276. Theon Walls: How Faith, Grit & a Phone Call Changed Everything
Release Date: 10/07/2025
Turmeric and Tequila™
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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 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
Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com
Host: Kristen Olson
IG: @Madonnashero
Tik Tok: @Madonnashero
Website: www.KOAlliance.com
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