Hurdle with Emily Abbate

The last week was a lot. I finally found my next home, an apartment in Brooklyn after almost a month of looking and a hole lot of "maybe" options. Today for 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm telling you a story about how much my new home means to me, and detailing what apartment hunting (and applying!) was like.  SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE CELEBRATE: Des Linden’s 50K World Record READ: “How to Create a Happier, Healthier Living Space During Springtime” from Shape SUPPORT: Birth Queen SNAG: Tops and Bras for 20 Percent Off at Athleta A follower brought this sale to my attention yesterday, which is notable because Athleta rarely goes on sale. Linking my three favorite tops and bras, here: Vapor Scoop Tank Conscious Crop (I wear this with skirts all spring and summer) Ultimate Bra WATCH: Before the Flood  JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here. ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 your earning potential. TRUST ME, this is one episode you don't want to miss.   SOCIAL @thebudgetmom @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast OFFERS Super Coffee | Head to DrinkSuperCoffee.com/HURDLE or use code ”HURDLE” at checkout for 25 percent off. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here.  ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 because it put him on the path to where he is now. In episode 155, Akin shares the details surrounding the first Spin class he ever taught in Miami, and how he ended up moving to New York and joining the team at Soul Cycle, selling out 30+ classes each week within minutes. He talks about how "Akin’s Army" came to be, and the challenges that came hand-in-hand with launching AARMY shortly before a global pandemic. Plus: His take on a champion’s mindset, how he defines purpose, and what he’s looking forward to in the year to come. SOCIAL @akiniko @aarmy @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 140. Angela Manuel-Davis, Co-Founder AARMY OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to AthleticGreens.com/hurdle to get a year’s receive the FREE D3/K2 wellness bundle with your first purchase. Green Chef | Head to GreenChef.com/90hurdle to get $90 off your first month plus free shipping on your first box! Use code “90hurdle” at checkout. Beam | Go to BeamTLC.com and use code "HURDLE" at checkout for 15 percent off. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here. Please only register if you're definitely going to show, as there is a capacity limit! ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 (which I'm sharing with you in today's 5-MINUTE FRIDAY). SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 32. Ryan Flaherty, Senior Director of Performance at Nike READ: “5 Women of Color Changing the Face of Therapy” from TODAY WATCH: WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn READ: “How to Reboot Your Brain After a Year of Stress” on Well+Good LISTEN: Trained: “Joelle D’Fontaine, Getting in Step — With Yourself” CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here.  ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 count macros? (Plus, so many more.)  Note: I am not a registered dietitian or a nutritionist. The feedback and lessons I've learned, I share them with hopes to help someone else. If you are interested in losing weight, I recommend you talk to an expert one-on-one about your body. And of course: Have some grace with yourself. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to AthleticGreens.com/hurdle to get a year’s receive the FREE D3/K2 wellness bundle with your first purchase. LMNT | Head to DrinkLMNT.com/hurdle to get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! Only for Hurdle listeners, to claim this deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/hurdle.  CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here. Please only register if you're definitely going to show, as there is a capacity limit! ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 (+ time on the elliptical) resulting in a more dedicated, consistent fitness routine. Through the discovery of bodybuilding — which she said contributed to severe body dysmorphia — she learned that her big goal was to help find a healthy approach to fitness, empowering others to find happiness through movement. And so, she began to construct her empire — diving into certifications and social media. Fast forward to today, the new mom offers up fitness plans and inspiration to her millions of Instagram followers and works with well-known clientele, all pieces to the puzzle of building her brand. Amped to finally bring this conversation to the feed. SOCIAL @massy.arias @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to AthleticGreens.com/hurdle to get a year’s receive the FREE D3/K2 wellness bundle with your first purchase. Goodr | Head on over to Goodr.com/Hurdle and use code "HURDLE2021" for $10 off your order. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE We do talk about some sensitive topics in today’s episode. If you or someone you know have similar thoughts of self-harm or are struggling, you can always reach out to me over DM or email, it’s emily@hurdle.us. The national suicide helpline (800) 273-8255. UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here. Please only register if you're definitely going to show, as there is a capacity limit!  ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 day throws your way. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 147. Tunde Oyeneyin, Peloton Instructor CHECK IT OUT: On Transgender Day of Visibility Wednesday, Nikki Hiltz wrote a really beautiful post READ: “My Mom Taught Me That My Mind Is My Strongest Muscle” on Well+Good LISTEN: Demi Lovato on Joe Rogan READ: “Sleep Coach Update: Incorporating Menstrual Cycle Phase for Increased Accuracy” on WHOOP Locker OFFERS Covey |  Head to coveyskin.com and use code “HURDLE” at checkout to get 10 percent off of The Covey Routine, a three-step, derm-approved, universal skincare ritual. Thanks to this week’s Hurdle sponsors, BLUBlox, Beam, Athletic Greens, and Super Coffee! For a complete list of the show’s sponsors and some really great deals, check out the sponsors page, here. UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 EPISODE The Talkspace Voice OFFERS Beam | Go to BeamTLC.com and use code "HURDLE" at checkout for 15 percent off. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter SIGN UP: Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here. ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 a makeup artist and stylist on set that changed everything, empowering her to do away with restrictive behavior and embrace her body — encouraging others to do the same. She also opens up about the evolution of her career, including big opportunities with companies from Maybelline to Chanel and Giorgio Armani, and how she got into the skincare game (she’s absolutely loving being an entrepreneur). We also talk content creation, New York City living, her go-to fitness routine, and so much more. SOCIAL @emilydidonato @covey @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Covey |  Head to coveyskin.com and use code “HURDLE” at checkout to get 10 percent off of The Covey Routine, a three-step, derm-approved, universal skincare ritual. OFFERS Baronfig | Head to baronfig.com and use code HURDLE20 at checkout to receive 20% off of your first purchase of a Guided Edition Journal. Super Coffee | Head to DrinkSuperCoffee.com/HURDLE or use code ”HURDLE” at checkout for 25 percent off. LMNT | Head to DrinkLMNT.com/hurdle to get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! Only for Hurdle listeners, to claim this deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/hurdle.   CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter SIGN UP: Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here. ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 change to better handle a similar situation the next time? SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE LISTEN: Real Pod WATCH: Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal on Netflix CHECK OUT: IRL Fitness Is Back In New York! Thanks to this week’s Hurdle sponsors, BLUBlox, Beam, Athletic Greens, Super Coffee, and Baronfig! For a complete list of the show’s sponsors and some really great deals, check out the sponsors page, here. UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.