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Turmeric and Tequila™

Turmeric and Tequila™

By: KO Alliance LLC
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 Turmeric and Tequila is graceful disruption . We are a community of varsity humans questioning reality as we know it and proving it possible that seemingly opposing things can harmoniously coexist, in this world and within ourselves. It’s all better together. Reality is nothing more than applied meaning, so let’s break though society’s antiquated implied rules and expectations and break into authentic self-expression to see what’s possible for personal, professional, and worldly positive change. Join me and my guests as we share our purpose seeking journeys chasing the pull from within of success, failure, and truth- with self-expression, mental/physical health, entrepreneurship, diversity, and community as the foundations of the mission… we are challenging status quo one gracefully disruptive conversation at a time. You will be inspired to be you and chase the dream, even if it doesn’t make sense to the rest of the world- it will soon. The Mission: To inspire positive radical social evolution. Host: Kristen M. Olson, D1 collegiate athlete, 5X CrossFit Games competitor (2nd, 2011 #team), 25+ yrs of entrepreneurship + Coaching, 3 rescue pups (royalty). Works hard, plays harder. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • 261. Dream Culture at Work: Dane Espegard on Leadership & Purpose

    261. Dream Culture at Work: Dane Espegard on Leadership & Purpose
    Jun 24 2025

    "When there’s hope in the future, there’s power in the present."

    - Dane Espegard

    In this inspiring episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Dane Espegard—entrepreneur, author, speaker, and culture consultant—to talk all things leadership, intentional living, and integrating dreams into company culture. From his early days in direct sales with Cutco to creating “The Dream Machine” book and platform, Dane shares how aligning personal dreams with work culture can drive purpose, performance, and retention. You’ll hear how Dane turned a commission-based job into a fulfilling mission-driven career, his insights into what it means to lead with joy, and why dreaming should be at the heart of every workplace. Kristen and Dane also discuss the power of athletics, family, and staying energized in your zone of genius.

    Time Stamps:

    0:00 – Intro + sponsor shoutouts

    1:50 – Welcome Dane Espegard & his background in athletics and leadership

    7:30 – Early start with Cutco and entrepreneurial roots

    11:45 – How direct sales shaped his mindset

    14:50 – Inspiration from author Matthew Kelly and the seeds of dream culture

    20:05 – Transition from top performer to dream-driven consultant

    25:45 – Building a team culture that retains talent

    32:30 – Why Gen Z and younger workers want more than a paycheck

    36:15 – The Dream Machine book: Who it’s for & what it teaches

    43:20 – Launching DreamsVault.com and building a scalable tool

    49:50 – Favorite dreams from his team (including… colonics?!)

    54:40 – What success really means to Dane

    57:10 – Faith, family, and finding energy alignment

    1:00:25 – Where to find Dane and how to grab his free book

    Dane Espegard is a culture consultant, entrepreneur, and author of The Dream Machine. With over 20 years of experience as a top performer in the direct sales industry, Dane helps organizations boost retention and engagement by aligning personal dreams with workplace culture. He is the founder of The Dreams System, a proven framework adopted by companies across the U.S. to empower employees through goal-setting, values alignment, and personal growth. Dane is also a sought-after speaker and the creator of DreamsVault.com, a digital platform helping teams track and celebrate individual dreams. Learn more at www.daneespegard.com

    Connect:

    • Website: www.daneespegard.com
    • Book: daneespegard.com/freegift
    • Instagram: @daneespegard
    • LinkedIn: Dane Espegard

    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

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    33 mins
  • 260. Please Unsubscribe: Julio Vincent Gambuto on Culture, Capitalism & Conscious Living

    260. Please Unsubscribe: Julio Vincent Gambuto on Culture, Capitalism & Conscious Living
    Jun 18 2025
    “You don’t need to be perfect to start. You just need to be honest with yourself—and keep moving forward with love.” -Julio Vincent Gambuto In this heartfelt and humor-filled conversation, Kristen Olson sits down with filmmaker, author, and cultural voice Julio Vincent Gambuto to explore the layered journey of a creator navigating identity, family, and the digital age. From his viral essay “Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting” to his debut feature film Team Marco and bestselling book Please Unsubscribe, Thanks!, Julio shares the mindset shifts and personal rituals that keep him grounded and in motion. Whether you're a storyteller, entrepreneur, or evolving human trying to live more intentionally, this episode reminds us that it's never too late to lead with empathy—and to keep writing your story. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila00:40 – Sponsor shout-outs01:20 – Introducing Julio Vincent Gambuto02:10 – Julio’s childhood in Staten Island & early creativity04:30 – Growing up gay in a Catholic Italian family07:00 – Journaling, poetry & emotional expression09:00 – Mental health, therapy, and owning your identity11:00 – Creative evolution from essays to screenwriting13:45 – The cultural impact of Please Unsubscribe, Thanks!15:30 – Navigating capitalism, storytelling & influence18:10 – How Team Marco bridges generational gaps20:00 – The power of presence over perfection21:45 – Advice to young creatives and late bloomers23:15 – Spirituality, family, and rethinking success25:00 – What’s next: Silver Fox & storytelling workshops27:00 – Final thoughts on authenticity in today’s world28:00 – Closing + how to connect with Julio online Julio Vincent Gambuto: Julio Vincent Gambuto is a filmmaker, author, speaker, and cultural critic known for his heart-driven storytelling and fearless social commentary. A Staten Island native and Harvard graduate, Julio began his career in New York’s theater and comedy scene before earning his MFA in film from the University of Southern California. His debut feature film, Team Marco, is an award-winning intergenerational story distributed globally and praised for its tender, timely message about family and screen culture. Julio rose to national prominence with his viral essay “Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting”, which led to his bestselling book Please Unsubscribe, Thanks!—a call to action on consumerism, tech, and reclaiming intentional living. Julio’s work has appeared in TIME, NBC, The Guardian, and The Boston Globe, and he’s spoken at SXSW, Harvard, and other premier storytelling events. Through his production company, Benevolent Mischief, he continues to develop bold, thought-provoking film and television projects while teaching creative workshops that champion authenticity and emotional intelligence. Connect with Julio: Website: www.juliovincent.com Instagram: @juliovincent Twitter/X: @juliovincent LinkedIn: Julio Vincent Gambuto 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 MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH
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    42 mins
  • 259. Trauma as a Catalyst with Carrie Rickert

    259. Trauma as a Catalyst with Carrie Rickert
    Jun 10 2025
    "People want to be seen, heard, and valued—for who they are and what they bring to the table. That’s true in business and in life, especially after trauma." — Carrie Ricker, Author of Trauma is a Catalyst In this powerful episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Carrie Rickert—author, trauma survivor, management consultant, and founder of Nomis Advisors. Together, they explore how personal trauma can become a profound catalyst for professional and personal transformation. Carrie shares her journey through a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how it redefined her approach to leadership, empathy, and business strategy. From founding a consulting firm to co-authoring “Trauma to Triumph,” Carrie is proof that resilience fuels reinvention. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, coach, or just someone trying to navigate life after hardship, this episode will empower you with insights on post-traumatic growth, mindful leadership, and the power of authentic storytelling in both life and work. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila™ 01:00 – Sponsor shout-outs: Luxe Neuro & Colorado Clownfish Swim School 02:00 – Introducing Carrie Ricker: Author, Consultant, Podcaster, Trauma Survivor 04:30 – Growing up around adults: early leadership development 06:30 – Clinical psychology and curiosity: a foundation for consulting 08:30 – The rise of mental health in the workplace 10:00 – Listening with purpose: leadership through curiosity 12:00 – Authentic connection in business and healing 13:00 – Carrie’s traumatic accident and its ripple effect 15:30 – Returning to work after trauma: what support is missing 18:00 – The gap in post-acute care and why it matters 20:00 – Why Carrie wrote Trauma is a Catalyst 22:00 – Empathy, listening, and leading with vulnerability 25:00 – From TBI to purpose-driven coaching and consulting 27:30 – The first team experience: how orchestra taught leadership 29:00 – Championing brain health and invisible injuries 31:00 – The universal need for empowerment and being heard 35:00 – How leaders can empower without needing all the answers 38:00 – What success means to Carrie now 39:00 – Where to connect with Carrie and grab her books Carrie Rickert is a trauma survivor, author, speaker, podcaster, and founder of Nomis Advisors, where she offers organizational consulting and trauma-informed coaching. After surviving a life-altering car accident and traumatic brain injury, she became passionate about helping others rebuild both personally and professionally. Carrie is the author of Trauma is a Catalyst and co-author of Trauma to Triumph: Stories of TBI Survivors. She helps individuals and teams find clarity, foster empowerment, and lead with authenticity. Books: Trauma is a Catalyst | Trauma to Triumph https://www.nomisadvisors.com/ https://www.facebook.com/carrie.root1/ https://www.instagram.com/nomisadvisors/?hl=en 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 Sponsors: Colorado Clownfish Swim School – coloradoclownfish.com MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH
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    41 mins
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Insightful takes, thoughtful convos, positive vibes. I love the community Kristen and the team are building here

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