This is a special one, I welcome long time friend (aka fam), Rosa Jad to T&T for an Open Mic conversation! Rosa is a longtime radio host on KS107.5, one of the nation’s top stations AND she is an avid fitness enthusiast, AND a practicing Muslim, amongst many other things. If you know Rosa, you know she is a big personality, full of jokes, quick wit, and knows just about everything music and pop culture. What you might not know about is her deep-rooted passion in faith and how much it has helped guide her journey forward, particularly in these trying 2020 times. Rosa is the perfect example of Turmeric &Tequila, wearing many authentic hats and jugging the juxtaposition of the opposing worlds with grace. You can live in a world of business, party, and chaos, and maintain your core values, religious beliefs, take a stand for social justice… and complete a 75-day health challenge, Rosa is the proof. We cover work, race, fitness, religion, how to set up a camera:), and so much more. JV moments turning into varsity philosophy and the understanding that we never stop growing if we keep an open mind and an awareness around constant improvement. This is a human to keep an eye on, she is an important one in this word and is just getting started.
Rosa Jad
Nothing is off limits when Rosa steps into the studio! The outgoing girl who grew up avidly listening to KS1075 has now found herself in the shoes of her idols.
Born in Saudi Arabia and living in Denver since 2000, while finishing up her senior year of high school, she landed an internship with a prestigious sports radio station. In 2013, at just 17 years old, she became an on-air KS1075 personality doing weekend shifts, while being a full-time college student. Fast-forwarding 3 years later, Rosa graduated early from the University of Colorado, Denver, while simultaneously working her way up the ranks at the station.
Ready to put the city on a wave weekdays 10am – 3pm. Unapologetically herself, she is breaking barrios for Arabic woman across America.
“Where there is no hope, it is incumbent on us to invent it.”
–Albert Camus
I’m so xcited about this T&T Open Mic session because we are finally discussing a topic I have been waiting to unpack for a while, those experiencing homelessness. In times like these, we have more people than ever experiencing homelessness or are one paycheck away from being in that position. This is a very real reality and it’s something that anyone of us could face at any time. Today I sit down with Tyg Taylor, the Founder and Executive Director of Wholly Kicks. Wholly Kicks is a 501(c)(3) that supports those experiencing homelessness and economic disparity in North Aurora, Colorado and surrounding communities. Wholly Kicks provides new shoes, love, encouragement and mentoring to those living on the street, in the neighborhood, and in the public-school system. Tyg is a long-time pastor (over 28 years) and left his church to move to the heart of Aurora to not just help a community in need, but genuinely be a part of it. He knew it was important to be amongst the community he wanted to serve, so he moved in and established Wholly Kicks. Tyg has an incredible story of loss, triumph, and hope. He breakdown so many pieces around homelessness, including language, understanding, approaching someone in that situation, and more. I just wish I would have had this convo years ago (like ALL the open mics!!). Empathy and understanding are at the base of a better future. This cast is really for anyone and everyone, we all need to understand each other more and the sooner we do, the sooner we can get to a more peaceful space. We don’t often get to walk in each other’s shoes, but if we can have a conversation and listen, we’ll at minimum be reminded that we are all human, seeking many of the same things: safety, shelter, love, and support. Home really is where the heart is. Broaden your perspective and extend kindness- always.
Tyg”er” Taylor
is the founder and Executive Director of Wholly Kicks, a 501(c)(3) that supports those experiencing homelessness and economic disparity in North Aurora, Colorado and surrounding communities. Wholly Kicks provides new shoes, love, encouragement and mentoring to those living on the street, in the neighborhood, and in the public-school system.
For 28 years, Tyg lead an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregation in Monument Colorado and spent much of his time working among those living on the street in Colorado Springs. In January of 2019 he moved into the diverse neighborhood of North Aurora to live a new season of life on “mission.” Tyg now “works” as a street pastor along the Colfax Corridor, filling his days with interactions with those whom he loves most in the world.
Tyg”er” is a creator of fun cocktails, a cooker of well plated food, a grunty lifter of things CrossFit, a teacher of street things, a so-so theologian, and at least a few other things.
WHOLLY KICKS
WHO WE ARE: We are here not for income, but for outcome
Wholly Kicks is a non-profit organization whose presence in Aurora, Colorado, and the Denver Metro area, exists for the purpose of “walking with” those in impoverished areas or those at risk of or, experiencing homelessness. Through the distribution of new shoes and socks, the focus of Wholly Kicks is to mentor and build relationships in “walking with” individuals who for varied reasons, find themselves experiencing economic disparity.
On the front page of FOURPOINTS Bar’s website is the is the statement (stance) from the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance (complete statement below). Please take the time to read it in full as it highlights who FOURPOINTS Bar are as people, as a company, and the conversation we have on this week’s T&T episode. You know how passionate I am about disrupting the dollar- where it’s being spent, why, and how, particularly in major corporate settings. We cover big food (major food orgs, KRAFT etc) and their power in the consumer’s market AND in the legislation of our country. The FOURPOINTS team is not only working hard to bring a superior bar with several competitive edges to the already overcrowded CPG “bar” market (prune based fyi and it’s awesome), they are also taking things to Washington DC to play with the big dogs and work for positive social (and consumption) change from all sides. They work with several charitable organizations giving back a percentage of annual sales each year (as a start up!) and align with other fitting industry strategic partners that share in the same core values and passion for Graceful Disruption™:). I’ll leave it there- this is a good one with so many great examples on why it’s so important for businesses to take a stance on social values. That has not been status quo until now. Consumers: fire up your engines and start purchasing accordingly.
A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.
– Henry Ford
FOURPOINTS Bar was created out of our passion for the outdoors, recreation, and clean eating, and was inspired by our family’s fight with diabetes. In 2007, after experiencing an untimely energy crash descending a 14,000 ft. peak in the Colorado Mountains during a lightning storm, we realized it was time for something different.Utilizing our sports nutrition, culinary, and wilderness athlete backgrounds, we began to experiment with different foods & recipes in an effort to craft an on-the-go and nutritionally complete bar that would better support our active lifestyles and a healthier blood sugar. The result – a slow-burn energy bar uniquely powered by prunes, with a low-glycemic load for sustained energy, without the sugar spikes and crashes. A bar isn’t just a bar to us. We aren’t limited by a desire to just getting outside. We also share a deep love of those wild & beautiful places and a calling to protect & preserve where we play. We are a 1% For the Planet business member and partner with other conservation non-profits to protect public lands. The FOURPOINTS: Real Food, Macronutrient Rich, Slow-Burn Energy, Ridiculously good
Follow our adventures @fourpointsbar and use #whereveryouplay
The events of the past few weeks have brought our country’s systemic racism — particularly against Black Americans — back into the headlines. Tragically, these recent stories of violence barely scratch the surface of the injustices and discrimination that black people and people of color face every day in this country.
Environmental justice is an integral part of Conservation Colorado’s mission, and racial justice is an inseparable aspect of that work. Outdoor recreation holds a problematic history in that for many, especially people of color, the outdoors and wild places have remained inaccessible. As the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance fights for a world with protected lands, clean air and water, we know those efforts won’t be fully realized unless every person has equitable access to the outdoors, to democratic processes, and we put an end to systematic oppression against black people and people of color.
Now almost 300 businesses strong, the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance has impacted dozens of pro-conservation policy efforts over the years. We realize that with our collective influence comes great responsibility. It is our job to ensure that all voices are represented among our membership and within our leadership, that the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance is an accessible program to all businesses, especially those who represent communities of color, and that we are only supporting policies that benefit all Coloradans, not just some.
We recognize and stand in solidarity with the leadership of the frontline organizations and individuals working to end racism and violence against people of color. We want a world in which access to the outdoors is a great equalizer; a place where all people can come together, be at home, and feel safe. As the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance Steering Committee, we commit to advocating for the protections of lands, water, climate for ALL Coloradans.
Sincerely, The Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance Steering Committee
Patrick Webber – Fourpoints Bar
Chase LaCroix – Durango Outdoor Exchange Emily Ledergerber – Alpacka Rafts Forrest Merithew – Merithew Law John Nicholas – Bonfire Collective Kathryn Bedell – Roan Creek Ranch and Agriculture Commission Kate Palmer – JP Morgan Peter Downing – Suffer Better Philip Huffeldt – Wool Hat Creative Stu Swineford – Relish Studio Ashleigh Diaz – 4Corners Riversports.
Open Mic #4!! Today we welcome Sarah Hipps back to T&T to discuss race, the world right now, and the power in showing up. Sarah is an incredible fitness and mental wellness advocate and knows how much a certain environment can impact one’s health- physically and mentally. Sarah shares her journey as a person of color in this world thus far and highlights ideas of shaking up our own realities and realizing a degree of brainwashing has occurred. We can justify things if the history books say so right? No. Reality is nothing more than applied meaning, OG philosophy, as I always say. We (my fellow white folks) need to question what realities we currently subscribe to and be open to shifting them greatly. We discuss specific examples on how things have been “marketed” a certain way (#propaganda) and how we have been fed certain “truths”. We cover privilege, colorism, ageism, the difference between a white person’s experience in certain situations vs. a black person’s, and businesses working to do things the right way with inclusivity, diversity, and equality at the forefront of the conversation. In the meantime- work hard to show up, do your homework, research, and keep the heart and mind open. Great, in-depth and enlightening perspective is provided- thank you Sarah, appreciate you and I can’t wait to see what is next for you!!
Sarah A. Hipps
Hello! I am a Certified Personal Trainer and Behavioral Change Specialist who facilitates clients to be their best selves. I received a Division 1 volleyball scholarship to George Mason University and after moving to Denver, CO, it became my mission to not only pursue my goals, but to use everything I’ve learned and lived through to help others see their best selves through.
My focus is about the entire you. The mental, emotional, and physical health all need to be present for you to truly feel fulfilled. Speaking about mental health, growth, and fulfillment are my passions and I love helping people seek those by being a more dedicated person to their health.
Sarah’s Coming Events:
· TBA (SOON) Self-defense session with Vital Proteins at Apex Combat Center
· March 21st, Adidas Denver Fit Squad session on March 21st
· April, restorative session at Modern Acupuncture Belmar.
Check out Sarah’s IG and site for event details! @sahipps and www.sahipps.com
Open Mic #3! This time Chloe Barnes joins us- she is a great friend, entrepreneur, speaker, biz leader, and so many more things, but most importantly MISSION DRIVEN. Don’t be surprised if you here her name again soon. Chloe has an incredible story/upbringing and even more notable work ethic. I was pumped to sit down at talk with her (again!) about her journey thus far and her perspective on the world right now. We specifically address “Anti: Racism: Fixed to Growth mindset” (see graphic). We discuss how important it is to switch and open your mind, be proactive, and really listen (to my white peeps). We also specifically address the comment of “I don’t see color”. This is an important statement, listen in as Chloe shares a personal story on why seeing color and acknowledging is critical. Cheers to evolution… let’s keep the needle of change moving in the right direction. Please check out Chloe’s page and all the wonderful resources she shares regarding race and antiracism, in addition to all of her entrepreneurial and professional pursuits!
Chloe Barnes is a Chicago grown and New York known former Division I Women’s Basketball player turned social entrepreneur, community builder, writer, speaker and advocate whose world crashed when she was forced to retire from basketball prematurely due to injury. Determined to prevent other athletes from feeling the confusion that she felt after it was time to leave the game behind; Barnes decided to start her first company, Chicago Tribune Big Idea Award Winning, Elle Grace Consulting, LLC a sports consulting agency that was dedicated to helping high school and college athletes thrive in life post sports.
Barnes led her company successfully for three years before she decided that it was time to pivot and embark on a new journey. Determined to impact young professionals not just in Chicago, but around the world, Barnes moved to New York City where she relentlessly pursued her purpose (helping athletes navigate the “What’s Next?” phase post sport) and her passions (using social platforms to build community through storytelling and inspiring civic action and professional empowerment through education) to co-found The Prolific Company. A social-impact organization that connects former athletes to meaningful careers post sport.
Barnes’ entrepreneurial work has led her to be named one of Chicago Urban League’s nextSTARTUP participants, one of the country’s “Top Sports Professionals” by Front Office Sports, and one of the youngest professionals to hold national leadership positions at organizations like the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals and Women Leaders in College Sports.
When she isn’t working, Barnes is active in her community and serves as a fearless advocate for the rights and opportunities of athletes, women and girls around the world.
I am excited to welcome back “somewhat resident T&T guest/co-host”:), and great friend, Ashley Knight! Ashley keeps it real and that’s one of the many reasons we love and appreciate her. We dive right in with current and hot topics around where the world is at today, specifically around race. Ashley is graciously open around her life experience and some very recent experiences that she wanted to bring further light to as a learning opportunity for anyone listening. She has some impactful examples around social media, managing friends that have views that differ from their parents, and even a racists experience that she remembers from grade school. One this we do know, racism is learned and we are here to stop that now. Ashley also brings some words from her mom that are particularly moving. To witness her read them on the mic was incredibly powerful and moving for me- one generation reading the words of another. I hope you too can take learnings and inspiration from this cast to keep moving the needle in the right direction, so our kids have the opportunity to read a very different experience from us.
Ashley Knight
Ashley Simone Knight is an Esthetician, Model, and Colorado native. She started modeling when she was 20 and gained her experience in the growing Colorado market. She has been an Esthetician for the past 6 years and has recently evolved from working at various spas and salons to starting her own business. Ashley loves balance: Caring for others as a Skin Care Therapist, imparting all of the lessons she’s learned to others who are navigating life in her industries, as well as dancing and singing karaoke
Turmeric & Tequila’s Misson: To inspire positive, radical, social evolution.
I created this podcast quite simply to provide a platform for anyone that needs a space to share their voice. There are far too many people unheard. Given the current situation in America and now around the world, it was a no brainer to open up the mic to people of color. I am happy to keep the mic open with a never ending “T&T Open Mic Series”. The T&T Open Mic Series is literally that, an open mic. I am happy to participate in the conversation with you OR happy to listen and learn. It’s for you. No red tape, except please no hate:) If you have a message to share, please reach out to me. I will aim to get these conversations posted as fast as I can and continue to do so in the future alongside the other “regular scheduled casts”.
I welcome Raven Roberts back to T&T on this cast, she graciously joins us while at her home in NYC. Raven is a powerhouse in her own right and I am so thankful she came on to share her views on what is going on in the world right now. She is no stranger to activism, colorism, and the need for a new deeper racial consciousness and conversation across the board. We talk about it all… systemic racism, what to do as a white person, as a black person, racism in fashion… we even cover how to address branding in the current climate?! I won’t say too much more, please listen to the end where she nails it with one quote. If you are looking for a way to help and contribute to positive change, please check out Raven’s social channels. She has a plethora of actionable items that you can do right now and continue to do, so we see change and evolution continuously happening.
Appreciate you Raven, blessed to call you a friend!! XO
“Even from my organization, we have stopped all initiatives to focus on the bigger problem at hand, which is racism.”
-Raven Roberts
Raven Roberts
Celebrity Fashion Stylist & Founder of Own Your I Am
Celebrity Fashion Stylist and advocate, Raven Roberts, who about seven years ago began styling in Los Angeles, California. Today Raven is based in New York City and has quickly become one to watch in the fashion industry. Raven recently founded Own Your I Am.
She aims to help women of color erase the lines of colorism and the social injustice that comes from it. By empowering women to own who they say they are and not what the world says about them!
