Hurdle with Emily Abbate

I’m not trying to be negative. Rather, this week’s #hurdlemoment is all about identifying common reasons that we lack follow-through. When was the last time you had a goal that you let slip through your fingers? Could you have done something differently to impact the outcome? Well, there's good news: Failures happen to teach us something. Just like we have the opportunity to succeed and be better for it, same goes for failure. Chin up, Hurdlers; there’s a whole lot of winning to be done. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WOLACO | WOLACO You've been asking for a run meet-up, and here we go! I'm teaming up with NYC-based activewear brand WOLACO to host a ladies-only run at 6:30 p.m. September 5 in collaboration with my friends at Charley St. The run kicks off at WOLACO HQ (73 Warren Street in Tribeca)  and ends at Charley St. on Kenmare, where we’ll indulge in some great grub. RSVP at this link, and share with a friend! Also, check out WOLACO.com and @wolacowomen on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurdle has been getting pretty personal lately and this week’s episode with Dr. Jen Esquer is no exception. Over the past few years, everything has changed for the physical therapist known as @docjenfit to her 545K+ followers on social media. She exited a full-time job at a Santa Monica rehab facility to pursue private clients, work on online programming, and travel the world doing public speaking. Then, late last year Jen was blindsided by infidelity, which moved her to make the difficult decision to walk away from a long term relationship that wasn't serving her anymore. In episode 70, she tells me about how this #hurdlemoment turned her world upside-down, and how she took ownership of the situation rather than playing the victim. We get real honest about how post-breakup strategies helped her cope with heartache, and she sheds some light on how stress can manifest itself as physical pain. She also offers up some essential advice that will help you move better, including a simple exercise that you can perform in less than 5 minutes a day. SOCIAL @docjenfit @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. UPCOMING | WOLACO RUN You've been asking for a run meet-up, and here we go! I'm teaming up with NYC-based activewear brand WOLACO to host a run on the evening of September 5 in collaboration with my friends at Charley St. More information to come, soon! In the meantime, RSVP at this link, and share with a friend! Also, check out  WOLACO.com and @wolacowomen on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was walking down the street the other day with Nike master trainer Kirsty Godso when we got on the topic of negative self-talk. Kirsty told me she's been having some tough conversations with herself about her body, and to be honest — I've been feeling the same way. Fact: Everyone is different, and negative self-talk doesn't discriminate. In today's episode, I sit down with Kirsty to have a super vulnerable, honest conversation about how to shift the voices inside our head from not-the-best to positive. We talk about the importance of having an "internal code of conduct," and offer up best-practice tips to being a happier, healthier you. SOCIAL @kirstygodso @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WOLACO | WOLACO You've been asking for a run meet-up, and here we go! I'm teaming up with NYC-based activewear brand WOLACO to host a run on the evening of September 5 in collaboration with my friends at Charley St. More information to come, soon! In the meantime, RSVP at this link, and share with a friend! Also, check out  WOLACO.com and @wolacowomen on Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autumn Calabrese is a powerhouse. As a personal trainer who found fame crafting workouts and nutrition programming for Beachbody, Autumn once thought she’d grow up to be a dancer. When injury got her down and a college dance master dissuaded her from pursuing her dancing dreams — she made lemonade out of lemons and pivoted to a new passion: Fitness.  In episode 69, the mega-trainer tells me all about her journey including the bumps, bruises, and hurdles that have made her who she is today. We talk about the most rewarding (and scary!) parts of being a trainer to millions around the globe, and she gives me the lowdown on what it was like filming E!’s Revenge Body. SOCIAL @autumncalabrese @beachbody @revengebody @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are so many people, things, experiences and obligations that flux with our energy on the regular. If you’re not careful, you could be giving too much of yourself to something (or someone!) that doesn’t deserve it — and sometimes, unknowingly. In today’s episode, I squad up with Nike master trainer Kirsty Godso to chat about empowerment, offer up some best-practice tips for protecting your energy (and your sanity), and we (no surprise here) love on some Drake lyrics for the ultimate advice. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @kirstygodso @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WOLACO | WOLACO wants to give your ladies the protection they deserve with a sweet deal on their Walker Crop Top. Available in four different colorways (I’m a huge fan of the Bowery Slate myself), this is perfect for Spin, yoga, or HIIT classes. Use the code “Hurdle40” at checkout to snag yours today, and check them out at WOLACO.com and at @wolacowomen on Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jillian Michaels is a household name in the fitness industry, and she welcomed me into her home in Malibu with open arms. Surreal? A little bit. We all watched her for years on The Biggest Loser, and in today’s episode Jillian and I talk about what life was like long before making it to prime time on NBC. She tells me about being overweight as a pre-teen, weighing about 175 pounds at age 12, and how taking up karate saved her life and helped her to develop essential confidence. We talk about the rollercoaster of emotions that came with coming out and her big goal of being the best mom she can be to her two kids. She fills me in on the fun projects that she’s working on now and offers up some really excellent career advice that you’ve just gotta hear.  SOCIAL  @jillianmichaels @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate My Fitness by Jillian Michaels app OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being on the injured list sucks. In today's #hurdlemoment, I talk about the strategies that worked for me when I've had to take a step back in the past, the mental side of being down and out, and how to come back feeling better than you did before.  SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE | WOLACO was named the go-to brand for exercising on the road by Travel and Leisure. They focus on the basics creating fashionable and fuss-free gear that actually makes your life and workouts that much easier. Check them out at WOLACO.com and DM them on Instagram @wolacowomen/@wolaco with the code "HURDLE" to redeem a FREE $20 gift card.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not all that long ago, CrossFit’s 3x “Fittest Woman On Earth” wasn’t working out at all. In 2011, she was enrolled in the nursing program at Queensland University of Technology, and felt as though she was in a total rut. “I had gained weight, I didn’t feel like I was doing what I wanted to do.” In this repost of episode 52, I sit down with Tia-Clair Toomey for a refreshingly honest conversation about her rise to the top of one of the most fascinating sports there is (I might be a little biased). The Australian-born athlete tells me about the #hurdlemoment that had her depressed, and how getting into CrossFit helped her get through it. We talk diet, a typical day of training, and get real vulnerable about managing expectations and going after life’s biggest challenges. Plus: her trip to the Olympics, how to handle being a beginner, and just wait until you hear how much this woman can deadlift. SOCIAL @tiaclair1 @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Los Angeles last week I had the opportunity to sit down with Nike master trainer Kirsty Godso and model Catherine Li to chat all about the ins and outs of being a runner. The good stuff. The tough stuff. The parts that make us excited to lace up day after day, and our reasons for why we started in the first place. Huge thanks to Nike for hosting us at their first-ever store, Blue Ribbon Sports, in honor of the global launch of their newest Joyride sneaker on August 15.  SOCIAL @kirstygodso @catieli @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week’s #hurdlemoment, I’m answering 10 listener questions off-the-cuff. No script. No planning. Just genuine honesty. From what I eat before a long run and my favorite Hurdle guests to the hardest part about putting out a podcast every week and how to get through a break-up. Have something else you want to ask? DM or email me, [email protected].  SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WOLACO | New women’s line is live, and I’m obsessed with their Walker Crop (but really, I have it in three colors). NYC local? Click to be kept in the loop on WOLACO Wednesday, their weekly free workout series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a time in Matthew Morton’s life when he was smoking three packs of cigarettes and downing up to 10 Red Bulls a day. That’s when his friend and NYU classmate Conrad Sandelman challenged him to give up the energy drink for 30 days, swapping in matcha—a finely ground green tea powder—instead. Little did the duo know that experiment would change both of their lives forever. In episode 66, the founders behind NYC-born café Cha Cha Matcha tell me about the journey they took to Japan to create their own unique ceremonial-grade blend of the green powder, and what it’s like to be entrepreneurs at such a young age. We also chat funny hiring stories, the INSANE amount of money Matt’s saved by quitting smoking, and their big goals for the brand coming down the line. SOCIAL @chachamatcha @matthewmorton @conradsandelman @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaming up with trainer Betina Gozo in Los Angeles for this week’s #hurdlemoment, where we’re dishing on our top healthy travel suggestions. From how to avoid germs on the plane to strategies for smarter eating, there’s no reason your next vacation (or work trip!) has to completely derail positive progress. Plus: We offer up our favorite in-the-air skincare suggestions and rap about the best way to beat jet lag.  SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate @betinagozo MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WOLACO | WOLACO was named the go-to brand for exercising on the road by Travel and Leisure. They focus on the basics creating fashionable and fuss-free gear that actually makes your life and workouts that much easier. Check them out at WOLACO.com and on Instagram @wolacowomen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Centeno has always loved food. Even when she was working as a media buyer at Condé Nast and other big companies, she longed to turn her love for food into a full-time career. In episode 65, we chat about how she came to start Splendid Spoon, a ready-to-eat, plant-based meal delivery service that boasts an impressive menu of soups and smoothies. We talk about the eating disorder she had in college, a #hurdlemoment that briefly shifted her relationship with what she put in her body. We also rap about how she leaned into the grind of start-up life the most when she was going through a divorce, and the best way to handle someone who approaches a situation with anger. SOCIAL @splendidspoon @niccent @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No. No. No. No. No. Feels good, doesn't it? There's so much power of owning your no. Fact: Saying "no" more means that you accept that you are in the driver's seat of your own life. But why is it so hard to use this little, two-letter word? In today's #hurdlemoment, I'm talking about how to get comfortable with turning things down—and even how to make using it a little bit easier.  SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moment you start talking with Don Saladino, you’ll feel as though you’ve known him for years. It’s no wonder why big-name celebrities like Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, and Scarlett Johansson have turned to him to get in stellar shape leading up to major movie roles. Owner of New York gym Drive 495, the trainer may be known now for his A-list clientele as well as his stellar physique, but the frequent magazine cover model hasn’t always been in high demand. In episode 64, we chat about how he got his start fresh out of college by walking into big box gyms and asking for jobs, as well as the numerous #hurdlemoments he faced building his brand. He tells me about when he had to completely pivot his business model after the 2008 financial crisis and the complications of losing his apartment to Hurricane Sandy in 2012. We also chat about the attention he pays to his diet, what it’s like to have a no. 1 selling app in Apple's App Store, and how he helped his good friend get “upper abs” in only two weeks. SOCIAL @donsaladino @drive_clubs @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Man, is it hot out there. This week, I’m bringing Nike+ Run coach and ultramarathoner Jes Woods to hang with me for #hurdlemoment and chat about safe summer running. We offer up the tips you need to stay safe on even the most humid days, ranging from hydration best-practices to smarter pacing strategies. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate @jeslynnyc MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WOLACO | New women’s line is live, and I’m obsessed with their Walker Crop (but really, I have it in three colors). NYC local? Click to be kept in the loop on WOLACO Wednesday, their weekly free workout series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On any given day, you might find Jes Woods running 100+ miles in one fell swoop. But not all that long ago the Nike running coach and ultra marathoner was working full time at NBC as a project engineer. In episode 63, we talk about the opportunity that came her way to turn her passion for running into more of a full-time gig, her big goals as a coach for the years to come, and what it’s really like to run for 27 hours straight. Yup … 27 hours! She also offers up some must-hear advice for new runners on how to start and stay with the sport, and the biggest tip she’d offer anyone who wants to make a major career pivot. SOCIAL @jeslynnyc @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happiness is how you feel about yourself when you’re by yourself. It’s not something that should hinge on how someone else shows up for you or likes on social media. You have the opportunity every day to do things that make you a better you, a happier you, a person that you are proud of. I’m talking all about this on today’s #hurdlemoment, and I’m offering up an essential, list-making exercise that will help you get out of your own way on the path toward a happier, healthier self.  SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WOLACO | New women’s line is live, and I’m obsessed with their Walker Crop (but really, I have it in three colors). NYC local? Click to be kept in the loop on WOLACO Wednesday, their weekly free workout series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The Gifted”, “Big Hero 6”, “Gotham”. On the big screen, Jamie Chung is a stunner. And in person? Well, she’s one of the most delightful, refreshing people I’ve met over the past few years. During a recent Eddie Bauer trip to Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado, I sat down with the California-born actress in a small cabin and we rapped about everything from the crazy way she landed on MTV’s The Real World to the hardships of auditioning for big roles after her stint on reality TV. In episode 62, she tells me all about eliminating self doubt, and the fun, active way she chooses to relax with her husband—far, far away from the cameras. SOCIAL @jamiejchung @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“All it takes is all you’ve got.” “You didn’t come this far to only come this far.” We all have phrases or quotes we look to when times get tough. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I’m sharing my go-to words of wisdom for the hardest days, as well as tips for choosing the right mantra and how you can use positive words effectively to level up in every aspect of your life.  SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confession: I didn’t know a thing about skincare until give-or-take age 30. I’ve never been the kind of person who thought pricey facials or luxury serums and masks were worth the money. Michael Pollack and Adam Ross made Heyday for people like me. Billed as a destination for “skincare for every day, not just spa days,” their seven New York and west coast locations are a more affordable option for quick skincare treatments. Leading up to their first NYC location in 2015, Ross went through a #hurdlemoment, hanging up his business suits and leaving behind a super lucrative-yet-personally-unfulfilling job in investment banking. He met Michael, realized they had the chemistry to build something great together, and the rest is history. In episode 61, we have a blast chatting about everything from the two essentials all newbies must do for their face, to the most significant learning experience Pollack faced as a startup (FYI: his sewing skills helped). Plus: Ross offers up his must-have diagramming technique for being more productive throughout your day. SOCIAL @heydayskincare @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This past weekend, I ran after a goal (literally) of conquering a mile in under 6 minutes. Spoiler alert: I ran it in 6:07. Rather than dwell on the negatives, I'm taking this race as an opportunity to reflect on the concept of failure. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I dig into the idea that every failure exists to teach us something great. In reality, the only people who never fail are those that don’t try at all. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ask George Foreman III what it’s like to grow up with a two-time heavyweight champion as a dad, he’s pretty humble about it—because that’s all he’s ever known. Graduating with a degree in business administration from Rice University, Foreman went on to preside over his dad’s business, traveling the world meeting celebrities and managing contracts. Amidst all the glamour and chaos, he came face to face with his #hurdlemoment. Standing at 6’5’’ and weighing in at more than 280 pounds, he realized he wasn’t happy in his corner of the world, going as far as to shut himself in a hotel room for three days. Then, he made the jump into boxing himself. After a year of training, Foreman stepped into the ring for his first fight weighing in at 231 pounds. He’d go on to have an undefeated professional boxing career that ended in 2012, a year before he opened the first EverybodyFights in Boston. In episode 60, we chat about everything from depression and the scary side of entrepreneurship to his goals for expanding EverybodyFights dramatically by 2021. SOCIAL @georgeforman3 @everybodyfights @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 0.5 percent of the U.S. population runs a full marathon. Zero. Point. Five. Which means that if you’re listening to this week’s #hurdlemoment and you’ve either decided to run a marathon or you’re considering it, that’s pretty rad. Seven marathons down, I’m now a certified run coach with a fair share of experience under my belt. I’ve been getting loads of questions about the process, so this week I’m offering up 7 essential things every marathoner should know heading into a new training cycle. Spoiler alert: things are going to go wrong, and you’re going to be just fine.SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FIFA Women's World Cup starts this week (!!) so it felt like an appropriate time to share my conversation with U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team co-captain Alex Morgan. On episode 59, the California native and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover star talks me through what it’s like coming back from devastating injury, and she shares what it’s like to serve as such an outstanding role model for so many across the globe. Special thanks to Secret for making this conversation possible, thanks to their #allstrengthnosweat campaign. SOCIAL@alexmorgan13@uswnt@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes we all need to take a step back and evaluate. Feel like you’re stressed lately? Is something missing? Are you constantly frustrated? Hey, I’ve been there. One way to feel better: analyzing and committing to your priorities. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I chat about Health-Ade CEO Daina Trout’s “bucket theory” (originally discussed in episode 49), and offer up a simple, 15-minute strategy to living every day with intention. Good news: By the end of this episode, you’ll be checking something off your to-do list that’s been there for way too long. SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Ripa. Alicia Keys. Karlie Kloss. The powerhouse behind dance based cardio fitness and wellness brand AKT, celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser has some pretty impressive clientele. These days, she's on the brink of opening 300 new studios nationwide, but she’s overcome a lot of hurdles to get here. In episode 58, she tells me about her pivot into the fitness industry after an impressive career as a professional dancer, and how one of her first teaching jobs landed her in the hospital. She offers up must-hear advice about following your passions, tells me a hilarious story about her first time training one of her favorite A-listers, and isn’t afraid to get real about the hardships of building her business from the ground up.SOCIAL@theannakaiser@theaktstudios@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Invest in yourself. Let the past be the past. Silence is golden. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I’m offering up a little bit of wisdom in honor of my June 2 birthday. Cue 30 different lessons I learned by the end of my thirtieth year. FYI: I don’t have all the answers (and never will), but something tells me you may want to have a notepad handy.SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He was given a 30 percent chance of living. Suffering burns to 75 percent of his body, this was nothing that Omar “Crispy” Avila imagined when he joined the U.S. Army as an infantryman in 2004. On May 14, 2007, his life forever changed when his vehicle drove over a 200-pound, deeply-buried IED. In episode 57, the Purple Heart recipient gives the intense details of that experience and talks about how he came back from the unthinkable losing his right leg in the process, not only surviving—but thriving—as a Paralympic powerlifter and public speaker. He tells me about finding fitness at the right time in his life, leaving behind some bad influences and embracing a community that he’s so thankful to be a part of. On this Memorial Day, I’m grateful for my time with Omar, thankful for both his sacrifice in honor of our country and the other service members across the U.S.SOCIAL@crispy11b@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I knew absolutely nothing about podcasts when I decided that I wanted to create one. It’s been a wild ride, but I’d like to think that after 18 months of recording, I know a thing or two about starting one of these from scratch. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I share some insight into exactly what being a podcaster entails, including the total time commitment, equipment I use, and how to get your show on popular platforms like iTunes and Spotify. Fact is, you only get to be a beginner once—but if you do it right, once is enough.SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spend 5 minutes with Sjana Elise Earp, and it’ll feel as though she’s your new best friend. The warm, welcoming yogi brings her kind, bubbly personality to her more-than 1.6 million Instagram followers daily. But life hasn’t always been sun salutations and smiles. She had a really tough time as a teenager growing up in at home in Australia. From the outside looking in, things seemed idyllic, but she was dealing with severe depression that got so bad by age 16, that she even attempted suicide. In episode 56, we talk about the #hurdlemoment that landed her in the hospital, how she got the help she needed to deal with the disease, and soon leaned into journaling and moving her body to move forward. Earp tells me about how yoga helped save her from depression, we chat imposter syndrome, and she confesses how she shifted her relationship with social media from obsessive to healthy (spoiler: she still reads all her comments). SOCIAL@sjanaelise@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, hitting a workout feels great. Other times, it feels like climbing Mount Everest. I’ve come a long way from my time despising fitness back in college, now finding some way to move my body every single day. For the moments that feel hard, use these motivational strategies to get you going.SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chat with Kenny Santucci and you’ll immediately realize a few things: he’s clearly from Jersey, got an affinity for fitness, and a no BS sort of guy. These days, the former reality star is spending his days coaching and running operations at Solace, a New York City gym offering everything from CrossFit to yoga classes. But just over 15 years ago, as a high school freshman, Santucci tipped the scale at over 225 pounds. In episode 55, we talk about how picking up wrestling helped him shed the weight and develop some essential confidence, which propelled him all the way to traveling the world for MTV. We talk about the post-filming #hurdlemoment that had Santucci living out of his car, the recent family struggles that have shaped him into being a better son, friend, and business partner, and how he’s managed to turn his passions into his full-time, dream career.SOCIAL@kennysantucci@solacenewyork@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can be whoever you want to be if you’re willing to put in the work. And while being your own boss can be a blast, it also comes with a fair share of challenges. For the past couple years, I’ve been building a brand from the ground up and learning what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. I don’t have all of the answers and often feel like I’m totally winging this thing, but I’ve learned a TON in the process. In this week’s #hurdlemoment, I’m chatting the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and offer a few smart strategies for starting something from scratch.SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let me tell you: Leila Janah is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She’s compassionate, bold, and a total powerhouse leading up two large (very different) companies, united by a common social mission to end global poverty by giving work to people in need. As a busy founder and CEO, she’s under intense stress all the time. In 2017, she logged nearly 500,000 miles and 44 days (!!) in the air. Then, an unexpected #hurdlemoment happened. She was at a conference in Helsinki that December when she felt a pain in her abdomen and was rushed to the ER. Doctors told her if she had not had an emergency surgery, she would have died. Post-surgery, she developed an infection, was hospitalized for two weeks, and once she was out—leaned into her relationships and love for kite surfing to help her recover. In episode 54, she gives some insight as to what life’s like in some of the world’s poorest countries, and we chat about how she manages it all while making time for her most valuable relationships. Emily’s note: since recording episode, Leila announced that she has a rare but treatable form of cancer called epithelioid sarcoma. Please, send Leila your well-wishes and support on Instagram (@leilajanah).SOCIAL@leilajanah@samasource@lxmioffical@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have this idea in our head of what it’s going to take to be happy. Maybe it’s a dream apartment, that perfect job, or ideal partner. But the truth is that happiness starts from within. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I share my six tried-and-true habits for happier living—some of which have gotten me through even my toughest days. Make sure to shoot me a DM or an email to [email protected] and let me know what yours are, too!SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Paddy Spence lost his brother unexpectedly in 1995, his entire world changed. He pivoted jobs, decided to give up sugar (and hasn’t looked back since), and re-evaluated the “important” things in life. In episode 53, the Zevia CEO talks about this #hurdlemoment’s drastic impact on his wellbeing, the research on diet soda consumption in the U.S., and we swap stories about endurance racing (spoiler alert: his are a tad more intense than mine).SOCIAL@zevia@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The beginning of 2019 was a little rough for me. To everyone else, it looked like I was living my best life. Traveling from Spain and Paris to Austin and Los Angeles; working hard and living it up. I was struggling. Being on-the-go constantly made it hard for me to keep up with my healthy habits, and I fell into somewhat of a rut. As a result, I realized in early March that I wasn’t proud of how I was talking to myself. In today's #hurdlemoment, I open up about that struggle and how I got through it. I share with you the four strategies I used to shift the dialogue, eliminate negative self talk, and get back to being the Emily that I love. The Emily that’s proud of the woman she’s become, and accepts that every day is a work in progress. SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not all that long ago, CrossFit’s “Fittest Woman On Earth” wasn’t working out at all. In 2011, she was enrolled in the nursing program at Queensland University of Technology, and felt as though she was in a total rut. “I had gained weight, I didn’t feel like I was doing what I wanted to do.” In episode 52, I sit down with Tia-Clair Toomey for a refreshingly honest conversation about her rise to the top of one of the most fascinating sports there is (I might be a little biased). The Australian-born Reebok athlete tells me about the #hurdlemoment that had her depressed, and how getting into CrossFit helped her get through it. We talk diet, a typical day of training, and get real vulnerable about managing expectations and going after life’s biggest challenges. Plus: her trip to the Olympics, how to handle being a beginner, and just wait until you hear how much this woman can deadlift.SOCIAL@tiaclair1@reebok@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have 24 hours in a day (including Beyoncé). It’s normal to wonder how you can make the most of them. Ever since embracing life as a freelance journalist and solopreneur at the beginning of 2017, I’ve homed in on certain strategies to squeeze out every ounce of productivity from the moment I wake up in the morning until my head hits the pillow at night. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I share my seven strategies to being more productive. Grab a pen and paper (or get your fingers ready) for a few notes, these will help you maximize your time and make room for the things that matter.SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Marathon Monday! If you’ve never heard of running legend Kathrine Switzer, then you’re in for a treat. Not only because she has a stellar 2:51:37 marathon PR (for comparison, I ran my first HALF marathon in 2:43:33). In 1967, the Syracuse University student became the first woman to ever run the Boston Marathon as a registered entrant. In her #hurdlemoment—now a photo seen around the world—race officials tried to tackle her to get her to drop out, not wanting a woman in their race. When she crossed the finish line that day, she made history. In episode 51, we talk about the chaos of the 1967 Boston Marathon and how she even got a bib to begin with, how she felt when women were finally admitted into the race in 1972, and what it was like to run the same course 50 years later in 2017. Plus: SO. MUCH. INSPO. Trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss. SOCIAL @kathrineswitzer @261fearless @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate  OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I’m a certified run coach and seven-time marathoner. But not too long ago, I could barely run a mile without wanting to pass out. In today’s #hurdlemoment, I share my tried-and-true tips on how to start running—and stay running. I totally understand why you might feel intimidated. Picking up any new hobby can definitely feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right attitude, you too will be crushing morning miles in no time. SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listening to Joe Holder talk is fascinating. Not necessarily because of the vocabulary that he uses—which is admittedly impressive—but because he’s so darn knowledgeable about his craft. A health and wellness consultant based in New York City who regularly works with major brands like Nike, Whoop, and Smart Water, the New Jersey-born trainer is constantly studying to better his performance—both in and out of the gym. In episode 50 (!!), the former college football player tells me about how breaking his leg during his senior year at the University of Pennsylvania became the trying #hurdlemoment that shaped his personal health philosophy called the Ocho System. He also discusses the pressure he feels working regularly with A-listers, the way emotions impact our food choices, and why 2019 is the year of “strategic laziness.”SOCIAL@ochosytem@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mornings are pretty polarizing, right? Either you love them and fully embrace the phrase “the early bird gets the worm,” or you’re more of a snooze button enthusiast. If you’re the latter, you may want to reconsider your daily kickoff, and here’s why: Research shows that morning people are more proactive, happier, and more consistent with their workout routines. In today’s episode, I’m answering the most popular question I see in my DMs: How do I become a morning person, too? Good news! This 5:32 a.m. alarm-setter has got the hacks you need to become a successful earlier riser. Oh, and FYI future morning people: you’re going to need a fresh notebook and some willpower (a stellar sweat-friendly playlist won’t hurt, either).SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven years ago, Daina Trout, her husband, and her best friend launched Health-Ade with $600 in their pocket. Today, more than 120,000 bottles of the brand’s 14 flavors (with five more to launch this year) are brewed every single day and shipped to 20,000+ stores around the country. In episode 49, Trout tells me about the difficulties they experienced building the business from the ground up and the 2014 #hurdlemoment where she nearly died in a refrigerated truck accident—an experience that taught her the true value of self love and compassion. She also educates me on SCOBYs, gives me the lowdown on her “bucket theory,” and explains how teaming up with a personal trainer forever changed her life for the better.SOCIAL@dainatrout@healthade@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one has the perfect life, but you have the opportunity (key word: “opportunity”) to get pretty darn close. In #hurdlemoment—my new bite-size series launching today—I offer easy-to-digest tips and strategies to get over the speed bumps we face on the regular. The goal of this brand new Hurdle offering? Give #hurdlers a little motivation every Wednesday, in the form of a quickie episode, complete with actionable advice, techniques, and strategies. Some of these weekly segments will be solo-casts, and others may feature guests. In the first #hurdlemoment, I’ll be sharing a bit about a list-making exercise I did last year that helped me focus in on the things I enjoy and stop doing a lot of the things I don’t. After listening, make sure to shoot me snapshots of your lists, and tag Hurdle on Instagram so we can get this conversation going. And check back every Wednesday for a new #hurdlemoment!SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to build your booty, Bec Donlan is your girl. After relocating to the U.S. from Australia six years ago, the personal trainer built a name for herself as the designer of derrieres with a splash of fun (she sells her own loop resistance bands at her website). In 2017, the self-proclaimed “cakemaker” was teaching up to five group fitness classes and 45 personal training clients a week when she hit a #hurdlemoment that sidelined her: back-to-back injuries including a broken foot and a bulging disc in her back—plus a little finger-slicing knife accident. That’s when she leaned into CBD for pain management. In episode 48, the entrepreneur talks about building her edibles brand Go Basic from the ground up, she spills what’s really inside their highly Instagrammable chocolates, and gets real about the struggle behind being on the injured list.SOCIAL@sweatwithbec@gobasic@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Provenzano studied at New York City’s School of Visual Arts, but the last thing he wanted to do after college was get a job in graphic design. After taking a break from the books and tackling his first tandem jump with friends, he was absolutely hooked. In episode 47, we talk about the #hurdlemoment he faced post-grad, diving head first into his passions (pun intended), relocating to Arizona and buying a trailer to work at the no. 1 skydive school in the country. More than 20,000 jumps later, he’s one of the pioneers of the high-speed, high-stakes skydiving discipline of swooping and just can’t get enough. We chat about how he hooked up with Red Bull Air Force, what it’s like to train government agents, and the insane jump he did landing on a barge in the Hudson River.SOCIAL@jeffprovenzano@redbullairforce@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSATHLETICS GREENS | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denyelle Bruno was born to stand out. The California native realized a couple of life-shaking things in her teen years: that she was a lesbian and had natural passion for leadership. Today, the President and CEO of fast-casual favorite Tender Greens has a remarkable resume that includes impressive gigs at big brands like Peet's Coffee and Tea, Macy's, Apple, and Drybar. In episode 46, Denyelle talks with me about owning her “executive presence,” something she was heavily criticized for throughout her rise to the top, and the ah-hah moment that changed her life forever when she was running around a lake in Oakland. With nuggets of wisdom like “it’s the things that make you stand out that make you successful, not the things that make you fit in,” it’s no wonder that I walked away from our conversation in Los Angeles with goosebumps. SOCIAL@denyellebruno@tendergreens@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.Jaybird | Head to jaybirdsport.com to get 20 percent off the new RUN XT True Wireless headphones and free shipping through the end of March with code “HURDLE” at checkout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second you meet bubbly personal trainer and Training Mate founder Luke Milton, you’ll want to be his best friend. It’s no wonder he attracts great celebrity clientele like Khloe Kardashian, Elle McPherson, Rachel McAdams, and Teri Hatcher. One night in 2011, the former Australian professional rugby player was working late when he was involved in a serious hit and run car accident. It landed him in the hospital, temporarily unable to walk. This frightening #hurdlemoment made him reevaluate his life and goals. Soon after, he proposed to his wife (she said yes!) and the couple relocated to the United States where he would open his first studio. In episode 45, the E! Revenge Body star talks to me about setting a solid foundation for better health and shares his biggest regret in launching his company.SOCIAL@milts1@trainingmate@revengebody@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.