Turmeric and Tequila™

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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#ERChecklist, #HospitalBag, #AthleteLife, #RabdoRecovery, #CrossFitLife, #FitnessSafety, #EmergencyPrep, #HealthTips, #PodcastEpisode, #TurmericAndTequila, #StayReady, #MindsetMatters, #WellnessJourney, #HealthAndFitness, #AthleteMindset, #GratitudePractice, #WhatToPack, #LifeSkillsThroughSports, #ColoradoClownfish, #DeclanJamesWatches, #PerformanceCoach

280. From CrossFit to the ER: My Rhabdo Story and the Power of Awareness Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

"I've trained harder, pushed further, and partied bigger — but this was the perfect storm that reminded me: health is wealth. You can't pour from an empty cup."

-Kristen Olson

In this candid solo episode, Kristen Olson, host of Turmeric & Tequila™, opens up about her unexpected journey from the CrossFit competition floor to a four-day hospital stay with rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) — a rare but serious condition caused by overexertion. Kristen breaks down what led to the diagnosis, how her competitive mindset both helped and hindered her recovery, and the gratitude and life perspective that emerged through the experience. From balancing fitness, entrepreneurship, and mental endurance, to finding calm in chaos, this episode is a raw reminder to listen to your body, protect your health, and stay grateful even in the tough moments.

Plus — a shout-out to Colorado Clownfish Swim School and Declan James Watches, two local mission-driven sponsors supporting the T&T community!

Time Stamps:

· 00:00–01:15 | Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila + sponsor shoutouts (Colorado Clownfish Swim School, Declan James Watches)

· 01:15–03:00 | Recap: What rhabdo is and why every athlete should know about it

· 03:00–08:00 | Kristen's athletic background: D1 athlete, CrossFit Games competitor, and "varsity human" mindset

· 08:00–14:00 | The Fossil Games workout: 100+ pullups, dehydration, and the "perfect storm"

· 14:00–21:00 | Post-competition celebrations and early warning signs (swelling, fatigue, cramping)

· 21:00–31:00 | The ER experience — waiting, diagnosis, and gratitude for healthcare

· 31:00–36:00 | Lessons in mindset: calm under pressure, gratitude, and recovery perspective

· 36:00–End | Takeaways for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone pushing their limits

Kristen M. Olson is a lifelong athlete, entrepreneur, and performance coach based in Denver, Colorado. She's the founder of KO Alliance, LLC, a consulting agency specializing in culture marketing and strategic partnerships, and host of Turmeric & Tequila™, a globally ranked top 2% podcast exploring mindset, mission, and modern leadership. A former Division I athlete at George Mason University and 5x CrossFit Games competitor, Kristen blends the worlds of wellness, business, and human optimization with humor, authenticity, and heart.

@madonnashero

@KOAlliance

@TurmericTequila

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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279. Understanding Rhabdo: What Every Athlete Should Know with Steve Nagib Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, host Kristen Olson (KO) sits down with returning guest Steve Nagib, a human performance expert, healer, and former athletic trainer for elite athletes, to discuss an important but rarely understood fitness topic: rhabdomyolysis (Rhabdo). After KO's recent personal experience with Rhabdo, this episode dives deep into what it is, how to spot it, and what to do if it happens to you. Steve breaks down the science behind muscle breakdown, inflammation, and recovery in a way that's both educational and actionable. This isn't just for CrossFitters or competitive athletes—it's for anyone pushing their limits in the gym, on the field, or in life. Tune in for vital takeaways on self-awareness, body connection, and how to safely train for longevity.

Topics Covered:

What Rhabdo really is (and what causes it)
How to recognize the warning signs early
The difference between exertional and traumatic Rhabdo
When to seek medical attention
Why rest and hydration are critical to recovery
Mind-body awareness for long-term performance

Sponsors:

🐠 Colorado Clownfish Swim School – Water safety and swim lessons for all ages.
⌚ Declan James Watches – Local, veteran-owned luxury timepieces that give back to the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Intro & sponsor shoutouts 02:15 – KO's story: how Rhabdo happened 07:42 – What Rhabdo really is and why it's dangerous 14:30 – Warning signs athletes should never ignore 19:15 – How Rhabdo affects healthy people most 24:10 – When to go to the ER and what to expect 29:45 – KO's hospital experience + lessons learned 34:20 – Recovery protocol and easing back into training 38:15 – How to prevent Rhabdo in the future 41:00 – Steve's upcoming projects & closing thoughts 44:10 – KO's wrap-up and next steps

Steve Nagib:

Steve Nagib is a human performance expert, healer, and former athletic trainer turned mindset and wellness coach. After a decade training elite athletes, Steve shifted his focus toward holistic performance—mind, body, and spirit. Today, he works with high achievers and executives to help them live, lead, and love without leaving themselves behind. Follow Steve on Instagram: @stevenagib

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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277. Creating Community Through Storytelling: Anthony Elio on Denverse: Locals Aloud Podcast, Mental Health, and Mission-Driven Media Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

"Even when you're in that room—the one that feels impossible to leave—you can't give up. There's something waiting for you on the other side."

— Anthony Elio

In this powerful Turmeric & Tequila™ episode, KO sits down with Anthony Elio, the creative mind behind Denverse (Magazine): Locals Aloud Podcast and its fast-growing podcast. Together, they dive into authentic storytelling, community building, and mental health in the creative industry. Anthony opens up about his own journey through depression and rediscovery, how writing and podcasting became lifelines, and the role of routine, resilience, and humor in rebuilding purpose. From starting a local publication to producing nearly 7,000 podcast downloads, this conversation is an inspiring look at what happens when mission meets media—and when vulnerability becomes strength.

Key takeaways:

Turning hardship into creative purpose
Why local storytelling matters now more than ever
How to build a brand rooted in authenticity
Managing mental health as a creative entrepreneur
The power of stubborn hope and small steps forward

Tune in for real talk, laughter, and grace-filled disruption with two mission-driven Denver humans.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Intro & Sponsor Shoutouts: KO opens the show, welcoming listeners and thanking sponsors including Colorado Clownfish Swim School, Declan James Watches, and local partners.

01:05 – Meet Anthony Elio of Denverse Magazine: KO introduces Anthony and the mission behind Denverse Magazine and Local Aloud Podcast — sharing how it's become a voice for the creative community.

04:10 – From Writing to Podcasting: Anthony talks about how the magazine evolved into a podcast and how storytelling helps connect Denver's diverse creators.

09:30 – Finding Purpose Through Creative Work: Anthony shares how personal struggles—including depression—shaped his creative drive and pushed him toward authentic storytelling.

14:45 – The Role of Routine & Resilience: A candid conversation about mental health, productivity, and showing up even on the hard days.

21:30 – Building Community Over Competition: KO and Anthony discuss the importance of collaboration in the Denver creative scene, shouting out local brands and events.

27:00 – Lessons from the Journey: Anthony reflects on vulnerability, persistence, and redefining success through service, storytelling, and self-awareness.

33:15 – What's Next for Denverse Magazine & Locals Aloud Podcast: Anthony shares upcoming plans for the brand, its growing podcast, and how local support fuels its mission.

36:00 – Closing Gratitude & Shoutouts: KO wraps with appreciation for Denver's creatives, sponsors, and listeners — and encourages the audience to show up for their community.

38:39 – Outro: KO signs off with signature T&T gratitude and "graceful disruption."

Anthony Elio is the host and producer of Locals Aloud, a weekly podcast from Denverse Magazine where he speaks to interesting people from the city of Denver, from a UFC fighter and a psychic medium to go-go dancers and a competitive eater. The show quickly surpassed 5,000 downloads and continues to grow as Anthony shares the microphone with unique locals each week. Jay from Jay & Silent Bob once called him handsome.

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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276. Theon Walls: How Faith, Grit & a Phone Call Changed Everything Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

"When the phone rings — you've got to pick it up. No matter how small it seems, that call might change your life."

— Theon Walls

In this powerful episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen M. Olson sits down with actor, musician, and creative powerhouse Theon Walls — best known for his breakout role as Dibo in Netflix's Beauty in Black. Theon shares his remarkable journey from audio engineer to screen actor, opening up about the mental health challenges, faith, and divine timing that led him to his true calling.

From a mysterious phone call that changed everything to lessons in patience, purpose, and self-belief, this conversation dives deep into resilience, spirituality, and the art of showing up when the universe calls.

Tune in for a soulful reminder that sometimes, the smallest "yes" can transform your life.

Episode Highlights:

Theon's background in music and how creativity became his first love
Battling depression during the pandemic and rediscovering purpose through acting
The mysterious phone call that changed his life — leading to The Color Purple casting
How faith, spirituality, and stubbornness shaped his path
Lessons from rejection, authenticity, and finding peace in creative vulnerability
The power of saying "yes" to the unknown and trusting divine timing

Timestamps:

0:00 – 3:00 | Intro + how Kristen and Theon met at Podfest (and tequila makes an appearance!)
5:00 – 10:00 | Theon's early life, musical roots, and first creative sparks
11:00 – 20:00 | Depression, lockdown reflections, and the mysterious call about The Color Purple
21:00 – 27:00 | How acting became healing and erased years of depression
28:00 – 35:00 | Faith, spirituality, and trusting the universe
36:00 – 42:00 | Lessons from rejection, resilience, and stubborn persistence
43:00 – 50:00 | Living truthfully under imaginary circumstances: The Meisner method
51:00 – End | Final words on alignment, purpose, and the power of not giving up

Theon Walls:

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, actor Theon Walls brings a unique blend of Southern roots and artistic versatility to the screen. Known for his breakout role as Debo in the Netflix series Beauty In Black, Theon is also a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for storytelling through both music and performance. With a grounded presence and dynamic range, Theon continues to build a career defined by creativity, authenticity, and connection.

Films & Hopes: Beauty In Black (Netflix), Tulsa King (Paramount Plus), Diarra From Detroit (BET+) and general good vibes for all.

@TheonWalls

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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275. QUICK Guided Mindset Reset: Resilience, Strength & Faith Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

"I am resilient. I am strong. I have faith. I am guided. With a renewed heart, I step forward in peace, courage, and triumph."

-Kristen M. Olson

In this solo episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson guides you through a powerful meditation-prayer designed to help you find resilience, strength, faith, and guidance in the chaos of everyday life. This less than 10-minute practice blends grounding breathwork, affirmations, and intentional reflection—an easy tool you can use anytime to re-center, recharge, and refocus. Whether you're starting your day, closing it out, or just need a quick reset, this guided session will help you release stress and connect back to your inner calm.

Topics in this episode:

Why grounding practices matter in busy seasons
A short meditation for resilience & strength
Affirmations for faith, guidance, and mental health
How to re-center quickly when life feels chaotic

Time Stamps:

00:00 – 00:45 | Welcome & quick sponsor mentions

00:45 – 02:00 | Setting the intention: resilience, strength, faith, and guidance

02:00 – 07:00 | Guided meditation-prayer: breathwork, affirmations, and grounding reset

07:00 – 08:30 | Closing affirmations & gratitude reflection

08:30 – 09:00 | Final thoughts & wrap-up

Kristen M. Olson

Kristen is a high-performance leader, storyteller, and entrepreneur deeply rooted in Colorado's athletic and creative communities. With a background as a former Division I team captain and 5-time CrossFit Games competitor, Kristen combines elite mindset with entrepreneurial grit. She is the founder of KO Alliance, a strategic marketing and brand consultancy that has launched and scaled lifestyle and wellness brands for clients including Red Bull, Nike, and Reebok.

Kristen is also the host and executive producer of the Turmeric & Tequila™ podcast (ranked in the top 2%), where she airs authentic conversations with mission-driven leaders, athletes, and creative changemakers. Her work bridges fitness, purpose, and media—and she's known for elevating authentic narratives and building community through storytelling. @madonnashero

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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274. Trauma to Triumph: Sobriety & Spiritual Growth with Wendy B. Correa Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

"Healing is possible. Our stories, even the darkest ones, can become the light that guides someone else forward."

– Wendy B. Correa

In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Wendy B. Correa—author, yogi, hiker, and healer—to explore her extraordinary life journey. From losing her father at age seven to growing up in a violent household, Wendy shares how trauma shaped her early years and how she found resilience through spirituality, psychology, and community. Her path took her from California colleges to the LA music industry, where sobriety and spiritual practices like Buddhism, yoga, and Native American ceremonies became lifelines. Today, Wendy channels her experiences into writing, massage therapy, and teaching, empowering others to heal and thrive.

This heartfelt conversation covers:

Childhood loss, trauma, and the silence surrounding grief.
Coping mechanisms—both destructive and healing—and how she chose a better path.
Sobriety stories, including crossing paths with Ringo Starr at AA.
The power of meditation, yoga, and Native American ceremonies in recovery.
How chosen family and late-life love brought healing and hope.
Her new memoir (Nov 4 release) and why it's for anyone navigating trauma, resilience, and transformation.

If you've ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose, Wendy's story is living proof that healing is possible—and that resilience can become a superpower.

Time Stamps:

0:00 – 2:00 | Intro, sponsors, and welcoming Wendy B. Correa.

2:00 – 8:00 | Childhood memories, losing her father, and growing up in silence.

8:00 – 15:00 | Coping mechanisms, imagination as survival, and intuition as protection.

15:00 – 22:00 | Leaving home, pursuing college, psychology & theater arts.

22:00 – 30:00 | Addiction, sobriety journey, and unexpected encounters in AA (including Ringo Starr).

30:00 – 37:00 | Spiritual practices—yoga, Native American ceremonies, meditation, and healing.

37:00 – 42:00 | Chosen family, marriage, motherhood, and creating community.

42:00 – End (44:56) | Reflections, book launch info, and Wendy's closing words of wisdom.

Wendy B. Correa:

Wendy B. Correa is a writer, yogi, hiker, as well as a licensed massage therapist. She has worked in the film, television, multimedia, and music industries in Los Angeles and later as a radio DJ in Aspen, Colorado. She holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and theater arts and has contributed articles to Mothering magazine. A wife and mother, she resides in Denver, Colorado, and loves traveling to magical destinations with her family. My Pretty Baby is her debut book. For more information, visit www.wendybcorrea.com.

Website: wendybcorrea.com Instagram: @wendybcorrea

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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273. Dogs Save Lives: How Our Four-Legged Friends Boost Health, Happiness & Healing Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

"Dogs don't just make life better—they literally help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives."

-Kristen M. Olson

In this uplifting solo episode, host Kristen Olson dives into the life-changing impact of dogs—on health, happiness, and healing. From personal stories with her three rescue pups to powerful science-backed benefits, Kristen explores why dogs are more than companions—they're lifesavers.

Discover how dogs reduce stress, improve heart health, ease loneliness, and even detect medical emergencies before they happen. Kristen also shares practical advice for adopting, volunteering, or simply connecting with animals to add more love and balance into your life.

Whether you're a lifelong dog lover or just curious about the benefits of being around animals, this episode will leave you inspired to lean into the unconditional love and healing power of our four-legged friends.

Topics Covered:

The science behind dogs lowering mortality and stress
Real stories of healing and resilience through pets
The role of dogs in service, therapy, and rescue
Why adopting a rescue is worth it
How animals teach us presence, love, and responsibility

Time Stamps:

0:00 – 1:00 | Welcome + intro to the episode

1:00 – 5:00 | Why 2025 needs more dogs (personal reflections)

5:00 – 10:00 | Camping with my rescue pups + nature healing

10:00 – 15:00 | How dogs support emotional health + therapy insights

15:00 – 20:00 | Science-backed health benefits: heart health, stress, exercise

20:00 – 25:00 | Service dogs, medical detection & rescue work

25:00 – 30:00 | Why adopting rescues is powerful + Colorado rescue shoutouts

30:00 – 34:00 | Final thoughts: animals as healers + call to adopt/support

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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#DogsSaveLives, #TurmericAndTequila, #DogLovers, #AnimalHealing, #RescueDogs, #ServiceDogs, #TherapyDogs, #AdoptDontShop, #MentalHealth, #FitnessAndWellness, #DogParents, #HealingWithDogs, #UnconditionalLove, #PetTherapy, #CrossFitAndDogs

272. Heart-Centered Investing: Andrew Metzler on Wealth & Purpose Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

"My definition of success is trusting the universe, stretching for the things I was meant to do, and enjoying them with the people I love for as long as possible."

– Andrew Metzler

In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, host Kristen Olson talks with Andrew Metzler, founder of TLC Property Partners and author of Profitable Mortgage Notes. Andrew shares his journey from ski slopes and adventure travel to financial crisis, foreclosure, and ultimately rebuilding through empathy-driven investing.

We dive into:

How the 2008 crash reshaped Andrew's values and business philosophy
What mortgage note investing is—and why it's a powerful passive income strategy
How empathy and heart-centered business can keep families in their homes
The role of self-directed retirement accounts in diversifying wealth
Redefining success around freedom, family, and legacy

This episode blends finance, fitness, and life wisdom—showing how resilience and purpose can guide both personal growth and financial freedom.

Learn more: tlcpropertypartners.com Book: https://profitablemortgagenotes.com/ LinkedIn: Andrew Metzler

Time Stamps

00:00 – 01:16 | Welcome, sponsors, and introduction of Andrew Metzler

01:16 – 03:00 | Andrew's background & TLC Property Partners' mission

03:00 – 06:20 | Growing up in the Northeast, moving to Switzerland, and discovering skiing

06:20 – 09:45 | Early career shifts, moving across the U.S., and entry into real estate

09:45 – 13:20 | Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis and personal setbacks

13:20 – 16:40 | Launching TLC with empathy and a people-first approach

16:40 – 20:10 | Mortgage notes explained: owning the debt vs. the property

20:10 – 23:00 | Using IRAs and retirement accounts for real estate investing

23:00 – 25:00 | Who mortgage notes are for and diversifying wealth

25:00 – 26:30 | Redefining success: purpose, freedom, and legacy

26:30 – 27:26 | Closing thoughts & where to connect with Andrew

Andrew Metzler is the founder of TLC Property Partners, a purpose-driven real estate investment firm specializing in mortgage notes. With a background in economics, adventure travel, and entrepreneurship, Andrew rebuilt his life and business after the 2008 financial crisis with a focus on empathy, sustainability, and community stability. His book, Profitable Mortgage Notes, is a practical guide for investors seeking passive income and long-term wealth through mortgage note investing. When he's not helping families stay in their homes, Andrew can be found skiing, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors.

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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