Turmeric and Tequila™

"The key for healthy digestion in my mind and for what I've seen clinically over the many years is having a healthy stomach, healthy pancreas and spleen."

— Dr. Steven Morrissey, Plantiva

Gut Health & Digestive Support: Digestive Enzymes, the Gut-Brain Connection & Plantiva What if supporting your gut health starts with understanding how your digestive system works? On this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, Kristen Olson sits down with Dr. Steven Morrissey and Jenny Morrissey of Plantiva to explore digestive health and the thinking behind Plantiva's Digestiv formula. From the role of the stomach, pancreas, and spleen in digestion from the standpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine to the importance of digestive enzymes, this conversation examines how food moves through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and why digestive function is an important part of the bigger picture of wellness. Dr. Steven shares the traditional Chinese medicine principles that helped inform the Digestiv formulation, including the goal of supporting digestive organs and helping the body process different foods. The conversation also explores Plantiva's approach to combining herbs and digestive enzymes, the relationship between digestive health and the gut-brain connection, and how Digestiv and AllerDx are positioned within the company's supplement lineup. Kristen and the Plantiva team also discuss fasting, individual differences in how people respond to dietary practices, and why understanding your own body matters. IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

• What digestive health means and why it matters
• How the stomach, pancreas, and spleen contribute to digestion from the standpoint of traditional Chinese medicine
• The role of digestive enzymes in breaking down proteins and fats
• Plantiva's approach to herbal formulations and digestive support
• How traditional Chinese medicine principles influenced Digestiv
• Digestive discomfort, heartburn, bloating-like pressure, and changes in bowel movements
• The connection between gut health, the immune system, energy, and brain fog
• Plantiva Digestiv and AllerDx, and how the formulas are intended to complement one another
• Fasting, individual needs, and the importance of understanding your body
• Why nutrition and lifestyle remain part of the digestive health conversation

TimeStamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila™ 00:29 – Introducing Plantiva and the Digestiv Formula 01:06 – Plantiva's Approach to Targeted Supplement Formulations 02:11 – Understanding Digestive Health Through Traditional Chinese Medicine 03:32 – The Stomach, Pancreas, Spleen, and GI Tract 05:30 – Herbal Ingredients and Digestive Enzymes Explained 06:26 – How Digestiv Is Designed to Support Digestion 07:03 – When to Take Digestiv and Exploring AllerDx 08:03 – Gut Health, Nutrition, and the Gut-Brain Connection 08:34 – Digestion, Energy, Brain Fog, and the Immune System 09:25 – Fasting: Benefits, Challenges, and Individual Differences 10:43 – Understanding Your Body and Finding an Individual Approach 11:02 – Key Takeaways and What's Next From Plantiva 11:14 – Closing Remarks and Sponsor Thank-Yous Dr. Steven Morrissey, OMD: Dr. Steven Morrissey is the co-founder and formulator behind Plantiva with more than 30 years of clinical experience in herbal medicine, homeopathy and nutrition. He holds a doctorate in Oriental Medicine and has made more than 30 trips overseas conducting work related to botanical medicine, research, safety, efficacy, quality and manufacturing. Steven has developed more than 40 professional and consumer health products and has been involved in randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled clinical research involving botanical health products. He has also taught Traditional Chinese Medicine and served as chair of an Oriental Medicine program. Jenny Morrissey, LAc: Jenny Morrissey is a licensed acupuncturist with more than 25 years of clinical experience and co-founder of Plantiva. She helped establish an Oriental Medicine program and served as clinical faculty and interim department chair. Together with Steven, Jenny has spent decades combining clinical experience, research, botanical healthcare and Traditional Chinese Medicine to develop targeted health formulas and bring their practitioner-led approach to a broader audience. Plantiva: Plantiva is presented in the episode as a family-owned, practitioner-led company focused on botanical supplements for areas including immunity, pollen and digestion. The company describes its formulas as being developed through a precision formulation process with attention to botanical sourcing, extraction, laboratory testing and scientific research. https://www.plantiva.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/plantiva-natural-supplements/ https://www.facebook.com/Plantiva https://www.instagram.com/plantiva/ https://www.tiktok.com/@plantivaofficial 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 Sponsors: Colorado Clownfish Swim School Plantiva

"Control overactive and boost underactive."

— Dr. Steven Morrissey

What does it really mean to support your immune system? And is boosting immunity always the answer? In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Dr. Steven Morrissey and Jenny Morrissey of Plantiva to explore immune system health and the thinking behind ImmuneDX, one of Plantiva's targeted supplement formulations. They discuss the difference between overactive and underactive immune responses, the role of T cells, B cells, and macrophages, and research the Plantiva team shares about its formulation. The conversation also explores immune health as we age and practical considerations around travel, busy schedules, and everyday wellness.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the immune system does and how it changes with age.
• The four immune dysfunction categories discussed in the episode: allergies, autoimmunity, inflammation, and deficiency.
• The roles of T cells, B cells, and macrophages in immune function.
• Plantiva ImmuneDX and the research described by its founders.
• The importance of balancing immune activity rather than simply trying to boost it.
• How the guests approach supplement use on a daily basis as well as during travel and other demanding situations.

Meet Plantiva, a family-owned, practitioner-led company founded by Dr. Steven Morrissey and Jenny Morrissey, with roots in natural healthcare and targeted supplement formulations.

Explore Plantiva at https://plantiva.com/

TimeStamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila™ — Introduction to the episode and Plantiva.

00:29 – Meet Plantiva and ImmuneDX — Background on the company and its targeted supplement formulations.

02:12 – What Is ImmuneDX? — Dr. Steven Morrissey introduces the formulation and discusses immune health.

02:25 – The Immune System and Aging — The thymus gland and its role in immune function.

03:12 – Understanding Immune Responses — Allergies, autoimmunity, inflammation, and immune deficiency.

05:32 – Balancing Immune Function — Why the discussion goes beyond simply boosting immunity.

06:12 – T Cells, B Cells, and Macrophages — The immune cells highlighted in Plantiva's research discussion.

08:16 – Research Findings and ImmuneDX — Studies discussed by the guests, including reported immune-cell activity and respiratory health.

09:35 – Immune Support During Travel — The guests share their personal approaches to supplement use during busy periods and travel.

11:48 – Final Takeaways and What's Next — Closing thoughts, Plantiva resources, and a preview of future product conversations.Subscribe to Turmeric & Tequila™ for more conversations about human optimization, wellness, and questioning a better way—one gracefully disruptive conversation at a time.

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Supplement research and product claims should be evaluated with qualified healthcare professionals. Individual results may vary.

Dr. Steven Morrissey, OMD: Dr. Steven Morrissey is the co-founder and formulator behind Plantiva with more than 30 years of clinical experience in herbal medicine, homeopathy and nutrition. He holds a doctorate in Oriental Medicine and has made more than 30 trips overseas conducting work related to botanical medicine, research, safety, efficacy, quality and manufacturing. Steven has developed more than 40 professional and consumer health products and has been involved in randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled clinical research involving botanical health products. He has also taught Traditional Chinese Medicine and served as chair of an Oriental Medicine program.

Jenny Morrissey, LAc: Jenny Morrissey is a licensed acupuncturist with more than 25 years of clinical experience and co-founder of Plantiva. She helped establish an Oriental Medicine program and served as clinical faculty and interim department chair. Together with Steven, Jenny has spent decades combining clinical experience, research, botanical healthcare and Traditional Chinese Medicine to develop targeted health formulas and bring their practitioner-led approach to a broader audience.

Plantiva: Plantiva is presented in the episode as a family-owned, practitioner-led company focused on botanical supplements for areas including immunity, pollen and digestion. The company describes its formulas as being developed through a precision formulation process with attention to botanical sourcing, extraction, laboratory testing and scientific research.

https://www.plantiva.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/plantiva-natural-supplements/

https://www.facebook.com/Plantiva

https://www.instagram.com/plantiva/

https://www.tiktok.com/@plantivaofficial

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

Sponsors:

Colorado Clownfish Swim School

Plantiva

"Most diagnoses tell you what you have, not why you have it."

— Dr. Steven Morrissey

What started with a mysterious health crisis and a bad fish sandwich eventually led Dr. Steven Morrissey and Jenny Morrissey into decades of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, botanical medicine, research—and ultimately Plantiva. In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen sits down with the husband-and-wife founders of Plantiva to talk about human optimization, botanical healthcare, Traditional Chinese Medicine, research, formulation, and the importance of understanding the why behind health challenges. They also share the personal story of how they met, built a life and business together, and why doing things the right way—even when it's not the easiest path—matters. From clinical research and sourcing botanicals to immune health, digestion, hypersensitivity and recovery, this conversation goes deep into the philosophy and science behind Plantiva. Questioning a better way—one gracefully disruptive conversation at a time.

Time Stamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila 01:24 — Meet Steven & Jenny Morrissey 03:34 — What is Plantiva? 05:35 — The human story behind the company 05:41 — The bad fish sandwich that changed everything 09:35 — When conventional medicine couldn't find the answers 12:05 — Steven discovers acupuncture & alternative medicine 16:09 — Jenny's family history in medicine 18:24 — Jenny's path to acupuncture 20:02 — How Steven & Jenny met 23:44 — From colleagues to life partners 25:34 — Working together as a couple 27:43 — How Plantiva was born 29:20 — Hypersensitivity & looking deeper 36:13 — Searching for the root cause 39:56 — Traditional Chinese Medicine & the body's systems 41:20 — The development of AllerDX 42:19 — Botanical extracts & formulation testing 49:08 — Why asking "why" matters 50:34 — Why research matters to Plantiva 54:01 — Standardizing & optimizing botanical formulas 56:19 — Finding the best sources for botanicals 59:31 — Muscle Mojo / Second Wind & athletic recovery 01:01:26 — Clinical testing & recovery research 01:03:53 — Lactic acid, recovery & performance 01:05:15 — How long does it take to develop a quality supplement? 01:06:31 — The early days of Plantiva 01:08:37 — ImmuneDX, Muscle Mojo & the decision to build Plantiva 01:10:03 — Why Plantiva decided to do it themselves 01:11:19 — Kristen's personal human-optimization journey 01:12:58 — Disrupting what we've been conditioned to believe 01:15:27 — Understanding the body's threshold 01:17:49 — AllerDX & the research behind it 01:20:52 — Treating the underlying pattern 01:22:35 — The importance of digestive health 01:24:39 — Digestion, immunity & the gut 01:26:46 — Building stronger digestive function 01:28:14 — Combining formulas & synergy 01:29:13 — Why the name Plantiva? 01:29:54 — Million dollars or a million people? 01:30:28 — What does success really mean? 01:32:49 — Science, credibility & helping people 01:33:32 — Final thoughts & what's next 01:34:04 — Plantiva & T&T sponsor shout-outs 01:34:52 — Where to find Plantiva 01:35:03 — Thank you for listening

Dr. Steven Morrissey, OMD: Dr. Steven Morrissey is the co-founder and formulator behind Plantiva with more than 30 years of clinical experience in herbal medicine, homeopathy and nutrition. He holds a doctorate in Oriental Medicine and has made more than 30 trips overseas conducting work related to botanical medicine, research, safety, efficacy, quality and manufacturing. Steven has developed more than 40 professional and consumer health products and has been involved in randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled clinical research involving botanical health products. He has also taught Traditional Chinese Medicine and served as chair of an Oriental Medicine program.

Jenny Morrissey, LAc: Jenny Morrissey is a licensed acupuncturist with more than 25 years of clinical experience and co-founder of Plantiva. She helped establish an Oriental Medicine program and served as clinical faculty and interim department chair. Together with Steven, Jenny has spent decades combining clinical experience, research, botanical healthcare and Traditional Chinese Medicine to develop targeted health formulas and bring their practitioner-led approach to a broader audience.

Plantiva: Plantiva is presented in the episode as a family-owned, practitioner-led company focused on botanical supplements for areas including immunity, pollen and digestion. The company describes its formulas as being developed through a precision formulation process with attention to botanical sourcing, extraction, laboratory testing and scientific research.

https://www.plantiva.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/plantiva-natural-supplements/

https://www.facebook.com/Plantiva

https://www.instagram.com/plantiva/

https://www.tiktok.com/@plantivaofficial

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

"I'm going to do it with intention. And I'm going to share my story because I feel like music is the one thing that saved my life." -Britt Devens

What happens when the identity you've built your entire life around suddenly changes? In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson sits down with Colorado indie-folk singer-songwriter Britt Devens for a deeply honest conversation about athletics, identity, sobriety, mental health, creativity, and finding your authentic voice. Britt shares how growing up as a competitive softball player shaped her identity, what happened when that athletic chapter ended, and how music became both an escape and eventually a powerful tool for healing. She opens up about coming out, navigating her relationship with alcohol, getting sober, advocating for herself through her mental health journey, and discovering that she could create and perform music without needing to be intoxicated. The conversation also explores the connection between music and nervous system regulation, creativity and healing, authenticity in the social media era, letting go, relationships, and using your story to connect with other people. A powerful reminder that sometimes the thing that saves us is the thing that helps us finally become ourselves. In this episode:

• Growing up a competitive athlete and the identity that comes with sports

• The difficult transition from athlete to "what's next?"

• How music became Britt's escape and creative outlet

• Coming out and finding the freedom to tell her story •

Sobriety and discovering her authentic voice

• Mental health, anxiety and learning to advocate for yourself

• Music as a tool for connection, regulation and healing

• Creativity, songwriting and turning life experiences into art

• The importance of letting go of relationships and situations that no longer serve you

• Staying authentic in an increasingly digital music industry

• Why your story can become your greatest form of connection

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila + meet Britt Devens

01:55 — Growing up in Fort Collins and becoming a competitive athlete

05:25 — Women's sports, identity and the power of representation

08:10 — How music became Britt's escape

09:38 — From athlete to musician: losing an identity and finding a new one

10:35 — Coming out and finding the courage to tell her story

11:20 — Sobriety and discovering honesty in her voice

13:00 — Why music became part of Britt's healing

15:05 — Music, storytelling and human connection

16:00 — The transition from athlete to "who am I now?"

17:20 — Mental health and learning how to work with your brain

20:00 — Getting older, slowing down and asking what really matters

23:00 — From social work to serving people in a different way

27:30 — The emotional weight of helping others

32:00 — Protecting your energy and creating mental-health practices

36:30 — Letting go, relationships and learning to release

39:50 — Turning life experiences and heartbreak into songwriting

43:30 — The pressure of social media and the music industry

47:05 — Authenticity in a changing creative landscape

50:40 — Staying humble, learning lessons and embracing the journey

52:00 — What's next for Britt Devens

53:20 — Closing thoughts

Britt Devens is an indie-folk singer-songwriter from Fort Collins, Colorado, now based in Denver. Known for soulful storytelling, emotive vocals, and messages of healing and resilience, she writes songs exploring hope, heartbreak, love, recovery, and mental health. Drawing from personal experience, Britt creates music that resonates deeply with listeners. When performing with a full band, she blends folk roots, alt-rock textures, and dreamy Americana influences, creating a sound that balances intimacy, energy, and depth.

Https://www.brittdevens.bandzoogle.com

Https://www.instagram.com/brittdevensmusic

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

Sponsors:

Colorado Clownfish Swim School

"Health is the true wealth, and it's the most important asset you can invest in. If you don't have your health, you have nothing."

-Sid King

What if your health became your greatest mission? In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson sits down with former Tesla engineer and health entrepreneur Sid King, whose personal family tragedies inspired a mission to help 100 million people live healthier, more fulfilled lives by 2030. Sid shares his journey into biohacking, fasting, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and becoming "the engineer of my own health." He also talks about the Optimal Health Summit, his book I Refuse to Be Next, the power of community, and why small health decisions can compound into major change.

In this episode:

• Sid's journey from Tesla engineer to health entrepreneur
• How family tragedy changed his perspective on health
• Fasting, nutrition, exercise, and becoming your own health advocate
• The foundations of optimal health and why small changes matter
• The power of community and surrounding yourself with people who elevate you
• Sid's mission to impact 100 million lives

Questioning a better way, one gracefully disruptive conversation at a time.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Introduction & meeting Sid King

01:29 – From Tesla engineer to health entrepreneur

03:11 – Family tragedy and the wake-up call around health

05:45 – Why taking control of your health is so difficult

06:36 – Sid's health wake-up call at Tesla

08:34 – Becoming the "engineer of my own health"

09:14 – Fasting, nutrition & reading food labels

11:48 – Exercise, endorphins & feeling better

12:44 – Starting with one small change

13:05 – Inside the Optimal Health Summit

15:27 – The power of community

15:54 – I Refuse to Be Next & Sid's mission

18:03 – Health is wealth

20:11 – Becoming your own health advocate

22:16 – Metabolic health & health markers

24:57 – Small changes that compound over time

26:09 – Sid's mission to impact 100 million lives

27:00 – Where to find Sid & his work

28:27 – Final thoughts & closing

Sid King is a former Tesla engineer, entrepreneur, author and health advocate on a mission to empower 100 million people by 2030 to live healthier and more fulfilled lives. His personal experiences—including witnessing his grandmother suffer a stroke and losing his father during COVID—shifted his career and life toward health, longevity and reducing suffering caused by chronic disease. Sid is the founder of the Optimal Health Summit, bringing together physicians, health experts, emerging technologies and a community focused on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. He is also the author of I Refuse to Be Next: How Family Tragedy Awakened a Mission to Transform 100 Million Lives.

https://optimalhealthco.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-king/

https://x.com/TheCerebrum2020

https://www.instagram.com/enablingtransformations

https://www.instagram.com/optimalhealthsummit/

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

Sponsors:

Colorado Clownfish Swim School

Plantiva

"Your identity is bigger than the game, and the skills you build as an athlete can become the foundation for your future."

— Chloe Barnes-Henderson

What happens when the identity you've built around being an athlete no longer fits? In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, I'm catching up with one of my favorite humans, Chloe Barnes-Henderson, for a conversation about student-athlete identity, mental health, entrepreneurship, NIL, artificial intelligence, and building a future where more young people have access to opportunity. Chloe is a former Division I basketball student-athlete, technology executive, professor, and entrepreneur. After a career that included leadership roles at Twitter, IPG Media Brands, and Oscar Health, she is now working to reimagine how young people prepare for the future of work through the Athletech Academy and Athletech LLC. We start with the athlete experience—what happens when an injury changes your identity, how difficult it can be to find purpose outside of sport, and why the life skills developed through athletics can become the foundation for an entirely new career. From there, we get into the business of social media, the realities of NIL, and why young athletes need more than monetization opportunities. They need education, support, ethical guidance, and the tools to navigate a world where their personal brand follows them long after the game ends. Chloe also shares how her experiences in corporate America, including the challenges of her final corporate role, helped clarify the work she was meant to do next.

We talk about:

• Student-athlete identity and finding purpose beyond sport

• Mental health, career transitions, and knowing when to choose a different path

• The business and cultural impact of social media

• NIL education, contracts, brand partnerships, and financial wellness

• AI upskilling and preparing young people for the future of work

• Why sports can be the gateway to entrepreneurship and opportunity

• Building a more accessible ecosystem for students, athletes, and communities

This is a conversation about graceful disruption, choosing purpose over the expected path, and using everything you've learned to build something that matters. Because sometimes the next chapter isn't about starting over. It's about finally putting all the pieces together. Connect with Chloe and learn more about the work: https://www.athletechacademy.org/

Time Stamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila and Chloe's third appearance

01:03 — Introducing Chloe Barnes Henderson and her D1 athlete background

04:31 — Life skills through sports and helping athletes prepare for life beyond competition

05:00 — Chloe's basketball injury, depression, and losing her athlete identity

06:45 — The administrator who helped Chloe reconnect with purpose through other student-athletes

09:00 — Transitioning from athlete to technology executive, professor, and entrepreneur

12:00 — Lessons from working at Twitter, IPG Media Brands, and Oscar Health

15:00 — Social media, cyberbullying, ethics, and mental health

18:00 — Recognizing signs, trusting timing, and knowing when it is time to leave

19:00 — The creation of Athletic Academy

21:23 — Building Athletic Academy into a grades 9–12 sports-focused high school

22:19 — Athletic LLC and Athletic IQ

22:29 — NIL education, contract management, market research, and conflict resolution

23:00 — The interpersonal dynamics and challenges surrounding NIL compensation

23:00 — Athletic Advantage and AI upskilling for businesses, schools, and nonprofits

23:30 — Using sports as a gateway to teach future-of-work skills

24:00 — AI, financial wellness, entrepreneurship, credentialing, and skill-based learning

33:29 — Connecting student interests with sports, technology, culture, music, and fashion

34:00 — Helping students explore interests instead of locking into one career path

37:00 — Why access to sports and opportunity should not depend on income or ZIP code

37:12 — Keeping Athletic Academy programming free for students

37:43 — Corporate partnerships, donations, and workforce development

38:00 — Teaching students and organizations to use AI ethically and responsibly

44:56 — Chloe's vision for the future of sports, education, and workforce development

45:10 — Final thoughts, where to learn more, and closing conversation

46:34 — End of episode

Chloe Barnes-Henderson is a former Division I student-athlete, technology executive, professor, and entrepreneur reimagining how young people prepare for the future of work. A former leader at Twitter, IPG Mediabrands, and Oscar Health, she now serves as a Professor of Practice at Michigan State University and leads Athletech Academy and Athletech LLC, two organizations using AI, workforce development, and the business and culture of sport to create new pathways to opportunity for students across the country.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloebarnes03/

https://www.facebook.com/chloe.barnes.750983

https://www.instagram.com/chloebarnes03

Athletech Academy is a 501(c)(3), who uses the business and culture of sport to prepare students for the future of work. We are less than a year old and are in grassroots fundraising mode! Anyone that feels compelled by our mission, we would love them to consider a tax-deductible donation via the following link: https://givebutter.com/athletechacademy.

https://www.athletechacademy.org/

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

Sponsors:

Colorado Clownfish Swim School

Plantiva

"Your name is your brand. Your reputation is your resume. Protect both."

-Kristen M. Olson

NIL is changing college sports—and athletes, parents and coaches need to understand the game. In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, Kristen M. Olson breaks down the basics of NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) and why it represents one of the biggest shifts in college athletics in modern history. What exactly is NIL? Who pays athletes? How do NIL deals work? And perhaps most importantly, how can young athletes take advantage of new opportunities without losing sight of their values, identity, mental health and long-term goals? As a former Division I athlete, Kristen brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She competed at a time when college athletes could generate tremendous value for their universities but had very few opportunities to monetize their own name or influence.

Today, athletes can potentially earn money through social media partnerships, brand sponsorships, appearances, camps, merchandise, YouTube, podcasting, affiliate marketing and other opportunities connected to their personal brand.

But opportunity comes with responsibility.

Kristen explores both sides of the NIL conversation—from entrepreneurship, financial opportunity and athlete ownership to the challenges of comparison, recruiting, transfer culture, team dynamics and the pressure young athletes can face when money and social media become part of the equation. The bigger message? NIL should be about more than today's paycheck. Athletes are building brands while they're still competing, which means the decisions they make today can influence their reputation, relationships and opportunities long after their playing careers end. Kristen also dives into the importance of choosing brand partnerships that align with personal values, protecting authenticity and understanding that your reputation is an asset that can't simply be rebranded.

Because ultimately, being an athlete is only one part of being human. Your name is your brand. Your reputation is your resume. Protect both. This episode is a starting point for athletes, sports parents, coaches and anyone interested in the rapidly evolving business of college sports. And if you're interested in going deeper, Kristen's upcoming conversation with Chloe Barnes Henderson explores Athletic Academy and how athletes and families can better navigate NIL.

What You'll Learn:

• What NIL actually means
• How Name, Image & Likeness changed college athletics
• How college athletes can monetize their personal brands
• The difference between NIL opportunities and simply being paid to play
• Why NIL creates opportunities beyond professional sports
• How athletes can learn entrepreneurship, negotiation and marketing
• Why athlete identity and mental health matter
• The potential downside of money and social-media comparison
• How NIL is changing recruiting and team culture
• Why athletes need guidance when evaluating deals
• How to choose brand partnerships based on values
• Why reputation may be an athlete's greatest long-term asset
• Where Kristen believes NIL and athlete entrepreneurship are headed

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila™

00:08 — Why We're Talking About NIL

01:44 — NIL: One of the Biggest Shifts in College Sports

02:17 — What Is NIL? Name, Image & Likeness Explained

03:01 — How College Athletes Can Monetize Their Personal Brand

03:19 — NIL Is Not the Same as Getting Paid to Play

03:42 — Why NIL Became Necessary

04:45 — The Positives: Entrepreneurship, Opportunity & Ownership

05:39 — Athletes Are More Than Athletes

06:50 — The Challenges & Unintended Consequences of NIL

07:22 — Transfer Portals, Recruiting & Changing Team Culture

07:55 — When "Who Pays the Most?" Becomes the Question

08:43 — Would Kristen Have Wanted NIL as a Division I Athlete?

09:24 — Why Athletes Need Guidance

09:35 — Your Reputation Is Your Greatest Asset

09:35 — Three Questions Every Athlete Should Ask Before Taking a Deal

10:07 — Authenticity, Audience Trust & Choosing the Right Brands

10:43 — Playing the Long Game With Your Personal Brand

11:38 — The Future of NIL: Founders, Investors & Entrepreneurs

12:09 — Your Name Is Your Brand. Your Reputation Is Your Resume.

12:17 — Advice for Athletes, Parents & Coaches

12:49 — NIL as a Tool for Bigger Opportunities

13:04 — Finding Brand Partnerships That Actually Fit

13:28 — Know the Game. Build Your Team.

14:00 — Final Thoughts & Closing

14:30 — Cheers to Living with Intention

14:50 — End

Kristen M. Olson is an entrepreneur, coach, speaker, athlete and host of Turmeric & Tequila™. A former Division I athlete and longtime competitive athlete, Kristen brings a unique perspective to conversations at the intersection of performance, business, leadership, wellness, identity and personal evolution. Through KO Alliance, Kristen works at the intersection of branding, marketing, community and strategic partnerships, helping people and brands build meaningful relationships, amplify their missions and create opportunities with purpose. As the host of Turmeric & Tequila™, Kristen explores what it means to become a better, more intentional human—embracing what she calls "graceful disruption" and challenging people to choose growth over comfort. Links to connect below:)

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

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Sponsors:

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"It's not what happens. It's the story you tell yourself about what's happening."

-Antonio Michael Downing

On this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, Kristen Olson sits down with critically acclaimed author, speaker, and musician Antonio Michael Downing for a deeply personal conversation about identity, resilience, creativity, reinvention, belonging, and the power of storytelling.

Antonio Michael Downing is the author of the acclaimed memoir Saga Boy, the novel Black Cherokee, and Stars in My Crown, and he creates music under his alter ego John Orpheus. His work explores identity, transformation, belonging, and what it takes to change the way we see ourselves. But this conversation goes far beyond books. Kristen and Antonio unpack the question so many of us eventually face: Who am I—and who am I becoming? Antonio shares how his childhood in Trinidad, his grandmother, music, sports, mentors, and the different identities he created throughout his life ultimately helped him understand himself more deeply. They talk about the experience of "trying on" different versions of yourself, what happens when those versions no longer fit, and why making peace with your past can be necessary before you can confidently choose your future. Antonio also explains how writing Saga Boy became part of his own process of coming back to himself, including conducting hundreds of hours of interviews with people from his life to reconstruct his story. The conversation then moves into one of the most powerful ideas of the episode: You have the ability to rewrite the story. Antonio explains that the events of our lives aren't necessarily the thing that defines us—the meaning and narrative we attach to those events can profoundly influence how we move forward.

You'll also hear about:

• Finding your identity
• Coming home to yourself
• The power of your childhood self
• Reinvention and personal transformation
• The role of sports and coaches in shaping identity
• Creativity as a pathway to self-discovery
• Antonio's musical alter ego, John Orpheus
• Saga Boy and the journey of becoming
• Black Cherokee and questions of belonging
• Storytelling and personal narrative
• Journaling and grounding
• Breathwork and reconnecting with yourself
• How problems and adversity reveal character
• Why identity matters in an increasingly noisy world
• How to consciously reshape the story you tell yourself

Antonio's own mission is beautifully aligned with this conversation: "the story you tell defines you," and he believes great stories are rooted in authenticity, empathy, and integrity. This is a conversation about identity, self-discovery, resilience, and the courage to become the person you were always capable of being.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila™ 01:01 — Meet Antonio Michael Downing 02:26 — Growing up in Trinidad & the influence of his grandmother 04:00 — Childhood, creativity & discovering his voice 06:00 — How our early identities shape who we become 08:00 — Coming home to yourself 09:30 — Sports, basketball & lessons that last a lifetime 12:30 — The coaches and mentors who shape us 14:25 — Women's sports & the power of representation 16:25 — Why knowing yourself matters more than ever 17:00 — What does it actually mean to "come home" to yourself? 17:45 — We are all at some stage of becoming 18:10 — When life forces us to rethink who we are 18:30 — The story behind Saga Boy 18:45 — Trying on different versions of yourself 19:00 — Making peace with your past 19:30 — The 10-sentence exercise for telling your life story 20:00 — Why problems reveal character 22:00 — Grounding, journaling & connecting with your subconscious 23:30 — The power to rewrite your story 24:00 — Reframing your narrative & taking back your power 30:00 — Black Cherokee: identity, belonging & becoming 34:00 — Transformation and choosing your next chapter 34:50 — John Orpheus & the power of a creative alter ego 44:00 — Antonio's books, music & where to find him

Antonio Michael Downing is an Afro-Caribbean-Canadian author, artist, and speaker whose work explores identity, resilience, and the courage to reinvent yourself. Born in Trinidad and raised in Canada, he traded a successful career in tech sales for his true calling as a writer and musician — known as John Orpheus. He is the author of the memoir Saga Boy and the novel Black Cherokee, and host of Canada's top book radio show.

https://www.antoniomichaeldowning.com/

https://x.com/John_Orpheus

https://www.facebook.com/john.orpheus.3/

https://www.instagram.com/antoniomichaeldowning/

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

"Food is the foundation of life. We can use food to heal or we can use food to harm."

— Dr. Judy Morgan

What if the way we've been taught to care for our pets isn't always the best way? In this powerful and unapologetically disruptive episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson sits down with Dr. Judy Morgan, an integrative veterinarian with more than 40 years of experience, to challenge conventional thinking around pet health, nutrition, vaccines, and veterinary care. Dr. Morgan shares the personal journey that took her from a traditional veterinary practice she says she hated to an integrative approach incorporating food therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, and natural healing therapies. Then the conversation gets REAL. Dr. Morgan takes a hard look at ultra-processed pet food, how pet food is manufactured, ingredient labels, rendered products, carbohydrates, and what she believes pet parents need to understand before choosing what goes into their dogs' and cats' bowls. She explains why she prefers whole-food, raw, or gently cooked approaches and discusses what she considers red flags on pet food labels.

The conversation also tackles:

• Why Dr. Morgan believes ultra-processed pet food deserves more scrutiny

• What "meat meal," "animal digest," and other pet food ingredients can mean

• Raw vs. gently cooked pet food

• Protein, carbohydrates, and species-appropriate nutrition

• Why cats have unique nutritional needs

• Taurine, carnitine, and the discussion around heart health

• How to make homemade pet food more practical

• Freeze-dried food and traveling with pets

• Pet vaccines, including rabies, DAP and leptospirosis

• Vaccine titers and the importance of understanding your pet's individual risk

• Flea, tick and heartworm prevention

• Why pet parents should advocate for themselves and their animals

• Finding a veterinarian you trust

• When surgery may not be the only option

• Acupuncture, chiropractic care and other integrative approaches

• Lipomas, arthritis and mobility

• Grooming as part of overall pet health

• Feeding schedules, fasting and "hunger pukes"

• The importance of asking questions instead of simply doing what you've always been told

At the heart of the conversation is a bigger message that applies far beyond pets: Question better. Learn more. Advocate for yourself. And don't be afraid to look for another answer.

Dr. Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT has over 40-years-experience as an integrative veterinarian, acupuncturist, chiropractor, food therapist, best-selling author, international speaker, podcast host and owner of Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets. Her goal is to change the lives of pets by educating and empowering pet parents worldwide in the use of natural healing therapies, and minimizing the use of chemicals, vaccinations, and poor-quality processed food.

NaturallyHealthyPets.com

https://www.facebook.com/JudyMorganDVM

@drjudymorgan

LISTENER OFFER: TANDT50 for 50% off of Dr. Judy authored books found on NaturallyHealthyPets.com

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila + Meet Dr. Judy Morgan -Kristen introduces Dr. Judy Morgan and the conversation around disrupting conventional approaches to pet health.

01:45 — Dr. Judy Morgan's Journey Into Veterinary Medicine-From horses and 4-H to veterinary school and a 40+ year career in animal health.

04:00 — Discovering Integrative Veterinary Medicine- How acupuncture, food therapy, chiropractic care and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine changed Dr. Morgan's approach.

07:20 — Are We Killing Our Pets? The Big Pet Food Problem-Dr. Morgan immediately challenges the way we think about processed pet food and the influence of the pet food industry.

09:00 — What's Actually in Commercial Pet Food?-A deep dive into rendering, animal byproducts, waste streams and what Dr. Morgan believes pet parents should know about their animals' food.

13:00 — Whole-Animal Nutrition: What Animals Naturally Eat-Why organ meats, feathers, fur and other parts of the whole animal can provide important nutrients.

17:30 — Ultra-Processed Pet Food & Why Ingredients Matter-Dr. Morgan explains her concerns about ultra-processed kibble, fillers, starches and highly processed ingredients.

19:00 — Do Dogs & Cats Need Carbohydrates?-A controversial conversation about carbohydrates, grains, protein and species-appropriate nutrition.

21:00 — Cats, Taurine & Heart Health-Why cats have unique nutritional requirements and the conversation around taurine, carnitine and heart health.

23:00 — Raw vs. Gently Cooked Pet Food-Dr. Morgan explains what she feeds her own animals and why she prefers whole-food approaches over ultra-processed food.

25:00 — Can You Really Make Your Own Pet Food?-How homemade feeding can work—and why many pet parents make it harder than it needs to be.

27:00 — Building a Balanced Homemade Diet-Eggshell, bone meal, calcium and other considerations when preparing food at home.

29:00 — Batch Cooking, Freezer Space & Making Pet Food Practical-How to prepare ahead, save time and make homemade feeding fit into real life.

31:30 — Feeding Your Pets While Traveling-Freeze-dried food, road trips, RV travel and practical options when you don't have a freezer full of homemade food.

33:15 — Pet Vaccines: What Do Our Dogs & Cats Actually Need?-Dr. Morgan breaks down rabies and the broader conversation around vaccination schedules.

35:00 — Rabies Vaccines, Titers & Understanding Immunity-The conversation moves into vaccine requirements, antibody testing and how vaccination decisions can differ by animal and circumstance.

37:00 — Why "Every Vaccine, Every Year" Isn't the Whole Story-Dr. Morgan reflects on how veterinary vaccine recommendations have changed throughout her career.

39:30 — Vaccine Decisions Should Consider Lifestyle & Risk-Why Dr. Morgan believes pet parents should consider where their animals live, travel and what they are exposed to.

42:00 — Finding a Veterinarian Who Will Actually Listen-What to do when your veterinarian doesn't agree with your approach—and why communication matters.

45:00 — How to Question Your Vet Without Creating Conflict-Dr. Morgan shares how pet parents can advocate for their animals while maintaining a productive relationship with their veterinarian.

48:00 — Don't Be Afraid to Get a Second Opinion-Why Dr. Morgan believes pet parents should keep searching until they find the right veterinary relationship.

50:30 — Natural Flea & Tick Prevention-A conversation about chemical exposure, environmental factors and alternative approaches to flea and tick management.

53:30 — Heartworm Prevention: It Depends Where You Live-How geography, mosquitoes and individual risk can influence the heartworm conversation.

55:00 — Fasting, Feeding Schedules & "Hunger Pukes"-Dr. Morgan talks about meal timing and what pet parents can do when their dogs struggle with an empty stomach.

57:00 — Why Grooming Is About More Than Looking Good-Grooming as an opportunity to check your pet from nose to tail and notice changes early.

59:30 — Lipomas: What Are They & Can They Shrink?-Dr. Morgan discusses fatty tumors, nutrition, weight management and integrative approaches including acupuncture.

61:30 — Arthritis, ACL Injuries & Rethinking Surgery-A deeper discussion about mobility, orthopedic injuries and whether surgery is always the first or only answer.

64:00 — Braces, Chiropractic Care & Alternative Options for Dog-Dr. Morgan shares examples of approaches that may help some animals avoid or delay more invasive procedures.

66:30 — The Bigger Lesson: Question Better-Kristen and Dr. Morgan connect pet health back to the larger Turmeric & Tequila philosophy of questioning conventional wisdom.

68:00 — What Does Success Look Like?-A more personal conversation about success, purpose and creating meaningful change.

70:00 — How Do We Actually Create Change?-Dr. Morgan and Kristen discuss advocacy, asking better questions and being willing to challenge the status quo.

72:00 — Final Thoughts + Where to Find Dr. Judy Morgan-Closing thoughts, resources and how listeners can continue learning about natural and integrative pet care.

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

"AI is creating beauty standards that aren't even humanly possible."

-Dr. Ruslan

What happens when AI creates beauty standards that don't even exist in real life? In this eye-opening episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson sits down with renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ruslan to discuss one of the biggest mental health and social issues emerging in 2026: AI Dysmorphia. From Instagram filters and AI-generated selfies to cosmetic procedures and self-worth, this conversation explores how technology is reshaping the way we see ourselves—and why more young people are seeking procedures based on faces that aren't even real.

Dr. Ruslan explains:

• What AI Dysmorphia actually is

• Why social media has changed cosmetic surgery forever

• How ethical surgeons know when to say "no"

• The psychology behind cosmetic procedures

• Helping teens build confidence before changing their appearance

• How parents can talk with kids about unrealistic beauty standards

• Why confidence starts internally—not with surgery

This isn't an anti-plastic surgery conversation. It's a conversation about making healthy decisions for the right reasons. If you're a parent, educator, athlete, creator, or anyone navigating today's digital world, this episode is a must-listen.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila + Why This Conversation Matters

01:45 Meet Dr. Ruslan: From Artist to Facial Plastic Surgeon

04:30 The Pressure of Operating on Faces & Lessons from Sports

07:00 The Psychology Behind Cosmetic Surgery

10:00 Why Ethical Surgeons Need to Say "No"

13:30 Confidence vs. Chasing Perfection

16:30 What Is AI Dysmorphia?

19:45 How AI Filters Are Creating Impossible Beauty Standards

23:00 Why Social Media Is Changing Self-Image

26:00 Talking to Kids About Beauty, Filters & Confidence

30:00 Teens, Cosmetic Procedures & Responsible Decision-Making

33:30 Advice for Parents Navigating Social Media Pressures

36:30 Final Thoughts: Confidence, Authenticity & Protecting the Next Generation

39:11 Thanks for Watching | Subscribe & Follow Turmeric & Tequila

Dr. Ruslan

Dr. Ruslan Zhuravsky is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Z Face Plastic Surgery. He specializes exclusively in facial surgery, with a focus on primary and revision rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, teenage rhinoplasty, and complex corrective cases. Known for his meticulous technique and artist's eye, Dr. Ruslan blends advanced surgical science with an artistic approach to facial harmony and structure. His boutique practice emphasizes comprehensive, education-driven consultations and ethical patient care, attracting patients globally who seek natural, long-lasting results that preserve individuality.

https://zfaceplasticsurgery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DrZface/

https://www.instagram.com/drzface/

https://www.tiktok.com/@drzface

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