“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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"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

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

WATCH HERE

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https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH

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

– Wendy B. Corea

In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Wendy B. Corea—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. Corea.

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. Corea:

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

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

WATCH HERE

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https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH

“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

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

WATCH HERE

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

“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

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

WATCH HERE

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"Healing doesn’t happen overnight—it’s one step, one breath, one choice at a time. Your body already knows the way; you just have to listen." – MJ Renshaw

In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, host Kristen Olson (KO) sits down with MJ Renshaw—breathwork facilitator, author, podcast host, and founder of The Being Method. Breathwork educator and author MJ Renshaw joins KO to unpack the science and soul of emotional release—why crying is healthy, how suppressed emotions show up in the body, and simple ways to regulate your nervous system. We cover psychoneuroimmunology (mind–brain–immune links), sympathetic vs. parasympathetic breathwork, generational trauma, and practical steps to start listening to (and healing) your body—without needing a “perfect” routine. MJ also shares insights from her book How to Cry and a 30-day breathwork pathway for emotional clearing.

Guest: MJ Renshaw — Founder, Being Method; author, How to Cry
Links: beingmethod.ca • IG: @beingmethodbreathwork

What you’ll learn

• Why “it’s okay to cry” is a physiological truth, not a cliché
• How suppressed emotions can contribute to chronic symptoms
• Fast vs. slow breathwork: when to use each (and why)
• A starter plan to feel safe in your body and process emotions
• Reframing success as presence, connection, and time freedom

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro, sponsors, why breathwork matters today

02:00 Meet MJ: childhood, adversity, and the decision to heal

06:30 From numbness to release: the moment breathwork “clicked”

10:45 Psychoneuroimmunology 101: emotions ↔︎ immunity & health

15:20 Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic breathwork explained

19:40 “Listening to your body” (and what that actually feels like)

24:10 Crying as detox: cortisol, the 90-second rule, permission to feel

28:45 Men, loneliness, and normalizing emotional intelligence

34:00 Social media, nervous system hijacks & not becoming the product

39:10 KO’s breathwork experience + how to get started safely

44:00 Generational trauma & releasing what isn’t yours to carry

46:04 How to Cry + MJ’s 30-day emotional-clearing practice

MJ Renshaw is a breathwork facilitator, author, podcast host, and founder of The Being Method, a science-based spiritual education platform designed to help people reconnect with their bodies and emotions through breathwork and somatic healing. Her book, How to Cry, explores the science and power of emotional release. From overcoming a traumatic childhood to building a thriving wellness business, MJ’s mission is to empower people to heal, grow, and find freedom in their mind-body connection. BeingMethod.ca

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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"If my core values aren’t aligned, I can’t just show up and perform—I literally can’t do it. Knowing who you are and living in alignment is everything."

– Kristen Olson

In this special solo episode, host Kristen Olson (aka KO) reintroduces herself to the Turmeric & Tequila™ community. With over 250 episodes behind her, KO opens up about her journey—growing up in Colorado, competing as a Division I lacrosse captain, facing the challenges of injury and identity loss, and later becoming a 5x CrossFit Games athlete.

She shares how sports shaped her resilience, why core values matter more than anything, and how her path led to launching KO Alliance, her consultancy building authentic partnerships between mission-driven brands and influencers. This episode is about grounding, remembering where you’ve come from, and embracing the messy, real, and powerful journey of becoming the fullest version of yourself.

Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, creator, or simply navigating life, KO’s reintroduction is an inspiring reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up authentically.

Tune in to hear the story behind Turmeric & Tequila™, KO’s passion for human optimization, and why she believes in changing (positively inspiring) the world by first changing ourselves.

Time Stamps

• 0:00 – Welcome & why this reintroduction matters
• 6:30 – Colorado roots & family background
• 15:20 – The drive to play D1 lacrosse & lessons from persistence
• 28:00 – Injury, ACL tear & redefining identity
• 39:00 – Coaching & building life skills through sports
• 50:45 – Transition into CrossFit & competing on the world stage
• 1:05:00 – From athlete to entrepreneur: KO Alliance beginnings
• 1:15:00 – Building brands, sponsorships & authentic partnerships
• 1:25:00 – The birth of Turmeric & Tequila™
• 1:35:00 – Why core values and alignment are everything
• 1:45:00 – What’s next: coaching, podcasting & community building

Kristen Olson is a lifelong athlete, entrepreneur, and creator dedicated to human optimization and authentic leadership. A Colorado native, she is a former Division I lacrosse team captain, a 5x CrossFit Games athlete (including a team 2nd place finish), and the founder of KO Alliance, a consultancy specializing in culture marketing and strategic partnerships. She is also the host of the Turmeric & Tequila™ podcast, a top 2% global show that brings together mission-driven humans from all walks of life to explore leadership, disruption, and living with purpose. Kristen’s work spans coaching, brand building, speaking, and facilitating conversations that challenge the status quo while embracing both the turmeric (health & discipline) and the tequila (fun & freedom) sides of life.

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

WATCH HERE

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"Strength is more than muscle—it’s the courage to keep showing up for yourself, day after day."

– Melissa Perlman

In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, Kristen Olson sits down with Melissa Perlman, founder of Bikini Bootcamp and Amansala Eco Chic Resort, for a dynamic conversation on fitness, resilience, and building a life of purpose. Melissa shares her inspiring journey of creating world-renowned wellness retreats, leading with authenticity, and redefining strength in every aspect of life. From the beaches of Tulum to the lessons learned through entrepreneurship, Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of courage, creativity, and consistency. Whether you’re chasing your next big goal, building a business, or looking for inspiration to keep showing up—this episode will give you the motivation (and mindset tools) to push past limits and embrace your full potential.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Melissa built Bikini Bootcamp & Amansala Eco Chic Resort into global wellness destinations
• The role of resilience, leadership, and authenticity in success
• Fitness as a tool for confidence, discipline, and self-discovery
• Overcoming setbacks while staying grounded in purpose
• Why consistency beats perfection every time

This is more than a conversation about fitness—it’s about living fully, leading boldly, and embracing the journey.

Time Stamps:

0:00 – Kristen’s intro & welcome
2:20 – Melissa’s journey into fitness, wellness, and entrepreneurship
10:15 – Building Bikini Bootcamp & Amansala Eco Chic Resort
18:40 – Lessons in leadership, resilience & authenticity
26:05 – Fitness as a foundation for personal growth & confidence
34:30 – Overcoming challenges and staying connected to purpose
42:10 – Why consistency matters more than perfection
49:00 – Closing reflections & how to connect with Melissa

Melissa Perlman is the visionary founder of Bikini Bootcamp and Amansala Eco Chic Resort in Tulum, Mexico. With decades of experience in wellness, hospitality, and fitness, Melissa has created globally recognized retreats that combine movement, mindfulness, and community in stunning natural settings. Her mission is to empower others to reconnect with their bodies, rediscover balance, and build lives rooted in strength and authenticity.

Learn more at:

• Amansala.com
• Bikinibootcam.com

Contact Melissa: 1 (602) 909-4310

Connect with T&T:

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

WATCH HERE

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https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF

https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI

https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH