Turmeric and Tequila™
Turmeric and Tequila™
Podcast Description
Turmeric and Tequila is graceful disruption . We are a community of varsity humans questioning reality as we know it and proving it possible that seemingly opposing things can harmoniously coexist, in this world and within ourselves. It’s all better together. Reality is nothing more than applied meaning, so let’s break though society’s antiquated implied rules and expectations and break into authentic self-expression to see what’s possible for personal, professional, and worldly positive change. Join me and my guests as we share our purpose seeking journeys chasing the pull from within of success, failure, and truth- with self-expression, mental/physical health, entrepreneurship, diversity, and community as the foundations of the mission… we are challenging status quo one gracefully disruptive conversation at a time.
You will be inspired to be you and chase the dream, even if it doesn’t make sense to the rest of the world- it will soon.
The Mission: To inspire positive radical social evolution.
Host: Kristen M. Olson, D1 collegiate athlete, 5X CrossFit Games competitor (2nd, 2011 #team), 25+ yrs of entrepreneurship + Coaching, 3 rescue pups (royalty). Works hard, plays harder.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes like personal development, mental health, entrepreneurship, diversity, and community engagement. Specific episodes cover topics such as franchising strategies, artistic expression in Colorado, emotional intelligence in leadership, and inclusive fitness training, emphasizing authentic self-expression and positive social change.
Turmeric and Tequila is graceful disruption . We are a community of varsity humans questioning reality as we know it and proving it possible that seemingly opposing things can harmoniously coexist, in this world and within ourselves. It’s all better together. Reality is nothing more than applied meaning, so let’s break though society’s antiquated implied rules and expectations and break into authentic self-expression to see what’s possible for personal, professional, and worldly positive change. Join me and my guests as we share our purpose seeking journeys chasing the pull from within of success, failure, and truth- with self-expression, mental/physical health, entrepreneurship, diversity, and community as the foundations of the mission… we are challenging status quo one gracefully disruptive conversation at a time.
You will be inspired to be you and chase the dream, even if it doesn’t make sense to the rest of the world- it will soon.
The Mission: To inspire positive radical social evolution.
Host: Kristen M. Olson, D1 collegiate athlete, 5X CrossFit Games competitor (2nd, 2011 #team), 25+ yrs of entrepreneurship + Coaching, 3 rescue pups (royalty). Works hard, plays harder.
“This year didn’t knock me out all at once — it chipped away at me. And somehow, that’s what taught me surrender, trust, and confidence.”
-Kristen Olson
“I don’t need to have the whole plan — I just need the courage to keep showing up, trusting the work, and letting the next step reveal itself.”
-Ashley Knight
Every year, we sit down for one of our most meaningful conversations of the entire season — our annual Year in Review and Year in Preview, and for the seventh year running, I’m joined by the one and only Ashley Simone Knight . This episode isn’t about perfection or polished highlight reels. It’s about real reflection, honest growth, deep gratitude, and setting intentions for what’s next — personally, professionally, and spiritually. Together, Ashley and I unpack what 2025 actually looked like behind the scenes: the breakdowns, the breakthroughs, the lessons in timing, confidence, surrender, community, and what it really means to keep showing up when you’re tired but still called.
We talk about:
- Why 2025 felt like a year of being broken down — and rebuilt
- The power of confidence after doing the work
- Letting go of control and learning to surrender without quitting
- The role of community, mentors, and chosen family
- Navigating career uncertainty, relationships, and self-trust
- Why “being yourself” is not easy — but it’s valuable
- How rest, fun, and alignment are non-negotiables moving into 2026
As we look ahead, we share what we’re hoping for in 2026 — not rigid goals, but intentions rooted in peace, flow, abundance, love, health, and clarity.
If you’re closing out a year feeling exhausted but hopeful… If you’re entering a new season unsure but still willing… If you need a reminder that you’re not behind — you’re becoming…
This episode is for you. Here’s to reflection, release, and what’s next.
DOWNLOAD The 2025/2026 Goals and Intention Sheet HERE
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro Welcome back to Turmeric & Tequila® + why this annual tradition matters
03:45 – Why We Do This Episode Every Year Reflection as a leadership tool + seven years running with Ashley Simone Knight
08:30 – 2025 in One Word (Confidence, Surrender, Timing) How the year broke us down — and rebuilt us stronger
15:10 – When Life Chips Away at You (Not One Big Crash) Burnout, exhaustion, and the slow drip effect of hard seasons
22:40 – Gratitude Check: People Who Carried Us in 2025 Friends, mentors, community, chosen family, and unseen support systems
30:15 – Grief, Growth & Letting Yourself Be Supported Navigating loss, asking for help, and receiving instead of powering through
38:50 – Community Is the Constant CrossFit, movement, dance, routine, and showing up even when it’s hard
46:20 – 2026 Word + Intention Confidence, surrender, flow, and trusting what’s being built
55:10 – The Letter to Your Younger Self Blind faith, courage without a roadmap, and honoring who you’ve always been
1:03:40 – Career, Identity & Self-Worth Interviewing, rejection, references, and remembering who you are
1:12:30 – Charging for What Comes Easily to You Why your gifts still deserve value — even if they feel natural
1:19:50 – Personal & Professional Growth in 2026 Boundaries, clarity, peace, and leaning into aligned opportunities
1:27:10 – Work-Life Balance, Rest & Fun Moving away from grind culture toward sustainability and joy
1:33:40 – Money, Love & Alignment Why flow creates abundance (without forcing it)
1:39:00 – Closing Reflections Showing up, trusting timing, and walking forward together
Ashley Simone Knight is a trusted voice, longtime collaborator, and recurring guest on Turmeric & Tequila. Known for her honesty, depth, and grounded perspective, Ashley brings thoughtful insight into personal growth, professional evolution, relationships, and navigating life’s transitions with clarity and courage. @theashleysimone
For seven years running, Ashley has joined Kristen for their annual Year in Review + Year in Preview conversation — a tradition rooted in reflection, truth, laughter, and growth. Her ability to articulate the in-between seasons of life makes her a powerful and relatable voice for anyone learning how to surrender, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.
Kristen M. Olson is the founder and host of Turmeric & Tequila, a top-ranked podcast in the top 2% globally. A lifelong athlete, performance coach, entrepreneur, and speaker, Kristen is known for blending real conversations with leadership, wellness, mindset, and human connection. @madonnashero
Through Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen creates space for honest dialogue around growth, resilience, and what it really takes to live aligned — both personally and professionally.
Connect with T&T:
IG: @TurmericTequila
Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila
Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com
Host: Kristen Olson
IG: @Madonnashero
Tik Tok: @Madonnashero
Website: www.KOAlliance.com
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