"If you're serious about scaling, it's time to look beyond borders—Africa has the talent, the drive, and the innovation the world needs."

– Valerie Bowden

In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Valerie Bowden—founder of CRDLE and a trailblazer in remote talent acquisition from Africa. Valerie shares her journey from solo backpacking across Africa to living in Ethiopia for eight years, and how those experiences led to building a global business that connects companies with top-tier African talent. We explore how ethical hiring, cross-cultural collaboration, and untapped global potential are changing the future of business. Valerie’s mission? Help companies rise above the competition with one smart, conscious move: Choose Africa. Whether you're a startup founder, remote team leader, or impact-driven entrepreneur—this one’s for you. Learn more: crdle.com

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Valerie Bowden
02:45 – Backpacking Africa & living in Ethiopia
07:20 – Founding CRDLE and the origin of “Choose Africa”
11:40 – The untapped potential of African remote talent
15:55 – Challenges and biases in global hiring
21:00 – Sales optimization tips from CRDLE's strategy
27:30 – Why remote teams thrive with intentional hiring
32:10 – Advice for entrepreneurs ready to scale
36:45 – Building a purpose-led business and family life
40:20 – How to work with Valerie & CRDLE
43:00 – Final thoughts + rapid-fire values round

Valerie Bowden:

Valerie Bowden helps businesses find top-tier remote talent and optimize their sales operations by tapping into talent in Africa.

Valerie has spent years working with businesses across all industries to level up their sales and rise above the competition with one simple action: Choose Africa. Before she launched CRDLE, she backpacked across Africa solo and lived in Ethiopia for 8 years. She now resides in Pittsburgh with her husband and two kids

https://www.instagram.com/crdleafrica

Follow Valerie on LinkedIn: Valerie Bowden

IG: @TurmericTequila

Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila

Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com

Host: Kristen Olson

IG: @Madonnashero

Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

Website: www.KOAlliance.com

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“Banter opens the door, but empathy keeps you in the room.”

- Jill Robin Payne

In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson welcomes the dynamic and insightful Jill Robin Payne, MA, LPC-S, LCDC—renowned psychotherapist, author, and creator of Bempathy®. With over 40 years of experience in mental health and communication, Jill dives into how blending humor (banter) with empathy creates meaningful, lasting human connection. We talk about therapy, social media, family dynamics, dating, boundaries, and how to navigate difficult conversations with grace, humor, and authenticity. Jill shares stories from her decades of experience and explains how Bempathy® helps people reconnect—especially in today’s overstimulated, under-communicated world. If you want to improve your relationships, understand others better, and learn how to banter with heart, this is a must-listen episode. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ViyYSXm5LZk?si=nGKvkG4yyzAobL5A

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Welcome + intro to Jill Robin Payne
02:45 – The evolution of Jill’s 40+ year career in therapy
06:30 – What is Bempathy®? And why it matters today
11:20 – Banter vs. sarcasm: communication that connects
15:50 – Navigating generational trauma and healing
20:10 – Bempathy® in dating, parenting, and leadership
25:45 – The role of humor in therapy and relationships
31:30 – Jill’s experience with media and speaking
36:20 – Real-world examples of Bempathy® in action
41:00 – Jill’s call to action: be bold, be kind, be real
44:50 – Where to follow Jill and learn more

Jill Robin Payne, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, is a trailblazing psychotherapist, author, and communication coach with over 40 years of experience. Creator of Bempathy®, a unique reciprocal communication method combining banter with empathy, Jill empowers individuals to build genuine connections. A dynamic speaker and media guest, she’s been featured on national TV, radio, and podcasts. With a rich career spanning groundbreaking internships, innovative therapy, and global lectures, Jill’s work inspires lasting impact and transformative relationships.

🌐 Website: https://jillrobinpayne.com
📱 IG: @jillrobinpayne
📘 Facebook: Jill Robin Payne
🐦 Twitter/X: @jillrobinpayne
💼 LinkedIn: Jill Robin Payne
🎶 TikTok: @jillrobinpayne

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/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH

“Your identity isn’t what you do—it’s who you become in the process. Fame fades, but purpose endures.”
– Christian Ray Flores

In this powerful episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson is joined by Christian Ray Flores—global speaker, impact-driven entrepreneur, and former international music star. From topping the charts in post-Soviet Russia to co-founding award-winning companies and nonprofit movements, Christian’s story is anything but ordinary.

They dive deep into identity, leadership, and legacy—unpacking how fame shaped Christian’s worldview and how faith continues to guide his mission in business, philanthropy, and media. Whether you’re building a personal brand or looking for purpose beyond success, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and soulful reminders that your path matters.

Time Stamps:

0:00 – Welcome + Christian Ray Flores' wild journey from fame to faith
4:10 – The unexpected rise to pop stardom in post-Soviet Russia
9:30 – Leaving the spotlight to pursue a deeper mission
13:45 – Entrepreneurship, spiritual alignment, and serving through business
18:25 – Overcoming ego, imposter syndrome, and pressure to perform
24:50 – Advice to creators and changemakers
29:30 – Why faith + impact are the ultimate success metrics
34:20 – Final reflections on leadership, legacy, and what’s next

Christian Ray Flores

Founder, Xponential Life Coaching

Christian Ray Flores is an entrepreneur, evangelist, international recording artist, and philanthropist. From a childhood as a refugee to international pop stardom in post-Soviet Russia, he has forged an extraordinary path as a successful artist, speaker, and impact-driven leader. He co-founded Ascend Academy, Third Drive, and launched Xponential, a high-performance coaching program and community designed to help world changers thrive in life, leadership, and faith. Christian is a sought-after voice on creativity, business, purpose, and global transformation—combining real-world experience with spiritual conviction to inspire and equip the next generation of change-makers.

https://www.xponential.life/littlebook

https://www.xponential.life/

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

https://x.com/ChristianRay

https://www.facebook.com/christianrayflores1/

https://www.instagram.com/christianrayflores/

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

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/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI

https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH