This week, Emily sits down with Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion surfer Caroline Marks. Fresh off the premiere of her new film Now Days, Caroline discusses the incredible evolution of female surfing and what it’s like to travel the world competing against her closest friends and biggest rivals.

She dives deep into the "savage mode" mindset required to win, the courage it took to step away from the tour at age 19 to prioritize her mental health, and how she learned to embrace the discomfort of being out of her comfort zone to eventually stand on top of the podium in Paris. Whether you're a surfer or just looking for a spark of motivation, Caroline’s journey of self-belief and tenacity is sure to inspire you to find your own flow state.

In this episode:

• The making of the film Now Days and bringing female surfing to a mainstream audience.

• The unique camaraderie and rivalry among the world's top female surfers.

• Growing up as the only girl among four brothers and how it shaped her competitive edge.

• The transition from Florida to California and the pressure of early professional success.

• Navigating the "savage mode" mindset: turning competition on and off.

• Coming up short in Tokyo 2021 and the four-year mental game leading to Paris 2024.

• The decision to take a break from the tour at 19 for mental health and the healing process.

• Caroline’s personal "I Am" statements and her morning routine for success.

• Learning to appreciate life beyond the board: sunsets, family, and simple joys.

• What it feels like to finally be an Olympic Gold Medalist and a member of the Hall of Fame.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"The beauty of life is you just keep evolving and growing, and you’ve just got to ride the roller coaster."

"When I’m in the water, I just turn into a different person ... you just go into savage mode. I’m trying to win."

"Good things happen outside your comfort zone. The best moments of my life have been from when I’ve been uncomfortable."

"I’m brave, I’m confident, I put the work in, I’m powerful, and I am doing what I love."

"Knowing that you’re the only one that’s you—that’s like a superpower."

SOCIAL
@carolinemarks
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

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Talking about owning the things that I'm good at and surrendering to the things that I cannot control. Plus: Answering a listener question on what to take into consideration when signing up for a half-marathon.

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@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
@iheartwomenssports

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This week, Emily sits down with Alexandria Gilleo, a celebrity makeup artist and wellness entrepreneur who has worked with icons like Sue Bird, Ali Krieger, and Breanna Stewart. Alex shares the story of her sudden health crisis—a diagnosis of endometriosis that nearly led to emergency surgery on leading up to a what was supposed to be an epic trip to the Paris Olympics.

The conversation explores how Alex navigates the high-pressures of her work with balance living in th Hudson Valley. She details her #hurdlemoment following the loss of her father, which served as the catalyst for her deep dive into holistic wellness.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The "Sue Bird Method" of varying glam levels.

• Alex's non-negotiable morning and night rituals, featuring red light therapy and classical music.

• The power of manifestation and "execution boards."

• Why skin prep is the most important part of a long-lasting look.

• The evolving synergy between beauty and women's sports.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

• "I really try to sit down with them and look at their face and see what is going to help with making them feel the most beautiful, confident person on the field, off the field, on the court, whatever it is."

• "I feel like this generation of athletes understands that beauty can be utilized as a tool. Makeup is not necessarily a mask ... it’s more about amplifying the look and showing the world every side of who they are."

• "In order to get what it is that you want, you have to act like you already have it. You have to own it and be so confident with it."

• "Everything is figure-outable. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how dark, how lonely, how sad, how heartbreaking something can feel, it's always going to get better."

SOCIAL
@alexgill
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

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ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us 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.