KEEPING IT CLEAN | KEEGAN MICHAEL-KEY

We had the pleasure of catching up with Keegan Michael-Key who is an actor who always leaves us in good spirits! His ability to make you laugh and think is something that we appreciate. We enjoyed talking with him about his work as a teacher, investing in children’s lives through learning, partnering with Lysol to promote clean environments in school and at home, and of course his work on one of our favorite shows Abbott Elementary and other projects we’re excited about!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been a fan of yours for a number of years and have loved your shows and of course most recently, Abbott Elementary. But you actually have teaching experience at Penn State and at Second City. Can you tell us more about this?

KEEGAN MICHAEL-KEY: Yes, I was a graduate student at Penn State and I taught Fundamental Acting, Non-Majors and I had a really fulfilling and fun time doing that. I had a great time with the students and I also interestingly learned a lot and it helped reinforce the training that I was getting.

When I was a performer at the Second City Theater, both in Detroit and also in Chicago, I spent a good deal of time teaching improv as well as communications techniques to people. And also in Detroit at the Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, I spent time going to classrooms and teaching children improv skills. That was also a very fulfilling experience too. So I have done a lot of teaching in my past and I really really loved it.   

AM: That is such a great story! When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

KMK: I realized that I wanted to be an actor probably when gosh, I would have been around 14 or 15 and that would put me in high school. I was encouraged by a family friend and my drama teacher in school was really hands on and very supportive. She really helped to pull me into that world! Once I was in it, I was in love!

AM: Why do you feel that hands on learning is so important and can you tell us about HERE For Healthy Schools?

KMK: Yeah, to answer the first question, I think that when kids have an opportunity to do things hands on and interactive, I really feel that the information that they are being given that the teachers desires for them to receive, really gets into their minds better and they can practically handle things and move through things. It’s more effective learning and that is kind of why I wanted to work with Lysol at the HERE for Healthy Schools Program this particular year. Because, what they are doing with the initiative this year, is that they are putting together the Lysol Minilabs Science Kits and the kits are going to contain educational materials that are designed to be hands-on so that the kids can learn about germ education, healthy habits, and how to keep the classroom environment as well as the general environment clean.

AM: Whether you have children that are going back to school, maybe you’re an aunt or uncle, or you just live alone solo, what are some healthy habits that we need to know about so that we’re not transferring germs and we’re reducing all the ick?

KMK: Ha – all the ick! You know, I think that the first thing across the board that everyone can do and that we can always teach children, is of course, washing our hands. Washing our hands after an activity, washing our hands after using the bathroom so that we’re not the germ spreaders if that makes any sense? We’re so mobile as humans, and then we’re the ones spreading the germs! So cutting that off at the pass if you will and then also, when you think about countertops, and desktops, and door handles which are things that we come into contact with every single day, and many times during the day, it’s just a wipe here or a spray there that can hopefully keep the germs down. Then we’re allowing ourselves to be in a cleaner environment!

AM: 100%!

Obviously, you have so many awesome things that are coming up obviously Season 4 of Abbott Elementary is slated to premiere on ABC on Oct 9th! Every time that we see you on the screen we just know that it’s going to be good. What can you tell us about – obviously not a lot – as we prepare for the next season?

KMK: Well, without giving away next season, you can stream Season 3 now of Abbott Elementary now which I am really happy for people as you can enjoy repeat viewings if you feel so inclined! I have a small arc on the show in the season where I play the Superintendent of Schools in Philadelphia which is where Janine, Quinta Brunson’s (A Black Lady Sketch Show, History of the World: Part II, Weird: The Al Yankovick Story) character works now and she feels encouraged to affect more change in the school system. You get to watch that story play out and really the big thing that you get to watch playout is this struggle between her love for everyone and the students at Abbott Elementary and then this more macro environment with the Superintendent and there is this struggle of being pulled between these two things. Can I do more good here? Should I go back to Abbott and be more of a boots on the ground? She’s trying to figure out what way can she be more effective for the students?

AM: We enjoyed watching the 3rd season and getting that layer.

What attracted you to want to be on this show? So many people love this show and so many actors and other people are trying to find ways to get into this show!

KMK: Oh yeah!

AM: What was it for you that made you want to do it?

KMK: First of all, I think that Quinta is a real amazing talent and I have known her for years and I have watched her grow as an artist and the pride I feel for her is overwhelming because what she has done is such an achievement! But also, within that, is the humanity of the show. I think that just the thematic subject matter of the show is about nurturing and investing in our future which is about children. It’s also this kind of intrinsic, American underdog story – an underfunded school district, how do we pull ourselves up by the boot straps and do what we have to do for the betterment of these children. So that is really heartwarming in a way it is very inviting because they are letting the world in and it is inspiring. That is why I wanted to be part of it. It’s also very funny!

AM: Oh it’s very funny!

KMK: So funny!

AM: Well you’re also in Transformers One and Dear Santa! That’s 2 amazing additional projects that are coming out! We’re sure that you’re excited about them and can you tell us about them?

KMK: Well, Transformers One will be coming out in September 20th and it’s a really exciting project to work on. The director is a gentleman by the name of Josh Cooley (Up, Inside Out, Soul), very talented animation director. He directed Toy Story 4 that I starred in with Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us, Nope). We played partners – we played a little stuffed duck and a little stuffed rabbit that were connected to each other and we had such a great time that Josh asked me to come on and play Bumblebee in Transformers One which really is an honor because he’s a very popular character in the Transformers universe!

Dear Santa is a holiday movie that stars Jack Black (Jumanji universe, Kung Fu Panda universe, The Super Mario Bros. Movie) and he is absolutely fantastic and I hope you go see it and everyone that you know goes to see it! It’s really fun and it has a lot of heart. It’s silly and zany and it’s going to be great!

AM: Do you have any other projects whether it’s TV, film, or just philanthropic that you would like for us to know about that we should keep an eye out for because you’re always doing great things! It’s great to see you in a number of commercials as well as you are a busy man!  

KMK: Ha ha yes I am praise God!

Well one thing in September that is coming up, I wrote a book with my partner at Elle Key (August, Fair Game, The Blackout), we wrote a book called The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor, and the audio version of that book is coming out then. So again, I know that it is early for the holiday season, but if people want to, they have the opportunity to download that or to send it as a gift and it was a real passion project for us and we’re really proud of the book. So there is also that! So that’s about it for right now if that’s not enough!

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE ROOT OF IT | MARIA CAMILA GIRALDO

We always enjoy watching our favorite shows and the actors that portray characters that are memorable. In addition to enjoying their creative pursuits, it's always interesting to see when their life experiences initiate an entrepreneurial endeavour based on issues that they may have come across.

We sat down with Maria Camila Giraldo who we recently enjoyed watching her in Netflix's Griselda. We wanted to know more about how she came to acting, how she approaches her characters, how she came to this series and to find out about her wellness brand, Fungiments. Co-founded by her and her fiance, Cole Garson they set out to create this brand that uses mushrooms and adaptogens.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the first film or TV show that made you realize the power of acting?

MARIA CAMILA GIRALDO: The first film that made me realize the power of acting was V for Vendetta. The performances were so compelling and intense that they truly demonstrated how acting can convey deep emotions and complex ideas, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

MCG: I think I was born an actor. Ever since I was a baby, I would grab the camera and perform different characters. As I grew older, I started producing my own short films and homemade talk shows. This passion for performance and storytelling has always been a part of me.

AM: How do you approach playing your characters as we know everyone has their own process.

MCG: My approach to playing characters depends on the character and the story. Currently, I'm very influenced by Ivana Chubbuck's technique. It's an amazing method that helps me connect my own reality with the character's reality, allowing for a more authentic and powerful performance.

AM: We enjoyed watching Netflix's Griselda - how did you become attached to the project and what drew you to this series?

MCG: I started auditioning for Griselda in October 2021. It was a lengthy process. Initially, I was considered too young for the original role I auditioned for, but they eventually called me in for a different role. I didn't hear back until the end of November 2021 – that’s when I received the exciting news that I had to move to LA for the project. I had always wanted to be in LA, having visited on and off for the past three years, so it was a perfect opportunity for me.

AM: The storyline and telling Griselda's story was amazing. On your IG, you shared that you had a vision board where you noted that you would be on a top show and Sofia Vergara (Modern Family, Chef, This is Me ... Now: A Love Story) was also on there and of course we saw that come to pass this year! What was your biggest takeaway from doing this show?

MCG: My biggest takeaway from doing this show is the importance of dreaming big, working hard, and preparing for the opportunities you want. If you do, the moment you’ve been waiting for will eventually show up. Having a vision board was a constant reminder of my goals, and seeing it come to fruition was incredibly rewarding.

AM: You're going to be in a film with Al Pacino (The Godfather, The Irishman, Serpico), is there anything that you can tell us about this?

MCG: Initially, I was hesitant because I didn't like horror movies. However, my managers insisted I take a look at the project. When I did, I realized it was more than just a horror film—it was a psychological thriller that delved into mental health, a topic very close to my heart. After my concussion and personal struggles with mental health, I felt deeply connected to the story and its significance.

AM: You were recently at the Cannes Film Festival and we loved seeing your look on the red carpet. What was it like attending this festival and were you there promoting a film?

MCG: Attending the Cannes Film Festival was a dream come true. We were there for private screenings of The Ritual (Editors Note: This is her upcoming film with Al Pacino). The experience was incredible - the magnitude of the event, the glamour, and the sheer amount of talent present was amazing. It was an honor to be part of such a prestigious event and to witness the global celebration of cinema.

AM: As someone who has been playing a number of roles, you are also an entrepreneur in the wellness space! What led to your wellness journey to becoming an entrepreneurial aha moment?

MCG: When I went through a concussion, I realized that there weren't many natural alternatives for managing my anxiety or improving my focus and concentration that didn't involve medications, and I didn't want to go that route. So, I tried everything and looked everywhere. I found a lot of relief in mushroom supplements and adaptogens. After searching through pharmacies and supermarkets and not finding anything similar, I saw a big opportunity to create a fun brand that people can connect to. That's what led me to create Fungiments and become an entrepreneur.

AM: Tell us about Fungiments and its use of mushrooms and adaptogens.

MCG: Fungiments uses mushrooms as the hero ingredient, blending them with other adaptogens to enhance their targeted effects. This approach allows us to create products that truly work, unlike other mushroom supplement brands that often include mushrooms in low milligrams, leaving you unsure if they are effective. Our formulations ensure that each product delivers tangible benefits for your specific needs.

AM: Tell us about your assortment and although you just launched, do you have plans on additional items to add to your offerings?

MCG: Our body is like an ecosystem, and our goal at Fungiments is to create products that support each system within it. For example, we have Super Prune gummies which support digestion with Turkey Tail mushrooms along with other functional ingredients. Super Bouncy is for those lacking energy and focus, made with Cordyceps, ginseng and more. We recognize that we are holistic beings, and one issue, like lack of energy, can often be connected to another, such as poor sleep. Although we just launched, we already have plans to expand our offerings to cover a wide range of needs, including sleep, energy, and overall wellness, ensuring that every aspect of your health is supported.

AM: When you're not working on your next project or working on Fungiments, how do you take time for yourself?

MCG: When I'm not working on my next project or Fungiments, I take time for myself by exercising. I have chronic pain, so movement helps to alleviate my symptoms and keep me feeling better. Additionally, working out has a positive impact on my mental health, and I also focus on skincare to take care of myself both physically and emotionally.

IG @maria.giraldo

PHOTOS COURTESY | Fungiment

Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ROOT OF IT | Maria Camila Giraldo in mag.

CLEARLY AHEAD | DIANA TAURASI

We can’t wait for Paris 2024 and to see many of our faves showing their talent on the world stage! We also love finding new faves and rooting them on! Many athletes have the pleasure of being able to show this talent every season in their sport and we’re honored to be able to talk to 5X Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist and 3X WNBA Champion, Diana Taurasi! Although we’re a little over a month away, we all know that she is the first basketball player (whether male or female) in history to reach 6 Olympic Games as she is on Team USA heading to this year’s Summer Games! We’re so pumped to see her compete and with the WNBA in full swing, you can see her and her fellow teammates on the Phoenix Mercury as they navigate their season!

We took some time to catch up with Diana to find out about how she came to basketball; her passion for the sport; how she trains during an Olympic year that takes place during her season in the WNBA, and the importance of sharing her eczema journey!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with Basketball and realize that you wanted to do this as a career?

DIANA TAURASI: Well you know, it’s something that I always wanted to do and I stumbled upon basketball one summer when my mom said that she needed to get me and my sister out of the house! So we were at the local city rec league and that’s really where the love of the game started for me you know! It was a great time to play basketball, I mean 90’s NBA was so popular with MJ, the Bulls, being a Lakers fan and then in 96/97 the WNBA started! So, it was just all of this momentum when it came to basketball. That’s when for me that I knew that I was going to be able to do it for a long time!

AM: That’s great and growing up we know what it was like during that era!

You’re a 3X WNBA Champion and a 5X Olympic Gold Medalist, what does it mean to you about the impact that you have and continue to bring to the sport?

DT: Oh yeah, I mean, women’s basketball is in such an amazing place right now! We’re in such a great cross section between talent and social media! The eyes and the attention that it’s getting right now – it’s just really an amazing time to play basketball. At the same time, it’s also a great time to shed a light on a lot of the people that came before that did it without the notoriety and without the fame. It’s always nice to know what the past is so that we can go into the future in the right way.

AM: As you know, we’re a little over a month away from the Olympic Games in talking with each other today. What’s it like to prepare for the Summer Games as we’re so excited that you will be returning for a 6th time! How do you prepare for Paris 2024 and Summer Games in the past when you’re also currently in your season with the Phoenix Mercury?

DT: Yeah, it’s always an interesting summer when it’s the Olympics. We take a hiatus or a break for a month for the Olympics. So right now, you’re just so entrenched in your team and the WNBA to make sure that your team is in a good place and that you’re physically in a good place individually. Once that break happens, all of that goes away and all you’re worried about is bringing home Gold!

When you talk about USA Basketball, we take that load with a lot of respect and we know how challenging the Olympics are as well as how good these other countries are. So, it’s always the most ultimate respect to the whole world.

AM: Over the past few years, various athletes and celebs have shared their eczema journeys. Why have you opened up about yours and why have you partnered with Sanofi and Regeneron?

DT: Partnering with Sanofi and Regeneron, obviously moderate-to-severe eczema is something that I have had to deal with for many years. I have tried everything. I’ve tried the lotions, the topical creams, the steroids, and nothing really gave me what I needed. When I was with my dermatologist, Dupixent was brought up and I had never heard of it. I learned a lot about it and if you go to ShowUpAd.com, you can read so many stories and there is so much information about it. It’s something that just works for me! There’s nothing better than being able to go on the court with clearer skin! Playing basketball, you’re always in a jersey and it’s that one thing that if anything you want clearer skin! It’s given me that relief and it has made me so much more comfortable!

We enjoyed hearing Diana talk about her love of the game, how important it is to celebrate those who have contributed to the WNBA from its start, and Paris 2024! We also appreciate her sharing her eczema story with us and how she feels relief in knowing that she can play more comfortably with her eczema under control! We wanted to know a bit more about eczema and took a moment with Dr. Annabelle Garcia as it is estimated that 2.7 million people in the US age 6+ have uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema. Like Diana, many who suffer with this may have tried a number of solutions. The best place to start is recognizing the signs of eczema so you can see a dermatologist who can assist you in your best solution.

For those that may not be familiar with eczema, can you tell us what it is and what are the signs? How can you tell if something that may look like just a skin irritation is actually eczema?

DR. ANNABELLE GARCIA: Yes of course! So moderate-to-severe eczema is characterized by these intense itchy dry patches on the skin. They can crack or be painful. Sometimes they can cover small parts of the body and sometimes these patches can cover large or sensitive areas. Really, it’s the itching that is the hallmark of the disease. It’s one of the things that can be the most disturbing to patients. Sometimes eczema can present in a very typical fashion in a child for example in the Antecubital Fossa which is in the elbow area, behind the knees, cheeks – but sometimes it does present in a classic way. It can present differently based on patients with different skin types. In lighter patients, the plaques tends to be a bit more pink and red where in darker skin tones, they can appear darker, hyperpigmented, or ashy grey color. So sometimes it is hard to tell whether something is eczema or not so it’s important to seek medical care and see a dermatologist for that expert opinion.

IG @dianataurasi

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Sanofi + Regenerson

Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see CLEARLY AHEAD | Diana Taurasi in mag.

THE POWER OF SMOOTH | LYDIA JACOBY

The road to the Olympics is one that is filled with an array of timelines and schedules that become hectic as well as important as athletes from around the world qualify to head to the Summer Games! Paris 2024 is only a few weeks away and we had the pleasure to sit down right before the 100 Days of the Games. We were excited to sit down and chat with 2 X Team USA Olympic Swimmer Lydia Jacoby (1G, 1B)! This Alaskan native was the first swimmer from her state to qualify for the Olympics for Tokyo 2020 and she came back from those Games with a Gold medal in the 100-Meter-Breaststroke with a time of 1:04:95 which was the fastest time ever achieved by a female American swimmer in the 17-18 age group. She also received a Silver medal for the 4X100 Medley as well! We wanted to find out how she came to the sport, swimming for the University of Texas at Austin, how she prepares for her meets, her partnership with Gillette Venus, what the weeks ahead look like for getting to the Olympics, and living that mermaid dream!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you fell in love with swimming?

LYDIA JACOBY: I think at a really young age, I grew up in a maritime community. So I was always around the water growing up and it was very natural for me.

AM: What drew you to the breaststroke? What do you love about swimming this?

LJ: It’s funny! I always say that you don’t choose the sport, the sport chooses you!

AM: Right!

LJ: Yeah, and that’s the same for strokes as well. I was always a breaststroker it just came to me! Even when I was little and on the floor playing with my dolls, I would be in that position. So it just came to me naturally.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to swim competitively?

LJ: I’d say that I started seeing some success when I was 12 when I broke my first state record and that’s when I kind of realized that I was pretty good at this and it was time to make this happen.

AM: Oh wow!

Being an Olympian, that is a major feat! You were the first Alaskan to qualify for the Olympic Games as a Swimmer. What did it mean to you to be able to go to the Summer Games in Tokyo?

LJ: I mean, it meant the world to me to be able to be there and to represent for my state as well as the community – all of the people that supported me. I mean, literally since I was 4, my whole life they have been there, so it really meant so much for me to be able to be there for them!

AM: What did you enjoy the most about competing in the Summer Games in 2020 – obviously, winning your medals was a great experience! But what did you enjoy most?

LJ: Just the experience and the people! I feel like I truly made some lifelong friends when I was there especially because we couldn’t have our families there then. The people I met there, were like my family during the games when I was there. It was really special connections!

AM: You also swim for the University of Texas at Austin which is phenomenal as in 2023, you were the NCAA Championships for the 100 yd Breaststroke where you won Gold and in the 4X100 yd Medley you took Bronze. What have you been enjoying about swimming with your collegiate team?

LJ: It’s very different than home growing up in Alaska. I mean, I have so many people on the team right now that have similar goals to what I am chasing. It’s just a really positive environment for me to train in.

AM: What is an average day like hanging out with you in terms of working out or training to optimize yourself in the sport?

LJ: In Austin? Ooo, it changes every day! My schedule is crazy! I’d say that in an average week, I would wake up around 5:50am, go to morning practice, come back, eat some breakfast, try to fit a nap in, get good food, go to class, get in some homework, answer emails, lots of trips to coffee shops as they have some great ones in Austin, practice in the afternoon, - and then it just takes me a long time to unwind before I go to bed. So I take a long shower, get a shave in and then get to bed early so I can do it all again the next day!

AM: That is quite the schedule!

Right now we’re just about at the 100th day mark in terms of Paris 2024. It’s hard to believe that and yet, here we are! What do the next few weeks look like in terms of qualifying and all of the different things that are going on before you get to the Summer Games?

LJ:  So we’re about 100 days out! Our Olympic Trials are mid to end of June. So we will find out literally a month before the Olympics. I’m just trying to do everything that I can to prepare and I have done everything that I can so that I can really lock in for the next couple of weeks.  

AM: Of course there are a lot things that we’re sure that you do to get prepped when it comes to swimming in the Olympics. Why did you want to partner with Gillette Venus and why is The Power of Smooth so important to you?

LJ: I feel like swimming is such an exposing sport! It’s so important to feel absolutely confident in your skin and to feel just really smooth and powerful. Ever since I was little, I always talked about how I wanted to be a mermaid! I probably thought that I was literally going to be a mermaid until I was a little too old to think that I was literally going to be a mermaid – but channeling that smooth skin and powerful feeling in the water, I feel like that is just about as close as I will get to being a mermaid with Gillette!

AM: Well we do have The Mermaid Parade that happens in Brooklyn!

LJ: Oh! Ok! Send me the dates!

AM: Yeah the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade is on June 22nd in Coney Island. You’ll see plenty of mermaids then and it’s definitely an event that people get excited for!

LJ: I love it!

AM: What can we expect from you and Gillette Venus in this campaign?

LJ: I mean, we won’t know until we get there, but we have some big goals! At the end of the day, I feel like I have put a lot of pressure on myself over the last couple of years and I have just been trying to go into the Summer with a healthy mentality. I have already done this, I have nothing to prove. I want to allow myself to swim freely and put it out there!

AM: That’s amazing and a great perspective to have!

When you’re about to do a meet or competition, are there things that you have to do to prep yourself for that? Is there a certain kind of music that you’d like to have and what do you do to come down from all of that energy?

LJ: For sure! I mentioned before that it takes me awhile to unwind before bed and sleep before a meet is so important! So I really do like to take a long shower, do the girl everything shower – exfoliate, shave, wash my hair, deep condition, and just to feel really good! I’m definitely a proponent for look good, feel good!

AM: Absolutely!

LJ: I’ll do makeup before I go out to the pool. I just want to feel completely confident in my skin. I feel that that is a huge part of my routine. I love good food as well. But music, I mean it’s so much different stuff and it changes all of the time.

AM: Outside of the sport, you do so many different things. You are so talented in music, you model, what are some upcoming projects – obviously in addition to cheering you on at the Games that we can expect to see from you?

LJ: It’s been so busy and I have had so much going on – I mean there’s Olympics and I’m hoping that there will be fun stuff that is taking place after the Games! I have so many amazing sponsors like Procter & Gamble and Venus and some others so just keep an eye out for those from me!

Read the MAY ISSUE #101 of Athleisure Mag and see THE POWER OF SMOOTH | Lydia Jacoby in mag.

PLAYING IN MY SKIN | DIANA TAURASI

We can’t wait for Paris 2024 and to see many of our faves and soon to be faves showing their talent on the world stage! Many athletes have the pleasure of being able to show this talent every season in their sport and we’re honored to be able to talk to 5X Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist and 3X WNBA Champion, Diana Taurasi! Although we’re a little over a month away, we all know that she is the first basketball player (whether male or female) in history to reach 6 Olympic Games as she is on Team USA heading to this year’s Summer Games! We’re so pumped to see her compete and with the WNBA in full swing, you can see her and her fellow teammates on the Phoenix Mercury as they navigate their season!

We took some time to catch up with Diana to find out about how she came to basketball, her passion for the sport. how she trains during an Olympic year that takes place during her season in the WNBA, and the importance of sharing her eczema journey!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with Basketball and realize that you wanted to do this as a career?

DIANA TAURASI: Well you know, it’s something that I always wanted to do and I stumbled upon basketball one summer when my mom said that she needed to get me and my sister out of the house! So we were at the local city rec league and that’s really where the love of the game started for me you know! It was a great time to play basketball, I mean 90’s NBA was so popular with MJ, the Bulls, being a Lakers fan and then in 96/97 the WNBA started! So, it was just all of this momentum when it came to basketball. That’s when for me that I knew that I was going to be able to do it for a long time!

AM: That’s great and growing up we know what it was like during that era! You’re a 3X WNBA Champion and a 5X Olympic Gold Medalist what does it mean to you about the impact that you have and continue to bring to the sport?

DT: Oh yeah, I mean, women’s basketball is in such an amazing place right now! We’re in such a great cross section between talent and social media! The eyes and the attention that it’s getting right now – it’s just really an amazing time to play basketball. At the same time, it’s also a great time also to shed a light on a lot of the people that came before that did it without the notoriety and without the fame. It’s always nice to know what the past is so that we can go into the future in the right way.

AM: As you know, we’re a little over a month away from the Olympic Games in talking with each other today. What’s it like to prepare for the Summer Games as we’re so excited that you will be returning for a 6th time! How do you prepare for Paris 2024 and Summer Games in the past when you’re also currently in your season with the Phoenix Mercury?

DT: Yeah, it’s always an interesting summer when it’s the Olympics. We take a hiatus or a break for a month for the Olympics. So right now, you’re just so entrenched in your team and the WNBA to make sure that your team is in a good place and that you’re physically in a good place individually. Once that break happens, all of that goes away and all you’re worried about is bringing home Gold!

When you talk about USA Basketball, we take that load with a lot of respect and we know how challenging the Olympics are as well as how good these other countries are. So, it’s always the most ultimate respect to the whole world.

AM: Over the past few years, various athletes and celebs have shared their eczema journeys. Why have you opened up about yours and why have you partnered with Sanofi and Regeneron?

DT: Partnering with Sanofi and Regeneron, obviously moderate-to-severe eczema is something that I have had to deal with for many years. I have tried everything. I’ve tried the lotions, the topical creams, the steroids, and nothing really gave me what I needed. When I was with my dermatologist, Dupixent was brought up and I had never heard of it. I learned a lot about it and if you go to ShowUpAd.com, you can read so many stories and there is so much information about it. It’s something that just works for me! There’s nothing better than being able to go on the court with clearer skin! Playing basketball, you’re always in a jersey and it’s that one thing that if anything you want clearer skin! It’s given me that relief and it has made me so much more comfortable!

We enjoyed hearing Diana talk about her love of the game, how important it is to celebrate those who have contributed to the WNBA from its start, and Paris 2024! We also appreciate her sharing her eczema story with us and how she feels relief in knowing that she can play more comfortably with her eczema under control! We wanted to know a bit more about eczema and took a moment with Dr. Annabelle Garcia as it is estimated that 2.7 million people in the US age 6+ have uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema. Like Diana, many who suffer with this may have tried a number of solutions. The best place to start is recognizing the signs of eczema so you can see a dermatologist who can assist you in your best solution.

AM: For those that may not be familiar with eczema, can you tell us what it is and what are the signs? How can you tell if something that may look like just a skin irritation is actually eczema?

DR. ANNABELLE GARCIA: Yes of course! So moderate-to-sever eczema is characterized by these intense itchy dry patches on the skin. They can crack or be painful. Sometimes they can cover small parts of the body and sometimes these patches can cover large or sensitive areas. Really, it’s the itching that is the hallmark of the disease. It’s one of the things that can be the most disturbing to patients. Sometimes eczema can present in a very typical fashion in a child for example in the Antecubital Fossa which is in the elbow area, behind the knees, cheeks – but sometimes it does present in a classic way. It can present differently based on patients with different skin types. In lighter patients, the plaques tends to be a bit more pink and red where in darker skin tones, they can appear darker, hyperpigmented, or ashy grey color. So sometimes it is hard to tell whether something is eczema or not so it’s important to seek medical care and see a dermatologist for that expert opinion.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | THE THINKING TRAVELLER

If you're thinking about a vacation in Sicily, Puglia, Ionian Islands and others across the Mediterranean region, we suggest The Thinking Traveller which is known for their luxury villa rentals. They offer unique and luxurious experiences that reflect the beauty and charm of the region. Villas options range from expansive, secluded nature retreats to historic homes just steps away from beautiful beaches and charming towns.

When booking, you can use the site's user-friendly search tools on their website that filters specific wants and needs in a villa. You can select the number of bedrooms, amenities, locations, experiences, and special features like proximity to the beach or a private pool. You can also speak to their villa Specialists who travel to Italy, Greece, and Corsica who travel several times a year and stay at the villas to share their experiences.

Amenities vary depending on the villa, but typically you can enjoy, private pools, landscaped gardens, fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and outdoor dining areas. Many have sea views, private gyms, home theaters, tennis courts, direct beach access, and staff to help cater to guests for personalized preferences.

If you're considering add-ons such as private chefs, cooking classes, wine tastings, massages and more, you can enhance your trip with Think Experiences for a truly amazing stay.

Should you need anything during your stay, you can connect with your Local Specialists which is a network of villa owners and caretakers that are locally based. In addition to knowing the region, they are your point person to ensure that your needs are met.

Upon arrival, you will receive a Welcome Pack provided by The Thinking Traveller which typically includes a selection of local delicacies and essentials to help guests settle in and start their vacation smoothly. This might include items such as bread, pasta, wine, olive oil, and regional specialties. The pack is designed to give guests a taste of the local culture and cuisine as soon as they arrive.

THE THINKING TRAVELLER

London Office

The Old Truman Brewery

91-95 Brick Lane

London, E1 6QL

United Kingdom

Athens Office

Ethnikis Antistaseos 73

Halandri, Athens 15231

Greece

thethinkingtraveller.com

IG @thethinkingtraveller

PHOTO CREDITS | The Thinking Traveller

Read the MAY ISSUE #101 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | The Thinking Traveller in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | HOT BONES

When you're in Detroit, head to HOT BONES which opened December 2023. HOT BONES' speaks to:

• Hot yoga and pilates classes which range from 85-100F, using an advanced infrared heating system, that heats the body from the inside. They believe that their community deserves the benefit of both modalities without multuple memberships. For Pilates, they offer HIIT Pilates and a Sculpt Pilates class, For Yoga, they have Sculpt Yoga (with weights), Power Yoga, Slow Flow Yoga, and Restorative Yoga.

• Hot bone broth is made and sold in small batches of beef and chicken bone broth made from organic bones that simmer for 48 hours.

• Hot architectural bones, as the studio is located in an adaptive reuse building with beautiful historic architectural bones.

• Hot Bones, believes that every person, despite ethnicity, body type, and socio-economic background, is made from the same bones.

For centuries, bone broth has been a foundation for health, immunity and healing in most cultures — ramen, pho, matzo ball soup, brodo, and chicken noodle soup to name a few. Bone broth is beneficial for:

• Recovery and athletic performance: Post-workout recovery that replenishes essential nutrients and promotes muscle repair and growth.

• Joint and bone strength: Collagen to strengthen bones, reduce joint pain, and improve mobility.

• Electrolytes & other nutrients: Nutritional powerhouse, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids such as glycine and proline to support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.

• Detoxification and immunity boost: Rich nutrients boost the immune system, assisting the body in fighting off illnesses and infections.

• Improved sleep: Amino acid glycine has a calming effect on the body to improve sleep quality.

• Social connection: Opportunity to connect with friends after class when endorphins are released to reduce stress and improve mood. Before and after classes, people often meet in the lobby or outdoor patio to connect while sipping on a cup of bone broth. The studio is thoughtfully designed to feel like an extension of a curated home and has a collection of print publications from the local magazine store.

While at the studio, enjoy all necessary equipment, including mats, towels, weights, resistance brands, and balls at no cost for each guest.

HOT BONES

2895 E Grand Blvd,

Detroit MI 48202

hotbonesdetroit.com

IG @hotbonesdetroit

PHOTO CREDIT | Christina Stoever

Read the MAY ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Hot Bones in mag.

LOVE IS THE GAME | MATT BARNES + ANANSA SIMS

Relationships and their dynamics can be difficult, but they are also fruitful as well! We sat down with veteran NBA Champion Matt Barnes (All The Smoke, (R)Evolution, JUN ISSUE #54 in 2020 cover) and his fiancé, top model Anansa Sims to talk about their Reality TV show that dropped this month on WE TV, The Barnes Bunch which focuses on their relationship, their busy lives, their family, and how they keep it all together!

We wanted to know more about why they wanted to do this series, how it came about, why they wanted to make sure that they were realistically sharing their lives, and what they have learned to do in the process. We talked about this and more as the keep it all together with their family and busy lives!

ATHLEISURE MAG: So, why did you guys want to share how you’re navigating a family, being a dynamic couple, and your busy schedules in this show?

ANANSA SIMS: For me, it was more so an opportunity that was given to us! I do a lot of sharing already on my Instagram. So, a good friend of mine Datari Turner (Day Shift, They Cloned Tyrone, The Burial) who is partners with Jamie Foxx (Ray, Miami Vice, The Amazing Spider-Man 2) who Matt is friends with said, “you know that your family is dope and this could be a show.” I’m like, really? I never thought about it because I just share to share because I love them so much. The more he started talking to me, I brought it to Matt and he was a little hesitant at first and over time you know, we built trust and decided that we had a good team around us, maybe we could make it into a positive thing and I think that it is more about trusting the people that you are working with. So we decided to go for it.

AM: That’s really interesting. We watched the first screener a bit ago. The vulnerability that is laid bare here and the amount of ground that you guys cover – couple’s therapy, talking about your journey together, your family, and your friends! What are some of the things that you are excited about that we get to see this season?

MATT BARNES: I think normalizing Black positivity in the reality space. Because you see that in the first episode, we are already arguing and we are in counseling and everything, but it’s real you know what I mean? I just think that there’s been such a negative portrayal of the Black community through Reality TV unfortunately. That was one thing that I know that we had both discussed and to just normalize that we are all not crazy and throwing drinks and fighting all the time! I mean, I might fight sometimes haha but not all the time.

AM: Right ha ha not all the time!

MB: But normalizing 1, positivity through the Black family and also normalizing blended Black families which in families in many ways is kind of the new norm. To be able to bring 3 kids from her previous marriage, 2 kids from my previous marriage, and creating a baby together – people out there are going through that. To be able to see us navigate that and for the world to see, not only again promotes positivity, but also realness and humanizes us and lets people know that you’re not alone out here on this journey. Whether you’re going to couples counseling, individual counseling, whether you’re trying to blend a family, trying to get pregnant, or you’re doing all of these things in your 40s like us – it's just about again promoting positivity and letting people know that they’re not out there on your own. Just hang in there!

AM: Anansa your mom, Beverly Johnson (Editors' Note: Beverly Johnson is a model, actress, singer, NY Times Best Selling Author, and entrepreneur who became the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in Aug 1974 after Donyale Luna was the first Black model to appear on British Vogue in 1966. In many ways her placement as the cover in this magazine created a change by 1975 where every major American fashion designer began using Black models.) is an icon and a trailblazer! Years ago I had the pleasure of accepting a fashion award in the same award ceremony where she was being honored for her legendary career!

AS: Oh, that is very nice!

AM: She is stunning, beautiful, and so poised! She also isn’t a stranger to Reality TV as I enjoyed Beverly’s Full House. So what were your thoughts when it came to you guys deciding to have her on the show and to be able to see her in an entirely different light which I love her! Then there’s also the fact that you have your children in this show as well! That’s a big decision to make!

AS: Well, my mom, you know we wanted the show to be real to our lives. My mom is a big fixture in our lives. She helps with the kids, she helps with Matt and I in our relationship as far as giving advice and just being around. She’s always just there and so for me, it’s a no-brainer to just have her to be part of it! I’m happy of course that she agreed to be on and she’s happy to support Matt and I in anything that we do – especially the kids! They top us now as they’re her favorites!

As far as the kids you know, Matt and the twins – Isaiah and Carter are already so visible on social media. The twins have their own podcast, The Barnes Boyz. Matt has been posting them since they were little kids so they are very visible. I also made my kids visible on my Instagram from when they were little so I think that having them on the show, we know what we instilled in them. So we weren’t as worried about it, we’re very hands on parents you know. We have a super open line of communication and we talk to the kids about everything so we check in with them to make sure that they are comfortable and good! None of our kids are shy! These are like 6 very outgoing children. So no one felt like, "oh my God, we don't want to do this.” No, it was the opposite! They wanted to know when we were filming, are they going to be on again, are they in the next scene, why did Matt and I have so much screen time haha! They’re telling the crew when we’re not around that they can do a cartwheel and that they can show them various things. So, they’re willing and ready and we’re super hands on so we don’t let anybody mess with our kids or our family! I feel like we know that we can hold it down and that they will be ok.

AM: What are the biggest takeaways that you guys learned in this experience? It’s a lot of weeks of filming and you talk about a lot of things in that time on and off camera!

MB: It’s a lot of weeks of filming, holy shit!

AS: I think that we filmed double than the normal shows because of our busy schedules! All 6 kids play 1 to 2 to 3 sports, Matt at times is traveling 3-4 days out of the week, and I’m running kids all around town. So, it was a lot and we filmed over a long period of time – we did, we really did!

Luckily, we had a really great crew that we were blessed to have people in our home so it wasn’t dreadful. But it was a long time.

MB: And I mean, you just learn again. We have both done this in the past! I was shoo 15 years ago and I don’t know how long ago that she did it –

AS: 13 years ago.

MB: It’s a lot of work! People think that shooting a show is easy and you’re just capturing what’s going on, but it’s a lot. It’s a lot and then when you’re bringing 6 kids into it – that’s just a lot of communication, a lot of bribing when it came to the kids, when they're not on camera, you're trying to keep them quiet when they are in other parts of the house. Again, I think that it was super important for Anansa and I to be on the same page which we were, but at the same time, you got to see a dynamic of a real couple. Shit isn’t always sweet! We argue like everyone else, we get along, we have bouts where we’re not talking, and then there are bouts where we’re all over each other. So us being on the same page to kind of set the tone for the crew, our kids, and the show in general.

AM: What are some upcoming projects that you guys are working on. Obviously All the Smoke always has something going on and it’s always exciting to the podcast and was just listening to the episode with Deion Sanders earlier today – so what are some things that you’re working on and then Anansa what can we keep an eye out for that you have going on?

MB: Well we’ve built a production company for All the Smoke so we now have All the Smoke Productions now so we have a list of people from Rachel Nichols (Headliners with Rachel Nichols, Hometown with Rachel Nichols, MAR ISSUE #51 in 2020 cover) from ESPN, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and DeMarcus Cousins, so we’re just kind of building a monster over here and through that, we’re not only in sports, but we’re crossing over to different genres and opportunities.

And also, with this show, one of the things that I really wanted to be able to do is to brand our kids. We love our kids and we think that they’re all unique in their own ways and they’re all funny and crazy in their own little ways. So to be able to kind of get them out there a little bit more and to see what opportunities can come from that.

AS: For me, my fulltime job right now is the kids and supporting Matt. You never know, tables can turn in a couple of years when they’re older and Matt will be supporting me in whatever I’m doing. Right now, that is a lot! David and Dean both play baseball, basketball, and football season is about to start. Ava plays basketball and she is running track, and Ashton plays basketball. Of course you know that the twins play basketball and they are in high school so they have AAU tournaments and Matt’s traveling all around the country with them for these tournaments so it’s a lot to navigate on top of them wanting to be A/B students. I spend most of my time yelling and checking homework, rushing to different practices and games from literally 8am to sometimes 7pm on a Saturday and of course, there’s another practice on a Sunday. Those are my projects right now, so making 6 amazing humans that are good people and that can be successful when they go out there in life and when they step outside of our doors, they know what they are doing and they have a good head on their shoulders. They can be successful in life in their own right.

IG @matt_barnes9

@anansasims

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | PG 28 - 32 WE TV/The Barnes Bunch | PG 35 All the Smoke/Paramount Plus |

Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see LOVE IS THE GAME | Matt Barnes + Anansa Sims in mag.

CHASE AND MILO

We always enjoy catching up with those that are in our favorite series. As we navigate Spring, we caught up Chase Stokes of Netflix's Outer Banks! We wanted to find out what drew him to acting, Outer Banks and it's upcoming Season 4 that will be out soon, what it's like being on this successful series, and about upcoming projects.

He also shares being a dog dad to and spending time with Milo. He talks about how he navigates this time of year as we head into allergy season. He shares why he uses ZYRTEC® and why he partnered with them and their Pet Pawsitivity Walk Challenge, encouraging pet lovers to log their walks in the WoofTrax App to earn donations for nonprofit Mutual Rescue.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

CHASE STOKES: I realized that I wanted to be an actor in high school actually. I was doing TV production and I had a friend who was shooting commercials and I somehow got stuck into a job making a little money and I thought, “oh my gosh, the things that I love to watch is actually a career.” So, it was like Sophomore/Junior year of high school when I got the bug.

AM: We’ve been a fan of yours since Tell Me Your Secrets and a number of our readers have enjoyed seeing you on Outer Banks. What drew you to this show and what do you enjoy about playing John B?

CS: It just felt really fresh and it felt like I hadn’t read anything in the vein of anything in the world that they created in this show. If I’m being honest, I was super broke and on unemployment and as any young starving actor or artist would know, you kind of don’t say no when it comes to opportunities knocking! I did originally and then I had another look at it and I really really thought that the show and what the writers had created was something special. So, I went against my better judgment in the beginning and I auditioned for it and the rest is kind of history.

AM: What is it like filming this show?

CS: It is tough, it is demanding. We shoot outside for the majority of the season which is why this partnership with Zyrtec was kind of a no-brainer. I’m someone who suffers from allergies and I’m kind of a chronic sneezer to say the least! So to get quick relief and to have it extend for a 24-hour period was something that was super important to me.

So for this show, and for the elements that we shoot in, it’s tough, but it’s very, very rewarding.

AM: What can you tell us about Season 4 of this series?

CS: I can say literally nothing about Season 4. No, I can say that we left Season 3 with the time jump and this big revelation about Blackbeard and it definitely provokes the Pogues interest and we will see whether or not, after this time jump if after all of the death and trauma that they have gone through, if they still want to go back out into the world of hunting treasure or if they want to do life as normal teenagers.

AM: You have a busy schedule from traveling, filming Outer Banks etc. So it must be nice to be able to take time as a dog dad and to spend that time with Milo! What do you love about being a dog dad?

CS: It’s just the unconditional love! I think that dogs have this inherent ability to just connect and attach in a way that is so hard to comprehend as a human. What they give to you, you feel that you need to immediately give it back except for pet dander as that is something that they definitely give to us. It’s just a really rewarding relationship and to be able to watch them from tearing things up to just wanting to lay in your lap is a really beautiful thing.

AM: This time of year is always great because you want to be outside to do any and all activities! You love spending tie with Milo! Why is it so important to do it outside with him?

CS: Milo is a German Shepheard Golden Retriever mix which is just a cocktail for energy! He has to be active, he has to be moving and that’s just the mental stimulation that dogs deserve! He’s one of those dogs that do so much better when he does have physical activity in his day and so as a dog owner, I feel a responsibility in the same way that I feel a responsibility in being able to work with my physical health in order to get the things that he needs so that when we’re walking, I just make sure that it’s in an environment that gives him the stimulation that he deserves as a pup. That’s also the other side of this partnership that really made sense because with this, Zyrtec has partnered with this app, WoofTrax and just like the 500,000 other apps that I have on my phone, this app actually tracks the walks that I do and the cool thing about it is that the walks that you do do, directly goes to donations for a charity called Mutual Rescue and that partners dogs with people who are deserving of pet ownership. I just know how much joy and love that Milo has brought into my life and the memories that I have shared over the years with him whether it be on walks, or trips, or the random weekend getaways that we have done – so for me to be able to see this partnership and as someone who deals with allergies, this is a beautiful partnership that just really made a lot of sense to make this happen.

AM: Why did you want to partner with ZYRTEC for their Pet Pawsitivity program and can you tell us about this initiative?

CS: I just know how much being a dog owner has impacted my life and it’s shifted the way that I operate where it was like, I’m going to go out for a drink with friends and now I’m like, I want to get back to Milo. It’s just really really honing in that they are raising money for such an incredible charity and really creating the opportunity for dog ownership as well as the focus on allergies as well. It was just a really aligning partnership and something that I really felt inclined to be part of and wanted to help them grow as well.

AM: Are there any other upcoming projects that you would like to share that we should keep an eye out for as we know Outer Banks Season 4 is one of those things.

CS: Netflix just announced that a film that I had done a couple of years ago called Uglies with Joey King (The Act, Bullet Train, We Were the Lucky Ones) will be coming out soon. I don’t have an actual date. But I am really proud of that as it was a book series that was adapted for film. It’s just a great cast and a really great experience.

Then I had the opportunity to work with one of the greatest directors, Nick Cassavetes (Alpha Dog, John Q., The Notebook) in his return to the romance genre and in another book adaptation called Marked Men. So, those 2 in particular I’m very excited about and it’s just a different chapter. I’m excited to step into new roles, new characters, and new worlds so all things are coming, no dates yet, but I’m very excited about those.

IG @hichasestokes

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 46 - 48 Jason Lee Davis/Netflix | PG 51 Michael Simon |

Read the MAR ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see CHASE AND MILO in mag.

WOAH! | JOEY LAWRENCE

For those of us that grew up in the 90s, many of us remember watching Blossom and Joey Lawrence with his "whoa" catch phrase. He appeared in a number of series throughout this time as well as maintaining a music career, going on Broadway and of course being The Walrus on Season 8 of Masked Singer!

We wanted to take some time to catchup with him to find out about his career, the importance of oral care, his podcast with his brothers Matthew (Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Mrs Doubtfire, Hawaii Five-O) and Andy (Bean, NCIS: Los Angeles, Hawaii Five-O) as well as his upcoming movie and other projects!

ATHLEISURE MAG: You've had a great career that has included Gimmie A Break!, Blossom, being on Broadway in Chicago as Billy Flynn, The Masked Singer, and more! What do you love about being an entertainer?

JOEY LAWRENCE: It's always been sort of my calling and I was very lucky at a young age to have an opportunity to explore that passion of mine. My mom was just influential in seeing that love that I had for the arts and just going, alright, let's see if we can make this happen. It just came about in the most amazing way, and then being able to go to New York and audition for commercials at the age of five years old, and get a lot of those commercials and then go on the Johnny Carson Show and have the reaction be what it was on that and lead to a deal with NBC, which led to give me a break and all the other shows that I ended up doing. It was just sort of an amazing thing that happened and 43 years later, to be able to still doing it, is truly a remarkable thing, quite a journey.

AM: What have been three of your favorite moments in your career that made you smile?

JL: The explosion of the whole WHOA thing on Blossom and the whole Teen Idol thing was an amazing moment. I know a lot of people sometimes look back on that stuff as not so great when they experienced it, but for me, it was really amazing. The fact that I'm able to still work even past all that is great. It was that explosion, and still to this day, all these years later, two decades later, people still walking around saying that word and how it still has transcended time. It's seen all over popular vernacular today. That was a pretty cool moment to have that happen to a character that I played become so iconic like that. Being on Broadway was great. The whole different world of being able to utilize my love for singing and acting at the same time was really great. Also, having a number one record was really cool, writing a song at 16 - having a hit number one on the charts. Experiencing that was great and the other top moments are hopefully yet to come.

AM: Achieving a great smile means that you make your oral care a priority. Why did you partner with LISTERINE?

JL: Well, to me, LISTERINE truly is the benchmark of oral care. I actually use LISTERINE – it's been in every medicine cabinet in my house growing up, and now is in my home and used by kids.

AM: What is your oral care routine and how did you turn your woes into "Whoas"?

JL: I have red, irritated gums, so I religiously care for my whole mouth. I use an electric powered toothbrush and I floss basically almost after every meal, but certainly in the morning and at night. Then I follow it up with my favorite LISTERINE mouthwash – Clinical Solutions Antiseptic Gum Health from their newest line of superpowered products. It is actually incredible and it really works. Truly, I used the Antiseptic Gum Health mouthwash for one week and I started to see a difference – it literally made me go “WHOA!”

The LISTERINE Clinical Solutions line was developed with dentists to tackle and help prevent top oral care issues, and so I’m very excited to see what other people think because I think they're gonna feel the way I do.

AM: It seems like you and your brothers - Matthew and Andy continue the good vibes, smiles, and fun conversations with your podcast, Brotherly Love. Why did you want to launch it in this format and what can we expect when we're tuning in?

JL: That's what we do. I mean, our thing is just escapism, right? We want people to come in and just have some fun, take your mind off of things. I feel so many times people forget the the true essence of entertainment, which is to entertain, and we get bogged down in making it mirror exactly what's going on in our lives. But so many times, I don't want to watch something that's mirroring exactly what I'm going through, because that's life. I want to have a little bit of escapism. People have never really seen us like this, which is kind of cool. When we've worked together in our careers, it's always been with scripts. This is no scripts. This is actually how our inner dynamics are and we're dinner table conversation, we're not a specific podcast based on a certain idea or ideology. We talk about anything and everything that friends and family would talk about over a dinner table. I think that's what's really been the reaction so far and why people have enjoyed it so much. We never really thought it was going to turn into this. We really did it during the COVID lockdowns to just have something to do because like everybody, we thought the world was ending, and we got to do something. The reaction to it has been incredible. To see the rise of this little baby pod, the pod that could as we say, has been humbling. It's been really, really neat. I think we're like the 45th ranked pod overall, which is really crazy. There's like 5 million pods out there. So, you know, this little pod that me and my bros do to have this much love thrown at it, it just really feels great. We're just so thankful the community that supports us is pretty dope.

AM: Tell us about your upcoming film, Heart Attack.

JL: We’re doing it with Fox and Tubi. Big action movie, which I'm excited about. I haven't done a lot of action - I did a little bit on Hawaii Five-O and CSI New York, but I really haven't although I've loved that genre so much. Big fan of Die Hard and these movies growing up as a kid so to be able to jump into this sort of genre is going to be really, really cool. It's a nonstop juggernaut from page one with a clock that ticks – your classic action movie stakes, but it really is cool. it's all set in the hospital. It's going to be a lot of fun. My baby brother, Andrew, is actually going to direct it, which is gonna be fun because he's a great director. We're gonna have a lot of fun. We're going to shoot that later this year, and really looking forward to it.

AM: How do you take time for yourself when you're not focused on projects, navigating personal and family schedules, etc?

JL: You just have to make the time, right? Life is about making time for things, that's what you got to do. It's easy to say we don't have time, right? It's easy to say, Oh, I don't have time to get that workout in, or I don't have time to floss. You have to figure out a way to do it. There's always time. I feel like where there's a will, there's a way. I live my life like that - we'll figure it out. There's a way to figure something out, I don't ever feel like nothing is, you know, can't be accomplished if we put our minds to it, just figure it out. So I try to live my life that way every day and you know, I fail sometimes, like everybody, but I also succeed sometimes. When you succeed, it feels good and that motivates you to continue to work hard and try to fit everything in. That's what I try to do.

AM: Are there any upcoming projects that we should keep an eye out for that you would like to share?

JL: There's a lot of exciting stuff going on. We have a sequel to our Christmas movie that we did together, the brothers and I, Mistletoe Mixup, which was actually the number one Christmas movie on Amazon in 2021. The sequel is coming out later this year, so we're excited about that. It's actually funnier than the first one, it really is, so we're very excited because he first one again, we did it sort of as an independent project, and Amazon picked it up, and then it just did so well. It was their number one movie for Christmas a year and a half ago. So, then we were like, wow, well, we got to try to make it good now. So, you know, the sequel, we had a lot more time to do it and we're excited about it. So that's coming out. We're actually working on a scripted series together for the first time, since like the early 2000s, which is crazy. That is something that is in the late stages, so we're excited about that. There's a couple other exciting things that will be on tap soon, but you know, and I'm working with LISTERINE, so that's like top of the top and super excited.

IG @joeylawrence

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | LISTERINE Clinical Solutions

Read the MAR ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see WOAH! Joey Lawrence in mag.

BRAIN HEALTH IS KEY | ALTON BROWN

This month, we had the pleasure to sit down and talk with Chef Alton Brown who is known as a TV Personality, super informative food scientist, author, voice actor, and cinematographer. Growing up, we enjoyed watching Food Network's Good Eats so much, which examined the origins of ingredients, and shares culinary customs and shared recipes with us. In addition, we enjoyed watching him host Iron Chef America on the network as well as Netflix's Iron Chef: Quest For An Iron Legend.

His passion behind the science of food, as well as its history, is always exciting to learn about. We took some time to find out about brain health, how he got into the industry and his partnership with Neuriva.

ATHLEISURE MAG: I have been a fan of your work ever since 1999 when I saw the first episode of Good Eats on Food Network!

ALTON BROWN: Oh wow! You were in grade school?

AM: Hmm ’99, I was in college!

AB: It’s funny, it still sounds recent. When I hear someone say 1999, I’m like that’s not too far away!

AM: Same! I was born in ’79 so I don’t feel it’s that far away!

AB: I graduated from high school in ’79!

AM: We’re always talking about health – fitness, gut, mental, and we don’t always get to brain health. But that is an important component as well. Why is it important to you?

AB: Well I really started to think about it a lot when I was thinking about the fact that I was going to turn 60 soon. I studied nutrition so much and I have read so much about it – I have probably forgotten a lot but, I hadn’t really spent a lot of time thinking about what my brain actually needed from me from a culinary standpoint, a supplemental standpoint, an exercise standpoint, or any standpoint. So I started doing a fair amount of research from a few years ago reading peer review papers and I have always enjoyed research. When I got a call from Neuriva, I was like, I already know what is in there, because I have already read papers on ashwagandha and papers on NeuroFactor and so it was very clear to me very quickly that they were very into the science, as was I. That’s how that started and that’s how I got interested in learning about what brains need and they are very complex organs. They do need things and a lot of what it is that they need, is that we need to feed them. The rest, I think supplementally helps.

For me, I break it down into exercise, quality sleep – which most of us do not get – as sleep is gigantic and really almost more important than exercise, nutrition, and what I call – brain stretching. For me, I always need to be in a state of always learning about something that I don’t know. It’s about studying and not just reading for fun. I have to have the ability to actively acquire information.

AM: Yeah, like putting the pieces together.

AB: Right, or my brain gets lazy. It does the equivalent of cracking a beer and sitting down in front of the TV if it’s not actively learning. That’s my brain – not me!

AM: Of course not you!

AB: I’m not a beer person!

And the other part is supplements. When I was studying nutrition from a brain standpoint, I thought there are a lot of things that I would like to get, but it’s just hard to get in food. You can, but not easily because you would have to eat a whole lot of something that you don’t want to. So I break it down into those 5 parts. I try to learn and now that I am in my 60’s, I need to try to learn enough so that my brain can continue to go for perhaps a little while longer.

AM: So what is Neuriva?

AB: You mean the actual supplement itself?

AM: Yes!

AB: Well, there are several of them. They have different things in them, but really, it’s a matter of adding, so the original Neuriva has this thing called NeuroFactor which is an extract from coffee berries – not the seeds, the berries. It also has Phosphatidylserine which is a phospholipid which supports cell membranes especially in the brain. So those 2 chemicals together – originally they were obtained from animal sources and then someone figured out how to get them from soybeans so it’s vegetable derived now. But those 2 things together formed a core of the two nutrients that I was interested in that I couldn’t just get.

You can get coffee berries for your beverage, but you need a lot and I’d rather take them in this supplement. On top of that I don’t really like the way that it tastes. For the Phosphatidylserine, it’s just almost impossible to get. So, those 2 things help you do maintenance for connectivity and cell membranes and then they added Neuriva Plus which brought B6 and B12 to they party. They are very symbiotic vitamins for brain health with those others. Then when Ultra came out, that added an extract from a member of the ginger family – Galangal – there are 4 different kinds of Galangals in the ginger family. They are wonderful for enhancing alertness. I like that one because it also works symbiotically with caffeine. It doesn’t have caffeine, but it works with it and I am a coffee person, so I have moved to that. It’s the same package plus the B Vitamins, plus that extract so it’s kind of like, you can get the base model or the extra! Of course when they come out with their next one, I don’t know! Because now that they have used Ultra, I told them to be careful about that as when it's out, what are you going to do? I mean what’s next, Super Ultra?

AM: Just hearing you talk about how you delve into the base parts of how things come together, how did you come to the culinary industry?

AB: I was a filmmaker, cinematographer, and director for TV commercials. I watched food shows and back in the late 80’s and the 90’s, I thought that they were boring and I knew that I wasn’t really learning anything. It was like, I have another recipe, great. But I don’t know why and I don’t know why any of this works?

I wanted shows that were more exciting and more visual. I wanted to know more on why that was going on and no one wanted to make that show.

So I quit and I went to culinary school. When I went to culinary school, I realized that they weren’t going to show me why either. Luckily, there was another college in this little town I went to for culinary school in Vermont and they had a library that we could use. So they would publish their chemistry reading list and I just went and started studying it because unfortunately, science is the answer to just about everything. There’s a science play everywhere, not necessarily for matters of the heart, but everything else.

So I think that I got addicted in a way that was chemical to telling those stories and to get people excited and to get people to be curious. It sparked in me a curiosity engine that I wouldn’t want to turn off.

AM: We love hearing about people's routines! What are 3 things that they enjoy doing, having, enjoying/being in the Morning, Afternoon, and at Night. We call this 63MIX ROUTIN3S.

AB: This has very much come out of my brain studies.

AM: I assumed!

AB: As a matter of fact, I'm not naturally a routine person. The only routine that I used to have was that I will stumble out somewhere and I will find coffee. When I went to bed, where I got to bed – at that time, everything was about work. I would work until 4 in the morning and then when I got up, I did it all over again.

So now with this routine that I have, it's about sleep and I have a bed time! I have a bed time. I have a bed hour that I have to get to bed during. Somewhere between 10:30 and 11:30, I must be in bed.

I can’t look at a screen at least 2 hours before then. It screws up everything. I can read, but it has to be a book. I have to get that sleep!

I also have a time that I get up and it’s no later than 6:30 in the morning. Because the morning to me is like stolen time it’s before you have to do things for other people. I’m working on my first collection of essays and memoirs stuff right know which has been a very challenging thing right now. I write better in the morning and I edit what I wrote at night better at this time. So that's a very big one.

My wife and I, Elizabeth, do not eat after 8pm at night. If that’s not enforced, you automatically set a clock where it forces at least a 15 hour break for the next day which puts me off my schedule for breakfast!

And then the other thing that I won't call a routine is that I used to say, ok, I'm going to workout. It's like, I have to put on clothes that I don't like.

AM: No 3-piece suits!

AB: It depends! I knew that it would be an hour and a half and that I would hate it. So instead, I have learned to break it up into chunks. I do micro workouts! I try to do 3 of them everyday. One of them has to be weight related. It doesn’t have to be a lot of weight.

One of them has to be 100% cardio. It can be fast - or when we're in NY, we have an apartment here and we live in Atlanta. If there is a coffeeshop that I want to go to like when we have our apartment here in NY, as opposed to picking the one on our block, I’ll pick one that is 3 miles away. So I earn -

AM: You earn that coffee!

AB: Yes! So there's always a cardio, there's always a weightlifting and this is going to sound so stupid, but my wife read this book called Breathe and convinced me that the entirety of my life, I had been breathing wrong. I don’t meditate because it makes me fall asleep, but I literally stop and work on nothing but breathing for half an hour.

AM: Breathwork is so important!

AB: Well I never knew that! I just thought that is was eh?

AM: I started doing it about a year ago and it really is effective!

AB: I was like, I'm already breathing! But the truth is, I'm a scuba diver and when I got the scuba diving training when I was much much younger, breath control was such a huge huge part of making your air last and not sinking all of the time, so it reminded me of that training that I went through and it's incredibly effective both mentally and physically! Two years ago, I wouldn't have been into it!

AM: It has been such a pleasure to chat with you and to be able to meet you and being such a fan of Good Eats as well as other shows that you have been on!

We enjoyed interviewing Alton and in addition to having time to talk with him, we enjoyed an intimate dinner party with him and the Neuriva team that would fuel our brain health.

Over our four course dinner at Hearth, Chef Marco Canora's (founder of Bone Broth brand, Brodo) Tuscan-American farm-to-table restaurant in the East Village of NYC, Alton walked us through each of the dishes! Of course, he provided the science behind them and why they are effective. Our first course was the Ribollita. It's an honor to share some select notes highlighted by Chef Alton from this special dinner.

AB: I’m so excited that we’re sharing this intimate dinner party together and as we enjoy our various courses, I’m going to tell you a bit about the brain nutrients that are involved in the dishes that we’re going to enjoy! The brain needs a number of nutrients for its health and you can get those outside of a supplementary way. One of the ingredients is coffee berries – I like coffee but I don’t like the berries and I’m not a fan of the taste and another one is Phosphatidylserine which is a lipid, a phospholipid that we used to get from brains in animals and now we get them from soybeans. It helps to build and maintain cell membranes and I want this stuff, I need to get this, and I can’t get enough of it in food. Then, all of a sudden there was the original Neuriva formula which I believe only contained those two things. So I knew it was the supplement for me as I wouldn’t be able to get enough of it in food.

So not too long after that, I was called up by them and I thought yes, get your scientists on the phone because I want to talk about white papers and everything. So it happened very naturally to partner with Neuriva and it’s been a couple of great years. I have been taking the product for awhile now and Ultra happens to be my favorite because it works really nicely when the caffeine hits.

We have a very stimulating evening ahead and we also have what I like to call instead of a Tasting Menu, a Thinking Menu as we talk about food. Everybody knows what the Mediterranean Diet (Editor’s Note: The Mediterranean Diet is a diet inspired by the eating habits and traditional food typical of southern Spain, southern Italy, and Crete, and formulated in the early 1960s.) is as it can be a bit loosey goosey and sexy and cool. It has had some great effects. From that is another diet that emerged from it known as the DASH Diet (Editor’s Note: Known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, it is a flexible and balanced eating plan that helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life) that some of you may not have heard of that is a version of the Mediterranean Diet that was designed specifically for people that were fighting hypertension problems. So if anyone with us was in the 80s we used to have these things called Graphic Equalizer Stereos that turned things up and down on different parts of the soundwave and that’s what that diet did. It went for the hypertension part and removed salt and then it did some other things. Then in the 2015, Martha Clare Morris came up with the MIND Diet (Editor’s Note: Known as The Mediterranean – DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet combines portions of the DASH Diet and the Mediterranean Diet which have been shown to improve cognition) and it takes the same componentry of the Mediterranean Diet and changing it up for our brains. What would our brains want out of that diet? It’s a little bit different as it emphasizes some other components that might not have been as focused as much. For instance, all the diets have fruit! No one is going to talk bad about fruit. The MIND Diet says, you know what? The brain really wants dark berries. Blueberries - eat your blueberries. Have more olive oil, eat more leafy greens. No one is going to say anything bad about these things either. The MIND Diet has more poultry, even more than fish! There is a substance in poultry called choline (Editor’s Note: Found in poultry, this prevents abnormal storage of fat in the liver, which ensures proper body metabolism and efficient utilization of nutrients. It also supports the proper functioning of the nervous system and ensures its harmony.) which is really hard to get anywhere else, but in good lean, protein meat. Choline has a lot to do with enhancing the way that phospholipids work in the brain and our membranes as well. The good news is that unlike other diets, red wine is on the MIND Diet currently. There is some research for that. Tonight, we’re going to eat 4 courses. We’ll try to enhance and bring to the party, some of those foods that are incorporated into the MIND Diet and we’ll talk about it course by course as we go through it.

We are very fortunate to be at this restaurant! Hearth is one of the best restaurants in NY and I have known Chef Marco Canora for many years. There are brilliant, brilliant cooks here. Chef Michael Keough is here tonight and I hope he will come in and say something to us in a bit. I had some questions for him this morning and he was so gracious about answering about things that are on tonight’s menu.

Our first course is going to be a soup called Ribollita. If anybody has spent time in Tuscany, this is a soup that you would have seen there. It's a basic - I hate to say the word the word but here it comes – rustic soup. What this one does is it’s going to hit one of the major notes and chords of the MIND Diet – beans! When we talk about green beans, we’re also talking about dry beans. This is a bean soup in vegetable stock and we will be enjoying those vegetables tonight! There will be carrots, there are some onions, and I believe there is some cabbage in there. This also has some sage and garlic infusion. The cool thing about this in its traditional form, is that is bread based. It is thickened usually with moistened bread and always served with crisp, giant croutons on top. There is also a dusting of parmesan cheese. But most of the flavor will be coming from those beans. That’s going to guarantee that we are getting those beans that we want. Of course you can enjoy the bread as well as the olive oil which is also perfect for this diet as well.

We enjoyed this hearty soup which was flavorful and nourishing. It really set the stage for the next portion of our meal which was a Pizzocheri, a ribbon pasta.

AB: As we continue on in the MIND Diet, the next course is a Pizzocheri. We don’t talk much about mushrooms in brain health and brain support, but there’s a lot of research that suggests that we should be focusing on them a lot more. They’re good for our bodies, our planet, and our brains. This Pizzocheri is topped with a little bit of fontina cheese and what we’re getting is some great vegetation with the cabbage and some brain healthy mushrooms that are not currently listed on the MIND Diet, but I think that they will be in the next few years and a whole grain pasta which is a perfectly acceptable way to get your grains.

This was yet another dish from the night that was filling an full of nutrients that are beneficial to our health. We all agreed that this was something that we would enjoy eating throughout the winter! Where the first, second and the fourth course are dishes that are currently on Hearth's menu, but were adjusted to have the brain health specific ingredients that are part of the MIND Diet, our third course is a recipe from Alton Brown that we were excited to try as we know his love for chicken!

AB: We are at the Main Course event for tonight! This is my recipe and it is actually a conglomeration of two of my spatchcock recipes. I like to cut the back of my chickens – some people call it butterflying, I think that spatchcock is far more sexy! So this features a couple of Middle Eastern spices that I am a big fan of, Aleppo pepper and Za’atar that I know that you all are very very familiar with. So we’re getting our poultry in which is definitely on this diet. But also, we’re taking in our greens from another chicken dish of mine, a Sesame Glazed Dark Greens which it is being served with it tonight. I believe we’re going to have a Black Kale and 2 other greens, I’m not sure what they ended up with tonight, but it is 3 very different organic greens. They have been sauteed and it’s whatever they got from the market today. The sauce is a straight forward pan sauce that are the drippings from the chicken with a little bit of butter and poured right over the chicken. This is something that I like to do once I got into the MIND set of the MIND Diet which is combining various things that were in the diet to support each other. I love chicken, it’s my favorite meat. There are days where I don’t want to eat my greens and I try to hide them – I will tell you that! But because they are brought together by the lemon glaze with sesame, it unites the dish in a really handy way! So I hope you enjoy it and smell it!

Without a doubt, this is a chicken that we could have again and again! The greens were also something that we want to put in our rotation as well! We have the recipe for both of these dishes that you can make for yourself for Alton's Butterflied Chicken with Aleppo and Za’atar as well as his Lemon Sesame Glazed Greens!

Of course, we ended this amazing meal with dessert and enjoyed a Tangerine Almond Cake.

AB: Dessert! Believe it or not, on the MIND Diet, desserts can be had especially when they contain nuts! Nuts are a big part of this diet because nuts have a lot of fantastic fats that are not only good for your body, but also for your brain. It’s the phytochemicals that are still being studied as we speak. This is an almond with most of the cream off to the side and kumquats. Of course, they are a great source of Vitamin C and so this is a dessert in the Italian style where the accent is really on the flavor of the ingredients rather than an added sweetness. Enjoy!

We enjoyed being able to chat with Alton as well as to be invited to his dinner party to enjoy a great meal as well as one that benefits our brain health!

We also learned about the brand's 30-Day Brain Health Challenge, an easy and fun way to redefine cognitive potential and establish a brain-healthy routine. This allows consumers to choose their Neuriva of choice and taking it for 30 days to help support up to 7 indicators of brain health, including memory. You can also download the Neuriva Brain Gym app, to play stimulating Brain Games daily and see the results for yourself.

IG @altonbrown

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 60, 65 + 67 Discovery+/Good Eats: The Return | PG 62 Neuriva | PG 69 - 73 Netflix/Patrick Wymore |

Read the FEB ISSUE #98 of Athleisure Mag and see BRAIN HEALTH IS KEY | Alton Brown in mag.

KINGS OF THE STRIP | PENN & TELLER

When it comes to taking in an amazing show in Vegas, Penn & Teller have been the dynamic duo sharing their magic act for decades. They have entertained countless fans whether they're at the the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio, traveling around the world, or their CW show, Fool Us. Penn Jillette shared how they got into the industry, their Vegas Residency, their TV show, and their partnership with Mucinex.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with being entertainers, magicians, and comedians?

PENN JILLETTE: We both started working before we met each other, and Teller was doing magic when he was five. I started juggling and doing shows when I was 12.

AM: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to work together?

PJ: We met through a mutual friend during a show, and Teller was still a high school teacher outside of Trenton. I don't know if we ever really decided to work together, I think it's still on a trial basis.

AM: You have your Vegas residency at Rio at the Penn & Teller Theater! What does it mean to you to be able to perform on stage and what are some of your favorite memories?

PJ: All we ever wanted to do are tricks for people, and I also have all the love in the world for Vegas, but we don't care that we’re in Vegas. I mean, it's our home now and we do a lot with the community. But we want to be wherever the Penn and Teller theater is. We will be there. We just love doing the show every night. I mean, it's what we do.

AM: What are 3 of your favorite tricks?

PJ: That's really difficult! I'd have to say the three newest. The next thing we're working on is what I think we're always most excited about. I think everybody's kind of like that.

AM: You are so busy from your residency, to your show Fool Us on the CW, and all of your appearances, how do you approach your health and wellness while you are on tour?

PJ: We try the best we can to eat well, I'm a vegan so that helps a little bit. We also try to get rest and do that kind of stuff. I'm pretty conscientious about not doing anything else when I'm on the road. When you're on the road, you're not traveling. You're doing shows and that's a different thing.

AM: Why did you partner with Mucinex and how have you made Mr. Mucus disappear?

PJ: It is actually a product that I use, which is very important. I didn't choose Mucinex, my doctor did! Mucinex also offered us to do a live show in Grand Central Station, which is really fun. Its cold and flu season and we all just want those pesky cough and cold symptoms to disappear, so we jumped at the chance to make Mr. Mucus - the epitome of mucus, cough, and congestion go poof! As to how we made him disappear - well it was either smoke or mirrors, one of the two.

AM: Tell us about your Grand Central Terminal Vanderbilt Hall event that took place on Feb 7th?

PJ: It was nice! It was back to our old street performing days. I like people just wandering in as they're walking by. It's kind of a nice thing.

AM: We have used Mucinex for well over a decade. Why is Mucinex 12-Hour your go-to for cough and chest congestion?

PJ: It’s what my doctor recommended! Mucinex 12 hour DM is always our go-to for cough and chest congestion, the last thing you need when you’re trying to present on stage. I love that it takes one pill to get a full 12 hours of relief, unlike other medications that last only 4, so I’m set all day as I go from rehearsals to shows.

AM: Tell us about Fool Us as it has been going on for 10 seasons! What is the format of this show and what is it like to work with various celebs that have appeared in the episodes with you?

PJ: Well for those who don't know, it's a show where the best magicians in the world come on. We don't know who it’s going to be. So they do a trick for us and they do it once, and if we can’t figure out their trick, then they win. And it's really that simple and also that impossible. It's a wonderful feeling. You get into magic not because you want to fool people, but because you want to be fooled. And we luckily have a whole organization in place just to find people who can give us that feeling of wonder.

IG @pennandtellerlive

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Michael Simon

Read the FEB ISSUE #98 of Athleisure Mag and see KINGS OF THE STRIP | Penn & Teller in mag.

SLOPES & SAFE SUN | KIEHL'S X JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN

We all love packing a bag and heading out to a destination. Of course, we always love sandy beaches, but it's also nice to immerse ourselves in a bit of a winter wonderland as well! Jackson Hole is a destination that can be enjoyed year around, but this time of year when it comes to the snow, being able to enjoy a number of activities as well as we enjoy cuisine and the town at large.

Those who are in the region will have the ability to enjoy the elements while maintaining their skincare with the iconic brand Kiehl's. We took some time with Isabelle Carramaschi, SVP Kiehl’s to find out about the brand historically, their innovations, how they have embraced sports, and what they are doing with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. In addition, we

chatted with Andrew Way, Marketing VP of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, to find out about the area, what makes it a must-visit destination for those during this time of year as well in other seasons, and to learn more about the culinary offerings as well as upcoming events that we should know about.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Kiehl's launched in 1851 on 13th and 3rd Ave here in NY. Tell me about John Kiehl's and what the first product was that the brand released?

ISABELLE CARRAMASCHI: In the late 18th century, John Kiehl, with a keen interest in homeopathy, bought a New York apothecary's shop first opened in 1851 by Louis Brunswick, a German immigrant. Inspired by old-world apothecaries, he used the store to offer free consultations and hand-compounded custom remedies.

With his custom remedies and personalized consultations, John Kiehl developed a special community around his apothecary, where care was available to anyone who walked through the doors. These unique values helped to build Kiehl’s and remain at the heart of the brand today.

AM: It seems that the brand has always looked at the customer experience from having the concept of "Try Before You Buy" in 1922 as well as being one of the first companies in 1924 to list their ingredients on the label before the government made this a mandate. Why was the brand ahead of its time in this space?

IC: I believe the brand will remain ahead of its time in the space so long as it remains true to its values and places community first. The brand has always prioritized inclusivity and the care of others, made evident in its embracing of the LGBTQ+ community during a time when they were faced with adversity during the AIDS epidemic. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and transparency with our ingredients is based on the same principles; we care about what is inside our formulas and its impact on the world we live in. Kiehl’s will continue to put clients before sales with custom treatments and personalized consultations – we joke at L'Oréal that the Kiehl’s team would rather make a friend than a sale.

And of course, we need the business to do well to support our staff, our causes and our community; but we believe one in consequence of the other.

AM: Science seems to be core to the brand as Aaron Morse not only took over the family business, but he was known for formulating an early form of penicilin and he gave the US government a special Aloe Vera Cream that could be used on radiation burns. What are some of the things that he created that are still hero products within the assortment today?

IC: In our view, Aaron created something bigger than product! He created a testing methodology that is applicable to all our skus. Due to his education, exposure to war, and sense of adventure, Kiehl's creams were always put to the test against extreme conditions. A few products that have stood the test of time include the Lip Balm #1, Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, Blue Astringent Lotion, Crème de Corps Body Lotion, and Ultra Facial Moisturizer (with more than one sold every minute in the U.S.!).

AM: The brand has over 100 products and artifacts that are in the permanent collection of the Division of Medicine and Science at the Smithsonian National Museum in DC. What does it mean to the brand that it has a legacy that started as an apothecary/pharmacy and continues to this day?

IC: It's a great reminder of where we came from and how much expertise this brand carries.

In the acquisition by L'Oréal, it was essential to learn and preserve the values and soul of the brand and respect more than a century of expertise. Of course, there is always excitement around new brands, but there is so much knowledge and history behind Kiehls.

AM: In 1988, the brand sponsored the Everest '88 Expedition, which was the first ascent on the east face of the mountain without supplemental oxygen! But they brought an array of Kiehl's products! What was the thinking behind sponsoring this event, and what is the connection between the beauty brand and sports?

IC: As mentioned above, through his love for adventure, Aaron Mores looked to enhance the performance of products by putting them through extreme testing; taking products to be tested and reformulated based on voyages such as The Everest ’88 Expedition has had a tremendous impact on how we formulate, test, and market our products today. We hope to bring to life this spirit of adventure through our partnership with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort while also celebrating the community and creating experiences as Aaron did with his expeditions.

AM: How did the Kiehls and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort partnership come about to be the official 2024 SPF Partner?

IC: As a brand centered around community, we love finding and partnering with communities, creators, and brands that share our beliefs. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a unique place that embodies the spirit of adventure and outdoor exploration year-round, resonating deeply with the Kiehl’s brand heritage. One of Kiehl’s main goals is to preserve the values and rich history of the brand - one being “adventure testing” to further highlight our efficacious formulas and technology.

Now that we have some backstory about the brand, hero products, and how they have continued to be involved in sports, we wanted to know more about this resort and what makes it so unique. Andrew Way, the Marketing VP of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort gives us the inside scoop.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Why is Jackson Hole, in terms of the area, a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the winter, as it is located in Wyoming's Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as well as Grand Teton National Park?

ANDREW WAY: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's (JHMR) northern boundary is Grand Teton National Park and we operate on a Bridger Teton National Forest permit. The views are stunning and 97 percent of the land in the Jackson Hole area is open space and will always be protected. Getting outside and going on an adventure is right out our front door and deeply ingrained in our local culture.

AW: Jacksonhole.com has a ton of information for people planning a trip to Jackson Hole, ranging from First Timer’s Guides to booking a full family vacation. We also have a ton of great content that will help anyone plan their trip.

JHMR first opened in 1965 with Apres Vous Mountain. The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram opened in 1966, taking people to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. The Aerial Tram is an incredible experience that whisks skiers and riders 4,139 vertical feet in 10 minutes, accessing some of the best terrain and fall line skiing in North America.

AM: How much snow does Jackson Hole get?

AW: The combination of snow and terrain make Jackson Hole one of the top destinations for skiers and riders. We average 458 inches of snowfall each season, and it’s usually light, powder snow.

AM: The partnership between JHMR and Kiehl's seems like a natural fit! For guests that are coming to the resort, how will they be able to engage with this collab?

AW: We are excited to offer sampling of Khiel’s products to guests throughout the season at the base of our lifts. Kiehl’s will also be hosting an activation in March, when guests will be able to check skin health, sample products, enjoy some NYC-inspired treats, and receive complimentary ski/board waxes.

Kiehl’s products are available for sale in key JHMR stores, including Jackson Hole Sports, Teton Village Sports, and Rodeo.

AM: Tell us about Kings and Queens.

AW: Kings & Queens is one of the top freeride events available to elite skiers and snowboarders, held at the world-famous Corbet’s Couloir. Athletes have pushed the limits of what’s possible in blending freeride in steep, big-mountain terrain. It also has an important history of equality, with equal prize money for women and men and the athletes themselves judging the competition and determining the winners. We can’t wait to see what goes down this year, with one of the best lineups of athletes we’ve ever had.

AM: Tell us about the lodging options that are available for those that want to spend time on the mountain as well as to have a luxury experience when they are off of it.

AW: From luxury stays at the Four Seasons to staying at the historic Hostel in Teton Village, there are lodging options available for everyone. My personal favorite is the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, which blends luxury with authentic mountain living. I also recommend Jackson Hole Resort Lodging, which offers vacation rentals at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that are perfect for a family looking for more space.

AM: We always enjoy having a great meal, especially when we're doing a lot of activities. Can you tell us about restaurants that are on property that we should have on our list?

AW: Piste Mountain Bistro offers a wonderful dining experience at the top of the Bridger Gondola. The menu is as spectacular as the views, which overlook the Jackson Hole valley.

AM: Can you tell us about Corbet's Cabin and their Top of the World Waffles? What are 3 of your favorites?

AW: Corbet’s Cabin serves world-famous waffles from the top of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450’. Earlier this year USA Today named Corbet’s Cabin number two on its list of the 10 Best Ski Restaurants in North America survey. My favorites are the Gateway (with peanut butter and bacon), Trad (with brown sugar butter), and Italian, which features Nutella.

AM: Outside of activities on the mountain, what are other activities that are in the area that we should have in mind this winter?

AW: Skiing is my favorite activity in the winter, but there’s lots more to do in Jackson Hole. Check out the Town Square with shopping, sleigh rides on the National Elk Refuge, cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park, photos at the elk antler arches, and enjoy a buffalo burger with a pint of the brand new Jackson Hole Lager.

AM: As we head into the Spring, the Rendezvous Music Festival will be on April 5th and 6th. What can you tell us about this?

AW: Rendezvous Music Festival is a free, two-day music festival that features incredible music acts set against the most iconic backdrops in Jackson Hole: Historic downtown Jackson Town Square and the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This year’s lineup features platinum-selling indie rock heroes The Head and The Heart headlining with Jamestown Revival on April 5 in Town Square, and Mt. Joy headlining alongside Luke Grimes and Niko Moon on April 6 in Teton Village. Rendezvous Music Festival is an amazing weekend to experience all that Jackson Hole has to offer in the spring.

Rendezvous also gives guests the ultimate Jackson Hole experience. Aside from the concerts, festival goers are encouraged to enjoy the amazing skiing and riding, dining, nightlife, wildlife viewing, shopping, and other activities.

AM: What does Jackson Hole and JHMR offer in the summer and the fall months for those that are thinking ahead to booking at these times of the year?

AW: Jackson Hole is home to some of the country’s most inspiring natural beauty, including Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), which borders JHMR. With abundant wildlife, crystal clear lakes, and high alpine terrain, GTNP offers amazing hiking, climbing, paddle boarding, and wildlife viewing. Jackson Hole is also a convenient homebase for access to Yellowstone National Park’s southern entrance, providing a plethora of lodging, dining, nightlife, and activity options that are unavailable in the park.

In the summer and early fall, JHMR offers a range of activities for the Jackson Hole traveler. The Aerial Tram and Bridger Gondola run for sightseeing, offering stunning views of the Jackson Hole valley as well as the Teton, Gros Ventre, and Snake River mountain ranges. The Jackson Hole Bike Park offers world-class downhill mountain bike trails for everyone from the novice to the highly technical and advanced rider. JHMR offers downhill bike rentals, private mountain bike guides, youth bike clinics, and adaptive mountain biking lessons for those looking to expand their skills. JHMR’s Via Ferrata, one of very few in the country, provides guests the opportunity to experience guided, safe high-alpine climbing along iron rungs, cable traverses, and suspended bridges, with no climbing experience necessary. Summer activities at JHMR also include world-class lift-to-lift hiking, disc golf, paragliding, the aerial ropes course, yoga, outdoor dining, and more.

AM: Are there additional events coming up that we should keep an eye out for?

AW: March at JHMR is full of action! The Jackson Hole Downhill and Dick’s Ditch Banked Slalom offer opportunities for all skiers and riders to find their need for speed, and spectators will also have the chance to watch skilled racers in the US Ski & Showboard U18 Alpine Nationals and Wyoming High School Championships.

Summer will also offer a full events calendar, including bike and running races, the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Fest, Bikes & Brews, and the world premiere of the latest film from Teton Gravity Research.

IG @kiehls

@jacksonhole

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 132 - 137 + 141 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort | PG 138 Kiehls

Read the JAN ISSUE #97 of Athleisure Mag and see SLOPES & SAFE SUN | Kiehl's X Jackson Hole Mountain in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | NOBU HOTEL LONDON PORTMAN SQUARE

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square has an amazing experience that you can enjoy that brings in all of the senses as we kick off the new year with Shiawase. This is a Japanese philosophy that celebrates happiness, contentment, peace and wellbeing. It is a feeling that is associated with fulfillment and accomplishments and entails actions of devoting oneself to pursuits of enjoyment.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square embodies a guest experience that offers luxury, immersion-focused experiences and holistic practices, which is emphasized through the opportunity for guests to celebrate Shiawase. Each of these elements create a unique and fulfilling sense of wellbeing, personalised service, attention to detail, connection, mindfulness, and presence, which is reflected throughout the property's amenities and guest offerings to improve health, wellness, enjoyment and harmony.

Whether travelers are seeking a Winter escape after the busy holiday season or a little light and rejuvenation in the dark months, their Shiawase Overnight Stay Package offers the perfect two-night stay escape to reconnect and reboot the senses to feel more grounded and content as they enter 2024. Guests who book the package will have the opportunity to immerse into the Japanese culture and philosophy of Shiawase to celebrate wellbeing and happiness through an empowering Pilates class (this hotel is home to the world's first Nobu Pilates Reformer studio), a special Detox Bento Box created by Chef Michael that is paired with a range of Everleaf mocktails to enjoy at Nobu Restaurant.

The new Detox Bento Box at Nobu Restaurant combines high-energy ingredients that nourishes the body and combats common Winter deficiencies. Inside the box, guests will find a high-protein Sushi and Nigiri selection, a Dragon Fruit Ceviche, which is loaded with Vitamin C and prebiotic properties, as well as Vegetable Spicy Garlic Donburi, Grilled Chicken with Goma Dressing and Spinach Dry Miso. The box is also packed with antioxidants, miso which aids gut health, and sesame which supports digestion and bone health, whilst chili boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin. It is completed with a refreshing mix of seasonal berries with coconut and lime sorbet.

For those focused on Dry January, they have partnered with Everleaf, an award winning non-alcoholic aperitif, to bring a specially curated non-alcoholic cocktail menu to Nobu Bar and focus on wellness and renewal going into the new year.

NOBU HOTEL LONDON PORTMAN SQUARE

22 Portman Square,

London W1H

7BG, United Kingdom

london-portman.nobuhotels.com

IG @nobulondonportman

PHOTOGRAPHY | Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

Read the JAN ISSUE #97 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Nobu Hotel London Portman Square in mag.

PENN, TELLER & WELLNESS

It’s cold and flu season, and don’t you wish your symptoms would just magically disappear? To remind everyone that Mucinex 12-Hour helps vanquish your symptoms, Penn & Teller teamed up with Mucinex to make Mr. Mucus - the epitome of cough and congestion – disappear. We also wanted to know more about them, their Vegas residency, and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with being entertainers, magicians, and comedians?

PENN & TELLER: We both started working before we met each other, and Teller was doing magic when he was five. I started juggling and doing shows when I was 12.

AM: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to work together?

P & T: We met through a mutual friend during a show, and Teller was still a high school teacher outside of Trenton. I don't know if we ever really decided to work together, I think it's still on a trial basis.

AM: You have your Vegas residency at Rio at the Penn & Teller Theater! What does it mean to you to be able to perform on stage and what are some of your favorite memories?

P & T: All we ever wanted to do are tricks for people, and I also have all the love in the world for Vegas, but we don't care that we’re in Vegas. I mean, it's our home now and we do a lot with the community. But we want to be wherever the Penn and Teller theater is. We will be there. We just love doing the show every night. I mean, it's what we do.

AM: What are 3 of your favorite tricks?

P & T: That's really difficult! I'd have to say the three newest. The next thing we're working on is what I think we're always most excited about. I think everybody's kind of like that.

AM: You are so busy from your residency, to your show Fool Us on the CW, and all of your appearances, how do you approach your health and wellness while you are on tour?

P & T: We try the best we can to eat well, I'm a vegan so that helps a little bit. We also try to get rest and do that kind of stuff. I'm pretty conscientious about not doing anything else when I'm on the road. When you're on the road, you're not traveling. You're doing shows and that's a different thing.

AM: Why did you partner with Mucinex and how have you made Mr. Mucus disappear?

P & T: It is actually a product that I use, which is very important. I didn't choose Mucinex, my doctor did! Mucinex also offered us to do a live show in Grand Central Station, which is really fun. Its cold and flu season and we all just want those pesky cough and cold symptoms to disappear, so we jumped at the chance to make Mr. Mucus - the epitome of mucus, cough, and congestion go poof! As to how we made him disappear - well it was either smoke or mirrors, one of the two.

AM: Tell us about your Grand Central Terminal Vanderbilt Hall event that took place on Feb 7th?

P & T: It was nice! It was back to our old street performing days. I like people just wandering in as they're walking by. It's kind of a nice thing.

AM: We have used Mucinex for well over a decade. Why is Mucinex 12-Hour your go-to for cough and chest congestion?

P & T: It’s what my doctor recommended! Mucinex 12 hour DM is always our go-to for cough and chest congestion, the last thing you need when you’re trying to present on stage. I love that it takes one pill to get a full 12 hours of relief, unlike other medications that last only 4, so I’m set all day as I go from rehearsals to shows.

AM: Tell us about Fool Us as it has been going on for 10 seasons! What is the format of this show and what is it like to work with various celebs that have appeared in the episodes with you?

P & T: Well for those who don't know, it's a show where the best magicians in the world come on. We don't know who it’s going to be. So they do a trick for us and they do it once, and if we can’t figure out their trick, then they win. And it's really that simple and also that impossible. It's a wonderful feeling. You get into magic not because you want to fool people, but because you want to be fooled. And we luckily have a whole organization in place just to find people who can give us that feeling of wonder.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | REMEDY PLACE

Remedy Place is a Social Wellness Club where guest can enjoy the benefits of being at a wellness club in a space where they are able to improve their health and seamlessly coexist with their social life as well.

Dr. Jonathan Leary is the visionary Founder and CEO of Remedy Place with establishments in New York and Los Angeles, and plans to create a global footprint with brick-and-mortar locations spanning North America and beyond. The vision is based in the $10+ trillion healthcare industry where those can enjoy holisitic technologies which usher in a dynamic new era of self-care.

Remedy Place is known for its beautiful and intentionally designed clubs which focus on healing by seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality to create spaces that enhance one’s physiology.

They offer Chiropractic Movement (using a trio of techniques to mobilize joints, muscles, and fascia, to get you moving better than ever), Acupuncture & Cupping: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vitamin Drips & Shots (tailored to your specific needs), Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (oxygen fueled healing), Lymphatic Compression (flushing toxins and decreasing extra fluid retention), Infrared Sauna Suite, Ice Bath Studio, Cryotherapy, Private Contrast Suite, Red Light Bed, and Remedy Roller.

Members and non-member can experience the services offered. Membership privileges and associated benefits are tailored to each specific club. Non-members can enjoy individual remedies à la carte. They are always accepting new members and encourage them to extend the benefits of their clubs to their friends and family as wellness is a fundamental value here.

The remedies are a reflection of Dr. Leary's work with patients to understand and tackle the root causes of their health issues. His extensive experience has shaped a collection of curated remedies that prioritize comprehensive well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions.

Remedy Place had gift cards for the holiday season (which can also be purchased year around) so you can give the gift of a luxury remedy to others.

REMEDY PLACE

12 W 21st St FRNT 1,

NY, NY 10010

8305 Sunset Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

remedyplace.com

IG @remedyplace

PHOTO CREDITS | Remedy Place

Read the NOV ISSUE #95 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Remedy Place in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG SUMMIT® SERIES X BÉIS

The week before we head into the holiday season has quite a bit going on and we’re excited that our Athleisure Mag Summit Series with BÉIS’ SVP, Brand and Creative, Liz Money. We’ve had the pleasure of including their brand in our issues as well as editorials that we have shot.

On Dec 20th, from 3pm - 3:30pm ET, our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Dir of Athleisure Mag, Kimmie Smith will chat with Liz about this brand, their assortment, great gifting options, and what we can expect from them in 2024. You can join us virtually and we’ll also have a giveaway with them. Click here or the invite above so that you can sign up for this event.

HOLIDAYS, HEALTH, + HAPPINESS WITH LA LA ANTHONY

We always enjoy when we have the opportunity to catch up with STARZ’s BMF and Showtime’s The Chi star, La La Anthony! We love when we see her in a number of projects whether it’s in TV, film, as an entrepreneur and more! With the holiday season that’s known for a number of events as well as taking that time to think about how you are stepping into the New Year, we wanted to catch up with her to see about how she navigates this business season personally and professionally!

She partnered with Delsym because when a cough starts making its way around La La’s house, there are two things La La’s family needs to feel better together so they don’t miss out on any holiday festivities: Delsym, the #1 doctor recommended, 12-hour cough suppressant, and her favorite Puerto Rican Chicken Soup recipe, her go-to comfort meal when her family is feeling under the weather this cold and flu season.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s the holiday season. We can’t even believe that it’s the end of the year!

LA LA ANTHONY: Right? How did that happen?

AM: It’s like we blinked in April and here we are in Dec!

We’re enjoying tons of activities, but it’s also the time of year that we can get a bit under the weather. How do you navigate that during this time of year?

LLA: Well, that’s exactly why you know that I wanted to do this partnership with Delsym. It’s been a staple in my house so especially having a son for a very long time. So, you know when that cough is starting and we’re not feeling well, that is my go-to. So why not let the world know?

Delsym, you know is the #1 doctor recommended 12-hour cough suppressant. That along with this chicken soup that my mom taught me how to make when I was growing up, that’s the one thing that I learned in the kitchen, because I’m not that good in the kitchen. That combo right there, you’re good to go. So I definitely wanted to be part of Delsym’s, Bring Comfort Home Campaign. In this kit, you’ll also get all the ingredients to make my favorite chicken soup. It’s DelsymMealKit.com. You’re seeing it behind me right now and it’s just something that Kiyan, my son, and I have been rocking with for a very long time.

AM: When you’re under the weather, you have the things that you do. I have my favorite set of cashmere, my streamed shows, that oversized mug that I’m drinking out of. I love a good chicken soup recipe so what is it?

LLA: So, I grew up in a Hispanic household. Both of my parents are from Puerto Rico, so it has Spanish, Latin, Puerto Rican flavor in there. So, it’s however my mom taught me, what seasoning to use, how to mix it up – it has that kind of flavor to it, which is why I love it so much and it’s easy. Because if you follow the steps, I feel that anyone can do it, because if I can do it, anyone can do it, because I don’t know how to cook at all, so it’s literally like, if I follow it and she tells me what it is start to finish, the result is going to be good! It definitely has Latin flavors like Sazon to it. So you know it’s going to be good!  

AM: Definitely checking it out as the other night I enjoyed having Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup), which I thought was amazing and I had never had it before. So this, sounds like another winner to me even if I’m not sick because I do love Chicken Soup!

LLA: Oh no, that’s the same with me! It’s just my go-to for holiday seasons in general. I don’t know, there’s something about eating something that you had growing up that makes you feel nostalgic, like holiday, and home. So, it kind of for me, brings all of that out for me.

AM: There are a number of traditions that we enjoy as well as those that we make as we go along. What are some of your favorites during this holiday season?

LLA: So for me, I grew up and always had tons of people in my house. It was my whole family, that’s how it has always been. So I have continued that tradition so now in my home, Thanksgiving just passed, I had 30-35 family members – it might have been more now that I think about it. 35 family members in my house, which my house ain’t even big enough to fit 35 people! So we were all just cramped in there and we’ve always been like that. Just playing games, music, laughing, and fun. We just had a great time and the same thing with Christmas, it’s just continuing that family gathering and having everyone together and taking a break from their crazy lives, work, and everything that they have going on. So, it’s always been like that. It’s nice to be in a place where I can continue that same holiday tradition.

AM: Well, this season means that we do tons of different activities whether it’s with our colleagues at work, friends, and family. What’s the best way that we can keep it cute and fresh when we’re doing all of these different things?

LLA: Stay healthy! That’s how you keep it cute and fresh! The holidays are when people get sick, so stay healthy so that you can be outside and that you can enjoy these social events and gatherings. It’s fun being outside and doing the Christmas parties, the NYE parties, it’s fun. You get to be social, you get to meet people, and you don’t want to miss out on that stuff because you’re not feeling well. Stay on top of your health, stay on top of you’re A-game. Another reason why this partnership was important to me is because I want to be my best, and I want Kiyan to be his best so that he can be great at everything that he is doing.  

AM: What are you thinking of in terms of gifting friends and family this year? What are things that we should also be thinking about for our holiday lists?  

LLA: So candles to me are always great! Like, candles are easy, but they are so symbolic and they have so much meaning. You can get candles that are engraved, you can get candles that say a quote or a scripture on it, whatever your preference is. But, I think that that’s like a not too expensive gift that it’s intimate and it feels thoughtful. That’s always my go-to. Like, who doesn’t want a beautiful candle?

It’s not something that you’ll ever have enough of. You’re not going to be like, “oh, I’m at my candle limit!” There’s no such thing.

AM: Especially those that are in those big jars!

LLA: Oh yeah, I love! Those are really pretty.

AM: Well, you’re an amazing mom, a great actress, and you’re always putting your name and intention behind great things! It’s always great when I have the ability to be able to interview you and to see all the things that you continue to do. I know that with you, it’s always going to be excellence.

LLA: I really appreciate you saying that, thank you so much!

You can sign up to win a Delsym Comfort Meal Kit, featuring La La Anthony's Puerto Rican Chicken Soup recipe ingredients beginning today through Friday, January 5th by visiting DelsymMealKit.com. Winners will be selected and notified in early January. Terms and conditions apply. But we also want to give you the scoop on her recipe as well which you can read below!

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

FORCES OF NATURE | LAIRD HAMILTON & GABRIELLE REECE

We're excited for this month's cover as we have a powerhouse couple that is known for dominanting the beach and the water! We have Beach Volleyball great, Gabby Reece. We always enjoyed seeing her on a number of her Nike commercials, gracing the covers of Elle, and being in a number of shows appearing as herself. As someone who modeled, performed during her matches, is a TV personality, fitness/wellness expert and continues that passion of wellness with her podcasts, projects and is the Co-Founder with her husband Laird Hamilton with their brands that include Laird Superfood, Laird Apparel, and XPT (Extreme Performance Training).

Laird Hamilton is the ultimate waterman, pioneer in action sports (he is known for crossover board sports including being the co-inventor of tow-in-surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and hydrofoil boarding) and big wave surfing legend! He is an inventor, author, stunt man (he performed the stunts in James Bond's Die Another Day in the opening sequence), model, producer, TV host, fitness and nutrition expert, and adrenaline junkie. His passion for wellness and nutrition, led him to him Co-Founding Laird Superfood.

Last fall, we talked with Gabby Reece and we knew then that we'd love to have her and Laird together to find out more about them, their businesses, their assortment, how they navigate their coupleship in business and their partnership.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It is so great to be able to chat with you guys! We had the pleasure of chatting with Gabby last fall and we were talking about power couples, so it’s great to have you both! As she knows, Athleisure Mag’s Co-Founders are also a couple so it’s good vibes all around.

GABBY REECE: Hello!

LAIRD HAMILTON: Well yeah, you know, mixing work and pleasure is always dangerous!

AM: It is always dangerous; it can definitely be tricky cocktail.

LH: It can be or it can be all natural!

AM: Well there are moments on each side depending on the moments we're caught in!

It’s exciting to be able to talk about Laird Superfood and the businesses that you both have together. I know that readers will be so excited as well. The last time I chatted with Gabby, we talked about her background and career. So to catch our readers up, when did you fall in love with surfing and what do you love about being an iconic waterman as you’re so talented?

LH: Well, I think that my relationship with the ocean and water happened very early. My mom had stories of me crawling towards water before I could walk. So I think that I was just drawn to water and I think that that’s pretty natural because we are water. So my kind of relationship with water started before I could remember and then my surfing, I think that I had my own board – I mean usually I had pieces of boards because in those days, there were no boards for kids. There were no boogie boards or anything like that. Usually, you got a piece of a broken board from an adult and then you made that your board! So, I always just thought in terms of swimming and surfing, that was what you did and that that was what everybody does. So if someone said, “I don’t swim,” when I was younger, I felt like saying that you don’t swim was like saying that you don’t walk.

AM: Right!

LH: Yeah, it’s like, “is there something wrong?” But yeah, it’s in my foundation.

AM: That’s amazing and what was the moment when you realized that you both wanted to launch these businesses together? How did it take place and how did you decide on who would do what?

GR: Well, in the case of Laird Superfood, well most of our businesses actually, were almost accidents. Laird Superfood was not on purpose. It was based on a drink that Laird was making in our kitchen and shared with his friends before they would train and go out in the water.

One of these friends would ask what’s in it and how much it was. One of our other friends who is the other Co-Founder, is a serial entrepreneur and he thought that if Laird benefits from it and he was feeling this, maybe we can create this for other people and so Laird Superfood was created in 2015 around the premise of Laird originally sharing something that was working for him.

LH: Yeah, and I think that our desire to have businesses had stemmed before that. I think that just being athletes and then I would kind of say, supporting other businesses as you evolve, I think that it is only natural that you would want to go into as I describe – being your own sponsor.

AM: Oh yeah!

LH: So once you build your brand to a certain level, it was like, “ok, we’ll go into business,” but like the businesses themselves came organically like Gabby said. It either came through a habit we had or some other practice that we were doing and that seemed the easiest given the authenticity. So, it was real authentic and it was not something that seemed like we were making something that was a departure from our philosophy and our beliefs which I think is really important because then everything becomes a lot easier because you’re not trying to learn how you’re going to support the business. You’re already naturally doing it.

GR: Our roles were almost an extension of how our everyday lives go. I think that we naturally have different strengths and things that we lean into and those showed up as well in the business. So on the business side, Laird is one of the gatekeepers and he is the creative and always curious and messing around with concoctions if you will.

LH: It’s like we built a house together and that can either get people to be in a deeper relationship or not be in one after depending on people’s roles. I think that it’s similar in that the businesses are similar to building a house. I’m all about the structure of it, how strong is it, where’s the drainage and Gabby’s into the aesthetics like in the situation of Laird Superfood, I’m about the function of the products. Gabby is about the flavor and the taste of it. She makes the house look pretty and taste good, it’s wonderful. I’m like, “ok, does it support me, does it do the thing and how does it all work?” Then there’s also some overlap, but that’s kind of the basis of our teamwork.

AM: Well I’m a huge fan of the Hydrate + Electrolyte Coconut Water packets and the Prebiotic Daily Greens. Those are my 2 favorites. I’m not a coffee drinker. How do you guys decide on the types of products that will be in the Laird Superfood assortment?

GR: Well, a lot of this was an extension. First of all, it’s always a commitment to the ingredients. So whatever it’s going to be – it’s going to focus on can we make this with a value, make it taste great, and still follow our guidelines for real ingredients. With something in the case of the Hydrate On the Go, and the greens they are good as there's a lot of gaps in people’s nutrition. We are huge advocates of being able to get everything from your food, that’s what we want from you. It’s pretty hard to do with the quality of our soil and hence, that’s the greens. Hydration is – a lot of times, things that are on the market are really loaded with sugars and things like that. So we thought, “ok, people are really looking for high quality hydration without a ton of added sugar. That made a lot of sense and that really stems from Laird’s deep relationship with drinking coconuts himself! He'd come in from surfing and literally cut a coconut down in Kawaii and hence, the freeze-dried coconut at the source and adding some of the minerals.

LH: And also the philosophy that the ratios in nature are perfect. When you start trying to play with those, I think that you run into trouble, so like Gabby said, I think that we implement the kind of values such as adding in whole food ingredients or food-based ingredients. Your body is more used to those things and so it’s not like, “what’s this foreign object?” It doesn’t have to pull away from and take away from your own body’s health in order to deal with it. I think that that’s one of the places in looking at areas where people are lacking in their diet. We’re looking at the convenience of it, how easy is it – you just put it in there and you drink it. We’re looking for areas in people’s lives where we can best benefit them so we look at their daily rituals. That’s the philosophy of the brand. It’s a daily ritual and you know that you’re going to have to hydrate, you know that you’re gonna at some point need some snacks. We’re going to make bars. I’m not a huge snacker myself, but people are gonna snack, so can we supply them with good things on a daily basis? Again, one of the values is if you’re doing something everyday, that you really wanna try to make that a good habit.

AM: Right.

LH: Because it’s a culmination over time. So a little bit of good over a long time is a lot of good! A little bit of bad over a long period of time is bad. I think that sometimes we think that it’s a little bit of bad so it’s not a problem because it’s a little bit, but then you’re like, “well yeah, a little bit all of the time can eventually accumulate.”

AM: It starts stacking.

LH: Yeah, there’s some stuff in there.

AM: As we’re in the fall and we’re looking towards the holiday, are there any products that are new that are going to be out?

GR: Well we have some incredible instant products –

LH: Ooo yes. So we make chai – we make Instant Chai, Instant Matcha –

GR: Pumpkin Spice –

LH: Pumpkin Spice will be the holiday –

GR: And then Peppermint Mocha.

LH: Peppermint Mocha, yes.

GR: We’ve got some grown men around here who swoon for that stuff, so the thing that I love about these products is that they’re seasonal and we want to honor that people really love these flavors and these traditions. Like it reminds them of the holidays, but we’re able to do it in a way that the ingredients are excellent and you don’t have to sacrifice that experience. So we have it in pumpkin, we have it in a lot of things.

LH: Multiple!

GR: We have it in instant products, a creamer, a bar, and our liquid creamer as well.

LH: We’re going hard after the pumpkin spice! I mean, it’s something that I really enjoy and I think that I may have eaten a few whole pumpkin pies during Thanksgiving over the years haha!

AM: What are your favorite foods that you like eating from your brand?

GR: Well for me personally, I’m not a matcha or a chai person, but our people who love matcha and chai – we have a high quality matcha and really great chai. But for me, I’m using obviously the coffees and creamers. I personally, go for the mocha, Laird is a turmeric guy.

“Because it’s a culmination over time. So a little bit of good over a long time is a lot of good! A little bit of bad over a long period of time is bad. I think that sometimes we think that it’s a little bit of bad so it’s not a problem because it’s a little bit, but then you’re like, “well yeah, a little bit all of the time can eventually accumulate.”

— Laird Hamilton

LH: Believe me, hers is not a coffee, it’s a hot chocolate that happens to have coffee in it, but you wouldn’t know it’s coffee in it.

GR: When we travel, we use our instant products. So, the instant latte, what’s great is that people who are now working in the office, all you have to do is add hot water. So, we have all of these incredible flavors and let’s say you’re on an airplane and you’re hungry, but you don’t want to eat that airplane food. It really curbs you.

LH: Yeah, the convenience of the powders, especially the instant products, makes it simple. You just get a cup of hot water. I’ll go into a lot of coffee shops where I know that I won’t be able to get a cup of really good coffee without just burying it in a bunch of sweeteners to cut how bad the coffee is. So, I’ll just get hot water and add that product to it. But the bars, the greens – Gabby is on the greens.

GR: I use the greens in the morning.

LH: All the time –

GR: I use the greens in the morning first thing. So, most of us are dehydrated in the morning because hopefully we have been sleeping for 8 hours. So, the way that I use the greens is that I put it in water first so that I can get that big glass of water which we need to do anyway. But because there’s no fillers in the greens and things like that and Laird mentioned the ingredients, your body does know what to do with it. I always feel like I’m on an empty stomach and I can just get everything in there.

LH: I like to use mine in a meal.

GR: Yeah, so, we’re opposite.

LH: Yeah, I like mine in a meal, because I’m already in digestive mode.

GR: Yeah.

LH: So, I’m going to digest and of course, the hydration products are always good after training, before training.

GR: That’s really important too for people to go to bed hydrated, especially women – hydrated. It’s hard on our hearts, literally to be dehydrated. The stress that it causes increases even more when we’re sleeping. It’s really important as a reminder in general however people want to be able to hydrate.

AM: Are there product categories that you don’t have now, but you are looking to add to the brand? Like if you had a wish me list?

LH: Well we’ve had, yeah, a list that we are considering like baked goods. It’s stuff that we have dabbled in before. So there are other areas that we are interested in. The truth is that we have a quite a few categories within what we have already to continue to develop. Because, you know, the greens, the bars, the creamers, the instant fuel products – there’s always another flavor too!

GR: And our coffees are excellent and also –

LH: Yeah!

GR: It’s been fortunate that that has been expanded so that we can add adaptogens and other nutrition into the coffee itself. So again, finding these little ways to sneak in the good stuff without compromising –

LH: We’re doing whole beans and ground. We’re already working on some samples for some instant coffees as well. We have the instant lattes, but we were also looking at the instant coffees as well just because of the convenience and I think that people really enjoy instant coffee because you get a faster absorption.

GR: Yeah. And we learned one thing from business for sure, which is to try to focus a little bit and to do a good job there. So, I would say that although we have all of these things that we really love, we’re also trying to offer and to educate our audience and to do a good job with what we have right now.

AM: We can imagine. Tell me about XPT. We were looking at it in prep for this interview and there are so many things that are around that and you have an event coming up – your retreat. Our readers would be interested in hearing about this as well.

GR: So XPT is -

LH: Sort of another one of those –

GR: It’s an extension of what we were naturally already doing with our friends at our house. A very close friend of ours that we work with said, “you know, we have to figure out how to condense this and you can share it with people over periods of days.” So, XPT was born and the pillars are Breathe, Move, and Recover. We would also put in there “To Connect.” That’s the thing, you can be perfect, and move everyday all day, but if you’re not connecting with other human beings, it’s a real no go to your health and sense of fulfillment. So XPT, we have incredible people that we work with and people come and see us for 2½ days. We do pool training, breathing, all mobility, and all of those things.

LH: Heat and ice!

GR: Yes, heat and the ice.

But now, they’ll be opening up XPT sort of recovery centers so that people wherever they live, they’ve been curious about seeing the heat and ice and some mobility.

AM: That sounds fantastic! How do you guys do all of this while being partners, married, and having children?

LH: We still don’t know if we’re going to survive! Right now, we’re just holding on.

GR: Like yesterday, we had a bumpy day yesterday –

LH: I had a bumpy day!

GR: You could just feel – I mean it’s we, it’s collective. You can feel that you have so much going on that maybe in Laird’s case, he’d rather and not be away from his family, but he’d rather be surfing or out in nature and not be running around on a freeway. For people like Laird, that takes a real toll on him. So it’s just – you know what it is about any relationship? How does each person get to satisfy their own sort of mission and calling and then how do you bring that together? But also how do you go about putting your children first and simultaneously still have that conversation about what you need. It’s just a dance.

“Yeah. And we learned one thing from business for sure, which is to try to focus a little bit and to do a good job there. So, I would say that although we have all of these things that we really love, we’re also trying to offer and to educate our audience and to do a good job with what we have right now.”

— Gabby Reece

LH: Well, I think that, listen, we both have a certain work capacity so we have a certain volume of work that we’re capable of doing. When you take care of yourself, you eat well, and you train hard and you have good community and relationships and get along, you expand your capacity. So now, you can even handle more volume and then if you’re cutting out a lot of stuff that is unnecessary and you’re not putting in a lot of time –

GR: We say no. We say no a lot.

LH: Then if it’s not important to you, then you’re not concerning yourself with these things that would take up the volume. I think that that allows you to go in and to be more productive.

GR: Yeah.

LH: And then a lot of it is the quality of the the work too. I mean you could just take any one of these situations and put all of your focus in on it, but more isn’t always better right?

AM: Absolutely.

LH: It’s like having that high quality impact and then shifting to the next thing. I think that both Gabby and I by the nature of our careers have had to be very versatile and do a plethora of different things in order to survive. Then it almost becomes how you are. You know, you’re interests are such that you need that stimuli to keep you going and so in a way, for me, we wouldn’t be – we couldn’t not be doing it like this. This just seems natural and from the outside, you might be saying, “how do you do all of that stuff?” But you know, again it has to do with the fact that we have worked our way towards this. Gabby will say about our children, “that they’re such troopers and it’s amazing!” I go, “yeah, but it’s like we trooped them.” We took them and included them in the way that we have navigated our schedules and we’re the same way. We’ve been doing all of this stuff, flying around, we’ve been dealing with all of these things.

GR: We used to step on each other’s toes occasionally. And you’re always learning.

LH: Always.

GR: There are phases and chapters. So being adaptable and I also know that this is cliché, but it's about the best that you can in occasionally being able to get that distance so that you can appreciate either your life, or the problems that you’re solving, but also your partner and the fact that like on the days that it’s crazy, you go, “and everybody’s healthy!”

AM: Exactly!

GR: It’s just trying to constantly recalibrate and everybody talks about gratitude, but really to find ways to feel that and to experience it - it really makes everything easier!

LH: Yeah! And well getting sleep! Yeah – you know just pull it back for a second.

AM: Yup!

LH: Let’s eat good, sleep, workout and I mean get the foundation. Because that can really allow you to endure some stuff.

AM: It’s such an honor to be able to talk with both of you as we’ve been fans of yours for years and to hear how as a power couple you continue to inspire, fuel, and push the boundaries it’s been a great time hanging with you guys!
LH: Let’s eat good, sleep, workout and I mean get the foundation. Because that can really allow you to endure some stuff.

AM: It’s such an honor to be able to talk with both of you as we’ve been fans of yours for years and to hear how as a power couple you continue to inspire, fuel, and push the boundaries it’s been a great time hanging with you guys!

GR: Thank you so much!

LH: Absolutely and what do we say, Aloha!

IG @gabbyreece

@lairdhamilton

@lairdsuperfood

@xptlife

PHOTO CREDITS | FRONT COVER Philip Dixon | PG 16 - 33 Courtesy Laird Hamilton + Gabby Reece | PG 34 + BACK COVER Anne Menke |

Read the OCT ISSUE #94 of Athleisure Mag and see FORCES OF NATURE | Laird Hamilton + Gabby Reece in mag.

REGE-JEAN PAGE + SEEDLIP CAMPAIGN

Fans of Netflix's Bridgerton are very familiar with Regé-Jean Page and avid readers of Athleisure Mag know that we have shared Seedlip before when we interviewed Celebrity Event Planner, Mindy Weiss last holiday season! The non-alcoholic brand announced their first major marketing campaign for the brand in over three years Choose Different, a series of compelling content that encourages people to taste more in every occasion. We’re sure that there will be a number of recipes that will take your mocktails to the next level as we navigate the fall and the holiday season.