Quality Makers: Krista Williams + Lindsey Simcik of Almost 30

Starting a successful podcast is like, one-in-a-million these days. How did you both get started? What do you think has made your show stand out amongst the rest?

KW: When we started, we were at such different places in our lives than we are now. We were confused twenty-somethings, questioning all of the things. I think our authenticity and ability to go deep really drew people to us. We weren’t scared to “go there” and have conversations that other podcasters just weren’t having at the time. 

LS: When we started Almost 30, we weren’t thinking “let’s build a brand.” And to be honest, in the beginning, we didn’t anticipate it being something that we would take so seriously. We were just two friends trying to make sense of what was happening in our lives. It was a time when everything felt in flux—careers, relationships, purpose—and we were craving honest conversations (and maybe answers!?) about that. I think that’s what made it resonate so deeply with so many at the outset. There was (and still is) no performative polish, just curiosity and realness. Our audience appreciates that about us and truly trusts us. We’ve grown together with our audience, which I think is super unique and special.

As someone who is a diagnosed Virgo Sun, Gemini Rising, Leo Moon, who had a gnarly Saturn Return, what is it about the “Almost 30” years that are so brutal (and yet defining!)? 

KW: Your Saturn Return is a cosmic shift that happens in your late twenties and usually lasts ~three years. From a scientific perspective, it’s also the time when your brain is finishing developing, and from a social lens, so.much.is.changing. Some friends are getting married, others are traveling the world solo! You may question your career, your relationships, your living arrangements. It’s like your entire life is put on blast and you’re forced to face the questions you may have been avoiding for a while. What is guaranteed is that if you face the things that are coming up, you will “exit” your Saturn Return living more aligned with your truest and highest self than ever before. 

LS: Oh, the Saturn Return…he does not play!!! Basically, it’s this astrological rite of passage that happens around 29, when Saturn (kind of like your cosmic dad) comes back to where it was when you were born. It’s the universe’s way of saying, “Okay, it’s time to grow up and into alignment.” For me, it was when everything I’d been ignoring or avoiding came up to be looked at: identity, purpose, boundaries, self-worth. It’s brutal because it asks for honesty and accountability, but it’s also defining because once you move through it, you’re never the same. In the best way.

What were some of the biggest breakthroughs, challenges, and/or realizations you had during those years—spiritually, physically, psychologically, etc.?

KW: Wow, what a question. Can I say all of the above? For me, the biggest shifts were definitely physical and relational. I left my marriage and released friendships that felt unaligned or outdated. In doing so, I let go of so much energetic weight I’d been carrying for years. That process actually inspired me to create my program, Metamorphosis, which is all about understanding weight—not just as something physical, but as an energetic and emotional imprint we can transform.

LS: Honestly, it was the moment I stopped outsourcing my worth. I had spent so many years trying to get approval—from the industry (I was an actress), men, even the version of myself I thought I was supposed to be. When that fell apart, I had to figure out who I actually was. Spiritually, that was when I started connecting inward to my soul. I don’t think I had one hit-you-over-the-head moment of spiritual awakening. I think most of us have this gradual opening over time. Journaling, meditating, and slowing down were some of the really simple but profound practices that helped me to recognize the essence of who I really am. It became less about “fixing” myself and more about remembering myself.

How does spirituality parlay itself into your own personal evolution and growth? How do you leverage it in your day-to-day lives?

‍KW: At this point in my life, spirituality isn’t something separate… It's the lens through which I see and move through the world. It’s not like its own compartmentalized thing anymore. Of course, there are practices I maintain, like daily meditation and long walks, but more than anything, it’s become a shift in perspective—a grateful, loving way of seeing and engaging with life. 

LS: I think of spirituality now as the practice of remembering what’s true. Today, that lives in my relationship with God. I feel like we are in quiet conversation all day long. It’s been an evolution, though. I grew up Catholic for the most part and then felt super disconnected from that part of my faith.  As I mentioned, in my 20s, I was outsourcing my worth and life’s answers to everyone else. Now at 38, a mom of one, wife, and creative, spirituality is woven into small, ordinary moments. It’s taking a walk without my phone, saying a quick prayer before a big day, or just being present with my son. It’s not this big, dramatic thing. It’s a quiet recalibration that keeps me grounded when life gets really fast and really loud.

When I meet young people who are pre-late twenties, I always find myself saying, “Get ready. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.” What are the key pieces of advice you’d impart to the up-and-comers (who have no idea what’s coming!)?

KW: To listen to your intuition and trust the process. Even if it doesn’t make sense, follow your dreams and your gut. Everyone makes it out on the other side (yes, there will be bumps and mistakes made), but those who end their Saturn Return feeling more aligned than when they began it are the ones who didn’t ignore the signs. They listened to the nudges and breadcrumbs on what the next best thing to do is and then just kept doing that. 

LS: To trust the timing of your life. We often compare ourselves to other people’s timelines or to this idealized version of ourselves we have in our head… but we cause ourselves so much unnecessary worry that way. We’re all on our own timetable and the most important thing is to live out the experiences that are right in front of you. I’d tell everyone to practice cultivating self-compassion, trust, and faith even though you’re still in the process of your becoming. 

How has Almost 30 continued to grow and change as you both have grown and changed (and maybe even departed from your twenties!)?

KW: I’m now in my late thirties and Almost 30 has really become a reflection of what it means to move through seasons of change and transformation (no matter your age!). If you’re doing life right, you’re always evolving. Time keeps moving, new experiences keep finding you, and we keep on growing! Almost 30 has evolved right alongside us. In the early days, we were talking about everything under the sun (like honestly, some wild, raunchy stuff). We were just two girls figuring it all out. Now, the conversations feel more grounded and more intentional. We’ve built a beautiful team and a mission that feels deeply aligned with who we’ve become.

LS: Almost 30 has been this living, breathing reflection of who we are. In the beginning, it was about “becoming”—finding purpose, career, love. Now, it’s more about being—motherhood, identity shifts, spirituality, authenticity. The podcast has evolved as we have, and I think that’s what’s kept it so special. We never tried to stay the same, we let it grow up with us.

What are your go-to routines, meditations, mantras—anything (!)—that help you stay grounded in your wellness?

KW: I love meditating. I don’t usually do guided ones, I’ll just sit on my HigherDOSE mat, breathe, and let myself be. It’s simple, but it’s where I feel most connected. Taking care of my physical body is also a huge part of my spiritual life. Getting outside, going on hikes, being in nature—all of that is really grounding for me. And honestly, things like massages or a good workout class are medicine too. 

LS: These days, I’m big on simple things that actually feel doable. Morning walks with my son, red light therapy at night, face cupping and a solid six-minute lymphatic routine that is life!!  Nothing glamorous, just consistent. “Thank you, God,” is my go-to mantra. I can look at my life in the moment and just thank God for the lesson, the beauty, the opportunity. It brings light to anything. That one gratitude changes everything when my brain starts spinning.

Such a boomer question, but if you had it to do over again, what are the 3 things from your twenties that you repeat just the same… and what would you want a complete do-over on?

KW: Oooh, this is a good one! If I could do it all over again, there are definitely a few things I’d leave behind and a few I’d keep exactly the same. I’d leave behind worrying so much about my future career and obsessing over my body to try to lose weight. I’d also let go of the friendships I stayed in out of obligation (the ones that were clearly no longer aligned!). But I’d absolutely keep the leap of faith I took leaving my corporate job to go full-time with the podcast. I’d keep saying yes to everything, even when there weren’t enough hours in the day. And most of all, I’d keep doing it all with my bestie, Lindsey.

LS: Such a great question! There’s probably a few exes I would skip out on if I had a do-over… ;) I also look back and think some of my aesthetic choices (*cough cough* thick lash extensions) weren’t exactly my finest moment. The main thing is that I wish I trusted myself more. The main things I’m grateful for all revolve around what happened when I listened to my inner guidance system and took myself seriously enough to act on it. I’m so grateful that I took risks like pursuing acting even if they didn’t work out how I thought, that I had the courage to move when life gave me the opportunity to expand, and that I put in all the blood, sweat, and tears to build a community and a career I love with my best friend.

Tell us about all of the other amazing things going on with Almost 30, like your book (that Jay Shetty loves) and Morning Microdose!

KW: Ahhh, yes! We are so proud of our book baby! Almost 30: A Definitive Guide to a Life You Love, This Decade and Beyond. It’s part memoir, part self-help, and honestly just full of so much magic and wisdom (not only from us, but from so many of the incredible guests we’ve had on the podcast). Morning Microdose has also been such a fun extension of the brand. It’s a daily 10-minute hit of inspiration and grounding—something you can listen to while you’re getting ready, driving, or walking to set the tone for your day.

Beyond that, I’ve launched my own coaching business and host international retreats, which has been such a blessing. I feel so grateful every day for the women who trust us with their growth, and of course for Lindsey, my best friend and business partner, who makes all of it that much more special.

LS: What a year, honestly!!! Our book is a legacy piece that we hope will have a whole life of its own! It’s part memoir, part guide book, part pep talk. It’s everything we’ve learned (and unlearned) over the past 10 years. This is a book for ANYONE navigating a season of change. I’m so proud of this work and pinch myself that I got to write it with my best friend!