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 Diet

03:13 Exploration and Philosophical Eating

08:55 Energizing Morning Drink Routine

11:53 Lost Taste for Sugary Foods

15:47 Sports Nutrition Evolution

17:56 Awakening to Health and Nutrition

21:37 Enhancing Diets with Laird Superfood

25:11 "Embrace Novelty and Self-Experimentation"

26:57 Innovative Instant Beverage Line

28:44 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 Overview

00:00 Intro

01:58 Surreal Wedding Amidst Palisades Files

06:19 Supporting Women's Reproductive Community

12:19 Progress in Women's Soccer Equality

13:17 Hope in Women's Soccer Progress

17:21 Pre-Game Meal Choices

20:33 Whole Foods Over Protein Shakes

24:49 Bubble Friendship During Lockdown

26:44 Beyond the Field: New Possibilities

30:43 Distance, Dreams, and Opportunities

35:29 Missing Home-Cooked Seafood

37:13 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 Overview

00:00 Intro

05:53 Tequila-Infused Salsa Creation

09:44 "Perfecting Product: A Collaborative Journey"

12:37 Creative Salsa Uses in Cooking

15:00 Diet and Routine Optimization

17:21 Pride in Children's Achievements

20:46 Creamy Super Hot Taco Sauce

22:35 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 Intro

04:57 Consulting Journey: Nutrition to Youth Coaching

07:22 "Ex-NFL QB's Coaching Insights"

10:43 Parenting Athletes: Constant Problem Solving

13:26 Redefining Health and Wellness Trends

18:09 Convenient Nutrition for Busy Parents

21:13 Athlete Draft Prep Nutrition Strategy

23:10 Chef, Private Jet, and Conversation

25:45 Natural Problem Solver Origins

30:29 Sports Nutrition and Injury Prevention

32:05 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 Intro

03:14 "Alabama Prepared Me for Life"

06:51 Cheerleader Dream at AT&T Stadium

11:12 Pre-Game Food and Snack Routine

14:21 Post-Game Meal Timing Challenges

18:34 Balancing Responsibilities and Passions

21:21 Legacy of Family Skills

26:23 Spectator's Experience at Cotton Bowl

30:40 Balancing Home, Family, and Travel

31:32 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 Intro

02:02 Diet between NFL and WWE

07:19 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 Coffee

35:35 Starting a community coffee roastery in Tampa.

40:37 Eating in Japan

43:13 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 Intro

03:07 Cooking Chaos with Kids

08:27 Cautious Eaters, Adventurous Travelers

10:20 How the Olympics Misguided My Nutrition Journey

12:12 Founding Beam Kids

16:21 Creative Uses for Clean Ingredients

19:45 Developing a Kid-Friendly Supplement

20:54 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.