"This year didn't knock me out all at once — it chipped away at me. And somehow, that's what taught me surrender, trust, and confidence."
-Kristen Olson
"I don't need to have the whole plan — I just need the courage to keep showing up, trusting the work, and letting the next step reveal itself."
-Ashley Knight
Every year, we sit down for one of our most meaningful conversations of the entire season — our annual Year in Review and Year in Preview, and for the seventh year running, I'm joined by the one and only Ashley Simone Knight . This episode isn't about perfection or polished highlight reels. It's about real reflection, honest growth, deep gratitude, and setting intentions for what's next — personally, professionally, and spiritually. Together, Ashley and I unpack what 2025 actually looked like behind the scenes: the breakdowns, the breakthroughs, the lessons in timing, confidence, surrender, community, and what it really means to keep showing up when you're tired but still called.
We talk about:
As we look ahead, we share what we're hoping for in 2026 — not rigid goals, but intentions rooted in peace, flow, abundance, love, health, and clarity.
If you're closing out a year feeling exhausted but hopeful…
If you're entering a new season unsure but still willing…
If you need a reminder that you're not behind — you're becoming…
This episode is for you. Here's to reflection, release, and what's next.
DOWNLOAD The 2025/2026 Goals and Intention Sheet HERE
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
Welcome back to Turmeric & Tequila® + why this annual tradition matters
03:45 – Why We Do This Episode Every Year
Reflection as a leadership tool + seven years running with Ashley Simone Knight
08:30 – 2025 in One Word (Confidence, Surrender, Timing)
How the year broke us down — and rebuilt us stronger
15:10 – When Life Chips Away at You (Not One Big Crash)
Burnout, exhaustion, and the slow drip effect of hard seasons
22:40 – Gratitude Check: People Who Carried Us in 2025
Friends, mentors, community, chosen family, and unseen support systems
30:15 – Grief, Growth & Letting Yourself Be Supported
Navigating loss, asking for help, and receiving instead of powering through
38:50 – Community Is the Constant
CrossFit, movement, dance, routine, and showing up even when it's hard
46:20 – 2026 Word + Intention
Confidence, surrender, flow, and trusting what's being built
55:10 – The Letter to Your Younger Self
Blind faith, courage without a roadmap, and honoring who you've always been
1:03:40 – Career, Identity & Self-Worth
Interviewing, rejection, references, and remembering who you are
1:12:30 – Charging for What Comes Easily to You
Why your gifts still deserve value — even if they feel natural
1:19:50 – Personal & Professional Growth in 2026
Boundaries, clarity, peace, and leaning into aligned opportunities
1:27:10 – Work-Life Balance, Rest & Fun
Moving away from grind culture toward sustainability and joy
1:33:40 – Money, Love & Alignment
Why flow creates abundance (without forcing it)
1:39:00 – Closing Reflections
Showing up, trusting timing, and walking forward together
Ashley Simone Knight is a trusted voice, longtime collaborator, and recurring guest on Turmeric & Tequila. Known for her honesty, depth, and grounded perspective, Ashley brings thoughtful insight into personal growth, professional evolution, relationships, and navigating life's transitions with clarity and courage. @theashleysimone
For seven years running, Ashley has joined Kristen for their annual Year in Review + Year in Preview conversation — a tradition rooted in reflection, truth, laughter, and growth. Her ability to articulate the in-between seasons of life makes her a powerful and relatable voice for anyone learning how to surrender, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.
Kristen M. Olson is the founder and host of Turmeric & Tequila, a top-ranked podcast in the top 2% globally. A lifelong athlete, performance coach, entrepreneur, and speaker, Kristen is known for blending real conversations with leadership, wellness, mindset, and human connection. @madonnashero
Through Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen creates space for honest dialogue around growth, resilience, and what it really takes to live aligned — both personally and professionally.
Connect with T&T:
IG: @TurmericTequila
Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila
Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com
Host: Kristen Olson
IG: @Madonnashero
Tik Tok: @Madonnashero
Website: www.KOAlliance.com
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