Secretly Sporty

Secretly Spooky is here! First up is the “Scream Queen of Film Scoring”: composer Holly Amber Church. She joins Sebastian to sing the praises of the online fitness community she’s found, why she chose a plant-based diet, and how, as she approached middle-age, she embraced doing it all when it comes to fitness. She goes in-depth on how she came up with her Emmy-nominated main title theme for Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities and why string instruments are so versatile when it comes to raising tension. This episode features music from the movie The Other. Also, Sebastian and Austen celebrate Secretly Sporty’s Signal Award nomination! Vote for us here!

Comedian Dru Johnston (The Chris Gethard Show, Funny or Die, MTV’s VMAs) speaks with Sebastian about how running provides a counterbalance to an entertainment career that often feels out of his control, and reminds him that the most important thing is to just keep going - keep writing, keep performing. He talks about the inspiration for his Substack “I’ve Got the Runs” and shares the most memorable moments from running the New York City Marathon. He also gives a preview of his new sketch show “We’re Dads Now, So We Shouldn’t Be Doing This” — and does a killer impression of Ed Kowalczyk from the band Live!

Journalist Makeda Easter joins Sebastian to discuss her new passion for Samba dancing and how she uses dance as a way to find community and discover new cities. She also shares about her upcoming book on the history of roller skating and reveals how different US cities have their own unique styles. She speaks about how she was initially skeptical of CrossFit gyms, but took a chance on one, and was surprised to discover how much she loved it. She also opens up about her complicated relationship with her writing career. Plus, Sebastian and Austen report back on how their workouts went after eating bananas with salt.

Television writer Brent Forrester (The Simpsons, The Office, Space Force) shares how his passion for surfing helps him ride out the emotional roller coaster of working in Hollywood. He discusses the creative ways he’s brought fitness into the writers’ room and spills who won a push-up contest amongst the writers of The Office. He also reminisces on how he went from hating surfing to being someone who chases big waves for pleasure, and how a desire to be a better swimmer led him to compete in the Aquathalon world championships. Plus, he details the exact writing schedule that keeps him disciplined and prolific.   Check out Brent’s Instagram and YouTube for lessons on the craft of comedy.

Acclaimed author Emily Nemens discusses her recent essay “The Back Meets the Nose”, which chronicles her harrowing experience with a debilitating back injury & its effects on her running life.  She catches us up on her recovery process, and details how devastating it was to lose her ability to run, sharing what it meant to be a runner for so long.  She also delves into her baseball novel The Cactus League, talks Nikolai Gogol, and shares some of her favorite baseball narratives of all time.  Plus, she offers a critique of Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. 

Author Michael Copperman discusses his new book Seeking Kenny: A Wrestler’s Journey, reveals why he loves bouldering, and reflects on the ways that his days as an elite high school wrestler still impact his approach to fitness and nutrition today.  He also speaks about his experience being raised by two Aikido masters and what techniques he still uses from the martial art.   Plus, he shares underrated aspects of climbing gyms.

Award-winning music critic Ben Ratliff joins Sebastian to discuss his book Run the Song, which was longlisted for the 2025 National Book Award, and how running helps him think about music in unpredictable ways. He also shares how he started running in 40s, why he never tracks his mileage or sets goals, and how he used his daily runs to navigate leaving his job at the New York Times after 20 years. Plus, he reveals his favorite trail running shoe. 

Celebrated singer-songwriter Laura Veirs discusses her new album Temple Songs and how the production process was a milestone in her career.  She delves into why she loves group fitness classes and how long bike rides helped her process her divorce.  She also pushes back against the myth that an artist needs to feel tortured and unhealthy to make great work, and explains why, for her, the best songs come from when she feels healthy and stable.  Plus, she asks Sebastian for tips from past guests about how to maintain a workout schedule while touring.