Learning that fits into real life

Real-world practice over academic theories, intention and reflection over auto-pilot, and choosing curiosity over shame. You won’t find lectures here — just relatable content, big ideas, and encouragement to try something new.

My Top 3 Learning Beliefs

  • Growth-Mindset

    All humans have an infinite capacity for growth — not just in theory, but in the messy, everyday moments.

  • Communication

    Communication is a skill, not a talent. It’s learnable. It’s teachable. It’s my favorite thing to practice (and help others practice too).

  • Learning as a Habit

    Learning shouldn’t be a separate thing you "make time for." It should fit into the flow of what you’re already doing daily.

If we haven’t met yet… 👋 Hi! I’m Kristy.

I’ve spent the last decade helping people communicate more clearly, confidently, and effectively at work.
I believe in real-world practice over perfection, reflection over rigidity, and choosing curiosity over shame. You won’t find lectures here — just relatable content, big ideas, and encouragement to try something new.

I'm Kristy Olinger — L&D nerd, podcast host, video-creator, and lifelong experimenter. If you're into practical strategies for learning (without having to pause your life to do it), you're in the right place.

The Opposite Of Small Talk Podcast

Launched in 2019 with fellow growth-minded friend Danielle McCombs, we hold meaningful conversations with thought leaders on a wide variety of topics to inspire listeners to have more ‘big talk’ conversations with the people around them… all in the name of personal growth.

  • Ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes

  • More than 100 five-star ratings ⭐️ on Apple Podcasts

  • Listener Reviews: “It feels like I’m listening to an intimate conversation and there is always a gem in each episode that pulls at me all week.” “They know how to go in for the pieces that matter, the questions that linger in your heart.”

Learning and development isn’t just my job – it’s my highest core value and how I spend my free time, my energy, and my creative focus.

I’m not only an L&D professional—I’m a practitioner. I live and breathe growth, not only by designing programs, but by continuously learning myself. Whether it's through podcasting, volunteering, or video production, I turn insight into action—for myself and for others.

The Opposite Of Small Talk Podcast

Launched in 2019 with fellow growth-minded friend Danielle McCombs, we hold meaningful conversations with thought leaders on a wide variety of topics to inspire listeners to have more ‘big talk’ conversations with the people around them… all in the name of personal growth.

  • Ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes

  • More than 100 five-star ratings ⭐️ on Apple Podcasts

  • Listener Reviews: “It feels like I’m listening to an intimate conversation and there is always a gem in each episode that pulls at me all week.” “They know how to go in for the pieces that matter, the questions that linger in your heart.”