Ali Riley: From Professional Soccer Captain to Plant-Based Cookbook Author

Laird Hamilton: The Big Wave Surfing Legend Conquers the Superfood Space

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

Ali Riley: From Professional Soccer Captain to Plant-Based Cookbook Author

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!

Alex Bregman: From the Astros to the Red Sox, and Launching a Salsa Line In-Between

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!

Jordan Palmer: Coaching NFL Stars & Fueling the Next Generation

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!

Reece Weaver: The Surprising Diet of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

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!