Money can feel a little awkward to talk about sometimes. So, I'm calling in the reinforcements! Just because Tax Day got the scoot from April 15 to May 17 doesn't mean we can't start talking $ now. This week for #HURDLEMOMENT, I'm chatting with Kumiko Love, AFC, better known to her massive social media following as "The Budget Mom." Love talks me through her best-practice tips for better financial health, from tracking your spending and creating a budget to planning for retirement and maximizing...
Apr 14, 2021•38 min
Akin Akman may be a fitness coach, but he's really aiming to make an impact on your mind. The now-Chief Fitness Officer and co-founder at AARMY learned about the importance of movement and mindset from a young age. At 7, he was training to become one of the top players on the tennis court at IMG Academy. His coach, Nick Bollettieri, told him that he had the potential to be the best and go pro — until, he got injured. Devastated at first, Akman reflects on that #hurdlemoment today with gratitude ...
Apr 12, 2021•58 min•Season 5Ep. 155
I was recording an episode yesterday with a friend who happens to be a well-known yoga instructor. She said something during our session that stuck with me. “You, out of almost anyone I know, are the best at being alone.” She expanded a little more on the subject. As she did, I felt tears well up behind my eyeballs. Tears that I fought back as I took a deep breath and continued on with our discussion. Once she was done with her thought, I thanked her for the compliment. Then I told her my truth ...
Apr 09, 2021•13 min
Between Spring 2007 and Spring 2010, I lost 70 pounds. I was in college, and before the night that changed everything (you'll have to listen to hear exactly what happened), I felt uncomfortable and unhappy in my body. For today's #HURDLEMOMENT, I'm talking you through how I got to the place where I was ready to make some forever lifestyle changes, and answer your questions about this chapter: Almost 12 years later, how do you keep it off? What was the hardest part? What did you eat? Did you coun...
Apr 07, 2021•28 min
Massy Arias knew she was destined to do big things from a young age. Coming into her own after arriving in the U.S. from the Dominican Republic at 13, she braved #hurdlemoment after #hurdlemoment, including a stage IV cancer diagnosis for her brother, abusive relationships, and devastating depression. For eight months, she barely left her Brooklyn bedroom, feeling entirely lost. An intervention with her family and friends led to her embracing a more active lifestyle, with trips to the gym (+ tim...
Apr 05, 2021•52 min•Season 5Ep. 154
I used to pride myself on being a high-caliber multitasker. It made me feel mentally agile, like a modern-day Superwoman. The catch? It’s not exactly desirable to be good at giving multiple things a fraction of your attention. For today's episode of 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm talking about #hurdlemoment I had earlier this week that reminded me of the importance of giving one thing (and one thing only) my attention. Trust me: It's an exercise that can help you destress and better tackle whatever the da...
Apr 02, 2021•11 min
You can't do this. You're not good enough. This isn't for you. We've all had negative thoughts, but when was the last time you took ownership over them? Today I'm chatting with Dr. Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC, Director of Clinical Content at Talkspace all about this. Why do we have negative self-talk, who is more prone to it, and how can we better deal with the effects of it — flipping the script and adopting a more positive mindset. SOCIAL @talkspace @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS...
Mar 31, 2021•27 min
Beyond being my personal style inspiration and a model, Emily DiDonato is also the founder of a new skincare brand called Covey and a body positivity advocate. For episode 153, we chat about her journey to self acceptance and the rollercoaster that was becoming a model after being scouted in a Connecticut Mall. She talks to me about struggling with her size early on in her career, spending hours on end at the gym and eating apples trying to be the “right fit.” She details one #hurdlemoment with ...
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 153
Life has been a lot lately. In between the work calls and running around, I've been having a lot of conversations with friends about worth — the importance of owning it and sticking up for yourself. For today's episode of 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm talking about the importance of being your own advocate. When you do, you may just be pleasantly surprised the next time you’re going after what you want. PROMPT : When was the last time you sold yourself short? Why do you think you do that? What can you ch...
Mar 26, 2021•8 min
Will I ever be able to run/walk/squat again without peeing myself? How soon is too soon to exercise post-baby? What's the deal with pelvic floor and diastasis recti? Over the years, I've received handfuls of questions from the Hurdle community and today I'm calling on my friend Bree Koegel, FitOn trainer and pre- and post-natal certified trainer to give us some answers. Whether or not you're a mom, this episode is loaded with helpful insight to help us all get stronger and gain a better understa...
Mar 24, 2021•33 min
Emily Skye wants women everywhere to know that they are not alone in their struggles. Today, I’m catching up with the fitness trainer who reaches 14 million via her app (and more than 2.5 million on Instagram) for the show. The Australian-born mom-of-two talks to me about her upbringing and the #hurdlemoments that came in her teenage years resulting in anxiety and depression. She details a few abusive relationships that made her question her value, and gets honest about trying to end her life ar...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 5Ep. 152
Yesterday morning I was reminded of the important difference between "I can't," and "I don't." I didn't want to get out of bed to work out before an early flight. But then, I started. I laced up my sneakers. I made my way to the treadmill, and couldn't have been more grateful that I made that "me" time a priority. Maybe it’s with a work out. Maybe it’s with your job. Maybe it’s a tough conversation with a friend. Whatever hurdle you have on deck in the coming weeks, I encourage you to remember t...
Mar 19, 2021•13 min
On Monday, I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Michael Gervais and we touched on the power of breath. So, for #HURDLEMOMENT this week, I decided to bring in an expert to explain the essentials. Meet Joy Dushey, a spiritual and holistic life guide, intuitive energy healer, breathwork facilitator, and host of The Methodology podcast . We talk about everything from the benefits of the practice to how to execute and the difference between breathwork and meditation. Also: How breathwork helped Dus...
Mar 17, 2021•25 min
Top athletes. Actors. CEOs. Dr. Michael Gervais is a high performance psychologist who has worked with some of the best to help them master their mind and better their craft. For episode 151, we talk about how he got to where he is today. The Finding Mastery podcast host and author chats with me about how his experience surfing growing up actually lead him to getting more interested in the mind, and the memorable #hurdlemoment that taught him how to navigate hard times and get brave in front of ...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 151
365 days. Wow. This week, I’m reflecting on the year that no one expected, but — I’d argue — everyone needed. Of course, I don’t say this to downplay the tragedy of what has happened in our country and across the globe. The immense amount of loss is heartbreaking. Life has been forever changed. However, this difficult year has taught me a lot of lessons (and reinforced some, too). I'm sharing those in this week's episode of 5MF. PROMPT: What’s your biggest takeaway from the past year? SOCIAL @em...
Mar 12, 2021•13 min
Base pace. Long. Tempo. Intervals. Recovery. If you’re new to running or a veteran at this point, all of these have a place in your routine, regardless of your overall goals. For today’s installment of #HURDLEMOMENT, I’m breaking it all down with Colleen Quigley, Olympian and professional runner. We talk about the specifics on each, what your Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) should be mid-stride, and how often you should be incorporating them throughout a typical week. Plus: We reveal our favori...
Mar 10, 2021•32 min
By now you’ve probably heard of The Sculpt Society , a dance-based fitness method with a cult-like following. Over the pandemic, it grew astronomically — more than 700 percent (!) — as many of us leaned into at-home fitness. Today on the show, I’m chatting with The Sculpt Society founder Megan Roup. Growing up in California, Megan started dancing at a young age and went through her fair share of hurdles on her way to New York University's Tisch School of The Arts. In episode 150, we talk about t...
Mar 08, 2021•56 min•Season 5Ep. 150
The last year has been difficult for most everyone. How many times back in March, April, and May of 2020 did you or someone you know say “2020 was supposed to be my year.” I felt that way, for sure. In today's episode, I'm discussing the power of perspective and letting go of the anger about how things "could be." Huge thanks to Trent Shelton (check out our conversation here ) for the inspiration for this week's topic. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE DOWNLOAD : Goody...
Mar 05, 2021•14 min
Excited to chat about this popular topic with my friend Dan Churchill, a performance chef, host of The Epic Table podcast , and owner of Charley St. here in New York. On today’s episode, we dive into all of the plant-based diet questions, from the benefits and how to go about eating this way to exactly how plant-based fans get their protein and what a typical day of eating could look like. Plus: Dan talks about the benefits of seaweed, gushes over all things gut health, and I giggle at least 12 ...
Mar 03, 2021•49 min
Alexi has conquered a lot of hurdles her life, from navigating her mother’s suicide at a young age to battling depression herself after running for Greece at the 2016 Olympic games. It’s no wonder why her triumphant story has inspired so many, recently told within the pages of Pappas’ first book, Bravey . For episode 149, I’m chatting with the multi-hyphenate about everything from her upbringing in California to her mental health struggles. On the heels of a slew of press for her new book, I mad...
Mar 01, 2021•43 min•Season 5Ep. 149
Yesterday morning was the first time in a long time I debated skipping my morning workout. Of course, I take rest days during the week. But, this was not intended to be one of those. For today's episode of 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm talking you through what went through my head, and how I've put in a place a fool-proof routine to keep me on track when it comes to my a.m. sweat. Plus: Offering up my five best-practice tips. PROMPT: What's one thing you can add to your morning routine that'll make your ...
Feb 26, 2021•11 min
Confession: I have been struggling with establishing a steady skincare routine for years. Today, I’m tackling the topic of skincare (and, skin health!) with esthetician and CEO and founder of Renee Rouleau Skincare, Renee Rouleau. We really dive into the nitty gritty, from the absolute basics to make up a routine and how to deal with the dreaded “maskne” to what’s the deal with collagen. Plus: Unpacking SPF best-practices, the sweat bumps on your forehead that feel like they never go away (is th...
Feb 24, 2021•37 min
Prepare to be inspired AF. Trent Shelton dreamed of being a professional football player from the time he was 5 years old. He bounced between three different NFL teams after playing at Baylor, and then made the decision to move onward and pursue a different path — battling hard emotions in the process. That career pivot lead him to motivational speaking and ultimately founding Rehab Time, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering struggling individuals to find their voice, passion, and purpo...
Feb 22, 2021•58 min•Season 5Ep. 148
On Monday's episode of Hurdle with Tunde Oyeneyin , we talked about the idea that progress is rarely linear. On your journey to success, whatever that looks like for you, there will be tough times. I’ve learned that both the highs and lows bring us lessons — lessons that help us progress. And while the tough stuff may be more difficult to navigate, these moments happen to teach us something. One “bad” day doesn’t rid you of the wins that came before. It informs you of how to better show up the n...
Feb 19, 2021•12 min
February marks Black History Month, a time for education and celebration of Black culture. Today, I'm grateful to have Taylor Rae Almonte, an Afro-Latina actor and activist, on the show to share her story and have an open, honest conversation about race. Taylor’s a trainer at Rumble , a Reebok-sponsored athlete, and co-founder of an anti-racism wellness program ACTIV-ISM — which combines regular movement and mindful activities (from equipment-free workouts and walks to journaling) with anti-raci...
Feb 17, 2021•45 min
To say that Tunde Oyeneyin is a bright light would be the understatement of the century. Even though the Peloton favorite has been through her fair share of hurdles, her outlook on life is optimistic. In episode 147, she talks me through the toughest of them, from a dramatic weight loss and dealing with not getting the instructor job at Peloton the first time she auditioned to the loss of both her brother and both of her parents. I know on the show we talk about the tough stuff often, but to hea...
Feb 15, 2021•52 min•Season 5Ep. 147
It gets really exhausting to feel like you’re the only person whose life isn’t going swimmingly. Especially since we’re so overly exposed to people crushing the game (or making it look that way) via social media. Time after time, I open up on the show about the #hurdlemoments I'm facing on the regular because I want you to know that you’re not alone in whatever struggle you may be dealing with. This week for 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm chatting about the tough moments that came back-to-back over the pa...
Feb 12, 2021•11 min
With so many different options out there when it comes to fitness, how are you supposed to figure out what the “right” routine is for you? That’s a question that I dive into this week on #HURDLEMOMENT with Joe Holder, Nike master trainer, GQ columnist, founder of the Ocho System, and creator of the newest MasterClass — the first holistic offering from the company on holistic fitness and wellness. We rap about what a great framework for a week of workouts can look like, with an understanding that...
Feb 10, 2021•28 min
Season five, H-E-L-L-O! To say that Alex Elle has made me re-think a lot about the way I talk to and treat myself would be an understatement. Elle regularly inspires her more than 1 million Instagram followers with her compassionate words encouraging grace and self-care. In episode 146, she talks to me about how she got here, reflecting on her career journey thus far and a difficult upbringing. The Hey, Girl podcast host opens up about her traumatic teenage years and details how writing and ther...
Feb 08, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 146
I walked two miles to-and-from a non-existent doctor’s appointment yesterday morning. OK, it existed. It did! At least, it did in my Oscar Health app. In today's 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm talking about how I stayed calm and positive despite going two hours out of my way. In fact, I was happy I did. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast PROMPT : When was the last time you overreacted? What would you have done differently in that situation? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE LISTEN: “Mindfully Present” from Radio ...
Jan 29, 2021•11 min
