The Midlife Chrysalis Laird Hamilton & Gabby Reece on Love, Longevity, and Aging with Power
Dec 12, 2025
Laird Hamilton, a big-wave surfing legend, and Gabby Reece, a former pro volleyball player and fitness entrepreneur, explore the transformative power of midlife. They dive into their unique island childhoods and how these experiences shaped their athletic journeys. Breathwork emerges as a key training tool, enhancing performance and well-being. They challenge the notion of a midlife crisis and celebrate the growth that comes with aging. Together, they emphasize presence, patience, and the importance of community as they navigate life and family.
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Meeting On A TV Set
- Gabby met Laird while interviewing him for The Extremists and they moved in together within days.
- Their instant intellectual connection transformed into a lifelong partnership that surprised both of them.
Injury As A Skill
- Laird reframes injuries as temporary and part of a recovery process you get better at over time.
- He balances experience and wisdom against youthful enthusiasm when managing an aging body.
Use Community To Force Consistency
- Build accountability into training by creating regular group sessions and scheduled practices.
- Use social obligation to show up on low-motivation days and preserve long-term fitness.
