Hurdle

Candice Huffine has been breaking down barriers for years in the modeling industry. Landing magazine covers from Italian Vogue to Elle, the body positivity advocate never let fear or doubt stop her in her career. When her husband dared her to run a half-marathon at the end of 2015, she was forced to face a different type of challenge, embrace something she absolutely despised, and step outside her comfort zone. In episode 11, Huffine talks about the finish line #hurdlemoment that made her believe that absolutely anything is possible, what it really took to start her own activewear line, and offers empowering, feel-good advice for anyone who has ever questioned their own drive. --- @hurdlepodcast @candicehuffine @yourdaywon @psyougotthis

Golden Harper grew up around running. Working at the running store his father opened in the Utah mountains from a young age, the track athlete and marathon fanatic was able to share his passion for the sport with customers of all experience levels. He also saw his fair share of clientele with severe foot problems. After years of studying body mechanics and exercise science in college, the entrepreneur manufactured a pair of sneakers that would stave off injury—the first pair of Altras. And Harper’s #hurdlemoment? That came right as he was taking a leap of faith to get the brand off the ground; a snowboard accident that left him in rough shape, temporarily unable to walk—nevertheless run. In episode 10, Harper shares how the experience made both him and his company stronger, and what exactly sets Altra apart from the other sneaker brands on the market. --- @altrarunning @rungolden1 @hurdlepodcast

Almost 10 years ago, Whitney Tingle and Danielle DuBoise were both at their own self-described rock bottoms. Tingle, beside herself dealing with persistent cystic acne. DuBoise, in the hospital after years of yo-yo dieting finally caught up with her. The solution to both of their #hurdlemoments? Founding Sakara Life—a wellness company rooted in the belief that food is medicine, favorited by A-listers like Kate Hudson and Chrissy Teigen, and known for its ready-to-eat plant-based food delivery service. In episode nine, the duo tells all including how mood relates to what you eat, which foods are necessary for a healthy gut, and what it’s really like building a multi-million dollar company with a best friend. --- @sakaralife @danielledubois @whitneytingle @hurdlepodcast

Chinae Alexander isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Something that could be a little unnerving when 138,000+ people are following her every move on social media. The self-proclaimed entrepreneur and undeniable female badass had a #hurdlemoment of her own after losing 70 pounds, realizing that weight loss didn’t guarantee happiness. In episode eight, she talks about the power of looking within, how she reads (and responds) to thousands of messages each week from total strangers, and how one landmark job rejection changed her life forever.  --- @chinaealexander @hurdlepodcast

This year, Barre3—a studio exercise program that blends ballet with yoga and pilates—celebrates its 10-year anniversary. In 2008, Sadie Lincoln, the CEO and founder, was immersed in the fitness industry, teaching step and cardio kickboxing classes, when she experienced her own #hurdlemoment. Reevaluating everything she thought she knew about wellness, the mother of two left her established job in San Francisco to move to Portland with her husband Chris and build the company from scratch. In episode seven, Lincoln shares how creating Barre3—boasting more than 125 locations worldwide—helped her learn the true meaning of balance. --- @sadielincoln @barre3 @hurdlepodcast

Today, Adam Kallen owns a thriving brand called Jane Motorcycles based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. But 20 years ago, he was graduating law school by the skin of his teeth, overcoming a drug addiction, unsure of what good was out there for him in the world. In episode six, Kallen shares his journey to seek out help, and details how leaning into surfing helped him conquer his demons. --- @adam_janemoto @janemotorcycles @hurdlepodcast

When Sarah Levey and her husband Mason opened yoga hotspot Y7 Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, back in 2013, they were simply looking to create a safe, judgement-free environment for flows. Fueled by hip-hop beats, candlelight, and infrared heat, Y7 Studio now has a cult following and nine locations (with many, many more on the way). In episode five, Levey shares how pushing self doubt to the side enabled her to take her business to the next level. --- @sarah_levey @y7studio @hurdlepodcast

When the co-founder of NYC favorite eatery The Meatball Shop was 23 years old, he was swinging bottles as a bartender at Frank Restaurant and living a life of debauchery (his words, not mine). When he replaced alcohol with doing great things for his body, leaning into Muay Thai and running, his entire world changed. Fast-forward 13 years, the restaurateur now adds founder of sustainable seafood spot Seamore's and co-founder of WellWell, an all-natural sports beverage, to his lengthy list of accomplishments. In episode four, Chernow shares the #hurdlemoment that lead him to become one of the most respected men in New York City's restaurant scene.

When Conde Nast’s Chief Digital Officer Fred Santarpia was a teenager, he was bullied endlessly. After a particularly harsh episode landed him through a glass window and in the hospital with glass in his legs, he knew something had to shift. So, he built a gym in his parents basement and started working out. Soon, he started to look differently. People were treating him differently. In Episode Three, Santarpia shares the #hurdlemoment that helped him gain essential confidence, ultimately leading him toward milestone career successes like co-founding video hosting service Vevo and leading digital strategy for one of the top media companies in the world. --- @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate @fredsantarpia

At age 18, now-Nike trainer and fitness model Alex Silver Fagan was swinging bottles at a night club in the lower east side. A visit to see family in Florida turned into her #hurdlemoment, an eye-opening realization that at 90 pounds, the New Jersey native needed to make a change. In Episode Two Alex shares how a stint in bikini body competitions helped her get strong, and a newfound passion for wellness paved the way for her bustling career in the fitness industry.

Today I’m a wellness writer and editor, certified personal trainer, run and Spin coach. But 10 years ago as a college freshman, I was drastically overweight. In April 2007, my #hurdlemoment had me in tears confronting the scale, staring obesity in the face. By learning how to reshape my relationship with food and exercise—and believing that I was worthy of my own investment—I was able to lose 70 pounds. In Episode One, I share my story and the lessons I learned to help me live a healthier, happier, more motivated life.