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

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]

299. Cherie Calbom: The Truth About Juicing, Detoxing & Natural Healing

"Your body was designed to heal when you give it the nutrients and support it truly needs." -Cherie Calbom In this energizing episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, Kristen sits down with renowned nutritionist, bestselling author, and wellness pioneer Cherie Calbom — widely known as "The Juice Lady." Cherie shares her decades of experience helping people transform their health through juicing, whole foods nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle changes. From overcoming her own health struggles to becoming one of the most trusted names in holistic wellness, this conversation dives into the healing power of food, the importance of nutrient density, inflammation, sugar addiction, and practical ways to improve energy and longevity naturally. Kristen and Cherie also explore the emotional side of wellness, sustainable health habits, and how modern lifestyles are impacting our bodies more than ever before. Whether you're curious about juicing, looking to improve your health, or wanting simple ways to feel better every day, this episode is packed with approachable insights and actionable takeaways. In This Episode: * Cherie's journey to becoming "The Juice Lady" * The healing power of juicing & whole foods * Sugar, inflammation & hidden health disruptors * Why modern nutrition is failing so many people * Detoxification myths vs. reality * Sustainable wellness habits that actually work * Emotional health & physical healing connection * How small daily choices create long-term vitality Learn more about The Juice Lady Cherie Calbom and explore her books, retreats, and wellness resources. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & welcoming Cherie Calbom 02:10 Cherie's personal wellness journey 05:20 Becoming "The Juice Lady" & educating the masses 09:00 The power of juicing and nutrient density 13:15 Sugar, inflammation & why people feel exhausted 17:40 Detoxification myths and modern health challenges 21:30 Emotional stress and physical healing connection 25:00 Simple daily wellness habits that matter most 29:10 Longevity, vitality & aging with intention 33:20 Practical nutrition advice anyone can implement 36:10 Final thoughts, encouragement & 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]

298. Infertility, Fibroids & Hormone Health with Fertility Acupuncturist Emily Marson

"Your body is always communicating — we just have to learn how to listen." - Emily Marson In this powerful episode of the Turmeric & Tequila Podcast, Kristen Olson sits down with fertility acupuncturist, entrepreneur, and founder of Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture, Emily Marson, for a deeply informative conversation around women's health, infertility, hormone balance, IVF support, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, and holistic healing. Emily shares her personal journey from the high-pressure world of finance to becoming a leading fertility specialist helping women uncover the root causes of infertility through acupuncture, functional lifestyle medicine, and evidence-informed fertility strategies. Together, Kristen and Emily unpack the emotional and physical realities many women face while navigating fertility challenges, hormone imbalances, unexplained infertility, failed IVF cycles, and reproductive health struggles that are often overlooked or misunderstood. This conversation dives into: * The connection between stress, nervous system regulation, and fertility * How acupuncture supports fertility and IVF outcomes * Root causes behind infertility and hormone imbalance * PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and women's reproductive health * Egg quality optimization and holistic fertility strategies * Functional medicine approaches to hormone health * Why women need individualized and integrative care * Supporting women through major life and hormonal transitions If you are navigating infertility, curious about hormone replacement therapy, exploring holistic fertility support, or simply want to better understand your body, this episode delivers empowering insight, education, and hope. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs this conversation. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & opening conversation 01:12 – Welcoming Emily Marson to Turmeric & Tequila 02:05 – Emily's background in finance and high-performance culture 04:18 – Athletic mindset, achievement & identity 06:02 – Injury, failed surgery & searching for answers 08:15 – Discovering acupuncture and Eastern medicine 10:42 – Leaving corporate finance to pursue healing work 13:10 – The mission behind Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture 15:08 – Women's health gaps and lack of education 17:40 – Stress, cortisol & the nervous system connection 20:05 – Fertility challenges women are facing today 22:44 – PCOS, endometriosis & fibroids explained 25:33 – Supporting women through infertility emotionally 28:10 – IVF journeys and integrative support strategies 31:22 – Egg quality and fertility optimization 34:00 – Functional medicine and lifestyle interventions 36:28 – Why individualized care matters in women's health 39:05 – Hormones, burnout & modern stressors on women 41:30 – The emotional side of fertility journeys 44:02 – Helping women reconnect with their bodies 46:15 – Advocacy, empowerment & education for women 48:40 – What women should know about hormone health 50:55 – Emily's advice for women navigating infertility 52:30 – Final reflections, gratitude & where to connect 54:20 – Episode wrap-up and closing remarks Emily Marson is a fertility acupuncturist, entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture in San Diego. She specializes in helping women uncover the root causes of infertility through a blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine, evidence-informed fertility strategies, and functional lifestyle medicine. Emily's approach improves egg quality, balances hormones, and optimizes IVF outcomes — giving women navigating unexplained infertility, PCOS, Endometriosis and failed cycles a clear, structured path to pregnancy. www.aphroditeacupuncture.com https://aphroditefertility.com/ [https://aphroditefertility.com/] https://www.instagram.com/aphroditefertility/ [https://www.instagram.com/aphroditefertility/] https://www.tiktok.com/@aphroditefertility [https://www.tiktok.com/@aphroditefertility] 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]

297. From $180M Collapse to Gaming Empire: Greg Selkoe on Ego, Failure & Building XSET

"Losing everything wasn't the failure—the failure would've been not learning from it. Ego will build you fast, but it'll also take you down faster." - Greg Selkoe What happens when you lose everything… and have to rebuild from the ground up? In this powerful episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson sits down with entrepreneur and gaming industry leader Greg Selkoe—CEO & Co-Founder of XSET, former founder of Karmaloop, and past CEO of FaZe Clan. Greg opens up about building Karmaloop into a $180M business… and the public collapse that forced him to confront his ego, identity, and leadership style. What followed wasn't just a comeback—it was a complete reinvention. This conversation dives deep into: * The hard truth about ego in entrepreneurship * Lessons from failure (and why they're your greatest advantage) * The rise of gaming, esports, and digital culture * Building an authentic brand in a fast-changing world * Leadership, resilience, and starting over If you're navigating growth, identity shifts, or chasing something bigger—this episode will challenge and ground you. Listen now and step into your next level. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome + intro to gaming & branding 02:10 – Greg Selkoe's background and early journey 05:20 – Building Karmaloop into a $180M business 10:30 – The collapse: what actually happened 15:00 – Ego, identity, and hard personal truths 20:40 – Lessons learned from failure 26:50 – Rebuilding mindset + starting over 31:30 – Transition into gaming & esports 37:45 – Founding XSET and brand vision 43:30 – The future of gaming, culture & community 48:10 – Leadership evolution + self-awareness 51:00 – Final thoughts + where to find Greg Greg Selkoe is the CEO & Co-Founder of XSET, a leading lifestyle gaming and esports brand. He previously founded Karmaloop, growing it into a $180M streetwear powerhouse before its public collapse—an experience that reshaped his approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. Greg later served as President and CEO of FaZe Clan and has been recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and one of Goldman Sachs' 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs. A Y Combinator alum, he holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wlqXaYvjxU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wlqXaYvjxU] https://www.instagram.com/xset/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/xset/?hl=en] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY6e0vUcyYrJFbI1ioakRpw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY6e0vUcyYrJFbI1ioakRpw] https://www.tiktok.com/@xset [https://www.tiktok.com/@xset] https://www.facebook.com/XSETGAMING [https://www.facebook.com/XSETGAMING] 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]