Hurdle with Emily Abbate

In 2015, Rachel Drori was hangry. Working at Gilt Groupe, she didn’t have enough time to recipe plan and cook healthy meals every single day. Come 3 p.m., she’d grab whatever was available for convenience sake—like a bar or trail mix—instead of putting good, clean food into her body. She felt totally depleted, and to make matters worse, was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Hashimito’s disease. In episode 44, she talks to me about this #hurdlemoment which encouraged her to start smart meal prepping and eating healthier, enabling her to manage her disease, forgo prescription medication, and concept a brand new company. Today, farm-frozen favorite Daily Harvest has expanded to more than 50 recipes including smoothies, harvest bowls, oat bowls, chia bowls, soups, activated lattes, and cookies (yes, please). Rachel dishes on the truth behind the fruits and vegetables you see in the grocery store, how she manages to run a 100-person company while raising her two boys, and explains what a “shiggle” is.SOCIAL@dailyharvest@racheldrori@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.Headspace | Head to heaspace.com/hurdle to get 30-day free trial of the entire Headspace library, no code necessary. Daily Harvest | Head to daily-harvest.com to get $25 off your first box using the code “HURDLE” at checkout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no better way to describe Alex Williamson than kind. The Chief Brand Officer at Bumble has had more than her fair share of #hurdlemoments. From dealing with her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis to finding out she had fibromyalgia in her early 20s, these challenges have help shape her into the woman she is today. Williamson even tells me about a recent divorce that drove her to try a digital detox that forever changed her for the better. In episode 43, she shares what it’s like being at the helm of a tech company which now boasts more than 50 million users in over 150 countries. We get super vulnerable, talking about powering through persistent pain, the power of positive thinking, and that sometimes—it’s OK to go looking for a “quick swipe.”SOCIAL@williamson@bumble@bumblebizz @bumblebff @bumblehoney @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.

Today, GT Dave is often referred to as the “king of kombucha.” But in late 1994, he was brewing small batches of the fermented tea in his parents’ kitchen. At the time, his mom was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. When she healed, she shared with doctors that she’d been drinking her son’s very pungent, homemade tea that experts said helped her fight the battle. As a teenager, GT became one of the first people to mass market the beverage. Today, kombucha sales exceed $600 million globally according to Inc., and GT’s commands about half of that. In episode 42, the California native talks to me about everything from gut health to changing food trends, and confesses just how much tea he’s drinking every single day. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot.SOCIAL@gtskombucha@gtdave3@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.

At age 15, Juice Press founder Marcus Antebi entered a 3-month drug rehab program, and he’s been sober ever since. In episode 41, the Brooklyn native tells me about how he leaned into athletic interests like skydiving and Muay Thai in his young adulthood and became really focused on the quality of the foods he was putting into his body. In 2010, the vegetarian opened up the first Juice Press in the East Village—arguably the world’s largest organic, plant-based grab-and-go health food provider. Today, Marcus and Juice Press CEO Michael Karsch have 89 locations in seven different states. We chat about how scary it was expanding beyond that first shop, the one thing you need to cut out from your diet today, and how they decide what stays and goes on the 120+ item menu.SOCIAL@juicepress@marcusantebi@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.Headspace | Head to heaspace.com/hurdle to get 30-day free trial of the entire Headspace library, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forty. Episodes (!!!). This live pod comes from a discussion I had last week in collaboration with WeWork Labs, featuring past Hurdlers Adam Kallen of Jane Motorcycles, Jessy Dover of Dagne Dover, and Marah Lidey and Naomi Hirabayashi of Shine. We laughed a lot, and we talked about a lot of great stuff—from what it means to live a balanced lifestyle (and what that looks like for busy entrepreneurs) to really rad book suggestions and what “joy” is all about.SOCIAL @wework @shinetext @janemotorcycles@adam_janemoto@dagnedover@jessydover@hurdlepodcastOFFERSSHINE | Head to shinetext.com/hurdle to get 50 percent off a premium plan.DAGNER DOVER | Head to dagnedover.com and use the code “HURDLE20” at checkout for 20 percent off your purchase, now through February 31, 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To say that Carolyn Kylstra has had an impressive career path as a journalist would be a total understatement. From stints at Men’s Health and Cosmopolitan to Women’s Health and BuzzFeed, now she’s the editor-in-chief of SELF at Condé Nast. But her rise to the top wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. In her #hurdlemoment, the new mom shares that she found out she was pregnant around the same time her entire career was about to shift, and how she managed to keep it together despite abundant—sometimes overwhelming—amounts of responsibility (plus, morning sickness). In episode 39, we talk about everything from the scary climate of the publishing industry to how she manages to take time for herself. She also tells me an insane story about how she almost died from a tick bite and offers up a ton of insight about what it means to be “healthy,” no matter what size you are.SOCIAL@carolynkylstra@selfmagazine@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.

When we feel like we’re waiting for instructions (gimme a sign!) we can forget our power. That’s just one example of the you-got-this texts that more than 2 million Shine users receive on a daily basis. App co-founders Marah Lidey and Naomi Hirabayashi met working at a non-profit just over 8 years ago, and they immediately hit it off. Becoming fast friends, the duo leaned into each other to get through #hurdlemoments like speed bumps in their relationships and hard-to-have conversations at the office. In 2016, they left their jobs to focus on Shine full-time, raised millions of dollars in funding, and began to grow their team. In episode 38, we talk about the challenges they’ve faced as women of color co-founders and they offer-up best-practice tips on how to silence your inner critic.SOCIAL@shinetext@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.

Special episode alert! Live from the Tory Burch store on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, I’m sitting down with Nichelle Hines—the chief ride officer at Cycle House—and Sarah Larson Levey, the founder and CEO of Y7 Studio. This conversation is about as real as it gets. Hines shares how the writer’s strike of 2008 turned her life upside down and lead her down a path she never expected, and Sarah dishes on what it was like in the early days of creating her hip-hop yoga empire alongside her husband. In episode 37, talk about everything from our worst days as entrepreneurs (negative Yelp reviews, anyone?) to the best lessons we’ve learned with a side of sweat, sharing a bunch of laughs and a few tears along the way. This is one you don’t want to miss. SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@sarah_ayako@nichelle@y7studio@cyclehouse@torysportOFFERSTORY SPORT | Head to torysport.com/ and get 20 percent off your purchase using the code “HURDLE20” at checkout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2013, the now-CEO was working as a consultant — tired, traveling constantly, and 40 pounds overweight. Fitness wasn’t a priority for him because—in his words—it was hard to make it a priority. The catch: he wanted to be healthier. In his #hurdlemoment, Ethan dropped 40 pounds by building the first version of Aaptiv, which brings top-level digital-only, audio-based training sessions with personal trainers right to your headphones. In episode 36, the founder tells me hilarious stories about the early days of Aaptiv, posing as a surveyor at the gym asking strangers for feedback. He offers essential advice for anyone trying to adopt a new fitness routine and gives the lowdown on his 6 a.m. habit that makes him more productive throughout his entire day.SOCIAL@ethanagarwal@aaptiv@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateOFFERSHeadspace | Head to headspace.com/hurdle to get 30 days of the entire Headspace library for free.Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.Aaptiv | Enter code “HURDLE” at checkout for a 7-day free trial, then 30 percent off an annual Aaptiv membership ($99.99 to $69.99).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since she was a young girl, Ali Feller had her heart set on working in the publishing industry. Not just any job in publishing, though: Editor-in-chief of a teen dance magazine, perfect for someone who grew up on stage. By 25 (!!) she landed it. Right off the bat, she was working crazy hours, in endless meetings, on set at photoshoot after photoshoot living that New York City grind life that I know oh so well myself. Around that same time, she fell in love with running, tackling her first marathon. But soon, the stress became too much. Battling Crohn’s disease, Ali realized in her #hurdlemoment that she needed to step away from her dream job to get better and rediscover her purpose. In episode 35, we talk all about the transition that lead her to creating the Ali on the Run Show podcast, how Crohn’s has impacted her life, what it’s like to be a new mom to her beautiful babygirl Annie, and commiserate over the self-inflicted pressures (and benefits!) of being your own boss.SOCIAL@aliontherun1@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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HURDLE! Exactly one year ago today, Hurdle hit iTunes. In this combo anniversary/year-end episode, I’m giddily recapping eight of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from 365 days behind the microphone, including some gems from fan-favorites including Hayden Slater, Kirsty Godso, Robin Arzon, and more. A huge, huge thank you to all of the listeners, guests, and everyone else who helped to make my first year as a podcaster one for the charts (literally).SOCIAL@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbateI mention a ton of past episodes in today’s. Check them out, here:Episode 28: Robin Arzon, VP Fitness Programming & Head Instructor PelotonEpisode 16: Amy Purdy, Snowboarder & Paralympic MedalistEpisode 20: Hayden Slater, Founder Pressed JuiceryEpisode 27: Kirsty Godso, Nike Master TrainerEpisode Three: Fred Santarpia, CDO Conde NastEpisode 14: Deena Kastor, Marathoner & American Record HolderEpisode 7: Liz Plosser, Editor-in-Chief Women’s HealthEpisode 18: Dr. Jason Wersland, Creator TheraGunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his early 20s, Mark Hunter was known as a thriving photographer nicknamed “The Cobra Snake”. He was a fixture in the New York and L.A. party scenes, traveling all over the country and world to snap everyone from Kings of Leon to Lindsay Lohan. Known for his wacky outfits and great aesthetic, his #hurdlemoment coincided with the rise of Instagram. With social media—as he puts it—everyone’s a photographer in their own right. Mark knew he needed to pivot if he wanted to stay relevant and continue to build his brand. He stopped going to so many parties, began advertising free group hikes on a new Instagram account (@cobrafitnessclub), and now he’s making friends and having fun taking photos with a side of sweat. In episode 33, he shares how hiking Runyon Canyon has changed his life forever, his super approachable, all-inclusive view on fitness, and what it’s like to be good friends with Steve Aoki.SOCIAL@thecobrasnake@cobrafitnessclub@hurdlepodcastOFFERSKaari Foods | Head to kaarifoods.com/ to get 15 percent off your purchase using the code “HURDLE” at checkout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Flaherty’s got, from my point of view, one of the most awesome jobs in the world. The Senior Director of Performance at Nike spends his days doing everything from crafting content for the Nike Training Club app, editing scripts for Nike’s podcast Trained, programming workouts for big-name athletes including Serena Williams, sitting on the Nike Performance Council, and so much more. It’s crazy that a much younger Ryan never envisioned this for himself. Growing up as an athlete, he had the opportunity to play football professionally when his third ACL injury sidelined him for good. What he learned through the rehab process was that he could’ve prevented what happened if he trained smarter. At that point, a #hurdlemoment for sure, he felt a calling to help other athletes avoid injuries like his. In episode 32, Ryan’s shares essential tips for building a better body, improving speed, and finding career success. We also dive into the importance of saying no and having grit.—SOCIAL@ryanjflaherty@nike@hurdlepodcastOFFERSAthletic 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.

Break-ups suck. Arguably, break-ups suck even more when you’re an entrepreneur working tirelessly to launch your own business. Jessy Dover was grinding long days with her two Dagne Dover co-founders, when she returned one night from a trip to the apartment she shared with her then-boyfriend of more than 3 years to see her stuff packed up in the corner and him asking her to leave. It was a #hurdlemoment that rocked her world. Immediately, she moved in with her best friend and leaned into working out, teary-eyed rides at SoulCycle, and eating better to slowly get through the emotional fog. Today, her functional bag company is thriving at just over 5 years old, largely in part because of her indomitable will to push forward when the going gets tough. In episode 31, we swap stories about relationships past, Jessy admits to a time when she was working out too much, and she offers great, actionable advice to anyone hoping to build a brand from scratch."—SOCIAL@jessy_dover@dagnedover@hurdlepodcastOFFERSAthletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($99 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.Dagne Dover | Use code HURDLE20 for 20 percent off your purchase at dagnedover.com through January 31, 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was only a matter of time until Hurdle had a hurdler (of sorts) on the podcast. Colleen Quigley didn’t grow up dreaming of going to the Olympics to compete in the steeple chase. After joining the track team her freshman year of high school and finding her fast, the St. Louis native geared up for a collegiate running career at Florida State University that would eventually lead her to turn pro as a Nike-sponsored athlete. In the year prior to the 2016 Summer Games, Quigley dealt with a major #hurdlemoment—a nasty hamstring injury—that almost derailed her from hitting the track in Rio. In episode 30, I sit down with the Bowerman Babe to chat her ever-evolving dreams, a brief stint in modeling, and how it feels to be a role model for young athletes around the world.—@steeple_squigs@bowermantc@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christmas morning car accident was the #hurdlemoment that changed Andy Puddicombe’s life forever. Looking to process sudden loss, he went to Asia to study as a Buddhist monk. After 10 years of practice, Puddicombe wanted to help others understand the benefits of meditation. That’s when he met co-founder Rich Pierson, and Headspace was born. What once started as an events company, Headspace now has more than 30 million users and 1 million paid subscribers. In episode 30, we dive into the endless benefits of meditation, how to shift our perspective on failure in life, the exciting newly developed Headspace Health programming coming in 2020, and finish things off with an easy, quick meditation perfect for beginners. —@headspace@andypuddicombe@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take a quick peak at Robin Arzon’s Instagram, @robinnyc. It’s hard to imagine a time when activity wasn’t a part of her everyday life. After a near-death experience at age 20 when Arzon was held hostage at gunpoint in New York City’s East Village, she leaned into movement and running for the first time to help her process the trauma. Soon enough, the then-lawyer turned away from her conventional 9-to-5 with hopes to turn her passion for sweat into her career. That’s when she found Peloton. Today, she’s the brand’s Vice President of Fitness Programing and Head Instructor, also author of the 2016 book Shut Up and Run, and a 26-time marathoner. In episode 28, the Adidas global brand ambassador gets honest about how tough times have shaped her perspective and helped her home in on her inner swagger. She also offers essential, actionable advice for runners of all levels on race day best practices and tips on how to take their stride to a whole new level. — @robinnyc @onepeloton @hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listening to Kirsty Godso talk will ignite something awesome in you. Appropriate, since the Nike Master Trainer calls herself (and others who are willing to work hard to elevate the energy of everyone around them) a “pyro girl.” In episode 27 we talk about the #hurdlemoments she’s faced building her personal brand, including having to leave behind a major fitness project she created with Les Mills to put her faith in the swoosh. Also, how an injury brought her to tears inside an acupuncturists office, a red flag telling her she needed to temporarily turn down the intensity of her workouts and chill out. Godso offers beautiful insight on the importance of supporting others, a snapshot of her training style, and we laugh about how she’s going to hold ME accountable to my 2019 affirmations. —@kirstygodso@pyrogirls@madeof_____@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just 8 years since their debut in 2010, On Running has become one of the fastest growing running shoe brands, now featured in more than 5,000 running specialty shops across the globe. In episode 26, live from Paragon Sports in New York City, co-founder Caspar Coppetti and I talk about the pressures that come with building an athletic company from the ground up, and how the brand’s cloud technology sets them apart from other huge contenders. We also dive into Coppetti’s #hurdlemoment, when a factory in China charged with manufacturing their shoes went bankrupt, and the necessary break he took after that fiasco to cycle throughout the Swiss Alps and get his mind right. Recorded the week of the 2018 New York City Marathon, Coppetti also shares motivational advice for new and veterans runners and the mantra that propels him to be better, both personally and in business.—@on_running@casparcoppetti@paragonsports@hurdlepodcastHurdle listeners! Special offer: ON is offering shoes and gear to the test for 30 days! Head on over to paragonsports.com, pick your favorite shoes or apparel pieces, and apply code “paragonhurdle” at checkout. Run in them for 30 days, put them through their paces, and if you love them—keep them. Not convinced, just send back for a full refund! Local to the NYC area? This also works at the Paragon store located at 18th and Broadway (just say it at the registers). Offer good until December 31, 2018.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick made the first version of the popular suspension trainer, TRX, during a deployment in 1997. The veteran went on to perfect his design, conquer Stanford business school, and eventually pile his savings into launching the company. But he faced a huge #hurdlemoment in 2010, when counterfeiters started to sell a rip-off of his product on Amazon. In episode 25, we talk about the legal battle that ensued to get those listings taken down, the way the TRX team regularly incorporates movement regularly at their San Francisco headquarters, and the advice he’d offer to anyone who feels like they’re starting at square one over and over again.—@trxtraining@randyhetrick@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neha Gandhi has quite the impressive resume. With editorial jobs at Seventeen, Harper’s Bazaar, and Refinery 29 under her belt, she was excited when the opportunity came her way to join the Girlboss team in mid-2017. The new COO/Editor-in-Chief title brought about a lot of change in her life, including a cross-country move to Los Angeles with her husband. In episode 24, Gandhi talks about how she leaned into routines including exercise and meditation to make the transition easier, and she offers up a ton of amazing, actionable advice for anyone ready to level-up in their career.—-@nehaintown@girlboss@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with past Hurdle guests Dr. Jason Wersland, Michael Chernow, and Dan Churchill for the second-ever Hurdle Live. We chat about everything from how to keep your health in mind when on the road to best practices for implementing mediation and recovery into your regular routine (plus, have a few laughs along the way).Huge thank you to Hub Seventeen for hosting us, as well as the 11+ brands that donated door prizes (Headspace, Athletic Greens, Revere, Salthaus, Y7 Studio, ToneHouse, Lyons Den Power Yoga, Mile High Run Club, ReCOVER, Asics, TheraGun). Through ticket sales from the October 9th event, we were able to raise $1,200 for City Harvest. —@drjasonwersland@michaelchernow@dan_churchill@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey Gonzalez has what he likes to call a “CEO Cinderella story.” At first intimidated to walk through the doors of Barry’s Bootcamp soon after opening in the late 1990s, he was instantly hooked to how the popular boutique fitness class made him feel. Fast forward to the company’s 20-year anniversary this week, and the once-student-turned-instructor now sits in the CEO seat, grateful for all of the #hurdlemoments that he’s overcome along the way. In episode 22, Gonzalez tells me how things have changed over the past two decades of Barry’s, his tricks to shifting fear into focus, and the essential advice he’d offer anyone who feels intimidated by starting fresh with their fitness routine.—-@joeygonzalez@barrysbootcamp@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having “co-founder of SoulCycle and Flywheel Sports” on your resume is kind of a big deal. This week, I sit down with Ruth Zukerman, Creative Director of boutique cycling favorite FlyWheel Sports. After her 1996 divorce, the former dancer and aerobics instructor felt lost and took to the Spin bike. Soon, she became an instructor and was approached by a rider about starting a company of their own—SoulCycle. In 2009, she left to start FlyWheel—which currently has more than 40 locations across the country. In episode 21, she explains why she still teaches classes despite her demanding schedule, and offers advice for making the hard calls in business. We close things out with a little visualization exercise that’ll have you ready to conquer any hurdle that comes your way.—-@flywheelsports@ruth_flywheel@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Hayden Slater started cult-favorite Pressed Juicery in the back of a small cupcake shop in West Los Angeles, he was a recent NYU graduate eating fast food all the time and felt totally drained by his 9 to 5. Cue a #hurdlemoment-worthy trip to Southeast Asia, complete with a 30-day juice cleanse, that ignited his passion for health and wellness, helped him lose 60 pounds, and inspired him to launch the juice company with two of his good friends. In episode 20, we chat about how Slater finds balance despite his hectic schedule, the time the health department shut down the business, and the craziest health trends out there (spoiler alert: leeches are involved).​​​​​​​---@haydenslater@pressedjuicery@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Winhoffer’s helped A-listers like Stella McCartney and Madonna get in top shape. But she wasn’t always a personal trainer. As a teenager, Winhoffer was dancing on Broadway, living a life many only dream of. In episode 19, we talk about the #hurdlemoment that lead the Bronx native to a major career pivot. The NW Method creator shares where she draws her inspiration from, the must-hear advice that helps her navigate tough decisions, and her stance on unplugging and ditching technology to become better at business.---@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve seen basketballer Kyrie Irving reach for it courtside and CrossFit’s ‘Fittest Man on Earth’ Mathew Fraser use it in the gym. In episode 18, I sit down with TheraGun creator Dr. Jason Wersland, D.C., the creator of the crazy-looking tool made for muscle activation, recovery, and pain management. He shares with me the story behind his invention and his #hurdlemoment, a 2007 motorcycle accident that changed his life forever, sparking his quest to create an effective, portable treatment device for patients—including himself. We talk about what it’s like traveling the world educating others on the importance of muscle recovery and mobility, how his kids inspire him to be a better person, and share a few tears along the way.---@theragun@drjasonwersland@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khloe Kardashian. Jennifer Lopez. Sofia Vergara. As personal trainers go, Gunnar Peterson has a mega impressive roster of celebrity clientele—past and present. Also the Director of Strength and Endurance for the Los Angeles Lakers, Peterson knows a thing or two about hard work, time management, and the human body. In episode 17, I catch up with him while he’s visiting New York for Propel’s Co:Labs Fitness Festival. We talk about the unconventional way he got started in the health and fitness industry after college, how spending time at the gym helps him work through hard times, and the essential career advice he’s received from A-listers including Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone.---@gunnarfitness@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You can be anything you want to be, whenever you want to be it,” Paralympic medalist and snowboard champ Amy Purdy told me last month in Colorado. A strong message coming from the double-leg amputee, who was given a 2 percent chance of living by doctors after contracting bacterial meningitis in 1999. Although the incident did cost her her legs, it certainly didn’t make her lose sight of her potential. In episode 16, we chat about the horror that surrounded that near death experience at age 19 and how its shaped her perspective for the better. Plus, she spills what it was like competing on Dancing With the Stars, how it felt standing on the Paralympic podium, and the remarkable advice she’d offer to anyone going through tough times of their own.---@amypurdygirl@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people hate spending time on the treadmill. And at one point, David Siik was one of them. But when the former college track athlete didn’t make the cut as a professional runner, he turned his passion into his career in an unexpected way by giving the hamster wheel a second thought. Soon enough, the Michigan native was pitching fitness giant Equinox a treadmill-based running program. And today? There are more than 200+ certified instructors for an interval class that Siik created called Precision Running. In episode 15, he talks about the #hurdlemoment that changed his life forever and offers essential advice for beginner and veteran runners alike.---@davidsiik@equinox@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When champion marathoner and New York Times best-selling author Deena Kastor arrived in China for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, she was ready to crush the competition. But 3 miles into her race, the pro felt something snap in her right foot, causing her to fall to the ground and drop out. In episode 14, I travel to London to catch up with the American female record holder for the marathon and half-marathon. She tells me why she’s thankful for that devastating injury, the mental tricks that contribute to her outstanding 5:20/mile marathon pace, and essential advice to beginner runners—or anyone hoping to make a big comeback of their own.---@deena8050@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second you meet Liz Plosser, you'll likely strategize exactly how to be her best friend. The editor-in-chief of Women's Health Magazine has got a can-do attitude that's contagious, exemplified by her early morning workouts (often found on her Instagram story) and outstanding career accomplishments alike. In episode 13, Plosser shares how a difficult time conceiving made her realize how important and powerful workouts and health rituals can be—especially in the darkest times. Spoiler: her and her husband now have three beautiful kids. We also chat about what it’s like being at the helm of major media brand, the lessons that running has taught her over the years, and her big-time career advice that you’ve gotta hear. ---@lizplosser@womenshealthmagSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Churchill’s got an impressive resume: chef for Under Armour, published author, TV star, and founder of a soon-to-open New York City restaurant, Charley St. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Australian-born foodie. In episode 12, Churchill spills what happened during his #hurdlemoment—when his first full-time gig in the states didn’t work out—and how leaning into mindfulness meditation helped him find clarity and dramatically increase his productivity levels. Plus: essential health eating tips, three things you should always have in your refrigerator, and exactly what he cooked for Lindsey Vonn while she was competing in the Olympics.—@dan_churchill@charleyst@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candice Huffine has been breaking down barriers for years in the modeling industry. Landing magazine covers from Italian Vogue to Elle, the body positivity advocate never let fear or doubt stop her in her career. When her husband dared her to run a half-marathon at the end of 2015, she was forced to face a different type of challenge, embrace something she absolutely despised, and step outside her comfort zone. In episode 11, Huffine talks about the finish line #hurdlemoment that made her believe that absolutely anything is possible, what it really took to start her own activewear line, and offers empowering, feel-good advice for anyone who has ever questioned their own drive.---@hurdlepodcast@candicehuffine@yourdaywon@psyougotthisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden Harper grew up around running. Working at the running store his father opened in the Utah mountains from a young age, the track athlete and marathon fanatic was able to share his passion for the sport with customers of all experience levels. He also saw his fair share of clientele with severe foot problems. After years of studying body mechanics and exercise science in college, the entrepreneur manufactured a pair of sneakers that would stave off injury—the first pair of Altras. And Harper’s #hurdlemoment? That came right as he was taking a leap of faith to get the brand off the ground; a snowboard accident that left him in rough shape, temporarily unable to walk—nevertheless run. In episode 10, Harper shares how the experience made both him and his company stronger, and what exactly sets Altra apart from the other sneaker brands on the market.---@altrarunning@rungolden1@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 10 years ago, Whitney Tingle and Danielle DuBoise were both at their own self-described rock bottoms. Tingle, beside herself dealing with persistent cystic acne. DuBoise, in the hospital after years of yo-yo dieting finally caught up with her. The solution to both of their #hurdlemoments? Founding Sakara Life—a wellness company rooted in the belief that food is medicine, favorited by A-listers like Kate Hudson and Chrissy Teigen, and known for its ready-to-eat plant-based food delivery service. In episode nine, the duo tells all including how mood relates to what you eat, which foods are necessary for a healthy gut, and what it’s really like building a multi-million dollar company with a best friend.---@sakaralife@danielledubois@whitneytingle@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinae Alexander isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Something that could be a little unnerving when 138,000+ people are following her every move on social media. The self-proclaimed entrepreneur and undeniable female badass had a #hurdlemoment of her own after losing 70 pounds, realizing that weight loss didn’t guarantee happiness. In episode eight, she talks about the power of looking within, how she reads (and responds) to thousands of messages each week from total strangers, and how one landmark job rejection changed her life forever. ---@chinaealexander@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, Barre3—a studio exercise program that blends ballet with yoga and pilates—celebrates its 10-year anniversary. In 2008, Sadie Lincoln, the CEO and founder, was immersed in the fitness industry, teaching step and cardio kickboxing classes, when she experienced her own #hurdlemoment. Reevaluating everything she thought she knew about wellness, the mother of two left her established job in San Francisco to move to Portland with her husband Chris and build the company from scratch. In episode seven, Lincoln shares how creating Barre3—boasting more than 125 locations worldwide—helped her learn the true meaning of balance. ---@sadielincoln@barre3@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Adam Kallen owns a thriving brand called Jane Motorcycles based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. But 20 years ago, he was graduating law school by the skin of his teeth, overcoming a drug addiction, unsure of what good was out there for him in the world. In episode six, Kallen shares his journey to seek out help, and details how leaning into surfing helped him conquer his demons.---@adam_janemoto@janemotorcycles@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sarah Levey and her husband Mason opened yoga hotspot Y7 Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, back in 2013, they were simply looking to create a safe, judgement-free environment for flows. Fueled by hip-hop beats, candlelight, and infrared heat, Y7 Studio now has a cult following and nine locations (with many, many more on the way). In episode five, Levey shares how pushing self doubt to the side enabled her to take her business to the next level.---@sarah_levey@y7studio@hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the co-founder of NYC favorite eatery The Meatball Shop was 23 years old, he was swinging bottles as a bartender at Frank Restaurant and living a life of debauchery (his words, not mine). When he replaced alcohol with doing great things for his body, leaning into Muay Thai and running, his entire world changed. Fast-forward 13 years, the restaurateur now adds founder of sustainable seafood spot Seamore's and co-founder of WellWell, an all-natural sports beverage, to his lengthy list of accomplishments. In episode four, Chernow shares the #hurdlemoment that lead him to become one of the most respected men in New York City's restaurant scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Conde Nast’s Chief Digital Officer Fred Santarpia was a teenager, he was bullied endlessly. After a particularly harsh episode landed him through a glass window and in the hospital with glass in his legs, he knew something had to shift. So, he built a gym in his parents basement and started working out. Soon, he started to look differently. People were treating him differently. In Episode Three, Santarpia shares the #hurdlemoment that helped him gain essential confidence, ultimately leading him toward milestone career successes like co-founding video hosting service Vevo and leading digital strategy for one of the top media companies in the world. ---@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbate@fredsantarpiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age 18, now-Nike trainer and fitness model Alex Silver Fagan was swinging bottles at a night club in the lower east side. A visit to see family in Florida turned into her #hurdlemoment, an eye-opening realization that at 90 pounds, the New Jersey native needed to make a change. In Episode Two Alex shares how a stint in bikini body competitions helped her get strong, and a newfound passion for wellness paved the way for her bustling career in the fitness industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I’m a wellness writer and editor, certified personal trainer, run and Spin coach. But 10 years ago as a college freshman, I was drastically overweight. In April 2007, my #hurdlemoment had me in tears confronting the scale, staring obesity in the face. By learning how to reshape my relationship with food and exercise—and believing that I was worthy of my own investment—I was able to lose 70 pounds. In Episode One, I share my story and the lessons I learned to help me live a healthier, happier, more motivated life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.