forward to seeing more from this duo.

[Jillian Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a breath of fresh air! As a piece of comedic writing, it's genius—genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, clever, and smart (accompanied by a playful layout and illustrations). As a "self-help" book, it's grounded in empathy—offering often profound and always gentle encouragement for those little moments when it's easy to feel like you're the only one struggling. Part of what makes this book so special is its heart: it manages to tap into those hyper-specific yet universal moments where we all find ourselves consumed by doubt, insecurity, fear, or regret—and the authors meet those moments with heart, humor, and optimism. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's a lovely book to gift to friends and family, but it's equally worthy of keeping on your nightstand or dining room table to flip through when you inevitably stumble into one of those awkward or unfortunate moments covered in this sweetheart of a book.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something here for many of life’s problems. These mini pep talks will instill in you a sense of self worth. No matter what is bothering you, from job problems to relationship problems, there is a pep talk here to remind you just how great you really are. You can handle it! And just in case there is a problem not addressed here, there is an all-purpose pep talk that you can adapt to any circumstance. This is a book you will want to keep close and reference often, just in case, because, you never know.

[Nancy Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short (one or two page) pithy bits of commiserating advice you'd give a friend or young adult experiencing a variety of every day situations such as: "When you're late and now there's traffic," or "When your favorite show has just been cancelled: an obituary" or "When it's time to do your taxes" (choice of 'tough love' or 'tiny coddled baby' editions). Motivational without being trite or cheesy. A fun read.

[Laurie Byro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's based for a younger audience but it is quite funny. What drew me in at the library was the "cousin is coming to town" because don't we EACH have an annoying relative, that you'd rather not hear from, and the ones you want to hear from, you don't. As others have said, you'll laugh outloud.

[Peggy Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. So many great little talks. It’s just what we need now. A book you can return to over and over to get a laugh or some encouragement. I can’t wait for their next book!
Thank you!!!

[Devin Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Its perfect to provide a little, hilarious pep talk and remind you that life is easier with a little humor. It was a hit at our family holiday gathering - makes for a great gift for ANYONE!

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might be worth a revisit.
Tiny pep talks about a variety of things.

The spread that gave me pause was "For when you're Grieving"
; it might be related to loss of a dream, loss of an era, loss of a loved one....

[Rachael Hobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of little essays that are meant to encourage the reader if they are in various situations. I appreciate the humor and it’s overall very sweet. This would make for a cute little gift for someone.

[Pamela Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! Highly recommend!

[Lauren Warm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!! Such a light read and so inspirational!! Great gift for a girls group or any closer friends

[Lauren Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute! But also very cheesy in some parts😬

[Leila Jaafari · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too silly at times but very earnest.

[Destiny Cumbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny little read

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and enjoyable to read...dare I say "peppy"!

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novelty book is good as a gift for a friend.

[Jamie Dahmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious and fun!

[Casey Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so good!!! Going to give everyone I know a copy. Made me laugh out loud at work to the point where I had to step away. Brilliant. Everyone should read.

[Mer]

https://hardcover.app/books/tiny-pep-...

[David Liebenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for any situation!

[Ronda Canary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6