268. Yes, I Have Bad Days Too: Mental Health & Real Leadership
Release Date: 08/12/2025
Turmeric and Tequila™
“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...
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“You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready — and this checklist is one small way to protect your mindset when the unknown hits.” -Kristen Olson In Part 3 of the Rabdo Podcast Series, KO breaks down something athletes never think about until it’s too late: what to pack when an unexpected visit to the ER turns into days in the hospital. After 25+ years in fitness, multiple competitions, and countless injuries, KO had never been to the ER — until rhabdo hit out of nowhere. And walking in unprepared made an already stressful experience even harder. This episode is your clear, calm,...
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“It’s not enough to think confident — you have to show it. The inner work matters, but so does the outer energy you project into the world.” — Kimmy Seltzer In this episode, Kristen M. Olson sits down with Kimmy Seltzer — a therapist-turned-dating-strategist and host of The Charisma Quotient podcast — to dissect modern love in the age of apps, filters, and fast connections. They explore: Kimmy’s journey from therapist to style-confidence coach and media personality. Her signature outside-in method for building confidence and attraction. The connection between ...
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“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...
info_outline"Bad days don’t make you weak—they make you human."
– Kristen Olson
In this solo episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson gets real about mental health, bad days, and the truth behind polished social media feeds. She shares personal stories, eye-opening depression stats, and actionable ways to support your mental well-being—even when the world feels heavy. From global data to real-life examples, Kristen breaks down why empathy, community, and honest conversations matter now more than ever. She offers practical tips (like her “When in doubt, work it out” fitness mantra) for moving through tough moments, and reminds us that everyone—yes, everyone—is going through something. Whether you’re an influencer, leader, parent, or just a fellow human trying to figure it out, this episode is a powerful reminder to extend grace to others and yourself.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why social media is not the whole story
- Surprising stats on global and U.S. depression rates
- How fitness and movement can help shift your mood
- The importance of vulnerability in leadership
- Why empathy and grace are leadership superpowers
Time Stamps
0:00 – Intro & sponsor shoutouts
2:00 – Why this conversation matters right now
4:30 – Social media highlight reels vs. reality
8:20 – Personal stories about bad days & showing up anyway
13:10 – Eye-opening depression statistics
21:30 – Fitness, movement & blood flow as mood lifters
27:00 – Leadership, empathy, and vulnerability
33:50 – Final thoughts & mental health resources
Kristen Olson is a leader, entrepreneur, coach, and host of Turmeric & Tequila™, a top 2% globally ranked podcast. A former D1 athlete and 5x CrossFit Games competitor, Kristen is passionate about mental health, leadership, and questioning a better way. Through candid conversations and solo episodes, she inspires mission-driven humans to lead authentically, embrace vulnerability, and create positive change.
✨ Connect with Kristen Olson
🌐 Website: https://www.turmericandtequila.com // www.koalliance.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turmerictequila // https://www.instagram.com/koalliance
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolson23/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/turmericandtequila
🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/turmerictequila // @kolson23
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://turmericandtequila.com/podcast-archive/
HELP IS HERE:
United States (24/7, Free, Confidential)
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Call or Text 988 or use 988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Call 1-800-662-4357 or visit findtreatment.gov
International Crisis Lines Find a helpline worldwide – findahelpline.com (Search by country) Befrienders Worldwide – befrienders.org
Mental Health & Self-Help Resources NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – nami.org/help
Mental Health America – mhanational.org Psychology Today – Find a Therapist – psychologytoday.com
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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