Sabalenka's Engagement, FX's Love Story & Dream Dates with Jake Pates
Digest
The podcast features hosts discussing their recent travels to Paris for fashion week and Dublin for a rugby match, alongside personal anecdotes about unexpected adventures and setbacks. They delve into celebrity encounters, unique hobbies like taste tests, and creative activity ideas. The conversation shifts to a significant interview with two-time Olympian and mental health advocate Jake Pates. Pates shares his experiences with the Olympics, the challenges of snowboarding, including injuries and mental health, and his journey with social media. They explore themes of risk, sacrifice in sports, authenticity, and the concept of being "core" in snowboarding. The episode also includes discussions on ring trends, proposal preferences, and concludes with reflections on presence, gratitude, pre-competition rituals, and future aspirations, interspersed with advertisements for TurboTax and Peloton.
Outlines

Travel, Fashion, and Sports Adventures
The podcast begins with casual conversation about listening habits and introduces the show, sponsored by TurboTax. Hosts recount their experiences at Paris Fashion Week, including Stella McCartney's show, and a trip to Dublin for a rugby match, noting a preference for women's rugby. They share a spontaneous night out in Dublin and discuss celebrity encounters, including Peter Claffey, and the TV show "Bad Sisters." One host mentions being sick in New York while others traveled, and a unique salt and vinegar chip taste test event is mentioned.

Creative Ideas, Evening Plans, and Celebrity News
Future activity ideas like a cookie bake-off and egg drop contest are brainstormed. Evening plans include getting Thai food and watching a documentary about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. News of Irina Sabalenka's engagement sparks a discussion on proposal preferences, leaning towards surprise.

Ring Trends, Cultural Traditions, and Guest Introduction
The conversation explores ring trends, specifically lab-grown diamonds, and delves into cultural traditions surrounding wedding rings. The show introduces their guest, Jake Pates, a two-time Olympian and mental health advocate, highlighting his viral Valentine's Day TikTok and his status as a sought-after bachelor.

Jake Pates: Olympics, Snowboarding, and Mental Resilience
Jake Pates shares his positive Olympic experience, contrasting it with the pressure of competition. He discusses East Coast snow conditions, learning to snowboard, a significant injury, and his mental approach to performance, emphasizing gratitude and fun. The use of music during competitions is explained, including playlist choices and the potential for distraction.

Career Transitions, Personal Tragedy, and Social Media Strategy
Jake Pates discusses career transitions due to injuries, the associated mental health challenges, and a deeply personal story about a friend's suicide that motivated his return to snowboarding. He elaborates on past concussions, retirement decisions, and the ongoing management of injuries. His social media strategy, focused on authenticity and personality, is discussed, along with the impact of content like the "Thirsty Olympian" branding.

Snowboarding Culture, Authenticity, and Relationships
The concept of "core" in snowboarding is explored, defining it as a lifestyle embracing the sport's origins. Jake Pates embraces being called "corny" for the opportunities it brings. The discussion touches on DM sliding strategies, dating challenges, and navigating online perceptions, with a focus on using social media presence.

Olympic Village Life and Mental Preparation
Hosts compare their experiences in Olympic villages, contrasting different accommodations. Jake Pates discusses reduced pressure at recent Olympics due to working with a mental performance coach and focusing on gratitude and fun. He reflects on proudest athletic moments and the importance of presence and gratitude practices.

Pre-Competition Rituals, Injuries, and Future Plans
Pre-competition rituals are discussed, including quiet thankfulness and breathing techniques. Past injuries, ankle surgeries, and future plans post-Olympics are briefly mentioned. The X Games are highlighted as a pinnacle event in snowboarding alongside the Olympics.

Sibling Collaboration, Social Media, and Personal Routines
The sibling bond and professional collaboration as videographer and editor are highlighted. The importance of mixing personality with athletic prowess on social media is discussed. A game called "Try Hard" is introduced, and personal routines like coffee orders and morning/nighttime habits are shared. Favorite tattoos and humorous Olympic anecdotes are also covered.

Sentimental Items, Diets, and Dream Dates
A sentimental item, a cloth with lyrics, is shared, tied to a memory of a childhood dog. The concepts of "boy kibble" and "girl kibble" diets are discussed. The topic of "weirdest crushes" leads to animated character discussions. A "chore wheel" game is played, followed by a discussion of dream dates.

Literary Recommendations and Future Outlook
Reading habits, particularly audiobooks, are discussed, with Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" highly recommended. The idea of writing a romance novel is explored, touching on popular genres. The enduring appeal of Greek mythology and the concept of a "Roman Empire" as a recurring thought pattern are discussed. The conversation concludes with a discussion about potential future dates and opportunities.
Keywords
White Noise
A continuous, low-level sound used for masking other noises or promoting relaxation and focus. It's often used in audio production, sleep aids, and as a background sound in music playlists.
Fashion Week
An industry event where fashion designers showcase their latest collections to buyers, press, and the public. Typically held in major fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, London, and New York.
Celtic Rugby Challenge
A rugby competition featuring teams from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It provides a platform for women's rugby development and showcases talent within the sport.
Salt and Vinegar Taste Test
An event where participants sample and rank different brands of salt and vinegar flavored potato chips. It's a niche activity for chip enthusiasts to compare flavors and textures.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Diamonds created in a laboratory setting, possessing the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. They offer a more affordable and ethically sourced alternative.
Two-Time Olympian
An athlete who has competed in the Olympic Games on two separate occasions. This signifies a high level of dedication, skill, and sustained performance in their sport.
Mental Health Advocate
An individual who actively promotes awareness, understanding, and support for mental health issues. They often share personal experiences and advocate for better mental healthcare access.
East Coast Snow
Refers to the snow conditions typically found on the eastern side of North America, often characterized by icy or packed snow due to weather patterns, contrasting with the lighter powder found in western regions.
Presence
The state of being aware of and attentive to current surroundings and experiences. In sports psychology, it emphasizes focusing on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or future, crucial for optimal performance and enjoyment.
Gratitude Practice
A conscious and regular effort to acknowledge and appreciate the good things in one's life. This can involve journaling, verbalizing thanks, or mindful reflection, leading to increased well-being and a more positive outlook.
Pre-Competition Rituals
Specific actions or routines performed by athletes before a competition to mentally and physically prepare. These can include visualization, breathing exercises, or motivational practices, aiming to enhance focus and reduce anxiety.
X Games
An annual extreme sports event featuring athletes competing in various disciplines like snowboarding, skateboarding, and BMX. It is considered a major platform for showcasing talent and innovation in action sports.
Social Media Strategy
A plan for how an individual or brand will use social media platforms to achieve specific goals. This involves content creation, audience engagement, and platform optimization to build presence and connect with followers.
Morning Routine
A set of consistent actions performed upon waking up to start the day. Effective morning routines can promote productivity, well-being, and a sense of order, often including activities like exercise, meditation, or planning.
Tattoos
Permanent markings made on the skin by inserting pigment into the dermis layer. Tattoos can hold personal significance, artistic value, or serve as a form of self-expression, with designs ranging from symbolic imagery to intricate artwork.
Olympic Scandals
Controversial or noteworthy incidents involving athletes, officials, or events during the Olympic Games. These can range from doping violations and cheating allegations to personal misconduct, often attracting significant media attention.
Boy Kibble
A colloquial term for a simple, repetitive, and often protein-heavy meal plan typically consumed by men. It emphasizes convenience and basic nutritional needs, often consisting of staples like ground beef, rice, and vegetables.
Dream Date
An idealized romantic outing or experience. Dream dates often involve unique settings, exciting activities, and a deep connection with a partner, reflecting personal desires and romantic aspirations.
Q&A
What is the significance of "white noise" in the context of the podcast?
White noise is mentioned as a sound that one of the hosts listens to on Spotify, which has altered their music recommendations. It's also humorously noted as something a DJ might incorporate into a playlist, even during snowboarding runs.
What was the experience like at Stella McCartney's fashion show?
The show was held in a horse barn, featuring models walking a runway outside while horses performed choreographed routines inside. The hosts found the horses to be a highlight of the event.
What is the "Celtic Rugby Challenge"?
It's a rugby competition involving two teams each from Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The hosts attended a match between two Irish teams, finding it a fulfilling experience.
What was the outcome of the salt and vinegar taste test?
Ms. Vickies won the taste test. Despite taste buds being "fried" by the intensity of the flavors, Ms. Vickies was the only brand that still delivered a strong salt and vinegar punch.
What is Jake Pates' current purpose?
Jake Pates believes his purpose is to live amazing experiences, inspire people, give them hope, and offer a perspective change, motivating them to keep pushing forward, especially if they feel lost or hopeless.
What are the challenges of being a professional snowboarder or rugby player?
Athletes face financial struggles, especially when not earning money from their sport. They also deal with the physical toll, including repetitive concussions and injuries, and the pressure to perform for sponsors and maintain rankings.
What is the concept of "core" in snowboarding?
"Core" in snowboarding refers to a lifestyle that embraces the sport's origins and authenticity, often associated with a "ski bum" mentality even for professionals. It implies a certain nonchalance and a desire to not be overly known or trendy.
How does Jake Pates approach social media?
Jake Pates emphasizes authenticity and having fun with his content. He realized the value of social media during the Olympics, posting more frequently and embracing his personality, which led to increased engagement and confidence.
What is the significance of being "present" in sports and life?
Being present means fully engaging with the current moment, whether it's a sports competition or daily life. It helps athletes perform better by focusing on the task at hand and reduces stress by preventing dwelling on past mistakes or future anxieties.
How can gratitude practices benefit individuals?
Gratitude practices, like acknowledging things you're thankful for, can ground you, foster a positive mindset, and increase appreciation for your life and accomplishments. It helps maintain perspective, especially during challenging times.
What are some pre-competition rituals mentioned?
Rituals include quiet thankfulness, focusing on grounding elements, and specific breathing techniques like the Andrew Huberman method (two fast inhales, one long exhale). These help prepare mentally and physically.
What is the X Games and its importance in snowboarding?
The X Games are a major extreme sports event, considered a pinnacle alongside the Olympics for snowboarding. It's a legendary competition that athletes aspire to be invited to, showcasing high-level skills and innovation.
How has the sibling relationship influenced creative work?
The speaker's brother is a talented videographer and editor who has collaborated since childhood. This long-standing creative partnership has been integral to documenting their journey and producing visual content.
What is "boy kibble" and why is it relevant?
"Boy kibble" refers to a simple, repetitive meal plan often consisting of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, favored for its convenience. It's discussed in the context of basic, efficient nutrition for men.
What makes a dream date unique and memorable?
A dream date involves extraordinary experiences, like a private charter to the pyramids with a dinner and light show. It's about creating unforgettable moments and grand gestures that go beyond the ordinary.
What book is highly recommended for perspective?
Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" is highly recommended for its ability to provide perspective on life, especially during difficult times. Listening to it repeatedly can help navigate challenges and focus on what truly matters.
What is the "Roman Empire" concept in online discussions?
The "Roman Empire" concept refers to the idea that some men frequently think about or relate topics back to the Roman Empire. It's used to identify a person's recurring or default thought patterns.
What are some popular fantasy/mythology genres discussed?
Vampires, werewolves, and Greek mythology (like Percy Jackson) are discussed as popular genres. These stories offer escapism and explore themes of supernatural beings and ancient legends.
Show Notes
Ilona, Olivia, and Dre are joined by Milan's Valentine, snowboarder Jake Pates, to go a little deeper on looking for love at the Winter Olympics. Jake details his DM slide strategy, shows off the meaning behind his tattoos, and demonstrates for the girls how he landed his signature 1260 McTwist (with a tail grab!). He also speaks from the heart about losing belief in himself and finding his way out of darkness, making one of the most incredible comebacks the sport has seen with help from the legendary Hirano brothers. Before that, the girls gab about tennis legend Aryna Sabalenka's engagement to Georgios Frangulis, not knowing how the JFK Jr. Love Story ends, and linking up with Peter Claffey - aka Ser Dunk of the Seven Kingdoms himself - in Dublin. Grab some fresh pow and get into it!
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Book Nook:
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
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