Sports & Forks with Kelly Senyei

In this engaging episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei sits down with legendary big wave surfer and fitness enthusiast, Laird Hamilton. Laird is renowned not only for his incredible surfing achievements but also for his dedication to health and wellness. Growing up in Hawaii, Laird has always been immersed in diverse cultures and foods, shaping his approach to nutrition and fitness. His adventurous spirit extends to his business acumen, as he co-founded Laird Superfood with his wife, former professional beach volleyball player Gabby Reece, in 2015.Throughout the episode, Laird shares insights into his dietary habits and how they've evolved over the years. He discusses his love for high-fat diets, emphasizing the importance of consuming whole, clean foods and the significance of diet diversity. Laird also talks about the philosophy behind Laird Superfood, highlighting the development of plant-based, vegan superfoods designed to enhance existing dietary habits rather than complicate them. The conversation touches on how the pandemic influenced people's consciousness towards health and wellness, attributing a rise in Laird Superfood's success to this newfound awareness. To wrap up, Laird participates in the Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge, sharing his favorite foods, workout, and surprising life motto.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Balancing Taste and Health in Diet03:13 Exploration and Philosophical Eating08:55 Energizing Morning Drink Routine11:53 Lost Taste for Sugary Foods15:47 Sports Nutrition Evolution17:56 Awakening to Health and Nutrition21:37 Enhancing Diets with Laird Superfood25:11 "Embrace Novelty and Self-Experimentation"26:57 Innovative Instant Beverage Line28:44 Laird Hamilton tackles Sports & Forks Quick-Fire Challenge

In this episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei welcomes Ali Riley, professional soccer player and captain of Angel City FC. Ali shares insights into her dynamic life, which beautifully intersects sports and culinary arts. Known for her career in women's soccer, Ali discusses the challenges that arise from the significant pay disparities compared to men's soccer. She highlights, based on a 2023 study, that the average salary for female soccer players globally is less than $10,000, underscoring the ongoing struggle for equality in the sport.The episode also delves into Ali's personal life, revealing her profound resilience during tumultuous times, such as the loss of her parents' home in the California fires while also navigating a major life event—her wedding. Ali opens up about her experiences with IVF, giving listeners a glimpse into her journey of hope and determination.In addition to her athletic achievements, Ali is a co-author of Girls Gone Veg, a cookbook that reflects her passion for plant-based cooking alongside her friend and fellow professional soccer player, Toni Pressley. Ali identifies as a flexitarian, favoring plant-based meals while being flexible with her diet. Together, Kelly and Ali discuss the intersections of diet and sports performance, plus what they’re keen to team up on baking together in the Sports & Forks kitchen!Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro01:58 Surreal Wedding Amidst Palisades Files06:19 Supporting Women's Reproductive Community12:19 Progress in Women's Soccer Equality13:17 Hope in Women's Soccer Progress17:21 Pre-Game Meal Choices20:33 Whole Foods Over Protein Shakes24:49 Bubble Friendship During Lockdown26:44 Beyond the Field: New Possibilities30:43 Distance, Dreams, and Opportunities35:29 Missing Home-Cooked Seafood37:13 Ali Riley on the Sports & Forks Quick-Fire Challenge!

In this episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei is joined by baseball star Alex Bregman, fresh from signing with the Boston Red Sox. Known for his dynamic presence both on and off the field, Alex spent nine years with the Houston Astros, where he cultivated a deep bond with the team, staff and fans. Beyond the baseball diamond, Alex and his wife Reagan are co-founders of Wild Sol salsa, where they creatively blend flavors inspired by his upbringing in New Mexico and his love of Tex-Mex cuisine from Houston.The episode covers Alex's career move from the Houston Astros to the Boston Red Sox and his experiences in the new team environment, emphasizing the blend of veteran presence and young talent. A notable part of the conversation dives into Alex’s journey with Wild Sol salsa, a venture that captures his passion for food. Kelly and Alex discuss the unique attributes of the salsa, including its distinctive ingredient, Flecha Azul Tequila (founded by Alex’s close friend, Mark Wahlberg), and how it sets their product apart in the competitive consumer goods market. Get ready to sit back and snack on this fun, fast-paced interview about Alex’s career and culinary transitions! Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro05:53 Tequila-Infused Salsa Creation09:44 "Perfecting Product: A Collaborative Journey"12:37 Creative Salsa Uses in Cooking15:00 Diet and Routine Optimization17:21 Pride in Children's Achievements20:46 Creamy Super Hot Taco Sauce22:35 Alex Bregman on the Sports & Forks Quick-Fire Challenge!

In this enlightening episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei welcomes renowned quarterback coach and entrepreneur, Jordan Palmer. A former NFL quarterback who played on five teams, Jordan has made a significant impact off the field as well.He co-founded Qalo, the silicone wedding ring company, and later launched the digital marketing agency, Common Thread Collective. Currently, he dedicates his time to coaching quarterbacks, including NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, through his QB Summit program.Throughout the episode, Jordan and Kelly delve into the critical intersection of sports performance and nutrition, a primary focus in Jordan's coaching philosophy. Jordan discusses the common challenge he observes: many athletes, despite having top-tier training resources, lack nutritional guidance. This realization led him to co-found Thread, a nutrition company aiming to fill this gap by providing young athletes with high-quality dietary products.The conversation explores the inspiration behind Thread, the importance of nutritional education starting at a young age, and how it can change perspectives on health and performance. Jordan also shares personal parenting anecdotes and professional insights into developing a balanced diet that supports athletic growth. Get ready for an engaging discussion on fueling the next generation of athletes.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro04:57 Consulting Journey: Nutrition to Youth Coaching07:22 "Ex-NFL QB's Coaching Insights"10:43 Parenting Athletes: Constant Problem Solving13:26 Redefining Health and Wellness Trends18:09 Convenient Nutrition for Busy Parents21:13 Athlete Draft Prep Nutrition Strategy23:10 Chef, Private Jet, and Conversation25:45 Natural Problem Solver Origins30:29 Sports Nutrition and Injury Prevention32:05 Jordan Palmer on the Sports & Forks Quick-Fire Challenge!

Host Kelly Senyei sits down with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and star of Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts, Reece Weaver, for a spirited conversation about her journey from cheering on Alabama’s Crimson Tide to taking the field at AT&T Stadium as a member of the esteemed DCC.Throughout the conversation, Reece shares insights into her rigorous training regimen and gameday routines that demand both physical endurance and nutritional discipline. Reece reveals how hydration and a balanced diet, tailored to fuel her extensive practices and performances, play crucial roles in her cheerleading career.Additionally, the episode delves into Reece's personal life, highlighting her dynamic partnership with her husband, Will. Known for his authentic culinary skills, Will garners admiration on platforms like TikTok for his gourmet cooking videos, while Reece supports from the sidelines, joining to taste-test his creations. Catch Reece on Season 2 of America's Sweethearts on Netflix premiering later this year.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro03:14 "Alabama Prepared Me for Life"06:51 Cheerleader Dream at AT&T Stadium11:12 Pre-Game Food and Snack Routine14:21 Post-Game Meal Timing Challenges18:34 Balancing Responsibilities and Passions21:21 Legacy of Family Skills26:23 Spectator's Experience at Cotton Bowl30:40 Balancing Home, Family, and Travel31:32 Reece Weaver on the Sports & Forks Quick-Fire Challenge!

In this episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei sits down with Tom Pestock, also known as Baron Corbin, a WWE superstar whose dynamic athletic career spans the NFL, the boxing ring and the competitive world of jiu jitsu. His physical skills in the ring are matched by his precision and prowess in the kitchen, and specifically sourcing, roasting and brewing his very own coffee line, Open Air. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Tom cover various culinary topics, from his preference for dark chocolate and espresso flavors with a charcoal rim, to the meticulous nature of his coffee roasting process. Tom's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he discusses plans for a community coffee roastery in Tampa, Florida, aimed at supporting small coffee businesses. His culinary journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, including lessons from a James Beard-nominated chef, highlights his commitment to perfection. The conversation also delves into Tom’s personal life, parenthood, and his explorations in acting, particularly in the horror or thriller genres. The episode is rich with discussions on fitness tips, creative cooking endeavors, and nostalgic reflections on Kansas City’s evolving food scene, along with a glimpse of what it’s like cheering on his friend, Travis Kelce, at Kansas City Chiefs games alongside the one and only, Taylor Swift. Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro02:02 Diet between NFL and WWE07:19 COVID gave me time to improve cooking.11:57 Cooking is calming despite intense athletic life.15:19 Lifelong Chiefs fan, met player Travis Kelce.15:52 Children's hospital charity with celebrity support.19:07 Kansas City: burnt ends, brisket, sweet sauces.24:29 Comfort food: rice with pork and creative hotdogs.26:31 Expose kids to diverse cuisines; encourage adventure.27:47 Open Air Coffee35:35 Starting a community coffee roastery in Tampa.40:37 Eating in Japan43:13 Sports & Forks Quickfire Challenge

In this episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei sits down with Shawn Johnson, the legendary Olympic gymnast renowned for her power, determination and perfectionism. Shawn shares insights into her life as a professional athlete and how her perspective has evolved, particularly in the realm of nutrition and motherhood.From competing at the Olympics at a young age with an underdeveloped understanding of dietary needs to becoming a mindful mother of three, Shawn recounts her journey towards a healthier relationship with food.The conversation delves into Shawn's current life as a busy mom, balancing her kids' varying tastes during dinner time while striving to maintain nutritious meals. The challenge of introducing new foods to her children is complemented by some of Shawn's unique solutions, like setting up buffet-style dinners.A major highlight of the episode is Shawn's co-creation of Beam Kids, a superfood nutritional supplement designed to fill the dietary gaps in children's meals. She discusses the collaborative process with her co-creator, the challenges faced in developing a kid-friendly product, and her dedication to ensuring it meets her own high standards for her children.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro03:07 Cooking Chaos with Kids08:27 Cautious Eaters, Adventurous Travelers10:20 How the Olympics Misguided My Nutrition Journey12:12 Founding Beam Kids16:21 Creative Uses for Clean Ingredients19:45 Developing a Kid-Friendly Supplement20:54 Shawn Johnson on the Sports & Forks Quick-Fire Challenge!

In this episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei welcomes Laila Ali, the renowned professional boxer and daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali. Laila, who boasts an impressive boxing career with 24 wins, including 21 knockouts, has seamlessly transitioned her competitive spirit into the culinary world. The episode delves into Laila's experience as a professional boxer and the aspects she misses, such as the competitiveness, goal-setting and mental preparedness that the sport demands. Laila also shares insights into her culinary journey. She talks about her strict diet during her boxing career, her shift towards healthy cooking influenced by her grandmother, and her experience on "Chopped," including the challenge of cooking with a smoked pig head. Throughout the show, Laila provides parenting perspectives, reflecting on her daughter's disinterest in boxing and her approach to encouraging a healthy lifestyle for her children. Join Kelly and Laila as they discuss the perfect blending of sports and cooking, underscored by Laila's motto, "pay the cost to be the boss," celebrating a journey filled with hard work and perseverance. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 05:47 Laila’s routine as a boxer: breakfast, workouts, protein, dinner. 07:23 Solo winning's euphoric, unlike team sports. 12:41 Determined as a boxer despite Muhammad Ali’s initial disapproval, trained secretly. 14:02 Kept plans private to avoid discouragement, committed. 17:47 Encourage trying new foods; sneak in veggies. 22:28 Sensitive, loving father cherished family moments together. 25:19 Creating unique, salt-free seasoning blends for meals. 28:07 Creating adaptable spice blends; testing meticulously. 32:37 Creating recipes; downloadable cookbook; writing recipes. 34:18 Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge

Kelly kicks off Season 2 of Sports & Forks with legendary NFL quarterback, broadcaster and entrepreneur, Troy Aikman. Known for his spectacular career on the football field, Aikman has transitioned seamlessly into the world of broadcasting as a commentator on Monday Night Football alongside Joe Buck. More recently, he's ventured into the business sector with the launch of his own beer brand, EIGHT, a premier light beer. Throughout the episode, Aikman shares insights about the skills that have translated from sports to broadcasting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of hard work and the mantra of "no shortcuts." He delves into his broadcasting career, expressing pride in the high ratings of Monday Night Football, and modestly attributing the success to the compelling nature of NFL games. Aikman also discusses his approach to dining while traveling for games, highlighting his health-conscious habits, and shares his basic but effective dietary choices. The conversation transitions into his beer venture, detailing the inspiration behind EIGHT, its unique recipe, and the premium ingredients that set it apart from other beers in the market. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Intro 04:59 Passion for Beer Innovation 09:23 Strong Team Drives Unique Beer Success 12:08 Adapting to Year-Round Business Tempo 13:28 All-In Entrepreneurial Commitment 16:11 Troy’s College Internship 18:07 Troy Aikman on the Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge! 20:42 No Shortcuts, No Excuses

On this episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei dives into a fascinating conversation with the exceptional Natalie Coughlin, an illustrious 12-time Olympic medalist whose prowess extends far beyond the pool. Coughlin, who began competitively swimming at just 6 years old, shares the competitive edge and laser-sharp focus that have amplified her long and successful athletic career. This episode highlights Natalie’s transition from Olympic athlete to accomplished winemaker and cookbook author. We venture into her culinary world, discussing her organized, yet flexible cooking style and her clever tips for teaching kids about nutrition, including the role of protein and “good bugs” in their diets. Natalie's love for spice, chocolate, and quality ice cream paints the portrait of an indulgent foodie, while her passionate involvement in Gaderian Wines reveals a commitment to learning and mastery reminiscent of her athletic dedication. Kelly and Natalie chat about her winemaking education at UC Davis, the joy of wine punch-downs, and the strategic growth of Gaderian, aiming to make a mark in the competitive wine industry. Pour yourself a glass and get ready for an Olympian’s journey in the world of food and wine! Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 06:31 Traveling (Olympics) with shelf-stable, nutritious protein supplements helped. 09:56 Testing recipes, overcoming obstacles, and cherished family recipes. 11:17 Thanksgiving is all about cooking lumpia. 14:43 Rich, comforting meat dish - perfect for gifts. 19:52 Avoid labeling foods; focus on moderation. How do you cook for your kids? 20:55 Teaching kids about protein and good bugs. 24:43 Partnership led to wine education and experience. 29:02 A savory, versatile Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving. 31:13 Premier Napa Valley achieves pride with Chenin Blanc. 35:04 No plans for new cookbook, focused on business growth. 37:58 Excited to plan dinner, congratulations on success.

In this engaging episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei welcomes WWE Hall of Fame wrestlers, Nikki and Brie Garcia, formerly known as “The Bella Twins.” The newly-monikered Garcia twins are proving to be a tag team sensation both inside and outside the ring, where the sisters have exercised their business savvy to become best-selling authors, reality TV stars, podcast hosts, beauty product entrepreneurs and wine brand owners, all while also claiming the title of “Mom.” The Garcia sisters touch upon their passion for hosting gatherings and entertaining, revealing plans for a cookbook centered on wine pairing and home decor. They also share insights into their wine business, Bonita Bonita, developed from their profound admiration for wine culture and French inspiration. Nikki and Brie discuss their personal and professional growth, balancing motherhood, business, and a potential return to the wrestling ring, all while emphasizing authenticity and resilience. Get ready for a touch of twin magic in this double-dose of Sports & Forks! Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 05:39 WWE nutrition for performance. 06:46 Focused on fitness, balancing discipline and indulgence. 11:59 In WWE, storytelling and moves are vital. 13:53 Athletics before theatrics for career longevity. 18:52 Women in media fight for recognition and change. 20:49 Strong upbringing shapes Bree and Nikki's WWE success. 24:41 Prioritizing pillars for family, entertainment, wine, self-care. 28:09 Napa Valley love leads to wine venture. 31:36 Sauvignon Blanc taste: perfect acidity, smooth palate. 33:13 Influenced by Paris 36:42 Red wine refreshing chilled, versatile for dining. 39:37 Craving a juicy burger paired with wine. 43:08 Create cookbook based on hosting and gatherings. 45:33 Encouraging self-acceptance and authenticity in youth.

In this thrilling episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei sits down with the legendary competitive eater, Eric "Badlands" Booker. Eric's journey to stardom in Major League Eating (MLE) began with a local hot dog eating contest, where he devoured 17 hot dogs in minutes, earning him a seat at the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. By day, Eric works as a subway worker and pursues a career in rap music, but his path took a fascinating turn toward competitive eating. Now, he is also a YouTube sensation, boasting more than 3 million subscribers, thanks to his unique blend of competitive eating and musical talents. Eric delves into his rigorous training regimen, which includes strategic stomach stretching with foods like cabbage, along with maintaining mental and physical stamina. He discusses his transition from solid food to liquid challenges, highlighting his incredible achievements in chugging competitions, including setting Guinness World Records for soda and tomato juice. He shares a glimpse into his preparation for upcoming contests, including his predictions for his new world record time in the 2024 Nathan's Lemonade Chugging Contest. Pull up a chair and get ready to feast on this supersized episode of Sports & Forks! Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 05:01 Nostalgia for hot dog contest in 1997. 09:25 Subway worker, competitive eater, rapper, multifaceted skills. 11:17 Competitive eating requires strategy and physical stamina. 15:20 Pre-game nerves, hydrate, prepare for event. 18:56 Competitive eater describes himself as a sportsman. 21:18 Initially didn't take YouTube seriously, but started posting more consistently. 25:22 Chugging carbonated drinks expands stomach, requires compensation. 26:59 Competitive eating and chugging contest experiences. 31:23 Competitive eating requires top physical shape. 34:15 Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge with Eric “Badlands” Booker

Today, Kelly has an engaging sit-down with Olympic gold medalist and professional beach volleyball player, Alix Klineman. Known for her prowess on the sand, Klineman dives into her culinary journey, which has been as dynamic as her sports career. Alix's passion for cooking ignited in Italy when a teammate introduced her to butternut squash risotto, a dish that has since become her signature. She accentuates the simplicity and joy of cooking this Italian staple for friends and family, while Kelly playfully proposes sending her a unique kitchen gadget to make stirring risotto easier. The conversation serves up a mix of personal insights and practical advice, covering Alix's postpartum return to volleyball, her nutritional strategies for maintaining energy levels while nursing her son Theo, and how her diet supports her rigorous athletic needs, especially the importance of protein intake. Finally, the episode digs into Alix's approach to beach volleyball strategies, missing the Paris Olympics due to her pregnancy, and the Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge where we learn her food quirks and dream dinner guest. This episode is a delightful blend of sports insights and gastronomic revelations, seasoned with personal stories that will resonate with athletes and foodies alike. Timestamped Overview: 03:30 Eating abroad during Olympics 07:36 The demands of Beach Volleyball 14:58 Alix’s current dining lifestyle 19:55 Learned to cook from friends, loves risotto. 22:29 Gradual recovery post-partum process before returning to competition. 24:43 Maintaining high protein intake while nursing. 28:31 Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge

In this episode of "Sports & Forks," host Kelly Senyei sits down with Major League Baseball player Mark Canha to delve into his passion for food and how it intertwines with his career and personal life. The Detroit Tigers outfielder, who is fresh off his recent grand slam against The Astros, opens up about his love for cooking and his multicultural influences, stemming from his Italian and Mexican heritage. He shares childhood memories of exploring diverse cuisines with his dad, sparking a lifelong obsession with food. Exploring various food scenes across the United States, Mark highlights Detroit for its pizza and African cuisine, while praising Seattle's seafood offerings. All of his favorites are highlighted on his popular Instagram account @bigleaguefoodie. As a father of two, Mark also shares his journey of instilling a love for food and diverse flavors in his children and reflects on how food plays a crucial role in bringing people together. Get ready for all the must-have restaurant recommendations from MLB’s biggest food lover. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Challenges in finding healthy diet for sensitive stomach. 07:21 Instagram inspired me to share food passion. 11:00 Enjoys steakhouses, solo if too far. YouTube series. 13:37 Passion for food, lack of willingness. 17:19 Dad's cooking and diverse college cuisines broaden horizons. 19:13 Visited girlfriend, now wife, in Rome, Brussels. 22:42 Italian heritage less present, embracing Mexican culture. 24:55 Highly exquisite French trout, attention to detail. 28:24 Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge with Mark Canha

Welcome to the latest episode of Sports & Forks where host Kelly Senyei dives into an engaging conversation with Adrián González, former professional baseball player turned successful entrepreneur. With a career spanning over a decade in Major League Baseball, notably with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, Adrián has transitioned into a multifaceted business landscape involving franchises, a cigar line, athletic apparel, and particularly, his burgeoning Calidad Beer brand. In this episode, Adrián shares insights into his snacking habits during his baseball days, revealing a preference for sunflower seeds, bubble gum and the calming benefit of coffee pouches. The discussion evolves into the vibrant world of his Calidad beer and agua frescas, which blend Mexican and US-grown flavors. Adrián elaborates on expanding his brand, including possible new beer sizes, a non-alcoholic option, and experimenting with hard seltzer flavors. Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur, Adrián highlights the educational steps he took, such as enrolling in finance courses, and the impact of his bicultural upbringing on his business ventures. Additionally, Adrián's plans for a Southern California-based Mexican restaurant, emphasizing quality ingredients like homemade tortillas and salsa, are unveiled. Join us as Adrián discusses his professional evolution, love for Mexican cuisine and the exciting future of his businesses. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 02:23 Adrián’s upbringing connecting him to foods and flavors 09:23 Quality product, creative founder, future beer plans. 11:03 Mission style reflects California's heritage and history. 16:12 Hard seltzers blend Mexican and US flavors. 18:48 Working from home, planning Mexican restaurant concept. 23:01 Undecided on salsa type, considering green options. 24:02 Pitching business to investors, seeking funding soon. 26:38 Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge with Adrián González

On today’s episode, Kelly is joined by none other than NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Known for his incredible wins, including two Daytona 500 victories, Dale Jr. has seamlessly transitioned from racing royalty to podcasting superstar with "The Dale Jr. Download." Wondering what a NASCAR driver eats? Dale breaks down his race day diet, focusing on consistency with turkey, deli meat, and grilled chicken or salmon. He also talks about staying hydrated with water and Gatorade during those intense races. Dale then dives into his entrepreneurial ventures, discussing his bar and restaurant Whiskey River and the launch of High Rock Vodka in partnership with Sugarlands. There's even a tasty Bloody Mary recipe involved! Dale emphasizes the importance of education and honesty, highlighting how crucial it is for kids to aim high in school and be sincere. He believes that being truthful and fair can set children up for success in all areas of life. The conversation turns nostalgic as Dale shares a memorable moment from his childhood when his dad cooked frog legs at 3 AM, offering a unique glimpse into the quirky traditions that bond families. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Podcasting is fun and educational for Dale. 06:14 Long races require intense focus, hydration overlooked. 09:40 Some race car drivers are considered athletes. 13:19 Simulator racing helps with mental and physical skills. 17:24 Fell in love with creamsicle, became equity partners. 19:00 High Rock Vodka is unique and reasonably priced. 23:00 Encourage young racers to think beyond racing. 26:02 Amy will test High Rock in cooking. Affordable, high-quality, balances price, quality. 29:56 Found top cities, researched and donated $1M. 32:00 Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge with Dale Earnhardt Jr

In this hearty episode of Sports & Forks, host Kelly Senyei dives into a flavorful conversation with the multifaceted Gabby Reece. Not only is Reece a force on the beach volleyball court, but she also dominates in the realm of health and nutrition. Gabby, alongside her husband, surfing legend Laird Hamilton, founded Laird Superfood in 2015—a booming plant-based brand that offers an array of natural products, including their well-loved coffee creamers and protein bars. During the episode, Gabby shares the origins of the brand, the challenges they overcame, such as high-quality ingredient sourcing and cost management, and the brand's exponential growth, which led to their public offering in 2020. We get a glimpse into Gabby's role as the primary chef in her household, where healthy eating harmonizes with a palpable passion for good, uncompromised food. She enlightens us on the family ethos around mealtime, emphasizing the significance of shared meals without stringent dietary rules.  The topics traverse through her personal struggles with body image, her rational approach to feeding children, and raising them to have a positive relationship with food. Reece also dishes on new product developments at Laird Superfood, including a focus on protein-packed options designed for women. Join us as we sit down with Gabby Reece to talk about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the secret sauce to living a balanced, delicious life. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 05:53 Farmer's market for fresh veggies and basics. 08:43 Clear guardrails guide decisions, sustain energy. 10:36 Commitment leads to success, challenges are inevitable. 15:52 Discussing importance of protein in women's diets. 18:33 Tallest, biggest daughter challenges beauty and confidence. 22:50 Balancing athletics, modeling, and parenting with healthy eating. 23:31 Tough yet lenient mom with picky eaters. 27:37 Parenting challenges come and go, embrace all.

In today’s episode, we were thrilled to be joined by the multi-talented Eric Decker. Known best for his impressive career in the NFL as a deft wide receiver, Eric has made a seamless transition from the gridiron to the gourmet, specifically in the world of fine spirits. In this episode, our host Kelly Senyei dives deep with Eric into his current passion for elevating rum with his brand Campesino—its emphasis on sustainability, and its potential to be savored much like a fine bourbon. They explore the nuances of pairing rum with an array of dishes, the conception of a rum-infused pappardelle, and the idea of a cocktail cookbook that might just revolutionize your home bar. Beyond the bottle, Eric opens up about his family life, from his wife Jessie James Decker’s southern and Cajun cooking that stole his heart to the gardening and farming practices that enrich their children's lives. Listeners will get a glimpse into his well-rounded approach to health and well-being during his NFL days and the family's current culinary ventures. Grab a glass and toast to Eric’s winning route from sports to spirits! Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 03:25 NFL diet: Balanced, with focus on protein and carbs. 09:10 Experimented with growing vegetables during pandemic 13:10 Campesino Rum: journey, passion, distillery. 22:10 Focus on local education to expand brand. 26:54 Sports & Forks Quick Fire Challenge

In this episode, host Kelly Senyei sits down with the multi-talented Katie Austin and daughter of fitness icon Denise Austin. Katie is not just continuing the family legacy; she's carving her own path in the wellness world. Katie opens up about her journey, diving into her experiences prepping for her upcoming wedding, discussing her personalized app's bridal series that emphasizes confidence over crash diets. Katie's passion for cooking shines through as she recalls fond family memories in the kitchen, her simple yet creative culinary approach and the possibility of a collaborative cookbook with her mother. Listeners will get a taste of Katie's fitness philosophy, which mixes strength and HIIT over her mother's era of workouts, highlighting the shift in her training from competitive college athlete to an advocate for mental health through fitness. From her sustainable eating habits to her engaging stories about the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit community and her wedding cake Pinterest finds, this episode is a delightful blend of sports insight and culinary conversation. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 05:38 Aging made me change my eating habits. 06:57 Woman travels and cooks for family early. 10:42 Struggling to follow in famous mom's footsteps. 15:07 Eating based on body signals, not rules. 17:53 Wedding fitness program includes dance cardio, posture. 20:07 Flexible family-style dining with varied options. 22:32 Cake cutting ceremony with Italian style desserts. 26:43 Friends discussing changes in lifestyle and priorities. 30:04 Mantra: You are greater than your thoughts.

Today we’re joined by figure skating icon and Olympic gold medalist, Tara Lipinski. Tara's incredible journey began when she skated her way into the hearts of millions by winning gold at just 15 years old, making her the youngest to achieve the feat in the history of Olympic figure skating. Through the years, Tara has pivoted from the ice to the broadcast booth, where she and Johnny Weir provide engaging and educational commentary on the sport. In this episode, Tara opens up to Kelly about her deep connection with food, from her favorite pizza dip recipe and go-to lunch order, to her evolving palate and culinary adventures in New York City (with reference to a particular confection we all know and love: Levain Cookies). They touch on how Tara avoided the negative pressures of body image in figure skating and how her diet has changed, especially during her 5-year fertility journey to becoming a mother.  They also take a closer look at how Tara has championed infertility awareness by fostering open conversations about infertility and pregnancy loss. Tara shares the joy and gratitude she now experiences as a new mother, drawing parallels between the emotional relief of her daughter's birth and her Olympic triumphs. Tara's infectious enthusiasm for trying new foods, her tips for introducing diverse cuisines to children, her role as a host on Food Network, plus her passion for cake flavors and baking (sans walnuts in her chocolate chip cookies!) are all on the menu in this episode of Sports & Forks.  Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Intro 04:05 Olympic Figure Skating from young age 10:50 Focused on diet for fertility, now balanced. 16:29 Tara’s infertility journey  21:15 Authentic friendship creates a fun sports broadcast family. 27:40 New York expanded Tara’s basic food preferences. 35:58 Blank canvas for endless flavor possibilities. 36:37 Quick Fire Challenge with Tara Lipinski