Secretly Sporty

Former wildland firefighter and author of Wildfire Days Kelly Ramsey talks to Sebastian about the rigorous physical training she undertook to fight some of the most intense fires in the world. She shares how she increased her running pace — and what form of exercise helps her most when she’s stuck on a writing project. She also tells Sebastian how becoming a mother has changed her relationship to exercise, and how backpacking helped her through one of the lowest moments in her life. Plus, she shares the gym playlist that gets her pumped up.

Actor Brendan Bradley, with over 100 credits in movies, TV shows, video games, and commercials — including 9-1-1, NCIS, & Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas — talks with Sebastian about his swimming practice, how getting ultra-ripped challenged his self-identity, and why journaling has become an essential activity for him.  He goes in-depth into how he changed his fitness routine to get into character as the lead of the film The Devil and the Daylong Brothers, and what restrictions he had to abide by when he was the spokesperson for Staples. Plus, he describes the powerful experience he had while walking the Camino de Santiago.

Acclaimed New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie joins Sebastian for a wide-ranging conversation about his lifting practice, his love of the mid-twentieth century aesthetic, and how his sense of style is one of his biggest motivators to hit the weights. They also have an in-depth discussion about the depiction of masculinity in The Matrix, Fight Club, American Psycho, and Mad Men. Plus, Jamelle relates his quest to deadlift 500 pounds and reveals which type of music he only listens to in the gym.

Michelle Millar Fisher -- Curator of Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston -- talks to Sebastian about turning to running during a period of intense grief, following the deaths of her mother and her former partner (Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit). She shares how running then became an essential part of her routine, and what it’s like to come back to it after giving birth to her daughter. She and Sebastian also discuss the 90s UK music scene, the challenges of IVF, and how specializing in craft and design influences her approach to running clothes. Plus, she reveals which half-marathon gives you a lobster roll at the end.  This episode contains a discussion of a suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to https://speakingofsuicide.com/resources/ for a list of additional resources. 

In our second episode of Rest Day Radio, musicians Thor Harris and Peggy Ghorbani (of Thor & Friends) share with Sebastian how their long-running exercise routines aid them in songwriting, energize them on tour and off, and keep them healthy in body and mind. They also reflect on how Thor & Friends evolved in step with their relationship. Thor has recorded and toured with artists like Swans, Bill Callahan, and Shearwater; he recounts stories of staying fit on the road. Peggy reveals which music can motivate her through even the toughest workouts.  Plus, Thor describes the surprising way he solved his knee pain. 

Award-winning journalist Bonnie Tsui, author of Why We Swim and On Muscle, joins Sebastian to discuss why she loves surfing in cold water, the swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco, and why she opts out of music in the gym.  She also reflects on how writing Why We Swim changed her own swimming practice, and she discusses the community she’s found while surfing — animals included!  Plus, she reveals the hilarious name for a whale’s butt muscle.