

Hurdle
Emily Abbate
Join veteran journalist and wellness coach Emily Abbate, on Hurdle — a wellness-focused podcast where she talks to inspirational people about everything from their highest highs and toughest moments to essential tips on how to live a healthier, happier, more motivated life. We all go through our fair share of hurdles. Emily's goal through these discussions is to empower you to better navigate yours and move with intention so that you can stride toward your own big potential and of course — have some fun along the way. Tell us: What's your #hurdlemoment?
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 20, 2024 • 51min
301. Optimal Nutrition, Dissected: Chef Dan Churchill On How To Fuel For Better Performance & Helpful Tricks To Feel Your Best
My buddy Dan Churchill is back on the podcast with the exciting launch of his new book Eat Like a Legend: Delicious, Super Easy Recipes to Perform at Your Peak. He’s giving us all the inside knowledge and know-how on how to fuel your body for optimal performance, whatever that may look like for you. We dive into hydration, micro and macronutrients, the importance of plant diversity in your diet, as well as protein sources and smoothie hacks. Dan hits home on the importance of taking care of and fueling yourself first and why it’s worth putting in the work for longevity of your life.
Grab Dan’s newest book ‘Eat Like a Legend: Delicious, Super Easy Recipes to Perform at Your Peak’
IN THIS EPISODE
Dan’s journey to food and performance nutrition education (3:42)
How ‘Eat Like a Legend’ came to be (8:50)
Performing at your peak according to Dan (14:00)
Top 3 things things to focus on when looking to optimize performance (17:01)
Tactical steps toward cutting out refined sugars (22:50)
Dan’s ideal smoothie ingredients and hack for smoothie prep that will last you all week (31:15)
What it means to have a diversity of plants in your diet (36:58)
The importance of hydration and electrolytes when looking to perform at our peak (40:22)
The biggest challenge of cooking at home at why practice is key (47:30)
SOCIAL
@dan_churchill
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
AG1 | Head to drinkag1.com/hurdle to get 5 free travel packs and a year’s supply of vitamin D3 + k2 drops
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

May 17, 2024 • 9min
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: The Helpful Tool I Use To Navigate Overwhelm
"I am" statements, have you heard of them? Breaking down how I organized my thoughts, and answering a listener question about goal setting.
SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
AG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a year's supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your purchase.
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

May 13, 2024 • 49min
300. Paving The Way: MLB's First Female Coach Alyssa Nakken On Leadership & Motherhood
‘Stay humble and hungry’ is the walkout tune of my conversation with Alyssa Nakken, first ever female coach in the MLB. The San Francisco Giants coach shares how she is feeling after coaching the season opener 2 short months after having her daughter Austyn and support she’s received from the organization since making the decisions to start her family. We talk about how Alyssa is spearheading new initiatives for other riding female coaches; plus, how she deals with the pressures that come with being the first in big situations. Alyssa shares tactical advice for flourishing in the chaos and the importance of her support system throughout the season and beyond.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Nike M (Maternity) Bra
IN THIS EPISODE
How her support system has enabled her to get back into the grind of the baseball season post-baby (3:55)
How Alyssa grew her passion into a career path in sport (8:05)
Qualities of a impactful leader, from Alyssa’s perspective (10:12)
Tactical tools that help Alyssa come back to self and how her habits have shifted since becoming a mom (15:15)
How she dealt with the pressure and noise of stepping in as the first female coach in the MLB (21:00)
Alyssa’s decision to start a family considering her stance within the MLB (27:25)
How Alyssa is focused on opening doors for young women following her and what that looks like as a new mom (40:30)
Alyssa’s biggest lessons in sport (45:40)
SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
LMNT | drinklmnt.com/hurdle free sample with any drink mix purchase. BONUS: if you are an LMNT insider, you have first access to LMNT’s new sparkling water!
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

May 10, 2024 • 8min
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: How Would It Feel To Ask For Help?
When life gets chaotic, I'm reminded just how strong my support system is. Talking about the conflicting feelings around asking for help, and answering a listener question about strength training.
SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
AG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a year's supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your purchase.
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

May 6, 2024 • 1h 1min
299. For the Love Of Sport: Lindsey Horan On Leading the USWNT, Body Acceptance & Falling In Love With the Process
We are back with season 17 and almost 300 episodes of Hurdle! Kicking off this season is Lindsey Horan, captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team. She shares her insane story as the first American player to sign a professional contract straight out of high school and travel overseas to play for France. We dive into her early days as a professional athlete, her experience with body shaming and feelings of body acceptance, the moment she got the call to be on the U.S. soccer team, and so much more. We talk about her feelings for the upcoming Olympics in Paris and how a supportive sponsor like Adidas really helps athletes like her make a career playing the sport they love. This conversation is full of gems and there may even be a giveaway in this episode — trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Episode 1, Emily Abbate Creator of Hurdle
IN THIS EPISODE
Lindsey’s feelings about playing back in France where she first started her pro career (5:58)
Why Lindsey decided to forego college to play overseas out of high school and her reflection on the early days of her pro career (6:40)
Her perspective on playing professional sport and body image (11:30)
Why Lindsey is so grateful to have a brand that supports her through the entirety of her career (18:15)
Looking back on getting the call to be on the U.S. women’s national team (21:20)
What balance means to Lindsey and knowing her limits (24:02)
Lindsey’s perspective on what it means to be part of a team and the impact of strong female friendships (31:45)
How it feels to be a woman in sport right now (36:10)
What Lindsey strives to embody as a leader on the U.S. women’s national team (40:30)
A look forward to the Summer Olympics and how Lindsey copes with the pressure that comes with making the roster (46:15)
Lindsey’s current affirmations (58:50)
SOCIAL
@lindseyhoran10
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
Hyperice | Head to hyperice.com and use code HURDLESPRING for 15% off non sale items and an extra 5% off the Normatec and Hypervolt lines
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Apr 19, 2024 • 12min
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: What 'Finding Your Why' Really Means
When your “why” is strong enough, you get into a place where you’re willing to work hard to remove the “but” and the “if.” Some interesting takeaways from an interview I did yesterday here in Paris, and answering a listener question about how I got into podcasting in the first place.
SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
AG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a year's supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your purchase.
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Apr 15, 2024 • 1h 6min
298. Embracing The Pivot: Dominique Scott On Running Her Own Race & The Bravery Of Trying Something New
Happy Boston Marathon Monday, Hurdlers! Toeing the start line this morning is our guest for today, Adidas pro runner Dominique Scott. The South Africa native moved to the United States to run at the University of Arkansas, where she became a 5x NCAA champion, 12x All American, and 10x SEC champion. After graduation, she moved to Boulder with her husband to train with Team Boss and it’s there where she started her journey racing on the roads. Dom shares with us what it’s been like training for her first ever Boston marathon (and third ever marathon), how she pivoted from the track to the roads, and her best tips for getting out of your comfort zone. I love that Dom is so open about what it’s like to excel at something like the track for so long and then put herself out there on the roads racing with the best of the best.
IN THIS EPISODE
How Dom is able to trust in her training and calm the nerves before race day (5:05)
The decision about joining Team Boss and why Dom pivoted into the marathon (6:08)
Dom’s tips for making the long run work for you (10:05)
How Dom’s parents led by example and what she learned from them (16:50)
The emotional toll of moving to the states and perform at the collegiate level (21:50)
The process that went into making Dom’s first olympic team (29:06)
Dom’s experience with post-olympics blues and what she looks forward to after a big race (34:44)
A reflection on the supportive group of women that is Team Boss (40:15)
Dom’s perspective on the comparison trap and her tips on how to avoid falling into that mindset (42:50)
How Dom is feeling about the Paris Olympics (49:10)
SOCIAL
@domscottrunsa
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
LMNT | Head to drinklmnt.com/hurdle to get a free sample pack with any purchase
Hyperice | Go to hyperice.com and use code HURDLE15 at checkout for 15% off the entire product suite
BANDIT RUNNING | Head to banditrunning.com and use code HURDLER15 for 15% off your first order
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Apr 12, 2024 • 7min
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Where Your Focus Goes, Your Energy Flows
Made a decision this morning that changed the trajectory of my day for the better. Sharing about how you can do the same, and answering a listener question about how to find motivation in the mundane of the day to day.
SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Nike Boston Girls' Night on 4/12 (password: startingline)
Nike Shakeout Run 4/13
Nike Cheer Zone 4/15
OFFERS
BANDIT | Head on over to banditrunning.com and use code HURDLER15 to take 15% off your first order! Also, check out their pop-up in Boston, at 119 Newbury Street!
AG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a year's supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your purchase.
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Apr 8, 2024 • 47min
297. For When You Don't Want To: Erin Azar Shares Helpful Hacks To Show Up & Move On Your Toughest Days
This week I'm welcoming Erin Azar, also known as @immrsspacecadet on social media, to the podcast and we talk all about hacks to get you out the door to move your body. Erin shares her tips for showing up when you don’t want to, why an accountability partner can make all the difference, and why choosing the right gear can make all the difference. The NonMembers Only podcast host even lets us in on what she’s blasting through her air pods while out on the run (it might get you by surprise).
MENTIONED IN TODAYS EPISODE
NonMembers Only Podcast
Sunday Social w/ @ImMrsSpaceCadet and Reebok, 10:00 a.m., 4/14 | Reebok HQ Store 25 Drydock Ave, Boston. RSVP HERE.
IN THIS EPISODE
Erin’s current relationship with movement (6:10)
How to differentiate between the days you need movement the most and when rest is needed (9:00)
Erin’s tips on making the process of ‘just starting’ easier in daily life (10:42)
Why Erin thrives with a schedule and routine (16:15)
The importance of an accountability partner - whether in person or virtual (22:38)
Dialing into your ‘why’ and why it’s ok when that ‘why’ changes during different life seasons (27:35)
How Erin dealt with life’s challenges before running came into her life (33:38)
What Erin is listening to on the run (40:25)
SOCIAL
@immrsspacecadet
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
REEBOK | Head Reebok.com and use code "HURDLE25" for 25% off FloatZig, capped at 50 redemptions!
LMNT | Head to drinklmnt.com/hurdle to get a free sample pack with any purchase
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Apr 5, 2024 • 11min
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: On Manifestation, Setting Goals That Scare Me & Sharing Them Out Loud
Didn't expect to cry talking about this one, but here we are. Talking about how it feels to aim high, be proud of myself despite the hurdles, and push forward during tough moments of comparison.
SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Nike Boston Girls' Night on 4/12 (password: startingline)
Nike Shakeout Run 4/13
Nike Cheer Zone 4/15
OFFERS
BANDIT | Head on over to banditrunning.com and use code HURDLER15 to take 15% off your first order! Also, check out their pop-up in Boston next week, at 119 Newbury Street!
AG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a year's supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your purchase.
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter
ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!