THE BACHELOR S26. E10. | FANTASY SUITES

On tonight’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we see Clayton prepping to go to Iceland and to meet the 3 women. We also see the uneasy grouping of Rachel, Gabby and Susie. Jesse reminds them how key this week is since it involves the Fantasy Suites. Rachel is given the first date card and prepares for her date.

The beginning of Rachel’s date is a helicopter ride over Reykjavik, Iceland. When they land, Clayton tells her that they are about to go into a volcano.

Their date continues onto dinner where they get a chance to talk with them. Rachel knows that she wants to use this time to connect with him and to see where he’s at. She asks him directly what he thinks about them as a couple. He lets her know that he was not able to be 100% transparent with her when he was with her family. He says that he wishes that he told her that he is falling in love with her. Of course, she’s so happy to know this and it makes her feel better as they head to the Fantasy Suites.

The next morning, we find that they are very close and cuddly and they look like a great couple - but he has 2 more dates to go! He leaves her and announces loudly that he loves her too!

Rachel lets them know that they had a great date and is respectful in not divulging the details. We can see that Susie is a little rattled and Gabby gets ready for the date.

Gabby and Clayton have a dune buggy date. At their dinner, he lets her know that he is in love with her. They continue onto the Fantasy Suite. Clayton wakes up next to Gabby and they enjoy some breakfast. When he leaves, he lets her know that he is falling in love with her and how it feels great!

Susie and Rachel chat with one another and talk about how hard the week is. They ask Gabby how her date went and she says it was fun since they rode dune buggies. Gabby tells them that they stayed in a yurt that had a huge bed in the middle. She kept it PG but then Susie called out her very visible bedhead.

Susie decides that she wants to get all the info to find out everything that she feels that she needs to know. Clayton realizes that he has told 2 people that he is falling in love with them and is feeling the weight of that.

Clayton moves on to his 3rd date with Susie. Their first portion of their date is in a cold room, a cold plunge and into a body scrub which is a lot warmer than the elements that they were in. They have dinner together and Clayton plans to tell her that he is in love with her. Susie enjoyed the date and she feels secure in her relationship with him. She wants to ask him some questions and she wants to know where he is with her and everyone else. He acknowledges how he was happy to hear her say that she was in love with him and since that time, he’s realized that things are getting serious and that the night she shared that, he was falling in love with her too. He them emphasizes that he is in love with her. So, Clayton is in love with Rachel and Susie and is falling in love with Gabby. Susie is excited to hear about this, but she feels the need to tell him about things that she doesn’t want to compromise on. She asks if he feels this way with others and whether he has slept with another woman. She lets him know that it woudl be impossible to move forwad if he did that because she doesn’t want to share. Clayton is startled but then lets her know that he has said that he was in love with someone else and that he slept with someone else.

She lets him know that she doesn’t know if she can go forward knowing this info (although she doesn’t know she slept with 2 women). Clayton tells her he doesn’t want her to go just because of that, he claims that if he knew she felt that way, he would have approached things differently. Susie doesn’t know if she can continue on. Clayton is upset and talks with Jesse to work through what he is feeling. Clayton wants to iron things out with her and he feels like he’s being torn apart. Susie and Clayton continue to talk to figure out what they can do now that everything has been brought to life. He sends Susie home! He tells her that the fact that she didn’t fight for him during this “rough patch”, that she was not the person for him. He told her that what she did invalidated their relationship and ultimately, it makes him feel that the entire situation is invalidated!

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 26 - EPISODE 10

Hometowns took place last week with - Gabby, Rachel, Serene and Susie. After an explosive episode, Susie’s date was cut short after she sought for clarity and Clayton sent her home!

GABBY

RACHEL

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E9. | WOMEN TELL ALL

On tonight’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we go into the Women Tell All episode which will let us know more about what happened over the season. We can’t wait until tomorrow’s episode as it’s really starting to get very serious as we enter the Fantasy Suites.

Claire shares why and how she knew that she was no longer interested in being with Clayton on the first night. The episode also opens with Shanae and Cassidy as they address their misbehavior throughout their time on the show. Shanae spends some time on the hot seat explaining her actions. Genevieve also joins her to talk about their 2-on-1 date.

Sarah has time on the couch where she lets the ladies know that it was never her intention to make them feel like she was trying to manipulate the situation. It seems like the women will follow up with Clayton to get their answers. A Bachelor Nation favorite, Teddi sits on the couch to talk about how their relationship was and how it was ultimately cut short.

Serene is the last woman to sit on the couch as she had a warm and successful Hometown and was eliminated in last week’s episode. Serene felt that there is a lot of confusion around her being sent home. The women chat with Clayton and call him out on things that he did throughout the season and he admits that there were mistakes that he made. He also lets Shanae know that what she did was not ok . We also got a sneak peek at the remaining episodes!

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 26 - EPISODE 9

Hometowns took place last week with - Gabby, Rachel, Serene and Susie. Clayton sent Serene home. Now that the Women Tell All took place, we’re all excited for tomorrow’s episode to find out who he will continue with and what takes place at the Fantasy Suites.

GABBY

RACHEL

SUSIE

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E8. | HOMETOWNS

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we are finally at Hometowns! It’s been quite a season, but this is always a period in the show that we’re excited to see! Clayton meets up with Susie in West Virginia and they have the day portion of their date doing a number of martial art moves. Apparently, Susie did this in Japan and continues to enjoy the practice. Clayton, who is always game for anything seems to enjoy this activity as well.

Susie’s family was so sweet and welcoming to Clayton. You could tell that they were great people and that they truly supported Susie in her journey with him.

Up next is Gabby in Denver,Colorado. Gabby takes him on a hike, complete to Proposal Rock. It’s an easy date and you can see their connection as well. After a bit of hiking in the mountains, they hop into a hot tub where they can take a look at the amazing view. When they go to meet Gabby’s family, you can see that they are all close and a number of people came since her father couldn’t come due to a new normal of COVID issues (it seems like his girlfriend may have been immunocompromised. Interestingly enough, her dad pulled a Love Actually and came in the driveway and shared that he was proud of her daughter and if Clayton felt right to her, that she should act upon it. Clearly, he knew that Gabby wanted his opinion and felt a bit lost without being able to have it. She also let Clayton know that she was falling in love with him.

The third Hometown date is with Serene and we see her and Clayton tackling heights and maneuvering around an apparatus. They arrive at her family’s home and Clayton’s brother definitely asks him hard hitting questions. We can see that her family is very close.

On Rachel’s date, they’re in Florida and have a glass bottom kayak boat where they navigate it through the waters that has alligators in there! They make their way to the Kissing Tree. Rachel warns him that her dad is tough and after seeing her dad looking at Clayton, we totally see everything that she has been saying. But in the end, her father does let him know that he would be ok continuing his journey with his daughter.

We head back to LA as the rose ceremony is about to begin. We learn that Susie, Gabby and Rachel will continue and Serene does not receive the rose.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Susie, Gabby and Rachel.

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Serene

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 26 - EPISODE 8

Last week the group of Hometowns women was set - Gabby, Rachel, Serene and Susie. Continuing on with the journey after tonight’s episode is:

GABBY

RACHEL

SUSIE

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

AWARDS SEASON | 28TH ANNUAL SAG AWARDS WINNERS

The 28th Annual SAG Awards is tonight at 8pm EST on TNT and TBS at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. It’s always a fun show to watch and as usual, a number of our favorites are being highlighted from the shows themselves to the actors and teams involved.

In a previous post, we predicted that the names in bold are those that will win, the ones that are in bold italics are those that we correctly identified as winning and the names in italics are those that won that we didn’t guess correctly. Here is who won!

TELEVISION AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Murray Bartlett, "The White Lotus"

Oscar Isaac, "Scenes From a Marriage"

Michael Keaton, "Dopesick"

Ewan McGregor, "Halston"

Evan Peters, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Jennifer Coolidge, "The White Lotus"

Cynthia Erivo, "Genius: Aretha"

Margaret Qualley, "Maid"

Jean Smart, "Mare of Easttown"

Kate Winslet, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Brian Cox, "Succession"

Billy Crudup, "The Morning Show"

Kieran Culkin, "Succession"

Lee Jung-jae, "Squid Game"

Jeremy Strong, "Succession"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jennifer Aniston, "The Morning Show"

Jung Ho-yeon, "Squid Game"

Elisabeth Moss, "The Handmaid's Tale"

Sarah Snook, "Succession"

Reese Witherspoon, "The Morning Show"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Michael Douglas, "The Kominsky Method"

Brett Goldstein, "Ted Lasso"

Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building"

Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"

Jason Sudeikis, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Elle Fanning, "The Great"

Sandra Oh, "The Chair"

Jean Smart, "Hacks"

Juno Temple, "Ted Lasso"

Hannah Waddingham, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES

"The Handmaid's Tale"

"The Morning Show"

"Squid Game"

"Succession"

"Yellowstone"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES

"The Great"

"Hacks"

"The Kominsky Method"

"Only Murders in the Building"

"Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY OR DRAMA SERIES

"Cobra Kai"

"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

"Loki"

"Mare of Easttown"

"Squid Game"

MOTION PICTURE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Javier Bardem, "Being the Ricardos"

Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Power of the Dog"

Andrew Garfield, "Tick, Tick... Boom"

Will Smith, "King Richard"

Denzel Washington, "The Tragedy of Macbeth"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Jessica Chastain, "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

Olivia Colman, "The Lost Daughter"

Lady Gaga, "House of Gucci"

Jennifer Hudson, "Respect"

Nicole Kidman, "Being the Ricardos"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Ben Affleck, "The Tender Bar"

Bradley Cooper, "Licorice Pizza"

Troy Kotsur, "CODA"

Jared Leto, "House of Gucci"

Kodi Smit-McPhee, "The Power of the Dog"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Caitríona Balfe, "Belfast"

Cate Blanchett, "Nightmare Alley"

Ariana DeBose, "West Side Story"

Kirsten Dunst, "The Power of the Dog"

Ruth Negga, "Passing"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Belfast"

"CODA"

"Don't Look Up"

"House of Gucci"

"King Richard"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Black Widow"

"Dune"

"The Matrix Resurrections"

"No Time to Die"

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

IF IT AIN'T ON THE PAGE, IT AIN'T ON THE STAGE | SOSIE BACON + JOE MANTEGNA

Premiering on Jan 21st, Prime Video dropped As We See It which follows 3 neurodiverse 20-somethings who are roommates as they navigate getting their lives together and figuring out what they want to do. Played by actors who are on the autism spectrum, we see them go to work, push past their fears, have relationships with family and friends and more. In addition, we also see how their friends and family navigate their independence as well as the importance of having guidance by their aide. If you have yet to see this 8 episode series that is out now, there are spoilers in this interview that we had with Sosie Bacon (13 Reasons Why, NARCOS: Mexico, Mare of Easttown) who plays the life coach aide Mandy and Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds, The Simpsons, The Godfather: Part III) who plays Lou, a father to Jack who is autistic. We talk about the importance of representation as well as diversity. We also talk about the themes that are discussed in this comedic drama.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What attracted you to wanting to be in As We See It?

SOSIE BACON: It was a great pilot script at a time that there were so many scripts coming in, but none of them was something that I was connected to – but I was auditioning for all of them. When you find a good one, you just hope that it’s randomly the one that you get. In this situation, it actually worked out that way as it never does. I think that the relationships are just so clear and so funny as well as touching. Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Roswell) has such a way with writing and every scene has such an arc and it’s a dream for an actor to be able to work with him because it’s easy. It’s all there, it’s all written and all you have to do is be in the character and be in the moment and play. So dream job!

AM: How did you prepare for the role of being Mandy?

SB: Originally, we shot the pilot 2 years before we shot the rest of the show because of COVID and all of that stuff. So with the pilot, I think that there were a lot of things with Mandy that were very similar to me – it’s actually the closest to my personality that I have ever played. I thought that that would be easy, but it was actually more difficult! I did my normal process of preparation which I will spare you, but I observed Elaine Hall who was our on set rep – their life coach like my character Mandy for Rick Glassman (Barely Famous, Undateable, Nobodies) Albert Rutecki, Sue Ann Pien (Ballers, Hellraiser: Revelations, Morgan Spurlock Inside Man). She has a program called The Miracle Project which is at the Wallis Annenburg Center for the Performing Arts adults on the spectrum do theater and write plays and they have aids there with them. I watched and observed and it was great. It was super informative and I was interested in finding out how they talk to each other, what’s the communication like, how much do they teach versus guide and that was so helpful. I learned a lot from that. Elaine was also on set all the time so I could ask her.

AM: Was there an additional person besides Elaine that told you about aides? I had never heard of this or knew that there was someone who was involved in that way.

SB: Yeah, Elaine told me about some people Mandy’s age who had that job sort of right after they graduated college and I talked to one girl who does this. It’s a job that people have and I wasn’t fully aware of it either. Elaine was just an amazing resource for all things about autism and aides. She has dedicated her life to it and I could just ask her questions all of the time and it was just incredible.

AM: One of the things that was interesting was that we see the 3 roommates, they have their own lives, they’re together and we see them with their families, but you’re character is the only one who truly integrates and sees the birds eye views with the highs and the lows - what was it like to be involved in this show that shares the diversity of what autism is?

SB: I think that that’s one of the great things about this show is that every person with autism is different. I think that sometimes people get wrapped up in these medical diagnoses that’s just a set of options that if you check off enough – you’re autistic – you know what I mean? There are things on there that I have, you know what I mean? It’s such a mathematical science with a lot of medicine, but everyone is completely different – like meeting me and then meeting my brother. I don’t think that there is one kind of mold to talk to any person in this world and I think that the beauty of the character that Jason wrote in Mandy is that she is adaptable. She is a person, open and non judgmental – she can navigate all of it. Elaine will tell you too – there are no sets of rules. Everybody will surprise you. Did I answer your question?

AM: Yes. To be honest, as someone who was not well versed in this topic, watching the series and the characters really opened up this world of what it means to be on the spectrum as the abilities are as varied as the goals, they are various focuses and needs/interests. There are some things that they can do that are easier than others and seeing it across 3 people really reflected that there hasn’t been a show showing autism like this in its varied forms and it was eye opening.

SB: Totally and everyone is different. It’s like what I said, it’s a diagnosis. I mean if you look at ADD this person has it and that person has it, but I feel like when you’re saying learning differences this term is kind of a joke. I don’t know what we’re weighing it against – who has the normal brain – I don’t know if I have ever met someone with that. What does that mean?

I like that they’re showing people at different levels and how everyone is experiencing life differently.

AM: Truly after watching the 8 episodes, I wanted there to be more and to go deeper into these stories! If there was a second season, what would you like to explore with Mandy and the clients that she has if you were able to give some notes?

SB: Well I certainly don’t want Mandy to quit – ha!

AM: That’s for sure!

SB: I think that there are so many different ways that it could go! I will leave that up to Jason, but I would want them to be able to stay together. I love all of the things that have happened. Things happen and we watch how they process them. To me, that’s my favorite stuff. I like to see friends and family deal with real life issues. Every single person in this show is dealing with real life issues they have so much room to have so many things happen. I want to see how they all deal with it!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What drew you to As We See It and why did you want to be involved?

JOE MANTEGNA: Well, I’ve said this before, but one of my sayings in my career is, “if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage.” In this instance, it was on the page. So when I read that first pilot script, I thought to myself that this was one of the best pieces of television writing that I have read in my career. Also having a personal connection where I have a daughter with autism who is 34 years old now. That and the quality of the script resonated with me very strongly. My initial feeling was, I want to meet with this Jason Katims regardless – even if I end up not being able to do the show because I want to talk to him and let him know how good I think that this is and how successful that I think that it should be. We’ll see where it goes from there. As it turned out, where it went from there was that I ended up being able to play the role and wound up doing all 8 episodes and I think it came out the way that I hoped they would. So it was all that I hoped that it would be.

AM: What was your process like in being able to play Lou?

JM: Part of it was being a father of a 34 year old daughter with autism. I did a lot of that preparation just in my life. Not that it made it easier, but it made it something that I could certainly relate to aspects of it as it’s not all the same – because it’s not. You know, people in the autism spectrum are going to run the gamut just like people who are not on the autism spectrum. People are people – people are different.

But in terms of prep, you know I have been doing this a long time. I’ve been an actor for over 50 years and I have been on the planet for 70 years. So if nothing else, I have a lot of life experience going for me. I think that all of those things come into play and sometimes it’s hard to point to one thing or a couple of things, but I was just happy to do something that I thought had humor, had pathos, was serious and yet could laugh at itself, make people laugh and be very honest.

It made it easy. I think you have to prepare harder for things that need the attention and needs the work. This didn’t need to be fixed.

AM: In watching the storyline between your character, Lou and his son Jack, there were two themes that kept jumping out. Advocacy – how Lou was with his son and how the son was trying to be so with Lou. The concept of passing was also evident here. Typically when this term is discussed it has a racial construct around it but here the story shares that you character wants to live his life and to pass as someone who doesn’t have cancer so he can just live his life and with Jack, we see him wanting to live his life in a way that no one knows that he has autism. Why was it important that these 2 themes needed to be explored?

JM: Because I think that that’s what happens in life. Again, it’s an honest portrayal in that life itself is not one dimensional. I’m always amazed by the fact that you can read a story and you figure that that person has the world by the tail and then you read a week later that that person committed suicide and then you wonder what was going on there. Because on the surface, it looked like everything was hunky-dory. That’s what I mean and I think it’s just that. Everyone has more complexities than are sometimes apparent on the surface. That’s what’s explored here as well between myself and Rick’s character.

AM: You know, after watching the 8 episodes, I was hoping that there was more! It was really good! How do you think that your character Lou felt about his son and all of the progress that he made?

JM: Well I mean, obviously it’s still a work in progress as it should be. In other words, if all is right with the world, we will get the opportunity to move onto episode 9 and beyond to be able to continue and tell the story. Where we end it is like, “ok, this is where we are at this point in the story.” If people want to see it badly enough, we will just keep on as we do in life. You know, we don’t know and no one has a roadmap of what their life is going to be. You don’t know what tomorrow is going to be and so you just take each day as it comes and play it by ear and see where it takes you. So that’s the story that we told in 8 episodes now let’s see if we have the opportunity to keep expanding on top of that to see where it takes us.

AM: I hope so! A few years ago, we had the opportunity to go to Autism Speak’s Chef Gala that they held here in NY and it was really amazing to be at that event and to hear from those that are driving awareness as well as to hear from those in the culinary world who have a personal connection. What I was struck by in this series was learning about the diversity of those that are on the autism spectrum and to be able to show it across 3 different characters. I hope that there are more episodes and seasons because it was beautiful and truly educational.

JM: Thank you and I agree. Without question, it’s very high quality and I think it deserves to be continued.

AM: If there are additional episodes and seasons, what would you like to tackle?

JM: I’d like to tackle Lou going into remission so that Lou is still around for awhile!

AM: Um right?

JM: Beyond that, let’s cross that bridge first and see where that takes us!

IG @sosiebacon

@joemantegna

PHOTOS COURTESY | Prime Video

Hear Sosie Bacon and Joe Mantegna on our show, Bungalow SK - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of ATHLEISURE MAG and see IF IT AIN’T ON THE PAGE, IT AIN’T ON THE STAGE | Sosie Bacon + Joe Mantegna in mag.

TOGETHER AGAIN | KRISTEN KISH, JUSTIN SUTHERLAND + JEREMY FORD

There's nothing like having your favorite comfort dish and having it recreated by a chef! The second season of TRU TV's Fast Foodies drops Jan 27th with Chef Kristen Kish (Bravo's Top Chef Season 10 Winner and chef/owner of Arlo Grey), Chef Justin Sutherland (Iron Chef America Winner, Top Chef Season 16 contestant and chef/owner of Handsome Hog) and Chef Jeremy Ford (Top Chef Season 13 Winner and chef/owner of Stubborn Seed and The Butchers Club). We catch up with the trio to talk about their latest season, what they're excited for and they give us the scoop on what they have in their kitchens for their Fast Foodies fix!

ATHLEISURE MAG: How excited are you for the second season of Fast Foodies?

CHEF JEREMY FORD: It’s so crazy how fast it goes by! You’re waiting, waiting, waiting for editing to be done and then you’re like it’s time to go!

AM: Do you know if the 3rd season has already been greenlit or are you keeping your fingers crossed?

CHEF JF: Fingers crossed for sure! I think that we have something pretty special.

AM: I love the concept, it’s really cool. Being someone that is also a stylist, I love anytime you have the opportunity to see people who are skilled at what they do in one way and how they want to pair it down for themselves when they’re just flowing. In our culinary podcast Athleisure Kitchen, we always like asking chefs what they really love to eat and what they like to do after a long day so it’s cool that you are sharing that with people and they are getting that insight!

CHEF JF: Yeah, I feel that the fancier the food that you do at work is the more simpler you want the food to be outside of it!

AM: Kristin how excited are you that the 2nd season is coming back?

CHEF KRISTEN KISH: Oh my gosh, I'm so excited I mean we’ve already filmed it obviously! It’s the anticipation of being able to have it out there and for everyone to see what we know is coming and that also is really exciting! I’m ready for it to be here and to just get it started!

AM: How is it with you guys because the 3 of you seem like the best of friends! So being able to just be on set together and doing what you love must be a lot of fun!

CHEF KK: Honestly, I knew of the guys and even in the first episode, first season, was like immediate chemistry and connection. They’re forever friends and they’re family at this point. It’s really cool to develop a friendship over a really cool work project!

AM: It’s so great to be able to chat with all 3 of you and before we delve into the 2nd season, what initially drew you to this show? We have 2 Top Chef winners and an Iron Chef winner – how did you guys combine your super powers to do this show?

CHEF JUSTIN SUTHERLAND: For me, I wanted to be able to do it because it was kind of the anti all the other shows that have been done. We have all done Top Chef, Iron Chef and different forms of competition or high stressed competitions that don’t really build friendships. Sometimes, they tear them apart. Especially at the time that we were filming season 1, we were beginning this pandemic and the world was just different and it felt like such a light hearted fun show without too much weight on it and just a way to just cook amazing food and to have fun.

CHEF KK: I think for me, the most exciting part is that once you hear the concept, you got the flights booked and then you’re ready to go because we all said yes – I still remember that first meeting because we all arrived separately – because it was very much COVID times. We got out and it was like, do we hug, do we high 5? I remember thinking, do we do this? Then we went into the kitchen and we just started cooking and for me, I hadn’t cooked in a long time like that in a chef inspired space with people around me because we were in lockdown. So that was the moment when I realized that my soul needed this.

CHEF JF: Yeah I mean, season 2 was funner because we knew what we were doing and I felt that I had a better grip on it. But yeah, getting that phone call and being able to cook with these 2 great chefs – I was super stoked to learn from them. That’s exactly what I got to do and we became friends and I was able to learn from them as well.

AM: For those that may not have seen the show yet, what’s the basic premise that they can expect from last season and this one as well?

CHEF KK: I feel like people are going to be excited. In season 1 we did 10 episodes and this season we’re coming back with a little bit more with 12. We’ve not only opened up the possibility of what fast food is whether it’s fast casual or perhaps places that you wouldn’t even associate with fast food and with that, it opens up with categories of guests not only from Oscar nominated writers and directors to comedians, athletes and SNL alums. We run the gamut of categories and variety.

AM: What has been your favorite part in being on this show especially in looking at the second season?

CHEF JS: I love meeting all of the celebrity guests that we have. Jessie Tyler Fergusson was on this year – he’s a riot! I think it’s getting to meet these folks that I have always been a huge fan of and then being able to cook for them is one of my favorite parts!

CHEF JF: I think for me, it’s being able to cook with literally no rules an no boundaries unabashed. We all get to be creative when we’re doing new restaurants but a lot of time when we're cooking, it’s very much much in an expected style in that concept of a restaurant or with some sort of rules. I think that we all came here and have been able to cook and try things that we have never had to before. There’s no consequences and there are no rules. Yes it’s a competition but you know we’re really expanding our boundaries and learning from each other. I think that being able to cook in a way that none of us have in a long time.

AM: What are 3 items that you guys like to have on hand in your own kitchens after a long day and you want to be able to make a dish that hits that Fast Foodie fix?

CHEF KK: Well I say that your condiment game can change anything! Whether you buy it or you home make it. I mean Kewpie – I’m sorry Justin, but it’s literally my favorite thing to put on everything! I will dip carrots in it, I don’t care! So Kewpie and some kind of chili crunch which is very popular these days. So I say that the condiment game has to be very on point.

CHEF JS: Hot sauce for me, I think I am going to keep that as my go-to. I have a cabinet of over 100 hot sauces and that goes along with the condiments. Being able to change heat levels on stuff. If you’re talking about bases of foods that you can do many many things with if you’re kind of playing college dorm room Chopped, I always have eggs and potatoes on hand. Eggs are extremely versatile and you can make so many different things with them. The same can be said with potatoes. You can fry it, bake it and chop it up and put it into things. If you’re trying to scramble and make multiple different meals, those are two things that are great bases to have.

CHEF JF: There’s always leftovers at my house and my beautiful other half always has something in the fridge and sometimes I will do a combo where I will take leftover noodles, I’ll take Justin’s egg and fry it on top of the noodles. I like to take whatever is in the fridge with leftovers and take meat from Tuesday, add it to Wednesdays’ noodles and then obviously cover it with a bunch of stuff sauce wise.

AM: It becomes a Friday special at that point!

Do you guys have any projects coming up that you want to share that we should keep an eye out for beyond the second season of Fast Foodies?

CHEF JS: I have a cookbook dropping Sept 22nd so deeply working on that. I have 2 other television projects that will be coming out. One is pretty soon next month and there is another one for next year. I can’t share the names yet, but they will both be out soon.

CHEF KK: I have a memoir I’m writing and that will come out at either the end of this year or beginning of next year. That depends on how fast I can recall every memory that I have ever had. It’s a lot! Similar to Justin, I have 2 television projects; one that is already filmed and one I start filming next month. So those will be releasing with one this year and one at the beginning of next year.

CHEF JF: I just opened up a restaurant here in Palm Beach Gardens called the Butchers Club so if you’re ever around and want a yummy steak, that’s where I will be!

IG @chefjeremyford

@kristenlkish

@chefjustinsutherland

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | TRU TV's Fast Foodies/Anna Maria Lopez

Hear Chef/Restaurateurs, TV Personality and Hosts of TRU TV's Fast Foodies’ Kristen Kish, Justin Sutherland and Jeremy Ford on our show, Athleisure Kitchen - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

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Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see TOGETHER AGAIN | Kristen Kish, Justin Sutherland and Jeremy Ford in mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E7. | AND WE CONTINUE

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we pick up where we left off - Sarah receiving the rose, Mara being public about not feeling like Sarah deserves to be there and the confrontation that will probably take place now that Sarah knows what has been said behind her back! Sarah comes back to the suite and Mara gives a smile upon her arrival - she lets everyone know that it’s not their place to let anyone know what they think that she is ready for. She asks who shared this information and as she has treated people with respect, she shouldn’t have a target on her back. Mara says that it was her and was honest.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel and Sarah

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

Another rose ceremony is about to begin and there are only 9 women that are left! Clayton says that he is looking forward to having a good night and pulls Serene outside with their very own firefly moment. A number of his interactions are light-hearted and then Mara takes a moment to pull Sarah aside to refute statements that were made the night before. It feels like regardless of whether you agree with Mara or not, there is a thing about time and place. She should have brought this up after Sarah shared her thoughts or maybe a few hours later - but right during the cocktail party before the rose ceremony?

The 6th rose ceremony begins - there are only 4 roses left to give out!

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel, Sarah, Susie, Serene, Gabby and Genevieve

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Eliza and Mara

With 7 women left, their journey will continue in Vienna. This is their last stop before HOMETOWNS! The date card arrives and Susie will have a 1-on-1 date with Clayton as they hit the town. Susie enjoys a shopping experience where she gets to be pampered for the day and leaves with a number of bags. They also take in a bit of site seeing as well. Clayton reminds us that she was the first one to tell him that she loved him and that means something to him. They pop into another shop of couture dresses from a noted Austrian designer.

As they have the night portion of their date, they talk about how she likes to be independent and can appreciate the gifts that she received. She also gets the date rose and they dance to Lady in Red to end it.

The date card arrives with Sarah, Tedd, Genevieve, Rachel and Gabby. Serene will be on the 1-on-1 date.

HOMETOWNS FOR NEXT WEEK | Susie,

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Eliza and Mara

The group date begins and they are going to have couple therapy sessions. They are reminded that Vienna is the home of Sigmund Freud. The women look uncomfortable as this is a pretty intense date - how deep will this be and is this intrusive?

The women have their couples counseling with Clayton. Genevieve was nervous about doing this since she doesn’t like to open up. In the middle of their session after a long silence, he asks her to step out so that they can talk without the counselor being there as he wants to know more about her. Because she refuses to let him in, she tells him that she thinks that they’re not meant to be and he walks her out. Clayton lets them know that he is looking for clairty and when it isn’t there, he will have to send them home. He tells them that Genevieve has left. The women are nervous as they realize that they want to lay everything on the line. Sarah giggles with the women and lets them know that she has a great relationship with Clayton and that she loves therapy. The women wonder if Sarah is doing things that are a tactic or if she doesn’t realize that what she is saying and how she says it comes off a certain way. The analysis of the women is over and the counselor shares that some of the women are being a bit performative. He informs the women that they will have a cocktail party where they can talk more. Clearly he wants to get to the bottom of it. Sarah says she’s not sure who she is talking about. As the women all look towards her.

He asks to speak with Rachel first and he says that he knows it’s not her. Rachel shares post the date that he had with Sarah, she went to Rachel and Teddy and talked about details on their date. Clayton hears that Sarah shares info in hopes that people will pull away from him. He then talks with the remaining women and they let him know that this has been going on for weeks. Now he knows he has to question what he is hearing and he wonders about everything that is being said. He does confront her and she says that none of those things were said by her. As she cried to him, he let her know that he thinks that she is trying to fake cry. Clayton sends her home.

Although the women on the group date are annoyed that more drama happened, they feel that they are at ease since he sent her home. He lets them know that he sent her home and that he wants to make sure the right people are there. The group date rose is being held back as he wants to make sure that he is making the right decision.

The final date for tonight will be the 1-on-1 with Serene. She asks him how he is doing as she was shocked that Sarah was sent home. Clayton appreciates it and they take some time to check out Vienna as well as to take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. After being out during the day, Serene and Clayton sit down for dinner to get to know more about one another. She shares the last time her parents met someone she was dating was her high school boyfriend and although they were connected, they realized that they wanted to do different things after being together for such a long time. Clayton understood as the same had happened to him at a point in time. She tells him that she is falling in love with him and wants to make sure that he knows. She received the date rose and is heading to HOMETOWNS.

The women assemble at the rose ceremony (no cocktail party at this point) and Clayton lets them know it’s been a journey this week. With two roses left, he sends home Teddi which is such a surprise!

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Susie, Serene, Rachel and Gabby

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Eliza, Mara, Genevieve, Sarah and Teddi.

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 26 - EPISODE 7

Last week and for a number of weeks, we have chosen Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi as the women who will head to Hometowns as we are at the halfway point. Earlier in tonight’s episode, Eliza was sent home and we’re sad to see her go. Sarah was sent home after Clayton realized that she wasn’t being honest. Now we know, who will be heading into HOMETOWNS - Gabby, Rachel, Serene and Susie.

GABBY

RACHEL

SERENE

SUSIE

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

OUT AND ABOUT | ALI FEDOTOWSKY

We're kicking off the beginning of the year and as we navigate all of the things that we want to do, recover from the holidays, we also want to make sure that we're taking care of ourselves with a bit of self-care. Self-care can be a number of things from watching our favorite shows, taking a walk and doing things that just bring us joy!

We caught up with one of Bachelor Nation's faves who competed on Season 14 of The Bachelor and was the 6th Bachelorette. From there, she continued to stay on our screens as a host for NBC 1st Look, a correspondent on E! News and E! Live From the Red Carpet as well as being a co-host on Hallmark's Home and Family.

We caught up with her to talk about her time on The Bachelor/The Bachelorette and advice that she has for those that are thinking of being on the show, the importance of creativity and making sure that as we WFH that we remember to go outside whether it's for a walk or anything that breaks up our routine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: During the holiday season last year, we followed The Bachelorette’s Michelle Young in her season and currently, we’re watching Clayton Echard on The Bachelor which is always a great way to begin the new year with this franchise. As one of Bachelor Nations’ faves as someone who competed on The Bachelor as well as being The Bachelorette, we couldn’t chat with you without asking you what it was like to be on both sides and what your best takeaway from it was?

ALI FEDOTOWSKY-MANNO: For me, you would assume being the lead of the show as The Bachelorette was the best thing ever and that I absolutely loved it. But for me and I think that this is true for a lot of people, it was actually the opposite! I had so much fun as the contestant because you get to hang out with a bunch of girls, sit around the pool, drink margaritas, just talk, have fun and not have to work! It was like it was a long vacation. It was lovely and sure there was drama here and there, but it was fun! I made a bunch of friends whereas as The Bachelorette, you’re going out on these dates every single day that are like 13 hours long – you’re exhausted and you just want to be able to take a nap! A lot of the dates that you’re going on are with guys that you’re not totally all that interested in and you have to give them a chance so you’re doing it anyway and again, you just want to be able to take a nap! For me, I actually highly preferred being a contestant. Maybe I just like naps, who knows?

AM: A nap is always a good thing! So for those that may be thinking about wanting to sign up to have that experience, what is your best advice? When you just talked a moment ago, we never thought about how long the dates were and what those dynamics are.

AFM: Oh, they are so so long! What I always try to tell people who are thinking about what it would be like to be on the show, is that I ask them, if I put you in a room and you’re single with 25 men, how many of those guys do you think you would be interested in? I mean come on, if you had to guess how many would be interested in.

AM: Ok that’s a question, at most 2 or 3 people. It’s pretty tough to have an interest in all 25!

AFM: Exactly! So, put yourself in the shoes of being The Bachelorette – you’re in a room with 25 guys. Let’s be real, at least 10 – 12 are put there just for entertainment because the producers know that you wouldn’t be interested and it’s just about the drama or to be funny. So maybe you’re left with 12-15 that are actually casted for you. Chances are that at the end of the day, you’re only going to be interested in 1 or 2 of them. So knowing that and assuming that about yourself, most people would be this way as I know I was – you know who you like right away. But you’re forced to go out on all of these dates with these guys who are great guys and you want to give them a chance and to be fair because they are putting their life on hold, but you really wish you were back with the other guy who is back at the mansion. It’s really hard honestly and for me, it was a really hard experience. I’ve been told by producers that I am a little bit of an outlier because I knew the guys that I liked from day 1 and it never changed and I was never interested in anyone else after that. But for most Bachelor and Bachelorette leads that I have spoken to over the years, they have said that they only liked a handful maybe 3 or 4 if they were lucky. It doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with the other people, the guys and girls were great – it’s just that there wasn’t any chemistry there from the get go!

AM: Transitioning from your time on these shows, it’s always great to see you in your role as a journalist and TV personality. Was that a natural progression for you to take these roles on?

AFM: It was for me. Just because, I have always been that person who enjoyed public speaking. Some people hate it and I love it. I loved giving speeches and little things prepared me for it. I got best speaker in my oral communications class in college. When I worked at Facebook, one of my jobs was to teach people how to use different programs and talking to groups. It’s always been something that I have enjoyed and I think it was a natural progression and at the end of the day, people who are The Bachelor or The Bachelorette lead, they are usually chosen because they are comfortable talking in front of a camera. So as you can imagine, that is a natural progression – the people who aren’t comfortable talking in front of a camera are usually the ones that don’t open up and then don’t get lead role on the show because they need someone who can be comfortable there. I will say, that I moved from LA a year ago, because I was ready to sort of step away from television and just leave that part of my life behind although now that I am here in Nashville and working from home everyday, I’m like maybe there is a TV gig that I can do locally ha! We’ll see, maybe I will be back on TV who knows?

AM: I hope so as I always enjoyed seeing you hosting and corresponding for a number of different shows! Well, as a busy mom with so much on your plate, how do you take time to ensure that you’re meeting your health and wellness goals and the time for yourself that you need?

AFM: For me, a really important thing and I think that this applies to a lot of different people, because so much of the world has changed over the last couple of years with so many people WFH now – a really important part of my health and wellness is getting out of the house. Because I don’t have a TV show that I go to work at during the week anymore, I find that I am working from home and doing a lot of different projects and I have a business that I am launching soon and all that. I find that weeks will go by and I’ll say to myself that I have not left the house in 2 weeks as my husband took the kids to school in the mornings – I need to get out of the house. Going for walks, a drive, whatever you need to do! If you’re WFH and feeling down, I really believe it will help so many people by just getting myself outside of the house every once in a while.

AM: Tell me more about teaming up with PEBBLES on their mission to spark kids’ creativity with the Never Stop Doo-ing Project and why you wanted to be involved in it?

AFM: Speaking of getting out of the house, that’s one of the things that my kids are doing today! We’re going to go see the PEBBLES mural in Nashville. It’s really cool! They have this initiative called the Never Stop Doo-ing Project and a few weeks ago, we encouraged parents and kids to submit artwork online. That artwork is now turned into murals that we can see in LA, NY, Nashville and Denver. You can take your kids and I’m really encouraging parents to do this and I'm doing it today with my daughter. I think that showing a child that this is a big mural in a major city and that kids their age are having their work displayed there – the sky is the limit. Never stop creating, never stop doing, never stop using your imagination to be whatever you want to be. I think it’s going to be a really good teaching moment for my daughter today. She’s going to be so excited to see that there is going to be a mural in Nashville – because in Nashville, murals are huge and they’re everywhere and people love them! That kids her age created them and it will be so inspiring for her and I hope that parents will be able to do and share that with their kids. They’re only up to the 13th of this month, so there are only a couple of days. Put on your coat, have an outing of it and maybe this will be people’s actual excuse to get out of the house when you’re WFH. Get out, take your kids out and it will be good for your mental health and it will hopefully be able to inspire kiddos.

AM: Love that we’re in NY so being able to check it out will be a nice break!

AFM: Um yeah but since you’re out there – make sure you bundle up!!

AM: For sure this time of year you have so many excuses to stay in – but this is a good one to venture out!

So you were talking about projects that you have coming up – what can you share with us?

AFM: Right now I have a hair accessories line that I am wearing in my hair right now Scunci X Ali Fedotowsky which is available at Walgreens nationwide. It’s such an awesome thing that I was able to be part of and I hope people check it out as it is super affordable.

I’m launching my first product for my first business shortly! A clean liquid hydration packet. A lot of them are filled with a lot of sugar and I feel like mine is cleaner and great. It’s taken a long time to develop with my partner and hopefully that will launch soon and I am so excited! I hope that people will love it.

IG @ali.manno

PHOTOS COURTESY | PEBBLES

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Out and About | Ali Fedotowsky in mag.

Hear TV Host Ali Fedotowsky-Manno on our show, Bungalow SK - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

THE BACHELOR S26. E6. | HOW LONG WILL THE DRAMA CONTINUE?

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we are left with the one question that continues to follow us from one episode to the next - will the drama continue? Now, regular drama/tension is expected, but when it is obvious and seems fueled by production that encourages these shenanigans to continue, it just feels like a number of lines are being crossed. It’s our hope that a key element of recent drama will finally be put to rest so that we can just watch the interactions of everyone else without so many interruptions.

We go right into the date with Shanae and Genevieve. He takes 1-on-1 time with Genevieve first and she lets him know that she may not seem like she shows her emotion, but she is there for the right person. Shanae mocks her during her confessional. When Clayton Echard takes time to sit down with her, he asks how everything is going. Shanae says that Genevieve is saying that she wants to go home and doesn’t know why she is there. How Clayton is able to hear that Shanae always has an issue with someone - how can he not see that a lot of this is made up. He asks Genevieve if she has been acting and she says no. Ultimately, he gives the rose to GENEVIEVE! He sends Shanae home.

We head to the cocktail party where Clayton acknowledges that Shanae was sent home and he knows that the women are happy too as he heard them singing in the elevator. He takes some time with the women and the fact that there isn’t this frenzied drama that has existed over the past few weeks is a nice change.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Gabby, Rachel, Genevieve, Sarah, Serene, Susie, Teddi, Eliza and Mara.

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

They continue onto Hvar, Croatia and everyone recognizes that there are less people and they need to make their moments count. Clayton meets them and lets them know that a 1-on-1 will happen now and he will explore the city with Teddi. The women say that they’re happy that Teddi got that as they know she wanted to time. Mara is bummed that she didn’t get it and she’s feeling discouraged.

Teddi and Clayton are on their date getting to know one another and of course, Teddi seems to have something that she wants to share with him that she hopes is not a deal-breaker. With a great day date, their night portion is where Teddi knows that she has to be transparent. She lets him know that she is a virgin and that although she doesn’t need to wait until she is married, she wants to do it with the person that she is in love with. Clayton understands her point and asks if she has been in love with someone. She has not been in love, but she feels that in the past she has put up walls and she lets him know that she has been working on makign sure her walls are down so that she can fully be in the experience. She lets him know that being in love to her, seems like when you have a trust with someone - then there is a way to fall in love and it may not be a feeling in one way, but it is in another.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

The date card arrives Serene, Rachel, Susie, Gabby, Eliza, Genevieve and Mara are on the group date together. Sarah will have a 1-on-1 and they had just talked about how more than likely whoever has had a 1-on-1 wouldn’t get another and she did!

The group date assembles outside and they watch medieval soldiers fighting in their armor. They met Croatian knights and learn that women fought alongside men! Everyone must be happy that Shanae is NOT on this date! They learn fighting skills and are loving their uniforms and it’s reasonably light-hearted. Their next challenge is a table filled with foods where the women are surprised to eat various delaciies of that time - fish eyeballs, pig brains and more. Serene and Mara go to town on the food. They final challenge is to kneel in the square to let him know why they are fighting for him. Not going to lie, Mara busted out a rhyme and clearly won that particular battle. The knight crowns Serene as the winner and we feel a bit for Mara. Clayton carries Serene out and the girls watch them.

At the after party, Clayton is pleased to get know more about each of them. He chats with Rachel and she lets him know that she is falling in love with him. When Mara sits down with Clayton, she lets him know that what he’s asking for isn’t in line with his actions. She tells him that some of the women have been vocal about not being ready to get engaged and others she feels are too young. He says that Sarah is one of the younger people in the house and asks if she is talking about her. Mara says yes, but also says that she wants to be true to who she is and to let him know that she is not just there for a good time. Mara feels good about the conversation.

The group date rose goes to Rachel and Mara feels that she’s exhausted and not getting anything back.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

After the group date, there is a knock on Clayton’s door where he finds an envelope that tells him to meet “me” at the Clock Tower. We thought it was Mara but it was Susie who wanted to meet him! He sees that she’s happy so he’s glad that it’s not going to be something out of left field. Susie planned an outing knowing that there is a 1-on-1 date happening. Susie takes him on a little tour and tells him that she is falling in love with him.

Mara talks with Gabby about what she talked about with Clayton as Sarah prepares to go on a date with Clayton. Jesse Palmer meets him prior to their date and Clayton takes some time to talk about falling in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way back. Jesse acknowledges his feelings and shares that this is normal to feel at this time in the process; however, he needs to figure it out so that he can make the best decision. Sarah meets up with Clayton for their dinner and has no idea how serious this evening may get. She proposes a toast and he lets her know that he wants to know more about her to make sure they are on the same page. He lets her know that he has been told that some people may not be here for what he is exactly looking for in terms of leaving engaged. He lets her know that because of Hometowns, he needs to know and can she see leaving being engaged and is she prepared for it. Sarah looks shocked and says that she is ready and has always felt that way and has not been lying as she was there because it was him. After their 1-on-1 initially, she felt that way even more. He thanks her for being vulnerable and lets her know that he is concerned as he doesn’t want to give and lose everything. He steps away for a few moments to assess what he has heard from Mara and what she just said.

Back at the house, Mara continues to share with the other women that because she felt that when she was 23 that she wasn’t ready for a commitment, she finds it hard to believe that Sarah could be. He lets her know that he was concerned by giving her a 2nd date that a target would be placed on her back. He gives her the date rose - what will this mean for Mara? Will she continue and will Sarah demand to know who said this about her and will the women in the house tell her?

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel and Sarah

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

Until next week to find out how Sarah will address what took place!

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 6

Last week, we chose Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi as the women who will head to Hometowns as we are at the halfway point. We’re going to stay with this group of Hometown possibles!

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E5. | WILL CLAYTON GET CLARITY?

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, the drama continues as the women in the house have their attention on Shanae and her antics that continue to create negativity in the house.

We see Serene and Clayton Echard on their 1-on-1 date where they have the entire pier just for them. They have a great time going on rides, enjoying ice cream and connecting. At their dinner, they delve into deeper topics to find out more about Serene and why she seems to have a bit of a wall. She lets him know that she has experienced a lot of loss and that she tries her best to get through it. Clayton appreciates that she shares her vulnerability. She receives the date rose.

The rose ceremony is about to begin and we know that more drama will come to this night and possibly end the cocktail portion earlier than anticipated. The women try to talk with Shanae which goes nowhere and Clayton comes out and says he wants to see the women who won from the last group date. He asks them what is going on in relation to Shanae. Sierra tells him and lets him know about the trophy and what she did. They all explain that her behavior was not appropriate. Back with the rest of the women, they let her know that obviously they are talking about her and she needs to recognize her behavior. Clayton says he didn’t know that the trophy incident happened and that he needs to talk with Shanae to find out about her cussing them out and throwing the trophy. Of course, Sierra tells her to change her actions because she is not trusted.

Clayton comes out to pull her outside and the women hope this means that she is leaving the house! He talks with Shanae about the after-party group date. She lets him know that she told the women to keep her name out of their mouth AND she threw the trophy. On one side, we’re surprised that she just owned up to it unasked, but of course, she gets a pseudo pass by saying that if she continues to do that, then they won’t have a path forward. He asks if she is apologetic for what she did and she says that she shoudln’t have done that.

She apologizes and some of the women embrace her and let her know that she deserves the space to grow. She quickly tells Clayton that she did and of course, he gives her a kiss and in her confessional, she says she’s not sorry and that she should get an Oscar for her performance. One can only wonder what Clayton thinks about seeing all of this playback.

The rose ceremony begins and it seems like most of the women didn’t even get 1-on-1 time with Clayton to talk with him to further their individual relationships. Clayton thanks them for being open, honest and holding him accountable. He hopes that they have all been seen or heard.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE | Serene, Eliza, Sarah, Marlena, Genevieve, Mara, Gabby, Susie, Hunter, Rachel (from last week) and Shanae.

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Lyndsey, Sierra and Jill

Clayton lets them know that are going to Toronto while Shanae is super glib on being able to stay and being responsible for sending 2 girls home back-to-back!

The graphic shows that they have flown from Houston to Toronto and he hopes that the drama with Shanae has passed because they have changed locales. The date card arrives and Gabby gets the 1-on-1 date. Shanae in her confessional says that when she gets the rose on this leg of the date, everyone can just stop talking. Shanae is bothered by others being happy that someone else got this date versus themselves.

Gabby and Clayton explore the area via the helicopter. He admits in his confessional that she was not on his radar originally but over time, she has been. They play a bit of street hockey together in the park. They take in some treats in the area as well as get to mark a wall for approved graffiti. Gabby also takes the time to bond with dogs that they pass by. Gabby was so happy to be on the date as she knows that she didn’t get time with him at all. He lets her know that he loves her jokester side and the fact that she is goofy as it’s important for him to see that. As much as she likes hearing that, she also wants him to know that she has a serious side as well and she wants him to see all oher and not just one part.

Back at the hotel, Shanae shares that she’s hoping for a 1-on-1 because they need that. The next date card arrives with Rachael, Sarah, Serene, Marlena, Susie, Hunter, Eliza, Teddi and Mara being on the group date. Which leaves a 2-on-1 date with Genevieve and Shanae being on that one. Those on the group date are glad that she will not be with them and they can have a good time. The women (minus Shanae) feel bad for Genevieve.

Back on Gabby’s dinner date, he continues to laughs and jokes, but she speaks up and lets him know that she’s not just one dimensional and also talks about her family struggles with her mom as they don’t see eye to eye and communicate a lot. Clayton actually asks her questions about whether they can repair that relationship. He understands that she uses humor to deflect what’s going on with her so that she can put on a good face. He appreciates her letting him know more about her. She receives the 1-on-1 date rose. They end their date in the pool and he feels that she could be his wife possibly.

The group date begins and it will be one of the few drama-free dates that have taken place. Although we know that all the women would have loved a 1-on-1 date, you can see that they are happy to have the time. Clayton takes them to their date and they see Jesse Palmer who is quickly joined by Russell Peters who is known as the master of the roasts - so interesting to see what the women in the house will do. It’s a good idea that Shanae was not included on this date since they will be making fun of one another and for the most part, those on this date will be able to handle it.

Without her there, Clayton hears all the women knock on Shanae throughout their roasts. We’ve always believed that in humor there is a lot of truth and hopefully he reads between the lines and realizes that the person he sees is not really who she is.

Clayton shares that they came at him for sure as we all know he is a fan of humor. It’s nice to see that the women on this date are having a good time, being respectful and can leave issues and drama behind. The fact that they can actually get 1-on-1 time with him is also a surprise.

Gabby is at the house with Genevieve and Shanae and Gabby wishes that she was anywhere but there. She reads the date card for their 2-on-1 with Clayton. He writes that he needs to make a decision and it’s the first time that he doesn’t write, “love Clayton.”

Back at the group date, more bonds and discussions are taking place. It’s interesting how no one is talking about Shanae in this date or feeling the need to defend other girls who have been caught in her crosshairs. Eliza’s time with him is so cute as she gives him shots of maple syrup - an interesting choice. The group date rose goes to Rachel.

The women feel bad that they didn’t get it; however, they don’t trash one another and make people feel uncomfortable. They question whether this is the place for them or how they can make themselves noticed even when they feel that they are doing as much as they can to connect with him.

The 2-on-1 is happening and clearly this will continue onto the next episode! There’s so much anticipation and yet we know that Shanae will not be able to keep it together. The date is at Niagra Falls on the Canadian side and as they head closer to the destination, they sit in silence in the car. They will see the falls from the boat and we’re continuing to cringe on the levels that Shanae is not afraid to go to in order to get what she wants. Back at the hotel, the women continue to speak about this date and that it will have a ripple effect to the rest of the women.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE | Gabby, Rachel,

CLAYTON SENT HOME |

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 5

Last week, we chose Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi as the women who will head to Hometowns as we are at the half way point. We’re going to stay with this group.

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HIS TIME IS NOW | JOSEPH SIKORA

Throughout the past few months we have loved interviewing those who have been in POWER, POWER BOOK II: GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN and with the release of POWER BOOK IV: FORCE on Feb 6th, we were excited to chat with Joseph Sikora (POWER, Ozark, Jack Reacher) who is back playing fan favorite, Tommy Egan. We talked about how he got into acting, being on POWER, where we find Tommy in the latest series and what projects he has coming up that we should keep an eye out for!

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

JOSEPH SIKORA: I was 10 years old. There was a show that used to be on called KIDS Incorporated. Fergie used to be on it and I think even Jennifer Love Hewitt. They were just the kids that were being rockstars and actors. I went to my mom and I said, I’d love to be an actor. She said that if I still wanted to be an actor in a month, come back. So I’m waiting and counting down the days. I said, “ma I want to be an actor.” She says ok and pulls out the Yellow Pages and we look up acting and there isn’t much in there. We look up theater and my mother, to her credit starts cold calling theaters and says, “my son wants to be an actor, how do we do this?” Eventually, I auditioned for a role in A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theater in Chicago, but I didn’t get it. The casting director said that I was really talented and that I should audition for The Little Prince which was up in a far suburb in Lake Forest in Chicago. I ended up booking the role so my mother had to trek me out all the way to Lake Forest for rehearsals and performances. I did it and it was really a bug. Then my mother again cold-called agencies and said, “my son is in a play will you come watch it and would you want to represent him afterward?” Some of them came and then I got representation, I did some commercials which really helped pay for college and saved all of my money and even when I was just getting into mischief in high school, I kept paying my SAG dues and I have been a member of SAG since 1988. That’s how I started acting, it was through the theater and doing little bits of pieces here and as you know, I have done a ton of stuff! But none of it was any real success until really the POWER show. It’s my biggest thing for sure!

I was a series regular one of the series leads of an Adult Swim show called The Heart, She Holler that I am very proud of. It was directed and written by Vernon Chatman and John Lee starring Patton Oswalt which was so much fun. I did stuff here and stuff there, but acting is a tough thing and it’s truly a calling in some ways that I just never gave up.

So in a lot of ways, Tommy Egan, he’s that same guy. Tommy Egan never gives up and he says as much in episode 1 of POWER when he takes Holly out for their first date to the bar. He just keeps fighting and so I really just kept fighting and I did it not for reasons of fame. I didn’t want people to recognize or know me, I did it because I wanted to be able to explore the human condition and to see what it would be like to be other people and from what other people experienced. To see what it’s like to love, lose and win in other bodies.

AM: What made you want to be part of POWER?

JS: I mean, I was starving! I had no money, I was auditioning, I had a couple of little things around that time that I was really happy to do. I had just done Jack Reacher and I had done True Detective, the series Banshee – I was dating a girl who is now my wife and I had found something that I loved more than acting. For whatever reason in the irony that is life, when you don’t want something so bad, things start coming to you. This is one of those things.

There were 5 auditions for POWER for Tommy Egan, which was originally called Eddie O’Neal by the way!

AM: Where did we leave Tommy in POWER and where do we pick him up again in FORCE?

JS: Well, where we leave Tommy in the POWER show, is with Tommy and NY in his rearview mirror. But then, in POWER BOOK II: GHOST, we realize that he made a U-turn to take care of some unfinished business with Tasha played by Naturi Naughton and obviously the lead of the series Michael Rainey Jr who plays Tariq. After he leaves Tariq in Monet’s capable hands, but makes an enemy of the Tejada group, it’s even more of a reason for Tommy to get out of town. He’s not welcome back in the town of the city that raised him, so now he’s on his way to Los Angeles to take care of the ports and to work at the ports of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles. But he makes a pit stop in Chicago for what people will find out in the first episode. But then he ends up saying, “you know what? Chicago may be talking to me right now. This may be my land of opportunity.” It’s a harkening back to the 1890’s where the NY papers said, “go West young man, go West!” Tommy did it and he ended up in Chicago and he sees a possibility of a future in the gem of the prairie in Chicago, Il.

AM: How does it feel to have this whole spinoff wrapped around your character?

JS: It’s great! I love working and I get to work more, it’s a win-win! I’m so happy and grateful for the audience demanding it and that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson made it happen!

AM: Is there anything that you can tell us about it as I know it’s out very soon but any insights would be appreciated!

JS: Absolutely, I think that it’s super exciting and that it’s really truly different city, different rules, same Tommy. I’m so excited about the pilot directed by Larysa Kondracki (Legion, Gotham, THEM) and then we have Kieron Hawkes (POWER, POWER BOOK II GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN) a POWER alum who directed in Raising Kanan and on the POWER BOOK II: GHOST, he’s an amazing director – so it’s great to have Kieron Hawkes! Another director that I am so excited about is Deon Taylor (Kicks, Meet the Blacks, Black and Blue) who directs our incredible finale. Everyone knows him from The Intruder and Black and Blue, Supremacy, and I am doing another film with Deon that’s going to be coming out in March called Fear, also starring Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, T.I., Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg and Terrence J – so a bit of an all star wonderful cast that is a thriller and a horror film that revolves around our current state of pandemic so you have to check that out!

AM: I just finished watching Ozark Season 4 part 1. It was nice seeing you in that!

JS: Nice! Frank Jr! Frank Jr is the antithesis to Tommy! Tommy is everything that Frank Jr is not. But they share the same struggle. They want to be able to make their way, they want to get outside of somebodies shadow, but Frank Jr is as unsuccessful as Tommy is successful.

IG @JosephSikora4

PHOTOS COURTESY | STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE

Hear STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE's Joseph Sikora on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see HIS TIME IS NOW | Joseph Sikora in mag.

IMPACT THE GAME | DARIUS LEONARD

We're kicking off the year with our 73rd cover, 3 X Consecutive Pro-Bowler Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts. Known as The Maniac on the field for his energy and the ability to make productive plays, he is also known for his commitment to giving back.

We caught up with Darius days before the Pro-Bowl for his virtual shoot as well as to find out more about playing for the Colts, being in this season's Hard Knocks on HBO and The Maniac Foundation.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with football and what was the moment that you knew you wanted to play professionally?

DARIUS LEONARD: Started playing football at the age of 8. Fell In love with the game at age 14. Didn’t think about playing professional football until about my junior year of college and that’s when I started thinking about the NFL and that I could possibly have a chance.

AM: You were drafted in 2018 – what was that process like for you and what has it mean to play for the Indianapolis Colts?

DL: Draft process was tough coming from a small college. I had lot of visits and people flying me out to make sure I was who I was. Had to play senior ball then after Senior Bowl I popped my quad running the 40 at the combine and after that I thought my draft stat would fall and then fortunately I was drafted by the Colts and that means a lot being drafted by a team that is known for championships and that’s been my mentality to be a winner and that’s why I am happy to be a Colt.

AM: How did you get the nickname, The Maniac?

DL: Energetic and productive playing.

AM: When you’re in the season, what’s a week like for you from working out, practicing etc and how does this differ in the off season?

DL: During the season my week is pretty tough. After game Sunday I get in the hyperbaric chamber and spend some time with the family. Monday is a lot of body work and massages and hyperbaric chamber and ankle work. And then Tuesday I start watching a little bit of tape and a little body work and get in hot and cold tubs. Wednesday and Thursdays wake up at 6am get home around 7/8pm. Friday is a big work day for body work. Then Saturday is relaxation day and Sunday is game day.

AM: When you’re hitting the gym, what workouts do you do that allow you to optimize your sport?

DL: When I hit the gym I do a lot more of the explosive stuff. Continue to make sure I have that quick twitch, a lot of squats & snatches. Making sure I am hitting the field pretty heavy making sure my feet and hand placements are good. Make sure I am doing good at my drills that I gotta do when the game is coming.

AM: This season was a great one to watch and it was nice to also have the team on HBO’s Hard Knocks In Season so that we got an inside look on what you and the team do on and off the field. It’s one of my favorite shows that lets us see the practice and camaraderie you have with one another as well as the friend and family support that exists. What was it like being on this season and being able to share more about you and your family with the fans?

DL: Hard knocks was great being there. It was fun having them get our back story of who we are as players and human beings. Fun having my family and seeing their reactions during the games and stuff like that because those are things that I never get to see so it was fun to have hard knocks there to make that visible for us since I never get to see it.

AM: Although you won't be heading to the Super Bowl, the Colts are sending the most players to this year’s Pro Bowl and you will be returning for a 3rd consecutive time. How have you been preparing heading into the Pro Bowl and how do you train and get in sync with fellow teammates that you are not used to playing with?

DL: You know for Pro Bowl I don’t do too much for it. I just make sure I am staying in shape, and make sure my lungs are good so if it’s a long drive I am ready for that. Its all about trust, you get the playbook, and you just trust the guys to be professionals and know they are going to do their job and I am going to do my job. Everybody do their 111 just to make their play work. Looking forward to the Pro Bowl and looking forward to playing with teammates I have never played with before.

AM: How do you take time for yourself?

DL: Off the field I really don’t take too much time for myself. If I’m home with the girls or at a high school doing community service to be a positive role model on these kids lives and try to find a way to give back as much as I can – that’s what I like to do in my free time. I want to be the spotlight for these little kids and try to make a way for them and let them understand that you can be someone and it don’t have to be football related and make sure they know there are multiple ways to get out there and make an impact and that’s what I like to do to help kids as much as I possibly can and be their role model.

AM: When you’re in Indianapolis, where can we find you enjoying a date night?

DL: In Indianapolis, if I am on date night and out and about I am definitely going to Hyde Park and getting their fried lobsters and I am getting their crab cake, their steak, potatoes, and my wife is definitely going to get her asparagus and that’s about it!

AM: Last year you launched the Maniac Foundation which supports those in Indianapolis and Lake View communities in South Carolina - can you tell us more about your organization?

DL: The Maniac Foundation was launched March 2, 2021. The foundation is dedicated to transforming communities through education, wellness, serving families in need and other charitable causes. The foundation has provided over 100 bikes to children in foster care, books and backpacks for students, winter coats, holiday gifts and over $25,000 in charitable grants.

AM: What can we expect to see from you and the Maniac Foundation this year?

DL: The Maniac Foundation is refurbishing a park in Lake View. Hilltop Park will be receiving a makeover complete with a new playground and new basketball goals. We are partnering with the Indianapolis Public Schools District, Lake View Elementary and Lake View High School to kick off the Mind of Maniacs Reading program (kids are required to read 10 books) and the Math Maniacs Math Program. High performing students will have the opportunity to attend an Indianapolis Colts home game. We are having a big volunteer event at Midwest Food Bank in Indy to help pack food boxes for those in need. Starting this spring I will record monthly messages directed towards individuals working on their mental health.

AM: How can those who wish to support you be part of the foundation?

DL: Please visit http://www.maniacfoundation.org to find out how to volunteer with the foundation or make a donation to support our initiatives. You can follow us on social media at @ManiacCares.

IG @Mr_Highflyer10

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | COVERS, PG 18 - 25 Paul Farkas | PG 16 Colts | PG 26 Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire | PG 28 Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire | PG 30 + 31 Darius Leonard |

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Impact the Game | Darius Leonard in mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E4. | THINGS ARE COMING TO A HEAD

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we continue to hear the drama surrounding Shanae as they head into the cocktail ceremony prior to the rose ceremony. The women know that Clayton Echard wants to talk about what is happening and this makes everyone feel apprehensive.

He lets them know that he needs to address the issue between Shenae and Elizabeth and pulls them outside to chat. He wants to hash out the conflict and to hear both sides.

Shenae shares that after getting shrimp from Elizabeth she decided to make it for the other women. She uses it as an example to show how she was bullied when no one turned when she offered. His face looks exhausted as it seems like he sees this is a pointless effort. So much bickering takes place between the women and Shenae that the part is closed and it’s going straight to the ceremony.

Roses were given to: Marlena, Teddi, Rachael, Mara, Sierra, Gabby, Susie, Jill, Serene, Genevieve, Sarah, Hunter, Lyndsey, Eliza and Shanae.

Clayton sent home: Elizabeth, Melina and Kira.

Post the ceremony, the women debrief about what happened and they realize that they should just be cordial but an arms distance away from her. Shanae tells everyone that she feels that she can talk and not be scared. Jesse Palmer lets them know that they are leaving LA and will be traveling around the world starting with Houston. Clayton is excited that Clarence who lives in Houston pops by his room to hang out. He shares the drama that has taken place in the house and hopes that travel will get everyone on the same page and in a positive mood.

The date card arrives - Rachel receives the 1-on-1 date. They make their way to a pair of horses and find themselves heading to a barbecue. They find that they’re going to make a meal together. It ends up being an easy day and we can see the connection that they have with one another. Their dinner deepens their connection and they leave that for a solo concert by Restless Road. Rachel gets the rose.

Another date card arrives Sarah, Eliza, Teddi, Marlena Jill, Susie, Mara, Sierra, Hunter, Lindsey, Genevieve, Gabby and Shanae are on the group date and will be heading to the stadium. The women feel that this will be an intense date. Serene will be on the 1-on-1 date.

The women wonder what they need to do about the Shanae situation and are concerned about what this means for their group date. They arrive at the stadium where they see Clayton in his tailgating set up. They’re playing games, grilling and having fun. They learn that they will be playing football. The winner will go to the after party and those who lose will be at the hotel.

Hannah Storm and Jesse break the game down and we see that the women are taking this date seriously.

The purple team wins and they’re glad to have time with Clayton and happy that Shanae is not there. Sierra tells Clayton that Shanae is not someone that he can trust and other women in the house also bring this up as well. Shanae decides to come to the after party. She breaks up 1-on-1 time and says that even though she was on the losing team, she deserves to be there. He brings up things that the women shared with him.

We end the episode with Rachel being the only person who has the rose and heading into next week wondering who will make the cut and how long Shanae will actually be continuing during the season.

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 4

Last wee we picked Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi - we’re going to stay with these girls even though the episode didn’t end with a ceremony.

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E3. | CLAYTON'S QUEST CONTINUES

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we pick up from the previous episode as the fallout from Sierra’s information about Cassidy continues. Although Cassidy dodges the question, she eventually admits that she slept with the friends with benefits a few times, but she is all in with Clayton Echard. Ultimately, he sends her home - even though she has a rose. He also sends home Ency, Tessa and Kate.

There are 3 dates this week - 2 groups and an individual. Jesse Palmer gives the date card to the girls and they find that Serene, Susie, Eliza, Mara, Marlena, Hunter, Geneiveve and Jill are all on a date together. They catch up with Kaitlyn Bristowe on their date where they will share their vulnerabilities with one another. The women and Clayton share sensitive information with one another - to hear about Hunter’s ex-boyfriend having her change her hair and eye color, was really infuriating to hear. Hearing everyone opening up and knowing that the people involved were genuine as opposed to others who could have been on this date, let it be a great experience. At the after-party from this date, he gets more one-on-one time and he even admits that he wishes he could give all of them one and he tells them that. Ultimately, he gives Eliza the rose.

The next date card arrives and is a one-on-one with Sarah. Shanae is annoyed that everyone is nice to one another when she feels that this is a competition and they shouldn’t be happy that someone got a one-on-one date.

Becca Kufrin meets Sarah and Clayton on the date and tells them that they will do a scavenger hunt in their undies in DTLA. It’s a day of yes, while also having people watching them do a number of activities. They do a number of activities that make them uncomfortable, but it helps them bond with one another. At dinner, they talk about Sarah being adopted and she is given the date rose.

The group date includes Gabby, Rachel, Kira, Melina, Lyndsey, Sierra, Teddi, Elizabeth and Shanae - they are going to the beach! Of course, Shanae doesn’t like that Elizabeth is on “her date”. Their date is on the beach and as the girls are hanging out on the sand, Nicole Eggert of Baywatch fame lets them know that she is putting them through some paces. They change into their Baywatch outfits and Shanae is deemed aggressive with Clayton’s body (she only applied sunscreen to his nipples). They learn how to do CPR as well as learning the powerful slomo moves that the show was known for. Shanae goes all in with aggressively kissing him, but ultimately Nicole gives Gabby additional time with him. At the after party from the event, the women are looking forward to a drama free night. They all note that Shanae was pretty crazy throughout the date. Gabby made sure that his sunburn was taken care of by putting aloe on him after he took his shirt off.

Shanae continues to bring the drama and talks about this drama with Elizabeth and how she’s making others not talk to her. In her confessional, she laughs at how Clayton believed her and how she hadn’t intended to cry, but threw that in there for good measure. We know that the producers love keeping castmembers that continue the drama - but this one is just so obvious, fingers crossed that she will be eliminated soon. Shanae attacks the other women on the group date and you can tell that the tide is beginning to turn. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in next week’s episode.

SENT HOME: Cassidy, Ency, Tessa, Kate

RECEIVED A ROSE: Eliza, Sarah,

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 3

Since last week was a cliffhanger, we stayed with our picks from Episode 1 - Eliza, Ency, Rachel and Teddi. Of course, Ency was eliminated earlier in today’s episode so we’re now adding Sarah to this group of potential Hometowns.

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ACTING CHOSE ME WITH CURTISS COOK

This month, our DEC ISSUE #72 is covered by Curtiss Cook who has appeared in a number of films that we enjoy including Shutter Island, Netflix's Roxanne Roxanne, and West Side Story to name a few. In addition to commanding the big screen and his work on stage, he has been in countless TV shows as well. He brings a dynamic force to his characters in Netflix's House of Cards and Manifest, NBC's Chicago Med, FX Mayans M.C. and Showtime's The Chi.

We talk with Curtiss about how he got into acting and how he approaches his characters. We also talk about the recent film West Side Story and we're keeping our fingers crossed that we will continue to see him as Douda in the critically acclaimed series The Chi and what led him to this role. We also talk about work behind the camera as well as his work in the upcoming QCODE podcast, The Burned Photo.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment when you realized that you wanted to be an actor?

CURTISS COOK: You know I don’t know if I can put an exact time on it, but what I can tell you is—I don’t feel like I chose acting, I feel as if it chose me. NO one in my family acted or performed for a living or even casually, so I didn’t have any direct role models, but once I found it, that freedom of being another person and being able to say things I wanted to but couldn’t, learning things about myself and the world… I never looked back!

AM: You have been in so many TV series from The Sopranos, The Bold Type, House of Cards, Mayans M.C., The Chi, as well as movies such as Shutter Island and been on Broadway for The Lion King and Miss Saigon. What are you looking for when you’re reading a character or the script overall in terms of deciding whether you want to be in it?

CC: Hmmm good question… It changes from project to project. Sometimes it may be, “Have I done this kind of role before?” and if I had, “Is there something I can improve upon?” Sometimes it’s, “Does this person move the story forward? If not, is there space for me to make that happen? Or, is this something I NEVER THOUGHT I could pull off?” Yes! So, let’s go for it. And then, it could be as simple as, “Do I like this person (character)? No? Why not? Let’s see if I can have empathy for him.”

AM: Is your approach to the work different depending on whether it’s on TV, a movie or on the stage?

CC: No, it’s pretty much the same. It’s just the time I get to prep for the character and how long I get to live with him that differs.

AM: We’ve seen you in a number of roles and always enjoy when we see you are attached to the project as there is a poise and bold quality that you bring to your work. What is the process that you go into when it comes to becoming the character that you will play?

CC: Well, thank you for the compliment! That really means a lot to me. I take what I do seriously knowing that it’s not serious… Finding the joy in what I do is important to me. This is not just what I do, it’s who I am. It’s a part of me—a HUGE part of me—So, I go all in and the devil is in the details.

AM: Do you find that when you’re finished playing a character that there’s a process in releasing him and is it harder when you’re in a series since you will have to pick him back up again?

CC: The short answer is yes. I definitely have to decompress when work is done. I’m getting better on the time it takes, but I make sure I take it.

AM: West Side Story is an iconic musical and this musical film adaption directed by Steven Spielberg has been very anticipated. You play Abe, a new character – which was created by Steven specifically for you – how did this come about and what did you draw from to bring him to life?

CC: Well, the character was created for someone like me, an addition to a classic that was needed and necessary. So, Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Kushner did that. I just so happen to be the one who got the gift of breathing life into Abe and hearing one of the greats say, “If Curtiss wants it, he can have it.” It means and meant the world to me.

AM: What was it like being part of this production?

CC: Nothing short of amazing!!!

AM: Being from the Midwest originally, I’m always intrigued about shows that focus on Chicago so when The Chi came out, I was hooked from the first show and I love how they showcase the lives of those that live in the community that spans a number of economical, aspirational and inspirational layers. When you came on as Douda, you bring such a dichotomy to the show. How did you get connected with this series and how would you describe your character?

CC: Once again, thank you! I auditioned—I self-taped actually. At the time, I was doing two other series and I thought there’s no way I’ll get three series at the same time and low in behold!!!

Douda is a complicated man like most of us are, that’s one of the beauties of this character. Just when you think you have him figured out, you don’t… and not because he's fooling you, but because he has so much to offer, so many layers, and he has a plan for himself and his community. Nothing is going to stop him from seeing that plan come to fruition.

AM: It feels like Douda continues to share new layers to him which we saw in Season 4 - how much influence do you have in shaping him and giving insights into how he will be portrayed?

CC: None really. I wait for the pages and try my damnedest not to mess it up. I just stay open, willing and adventurous. I get to act for a living... how glorious is that...

Mannnnn, this is all I’ve ever wanted to do and I get to do it on this level with this character on this show on this network and with these people. I HIT THE LOTTO!!!

AM: The Chi was renewed for a 5th season, are you getting ready to film and is there anything you can tell us about the upcoming season or are looking forward to?

CC: Well, I just hope Douda comes back. You saw what happened at the end of the season right? I just hope we get to see him again.

AM: You have worked with phenomenal people from Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Lena Waithe to name a few. You were the Executive Producer of Counselor and A Black Man Acting. Do you see yourself doing more projects behind the camera?

CC: Yes, I will and there’s something happening now. So, yes keep a look out for it.

AM: We love that in the past few months there have been phenomenal immersive podcasts that have top talent telling scripted stories. I think that QCODE does this in such an amazing way and am a fan of their shows regardless of the topic. You lent your talents to The Burned Photo which was a podcast that I enjoyed listening to and I can’t wait until the second season. Why did you want to be apart of this and what was it like creating it?

CC: Wow yeah, I had never done that before and I was curious to see if I could and how it would work. And let me tell you… it was WORK. Wait until you hear the second season! Boy-oh-boy, get ready.

AM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us that we should keep an eye out for?

CC: A great movie written and directed by Charles Murray with an amazing cast. Hopefully you’ll hear about a release date soon!

AM: When you’re not on set, it seems like you spend a fair amount of time at the gym. What are 3 things that you like to do when you’re working out?

CC: Yea, health is pretty important to me. My favorite work out is boxing, then I’ll do a little free weights, then end everything with core.

AM: How do you take personal time for yourself?

CC: I don’t know if I do… I need to get better at that.

IG @CurtissCook

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT + BACK COVER, PG 16 -19 James Washington | PG 20 - 25 Evgeny Milkovich | PG 26 - 29 SHOWTIME/Parrish Lewis | PG 30 - 31 SHOWTIME/Elizabeth Sisson |

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see Acting Chose Me with Curtiss Cook in mag.

NEW YEAR, N3W YOU

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see NEW YEAR, N3W YOU in mag.

AWARDS SEASON | 28TH ANNUAL SAG AWARDS

This morning the 28th Annual SAG Awards nominees were announced. This show is slated to air on Feb 27th at 8pm EST on TNT and TBS at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. It’s always a fun show to watch and as usual, a number of our favorites are being highlighted from the shows themselves to the actors and teams involved.

We predict that the names in bold are those that will win, the ones that are in bold italics are those that we correctly identified as winning and the names in italics are those that won that we didn’t guess correctly.

TELEVISION AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTORcIN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Murray Bartlett, "The White Lotus"

Oscar Isaac, "Scenes From a Marriage"

Michael Keaton, "Dopesick"

Ewan McGregor, "Halston"

Evan Peters, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTORcIN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Jennifer Coolidge, "The White Lotus"

Cynthia Erivo, "Genius: Aretha"

Margaret Qualley, "Maid"

Jean Smart, "Mare of Easttown"

Kate Winslet, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIEs

Brian Cox, "Succession"

Billy Crudup, "The Morning Show"

Kieran Culkin, "Succession"

Lee Jung-jae, "Squid Game"

Jeremy Strong, "Succession"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIEs

Jennifer Aniston, "The Morning Show"

Jung Ho-yeon, "Squid Game"

Elisabeth Moss, "The Handmaid's Tale"

Sarah Snook, "Succession"

Reese Witherspoon, "The Morning Show"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Michael Douglas, "The Kominsky Method"

Brett Goldstein, "Ted Lasso"

Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building"

Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"

Jason Sudeikis, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Elle Fanning, "The Great"

Sandra Oh, "The Chair"

Jean Smart, "Hacks"

Juno Temple, "Ted Lasso"

Hannah Waddingham, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES

"The Handmaid's Tale"

"The Morning Show"

"Squid Game"

"Succession"

"Yellowstone"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES

"The Great"

"Hacks"

"The Kominsky Method"

"Only Murders in the Building"

"Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY OR DRAMA SERIES

"Cobra Kai"

"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

"Loki"

"Mare of Easttown"

"Squid Game"

MOTION PICTURE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Javier Bardem, "Being the Ricardos"

Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Power of the Dog"

Andrew Garfield, "Tick, Tick... Boom"

Will Smith, "King Richard"

Denzel Washington, "The Tragedy of Macbeth"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Jessica Chastain, "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

Olivia Colman, "The Lost Daughter"

Lady Gaga, "House of Gucci"

Jennifer Hudson, "Respect"

Nicole Kidman, "Being the Ricardos"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Ben Affleck, "The Tender Bar"

Bradley Cooper, "Licorice Pizza"

Troy Kotsur, "CODA"

Jared Leto, "House of Gucci"

Kodi Smit-McPhee, "The Power of the Dog"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Caitríona Balfe, "Belfast"

Cate Blanchett, "Nightmare Alley"

Ariana DeBose, "West Side Story"

Kirsten Dunst, "The Power of the Dog"

Ruth Negga, "Passing"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Belfast"

"CODA"

"Don't Look Up"

"House of Gucci"

"King Richard"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Black Widow"

"Dune"

"The Matrix Resurrections"

"No Time to Die"

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E2. | CLAYTON DIGS DEEPER INTO THE RELATIONSHIPS

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we see the women getting relaxed in the Bachelor Mansion which seems like forever since we’ve seen it. Jesse Palmer introduces himself to the women formerly. He also leaves them the first date card.

Teddi, Ency, Malina, Gabby, Mara, Sierra, Geneivieve, Serene, Cassidy and X +head to their first group date with Clayton Echard. Joining this date is Hilary Duff and the women fangirl that she’s arrived. They are going to hang out with kids while creating a fun birthday party for one of them. Cassidy is not interested in getting the party ready and the girls notice that she’s nowhere to be found - they know she’s been hanging out with Clayton and has turned the group date into a 1-on-1 date. In addition, Cassidy let the kids know that she didn’t like them and dropped the cake that was made by Genevieve!

They move on to the cocktail portion of the night. Clayton says that he enjoyed the effort that took place and can’t wait to get to know more about them. As he chats with Serene and has the sweetest first kiss, Cassidy is throwing the gauntlet of being the utmost villain. The ladies at the cocktail party let them know that they don’t like how she has acted and she lets them know that she isn’t there for that and that she thinks that she’s going to get the rose.

Back at the house. another date card arrives with Susie getting the 1-on-1 date. Back at the cocktail party, it’s getting pretty intense. Clayton gives the rose for the group date to Cassidy which definitely makes the mood shift even further.

Susie’s 1-on-1 begins with Clayton and they have a helicopter date and of course, fly over the mansion. After exploring the area, they land on a yacht and enjoy champagne. He sees how Susie is just a chill woman who is appreciative. They end their date at the Hudson Loft for dinner and a bit of dancing to a song performed by Amanda Jordan. Of course, she receives the date rose.

The next date card arrives and Marlena, Elizabeth, Kate, Sarah, Lindsey, Rachel, Tessa and Shanae are going out as a group. Their group date is with Ziwe as she plays a game to illustrate red flags with a game of “never have I ever” and then they get ready for an obstacle course. Throughout the date, Shenae tries to push her way through; however, she misses some things while being mad at others who are getting further with him. Thankfully she doesn’t win, but she vows to recover her footing at the cocktail party. Sarah wins the challenge and they are onto the cocktail party. Clayton lets them know that he had a great time and that he looks forward to getting to know more about them.

In the first group date, we watch as Cassidy goes into attack mode to get what she wants. We saw Shenae talk with Cassidy and get pumped up to also gain ground like her friend; however, when we see her on the other group date, we realize that her actions don’t quite match what she says she wants to do. When Shenae finally gets time with Clayton, she decides to share that Elizabeth is not there for the right reason which definitely feels like she is grabbing at straws on this one. He pulls Elizabeth to the side to address the potential issue.

Sarah gets the group date rose. Shenae and Elizabeth chat and we all know that Shenae tried to throw her under the bus when she did nothing wrong. Shenae outs her ADHD status in front of the women and says that she is confused about their sidebar conversation. Ultimately, the entire situation is extremely messy and leaves everyone unsettled when it comes to what they can expect for the rose ceremony cocktail party.

At the party, Eliza does the cutest mini date in teaching Clayton how to scrapbook which was cute. She didn’t have a date this week, but found a way to stand out. Shenae takes the time to talk with Elizabeth to try to squash everything (mainly because Cassidy told her to stop what’s going on). Shenae continues to fan the flame by reiterating that maybe Elizabeth’s ADHD is the problem and that that condition doesn’t allow her to remember that they had had a talk to handle everything. In the end, Elizabeth is rightfully offended and shares with the women. In front of the larger group Shenae continues to mock her ADHD to a point where Cassidy even says that she has gone too far and that she can’t support that kind of behavior. Clearly their duo is quickly coming to an end.

Cassidy leaves the chaos to take some time with Clayton - even though she has a rose already. The ladies all support Elizabeth for being classy in the face of Shenae’s inappropriate behavior. Other girls wonder if they will have less time to connect due to the fact that there is all this drama going on. Cassidy lets the girls know that she is relentless in her pursuits. Interestingly enough, Cassidy told Sierra that she has a friend with benefits at home and she goes to Clayton to let him know what she has been told. She even pulls Cassidy aside to let her know what she did.

In 2 weeks, we’ll find out whether Cassidy will keep her rose and who will be selected to continue their journey.

SENT HOME: We have a cliffhanger so no one was sent home tonight.

RECEIVED A ROSE: Cassidy, Susie, Sarah

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 2

Since we have a cliffhanger, we’re going to stay with our picks from last week, Eliza, Ency, Rachel and Teddi.

ELIZA

ENCY

RACHEL

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

9PLAYLIST | RYAN SEACREST

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Ryan Seacrest in mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E1. | CLAYTON BEGINS HIS JOURNEY

We kick off the New Year with Season 26 of ABC’s The Bachelor, which focuses on Clayton Echard as he starts his journey (he is coming off of Michelle Young’s The Bachelorette season 18). Jesse Palmer kicked off the season by reminding us that he was The Bachelor season 5. Having a host that is also a form Bachelor and also played professional football is nice to have that balance and to bring in that level of warmth.

We get a recap of what took place during his season with Michelle and he addressed the fact that he didn’t have the most screentime so it would seem surprising that he would be the next Bachelor.

The fact that the mansion is back, it’s definitely like coming back to an old friend as it’s a stomping ground that we know well. We’re also introduced to the women that we’ll get to know very well.

We meet Salley and we realize that she was supposed to get married and the day of meeting Clayton, she tells him that she was supposed to be married. She lets him know that she is conflicted and he offers her a rose and ultimately, she declines it! Thus all happened pre-limo!

He connects with Jesse to talk about what happened and now we’re finally meeting the women. It’s always fun to see the personalities and how they connect with their intended as they come out of the limo. The mix of sweet and over-the-top entrances is always fun to watch. All the women have arrived and Clayton gives a toast as they begin to get to know one another. He gets 1-on-1 time with each woman, but it’s an extended kiss with Teddi that the girls see where they realize that this is getting serious. Interestingly enough, Teddy didn’t intend to kiss on the first night. The first impression rose arrives and they know that it’s time to step it up - if they have yet to do so. Although everyone enjoyed the dates and times with him, Claire says that he’s not her type and that she feels it’s not a fit. He walks her out as he only wants people that want to be there. He lets them know if anyone wants to step out, now is the time. He then asks to see Teddy so that he can give her the First Impression rose. He also lets them know that the cocktail party is now over and the rose ceremony will begin. The women wonder if the time that they had was enough to ensure that they will be able to stay in the house. He lets them know after tonight, he knows that his wife is in the room and he apologizes to those that he didn’t get a chance to speak to.

SENT HOME: Claire, Daria, Hailey, Ivana, Jane, Lindsay D, Rianna, Salley and Samantha.

RECEIVED A ROSE: Cassidy, Eliza, Elizabeth, Ency, Gabby, Genevieve, Hunter, Jill, Kate, Kira, Lindsey W, Mara, Marlina, Melina, Rachel, Sarah, Serene, Shanae, Sierra, Susie, Teddi, and Tessa.

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 26

We’re sharing who you can expect to see on the upcoming season of S26 The Bachelor. The first night brought a lot of surprises from Salley leaving before the limos arrived and kicking out Claire who was unquestionably rude. Teddi received the First Impression rose so we think that she along with Eliza who had a fun interactive German lesson, Enyc who brought a new vibe by talking with Clayton in Persian and Korean as well as the flight instructor, Rachel could be a great group heading to Hometowns!

ELIZA

ENCY

RACHEL

TEDDI

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

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