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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY
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CITRUS AURANTIUM BEAUTY
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#TRIBEGOALS
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HOW TO DRESS | FOR STEPPING UP YOUR SLEEP GAME
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ATHLEISURE MAG #111 | RASHEE RICE
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with NFL Super Bowl Champion of the Kansas City Chiefs, Rashee Rice. We talk about his passion for the game, his journey, staying in shape, the upcoming season, and how he gives back philanthropically!
We sat down with Creator, Executive Producer, and writer Chris Brancato for Godfather of Harlem which is back for S4 on MGM+. We also interviewed cast members Rome Flynn, Lucy Fry, and Michael Raymond James as we talk about this historically inspired series, why they are part of this program and what we can expect this season.
We sat down with pro surfer Brianna Cope who talks with us about her love for the beach, surfing, being in Surfer Girls on Prime Video, and her love for cooking on the beach! We chatted with her about her ambassadorship with Gozney and why this is something that we can enjoy when it comes to making pizzas wherever we roam.
We enjoyed an amazing dinner a few weeks back at Ludlow House to celebrate the launch of Cards on the Table, a digital series hosted by Stanley Tucci in partnership with Allbirds. After having such a great time at the event we wanted to know more about Allbirds as a brand, footwear aesthetic, how this series came about, and what we can look forward to.
We have been fans of Chef Maneet Chauhan for a number of years from her restaurants to her hosting and judging shows on Food Network. We sat down with her to find out how she got into the industry, why she loves cooking, finding out about her restaurant group, and upcoming projects.
Our kick off to Spring wouldn't be complete without our recap of this past Awards Season via 9R3DCARP3T which shares exclusive quotes with those who walked the red carpet as well as their teams.
This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Singapore where we dine at Burnt Ends. We talk with Chef David Pynt on his culinary journey as well as what led him to launching this restaurant and what we can expect when we come in to dine.
This month's Athleisure List comes from Lolita in Midtown NY which have a phenomenal menu for your next meal as well as cocktails! In addition, we also head to Italy to enjoy ARIA Retreat + Spa.
This month we have our 9PLAYLIST from NFL Super Bowl Champion and Athleisure Mag cover, Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs. We have an additional 9PLAYLIST with EDM DJ/Producer, KAAZE. This month's 9PLAYLIST MULTI comes US Open 2017 Grand Slam winner, Sloane Stepens who shares what she enjoys listening to, streaming, and reading. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Rashee Rice and from pro surfer, Brianna Cope. This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS comes from Chef Hailey Nissimov of Figaro Cafe, Owner Will Patton and Creative Dir Devin of Press Club Cocktail Bar and our THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from BRAVO Top Chef S22 that is currently airing - Chef Lana Lagomarsini as she shares what dishes we can enjoy for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
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FULL ARCH DENTAL IMPLANTS: A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN YOUR HEALTH AND SMILE
Tooth loss can affect daily life in more ways than one. Beyond the impact on appearance, it can lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, and maintaining oral health. Finding the right replacement is essential for both function and comfort. While traditional options may provide a temporary fix, they often come with drawbacks that make them less than ideal for long-term use.
Full-arch dental implants provide a lasting alternative designed to restore more than just missing teeth. They integrate with the jaw for a secure fit, offering the closest experience to natural teeth. With the right care, they can provide a lifetime of benefits, making them a worthwhile investment.
Read on to see why full-arch dental implants stand out as a long-term solution for your health and smile.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Superkitina
Restoring Functionality and Comfort
Missing teeth can make everyday activities like eating and speaking more difficult. Full-arch dental implants offer a secure and comfortable solution, reducing common issues like slipping and discomfort.
Below are the ways these implants restore functionality and comfort:
Improved chewing ability: A strong bite makes it easier to eat a variety of foods without difficulty. Unlike removable dentures, which can feel unstable when chewing, full-arch implants provide a firm foundation for biting and grinding food. This allows for a more natural eating experience.
Clearer speech: Gaps in the mouth or loose dentures can cause speech issues, such as slurring or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Full-arch dental implants remain firmly in place, allowing for natural tongue movement and improved clarity in speech.
No slipping or irritation: Traditional dentures can shift out of place or cause gum irritation due to friction. Since full-arch implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, they stay secure without the need for adhesives, minimizing discomfort.
With enhanced stability and function, full arch dental implants provide a long-lasting solution that allows you to eat, speak, and go about daily life with confidence.
Preserving Jawbone Health
Tooth loss affects more than just appearance—it also impacts bone health. When teeth are missing, the jawbone loses stimulation, leading to gradual bone deterioration. Full-arch dental implants help maintain bone structure and prevent long-term changes to facial features.
The following are ways these implants support jawbone health:
Jawbone stimulation: Full-arch dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, keeping the jawbone engaged and preventing shrinkage. This ongoing stimulation helps maintain bone density and preserves the natural contours of the face.
Reduced need for bone grafts: Severe bone loss may require grafting before placing traditional implants. However, full-arch implants can often be placed with minimal or no bone grafting, making the procedure more accessible for many patients.
Prevention of facial changes: Bone loss can cause the lower face to appear sunken or collapsed over time. By keeping the jawbone strong, full-arch implants help maintain a youthful facial structure and prevent the sagging that often occurs with missing teeth.
By preserving jawbone density, full-arch dental implants support both function and appearance, providing lasting benefits beyond tooth replacement.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Colourblind Kevin
Long-lasting and Cost-effective
Full-arch dental implants require an initial investment, but they offer long-term value. Unlike other tooth replacement options that need frequent repairs or replacements, implants are built to last, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
The following are key reasons why full-arch dental implants provide lasting benefits:
Exceptional durability: Full-arch implants are designed to function like natural teeth, with strong materials that resist wear and tear. With regular care, they can remain in place for decades without the need for replacements.
Lower maintenance costs: Traditional dentures require ongoing adjustments, relining, and adhesive costs. Implants, on the other hand, stay securely in place and only need standard brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.
Fewer complications over time: Bone loss and gum irritation can occur with removable dentures, leading to additional treatments. Full-arch implants help preserve jawbone health, reducing the risk of these complications and future medical expenses.
Long-term financial savings: While the upfront cost may seem high, implants eliminate the repeated expenses of replacing bridges or dentures. Over time, this makes them a more economical solution.
Investing in full-arch dental implants provides a stable, long-lasting replacement that minimizes future costs and maintenance concerns.
Natural Appearance and Boosted Confidence
A full smile can make a significant difference in how you feel about yourself. Full-arch dental implants provide a natural look and a secure fit, helping you feel more confident in daily interactions.
The following are ways full-arch dental implants enhance appearance and self-assurance:
Lifelike aesthetics: Each implant-supported restoration is carefully crafted to match the size, shape, and color of natural teeth. This ensures a seamless appearance that blends well with facial features. Whether up close or from a distance, implants help improve your smile with a natural and polished look.
Stable and comfortable fit: Unlike removable dentures, which can shift or feel bulky, full-arch implants integrate with the jawbone for a secure and natural sensation. This stability eliminates concerns about slipping or discomfort.
Improved facial support: Missing teeth can lead to a sunken or aged appearance over time. Full-arch implants provide structural support to the face, helping maintain a fuller and more youthful look.
Confidence in everyday situations: Whether speaking, eating, or smiling, implants allow you to interact without worrying about gaps or unstable dentures. This reliability can make social and professional situations more comfortable.
With full-arch dental implants, you get a smile that looks and feels natural, giving you greater confidence in your daily life.
Final Thoughts
Choosing full-arch dental implants is a commitment to long-term oral health and overall well-being. They restore function, preserve bone density, and provide a natural smile without the inconveniences of removable dentures. Their durability and success rate make them an excellent choice for those seeking a permanent solution to tooth loss.
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MIAMI OPEN 2025
We’re excited to continue the tennis season and the Miami Open is always one that we enjoy watching whether we’re in the stadium or watching it from home. It kicked off March 16th and runs through March 30th which means that this weekend we’re all set for some great matches as we navigate the year. If you missed or want to watch some of your favorite matches, we suggest heading over to their YouTube channel to see some of the greatest moments! We were glued to Taylor Fritz v. Matteo Berrettini.
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MARCH MADNESS CONTINUES TO THE SWEET 16 STARTING 3.27
How are your brackets going? As always the road to the Final Four is filled with surprises and this season hasn’t disappointed with Men’s Basketball! The Sweet 16 is when the field narrows down yet again over the next few days before the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and the First Four. That means we’ll be heading into our favorite spots or watching from home as we watch our favorite rivalries, cheer on or Alma Mata, or give our conference our support if our team didn’t make the Big Dance or has already been eliminated! You can check out your bracket and the latest news by heading to March Madness’ home, the NCAA.
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PHOTO CREDITS | Disney/Anne Marie Fox
THE BACHELOR S29. E9. | WELCOME TO THE BACHELOR FINALE
PHOTO CREDIT | ABC/The Bachelor Key Art
PHOTO CREDIT FOR THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS | Disney/Matt Sayles
It’s the finale! We will see how it all goes down as well as getting a recap once the show transitions into After the Rose! Jesse Palmer welcomes us and lets us know that we’re definitely in for a ride here and we’ll have to wait until the very end to see how it all plays out on tonight’s ABC’s The Bachelor!
We’re ready to see what happens with Julianna and Litia and up first is that each of the women get to meet Grant’s family. First up is Litia. She meets his mom, sister, and his father. It’s the first time in 10 years that apparently, his mom and dad have been in the same room! You can tell that she gets along well with his parents and even his sister says that she liked her from the beginning. The family likes her, they both let each know that they love one another which is the first time that she has ever said that to anyone. Their date seems like it went well.
In Julianna’s date you can see that her and Grant are quite a match. She lets his mom know that she has not said that she is in love with him and is hesitant and has been holding back a bit. His mom sees that she may not be there yet. She tells him that if she doesn’t say that she loves him, he needs to walk away. Interestingly enough, she does tell him that she loves him so now it’s interesting to see how everything will play out.
We come back to the stage and see Charity, Gerry, and Clayton who provide their opinions on what it’s like to make those decisions. They give their thoughts and even Joan gets to weigh in as well!
Now that both women have met his family, they will not have their last individual dates. Julianna and Grant are in Punta Cana getting time together as they sail around the island. You can see that they have a great bond with one another. During their night date, he asks her if she will break his heart as an engagement is coming up. She acknowledges that she has held back, but that she doesn’t want to hurt him. She lets him know that through this process, she knows that she can commit to him and that she feels that they can handle the road ahead and she says that she is ready.
Litia’s date includes riding horse and there was a bit of rain that allowed them to talk and connect again. Later on they talk as they try to figure out how they would navigate their life as he wants time to travel and she wants have children. She let him know that when you are with someone, it’s about compromise and she is ready for that.
As he decides who he will pick, his father comes by and tells him that he will make the right decision. We’re back with Neil Lane as he selects a ring for the woman that he intends to ask.
As we finally arrive to the venue which is raining, Grant has to let Jesse know who he will see first. He seems that he is still undecided and he lets him know that he has gone back and forth with his decision.
The first one out of the limo is Litia who makes her way to Grant. Although he said sweet things to her, he opted to not get engaged to her. He definitely let her feel that things were going in a certain direction throughout their time together and to change it up at the end after promising her that it would be them - is shocking. We hear more about what he promised her when she chatted with Jesse and it’s such a shame to see that how he presented himself and what happened is so far apart. Grant makes his way on the stage and Litia tells him that she thinks he started out with great intentions, but along the way he continued to say things to her where she had no way of thinking that he wasn’t sure.
We’re back in Punta Cana and we had to remember that we still have to wait to hear what happens with Julianna! He tells us that he wants to be with her. We know that she wants to be with him as well and ultimately, he does ask to marry her. We can see how happy they look while they are in the Dominican Republic. She receives the final rose.
Grant is back on stage chatting with Jesse after being engaged to Julianna. We find out that they are still together, the families are excited to be together now that it’s public. We also learn that Grant will move to Boston. Jesse gives them a trip to Italy where they can learn more about their pizza making.
RECEIVED A ROSE AT THE FINALE | Juliana.
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Litia
Each night during this season, we will tweet about The Golden Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
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GRANT GAVE THE FINAL ROSE TO
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Featured TV Show
THE LEGACY OF 101 | FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.
This month, we took a moment with the GOAT , boxing great, promoter, and entrepreneur Floyd Mayweather Jr! When he boxed professionally from 1996 - 2017, he won 15 major championships, was undefeated with a 50-0 record, fought in 5 separate weight classes and has a number of records that are still unbroken!
Even after he retired professionally, he still boxes in exhibition fights; continues to train; and has an amazing portfolio that includes: The Money Team, Mayweather Promotions, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Gyms, his real estate investment firm VADA Properties and most recently 1 of 1 his supplement brand. He continues to extend his brand across verticals! We wanted to know more about how he came to boxing, his approach to his fights, his legacy, and how he looks at adding to his projects and portfolio.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What is it about boxing that drew you in and why do you love it?
FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR: Boxing has been a part of my life since day one. My father and my uncle were fighters, so I grew up in the gym, watching and learning. What drew me in was the challenge—the mental and physical battle of proving you are the best. I love the strategy, the discipline, and the hard work it takes to stay at the top. Boxing is not just about throwing punches; it’s about skill, precision, and intelligence. That’s why I dominated the sport for decades.
AM: On Feb 12th, you launched 101. Why did you want to create a supplement brand?
FM JR: During my training sessions through the years, everyone was always asking which supplements kept me at the top of my game. That curiosity sparked the decision to eventually create my own line, a clean brand that is science backed and delivers on its promise. There are too many brands out there in the marketplace that still contain unsafe ingredients, so I set out to create 101 to give consumers a trusted product they can feel working. When a trusted product they can feel working. When it comes to my fitness and nutrition, I refuse to settle for less, and I want the same for athletes of all levels.
AM: What was the process like for you in creating this brand and what was the most important part of the formulation to you?
FM JR: In collaboration with industry leader Magnum Nutraceuticals, we worked hand in hand to ensure products contained only the best ingredients and have met the highest standards. Products went through rigorous testing, are backed by science, innovation, and are truly determined to be safe and effective. Simply put, athletes will feel the difference and see the results with the supplements which is why I created the One of One brand.
AM: Tell us about the initial supplements that you started with and when do you take them?
FM JR: The line of products from 101 helps any athlete’s journey, from energy and endurance to recovery and hydration. There are some products that I take daily. Whey Protein delivers high-quality protein and prebiotic fiber, and digestive enzymes for smooth digestion and muscle recovery. Greens + Gut Health helps supercharge my daily nutrients. It is packed with superfoods, prebiotic fiber, and essential vitamins to promote gut health and digestion. Peptide Builder is scientifically proven to enhance muscle growth and recovery. I reach for our Hydration to keep hydrated and to help with muscle cramping.
There are 3 products that are best used as part of your training regime. Sport Pre-Workout is meant for more moderate energy and endurance and includes caffeine for an additional boost in energy and strength. Loaded Pre-Workout is what I take before looking for high-intensity, extreme focus and maximum blood flow to carry more oxygen to my muscles. Creatine Monohydrate I also take before working out, to help with performance and cognitive function.
Together all these products provide a complete toolset to fuel performance, enhance endurance, and accelerate recovery.
AM: Are there plans to include additional products within this assortment?
FM JR: Yes, we definitely have plans to launch several new innovative supplements, several are in development and testing currently. We will be continuously looking to bring new innovative products to meet the needs of our One of One community on their fitness journey. Watch this space to see what innovations 101 will be bringing consumers next to stay ahead of the game.
AM: In your career you have fought in 5 weight classes. When you make that decision to navigate those classes what are the things that you have to do in order to prepare for that class?
FM JR: Moving through weight classes is all about preparation and making the right adjustments. It is not just about gaining or losing weight—it is about maintaining speed, power, and endurance while adapting to different styles of opponents. I worked closely with my team to ensure I was always in peak condition, no matter the division. We focused on nutrition, strength training, and the right fight strategy for each weight class. Every move I made was calculated, and that is why I remained undefeated.
AM: You have had a number of memorable fights, what are 3 fights or moments that are a favorite in your career?
FM JR: I have had so many great moments, but three fights stand out:
Oscar De La Hoya (2007) – This was a turning point in my career. It was the biggest fight in boxing at the time, and when I won, I became the face of the sport.
Manny Pacquiao (2015) – The world waited for this fight for years, and when it finally happened, I showed why I was the best. It was a masterclass in skill and strategy.
Emanuel Augustus (2000) – Not the biggest name, but one of the toughest fights I ever had. He was unpredictable, but I adapted and proved I could handle any style.
AM: You do exhibition bouts after retiring from professional boxing - why is this important to you to continue to engage in the sport in this way and for you, is the training different?
FM JR: Exhibitions allow me to keep doing what I love while giving fans around the world a show. I accomplished everything I needed to in professional boxing, so now it is about enjoying the sport on my own terms. The training is different. I do not have to prepare for 12-round wars, but I still stay sharp, stay in shape, and put on great performances. It is about continuing to entertain and inspire.
AM: Tell us what a week is like with you in the gym and your wellness game. What are 3 exercises that we can do if we want to train like Floyd Mayweather Jr?
FM JR: I train every day because staying in shape is a lifestyle for me. My workouts focus on endurance, speed, and skill. Three exercises I recommend for anyone who wants to train like me:
Jump Rope – It builds endurance, improves footwork, and sharpens coordination.
Pad Work – Essential for speed, accuracy, and defensive reflexes.
Core Training – A strong core gives you power, balance, and control in the ring.
AM: You retired with an undefeated record 50-0, won 15 major World Championships across 5 weight classes, 3X BWAA Fighter of the Year, 6X Best Fighter ESPY Award, inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021, and you are known as one of the best defensive boxers in history, and as the most accurate puncher, and one of the most lucrative pay-per-view attractions across any sport - what does it mean to you to have all of these accolades?
FM JR: It means I did exactly what I set out to do. I dominated the sport for over two decades, stayed undefeated, and broke records that may never be touched. People will always debate who the greatest is, but my record speaks for itself. I mastered the sport, changed the business of boxing, and walked away on top.
AM: I've been a fan of boxing since I was 3 years old so I grew up watching Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Marvin Hagler, and you. What do you want your legacy to be known as in this sport?
FM JR: I want my legacy to be simple: The Best Ever. Not just because of my record, but because of how I changed the game. I showed that boxing is about intelligence, strategy, and discipline. I controlled my career, I made the biggest fights happen, and I made sure I was paid what I deserved. That is the blueprint I want future generations to follow.
AM: Tell us about TMT.
FM: JR: The Money Team is about hard work, dedication, and smart decision-making. People see the success, the cars, the watches, but what they don’t see is the discipline that got me here. TMT represents a mindset - believing in yourself, staying focused, and never settling for less than what you are worth.
AM: Why did you create Mayweather Promotions and what are some upcoming events that we should keep an eye out for?
FM JR: I created Mayweather Promotions because I wanted to take control of my career and help other fighters do the same. Too many athletes let other people hand their business, and they end up with nothing. I made sure I controlled my own destiny. Now, Mayweather Promotions is one of the biggest brands in boxing. We have exciting events coming up, and we are always looking for the next superstar.
AM: You have been in the fitness and wellness space for some time with the Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Gyms. What does it mean to you to offer boxing fitness in a studio format?
FM JR: It is about making boxing training accessible to everyone. You do not have to be a professional fighter to train like one. Boxing is one of the best workouts in the world, and with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, people can experience my training style in a fun, high-energy environment. It is about building confidence, discipline, and physical strength.
AM: We shoot a number of our editorials in luxury residences here in NY and your diversified portfolio also includes real estate where you founded VADA which has properties here in NY including 410 Tenth Ave Hudson Yards, The Copper, Two Sutton as well as properties in Jersey City, Chicago and The Villa Casa Casuarina at the former Versace Mansion in Miami - it's quite an assortment. Why is having this in your portfolio important to you?
FM JR: Real estate is about building wealth for the future. I made my money in boxing, but I invested it wisely. I own properties across the country because I understand that money has to work for you. The goal is to create generational wealth, and real estate is a major part of that strategy.
AM: We can't talk about you without talking about your style from your luxury brands, diamond necklaces, insane bags, and more. Why do you love fashion?
FM JR: Fashion is about expressing success. When you work hard, you should be able to enjoy the rewards. I take pride in my style, whether it's a custom suit, a designer bag, or a one-of-a-kind watch. Everything I wear is a reflection of my success
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 16 - 20 Floyd Mayweather Jr. | PG 23 + 24 Floyd Mayweather Jr./IG | PG 26 + 32 Gene Blevins Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire | PG 28 Jeff Gritchen/ZUMApress.com/Icon Sportswire | PG 30 Chris Farina/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire |
Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see THE LEGACY OF 101 | Floyd Mayweather Jr. in mag.
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DIGGING INTO THE DYNASTY | HBO'S CELTICS CITY DIRECTOR LAUREN STOWELL + PRODUCER GABE HONIG
We love a good documentary and docuseries and when it covers something iconic in sports, you don't have to tell us twice! HBO's CELTICS CITY takes us through one of the most storied franchises in the league that is truly a dynasty and most recently won their 18th Championship last year. In this 9 episode docuseries premiering on March 3rd, we learn about the history of the Boston Celtics from its start, how it fits within the city of Boston, the impact of the sport, as well as culture on the game and more!
We sat down with the docuseries director, Lauren Stowell (144, Tiger Woods: America’s Son, SC Featured: Together – The Jrue and Lauren Holiday Story) and its producer Gabe Honig (PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, US Open Epics: Tiger Woods: Perfection at Pebble Beach, The Captain) to find out about the series, how they went about covering 75 years of history, incredible interviews, and what the Celtics mean to fans, sports enthusiasts, and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s great to talk to both of you! Before we delve into CELTICS CITY, can you tell me a bit about your backgrounds? Lauren, I know that you did Tiger Woods: America’s Son and Gabe, The Captain – as a Yankees fan, that was a phenomenal docuseries!
LAUREN STOWELL: Yeah, I, currently work with Connor Schell (co-creator and Executive Producer of the 30 for 30 series for ESPN, O.J.: Made in America, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story) at Words + Pictures as a Director/Producer there. I've been there for 2 years since we really started CELTICS CITY. Prior to that, I was at ESPN as a Storyteller Feature Producer documentarian for 16 years. Before that, I was at UConn, you know, I'm a Connecticut native!
GABE HONIG: I've been a freelancer for all the very many years of my career and done such shows as Friday Night Tykes and then The Captain. I hooked up with Words + Pictures with Connor and Libby Geist (The Last Dance, Giannis: The Marvelous Journey, Court of Gold), and then Lauren too to embark on this adventure.
AM: So, what was it about CELTICS CITY that made you guys want to be part of the project and to tell this onion of a phenomenal story?
LS: Initially, after reading the treatment that, you know, Connor and Bill Simmons (The Ringer podcast network, 30 For 30, Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary), had the initial idea to do something longform - multi-part, but really starting to get into the layers of the story for me personally, obviously, Gabe can speak to his experience once we started discussing the story. It was so multi-layered. It was so nuanced, there was so much room for possibility and opportunity, within the story. When, Gabe came on board and we started discussing the story, the arnrative, and the structure. It was almost unbelievable how many highs and lows and larger than like characters, iconic figures, not just sports, but American history. Yeah. So the opportunity for me to tell a story that went beyond just the story of the Celtics, something that could resonate and connect to American culture as large, was really what drew me to the project.
GH: So as a lifelong New Yorker and fan of all things New York sports. This is the last project that I think that I could ever think that I would spend 2 years of my life doing around the Boston Celtics! Words and Pictures passed me the treatment after I was done with The Captain, and I read it and I was just like, “there's a lot here that I think as a Storyteller you can really sink your teeth into.” I was still a little skeptical and then I met with Lauren and her vision for how she wanted to tell this story, I was inspired within the first 20 minutes of what ended up being our 2 hour conversation!
AM: Oh wow!
GH: We spent a lot of time before we shot a single frame, really figuring out what are the tent poles here? What are the stories and where do all the branches come off of? Who are the characters? And I think that's what also separates this story from other stories about franchises. Lauren's focus was on the people and their experiences as they move throughout history. I think that's the thing about the Celtics that, like, I think people are going to really fall in love with, and that makes it the most interesting is that it's the people. The organization leans into the people, the people that have been there for 40 plus years that are still there. That's unheard of in professional sports!
And that comes with pluses, and minuses with that as well. We don't shy away from any of that. It's about character and how those people grew, didn't grow, and all the pros and cons of complicated human beings?
AM: What was each of your favorite moments in the docuseries? Whether it's something you know that we actually get to see through the series, or maybe just something just being in the production side that that really spoke to you?
LS: Ugh, it's such a good question! It's so hard! I know for Gabe it will be difficult for him too. We talk about this all the time, the moments that you know over the almost 2 years that we were working on this story. I would say for me, one of the moments that just really resonated with me was when we were able to get Karen Russell and Randy Auerbach together. They’re close friends and we kind of discovered that through speaking with each of them in our kind of early research phases. I think what was important to all of us on the team was really understanding Red Auerbach and Bill Russell as men, as people, what their character was, and their values. Because without understanding that, you can't really understand the history of the Boston Celtics without understanding those two - the architects of what it became and what it is. I think that was, like, such a special moment for me.
Just seeing them sit across from each other, the genuine admiration and reverence that they each held for each other, but that they talked about each of their fathers holding for one another and how much I guess it meant you know that even they were able to keep this relationship all these years later, and it was just cool to see the daughters of 2 Legends!
AM: Right.
LS: Sitting across from each other all these years later and reminiscing on their favorite moments and how much their father's impact on the sport and on America was. It was really cool for me. I think there's so many moments, but that's probably one for me. That just felt really special.
AM: That's really cool.
GH: I'm going to give you a 3 part answer here.
AM: Give it to us!
GH: Easily the coolest moment. Yeah, okay. As a huge sports fan, like, yeah, being in the room when Larry Bird was interviewed!
AM: Um yeah!
GH: It’s like Holy Shit. And yeah, you know, I'm riding up in the elevator with Larry Bird of the Celtics who has been there for 40+ years and Jackie MacMullan (Editor’s Note: She is a retired freelance newspaper sportswriter and NBA columnist for ESPN.com). What am I doing here?
AM: Yup!
GH: So that's cool. There were other moments I had the easy job of sitting in the room, but not actually asking the questions. That was, Lauren, uh, who was doing most of the question asking for the process. And there were several times, and I don't want to spoil anything. There were several times where I'm just like, that bite right there, what that person just said that's going to be in the show and will be in the trailer. That question that I mentioned earlier, why do I have these preconceived notions about Boston. By having somebody answer that for me in a way that resonated for me was like a magical moment.
Then the third thing is another kind of, like, just really cool moment man, like being there when they won Banner 18. I'm not a Celtics fan. I try to be impartial on my job. Being in that building, a culmination of almost 2 years of work and seeing that green and white confetti come down, that was pretty fucking cool!
AM: I can see that, wow!
LS: You just gave me chills Gabe again – such a cool moment.
AM: I can only imagine, I mean, sometimes you'll watch a game and even if you're not necessarily a fan, you're rooting for and hoping for a better season.
How long did it take for you guys, to work on this in terms of production/post-production? You guys truly are dealing with research and acquiring these amazing people to speak, from relatives, front office, players, etc. I can't even imagine, like how much time was involved?
LS: Gabe, I mean you’re air traffic control. Please tell her the air traffic that you work with!
GH: The day-to-day of the project started in January of 2023. You know, we started staffing up in February of that year, and our first interview was Bob Cousy (Editors Note: Bob Cousy played point guard for the Boston Celtics from 1950-1963. He was a 6X NBA Champion, 13X NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA MVP and was known as a core piece during the early half of the Celtics dynasty known as The Houdini of the Hardwood and is regarded as the 1st great point guard of the NBA and was the first to reach the 4,000, 5,000, and 6,000 career assists milestones), because there was concerns about his health, and by the way, Bob is still doing fine. We filmed that interview on, I think the first week of April of ‘23.
We really started filming heavily that May all throughout the end of the Summer. We had, I think, 50 interviews in the can.
AM: Wow.
GH: The Summer of ’23 was an incredible blur. I mean, I'm just in awe of Lauren and our producers, Sascha Gardner (American Greed, The Athletic, The Captain), and Christina Lenis (The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth, The First 48 Presents: Homicide Squad Atlanta, Slow Burn). Like, I don't know how they did it, we all did it. We ended up doing 98 interviews. Our final interview was Kevin Garnett in August of ‘24.
AM: Wow!
GH: Yeah, we started editing in May of ‘23. Throughout the process, we had to submit for review, between 70 and 80 cuts that all had their sets of notes. We've got a lot of partners and things like that. You know, Lauren and I are still laughing and smiling. There were times like in any creative process where you want to, uh, pull your hair out and you feel like all is lost.
AM: Yup.
GH: At the end of the day, I couldn't be prouder of what our team was able to accomplish.
LS: I'll add on to what Gabe is saying too. I mean, you know, he talks about that summer of ‘23, that was just kind of a blur. I mean. I cannot say enough about the team, the preparations that was required for these interviews. If you think about the story we're telling, starting in 1950 to a current hunt for a championship with these players. It was 75-80 years of history that everyone on the team - I mean, there were probably 25-30 books that everyone had to read. There was no one definitive work that we could use that just is the history of the Boston Celtics. We had to piece together almost like a patchwork of the research. And you know, Gabe and the team the preparation for the interviews for me was unreal.
Like, I'm talking some of these interviews, a lot of them are 3-4 hours on average. And you know, I had 10-12 pages of notes, research questions, and topics. All of that had to be a fine-tuned, well-oiled machine to be able to do week after week after week. And yeah, it was a very aggressive timeline. And yeah, our team was amazing in accomplishing so much in a short amount of time.
AM: I love how basketball - obviously, it’s great for entertainment and learning about the people who play the sport and the dedication they have. But it's also a vehicle about the larger story of what's going on and what that mirror is and what it can be. What do you want the viewers to get after they enjoy seeing all 9 episodes?
LS: I think what I would want the viewer to walk away with is having conversations that maybe they thought they would never have. That's what I would hope, because I do think our goal as a team was to challenge some of the perceptions, to bring truth, to allow the characters of the story - the fabric of the Celtics to speak. These individuals, who many of them never have told their stories some have, many haven't. For them to speak their truth, and I hope that that becomes a source of, you know, again - important discourse, especially in today in our culture and society right now. We need to have these conversations, and I hope that this film allows that because we were able to show the arc of 75 years of Celtics history, but also American history.
GH: That’s a great answer Lauren. Again, as I tend to do, I'm going to answer this in 2 parts.
AM: Nice!
GH: Number 1 - you know and it’s something that I don't even know if I've ever talked to Lauren about this. In our first conversation, Lauren, brought something to my attention that I think is vitally important if you're a sports fan. This film is not just for sports fans.
AM: Right.
GH: I think somebody that doesn't know anything about basketball, you will enjoy it. For sports fans, I want, you know. I'm hoping that people can take away something, which is like, if you love sports, you know, the story understandably, and you should know the story about Jackie Robinson, the Brooklyn Dodgers and Branch Rickey (Editor’s Note: Branch Rickey was a baseball executive and player who broke MLB’s color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He also created the framework for modern minor league farm system, and he introduced the batting helmet).
AM: Right.
GH: No one talks about Red Auerbach or the Boston Celtics in terms of moving this country forward in terms of Civil Rights within sports and understanding that an athlete is just an athlete. I hope that the takeaway here is that there are other people in that conversation that move the ball forward and perhaps, moved it forward in really interesting ways as well as those never really talked about ways.
And then, just to add on to what Lauren said quickly - what I loved about working with Lauren is that we were pushed to hear from people who haven't been allowed to tell their story, who the camera has not been pointed at and these stories - some of these stories with the Celtics yeah, they've been told before.
AM: Right.
GH: We had a challenge to tell them in a different way and Lauren put people in front of the camera and they were so happy to finally be able to tell their side of the story, and it's so vitally important, and it's a perspective that needs to happen more in all of media, but especially sports documentaries.
IG @lstowell
PHOTOS COURTESY | HBO
Featured
RUGBY RISING THE UNITED STATES OF RUGBY
During the Summer Games of Paris 2024, we all watched Rugby a lot more as we watched Team USA Mens and Womens hit the global stage and in the case of the women, they brought home Bronze! Rugby is a major international sport and is one that continues to grow in the US! In The United States of Rugby we find out more about this sport and its focus on growing it here domestically by following the Chicago Hounds. who are in their 2nd season of Major League Rugby (MLR). This series can premiered Feb 21st with weekly episodes on Roku. With the US hosting 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup on the horizon, we sat down with filmmaker Alex Donnelly to find out more about the series and his approach to capturing this story.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to talking about this series, can you tell me about your background and are you a rugby fan or have you played the game?
ALEX DONNELLY: I come from a background in documentary filmmaking, with a focus on telling human-centered stories that highlight the depth and beauty of everyday experiences. As a non-sports person, when I arrived on set, I had never seen or certainly played a rugby game in my life, I certainly didn't know the rules, or what the positions were doing what - I've come to know the game all too well now - but what I did immediately recognize were stories of resilience, and abundant passion—qualities that rugby represent so well. Throughout this project, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the sport but more so for the people who dedicate themselves to this gladiatorial game.
AM: What attracted you to United States of Rugby and to be part of this project?
AD: At the outset, what really drew me in was the opportunity to explore something new – something I had never seen before. Rugby has such a rich history internationally, but in the U.S., it's still in its startup phase, trying to carve out its place in the sports landscape. I was excited to document this moment in time - the players, the fans, the clubs, and the league—all pushing to break through and establish rugby as a major force in American sports. That pressure, combined with the sheer dedication of everyone involved in (and behind) the game, made it an incredibly compelling story to tell.
As we progressed through the season, my wife (who is now a big rugby fan) shared a quote with me that I believe encapsulates the heart of this series: “The point of desperation is often the point of truth.” (Author, Matt Haig) No one wants to feel desperate or backed into a corner, but those moments—when challenges feel insurmountable, when you’re forced to navigate uncertainty—are where we truly discover who we are. Rugby is a sport that physically embodies that idea. Whether it’s being smashed into the ground by someone twice your size or facing a more universal, everyday struggle, it’s in those moments of discomfort that we learn the most about ourselves. This series captures that raw, human truth—both on and off the field.
AM: What was your approach for this series as the story is multi-layered in terms of talking about rugby, MLR, the Chicago Hounds, the game in the U.S., placing it on the stage next to other countries where it’s very popular, and showing us details about the game and the passion behind it?
AD: With so many layers to the story, my approach was to always ground it in the human experience - who are these people? Rather than just presenting rugby as a sport, I wanted to showcase the people driving its growth in the U.S.—the players, coaches, and staff who are deeply invested in its success. By weaving in some historical context, the rise of MLR, and the Chicago Hounds’ journey thus far, we aimed to create a narrative that not only educates viewers about the sport but also connects them emotionally to the people behind it. The goal was to highlight rugby’s unique culture and the passion that fuels it, while also showing how the U.S. fits into the global rugby landscape and hopefully creating some heroes of the game along the way.
AM: What did you learn im this project?
AD: One of the biggest takeaways for me was just how strong and committed the rugby community is in the U.S. You are always one degree away from someone who has played rugby. Even though the sport isn’t as mainstream here as it is in other countries, this does not stop the people who are involved from being incredibly dedicated and driven to see it grow. It’s a sport that demands both mental and physical toughness well beyond what they're getting in terms of viewership, and that’s truly unique.
AM: What do you hope that viewers take away from watching this series?
AD: I hope viewers come away with a newfound love for rugby and the people who are working to build its presence in the U.S. Whether they’re longtime fans or completely new to the sport, I want them to feel the energy, passion, and sense of community that rugby fosters. Ultimately, I hope this series inspires more people to get involved—whether that’s playing, supporting a team, or simply appreciating the game on a deeper level.
IG @apdonnelly
After speaking with Alex, we wanted to connect the stars of the series who play on the Chicago Hounds. We sat down with Noah Brown, Charlie Abel, and Nate Augspurger as they give us an inside view on this game and their passion for it.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with rugby and when did you realize that you wanted to play it professionally?
NOAH BROWN: I fell in love with rugby in middle school, but I only realized I wanted to play it professionally during my freshman year of college when I was selected to play with the USA u18s world school 7s team in Auckland NZ. That’s when I realized that rugby could allow me to see the world while doing something I love.
CHARLIE ABEL: I fell in love with rugby when I was about 10 years old. I had two older brothers who played and they were good, much better than me. I wanted to play with them, but also my dad didn’t want to have to take me to separate games, so he forced me to play up. So I was playing Under 12s at age 10. Later I ended up playing Under 16s when I was 12 because my brothers were 14 and 15 – again, because of my dad. I had to learn quickly to keep up, and I loved it.
NATE AUGSPURGER: I remember falling in love with it in high school. I was 14 years old. And when I started as a freshman at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, I felt like I could see myself playing at a higher level.
AM: Prior to coming to The Hounds, tell us about your rugby career.
NB: Played at Penn High School, then Western Michigan for a semester. Then Indiana University - during my time there I played u23 USA 7s and the senior national team 7s. I also played with the Chicago Lions (national champs) which was the main reason I was tied to the Hounds eventually.
CA: I played for several teams in Australia and one in France before I came to the MLR in 2021 to play with the Los Angeles Giltinis.
I started my professional career in the inaugural MLR season with the San Diego Legion in 2018. In 2016 my international career carried over from USA Rugby Sevens to USA RUGBY 15's with the Eagles. I love to compete at the highest level and strive to be in an Eagles jersey. After several successful seasons with the team out West, I had a great opportunity to move back to the Midwest with The Hounds.
AM: Tell us about the position you play.
NB: I play on the wing, usually the finishers on the field. Trusted to score tries and get up to take high balls out of the air.
CA: I play Prop – both Tighthead and Loosehead, and Hooker in an emergency if you need. A Prop usually likes the physical battle. That’s true for me. It’s all good fun.
NA: I play a position called Winger. It's a fast-paced position, a lot of running, and a winger is usually positioned on the outside, like a wide receiver in football. Scoring tries is a part of the job description.
AM: What is an average week like in terms of working out to prepare for your next rugby match?
NB: On an average week I have team trainings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, with rehab/prehab early in the morning then gym sessions later in the day. Then often I’ll do mobility work after the training day has ended.
CA: We do 3 gyms sessions a week, 3 field sessions, a recovery day. And then I do heaps of (physical therapy) treatment because I’m getting old (a youthful 33).
NA: Generally, there is a lower physical intensity with a mental focus approach early in the week. Recovery and treatment offered through the week, as well as chiropractic two times a week. We will have daily gym sessions and meetings to start off a given day. We raise the physical intensity in the middle part of the week. Much more running, training, and competing. The day before the game there is rehearsal time. Gameday is the best day of the week, say your prayers and go as hard as you can.
AM: On game day, do you have any routines that you do in preparation for the match?
NB: I just review my journal in which I have goals that are aspirations for the match. I say them to myself 3 times in a row.
CA: I do. I have lots. My gameday routine really kicks in when I get to the stadium. I’ll have a shower, a cheeky cold shower. I have to get my ankles strapped (i.e. taped) by Sam (Lead Athletic Trainer Samantha Malette). It has to be Sam. She’ll do ankles, left then right, always in that order. Then she tapes heat pads onto my back. Then I apply heat cream all over my entire body. It’s basically bath of heat cream, so my whole body is boiling. I’ll have some snacks, like gummy lollies and an energy beverage. Then I put my stuff on: left sock, left shoe, right sock, right shoe, fold the left sock down, fold the right sock down. Shorts, then I tape my wrists and thumbs – right first, then left. Lately I’ve been adding a nose strip. I think it helps.
NA: I do 20 minutes mobility. 20 minutes activation. 8 minutes speed mechanics (pre game warm up). I say my prayers in the morning. Sometimes I'll have music on and I try to have a smile when I greet my teammates, front office, stadium staff etc.
AM: What routines do you do to come down from all the energy that you had on the field?
NB: After a match the best way to come down for me is to get around the fellas and have a few beers.
CA: I don’t do anything after a game except a little celebration.
NA: I like to go home, put on my pjs and be with my wife and my dogs on the couch.
AM: We got to know more about you, rugby, and The Hounds. What did you enjoy about this series and what do you want viewers to know about rugby?
NB: The doc covered a lot of the PG-rated parts about the sport, which I can’t blame them for. But the really fun parts would be the couple big nights out we have a year, called socials. The whole team gets involved and it’s goofy and raunchy and hilarious. I wish more people could get an idea about what that’s like because it shows how the team is really a family of brothers, not just a sports team.
CA: Rugby is mad fun. The special part about rugby is the culture around it, outside of the game itself. It’s the lads, how we interact with each other and with other teams. It’s very confrontational and violent during, but after it’s very relaxed. You’re mates with everyone.
But, respectfully, I’m going to try to smash you if you’re on the other team. Respectfully.
NA: I liked the action snippets from the games. It reminds me of the games from last season and watching the Hounds compete in slow-mo is fun. I hope viewers can fall in love with how professional rugby in America connects a very diverse collection of people from all over the world. The game of rugby is a unifying sport, the ultimate team game.
AM: What would it mean to you to play for Team USA for LA28 and the World Cup in '31?
NB: Playing for Team USA in LA28 and the World Cup in ‘31 would mean everything to me. Those events will be pivotal in the development of rugby in the United States and I desperately want to be one of the players that prove to the world that we belong at the international table.
NA: Highly unlikely.
AM: What does it mean to you to play for The Hounds?
NB: Playing for the Hounds is like playing for my home town team. My parents can make it to every home game and I love what the Hounds are doing to grow the game in the Chicago. I am extremely grateful to be a part of it.
CA: I love the Hounds. The community of rugby in Chicago is great. I’ve worked with heaps of the club teams around here. I love the games, I love the fans. Playing for fans in the Midwest is the best.
NA: After spending one season in Chicago with the Hounds, it means a lot more to me. I feel close to home in Chicago and have seen my immediate family more this past year than the last 5 years. I love to represent the Minnesota and the Midwest rugby communities in the league. I would love to win an MLR championship with this team.
AM: How do you take time for yourself?
NB: When I’m not on the field I have recently been making time for myself by having a little creative outlet. I have recently started making clothes with a sewing machine and it really calms me down after throwing my body into musclebound Hounds all day.
CA: I have three kids and I love to be around them and my wife Logan.
NA: I like to go for a walk with my dogs. I play my wife in board games and cards. I found an old Pokemon game at my parents, so I'm trying to catch them all. My wife and I play pickleball when it warms up and I coach on the side which is a good balance for me.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | United States of Rugby
Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see RUGBY RISING THE UNITED STATES OF RUGBY in mag.
Featured
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Nancy Giftos
A REFORMER'S BEST ACCESSORY!
In the last few years, the team at Athleisure Mag has been a fan of the reformer. We enjoyed taking the classes and when we were sent a Lagree Micro Reformer, it’s been great to enjoy this within the comfort of our space. There are a number of accessories that we couldn’t imagine using when we are on this fitness equipment. Socks with grip is an essential. For years, we have shared Sticky Be Socks in our roundups and have used them. We took a moment to sit down with the founder, Nancy Giftos to know more about her background, the brand, and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to coming to Sticky Be Socks, can you tell me about your background?
NANCY GIFTOS: I was on the other side of the fitness world: I taught yoga and pilates, mainly doing privates, and also teaching at Tracy Anderson in LA for a bit. Originally, I stumbled upon yoga after college, and getting into breathing and the mind-body connection…I had never done anything like that, which was so important. Then, I had an accident, and that led me to Pilates. I couldn’t do any workout other than Pilates, but I was able to heal my body through it. It changed my life, and I was able to rehab myself. From teaching, I moved into sales and marketing for several activewear companies including Chill by Will, Cory Vines, Lole.
AM: What led you to Sticky Be Socks?
NG: I was consulting for several brands, and an opportunity to fully launch Sticky Be Socks into a higher level came up. It was in my wheelhouse, and in a way, it was a no-brainer. Eventually, I ended up buying it. The other part of my business doing consulting wasn’t truly what I wanted, so I took this chance instead. It was small at the beginning so I knew I wanted to grow it based on my own vision.
AM: When you became the CEO, what was the vision that you had to continue to grow this brand?
NG: I knew from the start I wanted to change the color palette, add new styles and designs, expand into other categories, and generally optimize and elevate the brand. Additionally, through timing and circumstances involving my own personal life and the birth of my daughter, I knew I wanted my company to engage in giving back to the community. I was able to be at the hospital and then leave knowing how lucky I was to have everything I needed. But that’s not the case for everyone. That’s what led to the Be Giving program, which includes initiatives including Baby2Baby, bundles of important items for new moms in need, including Sticky Be Socks.
AM: Why are Sticky Be Socks a great component to your workout whether it's pilates, yoga, etc?
NG: They are cute, comfortable, and you can also wear them with shoes. They’re supportive, and the grips help keep you from sliding. We have everything from shorter crew length to mid calf, to Mary-Jane styles or options with cute pom poms. So anything you’re doing, there’s a Sticky Be Sock that’s right for it.
AM: Tell us about the sayings that you have and why is this such an important part of the brand?
NG: I always say the mantras on the socks are what differentiates us from our competitors. The "be" sayings are small, subliminal messages that help you in your everyday life. I know for me, when I'm in a tough workout class holding a plank wanting to come out of it, I look down at my socks and "Be Strong" keeps me motivated. Or, if you’re feeling stressed out and you look down to see “Be Calm,” it can help soothe you. It’s a little thing, but it can really change your mood, and you can wear the socks of the energy you want to embody.
AM: Have you done collaborations with Sticky Be Socks?
NG: We haven’t done collaborations yet, but it is something we are currently looking into. I would love to partner with a bigger name in the fitness world to do a sock collaboration where they help create the sock, and then we give a percentage to their favorite charity.
AM: What can we expect for the holiday season as well as looking ahead to the New Year for this brand?
NG: For the holidays, we have an exciting partnership with our baby boxes that will be announced soon. We also have our Mantra Gift Box set, as well as our Winter Box Set, which are very popular for the holidays. I love these options, because I always think of the holiday as a time for family, being grateful, giving and not receiving, and all of our holiday offerings reflect that.
AM: You are also a co-owner of the BodyBurn Studio. Tell us more about this studio, as well as why you wanted to be involved?
NG: BodyBurn is a megaformer, Lagree-based studio, and I was a client at first. Coming from a classical Pilates background, Lagree challenges me differently, and they’re both important. I still practice traditional Pilates, and it rehabbed me. But I like to mix it up, and Lagree is effective and intense in another way: I’ve been doing it for 10 years, and it never gets easy. So, owning BodyBurn Studio is a way for me to reconnect and continue with my Pilates obsession, and also expand on it. I really believe that Pilates is for everyone, and everyone can find the style and approach that works for them, whether it’s traditional or a more contemporary option.
AM: When did you first connect with the fitness/wellness industry and why is it so important to you personally?
NG: From a young age, I craved the outlet that physical activity provided. I loved gymnastics, ice-skating, and competitive tennis. While at college in Colorado, I added hiking, kayaking and mountain sports to my roster. Clearly, I used to be a huge adventurer, even jumping out of planes! Then, I came to a point in my life when I realized I wanted to understand the mind/body connection more. It’s very important for overall health and wellbeing…for feeling good. Whatever the activity is, though, moving my body is so important for me, and something that is crucial in my life.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Featured
ON THE COUNTRYSIDE | CHEF VINCENT CREPEL
One of the things that we love about the power of food and the dining experience is the ability for each bite to transport you to a locale and theme as you navigate your meal. It can be enjoyed solo or with those who are with you. That feeling is what makes eating at your favorite or a new restaurant one that we continue to enjoy with each bite.
We sat down with Chef Vincent Crepel of Terre which is known for its French-Asian menu that is inspired by his journeys in an array of countries that he spent time in throughout his culinary career. We wanted to find out more about him, where he trained, and what we can expect when dining at his Michelin starred restaurant.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Chef Vincent Crepel, tell us about where you trained and the kitchens you worked in leading up to Terre?
CHEF VINCENT CREPEL: When I was young I quickly realised I was very unmotivated by school and education; my parents suggested that I went to culinary school to focus on something different. I trained in a small French culinary school and was definitely the youngest person there and I did 4 years there. This time included my most general kitchen experiences you could say. I worked at a mountain ski resort and it was very challenging and repetitive however it prepared me for the hard and repetitive work that comes from working in kitchens.
I then did my bachelors in a culinary degree in Bitarritz, Basque Country but with a focus on business, profitability etc. This was a really good experience because I learnt more about restaurants than just how to cook in one. Cooking is where my passion lay and I went right back to working in the kitchen. I worked as an apprentice in a small family run restaurant in the Basque country, then moved to Singapore, the fine dining restaurant in the Shangri-La in Singapore for 3 years. I moved back and forth between Michelin starred restaurants in Spain (Arzak) and then back to Singapore (Swissotel Fairmont and then at Restaurant André) for a long time and I felt the pull of both places so deeply.
My final destination before starting my own solo work was Switzerland where I worked at 3 Michelin-Starred Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville de Crissier where I stepped back into traditional French fine dining. Finally I returned to France and opened my own restaurant, Porte 12 which ran successfully for 7 years from 2014. This was an amazing experience for me and I loved every moment of running my own restaurant. Therefore after Covid the urge to open another restaurant was overwhelming and I found myself opening Terre in Cork, Ireland.
AM: Before we delve into Terre, can you tell us about the cuisine offered here as we know it's French-Asian synergy that is inspired by Ireland's Bounty, what does that mean?
CHEF VC: Well, my initial culinary training journey began in France learning about native flavours and focusing on traditional French techniques. I then spent years travelling and working in Southeast Asia, as mentioned I spent a large amount of time in Singapore. During these years in Asia, as you can imagine, I developed a new understanding for different textures and cooking techniques using regional ingredients. It was so different from what I knew during my earlier years and I have been fascinated ever since. I think the best way to explain my cuisine is that I love combining the aspects of the traditional French training with the fascination and excitement I’ve acquired from my world travels, including influence from The Basque Country and Southeast Asian cuisine. I would say that this is the description of my cooking style.
In terms of the Irish influence, this is truly unique to Terre. When I moved to Ireland I was struck by the beauty of the isolated land and was surprised by all it had to offer. I knew that with Terre, I wanted to focus on this and make it a key part of the restaurant and the guest experience. Everything from the lighting of the restaurant, to perfectly reflect Ireland’s gloomy atmosphere to the ingredients used inhouse, incorporating local produce to represent where we are in place and also time due to seasonality.
AM: What are the spices and ingredients that are indicative of the menu that is served?
CHEF VC: As mentioned, the menu at Terre is deeply rooted in Asian flavors and techniques while celebrating the exceptional quality of Irish and globally sourced ingredients. Our approach is centered on balance between acidity, umami, and texture drawing from a diverse palette of spices and aromatics. Key ingredients that define our culinary identity include kaffir lime, yuzu, miso, jasmine tea, and toasted kombu, each bringing depth and nuance to our dishes.
We also incorporate elements like ginger oil and Pedro Ximénez vinegar to enhance both savory and sweet creations, while seaweed-infused oils and white truffle add layers of umami and complexity. The menu reflects a thoughtful interplay between tradition and innovation, where classic Asian techniques meet the purity of Irish produce, creating an experience that is both refined and unexpected.
AM: Terre is located in the Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork Ireland and the restaurant has 2 Michelin stars. What does this mean to you?
CHEF VC: Terre is a reflection of a journey, a philosophy, and a commitment to excellence. Being awarded two Michelin stars is an incredible honor, but beyond the accolades, it represents the dedication, passion, and pursuit of perfection that our team embodies every day. Terre is a place creating a unique culinary narrative. The stars are a testament to the craftsmanship, discipline, and creativity that go into every dish, but what truly matters is the experience we provide to our guests the sense of discovery, emotion, and connection that great food can evoke.
For me, these stars are not just a recognition of what we have achieved, but a responsibility to continuously evolve, push boundaries, and offer something truly meaningful to those who walk through our doors.
AM: What can you tell us about the ambiance of this restaurant?
CHEF VC: The dining experience and ambience at Terre could be described as theatrical. The experience starts as soon as guests walk through the door. Guests are welcomed by entering a long corridor with the dramatically lit preservation room. There are jars of rhubarb, peppercorns, lemons and more displayed along the shelves giving it the feeling that they are glowing from within. The ingredients are explained in depth to the diners before they are led into the kitchen where my kitchen team and myself meet them. There are aspects such as the cry of welcome, theatrical spotlights in the kitchen, and multi-sensory explanations that are meant to make sure the guests are 100% immersed in the atmosphere of Terre, from start to finish.
AM: Tell us about the collaborations that you have engaged in with Irish artisans that can be found at this restaurant?
CHEF VC: Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Terre. Ireland has an incredible depth of craftsmanship, and working with local artisans allows us to bring a deeper sense of place to our restaurant. From the tableware to the ingredients, every detail is thoughtfully curated to reflect both our culinary philosophy and the artistry of those we collaborate with.
We work closely with Irish ceramicists to create bespoke plates and serving vessels that enhance the dining experience, ensuring that the aesthetics of each dish are as refined as the flavours. Our butter dishes, for example, are handcrafted by local potters, giving a tactile and organic feel that aligns with the essence of our cuisine.
On the ingredient side, we source seaweed, lobster, and crab from a small fishing village near a lighthouse that holds personal significance to me. Our meats and dairy products come from select Irish farms that prioritise sustainability and exceptional quality. These collaborations are not just about sourcing, they are about building relationships, supporting craftsmanship, and telling a story through every element of the dining experience at Terre.
AM: What sustainable practices do you engage in at Terre?
CHEF VC: At Terre we have adopted a zero waste approach to the kitchen, always aiming to reuse and repurpose ingredients wherever it is possible. All of the furniture and ceramics are locally crafted and sourced, limiting the negative impacts of importing decor for the restaurant. Its also deeply important to me to support local artisans and celebrate the craftsmanship and natural beauty of the spectacular Irish region.
AM: Where do you get inspiration from when it comes to creating the menu?
CHEF VC: I'm inspired by everything around me. I would also say my memories and experiences that I have gained over time contribute to my inspirations.
Sometimes I remember a flavour that I tried 10 years ago, and it becomes my goal to find it and use it in a new way that I haven't before.
AM: Can you tell us about the Terre menu?
CHEF VC: Our menu is ever changing depending on the seasonality of the ingredients. In a country so bountiful in ingredients, the best produce can change daily due to weather changes. I use the best ingredients possible that are available at the time to create meticulously crafted dishes that demonstrate the surprising synergy between this melded cuisine.
AM: Tell us about your beverage program and what are 3 wines that would be great to pair with your meal?
CHEF VC: At Terre, our beverage program is an extension of our culinary philosophy thoughtfully curated, globally inspired, and deeply attuned to the flavours on the plate. We focus on wines that not only complement our dishes but also enhance the intricate balance of acidity, umami, and texture that define our menu. The selection emphasises both classic and unconventional pairings, with a strong presence of wines that showcase purity, minerality, and a sense of place.
Three wines that would pair exceptionally well with our menu include:
Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec ‘Le Mont’ (Loire Valley, France) – This Chenin Blanc offers incredible tension, minerality, and a vibrant acidity that cuts through rich flavours while complementing the citrus and umami elements found in dishes like our Irish trout with carrot sauce and Irish Wasabi.
Domaine Roulot Bourgogne Blanc (Burgundy, France) – A precise, elegant Chardonnay with a delicate balance of creaminess and freshness, this wine pairs beautifully with dishes that feature layers of depth, such as our kaffir lime-infused mushroom ragout and potato emulsion.
Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Rhône Valley, France) – A rare and ethereal Grenache with remarkable finesse and aromatic complexity, it complements the richness and earthy notes of our 48-hour beef with kaffir lime-infused mushrooms, bringing out both the dish’s umami depth and its bright, herbaceous undertones.
AM: What are 3 non-alcoholic drinks that you would suggest that we should keep in mind?
CHEF VC: We believe that non-alcoholic pairings should be just as refined and complex as their alcoholic counterparts. Our approach focuses on balance, terroir-driven ingredients, and innovative extractions that enhance the flavours of our menu. Here are three non-alcoholic drinks that truly embody our philosophy:
Keffir & Terre Garden Marigold: A refreshing and aromatic infusion featuring Mexican marigold from our own garden. The marigold adds a subtle floral and citrus complexity, while the keffir provides a bright, zesty backbone that pairs beautifully with seafood and citrus-driven dishes.
Terre Unique Tea Extraction: Taiwanese Oolong we source a rare, high-mountain Taiwanese oolong from a small, family-run tea farm and apply a unique extraction method to bring out its deep, roasted, floral, and slightly creamy notes. This tea pairs elegantly with dishes featuring umami elements, as well as desserts incorporating nuts, caramel, or miso.
Fermented Pear Shrub: A delicate yet vibrant blend of Mexican marigold, house-fermented pear, and a touch of mild vinegar for acidity. This drink’s balance of sweetness and freshness makes it an ideal pairing for dishes with rich or aromatic profiles, such as those featuring kaffir lime, yuzu, or warm spices.
Each of these non-alcoholic pairings is designed to offer depth, structure, and a seamless integration with the menu at Terre, ensuring that every guest whether drinking alcohol or not experiences a thoughtfully curated journey.
AM: Tell us about your tea pairing menu as well as the Taiwanese Tea Sommelier that you have collaborated with.
CHEF VC: This is one of my favourite aspects of our beverage offering. We work with a lady called Jamie, who is our tea sommelier. She is based in Taiwan, where her family business is run; we have regular meetings where she will send us tea to try and we will discuss the best ways to pair the teas to compliment the menu. We use Taiwanese tea and oolong tea mainly, these teas as mentioned come straight from Taiwan and can't just be found in supermarkets, it's one of a kind here at Terre.
The idea of a tea pairing I think is genius. Most non-alcoholic options are based on juices or kombuchas, but I always find them more filling than alcohol so I wanted to find an option that wouldn't spoil the tasting menu for the guests. I want it to be something that feels new and luxurious, and my team does the most to support me on this. Brewing these teas is hard work, they need to be extracted till late hours of the night, steeped in specific pots and barrels. It's a big job but I think it is worth it and it's something I want to advocate more for.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Terre
Read the MAR ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see ON THE COURTSIDE | Chef Vincent Crepel in mag,
Featured
THE ART OF THE SNACK | TAPORI
Tell us we're going to have Indian Cuisine and you can see our tastebuds getting excited for our next meal of savory dishes and phenomenal cocktails! So when we heard that Tapori was opening in DC, we knew that they would be the perfect inclusion for this month's The Art of the Snack!
We wanted to explore more with this H Street find and to talk with Dante Datta who is an industry veteran who is one half of the founding team Daru (Chef Suresh Sundas is the other founder). We discovered more about this restaurant and bar who has a number of our soon to be favorite street foods that we'll have to enjoy the next time we're in the neighborhood.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Tapori, we'd like to know about the backgrounds of you as well as Chef Suresh Sundas and how they came together to create this restaurant!
DANTE DATTA: Suresh Sundas, the executive chef of Tapori, hails from Nepal and arrived in the U.S. in 2007, fueled by his passion for the vibrant flavors of his homeland. Drawing from the shared spices of Indian and Nepalese cuisines, he aims to showcase the unique Indo-Chinese influence of Himalayan dishes while introducing traditional Nepalese momo (dumplings) and noodles to the menu.
I bring a wealth of experience in crafting cocktails to Tapori, drawing on my deep appreciation for flavors and cultural influences. As a first-generation American with roots in West Bengal, I have embraced my heritage while honing my skills in mixology. My background in creating innovative and balanced drinks reflects a commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients along with a nod to traditional Indian flavors, allowing me to create a unique cocktail menu that complements the vibrant street food of Tapori and adds a personal touch to the dining experience.
AM: Can you define what Indian Street Food is and why did you want this to be the focus of Tapori?
DD: Indian street food is a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and aromas, crafted on bustling streets across the country. With diverse offerings like tangy chaat, succulent kebabs, and irresistible vada pav, each dish reflects rich regional traditions. At Tapori, we want to embrace the spirited culinary culture to provide guests with an experience that transports them directly to the heart of India's street food scene.
AM: What are the flavors and ingredients that are indicative of Indian cuisine?
DD: Indian cuisine is characterized by its bold and diverse flavors, featuring a symphony of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom that create layers of complexity in each dish. Fresh ingredients, such as vibrant herbs, lentils, and seasonal vegetables, come together to craft rich, aromatic meals that excite the palate and evoke the warmth of home-cooked Indian fare.
AM: What can you tell us about The District's historic H St which is where you are located.
DD: Opening Tapori on H Street felt like a no-brainer for us - this lively area is buzzing with energy and creativity, perfect for our vision of serving up mouthwatering South Asian street food. We wanted to join the mix of eclectic bars and eateries and offer something that not only celebrates our heritage, but also adds to the vibrant culinary scene that H Street is known for. It’s all about bringing people together over great food and drinks in a place that’s all about good vibes and community! We’ve been so well supported with the neighborhood we wanted to continue to grow them.
AM: What does Tapori mean?
DD: Very "tapori," a Hindi word that loosely translates to "rowdy" or "vagabond." The new spot channels a Mumbai subculture popularized by Bollywood in the mid-90s.
AM: In terms of ambiance, what can guests expect when they come in to dine?
DD: A large bar, open kitchen and 20-person communal table — mingling encouraged — are set for a party vibe. You'll also see more tucked-away booths and a mural by local artist Patrick Owens.
AM: Tell us about Edit Lab at Streetsense who designed this space!
DD: As a friend of Brian Miller, I’ve always admired his unique approach to design. At Edit Lab at Streetsense, Brian and his team are renowned for creating immersive environments that reflect a brand’s personality and enhance the guest experience through thoughtful architectural details and material choices. Their collaborative process with chefs and restaurateurs ensures every element feels intentional and cohesive, demonstrating creativity, cultural sensitivity, and meticulous attention to detail, which makes us trust them implicitly.
For Tapori, Edit Lab has been dedicated to crafting a vibrant atmosphere. The design features hip neon accents reflected off mirrored walls, wood paneling, intimate booths, and banquette seating, contributing to a lively and warm dining experience.”
AM: Your menu reflects and takes culinary inspiration from different regions in India.
DD: Yes, we will be pulling from regions from the Himalayas, Mumbai, and Kerala for example.
AM: Can you tell us about the regions that you pull from and the kinds of dishes and ingredients/spices that come from those areas?
DD: At Tapori, the culinary inspiration comes from vibrant regions of South Asia, particularly Nepal and India, featuring dishes like momo (dumplings) and various Indian street foods enriched with spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The restaurant also embraces Indo-Chinese fusion, incorporating bold flavors and fresh ingredients to create an exciting and memorable dining experience.
AM: How important is it to offer dishes that include vegetarian, seafood, and various meat options?
DD: South Asian cuisine is so diverse, and one of the best things about it is how it brings everyone to the table. You can have vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers all chilling together, and each one will find something they love. It’s all about the flavors and options that make sure everyone leaves happy and satisfied!
AM: What are 3 appetizers that we should be thinking about when we come in to eat with friends and family?
DD: Lotus Root Chaat features crispy lotus root tossed with gram flour, drizzled with sweet yogurt and a sprinkle of black salt for a delightful crunch and tang.
Cauliflower 65 delivers a spicy and savory experience with oven-roasted cauliflower, enhanced by roasted garlic, aromatic curry leaves, mustard seeds, and served with a rich Kashmiri chili mayo.
Buff Chili combines tender buffalo, stir-fried with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, timur, and onions, all topped with crispy puffed rice for an exciting texture and taste.
AM: In terms of small plates, what are 3 that you suggest that we should have in mind?
DD: Calamari Kuttu features tender stir-fried squid seasoned with aromatic black pepper, fennel, and a tangy tamarind sauce for a bold flavor profile.
Jhol Momo offers bison dumplings nestled in a fragrant stew enriched with nutmeg and infused with chili garlic oil for a warming and savory delight.
Gunpowder Masala Dosa presents a crispy fermented rice lentil crepe filled with spiced aloo masala, served alongside sambar, coconut chutney, and tomato chutney for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
AM: What are 3 main dishes that we should have in mind?
DD: Goat Pakku Biryani is a fragrant dish featuring tender slow-cooked goat infused with saffron, nutmeg, and black pepper, layered with aromatic basmati rice and mace for depth of flavor.
Bhatiki Bater highlights tandoori quail marinated in bold Kashmiri chili and garam masala, served with creamy yogurt and a drizzle of mustard oil for a deliciously spicy kick.
Seabass Kebab showcases succulent seabass blended with sundried tomatoes, green chili, and carom seeds, served with a creamy mint labneh and a hint of Amritsar spice for a fresh and zesty taste.
AM: What are 3 desserts that are a great way to complete our meal when we're sharing with the table?
DD: Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert consisting of small, soft balls made from khoya (milk solids) soaked in fragrant rose syrup, offering a rich and sweet delight.
Rasgulla features spongy, white cheese balls cooked in light sugar syrup, delivering a refreshing and satisfying sweetness that's perfect for any occasion.
Kheer is a creamy rice pudding made from basamati rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts, creating a comforting and indulgent treat.
AM: What are 3 cocktails that you recommend that we should have?
DD: Tapori Cocktail - A tamarind flavored take on a classic Boulevardier.
Achari Martini - A take on a Dirty martini using a brine made for Achar, a south asian pickle used as a condiment.
The Pineapple-Timur Daiquiri is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, featuring acidified pineapple that adds a bright, tangy sweetness in place of traditional lime juice. This vibrant drink combines the tropical essence of fresh pineapple with the unique, slightly spicy notes of timur (Sichuan pepper) tincture.
AM: Do you have a Happy Hour and if so, please tell us about this!
DD: We will be offering a varieties of cocktails, beer and wine at happy hour eventually.
AM: Are there any events coming up in the Spring that we should keep an eye out for?
DD: Yes, Look out for a fun collaboration with Service Bar, Albi, Martiny’s (NYC) and Angel Share (NYC) on April 7th!
IG @tapori.dc
PHOTO CREDITS | Deb Lindsey
Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Tapori in mag.
Featured
THE POWER OF YOUR HOME | HGTV'S EGYPT SHERROD + MIKE JACKSON
The beginning of the year makes us think about new projects we're taking on, our goals, and it's that time of year that you begin about getting your home in order for upcoming events and gatherings as Spring is on the way! We caught up with power couple Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson who we know from an array of HGTV shows including Married to Real Estate and Property Virgins. They talk with us on how they got into Real Estate, Interior Design, and construction. They also talk about how they work with one another, aesthetics in design for our homes and how they have partnered with TurboTax to keep their business flow on track.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s so great to meet both of you!
EGYPT SHERROD: You as well!
MIKE JACKSON: How are you?
AM: I am very good! I have been a fan of yours Egypt since your WBLS days.
ES: Oh wow! Thank you!
AM: Of course I have enjoyed seeing you on HGTV as well Mike.
It's great to see you guys on, Married to Real Estate to see your power coupleship, navigating properties, and projects. How did both of you come to working in real estate, home renovation, and design?
MJ: Okay. Well, for me, mine is pretty simple as it pertains to real estate. My wife said, “get your license or I'm not going to be your friend.” – no haha!
ES: It kind of went like that!
MJ: So you know, proximity, for me!
AM: Right!
MJ: On a serious note, you know, she came to me one day. We were having lunch, and she mentioned, “babe, I'm giving a lot of referrals away. Why don’t you get your license? This way, we can keep it all in-house and it will save us a lot of money and garner us a lot of money. So, in that moment, I thought about it. And the next day, I was right at it, you know, taking the classes getting the material and got my license to be a Real Estate Agent. My wife’s a Broker Agent, but however, at this moment, my license is parked so at any moment, I can unpark it and actually practice, right?
AM: Wow!
ES: But, he's so busy running the construction and that part of the business, that I think that that only allows all of us to super serve our clients.
MJ: Yeah, that's right.
I'm sorry. I got into all of that and looked at her and got flabbergasted.
ES: Whatever ha! Stop flirting, stay focused!
MJ: What was the rest of that question?
AM: Well, how well, just how both of you came to this because it's amazing?
ES: Yeah, well, you said, you remembered me from WBLS. I think that's a perfect example of how we don't have to be a one trick pony at all.
AM: Exactly.
ES: I was obviously a radio personality, but developed a passion and love for Real Estate investing so much that I got my license and became an agent, and I had a dual career which, is then, what led me to television because, as I would talk about on the radio all of my exciting exploits in real estate and making it funny for people, HGTV heard and came calling. That started Property Virgins and then Flipping Virgins and then together Married to Real Estate! Actually, it started on Mike's phone during the Covid years – Married to Real Estate did.
AM: Oh wow!
ES: Many people don't know that story, but you know, it was a natural evolution that really developed through a passion and a thirst for building and leaving a legacy for our family.
MJ: That’s right!
And for me as it pertains to, you know, because you asked for Real Estate, construction, and design, I have always been doing construction with my grandfather and uncle since I was a kid.
AM: Oh wow.
ES: They have their own construction company and they would pull me in and bring me on because they sat aside and saw that I was able to do this stuff without being asked to do it. They saw something in me and said, "listen, come along with us and follow suit,” which I did. And I'm so glad I did. I've always been a creative. I enjoy seeing something, start from nothing, and become something. And in construction, that's what we do all day, you know. We tear it down, and we build it back up. And it was, it was inevitable because I was doing construction while I was touring around the world as a DJ.
AM: Ok, now.
ES: It was like I was DJing at 4am and then at 7am, I'm on somebody’s construction site. It was always there for me and then in New York City, working with the Local 28 Trade and then coming to Georgia and owning my own company, it was like, inevitable.
AM: Well, are there 3 key design elements that are going to be trends in 2025? Whether you know you're here in New York and looking to renovate your space or maybe you're buying home. What are 3 trends that we should be keeping an eye out for?
ES: So number one, as a designer, I'm the principal of a design firm as well at Indigo Road. The one thing I tell all my designers is to be classic. Really embrace the client's aesthetic. Don't follow the trend. Why? Because trends come and go, and if we start designing our home based on trends, you're going to lose money fast every year, every 2 years you're going to want to redesign. But if you do something classic and timeless, then, you can change things up with art and pillows, which you know are a lot more affordable!
So what I will tell you that some of the things that I think are going to be timeless: #1 is, you can change a space, and this is becoming even more popular - you can change the space just with a can of paint. It's inexpensive, you can do it as many times as you want to and you can give the space a totally different feel. So, doing color drenches – color drenches are when the moldings, the walls, the ceiling, everything is the same color, and so you have this amazing, beautiful, colorful canvas to furnish. We're bringing color back, because we went through the years where everything was beige and everything was gray. Now, everybody is embracing color again. So you’re gonna see a lot more of that in 2025!
Arches. We’re bringing arches back (singing it to the melody of Justin Timberlake’s SexyBack).
AM: Nice!
ES: Yes beautiful arches are coming back and that’s coming back in with the wabi-sabi aesthetic (Editor’s Note: Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that embraces imperfection and transience. It’s a philosophy that encourages people to find beauty in imperfection and accept the natural cycle of life. In interior design, it focuses on natural and weathered materials. It often has a rustic and organic feel).
We're also bringing more of the outdoors in with organic luxe and I truly think and this is classic, right? When we were all locked inside for a few years, everybody wanted to get out, to feel nature, and touch.
AM: Yes.
ES: So now, this is being reflected in design where everybody's, like, open my house up. No, I don't mean open floor plan, I mean, open the entire house up. I want just a courtyard of plants in my house.
I want you to knock out the entire back of my house and make it a door that just opens up to the backyard, you know?
AM: Yeah!
ES: Let the outdoors in because I want to feel nature. So, organic luxe as an aesthetic I think it's here to stay, bringing plants and using natural wood.
AM: I love that.
Tell me a bit about the Marriage and Money podcast you guys have. I love this.
MJ: Oh wow, where do we start with that? So, the Marriage and Money podcast is exactly what you hear – we deal with marriage and we talk about money and everything in between. We've had a plethora of guests that have been amazing. It's another idea where you know, in the midst of nowhere I said, “babe, I think we need to reach a different audience, you know, let's create this podcast because we have more to say.”
ES: And I said, no. I said, do not give me another job. Please don’t put anything else on the plate.
AM: Yeah.
ES: Mike is full of ideas! He’s totally the idea guy. I’m the – what do you call me, the Wide Receiver or the Running Back?
MJ: Wide Receiver.
ES: Yeah, and he’ll get me on board with it and I’ll just start running it and working with it!
But no, I'll say this, he was right yet, again. It's fun. It's a catharsis for us and it’s where we let our hair down, because even though our guests and we're talking money, and we're getting into marriage - we have so much freaking fun on the show!
MJ: Yes!
ES: So, we’re very excited!
MJ: And our audience and our fans and our fams – F-A-M-S - fams that’s what we call them because they're more like family. They get to see a different side of us that they may not be used to to get familiar with, right? And one of the things that I love about the podcast is that, you know, it causes others to think and to look at each other when they're listening or watching the podcast because I can't tell you how many times folks have come up to us and say, “listen, I sat down with my husband or my wife and we worked it out because of that particular episode.”
ES: Yeah, or even you know what it allows us to do is teach people through the schools of hard knocks that we had to learn from. Be it in marriage, you know, but also in business, we have made a lot of mistakes, and we're very transparent about it. We could have done things easier and faster, but now we have resources and tools, whereas before we didn't.
MJ: Right.
ES: So on our podcast, we opened Pandora's Box by providing education and resources as well.
AM: You guys have partnered with TurboTax. So, in thinking of like, how important is transparency, especially in couples, you know when you're doing your taxes together? Why did you guys want to work with the brand? I mean transparency and finances is key!
ES: People often ask, how have y'all been together for over 21 years like you seem so perfect!
AM: Yup!
ES: The first thing that we do is chuckle because we've had our hard moments and a lot of them have evolved around business and money.
MJ: Mmm hmm.
ES: It's revolved around taxes. He's the doer, right? And then I'm the organizer. I’d be sitting at the kitchen table with receipts falling out of my ears and my hair just trying to dig us out and to make sense of it all.
MJ: We literally just said a few months ago, when we were doing taxes, that we need to let someone else do this for us from now on. And it made perfect sense for us to partner with TurboTax you know, moving forward.
ES: Then, when you learn, you're like, wait a minute? What have we been doing, all of our lives right? Like, why didn’t we know? So, for us, obviously, we are a champion for the spirit of entrepreneurship. We want people to step out, you know, step on faith and go after the life and careers of their dreams. We want them so we don't want to scare them, which is why we said, you know, what? Let's go out and let everybody know what tools are available. And so, what we loved about this partnership with TurboTax is that number one, they are experts, and they literally have folks who specialize in business taxes. TurboTax Business provides small business owners and solopreneurs access to unlimited live expert help to get your taxes prepared and filed.
That's not what many of us went to school for. We don't want to sit around here doing this. We don't know either. We don’t know all of the deductions that are available for us. So then we lose money because we simply didn't know, trying to save money and not wanting to pay somebody else. They're affordable so, even if you're smaller, just starting out and then they also offer year-round tracking. So, they give you that support year around, because you know with business, you have to file taxes more than once! They provides unlimited year-round expert support at no extra cost, and provides 100% audit protection and accuracy guaranteed. Businesses are matched with a small business tax expert who will securely prepare, sign, and file their taxes virtually.
AM: Exactly.
ES: These are some of the incredible tools that we found value in for our lives and for our business to help us simplify. In short, to get accuracy and peace of mind.
AM: That part.
MJ: I also love how they have the option of integrating their platforms between MailChimp. Turbotax and QuickBooks.
ES: Many people don't even know that they're the same company. But again, that's a business solution. That's an all-in-one package for you to be able to really level up your game and simplify.
I’d love to just kind of encourage everybody as my middle name is Bargain Value and I love giving value to others! So there's something going on that everybody needs to know about. So if you get your business taxes done with TurboTax, you can also get 20% off of your personal taxes right now. So you need to go to turbotax.com/business for more details on that.
AM: Are there any other projects coming up that we should keep an eye out for because I'm always seeing you guys doing tons of stuff?
ES: As far as what we have coming up – we’re talking about March 12th S4 Married to Real Estate is coming at you so put that on your calendar! The podcast.
MJ: The podcast, we’re getting ready to do more episodes of that!
A Thousand Women.
ES: A Thousand Women Owned is my non-profit that we were about to do the formal launch of next month! Our goal is to help, support, provide resources for, and encouragement for a thousand women-owned businesses.
AM: Wow!
MJ: Yes yes
ES: BY 2030, We want to help a thousand women own businesses level up to get the grants that they need to start or to continue running as well.
MJ: And then you can catch somebody I know on, HGTV's Smart Home 2025, as the host!
AM: Ok Mike!
ES: Mike is hosting!
AM: Oh nice, that's amazing. Well, it's always good to see you guys anf I look forward in seeing your upcoming projects.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 113 PG Egypt Sherrod + Mike Jackson | PG 114 TurboTax
Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see THE POWER OF YOUR HOME | HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod + Mike Jackson in mag.
Featured
PHOTO CREDITS | Disney/Anne Marie Fox
THE BACHELOR S29. E8. | FANTASY SUITES TIME!
PHOTO CREDIT | ABC/The Bachelor Key Art
PHOTO CREDIT FOR THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS | Disney/Matt Sayles
Last week, we enjoyed the Women Tell All and we got to hear from the previous women that were on the show. It’s time for Fantasy Suites on this week’s ABC’s The Bachelor! We find ourselves in the Dominican Republic with Grant who takes some time to play basketball with Jesse Palmer. We know that his first date is with Julianna and she’s catching up with Daisy from Joey’s season - to get her advice. Grant and Julianna go ATV’ing together in the jungle. He lets her know that he likes her and is falling for her. He feels that although she has told him that, that she is still holding back as well. He hopes that she can open up more so that he can get to know her better. They chat with one another at dinner, dig deeper, he says he’s falling in love with her and it seems like she is very happy. When the Fantasy Suites card comes out, they decide to spend time together and he feels that it feels right to be with her. He’s looking forward to being with her away from all of the noise and just to spend time with her. It seems like they both had a great night and Juliana lets him know that she will spiral for a bit while waiting to see him again.
We move onto Zoe who is a bit nervous. This is also the first time that she will have 1-on-1 time with him. She gets the chance to talk with Rachel who was on Joey’s season as she also got the least amount of time when she was competing for him. It will be interesting to see her interaction with him because she has only had stolen moments with him as opposed to an official solo date.
They meet up and learn that they will do a yoga date where they will have to be quiet the entire time. The fact that she has had the least amount of time with him to talk, why would they get a date where there is no talking? There is something to be said for this style of date, it’s just tough when she hasn’t had solo time with him. It’ll be interesting to see what the dinner portion of the date will be.
As they sit down for dinner, he acknowledges that although they didn’t have a 1-on-1 date, he always knew he liked her and wanted to meet her family at Hometowns. Hearing them chat felt like they were in week 1 or even week 3 - we can’t imagine that he will select her even though they went to the Fantasy Suites.
They finish their date with a picnic on the beach the next morning. It seems like they had a good time and he got to know more about her.
We end the Fantasy Suites with Litia - it will be interesting to see how their date goes. She meets up with Kaity from Zach’s season (which she ended up winning). We remember how when Katie was in her season, she was so sad to hear how Zach was having relations with the other women during Fantasy Suites. She validates Litia’s feelings and lets her know it is ok to say that she doesn’t want to know about what happened with the other women. It’s also interesting to hear Litia say that if it is them in the end, they can talk about what happened previously, but she doesn’t want to know what is happening.
We finally see Grant and Litia together and they are going ziplining but she lets us know that she doesn’t like adventure so this is not the date for her. She is excited for her date, but she is apprehensive because she doesn’t want to engage in physical intimacy due to this being a week of dates where this could be happening with other women. As the date continues to dinner, they talk about her being a wife and mother and he knows her timeline is much quicker than his. Although he wanted to delay children for awhile, he recognizes that if he is with her, he will have to push that up to compromise. She also lets him know that she doesn’t want to hear about his relationships with other women that are still there and he lets her know that he respects and understands where she is coming from. He gives her the Fantasy Suite card. She reads it and says that although she thinks that he is a great guy, she lets him know that sex is not on the table for her. He tells her he respects it and he likes her maturity and he knows what her priorty is. He says that he loves her and you can see that she is visibly moved. She tells him that love means safety and support. They go to the room to continue chatting.
The next morning, we see them enjoying breakfast together. You can definitely see a connection with one another and she had let him know earlier that although he met her family in Utah, she would move.
With all 3 dates complete, it’s time to see who will continue to the finale. Jesse meets up with Grant and they chat ahead of his decision. Ultimately, he selects Litia and Juliana.
RECEIVED A ROSE DURING HOMETOWNS | Litia and Juliana.
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Zoe
Each night during this season, we will tweet about The Golden Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
WHO CONTINUED BEYOND FANTASY SUITES
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Featured TV Show
NYFW FW25
This month, we got our fashion fix as well as to see what will hit retail stores and our favorite online shops with this season's NYFW FW25 which ran from Feb 6 - 11th. Each season it's great to connect with the fashion and creative community as well as to interact with designers that are launching their collections, those that are new to us, and of course our favorites. This period of times includes an array of events from runway shows, presentations, previews, and so much more! This month, we want to share a bit of what we saw this season!
NEW YORK MEN'S DAY FW25
A.POTTS
NYMD is a curated group of menswear brands (depending on the designer, they may include womenswear as well) that showcase in Hudson Yards. It allows you to come during the morning for a series of designers and activations and then to come back later in the day for a new crop of designers. The shows tend to showcase the collections presentation style although some will have a runway show that continues on loop during the timeslot of the day part.
This season we saw A.Potts, a Brooklyn based brand designed by Aaron Potts. He has shown a total of 10 times during NYMD. This season's collection is inspired by Black Panthers and leopards and the collection has a number of grey and black textures in its modernist aesthetic.
IG @nyfw
SIVAN
Sivan has been a brand that we have always enjoyed seeing each season as they always presented structured pieces for men and women and there is always a theme that ties everything together. For this Fall/WInter season, the focus was Sivan Hotel! This Brooklyn based brand started in 2021 and this is the 3rd season that they have shown their collection. Their fabrication and the impeccable styling is always something that we enjoy seeing regardless of the season that is being presented.
JOSEPH MCRAE
Joseph McRae made it's debut at this year's NYMD. We enjoyed seeing this line that included an array of luxe exaggerated puffers, dresses, and separates. Each piece had fabrictations that were rich in visual texture.
Additional brands that showed at NYMD included Hold NYC, Max Esmail, and Peak Lapel NYC. In addition, Sperry showcased their upcoming FW footwear collection as well as Grimoire NYC allowed attendees of the show to know more about their skincare line.
IG @holdnyc
JOVANI
In between our shows during NYFW, we swung by Jovani's new showroom in Bryant Park. We were able to see an array of gowns, jumpsuits, and more that will find their way on those competing in the Bachelor/The Bachelorette, red carpets, your favorite Real Housewives and so much more. We always like keeping pieces like this in mind for our next project.
AUTHENTIC ROZ
We kicked off our next day of shows early by heading to Authentic Roz which made it's NYFW debut. We enjoyed seeing Rayane Alami's collection which had elements of a retro vibe but showcased Moroccan aesthetics, Japanese minimalism, and Italian craftsmanship. This 24 piece collection is infused with sustainable streetwear.
MICHAEL DEPAULO
Our series of shows continued my making our way to 610 Loft and Garden which overlooks Rockefeller Center as well as St Patrick Cathedral! We were excited to see luxury designer, Michael DePaulo's couture show which showcased an array of stunning gowns! It was great to have such a clear canvas to see the models showcase the dresses, to interact with the creative community as well as enjoying cocktails with good vibes all around.
FILIPINXT
It's always great to attend a collective show where multiple designers showcase their lines together. FILIPINXT celebrated fashion designers and crafstmanship of the Philippines and presented their designers: Bessie Besana (the collection 'Rays of Twilight' showcased bridal wear with chantilly lace, silk, and tulle in serene whites and nudes), Edited Limited + Adante Leyesa (the collaboration between Leo Bartolome or Edited Limited and Adante Leyesa came together in 'Tough Love' illustrating bold streetwear with raw edges with intricate accessories for the perfect accent), Bagoyan (the collection 'Bagoyan Rising' blends an aesthetic of traditional Kalinga culture and modern wearable design), and Tagpi (the collection 'Tahak' merged the worlds of a tropical landscape of the Philippines and the cosmopolitan energy of NYC). Prior to the show, we were welcomed by The Philippine Consulate in New York & Kalye NYC which talked about the designers' heritage, sustainability, innovation, and individuality so that they could take their work and passion to the global stage of NYFW through powerful runway shows.
CHRIS HABANA
Once again NYFW is always a great way to see and connect with designers and their passions! We have been a fan of Chris Habana for a number of years as his designs have been worn by Tyla (floating bra), Latto (a number of iconic moments), Doechii (a number of iconic moments), Beyoncé (Sir Davis bottle crystalized bag), Shaboozey (pony fur coat for Netflix Christmas Day NFL Halftime Show), and more! During NYFW, we were invited to their studio to see apparel and accessories that he has created as well as to see an outfit that was being made for a project that will be worn by an entertainer. It was great to meet other enthusiasts of his work as well as to take in a few drinks in between seeing his archives!
IG @chrishabana
FREDERICK ANDERSON
We enjoyed closing out our NYFW FW25 experience with Frederick Anderson at Paradise Club at the Edition Hotel in Times Square. The show started with an opera performance by 2X Grammy winner J'Nai Bridges.
41 looks hit the runway that had elements focused on romance and had a bit of a Spanish vibe with sultry tones that could be felt throughout the collection as well as the venue!
IG @frederickanderson_designer
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 72 Ned & Aya | PG 74 + 75 Sivan | PG 77 Michal DePaulo | PG 78 + 79 David Warren |
Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see NYFW FW25 in mag.
Featured
BINGELY TV STREAMING
THE WHITE LOTUS
HBO Original
Max
We're always excited to check into the latest season of The White Lotus! In S3, we find ourselves in Thailand and we are introduced to new and old characters that will leave us guessing on how they are connected as well as who died and who did it! This is the classic forumla that brings its viewers back each season. Avid watchers know that each season focuses on a vice and questions elements around it, this season takes a look at the wellness industry as well as what it means to immerse oneself into a series of cultural rituals whether one does it authentically or as a means to wear it as a costume with the ability to take it off as needed.
We can't wait to see where the season will take us, the stunning destinations and the characters that we can't wait to find out more about!
PARADISE
Hulu Original
Hulu
Over the last few years, Apocalyptic dramas have really taken on new layers and nuances. Like many, we have been hooked on Paradise, a Hulu Original that looks at the end of the world with a curated group of individuals that have been selected to continue life away from where they have always been. In each episode, we learn more about how everyone is connected, how people were selected to be in this group, and is the threat that everyone ran from as big as everyone believed it to be!
Each episode ends with a cliffhanger and more understanding of how the pieces fit into one another. The cast which includes Sterling K. Brown (This is Us, Hotel Artemis, Black Panther) and James Marsden (WestWorld, Jury Duty, Ally McBeal) - we can't wait to see how this season ends! We also can't wait for next season as they have been renewed for S2.
MADAM RAM
QCode
Spotify
We're always looking for a great podcast and we can't say enough about the latest from QCode is yet another immersive audio drama experience that tells the story of Georgia Frontiere who is voiced by Toni Collette (The Estate, Nightmare Alley, Knives Out) in Madam Ram. Georgia is the controversial opera singer turned NFL owner of the Los Angeles Rams and this series is based on true events with some scenes and characters being fictionalized.
We get to know more about her ambition, power, and quest for respect as she helms the team via ownership. It's a great way to know more about the team and her place in the league.
We've been fans of QCode and the way that they present their podcasts that truly feel like a journey and we expect nothing less in their latest venture.
Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see BINGELY TV STREAMING in mag.
Featured
