"Bad days don’t make you weak—they make you human."

– Kristen Olson

In this solo episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson gets real about mental health, bad days, and the truth behind polished social media feeds. She shares personal stories, eye-opening depression stats, and actionable ways to support your mental well-being—even when the world feels heavy. From global data to real-life examples, Kristen breaks down why empathy, community, and honest conversations matter now more than ever. She offers practical tips (like her “When in doubt, work it out” fitness mantra) for moving through tough moments, and reminds us that everyone—yes, everyone—is going through something. Whether you’re an influencer, leader, parent, or just a fellow human trying to figure it out, this episode is a powerful reminder to extend grace to others and yourself.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why social media is not the whole story
• Surprising stats on global and U.S. depression rates
• How fitness and movement can help shift your mood
• The importance of vulnerability in leadership
• Why empathy and grace are leadership superpowers

Time Stamps 0:00 – Intro & sponsor shoutouts 2:00 – Why this conversation matters right now 4:30 – Social media highlight reels vs. reality 8:20 – Personal stories about bad days & showing up anyway 13:10 – Eye-opening depression statistics 21:30 – Fitness, movement & blood flow as mood lifters 27:00 – Leadership, empathy, and vulnerability 33:50 – Final thoughts & mental health resources

Kristen Olson is a leader, entrepreneur, coach, and host of Turmeric & Tequila™, a top 2% globally ranked podcast. A former D1 athlete and 5x CrossFit Games competitor, Kristen is passionate about mental health, leadership, and questioning a better way. Through candid conversations and solo episodes, she inspires mission-driven humans to lead authentically, embrace vulnerability, and create positive change.

✨ Connect with Kristen Olson 🌐 Website: https://www.turmericandtequila.com // www.koalliance.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turmerictequila // https://www.instagram.com/koalliance 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolson23/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/turmericandtequila 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/turmerictequila // @kolson23 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://turmericandtequila.com/podcast-archive/

HELP IS HERE:

United States (24/7, Free, Confidential)

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Call or Text 988 or use 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Call 1-800-662-4357 or visit findtreatment.gov

International Crisis Lines Find a helpline worldwide – findahelpline.com (Search by country) Befrienders Worldwide – befrienders.org

Mental Health & Self-Help Resources NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – nami.org/help

Mental Health America – mhanational.org Psychology Today – Find a Therapist – psychologytoday.com

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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