TIPS FOR A HASSLE FREE RELOCATION

You get accepted to your dream job but it is located in another state or the promotion you’ve been waiting for is now in your grasps but you will be assigned to a different city. You finally meet the love of your life at a festival but you’re from L.A. and she’s from New York. There are times when life gives you these kinds of challenges and you need to decide to move or to lose the opportunity of a lifetime. Most of the time if not all, the best choice is to follow your heart with the guidance of your mind.

Moving to a different place in the country or even just in your state can be challenging. There are times when you’ve already grown accustomed to the life you have right now and have finally made a comfort zone for yourself. Without a doubt, moving out of your comfort zone is never easy. However, situations in life can compel you to get up, pack and leave. It can be something good awaiting you, or at times, a painful memory you just want to forget and there is no better way than to leave all the reminders behind.

For whatever reason you may have, it is always better if you knew how to relocate smoothly and less inconvenient. Here are some tips on how to make your relocation, hassle-free.

Ask for Help

Whether you are moving from L.A. to New York or just to the next city, it is always best to ask for help. Call a friend who has tried moving or ask for some advice from family or relatives who have experience in relocation. Their insight can save you a good amount of money from having to go back and forth and with the buying and selling of your stuff. Here are some tips on how to sell your stuff online.

If you are moving because of work, you can ask your employers if the company is willing to help out with the moving costs and resettlement. Most companies have policies in helping their employees move smoothly.

Plan ahead

Make sure you make a plan and to do your best to follow your plan so you can save time, effort and money. Plan when you are going to pack, and arrange with your new landlords on how soon you can move in or if you are buying a house, coordinate with your real estate broker. Additionally, buy your tickets ahead and prepare all the logistics needed.

Pack Smart and Pack with your Friends

It is best to segregate what you are going to bring so that they are easy to unload when you arrive. Always label your boxes and create an inventory sheet so that you will know exactly where to find all of your things. If you are traveling by car, make sure to have a box where you will keep the essentials like medicine and documents. As much as possible, keep this box where you can see it.

Invite your friends over to help you pack your things and give them instructions where to put what or you can make a list ahead for them to follow. Not only that more hands can make the work lighter, but this will also be an opportunity for you and your friends to spend time before you leave and this could as well become your send-off party. You can buy a couple of beers and some pizza and packing could never have been this fun.  Click this link for more information about organizing farewell parties: https://m.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Farewell-Party

Clean as You Go

To speed things up with the cleaning process, you can clean as soon as you pack. You can clean your bedroom right after you pack all the things from the bedroom or clean the kitchen after packing all plates and pans. This way, you won’t miss cleaning any part of the house or apartment.

Bring only what you need

For long distances, bring the least amount of things possible. The farther the distance, the more costly moving your things will be. However, if the distance is not too far, you can evaluate if the cost of the logistics will be offset by the savings in buying new things. The cost of moving your things should be less than the cost of buying new things. If the cost of moving is equal or more than the cost of buying new things then you are better off buying new things.

Find a reliable moving company

There are a lot of moving companies in the US that you can choose from and they will all get the job done. Even if you have your truck or can rent one, moving companies are more efficient in transporting your things for you big or small. They have carts, trucks of different sizes, and the manpower to move your things as fast as possible. What you need to keen on are personal and online reviews on how they handle your things. It is paramount that your things are in the same condition before and after moving them especially when you are moving fragile materials like glass, woodworks, and electronics. After making a list of reliable moving companies, get a quote from the moving companies on your list to get the lowest price.

Make moving fun

If you plan on driving to your destination, make sure to stop once in a while to smell the flowers, enjoy the view or try the food. Prepare your playlist ahead and queue your favorite songs on your car’s sound system. Prepare your essentials, like water, snacks, GPS, energy drinks and b-complex supplements to keep you sharp on the road. Note ahead where you can gas up and where you can use the toilet so that you will not panic if you need to use the loo or get some gas.

 You will most likely pass by places you have never been to before or never will drive by again. Take the time to shoot pictures and even talk to people that you meet along the way.  Let your moving experience be transcendental and let it rejuvenate your soul as you move forward to start a new chapter of your life.

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HOW TO WRITE AN ECOMMERCE MARKETING PLAN

People don’t understand abstractions well. The ecommerce marketing platform strategy is an abstract concept. Ecommerce marketing plan is a abstraction as well. But people understand specific examples.

1.                  Determine the initial position of marketing.

Imagine that an Internet marketing plan may be depicted on a map. Then the current state of the Internet marketing project will be the initial position (point “A”). It is important to understand the starting position in order to properly assess your strength. If you underestimate, you will dig in unimportant trifles and lose time. If you overestimate, you can set impracticable goals, overwork, and, again, lose time.

2.                  Set a measurable goal.

It is impossible to mark the point “somewhere far away” on the map. A point on the map is indicated by coordinates. Likewise, the end of the marketing plan (point “B”) is a specific state of Internet marketing over time. Coordinates help estimate the distance to a point on the map. Only the measurable point “B” gives feedback to the work done: leads the plan to the goal or to failure. No matter where to go if you don’t know where you want to go. Therefore, the goal of Internet marketing is better to be put in the number of leads or customers received via the Internet. Regarding it, the marketer will evaluate the performance. Imagine that the points “A” and “B” on the map are cities. It is likely that several roads lead from the city “A” to the city “B”. Similarly, the goal of marketing leads to several strategies. In real life, you cannot go all the roads at once. In Internet marketing, however, you can work on several strategies at once. And this should be used.

3.                  Formulate how to achieve the goal.

Poorly formulated strategy is confusing. It has too much abstraction. Before doing it, you have to think over. It is likely not to do it at all or to do it in the best way. To formulate a strategy well, answer two questions: Where do we get people from? What shall we do with them later? If your strategy does not answer these questions, it is too abstract and will interfere with your work.

Think over the execution to get rid of the abstraction.

1.                  Determine the initial state of internet marketing.

2.                 Set a goal in the number of leads or sales you want to achieve over time.

3.                 Think of strategies that will help you achieve the goal.

4.                 Formulate strategies by answering the questions “Where will I get people from?” And “What will I do with them later?”

More than a half of entrepreneurs do not think at all before launch about how they are going to attract customers. Up to 60% of respondents have never been engaged in online sales. Only a third of the respondents have a preliminary marketing plan that includes participation in exhibitions and forums, search for the right bloggers for collaboration, and order articles in printed editions. At the same time, those startups that, when launched, have a competent marketing plan worked out to the smallest detail, initially have a strong competitive advantage over everyone.

Tommy Walker concluded: if a startup gets at least 100 clients in the first month, then the project will actively grow and develop during the next three years. If there were no more than 30 clients per month, the development will be slow if not die at all. And what do we know about marketing strategies in terms of attracting and retaining potential buyers? How many startups are honest with themselves and understand what their goals are (to earn as much as possible or become a powerful player in the market)? You will not get far on hopes. Before starting, you need to clearly identify three important points:

·  Budget. How much are you going to invest? All expenses are taken into account: from advertising to employees

·  Resources. What are the benefits of your team? This can include everything from sales skills to work in the design program

·  Disadvantages or limitations. Is there enough money, time, people, ideas?

Think about everything that can stall the matter. Making a complete marketing plan is not easy. But if you are just starting out and see yourself as a major player in the market, it is helpful to get an unbiased look at the state of things. Such a plan will allow you to see in advance, where you can expect financial problems, where sales will go down and which distribution channel may not give returns. Good luck!

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MATCHA TEA

Very few brands have caused quite the frenzy quite like matcha green tea, and not just for the obvious health benefits it brings, but also the fact that it contains a myriad of antioxidants. It also gives you several times more energy compared to your run of the mill caffeine drinks. So what is all the fuss about Matcha green tea? And why is it so popular?

What is Matcha Tea?

Despite its eerie look of grounded grass, matcha tea is one of the most popular, Japan-based tea to hit the market. It simply consists of powdered green tea leaves that are the main ingredient in making anything from lattes to various forms of herbal essence.

This tea powder is made of ground whole leaves. It stands out due to the concentrated nature of its flavour and the strikingly green colour that comes attached to it.

Before learning how to make matcha green tea, you first have to know how to get that fine neon-green powder. The preparation process consists of harvesting, followed by drying of the leaves, separation of the stem from the leaves, which then culminates in the grinding of the dried leaves using traditional ball mills.

Key elements

Matcha tea contains the EGCG catechin that is known to be a cancer-fighting agent. You have the obvious green tea benefits that span from heart health benefits to battling type two diabetes based on the various antioxidants present in the drink.

The mode of preparation also means that you get maximum benefits from this tea brand. This means a hundred times the antioxidants you get from your run of the mill green tea, as well as 100% of the nutrients.

Health Benefits

On average, you would require about 10 cups of regular green tea to get the benefits attached to matcha green tea. Health benefits here vary, there are suggestions that it improves your metabolic rate quite substantially, although the degree of this benefit has been known to differ on a person to person basis.

Matcha is also rich in fibre, and some varieties have been known to burn calories and assist in overall weight loss. Further down, this decrease in negative weight is directly linked to a lower chance of heart-related problems, a better BMI, decreased chances of diabetes and more favourable blood sugar.

Psychologically, matcha tea comes highly recommended for reducing stress and anxiety. It calms the mind and causes the body to relax. The high level of antioxidants contained is also known to reverse the ageing process, making your daily cup of matcha tea your little elixir brew.

The L-Theanine property of matcha tea promotes focus and catalyzes concentration at the highest levels. It has been known to be an age-old remedy for monks, who used it to facilitate meditation. So if you are looking to enhance your memory and learning abilities, then matcha tea is what you are looking for.  

Lastly, the energy boost resulting from matcha tea is not a caffeine rush but simply the rich blend of natural properties it contains. It is a great way to ensure you have a productive, mellow day, even if you are not doing any physical work.

Can Anyone Drink it?

It probably isn’t recommendable to a 2-year-old, but for anyone of caffeine drinking age, then it is worth a try. It is especially advantageous to people battling with issues of weight, high cholesterol, people who have anxiety and stress-related problems and generally people who have low energy levels daily.

Athletes and regular gym-goers are also good candidates, as it is also known to increase exercise endurance by up to 24%!

Bottom Line

Matcha green tea is causing waves the world over not because it’s neon green, but because it’s benefits have been tried and tested, and yes, it does work.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BEST MATTRESS TO REDUCE BACK PAIN FOR AN ATHLETE

Do you run every morning? Do you work out frequently?

If you do, then you probably have an idea of the struggles athletes go through. Doing athletic activities frequently makes the muscle of sport enthusiasts and athletes (especially) get sore. A very common painful area for most athletes is their back. The vertebrae (particularly the lumbar vertebrae) in the back receive several sensations during athletic activities that can account for the back pain felt by many athletes.

This is why at the end of a day filled with many such activities, every athlete wants to get back home to a mattress that enables them rest and also relieves their sores and particularly, their back pain. No athlete wants to go home to a mattress that is so hard that it does not offer the comfort they need or so soft that it does not support the important structures in the body while they are resting.

So, how can an athlete choose the best mattress to help them relieve their back pain? Many mattress brands would call your attention to themselves every single day, but which of them will help you get up every morning with significant relief of the previous day’s pain.

Best Mattress Types for Back Pain

Memory foam and latex mattresses are commonly used among users with back pain and the reason is not far fetched—it relieves their pain.

Memory foam is our pick because it relieves pain, it works with the body contour and it also cushions the body. While memory foam allows broader parts of your body such as your hips and shoulders sink into the mattress, narrow parts such as your feet and waist stay right on top. This way, your body can stay resting in its natural body curves. This also means that each time you fully rest your back on the bed fully, you will be relieved of your pain.

If an athlete’s mattress does not conform to the natural body angles, then resting would not be as effective in the relief of back pain.

Moderately-firm latex mattresses or memory foams are better choices. With the surface, the body is not kept in any unnatural alignment and support is given to parts of the body that need rest. Hence, if any athlete is looking to get a mattress, it won’t be wise to choose just any mattress but be sure to go for one with memory foam technology.

However, this is not to say that memory foam mattresses have no flaws. A major concern about these products is the fact that they tend to trap heat. This implies that even though it is soft and tends to relieve your back pain, it will still seem as though you are sleeping on a hot mattress at night.

This flaw has been complained about in the past and so, in recent times, brands have not been slacking in addressing this issue. This is seen in the fact that they are now putting the materials they use in the production of memory foam mattress in check. As opposed to using synthetic materials, they are now going for plant-based, natural materials which are sure to give users a cooler feel while they are sleeping.

Hence, it is not still enough to get just any memory foam at all. You also have to take into consideration the producer of the mattress, the manner in which it was made and the materials that were used in its production. Reviews are helpful in getting the best of memory foams. An interesting review you can read is the Best Adjustable Comfort Beds: Top Picks & Reviews.

After comparing several options, a recommendation you can trust is the Amerisleep AS2. It is a great mattress which is confirmed by Business Insider as the “best mattress for back pain.”

Amerisleep’s AS2 gives the exact amount of support you need for your back when you are treating back pain or trying to prevent back pain.

Amerisleep’s AS2 is also a great medium-firm memory foam, as it uses high-quality materials and ensures pain-free sleep for several years. Hence, it is one great investment no athlete will regret.

It is best for sleepers who sleep on their backs or on their sides (which are actually the best ways to sleep) and it was also made using plant-based materials.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHO ARE THE BEST DRESSED FOOTBALLERS

Thanks to social media, footballer’s lives are more documented than they ever have been before and for those who really want to show off, it’s the ideal spotlight. Fashion is the perfect way to be creative and to reveal your true style and for these football stars, it’s an opportunity they’ve taken seriously. These are some of the most stylish football players who can’t get enough of showcasing their wardrobe.

Sergio Ramos

Spanish captain Sergio Ramos seems to get more stylish with every passing year and now that he’s embraced his thirties, he’s taken on a more sophisticated wardrobe, from tailored suits and waistcoats to stylish chinos and a smart casual look. 

Serge Gnabry

If there’s one person leading the next generation of style conscious sports stars onto the scene, it’s Gnabry. It’s easy to see how growing up in a world of social media has influenced Gnabry’s impeccable style. From his casual streetwear to moments where he’s donned a full suited attire, Gnabry always looks Instagram-ready. 

Hector Bellerin

Arsenal’s right back, Hector Bellerin, is arguably one of the most recognised footballers when it comes to style in the Premier League. It’s fair to say that he’s curated a look all of his own, where high-end fashion meets casual streetwear, and he’s not afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to his clothing which makes him both a darling for fashion blogs and football blogs at Infogol. 

Timothy Weah

There aren’t many athletes who could pull off a fashion shoot with Hypebeast but Tim Weah is one of the few who can. Weah is yet another member of the social media elite who is comfortable dressing with a photo opportunity in mind and he’s certainly one of the best dressed footballers of the moment. 

Romain Gall

Gall has the perfect mix of stylish influences on his side, having grown up in Paris, playing for Malmo in Sweden and representing the USA internationally. For a 23-year-old, he’s incredibly well-travelled and that has played a part in his curation of a unique and inspiring wardrobe. 

Tom Davies

Everton’s midfielder Tom Davies has found a way of taking his work attire off the pitch and into everyday life, with a laid-back style that’s most comfortable but stylish, and always eclectic. 

Gregory van der Wiel

One of the most fashionable players in the sport is Gregory van der Wiel. From rocking old Manchester United shirts to rocking a smart-casual look when hanging with his kids, the Dutchman has found a way of pulling off every look as if he was born to wear it. 

David Alaba

Alaba never seems to get it wrong when it comes to fashion. It can be all too easy for a look to veer from innovative to tacky, but Alaba always executes every style opportunity to perfection and with the perfect balance of creativity and thought. 

Kevin Trapp

From donning Dior to hanging out with Beckham at Paris Fashion Week, Trapp is at the epicentre of fashion, making him the most stylish goalkeeper in history. Germany’s goalie has the perfect mix of classic and on-trend style that works perfectly. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOME FURNISHINGS WHICH CAN ACTUALLY GIFT YOU FITNESS

In this day and age, everyone is looking to be fitter than ever. The rise in the awareness of fitness can be gauged by seeing in the enhancement in the number of people who are joining gyms and other fitness infrastructures. Therefore, it is quite evident that people want to get fit and stay healthy. But there are very few people who are able to find such fitness levels. Most of the people who join a fitness-oriented lifestyle tend to leave it because of the lack of results. They become dilapidated because of this.

However, someone needs to make them aware that the reason they are not finding the results with their fitness lifestyle is not the design of the lifestyle. The actual problem lies in the homes, mainly with their home furnishings. Now, most people spend a maximum of around two hours hardly at the fitness centre. In the rest of the time they spend in their house and office. The key to finding results from your exercise regime is diet and rest.

If you are not using the right home furnishing products then you will never be able to rest in a proper fashion. Therefore, before you become upset because of the lack of results from your fitness lifestyle, just contemplate on the home furnishing products you are using. Are you home furnishing products capable enough to bring you the comfort you need while resting? If they are not then it is time for a change in the home furnishing products you use. Here are some of the ways in which home furnishing products can actually gift your fitness.

Give You Comfort While Resting

If your body does not find comfort while resting then you will not get the kind of rest which will actually enhance your fitness. You need rest after you exercise because your broken muscle mass will recover from the stretches that you have made during your exercise. So, you should be looking to buy a good-quality home furnishing product from a top brand. You should consider luxury home goods brands before choosing your home furnishing products before choosing the one.

Make Your Running inside the Home Comfortable

Some people run inside their home because of the lack of time for going outside and running. So, what you have to do is ensure that you are running in full-flow inside your house. To facilitate your running inside your house, you could easily get runner rugs for bedroom which are very much efficient in helping to avoid any sort of injuries that can happen by running inside the house. With these rugs, you will make your exercise worthwhile.

 Making Your Sitting Comfortable with Bean Bags

Another important part of your fitness routine should be sitting in the right posture and taking rest. If you are looking to ensure that you are sitting in the right way then you need to have the right sitting arrangements inside your house. So, you can have bean bags which will help you to sit comfortably and take a rest in a proper way. If you buy bean bags from a local store then you will be spending a lot more money than its actual worth. You can buy a bean bag online buy at affordable prices.

The Bottom Line

Finally, if you want to ensure that you are maximizing your fitness regime then you have to get the right home furnishing products. It will help you to take a rest in a proper way and enable you to have your dream physique. So, certainly, home furnishings can actually gift you fitness. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

GOOD MATRTRESS CAN KEEP YOU FIT: THINK TWICE WHILE BUYING

Everyone on this earth wants to stay fit and healthy. No one wants to live a life which is unhealthy. Because of that, most people join various fitness institutes. They also take up the right diet program which can help them to keep up with their fitness. Everyone believes that your fitness depends 80% on what you eat and 20% on how you experience. However, this is the foundation from where most people are failing to achieve the fitness they want.

If you are one of them who believe that your fitness depends on your diet and your exercise solely then you are very much wrong because it is not. There are certain other things on which the result of your fitness-oriented lifestyle will depend. However, those things play their role in a passive way and that is why most people fail to recognize its importance. One such thing on which your fitness lifestyle pivots around would be the mattress you use on your bed. If you don’t use the right mattress, you will never be able to get the kind of fitness you desire.

Now, most people will not be taking this seriously because it is not a cliché notion as far as the fitness industry is concerned. However, those who will not take it seriously will find disappointment because they will not be able to find the kind of results they want from their fitness lifestyle. There can be no denial that a good mattress will help you to maintain your fitness. Let’s see the impact a mattress can have on your fitness lifestyle.

Giving You Proper Sleep

When you are in a fitness lifestyle, your sleep becomes very important. If you don’t sleep in a proper way then for an adequate time then you will not be able to maximize the work that you have put on in the gym. That is why you have to sleep in a proper manner to achieve proper fitness level. To sleep in the best possible fashion, you have to understand the need for having the right mattress for you. In this case, if you sleep on an eco friendly mattress topper, you will be able to sleep in a proper way and also maintain your fitness in the best possible fashion.

Take Proper Rest

You will also have to take proper rest when you are looking to achieve the fitness and the physique of your dreams. In that case, what you should be looking to do is get yourself a hybrid mattress king which will surely help you to find comfort while you take a rest on the best. Maximizing your resting time is the key to success for those who are looking to enhance their fitness. With the right mattress, you will be able to do so in the best possible way.

Be Mentally Prepared

After a certain time of exercising, you will lose the urge to hit the gym time and time again. In such a scenario, the one thing that can really help you to succeed is the mental strength which you can have by sleeping in a proper way. When you wake up feeling refreshed, you will be mentally prepared for the challenges lying ahead and you will hit the gym to remain fit.

Final Thoughts

Finally, if you want to ensure that you stay fit then you have to read the best mattress buying guide 2019 which will help you to buy a mattress according to your fitness lifestyle. Once you start using the right mattress, your fitness lifestyle will enhance in a staggering way. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR PROSTATE?

In achieving great overall health and wellness, you must be consistent in taking care of your body and its different parts and organs to ensure that they function harmoniously. This includes your reproductive organs, as they are vital to both your physical and holistic health.

In light of this, one of the leading cancers common in American men is prostate cancer, next to skin cancer. An estimated 30,000 men have died from prostate cancer this year, making it the second cause of cancer death in the United States, after lung cancer. Because of this, men should endeavor to always keep their prostate in good condition.

What Can Men Do For Their Prostate?

As men age, their prostate relatively increases from being the size of a walnut to the size of an apricot as they reach 60 years of age. This enlargement is called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), though it remains unclear why this happens. Other common prostate problems that occur amongst men are chronic prostatitis, acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate gland enlargement include:

●      Frequent and painful urination

●      Blood in urine or semen

●      Urinary incontinence

●      Frequent pain in the lower back, upper thighs, hips, and rectal area

●      Painful ejaculation

To prevent symptoms from worsening, men can practice various healthy habits to keep their prostate in good condition. One of these is having healthy eating patterns by consuming fruits and vegetables with deep and bright colors, healthy fats, and high-protein meals in the right portions. Together with the proper diet, men can boost their prostate health through taking vitamins and supplements, like the Prostagenix, which promotes prostate health and combats BPH. To shed light on the matter, you can take dietary prostate supplements, all of which have varying effects, according to your physician’s prescription. Here are some of them:

Pygeum

Extracted from the bark of African cherry trees, pygeum is known for its wide array of health benefits, including remedies for BPH, cure for prostate cancer, and treatment for prostatitis symptoms. Since prostate issues are usually linked with prostate enlargement, pygeum can help in shrinking the prostate and prevent or slow down its further enlargement. In this way, pygeum can relieve various symptoms such as poor, painful, and frequent urination, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Pygeum extracts usually come into two classifications: Pygeum africanum and Prunus africana. Physicians generally recommended 75 mg to 200 mg of pygeum each day to be a safe amount. Pygeum supplements usually exist in capsule and tablet forms, which can be taken orally. However, side effects like nausea and abdominal pain might occur.

Beta-sitosterol

Beta-sitosterols, which are steroids found in most plants, are a chemical substance resembling the structure of cholesterol. It is found in nutritious foods like soybeans, peanuts, wheat germs, rice bran, and corn oils. Aside from its health benefits that deal with heart diseases, the immune system, allergies, the common cold, asthma, and more, beta-sitosterols are also found to benefit the prostate. Similar to pygeum extracts, beta-sitosterols can alleviate the benign enlargement of the prostate and prevent the exacerbation of prostate cancer. In women, this substance is also used for menopausal symptoms. Beta-sitosterols also aid in boosting sexual activity and hormonal regulation.

Beta-sitosterols are also recommended to be consumed orally, and it’s also safe when applied to the skin. However, taking beta-sitosterol supplements can cause inconvenient side effects such as gas, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea, but these can be manageable. These supplements come in the form of tablets and capsules, and are affordable.

Saw Palmetto

The saw palmetto or American dwarf palm tree yields ripe fruits known as the saw palmetto, which are highly significant in the field of health and medicine. This is commonly used in preventing the symptoms of BPH. It doesn’t actually shrink the size of the prostate, but it shrinks the inner lining on the tubes carrying urine. Through this treatment, painful urination can be lessened as there’s decreased pressure on the ureters.

However, because it is a folk remedy, saw palmetto may not be as effective as other supplements and medications for BPH. Even though its effects in the body occur slowly, saw palmetto can otherwise help in the prostate’s post-surgery conditions. Taking 320 mg of saw palmetto everyday for two months before a prostate surgery is known to be helpful during the actual operation. It can lessen the time spent on the surgery, the risk of issues developing during the surgery, and diminished blood loss.           

Conclusion

As most people often forget its importance, the prostate gland is an essential organ in the male reproductive system that is responsible for various components of the semen. Through taking these dietary supplements, men can contribute to their prostate health and slow down the impending symptoms and occurrences of prostate issues.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S1. E4. | BUNGALOW SK WITH SKINTE

On today's episode of Bungalow SK, we're focused on women's health which includes talking about collagen and natural elements that boost our bodies. In the news, we have heard about the importance of it for our bodies and why it's a vital resource. I sit down with the Co-Founders of SkinTE to talk with Dr. Amy Bader, Elizabeth Zieg and Bassima Mroue abut how they came together to create this ingestible beauty lifestyle brand with investors that include Spanx founder Sara Blakely, the iconic Diane Von Furstenberg, Supermodel Karlie Kloss and Bare Minerals' founder Leslie Blodgett and Brian Lee (of LegalZoom.com, ShoeDazzle.com, Honest Co and Art of Sport) . We talk about how they solved a problem by incorporating grass fed collagen with tea and essential ingredients, the importance of a positive corporate culture that believes in proper work balance and where we can expect to see them next.

HOW TO THROW OUT YOUR PHONE ON A SUMMER ROAD TRIP

When you go on your summer vacation, can you also take a vacation from your smartphone? 

Can you give Facebook and Instagram a rest and enjoy conversing with the people around you rather than constantly scrolling, posting, and checking for comments from your legion of followers?

Critics of chronic users of smartphones and social media doubt people can go without them for long. In today’s digitally consumed world, taking a “digital detox” is difficult for many to do.

But Johnny Welsh, author of Paper Maps, No Apps: An Unplugged Travel Adventure, says vacation is the perfect time to disconnect  — and that it may change your perspective, and your life, if you do.

“With this addiction to our smartphones, this obsession to be connected with the world, we fail to connect with the people sitting right in front of us,” says Welsh, whose book chronicles a 16-day road trip in the western U.S. that he and his girlfriend, Kristy, took while detaching from smartphones and social media. 

“The disconnect in face-to-face interactions keeps growing; I see it happening more as smartphones get ‘smarter.’ I imagine what would happen if aliens landed on earth and observed us. They might think a smartphone is something we need to live, like an external nervous system.”

On his road trip, Welsh endeavored to experience “how different life could be without the constant seduction of the flat screen” — while also examining his own social media habits with a sense of humor. Likewise, he thinks others who ditch their phones on a getaway can better live in the moment while not being digitally distracted.

“Be present,” Welsh says. “Turn off your device and really live. Vacations should be a real break from our technology-soaked lives.”

Welsh gives five tips on how to disconnect from your smartphone and enjoy vacation without it:

Use paper maps. Welsh says this is the first big step to looking at what’s around you rather than looking at your phone. “Using the old-school way, you won’t have to go to Google Maps for navigation and have an excuse to keep using your phone,” Welsh says. “Plus, using your brain, your imagination fires up like when you were a kid, looking at the back roads on an old map and wondering where they all lead.”

Delete tempting apps. “Addicted to Twitter or other sites? Delete the app from your phone before you leave on vacation,” Welsh says, “and don’t reinstall it until you get back.”

Buy a disposable camera or a real one. “Rather than take selfies on your phone, and constantly posting pictures and agonizing over the perfect hashtags, you can capture memories the old-fashioned way,” Welsh says. “And this way you actually enjoy your surroundings without having your face in a screen most of the day.”

Check hotels with digital-detox discounts. “Yes, they’re out there,” Welsh says. “Some places offer room discounts for giving up your phone upon check-in. A reawakening starts with forced human interaction. We did that for thousands of years before.”

Read. “Remember that?” Welsh asks. “Rather than being entranced on your phone, bring a good book. The act of reading a physical book quiets and calms us, incorporates the sense of touch and smell, and allows us to become part of the story in a way that no pop-up headline can.”

“We’re relying too much on instant technology,” Welsh says. “There can be life — a higher quality of life — without these devices.”

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HOW TO RESUSCITATE A BROW OR LASH EMERGENCY AT HOME OR IN THE SALON

As women, we are pretty familiar with how to handle skincare 911’s, blunders with our hair, shaving mishaps, and how to correct makeup mistakes.  When it comes to brows, this particular part of our face is a bit more mysterious.  Many of us grew up simply waxing, tweezing or leaving them au naturel until brows became the hottest “accessory” on our face with a multitude of options of ways to groom and improve upon them. What happens when you face a brow emergency? There is no better expert to turn to for advice than Umbreen Sheikh, a licensed cosmetologist, and founder + CEO of Wink Brow Bar and Salon in New York City.

Problem: Overplucking your brows-

Almost every woman has gotten too close to that magnifying mirror and been overzealous with a tweezer. Umbreen says, “Don’t fear. You can fake it till you make it with subtle makeup tricks that will help to create the illusion of a fuller, thicker brow. This can be done with Wink’s own Brow Perfecting Quad.”   https://winkbrowbar.com/collections/our-products/products/wink-brow-perfecting-quad  Brush the two powders through, then brush through again to blend for a natural-looking finish. Finally, use a highlighter to camouflage any random hairs. Umbreen says that “Drawing a straight line under your brow will help minimize the appearance of strays.  This will also lighten and brighten the entire eye area, drawing more attention to the eyes.”

Problem: Creating a too wide eyebrow gap

The obvious solution to this is to fill in the points closest to the bridge of the nose to lessen the gap. This can be done via microblading. Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo technique used to create the illusion of fuller brows. With this method, Umbreen can create almost any look and shape.  First, Wink technicians consult with clients about the best brow shape for their face and choose a color that matches the natural hair color and skin undertone. The brow area is then cleaned and numbed for the treatment. Instead of using a tattoo machine, a handheld tool manually draws hair strokes. This all can take up to 30 to 40 minutes.  Results can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on your skin type (the ink fades faster on oily skin), products, and lifestyle. It’s also an ideal procedure for women who have lost brow volume due to age, menopause or chemotherapy.

Problem: Unruly Brows-

Bold, feathery brows are in, but messy is an adjective you never want to be associated with your arches. “If your brow hairs are “wonky,” you need a game plan for controlling them,” says Umbreen.   If your arches do need a trim, Umbreen suggests brushing your brows up towards the top of your ear with a spooly brush and cutting only the tips off the long hairs pointing the scissors down, (not parallel to the brow). "This gives trimmed brows a natural look, because none of the hairs are exactly the same length," As a finishing touch, mist a spoolie with hairspray and brush it through brows—directing the hairs up for a lifted look.

Problem: Matching your brow color to your hair exactly

In the case of the hair on your head and your eyebrows, you “don’t want to match the curtains to the carpet,” says Umbreen.  Very often, a hair colorist will suggest that you tint your brows much lighter if you are going blonder. Umbreen disagrees with this. “Darker brows will act as a frame for the face and enhance your eye color. Generally, it will give you the appearance of a lot more brow.” If you have gone too light or too dark, “eyebrow tinting is the process of applying semi-permanent dye to enhance, shape, and define your brows. This can be done at salons such as Wink. “It gives the appearance of thicker, more youthful-looking brows,” says Umbreen. An average session takes only about 15 minutes and the color should last anywhere from 3-6 weeks. It’s instant gratification as your new eyebrow color will be immediately apparent.

Mistake: Plucking brows too short

Eyebrows that are too short can make your eyes and nose look too big. If you have plucked them or waxed them so that you look like you have half an eyebrow, of course, you can spend the time to pencil them in every day but that if time-consuming and takes skill to make both brows symmetrical. Or… you could get eyebrow extensions. Similar to eyelash extensions, eyebrow extensions are done with tiny fibers of mink or synthetic hairs. The brow extension fibers are then attached to either bare skin or to existing hairs, giving them a fuller, stronger look. The service is from 25 mins to 90 mins depending on thickness or amount of work required.

The Problem- You’re so squeamish for waxing or you bruise easily

You would be hard-pressed to find a woman who enjoys the tear of a strip of wax against her eyelid to remove tiny eyebrow hairs, but yet we put up with it in the name of beauty.  For anyone who has ever deviated from their regular waxer on a vacation or business trip, you have most likely ended up being cut or bruised by overly aggressive waxing.  There is a great alternative for everyone called organic threading. As Umbreen explains, “With its origins in Asia centuries ago, eyebrow threading is a simple process that is often considered to be one of the most painless (and least invasive) options for shaping brows. The threading process is simple and typically involves a single piece of cotton thread, After wiping the eyebrow area clean with alcohol, the thread is "twisted and pulled along areas of unwanted hair acting like a mini-lasso, lifting the hair directly from the root without the use of any chemicals or unnecessary tugging on delicate skin. As opposed to waxing, tweezing, or lasers, threading is considered one of the safest and most precise methods of hair removal, especially in the delicate areas surrounding the eye. "Threading allows our specialists to have greater control over which hairs are removed.” The technique is also "100 percent natural," which means there are no artificial waxes, chemicals, or invasive techniques used during the procedure.

The Problem- You've made your brows too big and bold.

Don’t assume you have to wash it all off. Instead, take a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover and carefully trace your brow’s natural outline. Remember, brow product should be applied within the brow’s hairline, not beyond it. Cotton swabs will remove any unwanted shading that has ventured too far outside the lines.

Trying at home to make both eyebrows symmetrical

This is one of the most common mishaps that Umbreen hears from clients who tried to ‘go it alone at home.’ Umbreen offers, “When you obsess over making your eyebrows look exactly the same, you can wind up over-plucking them.  Too-thin brows are much worse than ones that are just a tad different. Your eyebrows are supposed to be sisters, not twins.

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WANT TO WORK FROM HOME? THERE MAY BE SOME PITFALLS ACCORDING TO AN NYC NEUROPSYCHIATRIST

Dr. Sanam Hafeez,  NYC neuropsychologist,  points out some essential things to consider before choosing to work from home.

Studies, surveys, and census information show that about 8 million Americans work from home at least part of the week.  This amount is considerably higher today than it was back in the early 2000s. This section of the workforce is expected to grow in the coming years as online resources continue catering to this setup. The improvement of internet connectivity, collaborative applications, and software, as well as the proliferation of studies showing increases in employee productivity when working from home, have contributed to the general change of mind on this work/lifestyle choice.

But is working from home for everybody? What characteristics make for a more successful remote employee? What are some of the drawbacks for individuals working at home?

Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a Neuropsychologist in NYC with a Faculty Appointment at Columbia University. She points out that “as online tools and telecommuting become more commonplace, more conversations need to be had about what characteristics and job responsibilities a team member needs to have in order to carry out their duties successfully while working from home.”

Dr. Hafeez explains that not all personalities are the same and that employees need to be assessed in order to “determine where they would, not only feel happiest but also be more productive.”

Here Is What You Should Take Into Account If You Are Thinking Of Working Remotely:

• Isolation

Everyone who has ever had to wake up to go to work on a Monday with little sleep, low energy or a personal issue gnawing at their mind, has felt the annoyance of having to go to the office and attend a Monday meeting. This does not mean, however, that working from home is ideal for you, explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez.  “Nearly everyone will experience that feeling of wanting to stay home instead of heading into work. For the majority of people going to work adds meaning and stimulation to their day. Introverts may have an easier time acclimating to the lack of human interaction in a work-from-home situation, but for extroverts, the lack of camaraderie and the isolation they may feel at home may be an essential deterrent that leads them to opt for an on-site position,” says Dr. Hafeez. In a 2-year Standford University study on productivity and remote work, more than half of the study group felt too isolated at home and indicated their change of heart when it came to working from home 100 percent of the time.

• Little Separation of Home and Work

Home is where the heart is. For many of us, opening the door to our house or apartment after a long day brings a feeling of calmness from the constant stimuli of the workday. “For people who consistently work at home there might be issues separating work from play, rest and family,” says Dr. Hafeez. For an organized person who can confine their work to an established workstation within the home, this might be less of an issue but for those of us who study in bed, or like to work on the dinner table or couch this presents a challenge. “Sleep Hygiene is one of the areas where this also comes to play because our bed should be for sleep and sex.  If you are scattering papers across the place you sleep and spending hours upon hours working in bed, there is no signaled change to the brain that the bed is for sleep.  Making it difficult later on to wind down,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

• Distractions

A cardinal rule for determining whether to work at home or in the office should always be, know thyself. “This means you are being honest with yourself as to your abilities to navigate and ignore temptations and distractions on your own without the structure of an office and team environment,” says Dr. Hafeez. People who are self-disciplined tend to do well working from home because their personality is conducive to holding themselves accountable. But if you know that in the absence of a manager or co-workers you would fall victim to distractions like the TV, food, or other to-do items, then choosing to stay in office may be an important self-reflective decision you need to make for you and your career.

• The Dependance of Family on Your Time

One problem with working at home if you have a lot of dependents or people that count on you is the perception to those around you that you are not busy. “This means that if you are at home and something comes up, even if not urgent, you may be asked to deal with it,” warns Dr. Hafeez. This is something to consider and a conversation to be had with those you care about. People who are people-pleasers may have a difficult time adhering to their work in a moment when someone they care about needs a favor. If you still decide to work from home “consider having systems in place to deal with needs that come up. Such systems might include pharmacy delivery services, food delivery and medical transport for older adults. This may help in navigating some issues,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.

• A Decrease In Company Rapport

For those of us with an invested interest in growing within a company and investing in our career, working from home may not be the best choice in lieu of an office option. While many companies are growing off of a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit of remote work, companies that have headquartered spaces need people present. “Presence breeds familiarity and familiarity drives rapport,” affirms Dr. Hafeez. If a big client crisis happens, the first to know are those in the office, and if you are at home, working remotely, you might lose out on the opportunity to give your input. While people w    

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S1. E5. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN DINO BORRI OF EATALY

On today's episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we head to the offices of Eataly in Flatiron to talk with Dino Borri, VP of Global Partnerships at one of our favorite culinary destinations that allows patrons to shop the marketplace, enjoy an array of eateries within this location and to learn more about Italian foods. Today's podcast episode kicks off with an introduction by Dino and continues with his discussion on the history and importance of the Italian Aperitivo as well as discussing the extensive biodiversity of foods that are available in Italy and can be purchased at Eataly.

GETTING TO KNOW 5 OF THE MOST ICONIC BASKETBALL SHOES OF ALL TIME

Basketball sneakers have a very storied history that spans decades upon decades. Did you know the first basketball sneaker made strictly for performance was made almost 100 years ago? Today, with the help of Sports Domain Lab we’re taking a look at the history of basketball shoes and five of the most iconic basketball models of all-time.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

What many consider the first “official” basketball sneaker, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star made its debut way back in 1917 when it was released by the Converse Rubber Shoe Company.  The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star got its name in 1921 when it was named after Chuck Taylor. Taylor was a salesman for the brand who also happened to be playing for Converse’s semi-pro All-Star basketball team. Chuck Taylor needed a durable shoe and gave Converse some suggestions on how they can make that possible. Thankful for Taylor’s input, Converse agreed to the enhancements, made the shoe and named them after him. What makes this model even more iconic is the fact that it became the first basketball shoe casually worn off the court.

Pro Keds Royal

The Pro Keds Royal made its debut in 1949. Like the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, this model was also constructed using a canvas upper and gum sole. The shoe was worn by notable players such as George Mikan and Willis Reed throughout the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Known for being an affordable sneaker that was also durable, the sneaker may look simple in appearance, but it had all the qualities and traits to support your game on the court. Unlike the Converse brand, Pro Keds did not manage to remain relevant after all these decades. That being the case, you can still find the brand at select retailers throughout the globe. Down, but not out. W could not have expected anything less from Pro Keds.

adidas Superstar

The adidas Superstar made its debut in 1969. By the 1970s, the Three Stripes model was being worn on the court by superstar players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Superstar stood out thanks in large part to its leather upper and distinct rubber shelltoe. The shoes were so highly coveted that the biggest hip hop artists in the world began wearing them casually during the 80s, shout out Run-DMC. As you can imagine, soon thereafter the adidas Superstar became a fashion staple in the urban community. It’s safe to say that the adidas Superstar has had a bigger impact off the court than on.

Puma Clyde

The year was 1973. Walt “Clyde” Frazier and the Knicks had just defeated the Lakers to win their second championship. That very same year, Frazier had signed with Puma for $25,000 a year. His on-court shoe of choice, the Puma Clyde. According to Frazier,  the Puma Clyde was based on the Puma Basket and borrowed details from the Puma Suede. Just like Clyde Frazier, the Puma Clyde redefined street style with it’s smooth aesthetic. It was the perfect mix of style and substance. It was also the first sneaker that was designed to make a fashion statement, hence the suede upper, a trait rarely seen on basketball models back in the day. Even after all these years, Puma continues to release new iterations of the Puma Clyde. Talk about withstanding the test of time, eh?

Nike Air Force 1

Is there a more iconic basketball silhouette than the Nike Air Force 1!? At the very least, it has to be a top 3 candidate, right? It’s hard to argue that any other sneaker has had as much of a crossover into street culture than the Nike Air Force 1.

The Bruce Kilgore-designed model is said to have been released in at least 2,000 colorways since the shoe made its debut back in 1982. When the shoe was made, it was considered a peak-performance basketball shoe. The original Air Force 1 was a high-top that came with an ankle strap, a full grain leather upper and of course, for the first time ever in a basketball shoe, Nike Air technology. Soon after debuting on the court, the AF1 growth spread throughout the globe like wildfire. We’re now in 2019, and sneakerheads are STILL feening over certain Air Force 1 releases. That’s wild.

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CATCHING UP WITH VANESSA WILLIAMS FOR STORY TIME

Last month, we had the chance to catch up with Vanessa Williams who partnered with Kellogg’s and Penguin Random House for Kellogg’s Feeding Reading Program, encouraging childhood reading at Kellogg’s NYC. Vanessa read to the kids through her support with Kellogg’s Feeding Reading program with Penguin Random House. She read one of our favorite books growing up, The Pokey Little Puppy. We took a moment to ask her a few questions as we are inspired by the first African American Miss America, recording artist, Broadway star and actress.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be this triple threat from being the First African American to be Miss America, being a recording artist as well as an actress – was it always a plan to showcase your talents across various verticals?

VANESSA WILLIAMS: Growing up music was a requirement in my household. The arts were revered and my parents who were music educators never told me to get a “real job”. They supported my love for the arts and to major in musical theater that combined my talents.   A Broadway career was the goal. All the rest of my career has been a huge blessing that I never dreamed of. 

AM: Looking back on the legacy that you have created, what is the takeaway that want others to have in looking at what you have accomplished throughout your career?

VW: My career has been an example of being brave to take unexpected opportunities when they arise and then being prepared to do your best when given those opportunities. You can plan all you want but life always gives you challenges that you that force you to grow and change your path 

AM: The Pokey Little Puppy is a book that we enjoyed growing up – how did this partnership with you and Kellogg’s as well as Penguin Random House come about and why did you want to participate in this?

VW: As an author, mother of 4 and the daughter of two teachers, I know the importance of reading in order to  fuel kids. It helps you think and learn and grow your imagination. I read to my kids as they were growing up and The Pokey Little Puppy was one of our favorites. I also showed the kids the picture of my new Great Dane puppy Roscoe Rider that I just got this week. Plus, I’m also working on a children’s book so when Kellogg’s reached out it was a no-brainer.

AM: Can you tell us about Feeding Reading Program and why this is so important to you? 

VW: The Kellogg’s Reading Feeding program gets   books into kids hands to fuel their minds and bodies, which is so important to me. Last year alone, more than 400,000 books were distributed to kids and families across the country.

It’s easy for parents to participate, too. Buy a specially marked Kellogg’s product to earn a credit for one of 125 Penguin Random House books across multiple reading levels. Books also can be donated to a school or library. Visit www.FeedingReading.com to  learn more about the program.

AM: What was it like to be with your mom and reading to the children yesterday and what do you hope that the children got from being able to participate?

VW: I came alone to read to the enthusiastic kids entering 2nd grade next fall. I asked lots of questions of course about puppies , pets and the many creatures that are featured in the book. The highlight was hearing  the children ooh and aah about my new puppy 

AM: What projects are you working on that we can share with our readers to keep an eye out for?

VW: I have a new children’s book coming out soon by Sterling Publishing called “Bubble Kisses”, just launched a fashion line on HSN, recording a new album for BMG records and have a few scripts in the works for future projects that I’m producing 

AM: You always look phenomenal, what are 3 beauty/skincare products that you swear by that you can share with us?

VW: Ziip microcurrent portable device helps keeps my skin toned. I use it before any appearances on camera.  Eye lash extensions are my new favorite go to for instant killer eyes and the HydraFacial does wonders for pore cleansing and rejuvenation.

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CONTEXT + REPETITION: MARTY SMITH

Our July cover story took us to Ocean City, NJ for a fun and inspiring day at the beach as well as insight to the fundamentals of life. Marty Smith, ESPN's Broadcaster/Journalist is someone who breaks down the game, brings his enthusiasm for the love of sport and is always exchanging energy with those on set as well as those that are off. As someone who began his time at the network covering NASCAR, he has grown into a number of areas which include: SportsCenter, College GameDay, this fall's SEC Nation as a host, and the successful Marty & McGee. This interview not only includes Marty's journey to the successes that he currently enjoys, but also lets you reflect about what happens when you believe in your self, honor those that came before, acknowledge where you came from, and allow yourself to engage in powerful progression that you may not have planned for yourself!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment that you knew that you fell in love with sports?

MARTY SMITH: I would have to say I was a young boy and my father, he was infatuated with the Pittsburgh Steelers, back in the Steel Curtain days of Joe Green, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris and those immortal – immortal Steelers teams, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth and all those guys. So, I was a little boy and I would sit with my daddy and watch the Steelers and my momma used to say that even as a four year old, I would be like, “that was a hold,” or “that was a clip,” and I’d call out penalties before the flags were thrown and what not. That’s when I kind of knew – the way that it felt just being in my father’s aura that way. I grew up in a small farming community in the Southwestern part of Virginia and all we had was ball. We played everything and there was no sitting inside. My parents were like, “get your ass outside and do something and don't come back until dark," and so football, basketball, baseball-and I loved to compete. To this very second, I love to compete. That feeling of competition and that feeling of grinding your way to noticeable improvement against competition is something that’s intoxicated me forever. So I knew real young that I was going to be a sports guy.

AM: So can you share with us your sports background – what you played and how far you went?

MS: From four years old through my Freshman year of college, I was an athlete and I started with baseball as a little Pee Wee League guy and then when I was in 4th grade, I started playing Pop Warner Football. The same year, I started playing Little League Basketball so from 4th grade all the way through my Senior year of high school, I played all 3 of those sports and I played all year around. I played football from August until the winter time – December. From December until March or April, I played basketball and then I played baseball for my school teams until school was over or the season was over, and then I played either Rec League Baseball or American Legion Baseball all the way through the summer. And then we did football again. So, I never stopped playing ball and again, I grew up in a small community so my buddies that were my teammates and I went to school with them, they’re still my boys today. My best childhood friend since I was 4 years old basically, is the Tampa Bay Rays Athletic Trainer – how weird is that? We grew up in this tiny little town of very few people. Everybody were farmers or blue collar community and he and I both made our way out to pro sports – pretty crazy.

AM: What was that moment when you realized that you might be interested in pursuing professional sports?

MS: I wasn’t good enough. So when I got to college, I went to a small college in East Tennessee first. It was a Division II school athletically, called Carson Newman and they had a really good baseball program so I went there to play baseball. I stayed there 1 year and then I transferred over to Radford University from which I graduated and thought that I would easily make the baseball team – no question in my mind. I had no doubts. I went and they had a walk on tryout and they asked me to participate in that and I did that. I hit and threw it ok – I was a middle infielder and didn’t have a good try out. So the coach who knew about me in high school - I grew up around the corner, he was like, “man, I don’t think that you’re good enough.” They didn’t allow me to play. So I will tell you this. God is funny. I was so devastated in that moment because I don’t care. If you’re passionate about sports – I don’t care if your ceiling is high school, I don’t care if your ceiling is college and certainly for guys like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Drew Brees or these guys – the elite of the elite at whatever their passion is athletically. When it’s time to be done, you lose your whole identity because my whole identity, my whole life was athlete.

That was my identity and because truth told, I was a pretty good one in high school in the area in which I grew up, I had a decently celebrated career, we won state championships as teams – we had that kind of talent where I came from. So when I lost baseball, I’m not kidding y’all, there was a level of depression that I did not anticipate and I have never been a guy who’s down – I’m unstoppable, it’s how I’m wired and I was stopped. I knew a girl that dated a buddy of mine and she came in one day she said, “you know you need to get up off your ass and you need to come with me to the Sports and Information Office and you need to work because you have such a wealth of knowledge.” I’m like, “what, I’m not going in there and taking stats – I play ‘em – no.” After a substantial pity party, I got up one day and I said, “alright man, let’s see what happens.” Went in there, I fell in love with being around it again. Some of my best college friends were guys who played baseball, they played basketball – because the Sports Information Department gave me substantial responsibility immediately. As a Sophomore, I ran around with the baseball team - took their stats, etc. As a junior, they handed me Women’s Basketball and I traveled with the Women’s Basketball team on top of my class load. Then, I got the greatest break you could ever ask for. I was offered a stringer position by the Roanoke Times which is the major regional newspaper in the area in which I grew up covering high school sports, the local NASCAR short track, etc. That’s when I realized that I was going to write for a living and that was what I’m gonna to do. As a Senior, I got to cover Virgina Tech Football as a stringer for the Washington Post.

AM: That’s insane!

MS: On top of my class load. So all of these people believed in me. I will tell you this, had I not gotten cut, I don’t even know if gotten cut is fair. Had I made the Radford Baseball Team, I wouldn’t be sitting with you now, guarantee you. Because I wouldn’t have had to make that shift in focus that I had to make because I wasn’t playing anymore. How about that?

AM: Wow. You’ve had so much in your career prior to ESPN, so what was that journey like as I know you were with NASCAR.com for awhile.

MS: So much of my career goes back to people who believed in me. And in that book, they wanted me to do the dedication page. Who do you dedicate this to? All I wrote was, For the believers. Most notably, Lainie, Cameron, Mia and Vivian my nuclear family – wife and children. But so many people have believed in me from coaches to mentors to all the way down to people that work at ESPN, who don’t have to take the time to offer you guys this opportunity, to pitch you this opportunity, but they believe enough in me that they’re doing that.

When that believer, a guy named Ray Cox, who writes for the Roanoke Times, even still, he covered me in high school. So when I wasn’t playing anymore, he was like, “what?” I saw him at a Radford Basketball game. He said, “I think that you need to be writing for me. You have this factor that you’re so relatable to people and you connect with people in a way that you need to be writing.”

So I started covering high school sports like I said and that led to the local short track called New River Valley Speedway (now Motor Mile Speedway) at the time and I was a NASCAR guy as a kid because my daddy liked it. But my favorite driver was Davey Allison. Davey died in a helicopter crash July 13th 1993, I stopped loving the sport in that moment. My passion – I mean it was like lighting a bottle rocket when I went back to that short track. I went and I told her (Lainie), I know what I’m gonna do - I know what my path is – NASCAR is my way. It’s the fastest way to get through pro sports. I covered it for the Lynchburg News – I had a job that may not even exist anymore. I made $12.80 in my first job out of Radford. I bought her engagement ring with it – you talk about broke as Joe! I started chasing race cars. I’ll never forget sitting in the Richmond International Raceway garage – sitting on the pit walls watching these cars go by. Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Jeff Gordon – “holy smokes that’s really them, I’m on this side of the track.” I’m inside the track and I can walk out there and talk to them if they’ll give me the time of day. I couldn’t believe it. I worked there for one year.

During that time, I wrote a story on a guy named Paul Brooks who was from that town. His mother called me and said I needed to do the story. I thought it was Jim Bob Jordan the street stock driver down the street. Paul had been elevated to the VP of NASCAR. Called Paul, we hit it off, he liked the story and he sent me some desk furniture of the 50th Anniversary of NASCAR like a business card holder that you put the pens in. At the very bottom of the box was his stationary with his email on it. I emailed him, “get me the hell out of here. I’ll clean toilets in Daytona Beach, Florida if you get me out of here. I got big aspirations, got big dreams – you can help me get me there.” They didn’t have any jobs, a few months later, a guy quit at NASCAR.com – he called me come to the interview, if I was good enough I would get the job – I got the job. I made it to $20K. Now I’m traveling around the country man. I went to San Francisco man, Napa, California and I got to cover race cars! Worked there until ’05 and ESPN called. They were coming back into the business of NASCAR. In ’07 they put together their whole broadcast team and I was going to be in the insularly part in a show for SportsCenter we had a show called NASCAR Now.

AM: Great show.

MS: It was a great show! Jack Obringer – this is all in my book. Jack Obringer, the guy who called me who is still at ESPN now and is one of my greatest believers. He said that everybody who talks to me says your name – you know what’s going on in the sport and you know the drivers. I laughed and said, “hey man, I’m so flattered, but you called the wrong guy. There’s a guy named Marty Snider who’s a great broadcaster and I’m sure that that’s who you meant to call.” He laughed out loud and said I was the guy. He told me to go home and think about working with him. I went home to Lainie and I said, “you’re never going to believe this, I think that ESPN wants me to come work there." I'm a guy who would rather crash and burn and fail knowing that I can’t, then wonder 20 years from now sitting on that porch wondering if I could have. So I took the job. The first time that I was really on television was SportsCenter. Can you believe that? There are local reporters who are so talented, they work their asses off, they set up their own camera shots and dream of that chance and I was afforded that chance immediately. That’s never been lost on me and I’m so appreciative. From there, the company let me grow. They let me make mistakes, they let me look like – I needed a lot of work. My story is just unorthodox because I was sportcentric for 7 years – really 8 from ‘07-‘14 those 8 NASCAR seasons. I got to grow and learn my voice and ESPN afforded me that voice and no one has ever once asked me to change it. They’ve never asked me to try to lose this accent because I have always maintained that you can be Southern and articulate at the same time. It worked because I was covering NASCAR. Then we lost NASCAR and I thought, ok what do I do now? Do I pursue another network maybe, do I bet on myself again? I went home and told Lainie that I needed to bet on myself again and I was ready to see what was out there and I signed my 3rd ESPN contract which was ’15-’18 and bet on myself. My career has been beyond every fantastic dream that I could have ever imagined.

AM: You have covered so many different sports for the network. How do you prepare yourself when you’re reporting on College Football versus the NFL – is it the same for you?

MS: No. I’m voracious about study. I’m voracious about preparation and reading and listening and things that intrigue me, I put it in a document. Then I take that document and pair it down and then I study that document. Like, Tiger Woods. When I got the opportunity to interview him, I studied so hard and watched so much and I probably had a 40 question list and I paired that down to 15 and I studied those 15 until minutes before I was sitting in front of him and I crumpled the paper up and threw it away. Because I want to have a conversation with you. The best interviewers listen. Because the best question is more often than not, why, how, when, how did that come to be, what was your passion. That was most certainly the case with him. Can I tell you how I got there?

AM: Yes!

MS: 2012 I think it was, I interviewed Jeff Gordon for a NASCAR Countdown Pre Race Program and I had this specific thing that I wanted out of Jeff and I kept interrupting him during the interview to try to keep him on task. It worked for what I was sort of after. But after the race before which it ran which was New Hampshire, after that race – I was so proud of myself that I got this interview with Jeff Gordon man – 4X Champion – 80+ wins! After the race, I went out to interview Dale Jr. who is like my brother – we’re brothers – we’ve been through it together. The highest of highs and the most crushing of lows we’ve walked it together. I get out to his car because he wrecked and they’re looking all around the cars when they’re looking at the dings in it. He turns around and says, “come here, I’m pissed at you.” There’s other reporters around so he takes me to the entrance to the truck that carries the race cars and says, “you need to stop interrupting people.” I was like, "what?” He said he watched the interview with Jeff and he wanted to hear some of the things that he said, but I kept interrupting him and that I looked like an asshole, “stop interrupting people.” I was so mortified. He cut me and do you want to know that it was the single greatest advice that I have ever gotten in this job? I completely changed my interview approach. I let people expound upon their thoughts and thereby, be ing able to tell me their story rather than trying to conjure something that you desire. I tell that story sometimes when he’s around and he’s like, “damn, let it go.” I’m like, “no. You changed me and only a real dude does this.” You’re on this high and most dudes would be like, “hey man that’s cool.” I am forever grateful to him for that.

That’s what I do. I study, study, study and then throw it away. Because I want to hear you and want to be immersed with you. It has proven to be very successful for me.

AM: So what are all the shows that you’re on at ESPN?

MS: Wow. A lot of them! So SportsCenter, College Game Day, SEC Nation, Get Up, Marty & McGee – which is such a fascinating study. Marty & McGee is a Southern culture program almost more than a sports program. There was a lady named Cherita Johnson and for a time she kind of ran the podcast/digital arm at that time. I called her one day and said I had a proposal as I had a buddy Ryan McGee (she knew him because they were PA’s together) and him and I had covered NASCAR together and felt that ESPN could produce a really cool piece of content with a podcast, we would be willing to go to a studio so we wouldn’t have to hire a bunch of people. We just wanted to do a podcast about NASCAR if she would let us. She wasn’t sure if there was a market for it and she asked me to tell her a story. So, 45 minutes later, I’m telling her all these stories about Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jr. and Jimmie Johnson. She said that I was so passionate about that she would go ask. She did and they greenlit it. The magic of Marty & McGee is the chemistry, we’re buddies and have been so for 20 years! It went from a live radio show on Sat afternoons, then a few years ago they moved us to 7am on Sat! That’s when I said, “son, our lives just changed!” That’s when everybody is going to get the donuts and taking junior to baseball. It changed everything! Then, last year, they decide that the coaches in the South Eastern Conference they wanted to be engaged in a different way and they wanted the two if to make it happen. They asked what the set should like and I said, “a card table, an American flag and an eagle soaring by – I don’t know.” They built us that set. The coaches come in. They’re immediately disarmed. We’re laughing out loud with them. Nick Saban is talking about his dad, Nick Sr. had tears in our eyes. So they give us a weekly show on SEC Network which this fall moves to Weds. so that it ensures that it’s not pre-empted by soccer or a live program. We don’t even know what to make of it – we’re floored!

AM: What’s it like juggling all of these shows with your current schedule?

MS: It’s a lot and I’m afforded the ultimate blessing which is a patient, immersed, patient and loyal partner who appreciates all of this. She understands all of this and allows me to chase the dream. I can’t wait for people to read about Lainie in the book because they are going to see what a phenomenal soul she is. In this life, we meet people that are more successful, that may not have as much, we meet people who are more beautiful, we meet people who are the most blue collar down-home, people who grew up in the city all of that – all walks of life. Very rarely do you meat innate grace. Lainie has it. There is no way in hell that I could have this career, this life, have met these people that I am so fortunate to meet if she didn’t have that personality. I thank her everyday!

AM: Specifically during the college football season, what is your week like for that?

MS: We work every day. From now until mid January, we are gas on the throttle doing college football. Even on days off, we’re prepping. On days off, you’re reading, calling around, texting around, talking to coaches. Sports information people, in some rare cases – players. To make sure that you are at least ahead of the game but at least in the game. You go hard as hell man and I love every second of it.

AM: Who are you looking forward to interviewing this season from the college football side – what are 3 things that you’re pumped about?

MS: I’m blessed beyond what I deserve. We have a host and reporter who is among the most talented television professionals I have ever seen. Her name is Laura Rutledge. Laura makes all of it look easy – it’s not and she makes it look so simple. She is going to have her first child this fall. As a result of that, she will go on maternity leave and will miss a portion of the season. While she is away, she is the host of a show called SEC Nation and it’s a phenomenal show. I mean Tim Tebow, Marcus Spears and Paul Finebaum are the panelists. They are all great friends of mine already - Tim is like a brother to me. In the book, I share his influence on me which is dramatic. So when Laura is on maternity leave, I am going to get to host that show. When ESPN called me and told me this, my initial reaction was Euphoria and it was also, “you know I have never done that before and you know it’s something that I am going to have to learn.” They understood all that and said that my passion was what they needed. I can’t wait, a live atmosphere with a live audience in the South Eastern Conference, with those 3 guys and a producer – Baron Miller, who's a brother to me anyway. He has an artistic vision and unbelievable passion to help guide us through. I can’t wait for the energy change. My best friend, Eric Church, always says that there is going to be an energy exchange tonight. There is going to be my energy and your energy. I'm going to give it every last damn ounce of everything I got and if you give it back to me, there is going to be a moment and it’s going to live forever. Well I get to drive that moment and I can’t wait! Tebow man, Spears – I’m not Laura – I’m not as talented and polished as her or Joe Tessitore the first gentleman who hosted that show, or Maria Taylor who also hosted that show. They’re better broadcasters than me, but I’ll never be out passioned. I can control 3 things everyday: I can control kindness, effort and passion. If I max those out, I’m going to be alright and I’m maxing. In every single facet of my life: fatherhood, husbandry, professionally, friendships – there ain’t nobody going to ever say that I didn’t leave it all out there when the Lord calls me home.

AM: One of the things that draws me to your reporting is your passionate storytelling and being someone who grew up in Indiana, watched Hoosier basketball growing up, graduated Indiana University and was glad to have been there during Bobby Knight’s last year as coach, we believe in the concept of “Life is Sports and Sports is Life”. When college basketball happens, there is such a feeling that comes through which permeates all aspects of my life. Why does college football have that feeling for you that makes you so passionate about it?

MS: I was discussing this this morning. There is a country artist named Justin Moore. I have known Justin his entire career now. This is his 5th album he is putting out this week and he’s only 35 and having a tremendous career. He grew up in a little town called Poyne, Arkansas. The Arkansas Razorbacks are their pro team. I grew up 20 miles west of Virginia Tech’s campus on a cattle farm. The Virginia Tech Hokies are our pro team. They are also our identity, they also brought a national brand to a farming community. Because of Frank Beamers’ Hokies Virginia Tech Hoakies, Blacksburg is known in Seattle, in California, Clearwater, Fl and it’s known in Banger, Maine. Everybody knows Blacksburg because of those football teams. When I was a kid, we didn’t have a whole lot when I was real young. My daddy worked all the time and I didn’t get to be around him and he was a bit of mysterious and mythical figure to me. But there were some Saturday mornings when he’s wake me up and say, “boy get dressed, we’re going over the mountain.” I knew that meant we were going to watch Virginia Tech football. It was bad football. It was 0-8, 0-10, 1-9, 2-8 because Coach Beamer was still laying those foundation bricks to the amazing legacy that he built. But I got to go there with my daddy and I got to have a fountain coke and I got to have his attention and I got to feel his love and hope he felt mine and we got to watch Virginia Tech play football. To this second, I feel closer to him in Laine Stadium then I feel anywhere else. I lost daddy in ’08. When I go back there, I feel closer to him than anywhere else. My passion for it, is so much deeper than simply the game. It’s this father/son connection, it’s this family connection because so many little college towns take their identity from those athletic programs just like Bloomington does. I get to go in on Fridays and Saturdays in the fall and I get to be there with those people. Whether it’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Columbus, Ohio, Blacksburg, Virginia, Ann Arbor, Michigan – those towns are those schools. I get to live it. Hell, they pay me for it! Wow – it’s unbelievable to me!

AM: With such a busy schedule, you have a book coming out August 6th, Never Settle: Sports, Family and the American Soul. Why did you want to write this book and what do you hope that your fans and those who read this book take away from it?

MS: I have wanted to write a book for a really long time. It’s funny, I wasn’t ready until I got the deal. I didn’t have enough life experiences until last year. Back to Tiger, I interviewed him and of course I put a picture up with us on the ‘gram. You’ve gotta do it for the ‘gram and I came home that evening and my son has a YouTube channel and we were skateboarding. So I said, “you know what man, let’s go down this hill. I’ll be on my board and you’ll be on your board and I’ll kinda get crouched down and get a cool shot with my phone for you.” I put it on my Instagram Stories and this publisher saw it. I was blown away by that.

Long story short, the next thing you know, I’m meeting with this gentleman, a guy named Sean Desmond at Twelve Books, my publisher in NYC. Avenue of the Americas man, wow country boy comes to town. He talked about how his little boy who is 12 is fascinated by all the stuff that I get to do. Then he saw that and he was intrigued. How is this guy that was interviewing Tiger Woods in the morning and hanging with his son in the evening – he wanted that. He wanted my family in the book, he wanted Lainie, he wanted the husband Marty in the book, he wanted father Marty in the book. He wanted me to be so vulnerable and he wanted Tiger, he wanted Nick Saban and he wanted Cristiano Ronaldo in Shanghai, in Beijing. He wanted all of these experiences. He wanted me throwing a post pattern on the White House lawn. Thank God the Secret Service has a sense of humor! It’s all in the book. I actually did that! We were stupid, man. He wanted all of that and he pushed me throughout the writing process. Show me, don’t tell me. You’re telling me a good story, show me a good story. I loved that advice because it demanded of me to take another layer of veneer off.

Again, I have so many friends that are musical artists. They told me throughout time that anything worth its salt is vulnerable. But with that vulnerability comes a very unique emotion because you are putting this layer of yourself out into and this energy in the world. You have to be ok with whatever comes back good or bad. You’ve given this and holy crap it’s giving me anxiety and Lainie is like why? That was always my response to my friends too because they were putting out something good – but you’re putting this part of yourself out there and above all, I know it’s relatable and vulnerable. I think it will sing and I think that a lot of people will see themselves in that. I discuss things like the primal sorrow of losing my mom when I was barely an adult. She had breast cancer and died when she was 47 years old. My sister turns 47 in Feb so, Stacy and I go back and forth about what that’s like. Because when you’re 21 you don’t realize how young 47 is. When you’re 43, you think that she hadn’t even gotten started yet. I’d give anything – anything to be able to show her. She would be tickled and the coolest grandmother to these little people that we have running around.

My son has Tourette and so there is a lot that comes with Tourette. His tics, how people react to that. He’s used to people staring at him. Middle School is hard, he’s only recently gotten to a place where other kids sometimes aren’t nice. My mother, back to that innate grace, I never met anybody that was more Godly than my mom. She raised a lot of kids and I only have one sibling. She raised a lot of kids. I had a lot of buddies and she was there momma too. I wish she was here to see all of this and to be that for my kids. I go all the way into that primal sorrow. I write it in that way that’s really really raw. It’s a hell of a thing and I hope that people feel themselves in it. There’s a football coach that I have become very close with, Barry Odom – head coach of Missouri – Missouri Tigers. He wrote me the nicest text the other day. The 4th chapter of the book is about one of the most impactful people in my life. There is a Special Olympics athlete that I chronicled in '15, her name was Olivia Quigley. It’s all in there – why she was so important to me and Barry read the chapter. I sent him an advanced copy. He was like, “dude – I knew you were pretty cool on TV, but this is what you need to be doing. It’s changing lives.” That was very cool for him to say.

AM: How long did it take for your to put the book together?

MS: I started almost immediately when I met with Twelve last May. My deadline was Jan. 15th and I was very naïve about the time – really naïve. I wrote a lot of it in Ocean City Coffee. I would get up before dawn every morning when we were here last summer. I rode my bike down there and wrote until about 9:30am morning and then came back. Then, I thought I didn’t have to worry about being a present father or husband on airplanes and hotel rooms. But when you have covered a college football weekend, the last thing that you want to do is go to your hotel room and write! You just want a cold one and to laugh with your buddies a little bit, eat a meal and get on the pillow. I somehow managed to do it. That last week, I still had quite a bit to write. I came home from the National Championship in Santa Clara, California – immediately packed a bag, flew to NYC and spent 5 days holed up in the publisher’s office pounding on those keys. I’m not kidding ya, 5:30 on Jan 15th was when I needed to have that thing in and it was 5:30 on Jan 15th when I said, I don’t know if it’s done, hope it is - but here it’s yours.

AM: How did it make you feel when Eric Church wrote your forward as he’s your best friend.

MS: He’s my best friend. I was here – he called me about something else and he needed my opinion and perspective. We probably talked about it for 90 minutes. You get Eric Church on 90 seconds it's a miracle - we were on the phone for 90 mins! So I said, “before you go, I have something else to tell you about. I hate to bother you with it and I know you’re busy. I’m writing my first book.” He said, “it’s about fuckin’ time.” Truth be told, he thinks I’m wasting my time doing anything but writing and he has always been a fan of how I write and the way I paint pictures. He’s a writer, that’s what he does. So we have that mutual energy exchange and kinship. I said, “I would be really honored and I don’t think it would be complete the way that I need it to be complete if you don’t write my forward.” He said that it would be the pleasure and joy of his life that I would pick him to do that. I will tell you that it showed up near my deadline because it’s Eric. I was kind of badgering him saying, “hey bro – I have to have this thing in.” He asked me when it had to be in. I’m sitting in Charlotte and he texted me that he had sent it via email. Two other people had read it before he sent it, his most trusted confidentes in his life – his wife Katherine and his manager John Peets. I get my computer and Lainie is sitting next to me and I’m reading it and I can feel myself and she’s capturing it on video. I will tell you that it’s the most single kindest thing that I have ever read in terms of your impact on somebody. It made me belly laugh and ugly cry. He’s a real hard ass. He plays one for a living, he doesn’t suffer fools, he takes no crap. He taught me that my passion is ok and that my way is ok. Even when the bosses tell you something, if you believe it do it. For him to write what he wrote about me, I can’t wait for y’all to see it. I want to talk about it so much but I want y’all to have to read it. It’s awesome. It means the world to me that he would take the time to do it.

Like Greg Sankey is the commissioner of the SEC and I gave him the very first copy that I had ever held in my hands. McGee and I were interviewing him and he said he wanted one, but that I would have to sign it. So I sat down right there and signed it and said it was like handing him my first child. He wrote on the Internet how good it was and that Eric Church had written the greatest forward that he had ever read in years – he was right. I could talk for days about him – my hero!

AM: One of the things that we were struck by is the amount of people on Twitter who were talking about how those who pre-ordered received FaceTime messages thanking them for doing so.

MS: I have 52 people left to call! I was trying to think of a way – I felt bad that the people that pre-ordered the book that they invested in me and I wanted to make it personal. I saw that Kurt Busch, one of the NASCAR drivers, had FaceTimed some of his fans. So I thought that we should try that. I thought it would be 10 people. Marty will call you or FaceTime you if you pre-order his book. It was a lot more than 10 people. To see the reactions from the people! One young lady called me and said, “you’re always talking about people who give you that passion and this life direction to help you have that perspective and to stay focused – you’re that person for me.” She was in tears. She can’t wait to have the book. It was very fulfilling for me as well. They’re so appreciative.

AM: I mean just from the comments, people running out of the meetings in their offices and getting so excited.

MS: One guy worked in the Library of Congress and he was so excited that my book was going to be there. Another guy worked as a Missouri State Trooper or a Detective. He pulled over and took a picture of us talking. I still have a few people to contact and I will get to them. One of them was my high school football teammate, we were Defensive Backs a long time ago. We won the state championship together.

AM: Do you foresee writing another book?

MS: That’s up to the publisher, but if they afford me the opportunity – hell yes! There are 25 chapters in this book and there are at least 15 stories that I didn’t even get to. I talked to Paul George about what it was like when he broke his leg in half. The way he felt and the way he saw his team react. The vulnerability and how stripped he was. I talked to Anthony Davis – I was surprised it went down this road. It was in the middle of Black Lives Matter was such a movement in this country. We kind of brought up race and here I am having this great conversation of depth with this gentleman who grew up in Chicago, African American a face for those other young man growing up in that neighborhood. He got out, you can do this. Being interviewed by a 40 year old white man from a rural Appalachian town and how we were connecting and what an example we can be together. It was a wonderful conversation. Stuff like that that’s not even in the book. I hope this book is received well enough that I get that chance – I would be honored.

AM: As someone who travels as much as you do, what are 3 items in your carry-on that makes you feel comfortable or have a sense of home?

MS: Everything is a carry-on I don’t check bags. Bose Q35 Noise Cancelling headphones are my life blood because I am such a music guy. Costa Del Mar are my sunglass guys – I always have them with me because of the injured eye. I like having it covered. Either Jordan 1s, 3s, 4s or 11s. I don’t ever travel without at least 1 pair of Jordans - ever.

AM: The Sneaker Duffle is going to do well.

MS: Yes thank you! ESPN watchers know me for my sneakers. When I was growing up, once again, my dad never in a million years would have been like I would pay $140 for those shoes. Hell no! When I was in 8th grade maybe 9th. I saved enough money from throwing hay bales in the summer to buy my first pair of Js. They were 5s. The original pair of 5s, I don’t have any 5s in Ocean City or I would show you what I was talking about. The original 5s have clear bottoms – soles. The clear bottoms had the Jump Man in the ball of the foot. If you wore them outside, they would soil to this amber color. I was not about to let that happen. I would carry my Js to school and then put them on when I got there. I never lost that. If you guys had any idea of how neurotic I am about my shoes. All of my shoes are like that. I’m a Js guy and I love Air Max 90s the original Air Max and I am crazy about these. I would say those 3 things.

AM: How do you take time for yourself to decompress with all of the things that you do?

MS: Water. I grew up on a farm, I still own hundreds of acres in Southwest Virginia that is still farmed. When I was a little boy, I was always captivated by the beach. So we bought here 5 years ago I believe our families bought this home and last July, Lainie and I bought a home on Lake Norman in Charlotte and that’s where we live full time. It allows me to really reflect, be vulnerable and to consider who I want to be. It also allows my children to get away from their phones and for me to get away from it and get away from everything. It allows me to be a dad that is creating memories. That’s so important to me to be a present father and husband when I’m not on the road – to be here. I try very hard. It’s hard for any driven professional. I do my dead level best to demand that of myself. Last night, we sat on the beach. I didn’t have my phone other than to play music on a Bluetooth speaker from 3 o'clock in the afternoon to 10:30pm. I bet I had 50 or 60 text messages. Don't judge me – you promise – I have 193 unread text messages! When I’m here, I purposely don’t get on my phone. Tomorrow I will be in Charlotte for our college football seminar for the next 2 days, the day after that I have to shoot something for Marty & McGee all day for the SEC network, the day after that I’m in Clemson, SC all day covering the first practice for the Tigers and we’re kicking off August 24th. And I have a book coming out!

You know one thing that you will never hear me do – complain. I won’t do it. Do you know how many people would sever fingers – I’m aware. I’m very protective of my time in a demanding industry. But, I’m a grinder man.

AM: When you’re in Ocean City, where can we find you grabbing a meal, go shopping or working out?

MS: Kessel's Korner 28th & Asbury. We eat there that’s our spot. Express Pizza is right around the corner here too. They both have grilled buffalo wraps – grilled chicken buffalo. I’m a buffalo sauce freak show – I love it. I don’t only get the grilled buffalo wrap, I get extra buffalo on the side because I dunk it in there – buffalo sauce is my deal man. I go to the local gym and I’m also an endurance athlete. I was supposed to run the New York City Triathalon but they canceled it because of the Heat Index hitting 115 degrees. I was supposed to do the running portion and to be apart of a trio it’s called Challenged Athletes Foundation. Bob Babbitt one of the godfathers of triathlons in this country asked me to participate. There was going to be a double amputee as our swimmer, a world class cyclist as our cyclist and I was going to do the run in Central Park. I run the boardwalk all the time it’s 5 miles. 2.5 each way and I do it all the time.

Lainie gets on the Internet. She got all of our school supplies from Target. 7th Street Surf Shop is another one that we enjoy. Heritage Surf Shop is another one because I love surf T-shirts, big brim hats because I am super pale.

AM: We’re all about #TRIBEGOALS – people who inspire us to be our best selves. Who are those 3 people for you?

MS: Not to say that I want to be overwhelming about the book, but it’s one of the reasons why I wanted to write it. I wanted to champion those people. My parents would be one answer. I am so fortunate and I’m that guy who's an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. My momma was an angel and my daddy battled my demons. I got both of them inside me. I am so fortunate that I had them. They were very present for every game I ever played, they were very demanding, I was one of those guys that if I wasn’t on the honor roll then I didn’t get to play. I’m so thankful for that. I got spanked if I did something wrong and I got wooped – there were no time outs. I’m thankful for that. Everything I said about Eric applies here. It’s because he showed me through our friendship and through his approach to be absolutely unmitigated to be who you are. Be passionate, reach through that camera lens! I knew that when I was covering NASCAR working for ESPN on a Sat morning SportsCenter in the fall when people were ready to watch college football – you may not be interested in NASCAR but you will listen to me during that 2 months because of how much I love it. He helped me realize that that would be ok! Then my wife, Lainie is such a special person. She’s selfless, graceful, she don’t take no crap, she is my single greatest sounding board and will tell me the truth the whole time. That’s why she is reading the book for the first time. She is so astute and I am so appreciative of that. She also made me more selfless.

IG @MartySmithESPN

Our shoot took place in Ocean City, NJ which meant that we enjoyed showcasing menswear looks that are perfect for the beach.

FASHION CREDITS

LOOK 1 PG 16-25 | LE TIGRE Polo Shirt | KENNETH COLE Shorts | SPERRY Gold Cup Collection | TIMEX Watch | NAGICIA Bracelet | COSTA DEL MAR Sunglasses |

LOOK 2 COVER + PG 26 - 35 | KENNETH COLE Shirt | MAVI Shorts | SPERRY Gold Cup Collection | TiMEX Watch | CLEAR VISION OPTICAL/REVO Sunglasses | HEX BRAND Sneaker Duffle | JORDANS Sneakers |

LOOK 3 BACK COVER PG 37 - 49 | MAVI Denim Shirt + Shorts | TIMEX Watch | KENNETH COLE Sneakers | CLEAR VISION OPTICALS/REVO Sunglasses | EARTHCRUISER Bike |

You can hear the full interview with ESPN's Marty Smith in August on our show, #TRIBEGOALS which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Context + Repetition: Marty Smith in mag.

S1. E3. | BUNGALOW SK WITH HILL HARPER

On today's Bungalow SK, we head to Detroit to talk to acclaimed actor, Hill Harper of ABC's Good Doctor, host of Wondery's Legal Wars, activist and philanthropist to explore his transition from law school to acting in an array of popular shows. In addition to talking about his acting career as well as one of our favorite podcasts that we noted in Athleisure Mag's Bingely Streaming, he shares the importance of financial maintenance, awareness and education.

S1. BONUS EPISODE. | BUNGALE SK WITH MOULIN ROUGE X MOULIN ROUGE BROADWAY

Today's bonus episode of Bungalow SK is pretty exciting and full of glam! I remember when Moulin Rouge came out with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. There was so much to love about the visuals, performances, music and more. In addition, it's when I became mesmerized by power duo Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martine. This film was made in partnership with the historic Moulin Rouge which debuted in 1889 and continues to have phenomenal shows in Paris. Flash forward to this summer when I sat down with principal dancer, Claudine Van Den Bergh Cook and Fanny Rabasse who has worked for a number of years as PR for the Moulin Rouge. They sat with me in Times Square to talk about the historic Moulin Rouge, the shows, how Claudine preps and of course, the costumes as well as how and where they are produced. We also talked about Moulin Rouge Broadway which just opened here in NYC as an extension of the partnership between this iconic performance house and Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martine. It's also interesting to note that during NYFW The Blonds which are known for their over the top style and celeb filled runway shows will be partnering with Moulin Rouge Broadway to present their SS20 line.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | CITY WINERY + CITY VINEYARD

Fans of City Winery will want to also keep City Winery Pop-up as its a sister location. City Vineyard has a number of wines to enjoy as well as entertainment. City Winery Pop-up opened on July 25th, 2019. These vino oriented destinations are founded by Michael Dorf who is also the CEO.

When you're enjoying their housemade wines (Soho-Vignon Blanc, Rosè of Syrah, Pinot Noir) at City Winery Pop-up, we suggest the Chickpea hummus and the burrata. At City Vineyard, we have two words - Seafood Platter.

Each location has its draw from City Vineyard having a rooftop that is open for the summer and allows for weekend brunches with patio seating throughout the year.

City Winery's last show with Joan Osborne takes place on July 31st. City Winery will reopen on Pier 57 in early 2020. City Winery is known for its intimate concerts and their house-made wines. City Winery is a concert venue, wine making facility and restaurant all in one! It's for those that are passionate about wine, music and culinary arts. In addition to concerts, there are opportunities to enjoy food and wine classes as well as to have private events.

With the closing of City Winery, guests can go to Rockefeller Plaza to enjoy their pop-up. In addition, this fall, City Winery will open in Philadelphia as well as in the Hudson Valley. Make sure to visit their website to see an array of events such as Vino Vinyasa which is held on the rooftop of City Vineyard with their next one taking place on Aug 11th.

In addition to a number of upcoming events and location opening, Michael Dorf's book Indulge Your Senses: Scaling Intimacy in a Digital World.

PHOTOS COURTESY | City Winery

CITY WINERY POP UP

Rockefeller Plaza

NY, NY 10111

CITY VINEYARD

Pier 26

NY, NY 10013

www.citywinery.com

IG @citywinerynyc

IG @cityvineyardnyc

*Check the site for more locations.

Read the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see City Winery + City Vineyard in mag.

S1. E13. | #TRIBEGOALS WITH ESPN'S MARTY SMITH

On today's episode of #TRIBEGOALS, we chat with our latest cover star of Athleisure Mag which took us to Ocean City, NJ to catch up with Marty Smith of ESPN's SEC Nation, SportsCenter, College GameDay and Marty & McGee right before college football starts! After a shoot that took us to some of his favorite spots, I sat with him in his vacation home to talk about when Marty fell in love with sports and specifically college football. We talked about his baseball days and transitioning into sports journalism and broadcasting from NASCAR.com to a number of contributing and hosting positions at ESPN. In addition, this impactful storyteller not only shares moments in his career from Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr to Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods - but also his new book Never Settle: Sports, Family and the American Soul.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.