304. I Got "Got" — Red Flags, Narcissists & Choosing a Better Way

304. I Got "Got" — Red Flags, Narcissists & Choosing a Better Way

"A useful question to ask yourself is: how do I consistently feel after spending time with this person? That is so huge — all of your intel is right there." — Kristen Olson In this raw, unplanned episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson pulls back the curtain on something she rarely discusses publicly: her own dating life. After receiving unexpected news about a past situationship, Kristen shares an honest, in-real-time story about falling hard for someone despite early red flags — and what she learned about attachment styles, self-worth, and narcissistic relationship patterns along the way. At 45, successful in business and athletics, Kristen admits relationships have always been her growth edge. She walks listeners through the instant-connection "fireworks" that pulled her in, the inconsistencies and broken promises she chose to overlook, and the moment she discovered the situation was far messier than she realized. Rather than naming names or seeking revenge, she reframes the experience as a lesson in awareness, boundaries, and grace. The back half of the episode turns into a practical mini-guide: what narcissism actually is (versus normal narcissistic *traits*), the difference between narcissistic behavior and clinical NPD, common signs you may be dating someone with strong narcissistic traits (love bombing, gaslighting, entitlement, lack of empathy, idealize-then-devalue cycles), and healthy steps to take if you recognize the pattern — trusting behavior over promises, setting boundaries, documenting your experience, and leaning on your support system. This episode is for anyone who's ever asked themselves, "How did a smart, grounded person like me end up here?" Kristen's answer: you're not alone, give yourself grace, and let the lesson make you wiser — not smaller. The Deets: - Why an instant, "fireworks" connection isn't always a green light - Ignoring red flags because "you just care" - Anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and why relationships reveal parts of you therapy alone can't - A breakdown of narcissistic traits vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) - Signs you might be in a relationship with narcissistic patterns - Practical, healthy steps if you recognize these patterns in your own relationship - Why shady behavior in relationships impacts far more people than just the couple involved Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Turmeric & Tequila 00:30– Kristen sets up today's unplanned, real-time episode 01:20 – Sponsor shoutout: Colorado Clownfish Swim School & Plantiva 01:50 – Why she's sharing this story: awareness, not revenge 03:05 – The story begins: instant connection, early red flags 05:15 – Internal conflict — staying despite inconsistencies 06:30 – Deep dive into attachment theory and dating a narcissist 08:00 – Red flags mount: flirting, hidden phones, broken plans 09:30 – A transparent (and vulnerable) conversation about intimacy 11:15 – Walking away — and how it circled back again 12:45 – The discovery: finding out the full truth 14:30 – Why cheating and dishonesty are non-negotiable values 16:20 – Cost-benefit of staying: impact on friendships and mental space 17:45 – Unpacking attachment — nervous systems, familiarity, and childhood patterns 20:00 – What is a narcissist? Traits vs. NPD, explained 21:00 – Signs you may be dating someone with narcissistic traits 22:00 – Healthy steps: boundaries, documentation, support systems, therapy 23:00 – Closing thoughts, gratitude, and sign-off Kristen Olson: is the host of *Turmeric & Tequila*, a podcast built on gracefully disruptive conversations about business, sports, relationships, and personal growth. A strategic partnerships and sponsorships professional by trade, Kristin brings the same candor and awareness to her personal life as she does to the boardroom — sharing real, unfiltered lessons on attachment, boundaries, and becoming a better human, one honest conversation at a time. New episodes available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. @madonnashero Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com [http://www.turmericandtequila.com/] Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com [http://www.koalliance.com/] WATCH HERE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0syPzuYBD7w-PWBE2UBPog] Sponsors: Colorado Clownfish Swim School [http://www.coloradoclownfish.com/] Plantiva [http://www.plantiva.com/] MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF [https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF] https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI [https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI] https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH [https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH]

303. Biohacking Starts Here: Nervous System Regulation for High Performers

"You cannot mindset your way out of a dysregulated nervous system." -Kristen Olson For years we've been told to think positive, push harder, and power through challenges. But what if the answer isn't changing your mindset first? In this solo episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson dives into the science of nervous system regulation, burnout recovery, emotional resilience, anxiety, addiction recovery, and stress management. Drawing from her experiences as a former Division I athlete, CrossFit Games competitor, entrepreneur, and podcast host, Kristen explores why so many high performers are exhausted despite doing everything "right." You'll learn how chronic stress impacts the body, why trauma lives in the nervous system, how burnout affects performance and health, and practical tools you can use today to regulate your nervous system and improve your quality of life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, parent, leader, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers evidence-based insights and actionable strategies to help you move from survival mode into sustainable success. In This Episode: ✔️ The difference between mindset work and nervous system regulation✔️ Why burnout is more than just being tired✔️ The science behind anxiety and stress responses✔️ Trauma-informed approaches to healing✔️ Addiction recovery through a nervous system lens✔️ Evidence-based resilience practices✔️ Breathwork, movement, sleep, community, and purpose as recovery tools✔️ Why awareness is the first step toward healing KO's Key Take Aways/ Life learned lessons: * Many people think they need more motivation when what they really need is recovery. * The issue isn't stress itself. The issue is becoming stuck in stress. * Community may be the biggest biohack of all. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila 01:10 Sponsor shoutouts & Fit Expo announcement 03:00 Why nervous system regulation is the foundation of biohacking 04:45 Awareness: recognizing stress, burnout & chronic fatigue 06:30 You cannot mindset your way out of a dysregulated nervous system 08:15 Segment 1: What is nervous system regulation? 09:30 Fight-or-flight vs. rest-and-digest explained 11:30 Why chronic stress keeps us stuck 13:15 Segment 2: Burnout is more than being tired 15:00 Burnout, inflammation & physical health impacts 16:45 Segment 3: Why anxiety feels so physical 18:45 Entrepreneurs, athletes & high-performance stress 20:15 Segment 4: Trauma lives in the body 22:15 Why community may be the ultimate biohack 23:30 Segment 5: Addiction recovery through a nervous system lens 25:15 Social media, dopamine & modern-day addiction 27:00 Segment 6: Science-backed ways to build resilience 27:15 Movement & exercise for stress recovery 28:10 Sleep and nervous system health 28:55 Breathwork, vagus nerve activation & recovery 29:55 Social connection, community & longevity 30:45 Purpose, meaning & emotional resilience 31:30 Final takeaways: awareness, regulation & sustainable success Kristen Olson Kristen Olson is a former Division I athlete, 5-time CrossFit Games competitor, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and host of the globally ranked Turmeric & Tequila Podcast. Through conversations centered around human optimization, mental health, resilience, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, Kristen's mission is to inspire a positive, radical social evolution—one gracefully disruptive conversation at a time. Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com [http://www.TurmericAndTequila.com] Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com [http://www.KOAlliance.com] WATCH HERE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0syPzuYBD7w-PWBE2UBPog] MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF [https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF] https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI [https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI] https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH [https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH]

302. George Foreman, Juicing & Business Growth: Cherie Calbom's Incredible Journey

"Don't be afraid to make your voice heard. Opportunity often comes to the people willing to step forward and make the ask." — Cherie Calbom What does it take to build a lasting brand in the ever-changing world of health and wellness? In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson welcomes back wellness pioneer and bestselling author Cherie Calbom, widely known as "The Juice Lady." While their first conversation focused on nutrition and healing, this episode dives into the business side of wellness, entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, and disruption. Cherie shares her remarkable journey from graduate nutrition student to international wellness authority, including her work with the original Juice Man movement, her role as George Foreman's nutritionist, and the lessons learned from building a career that has spanned decades of industry change. Together, Kristen and Cherie discuss: • How opportunity often appears before you're ready • The power of adaptability in business • Building authority before social media existed • Why entrepreneurs must continue learning and evolving • The importance of speaking up and making your pitch • Consumer-driven disruption in food and wellness industries • Leadership lessons for women in business • Creating impact while building a sustainable career Whether you're an entrepreneur, health professional, creator, coach, or simply someone looking to make a bigger impact, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome back to Cherie Calbom 01:15 – Cherie's incredible nutrition and publishing journey 02:45 – Why business matters in the wellness industry 03:00 – Landing her first opportunity with the Juice Man company 05:30 – Turning nutrition expertise into a career 08:00 – Early lessons in entrepreneurship and saying yes 10:45 – Building credibility before social media existed 13:15 – Working with major brands and industry pioneers 16:30 – Adapting to change as an entrepreneur 17:00 – Learning social media, reels, and modern marketing 19:00 – Why continuous learning matters 21:00 – The evolution of consumer awareness around food 23:15 – How consumer choices influence business behavior 24:05 – Big Food, health trends, and market disruption 26:05 – Branding, influence, and entrepreneurship lessons 26:30 – The importance of the elevator pitch 28:00 – Finding confidence and using your voice 30:30 – Advice for women building businesses 33:00 – Persistence, purpose, and long-term success 35:00 – Final wisdom for entrepreneurs and wellness leaders 36:30 – Closing thoughts and where to connect with Cherie Cherie Calbom: Known worldwide as "The Juice Lady," Cherie Calbom, MS, CN is a leading authority on juicing, detoxification, and whole foods nutrition. She is a bestselling author of more than 35 books focused on health, wellness, and natural healing, including Juicing for Life and The Juice Lady's Big Book of Juices and Green Smoothies. Cherie has spent decades helping people improve their health through nutrition, cleansing programs, and lifestyle transformation. She has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and numerous national media outlets and has lectured internationally on wellness and detoxification. https://www.juiceladyinfo.com [https://www.juiceladyinfo.com] @juiceladycherie Order Book: The Truth About Seed Oils [https://amzn.to/4upfU9h] Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com [http://www.TurmericAndTequila.com] Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com [http://www.KOAlliance.com] WATCH HERE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0syPzuYBD7w-PWBE2UBPog] MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF [https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF] https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI [https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI] https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH [https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH]

301. Lauren Rojas on Weight Loss Surgery, Food Addiction, Emotional Eating & Finding Peace with Your Body

"For years I believed happiness lived in a smaller body. What I finally learned was that healing my relationship with myself was the real transformation." -Lauren Rojas What if the hardest part of weight loss isn't the food—it's the emotional story you've been carrying your entire life? In this powerful episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson sits down with wellness coach Lauren Rojas to discuss her 30+ year journey through diet culture, emotional eating, weight loss surgery, food addiction recovery, and ultimately finding peace with her body. Lauren shares what it was like growing up overweight, beginning diets at just 10 years old, and spending decades chasing the belief that happiness lived in a smaller body. From Weight Watchers and fad diets to food addiction programs, CrossFit, and bariatric surgery, Lauren reveals the lessons she learned along the way and how she now helps women transform their relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. Together, Kristen and Lauren explore the impact of reality television, The Biggest Loser, social pressure, emotional eating, body acceptance, self-awareness, and the importance of reconnecting mind, body, and spirit. This conversation is for anyone who has ever struggled with food, body image, perfectionism, shame, or the belief that they are somehow "not enough." In This Episode: • Lauren's lifelong battle with weight and dieting • Growing up in the height of diet culture • Why attaching worth to weight can be so damaging • Weight Watchers, fad diets, and food addiction recovery • The Biggest Loser and the impact of reality TV on body image • Emotional eating and the shame cycle • Weight loss surgery as a tool—not a solution • Intuitive eating and self-awareness practices • Breaking free from guilt around food • Building a healthier relationship with yourself TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts 01:18 Meet Lauren Rojas 02:35 Growing Up Overweight & Starting Diets at Age 10 05:20 Attaching Self-Worth to Weight Loss 08:00 Weight Watchers, Diet Culture & Childhood Experiences 11:00 Fad Diets, Food Rules & Extreme Weight Loss Attempts 15:00 The Moment Lauren Realized Dieting Wasn't the Answer 17:40 Food Addiction Recovery & Losing 100 Pounds 21:00 Gaining the Weight Back & Emotional Struggles 24:00 Weight Loss Surgery as a Tool for Change 27:30 Turning Pain into Purpose Through Coaching 30:00 The Biggest Loser, Reality TV & Body Image Expectations 34:00 Public Attention, Anxiety & Emotional Eating 37:00 Mindset, Awareness & Healing the Relationship with Food 41:00 Food Addiction vs. Food Freedom 45:00 Self-Love, Awareness & Sustainable Wellness 48:00 Lauren's Coaching Approach & Final Takeaways Lauren Rojas is a wellness coach for women who have used the tool of weight loss surgery or a GLP-1 to lose the weight, but know the real work is emotional and mental. Having lived the cycle herself for over 30 years, she understands this struggle from the inside out. Through reconnecting mind, body, and spirit, Lauren helps women break free from emotional eating and find lasting peace with food and their body. https://www.uplift-journey.com [https://www.uplift-journey.com/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588158020330 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588158020330] https://www.instagram.com/lauren.uplift.journey/ [https://www.instagram.com/lauren.uplift.journey/] Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com [http://www.turmericandtequila.com/] Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com [http://www.koalliance.com/] WATCH HERE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0syPzuYBD7w-PWBE2UBPog] MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF [https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF] https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI [https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI] https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH [https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH]

300. What 300 Conversations Taught Me That I Wish I Knew Earlier!

"The more I stay in alignment with who I truly am, the more life flows. The opportunities come, the right people appear, and everything starts to make sense." -Kristen M. Olson Welcome to Episode 300 of Turmeric & Tequila! What started as a passion project to tell authentic stories has grown into 300 conversations with remarkable humans, entrepreneurs, athletes, leaders, dreamers, and changemakers. In this special solo episode, Kristen reflects on the biggest lessons learned throughout the journey and shares the wisdom she wishes she had known earlier. From athletics and entrepreneurship to personal growth, relationships, leadership, and finding your authentic voice, Kristen breaks down the key themes that have emerged across hundreds of conversations and thousands of hours of learning. This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part roadmap for anyone striving to build a meaningful life while staying true to themselves. If you've ever wondered how to align your passions, embrace your unique gifts, or create success on your own terms, this milestone episode is for you. "The athlete never leaves you; the arena simply changes." – Kristen M. Olson In This Episode You'll Learn: * Why your childhood interests may reveal your life's purpose * How athletic lessons translate into business and leadership success * The power of authenticity in speaking, branding, and content creation * Why alignment creates more opportunities than hustle alone * The difference between "doing" and "being" * How success has evolved over time * What matters more—and less—as you grow older * Advice for entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and the next generation * Lessons from 300 conversations with extraordinary humans * Why expressing yourself matters more than fitting in Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 300 & Gratitude 02:23 – Why This Milestone Matters 04:00 – The Framework: 10 Lessons from 300 Conversations 05:28 – Athlete Kristen: Competition, Discipline & Growth 13:05 – Young Professional Kristen: The Sticker Story & Early Marketing Lessons 21:20 – Entrepreneur Kristen: Alignment, Purpose & Authenticity 28:15 – Speaker & Podcaster Kristen: Finding Your Voice 34:05 – Relationships, Community & Human Connection 36:45 – Health, Hormones & Listening to Your Body 38:40 – What Success Means to Me Now 40:05 – What Matters Less 41:00 – What Matters More 41:45 – Advice for the Next Generation 42:15 – Final Reflections & Thank You Kristen Olson: Kristen Olson is a speaker, entrepreneur, coach, athlete, and host of the globally ranked Turmeric & Tequila™ Podcast. A former Division I athlete, 5-time CrossFit Games athlete, and business strategist, Kristen has spent her career helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential through authentic leadership, meaningful relationships, and purpose-driven growth. Through nearly 300 podcast episodes and countless conversations with world-class performers, entrepreneurs, authors, and changemakers, Kristen continues to inspire audiences to compete honorably, live intentionally, and embrace the human behind the mission. When she's not hosting the podcast, speaking on stage, or building strategic partnerships, you'll find her coaching, creating, traveling, and championing causes that bring people together… or with her 3 precious rescue pups! Learn more at TurmericAndTequila.com. Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com [http://www.TurmericAndTequila.com] Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com [http://www.KOAlliance.com] WATCH HERE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0syPzuYBD7w-PWBE2UBPog] MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF [https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF] https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI [https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI] https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH [https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH]