285. Year in Review 2025 and Year in Preview 2026
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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284. 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: KO’s Top Picks
Turmeric and Tequila™
“Don’t just give stuff—give gifts that elevate people, spark joy, build skills, and align with your values.” — Kristen Olson Welcome to the first annual KO’s Favorite Things Holiday Gift Guide — a curated, mission-driven list of wellness, fitness, lifestyle, and mindset gifts that KO personally uses, loves, and endorses (not paid ads!). In this episode, Kristen breaks down her top intentional gift ideas across fitness, recovery, skincare, nutrition, mindfulness, local Colorado businesses, and more. This guide focuses on purposeful, meaningful gifting—supporting mission-driven...
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283. The Future of Gut Health: Jordan Dozzi-Perry & Repose Health
Turmeric and Tequila™
“If you give nature—within your own body—the right preconditions, it finds a way to thrive.” — Jordan Perry In this episode, KO sits down with Jordan Perry, founder of Repose Health, a groundbreaking, integrative therapy designed to heal the gut at the root cause — not just manage symptoms. From navigating seven years of chronic illness to building a science-backed system that has helped people with IBS, Crohn’s, eczema, chronic fatigue, food sensitivities, UTIs, and more, Jordan shares the full origin story behind his innovative approach. We dive into: The real role of...
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282. What Every Leader Needs for 2026: Dr. Greg Stewart
Turmeric and Tequila™
“True leadership isn’t about control—it’s about connection, trust, and showing people what’s possible when you lead with purpose.” -Dr. Greg Stewart In this inspiring episode of Turmeric & Tequila, host Kristen Olson (KO) sits down with Greg Stewart, a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, and coach known for his integrity-driven approach to business and community building. Together, they explore what it means to lead with purpose, build trust in teams, and stay grounded while pursuing ambitious goals. Greg shares powerful insights on balancing business success with personal growth,...
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281. ER Go-Bag Guide (Rhabdo Story Pt. 3)
Turmeric and Tequila™
“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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280. From CrossFit to the ER: My Rhabdo Story and the Power of Awareness
Turmeric and Tequila™
“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...
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279. Understanding Rhabdo: What Every Athlete Should Know with Steve Nagib
Turmeric and Tequila™
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...
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278. Love Is Blind Denver Breakdown: Dating Smarter in the Swipe Era
Turmeric and Tequila™
“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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277. Creating Community Through Storytelling: Anthony Elio on Denverse: Locals Aloud Podcast, Mental Health, and Mission-Driven Media
Turmeric and Tequila™
“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...
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276. Theon Walls: How Faith, Grit & a Phone Call Changed Everything
Turmeric and Tequila™
“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“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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