E76 - Alexis Contreras
Meet Alexis Contreras! Meredith and Abe had a great time chatting with her and learning all about her assistant Ricky, errrr Richy, errr Ricardo, and about The United States of Miami!
Episodes
The Super Excellent Not Too Serious Bike That Goes Nowhere Podcast
We take you everywhere, on a bike that goes nowhere! Meredith and Frank are both deeply involved with our connected fitness community and we love talking equipment, instructors, news, and friends! Our mission is to engage and lift others with fun discussion, interviews, and info that will help us connect with each other and fuel our passion for the bike/rower/tread that go nowhere. We’ll have frequent guests like instructors, community members, as well as others from this the connected fitness ecosystem that we all love. (This podcast is NOT affiliated with Echelon. We are just riders!)
Episodes
E75 - Meredith and Abe - November 13, 2023
Well, the cat is out of the proverbial bag. Abe has a medical procedure and Meredith is here for it; but, who is Stan??? Lots of Echelon news to share this week, as well as the usual gang of suspects - fun LB names, shoutouts, and, Did You Know! Due to the busy nature of MAW in Chattanooga, there is no experts segment for this episode, but we hope to have Jama and Eden back in two weeks. Also, Marcellus Gilmore Edson was a Canadian chemist and pharmacist in 1884. This will make sense when you ge...
E73 - Meredith and Abe - October 30, 2023
Happy Hallowe'en everyone! Meredith and Abe are back with another (mostly) laughter filled episode as they recap their weeks! [2:44] Matthew Perry [7:13] Canada's ultra-super-secret weapon [9:46] Abe's Toronto getaway and train experience [14:41] Six the Musical in Toronto [22:56] Meredith finishes A Court of Thorns and roses by Sarah J. Maas [26:27] Killers of the Flower Moon [31:05] Um (or uhm) vs Erm, and Canadian/British vs American spelling [34:26] Echelon News [39:52] Shoutout ...
E72 - Nikita Parlevliet
In this week's episode, Meredith and Abe speak with Echelon instructor, Nikita, about yoga, sound baths, and meditation. Meredith, as always, asks the hard-hitting, heavy journalistic question - which is better? Thai food, or Dutch food! Join us as we get to know Nikita and learn more about how she came to Echelon, fitness, and her experience getting a Sak Yant tattoo!
E69 - Meredith & Abe - October 2, 2023
Is Mercury in the microwave again? Abe seems to think so after the week he's had! Meredith and Abe catch up on their week to kick off this week's podcast. [7:35] Abe drops a bombshell/exciting news on Meredith [16:15] 120 minute ride....ON DEMAND???? Whodunnit? Meredith or Abe? [21:28] Fall traditions and what TV Abe watches (*spoiler alert* Abe won't stop talking about his recent fave "The Traitors") [27:25] 3 Questions with Meredith [30:27] Weekend plans...and, Meredith g...
E74 - Lacey Whitley - LaceyLu
It looks like Abe has found himself an ally in his fight to not turn this into a Harry Potter podcast! Join Meredith and Abe this week as they chat with LaceyLu about all things Echelon, fitness, Harry Potter, and Florida!
E71 - Meredith and Abe - October 16, 2023
If laughter is the best medicine, then Meredith and Abe should be the healthiest specimens to ever exist! We start this episode with, yep, you guessed it, more laughter, and more Velveeta talk. Poor Velveeta! [3:34] Abe recaps his week and talks about his favourite Starbucks (non-sponsor) order [6:05] Meredith shares her own "fun" Starbucks (non-sponsor) story and how she traumatized a poor 18 year old barista! [12:17] Saying farewell to Marsha Goldberg [16:17] Update on Shana Saka (fo...
E70 - Sheri Chesness - Mama Sheri
In this episode, Meredith and Abe chat with Sheri Chesness about all things Echelon, hot dishes, zombie apocalypses, Harry Potter, and dogs! For the record, this episode was recorded before E69 where Abe shared with Meredith that he is in fact a Hufflepuff and his patronus is an Irish Wolfhound.
E68 - Caroline VanEvery-Albert & Jesee Williams
Sisters are doing it for themselves...and each other...and their families...and their communities! In this episode, we speak with MohawkMomma (Jesee Williams) and MohawkSister (Caroline VanEvery-Albert), two incredible, proud, Indigenous women, moms, and Echelon riders. ***TRIGGER WARNING*** This episode does contain some mature subject matter that deals with trauma, and abuse, and may cause some listeners discomfort.
E67 - Meredith and Abe - September 18, 2023
We begin this episode with Meredith and Abe chatting about work and back to school. [13:00] What are you watching? [15:15] Meredith makes Millionaire Shortbread, and we find out Abe's real opinion of Velveeta and Velveeta Fudge! [17:58] Thanksgiving, turkey, ham, and bangers and mash [21:58] The struggle to finding/making time to workout [28:30] Meredith's Great Cycle Challenge [34:17] Math or Maths, and Chrysanthemums [35:35] Echelon News [44:02] Fun Leaderboard Names [49:16] Shout outs...
E66 - Toby Stoate
Welcome to our 1st interview in our new release schedule! This week, we hop across the pond and speak with Toby Stoate - an Echelon UK rider, and just an all around great human being! We talk about training, riding active recovery, injury and rehab, and the impact injury has on our mental health. Oh...and just for fun, what weapons Toby would use in a zombie apocalypse (guess who asked him THAT question), and, Conkers!
E65 - Frank Truong
Abe finally returns from vacation (again) and Meredith couldn't be happier...we'll go with that! Meredith and Abe talk back to school, seasons, shoes, Meredith's new jobs and how it's slowly turning Meredith into an EMR! We also talk about Velveeta fudge, and Starchies! [17:47] Interview with Frank Truong [1:16:29] Recap [1:20:38] Members' Weekend in Chattanooga [1:24:55] Chattanooga studio changes, and riding in-studio (or the lack of ability to do so) [1:38:42] Abe's re...
E64 - Kaity Carr
Abe is running away from Meredith again for a couple of weeks, so, once again, this episode was recorded well in advance of the release date (so much for having to work for a year before getting vacation). As such, there are no shoutouts in this episode, however, we do have a Did You Know and an Experts segment, in addition to an interview with a great guest! Also, big podcast news at the end of the episode we think will be a positive change. We kick off the episode with Meredith and Abe chattin...
E63 - Callum Sutherland
It looks like the UK came to their senses and kicked Abe out of the country, so we're back to a regular episode (we can't believe they let him in to begin with)! Meredith and Abe talk about Abe's European vacation and how he almost fell out of the sky before even getting there! We also discuss Meredith's kleptomaniac tendencies (sorry, Laura), and after the interview segment, her irrational fear of undercover officers. In this episode, we speak with Callum Sutherland about Echelo...
E61 - Franziska Beckmann
Meredith and Abe start this episode with Meredith's return from Members' Weekend in Chattanooga! We talk about all the food, a very expensive lobster roll, and Meredith's "scientific" (but not really) experiment comparing Clumpies Ice Cream and The Ice Cream Show. [19:11] Interview with Franziska Beckmann [1:29:13] 3 Questions with Franziska [1:31:43] Recap, Bee TikTok, and Ballerina TikTok [1:39:00] Echelon News [1:52:49] Ask the Experts segment [2:03:41] Fun LB names [2:0...
E58 - PegPower - Mother of horses, and new grandmother!
Abe comes back for an actual full episode! We kick off the episode talking about coffee and why Abe is a bad Canadian (this seems to be a bit of a recurring theme). Meredith and Abe chat a bit about their respective weeks, and a bit about Meredith's green thumb! [9:06] Interview with Peggy Hemstock [1:19:25] Interview recap and mucking stalls...or diapers for the new grandma! [1:21:41] In Echelon news, an update on the CEC (Curvy Echelon Crew) distance challenge, a chance to win Nickelback c...
E62 - Shelley Sullivan (Island Girl) and Daughter Katie
A short episode today as Abe is off sailing the merry seas of the United Kingdom. Shoutouts, and all other features, will return in the next episode! On today's episode though, do you celebrate half-birthdays? Learn about half-birthdays and what Abe gave his sister for her "half-birthday" surprise party, and Meredith talks about the latest documentary she's been watching. [11:49] Interview with Shelley and Katie [56:58] 3 Questions [58:35] Recap [1:01:38] 1 shoutout - check our...
E60 - Buck Irwin - Echelon Rider, volunteer middle school football coach, dad of 5
In this episode, Meredith and Abe finally meet in person! Find out more about Meredith's trip to Canada, and what exactly is a pou-tail? [14:23] What started out as a play on words, really turned into a play on words! Meet Buck Irwin - husband, father of 5 boys, volunteer middle school coach, and Echelon community supporter and celebrator! [1:07:00] Interview recap [1:17:00] Meredith's members' weekend dilemma [1:18:36] Echelon News [1:25:31] Fun LB names [1:27:45] Shoutouts [1:35:12...
E59 - Susanna Barrett, Echelon UK Instructor
We start this episode off with a bit of travel talk - Meredith and Abe are FINALLY going to meet when Meredith visits Canada! Which ocean is colder - the Atlantic, or the Pacific? And, as Abe gears up for his upcoming cruise to the British Isles, Meredith, being a true friend and looking out for her co-host, reminds him of a recently flooded cruise ship. [8:34] Interview with Susanna Barrett (susannabfit on IG and FB) [1:07:19] Interview recap and Meredith is looking for volunteers to join her o...
Bonus Episode - Introducing our new co-host!
A bonus episode to introduce our new co-host - Abe Kelledjian - Monkeys' Uncle on the LB. [00:00] Intro, and lots of laughter and shenanigans with Mere and Abe. Can Abe pass Mere's qualifcations test? We'll see! [18:50] Echelon news - from a really cool contest where you could win a Stride, to the return of Festival Fridays! [36:24] Shoutouts [44:16] New feature starting soon
E57 - Lou Lentine, CEO and Founder of Echelon returns
All kinds of hijinks! Sheldon runs a 10K for the first time in a long time and it's a fun goal for himself. Also, he got more old this weekend as well. Meredith - so, so proud of her - she earned her Master’s degree! Shoutout to Ottawa University for their program that helped make it possible. [13:30] Our guest is the one and only Lou Lentine - CEO and Founder of Echelon. We talk about the journey the company is on and all of the super exciting products, partnerships, and great new content b...
E56 - Trisha "Sharklover" - Echelon member, singer, and inspiration!
Kicking off the episode with Sheldon talking about his bike trip and upcoming 10k and how "letting go of outcomes" has become an important part of continuing to experience joy in these activities. Meredith visits Kelli (Pig Mom on the LB) and she talks about Todd the Pig and his piano playing for grapes, working out on Kelli's "Pro" bike, and all kinds of other antics! (10:15) Interview with Trisha. We discuss her fitness journey from Cross fit addict, to realizing that c...
E55 - Manny Lopez - Echelon Instructor and hat entrepreneur
Interview: 10 min mark. recap: 57:30 Industry News: 1:05:56. Echelon and Shoutouts: 1:19:05 Sheldon went to Vegas... it was meh and he talks about it including the overrated In-N-Out burger... yes ... I said it. Meredith went to her first Passover Seder and had all the things! Manny Lopez is the guest and he has a special kind of energy. He brings "The Manny experience" and we cover his path into fitness with what started with following a dream that wasn't his own - medical school....
E54 - Curvy Echelon Crew in the House!
We kick things off with the pressures of socialization our preferences and how it can drain us! Some talk about shows we've been watching. Sheldon's 10K "training" and talk about Nicole's walk through the decades series. Meredith is hitting them all! (9:50) Interview with 4 guests - the Curvy Echelon Crew. We learn about each member of this team that supports a community of over 4000! Each has their own story of getting to Echelon and how they found this community. Then som...
E53 - Lindsay Kaplan - Echelon Instructor and Head of Talent
Timestamps: Interview - 10:55, recap - 53:10, Industry news - 1:08:40, Echelon News and shoutouts - 1:22:23 Sheldon done went and injured himself - wasn't even during a hard workout. Also a Peloton at the Doubletree only has "delta" clips so had to bail on a ride. Meredith has entered the dark side of 45 minute rides. She's loving how strong it's making her feel! She also talks about going to see her daughter play in the orchestra for Sweeny Todd. Then a little Tv talk because... well, it's our ...
E52 - Jim Johnson - Echelon rider, bike tour master, man of intrigue!
We start today with a somber note as we recognize the loss of one of our community members, Agie Yatsko. Meredith gives a touching tribute and shares accounts from community members. Sheldon has been traveling again and gets his hotel brands mixed up ... leading to a "no gym" situation. Meredith teases her friends with Peloton gear. Our guest today is Echelon's own "international man of mystery" - Jim Johnson. "Chattanooga Jim" has been a staple of the community for years and h...
E51 - John Mills - Advocate, connected fitness nut, Peloton rider, podcaster, and AMAZING Human!
Mere has a great day with fancy boots and dog kisses. Sheldon travels and rides a Peloton and uses an Assault Treadmill. We want to wish Crystal from the Peloton based The Clip Out podcast a fast and complete recovery as she was struck by a vehicle when out running. She will be ok, but was a bit banged up. Fast recovery, Crystal! Our guest today was a regular on the Clip Out and quickly became known as a connected fitness expert from those that heard his passion for the topic. ...
E50 - Amber Harper Returns! Super mom, super instructor, awesome human.
It's episode 50!! We kick it off the episode with both of us (mostly) not sick! yay! Sheldon has a good doctor visit, Mere has some Oklahoma snow. We debate the merits of the Netflix show Kaleidoscope. Amber is BACK! She is part of our 50th episode and our FIRST repeat guest. She has SO much to talk about from being a new mom to the challenges she faced during pregnancy and after. We hit a number of aspects including combating your "gremlin" with your "Smurfette" and giving yourself SPACE...
E49 - Ashley Kelly - Echelon instructor, Olympian, entrepreneur
Meredith went on another cruise - and got sick again. Pattern??? hmmmm. She did have a great time though and she tells us all kinds of fun facts about her trip and her favorite - Costa Rica! We give a warm welcome to our new holiday season members. You're gonna love it. Listen to the instructors and have a great time. Ashley Kelly is our guest today - she was an Olympian for the BVI and we hear about her drive, journey, and experiences representing her country...
E48 - Happy New Year 2023! Best of 2022
While Meredith is on vacation, Sheldon gets to play! He pulls his favorite ... well, at least the ones he could remember and find .... snippets from the 2022 episodes. Little nuggets of wisdom, laughter, and joy from several of the guests we had on the show in 2022. Thank you for supporting our podcast in 2022 and I hope we can keep on entertaining you moving forward!