Learning is a Daily Practice
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
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Growth-Mindset
All humans have an infinite capacity for growth — not just in theory, but with consistent effort in the messy, everyday moments.
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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).
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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.”
I live and breathe growth, not only by designing programs as and L&D leader, but by continuously learning myself. Whether it's through podcasting, volunteering, or video production, I turn insight into action for myself AND for others. You see Learning and Development isn’t just a job for me - it’s the throughline of everything I do. In this section find just a few of my favorite projects for continuous growth.
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.”
Knockout Your Sunday Scaries Newsletter
Proven, actionable communication tips delivered bi-weekly. share the ideas and resources to help you to banish your Sunday Scaries. The focus is workplace communication and self-development with a little bit of random fun mixed in.
Links to my popular communication videos that have launched - so you don’t miss a thing
What I’m reading - because #ReadersAreLeaders