Hurdle with Emily Abbate

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.