The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: The Mindset of an American Record Holder: Sinclaire Johnson On Building Self-Belief, Mastering The Mile & Trusting Your Gut

   American record holder in the mile and Hoka professional athlete Sinclaire Johnson joins the show to discuss navigating the intense highs, setbacks, and transitions of elite middle-distance running. Sinclaire gets real about rebounding from a misdiagnosed sacral stress reaction, the emotional aftermath of placing fourth at the 2024 Olympic Trials with a personal best, and taking a leap of faith to sign with HOKA. She also breaks down how working with a sports psychologist redefined her inner dialogue from chasing perfection to pursuing excellence, her lap-by-lap tactical mindset during the mile, and her life away from competition—including first-dance choreography and wedding planning with her fiancé and coach, Craig. IN THIS EPISODE Navigating Injury & Recovery: Managing the frustration of a misdiagnosed sacral stress reaction and rebuilding base fitness during an off-year. The 2024 Trials Perspective: Processing the heartbreak of missing the team by one spot while still celebrating a two-second PR. Coaching & Life Dynamics: What it looks like to be coached by her fiancé, Craig, and how their partnership reignited her joy for training. The Move to Hoka: Stepping into a major sponsorship shift, collaborating directly on shoe prototypes in Portland, and feeling valued as an athlete. Excellence Over Perfection: Shifting self-talk, overcoming imposter syndrome on global start lines, and leaning into unfiltered vulnerability on YouTube. The Anatomy of a Fast Mile: A detailed look inside her race strategy, from staying relaxed through 800m to the physical blur of the final 200m. Life Off the Oval: Wedding preparations, practicing dance lifts, and staying true to her everyday self. QUOTABLE MOMENTS "We’re not striving for perfection, because no one’s perfect. Instead, we’re striving for excellence. How can I be excellent today? How can I be excellent tomorrow?" "There’s nothing that makes you feel more alive than feeling like you’re going to die on the track." "Your gut, your intuition, will never lead you astray. If you trust yourself and listen to that inner voice, you’re on the right path." "I am an ultracompetitive person on the line, but at the end of the day, we put the guard down and celebrate each other. That camaraderie is what makes middle-distance running so special." SOCIAL @sinclairejohnson @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate @iheartwomenssports JOIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Hurdle IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASK ME A QUESTION: Email [email protected] to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   August 25, 2026·51min
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   Number 2: At What Cost: Jess Sims on Setting Boundaries, Injury Lessons & Embracing Imperfection

   Peloton favorite, ESPN host, and sideline reporter Jess Sims sits down for an intimate, vulnerable conversation about what it truly means to slow down, listen to your gut, and navigate life’s biggest transitions. Jess opens up about expanding her broadcast career onto national stages like First Take and College GameDay, how she actively quiets her inner "Gremlin," and why she now filters every new opportunity through the question: “At what cost?” She also shares how she navigated the profound grief of losing her father, what a multi-year injury journey taught her about self-worth and starting over, and the power of embracing neutral self-talk over toxic positivity. IN THIS EPISODE Slowing Down & Setting Boundaries: Why Jess is moving away from the "it'll slow down after this project" mentality and how she creates restorative space at her upstate home. Expanding Her Role at ESPN: Entering her fifth year, making the leap into guest-hosting First Take, and the distinct mindset shift required for live national television debates. Taming the "Inner Gremlin": Recognizing negative self-talk, separating automatic emotional reactions from intentional responses, and leading with gut instinct. Aligning Decisions with Your Mission: Rooting choices in core values (health, community, purpose) and learning how Jess's background in education and team sports shaped her lifelong mission to uplift others. Navigating Difficult Conversations: Why clarity gives you what you need (even if it’s not what you want) and the courage required to live outside the gray area. Grief, Loss, and Honor: Experiencing the loss of her father, reframing the non-linear nature of grief, and creating space for raw emotion in fitness classes and community spaces. Reframing Injury as Information: Overcoming a torn meniscus, finding joy in being a beginner again, and keeping identity separate from physical output. Her Current Training Stack: Transitioning away from marathon training, working with a personal trainer, and balancing discipline with real-life fun. Neutrality Over Toxic Positivity: How Jess looks in the mirror today, embracing imperfection, and giving herself grace on the days when "positive" feels out of reach. QUOTABLE MOMENTS "Becoming is better than being ... there's something about learning that excites me." "Clarity gives you what you need, even if it doesn't give you what you want." "I'm me. I'm never going to be anyone else. Might as well hype myself up in the best way that I can. And if I can't push myself to positive, just keep it to neutral." SOCIAL @jesssims @emilyabbate @iheartwomenssports JOIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Hurdle IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASK ME A QUESTION: Email [email protected] to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   August 18, 2026·59min
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   Number 3: The Discipline of a World Champion: Twanisha 'TeeTee' Terry On Navigating Forced Rest, Star Athletics & Finding Clarity In The Comeback

   Olympic and World Champion sprinter Twanisha "TeeTee" Terry joins the show to talk about navigating the mental and physical hurdles of forced rest. Sidelined by a lower back injury during what was supposed to be a dominant year, TeeTee opens up about shifting from “Phenomenal 2026” to “Patient 2026,” working through the frustration of moving recovery timelines, and finding clarity alongside her Star Athletics training group. She also discusses the mental shift between running the 4x100m relay versus the open 100m, how she cultivates passions outside of track—from crocheting and Lego building to authoring children’s books and running her nonprofit—and why staying true to yourself is the ultimate measure of success. IN THIS EPISODE Navigating Forced Rest & Injury: TeeTee breaks down the lower back injury that halted her season, managing timeline pushbacks, and the mental shift required to embrace “Patient 2026.” The Power of Communication & Clear Milestones: How transparent conversations with coaches Dennis Mitchell and Sharif Lewis, alongside PT Brian, helped align everyone on realistic recovery goals. The Need for a True Reset: Why asking for a complete week off to visit family and her college coach helped reset her mental drive. Open 100m vs. 4x100m Relay Mindset: Breaking out of robotic “technical mode” in individual blocks to channel the unmatched confidence she brings to the second leg of the relay. Track & Field’s Accessibility Hurdle: Why the gap between the everyday running boom and track fandom comes down to broadcasting paywalls, fragmented meet schedules, and media access. Life Beyond the Oval: How writing children’s books, crocheting, building Legos, and running Starting Blocks for Dreams provide balance and identity beyond athletics. Academic Discipline: Earning a bachelor’s degree from USC in three years, completing a master’s in one, and balancing 20-unit semesters during heavy training blocks. Learning Healthy Selfishness: Why the natural “team mom” and eldest of seven had to learn to protect her own cup before pouring into others. QUOTABLE MOMENTS "I really was on go all those years, so I’m definitely looking at it as a moment to be able to step back and just rest. Even though it was a forced rest, I’m okay with it." "You have to see yourself working for something. I know you’re not competing, but aim as if you’re working to compete... because that will help your healing." "Comparison is the thief of joy. Make sure you’re focusing on yourself and trusting your own journey." "I never know who’s watching. You want to make sure you’re you, through and through, and you just stay true to who you are." SOCIAL @teeteeterry_ @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate @iheartwomenssports JOIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Hurdle IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASK ME A QUESTION: Email [email protected] to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   September 01, 2026·54min
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   Number 4: 5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Motivation Follows Action (Not the Other Way Around)

   We’re back! In this 5-Minute Friday, Emily gets real about navigating the messy, anxious, and exciting headspace that comes right before leaving for a month-long trip to Australia and running the Sydney Marathon. Between late-night concerts, marathon taper phantom pains, and a packed travel schedule, one big question keeps coming up: How do you keep showing up consistently? Emily breaks down the two mindset shifts that keep her moving—even when motivation is nowhere to be found. Plus, she answers a listener question about how to achieve the ultimate slicked-back low bun without damaging your hair. IN THIS EPISODE Jess Sims on Hurdle TIGI Bed Head Hair Stick (Wax Stick) SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast @iheartwomenssports SUBSCRIBE: Hurdle's YouTube Channel SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASK ME A QUESTION: Email [email protected] to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   August 21, 2026·9min
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   Number 5: Finding Answers: Colleen Quigley on Injury Lessons, Stepping Into HYROX & Owning Her Worth

   This week on Hurdle, Emily sits down with Olympian, lululemon ambassador, and Meridia founder Colleen Quigley for a candid, post-USATF Championships catch-up in New York City. Ten years after making her first Olympic team, Colleen reflects on the physical and mental shifts that have reshaped her career. After finally getting clarity on a decade-long foot injury, Colleen shares how embracing that answer allowed her to release the pressure of track racing and open the door to exciting new challenges—including stepping into the world of HYROX, navigating a major home renovation in Boulder, and stepping into her power as a brand advocate and team leader. Together, Emily and Colleen dive into what it takes to own your worth as an athlete, the importance of telling authentic stories beyond a 15-second social clip, and why trusting your gut is the ultimate key to conquering life's hurdles. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Finding Clarity & Letting Go: Colleen details the breakthrough image that revealed a chronic Lisfranc injury and arthritic foot changes, giving her the peace and permission to step away from chasing track trials and shift toward new goals. Entering the HYROX World: Why Colleen is diving into HYROX training, how it fulfills her need for high-energy indoor events, and the spontaneous doubles pact forged right on the mic. The Evolution of Team Meridia: Transitioning from competing alongside her teammates to serving as a full-time leader and story-teller, giving female athletes the mic to share their full journeys. Navigating Brand Deals & Self-Worth: Colleen breaks down how she learned to negotiate without an agent, why saying "no" creates space for the right partnerships, and how she empowers her athletes to recognize their market value. Life in Boulder & Modern Content: A look at Colleen and Kevin's massive historic home renovation, plus a discussion on why audiences crave raw, long-form connection over hyper-polished social clips. QUOTABLE MOMENTS "I don't know if there's anything that will make me feel the way that trying to go to the Olympics made me feel ... but I'm just ready for a new challenge. I'm ready for something different that makes me get excited and doesn't make me feel defeated." "I'm excited to be able to say yes to those things that I've been missing out on... to say yes to fun runs, vacations, or doubles at HYROX. Saying yes to a lot of new, fun adventures." "Every single deal doesn't have to work out. It just makes space for something else. You have to have some kind of trust that the world is going to look out for you, as long as you're showing up in a way you can be proud of." "If you believe it to be true and you feel like you know something, own it and act accordingly." SOCIAL @steeple_squigs @emilyabbate @iheartwomenssports JOIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Hurdle IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASK ME A QUESTION: Email [email protected] to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   August 11, 2026·1h 4min
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