IF IT AIN'T ON THE PAGE, IT AIN'T ON THE STAGE | SOSIE BACON + JOE MANTEGNA

Premiering on Jan 21st, Prime Video dropped As We See It which follows 3 neurodiverse 20-somethings who are roommates as they navigate getting their lives together and figuring out what they want to do. Played by actors who are on the autism spectrum, we see them go to work, push past their fears, have relationships with family and friends and more. In addition, we also see how their friends and family navigate their independence as well as the importance of having guidance by their aide. If you have yet to see this 8 episode series that is out now, there are spoilers in this interview that we had with Sosie Bacon (13 Reasons Why, NARCOS: Mexico, Mare of Easttown) who plays the life coach aide Mandy and Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds, The Simpsons, The Godfather: Part III) who plays Lou, a father to Jack who is autistic. We talk about the importance of representation as well as diversity. We also talk about the themes that are discussed in this comedic drama.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What attracted you to wanting to be in As We See It?

SOSIE BACON: It was a great pilot script at a time that there were so many scripts coming in, but none of them was something that I was connected to – but I was auditioning for all of them. When you find a good one, you just hope that it’s randomly the one that you get. In this situation, it actually worked out that way as it never does. I think that the relationships are just so clear and so funny as well as touching. Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Roswell) has such a way with writing and every scene has such an arc and it’s a dream for an actor to be able to work with him because it’s easy. It’s all there, it’s all written and all you have to do is be in the character and be in the moment and play. So dream job!

AM: How did you prepare for the role of being Mandy?

SB: Originally, we shot the pilot 2 years before we shot the rest of the show because of COVID and all of that stuff. So with the pilot, I think that there were a lot of things with Mandy that were very similar to me – it’s actually the closest to my personality that I have ever played. I thought that that would be easy, but it was actually more difficult! I did my normal process of preparation which I will spare you, but I observed Elaine Hall who was our on set rep – their life coach like my character Mandy for Rick Glassman (Barely Famous, Undateable, Nobodies) Albert Rutecki, Sue Ann Pien (Ballers, Hellraiser: Revelations, Morgan Spurlock Inside Man). She has a program called The Miracle Project which is at the Wallis Annenburg Center for the Performing Arts adults on the spectrum do theater and write plays and they have aids there with them. I watched and observed and it was great. It was super informative and I was interested in finding out how they talk to each other, what’s the communication like, how much do they teach versus guide and that was so helpful. I learned a lot from that. Elaine was also on set all the time so I could ask her.

AM: Was there an additional person besides Elaine that told you about aides? I had never heard of this or knew that there was someone who was involved in that way.

SB: Yeah, Elaine told me about some people Mandy’s age who had that job sort of right after they graduated college and I talked to one girl who does this. It’s a job that people have and I wasn’t fully aware of it either. Elaine was just an amazing resource for all things about autism and aides. She has dedicated her life to it and I could just ask her questions all of the time and it was just incredible.

AM: One of the things that was interesting was that we see the 3 roommates, they have their own lives, they’re together and we see them with their families, but you’re character is the only one who truly integrates and sees the birds eye views with the highs and the lows - what was it like to be involved in this show that shares the diversity of what autism is?

SB: I think that that’s one of the great things about this show is that every person with autism is different. I think that sometimes people get wrapped up in these medical diagnoses that’s just a set of options that if you check off enough – you’re autistic – you know what I mean? There are things on there that I have, you know what I mean? It’s such a mathematical science with a lot of medicine, but everyone is completely different – like meeting me and then meeting my brother. I don’t think that there is one kind of mold to talk to any person in this world and I think that the beauty of the character that Jason wrote in Mandy is that she is adaptable. She is a person, open and non judgmental – she can navigate all of it. Elaine will tell you too – there are no sets of rules. Everybody will surprise you. Did I answer your question?

AM: Yes. To be honest, as someone who was not well versed in this topic, watching the series and the characters really opened up this world of what it means to be on the spectrum as the abilities are as varied as the goals, they are various focuses and needs/interests. There are some things that they can do that are easier than others and seeing it across 3 people really reflected that there hasn’t been a show showing autism like this in its varied forms and it was eye opening.

SB: Totally and everyone is different. It’s like what I said, it’s a diagnosis. I mean if you look at ADD this person has it and that person has it, but I feel like when you’re saying learning differences this term is kind of a joke. I don’t know what we’re weighing it against – who has the normal brain – I don’t know if I have ever met someone with that. What does that mean?

I like that they’re showing people at different levels and how everyone is experiencing life differently.

AM: Truly after watching the 8 episodes, I wanted there to be more and to go deeper into these stories! If there was a second season, what would you like to explore with Mandy and the clients that she has if you were able to give some notes?

SB: Well I certainly don’t want Mandy to quit – ha!

AM: That’s for sure!

SB: I think that there are so many different ways that it could go! I will leave that up to Jason, but I would want them to be able to stay together. I love all of the things that have happened. Things happen and we watch how they process them. To me, that’s my favorite stuff. I like to see friends and family deal with real life issues. Every single person in this show is dealing with real life issues they have so much room to have so many things happen. I want to see how they all deal with it!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What drew you to As We See It and why did you want to be involved?

JOE MANTEGNA: Well, I’ve said this before, but one of my sayings in my career is, “if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage.” In this instance, it was on the page. So when I read that first pilot script, I thought to myself that this was one of the best pieces of television writing that I have read in my career. Also having a personal connection where I have a daughter with autism who is 34 years old now. That and the quality of the script resonated with me very strongly. My initial feeling was, I want to meet with this Jason Katims regardless – even if I end up not being able to do the show because I want to talk to him and let him know how good I think that this is and how successful that I think that it should be. We’ll see where it goes from there. As it turned out, where it went from there was that I ended up being able to play the role and wound up doing all 8 episodes and I think it came out the way that I hoped they would. So it was all that I hoped that it would be.

AM: What was your process like in being able to play Lou?

JM: Part of it was being a father of a 34 year old daughter with autism. I did a lot of that preparation just in my life. Not that it made it easier, but it made it something that I could certainly relate to aspects of it as it’s not all the same – because it’s not. You know, people in the autism spectrum are going to run the gamut just like people who are not on the autism spectrum. People are people – people are different.

But in terms of prep, you know I have been doing this a long time. I’ve been an actor for over 50 years and I have been on the planet for 70 years. So if nothing else, I have a lot of life experience going for me. I think that all of those things come into play and sometimes it’s hard to point to one thing or a couple of things, but I was just happy to do something that I thought had humor, had pathos, was serious and yet could laugh at itself, make people laugh and be very honest.

It made it easy. I think you have to prepare harder for things that need the attention and needs the work. This didn’t need to be fixed.

AM: In watching the storyline between your character, Lou and his son Jack, there were two themes that kept jumping out. Advocacy – how Lou was with his son and how the son was trying to be so with Lou. The concept of passing was also evident here. Typically when this term is discussed it has a racial construct around it but here the story shares that you character wants to live his life and to pass as someone who doesn’t have cancer so he can just live his life and with Jack, we see him wanting to live his life in a way that no one knows that he has autism. Why was it important that these 2 themes needed to be explored?

JM: Because I think that that’s what happens in life. Again, it’s an honest portrayal in that life itself is not one dimensional. I’m always amazed by the fact that you can read a story and you figure that that person has the world by the tail and then you read a week later that that person committed suicide and then you wonder what was going on there. Because on the surface, it looked like everything was hunky-dory. That’s what I mean and I think it’s just that. Everyone has more complexities than are sometimes apparent on the surface. That’s what’s explored here as well between myself and Rick’s character.

AM: You know, after watching the 8 episodes, I was hoping that there was more! It was really good! How do you think that your character Lou felt about his son and all of the progress that he made?

JM: Well I mean, obviously it’s still a work in progress as it should be. In other words, if all is right with the world, we will get the opportunity to move onto episode 9 and beyond to be able to continue and tell the story. Where we end it is like, “ok, this is where we are at this point in the story.” If people want to see it badly enough, we will just keep on as we do in life. You know, we don’t know and no one has a roadmap of what their life is going to be. You don’t know what tomorrow is going to be and so you just take each day as it comes and play it by ear and see where it takes you. So that’s the story that we told in 8 episodes now let’s see if we have the opportunity to keep expanding on top of that to see where it takes us.

AM: I hope so! A few years ago, we had the opportunity to go to Autism Speak’s Chef Gala that they held here in NY and it was really amazing to be at that event and to hear from those that are driving awareness as well as to hear from those in the culinary world who have a personal connection. What I was struck by in this series was learning about the diversity of those that are on the autism spectrum and to be able to show it across 3 different characters. I hope that there are more episodes and seasons because it was beautiful and truly educational.

JM: Thank you and I agree. Without question, it’s very high quality and I think it deserves to be continued.

AM: If there are additional episodes and seasons, what would you like to tackle?

JM: I’d like to tackle Lou going into remission so that Lou is still around for awhile!

AM: Um right?

JM: Beyond that, let’s cross that bridge first and see where that takes us!

IG @sosiebacon

@joemantegna

PHOTOS COURTESY | Prime Video

Hear Sosie Bacon and Joe Mantegna on our show, Bungalow SK - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of ATHLEISURE MAG and see IF IT AIN’T ON THE PAGE, IT AIN’T ON THE STAGE | Sosie Bacon + Joe Mantegna in mag.

TOGETHER AGAIN | KRISTEN KISH, JUSTIN SUTHERLAND + JEREMY FORD

There's nothing like having your favorite comfort dish and having it recreated by a chef! The second season of TRU TV's Fast Foodies drops Jan 27th with Chef Kristen Kish (Bravo's Top Chef Season 10 Winner and chef/owner of Arlo Grey), Chef Justin Sutherland (Iron Chef America Winner, Top Chef Season 16 contestant and chef/owner of Handsome Hog) and Chef Jeremy Ford (Top Chef Season 13 Winner and chef/owner of Stubborn Seed and The Butchers Club). We catch up with the trio to talk about their latest season, what they're excited for and they give us the scoop on what they have in their kitchens for their Fast Foodies fix!

ATHLEISURE MAG: How excited are you for the second season of Fast Foodies?

CHEF JEREMY FORD: It’s so crazy how fast it goes by! You’re waiting, waiting, waiting for editing to be done and then you’re like it’s time to go!

AM: Do you know if the 3rd season has already been greenlit or are you keeping your fingers crossed?

CHEF JF: Fingers crossed for sure! I think that we have something pretty special.

AM: I love the concept, it’s really cool. Being someone that is also a stylist, I love anytime you have the opportunity to see people who are skilled at what they do in one way and how they want to pair it down for themselves when they’re just flowing. In our culinary podcast Athleisure Kitchen, we always like asking chefs what they really love to eat and what they like to do after a long day so it’s cool that you are sharing that with people and they are getting that insight!

CHEF JF: Yeah, I feel that the fancier the food that you do at work is the more simpler you want the food to be outside of it!

AM: Kristin how excited are you that the 2nd season is coming back?

CHEF KRISTEN KISH: Oh my gosh, I'm so excited I mean we’ve already filmed it obviously! It’s the anticipation of being able to have it out there and for everyone to see what we know is coming and that also is really exciting! I’m ready for it to be here and to just get it started!

AM: How is it with you guys because the 3 of you seem like the best of friends! So being able to just be on set together and doing what you love must be a lot of fun!

CHEF KK: Honestly, I knew of the guys and even in the first episode, first season, was like immediate chemistry and connection. They’re forever friends and they’re family at this point. It’s really cool to develop a friendship over a really cool work project!

AM: It’s so great to be able to chat with all 3 of you and before we delve into the 2nd season, what initially drew you to this show? We have 2 Top Chef winners and an Iron Chef winner – how did you guys combine your super powers to do this show?

CHEF JUSTIN SUTHERLAND: For me, I wanted to be able to do it because it was kind of the anti all the other shows that have been done. We have all done Top Chef, Iron Chef and different forms of competition or high stressed competitions that don’t really build friendships. Sometimes, they tear them apart. Especially at the time that we were filming season 1, we were beginning this pandemic and the world was just different and it felt like such a light hearted fun show without too much weight on it and just a way to just cook amazing food and to have fun.

CHEF KK: I think for me, the most exciting part is that once you hear the concept, you got the flights booked and then you’re ready to go because we all said yes – I still remember that first meeting because we all arrived separately – because it was very much COVID times. We got out and it was like, do we hug, do we high 5? I remember thinking, do we do this? Then we went into the kitchen and we just started cooking and for me, I hadn’t cooked in a long time like that in a chef inspired space with people around me because we were in lockdown. So that was the moment when I realized that my soul needed this.

CHEF JF: Yeah I mean, season 2 was funner because we knew what we were doing and I felt that I had a better grip on it. But yeah, getting that phone call and being able to cook with these 2 great chefs – I was super stoked to learn from them. That’s exactly what I got to do and we became friends and I was able to learn from them as well.

AM: For those that may not have seen the show yet, what’s the basic premise that they can expect from last season and this one as well?

CHEF KK: I feel like people are going to be excited. In season 1 we did 10 episodes and this season we’re coming back with a little bit more with 12. We’ve not only opened up the possibility of what fast food is whether it’s fast casual or perhaps places that you wouldn’t even associate with fast food and with that, it opens up with categories of guests not only from Oscar nominated writers and directors to comedians, athletes and SNL alums. We run the gamut of categories and variety.

AM: What has been your favorite part in being on this show especially in looking at the second season?

CHEF JS: I love meeting all of the celebrity guests that we have. Jessie Tyler Fergusson was on this year – he’s a riot! I think it’s getting to meet these folks that I have always been a huge fan of and then being able to cook for them is one of my favorite parts!

CHEF JF: I think for me, it’s being able to cook with literally no rules an no boundaries unabashed. We all get to be creative when we’re doing new restaurants but a lot of time when we're cooking, it’s very much much in an expected style in that concept of a restaurant or with some sort of rules. I think that we all came here and have been able to cook and try things that we have never had to before. There’s no consequences and there are no rules. Yes it’s a competition but you know we’re really expanding our boundaries and learning from each other. I think that being able to cook in a way that none of us have in a long time.

AM: What are 3 items that you guys like to have on hand in your own kitchens after a long day and you want to be able to make a dish that hits that Fast Foodie fix?

CHEF KK: Well I say that your condiment game can change anything! Whether you buy it or you home make it. I mean Kewpie – I’m sorry Justin, but it’s literally my favorite thing to put on everything! I will dip carrots in it, I don’t care! So Kewpie and some kind of chili crunch which is very popular these days. So I say that the condiment game has to be very on point.

CHEF JS: Hot sauce for me, I think I am going to keep that as my go-to. I have a cabinet of over 100 hot sauces and that goes along with the condiments. Being able to change heat levels on stuff. If you’re talking about bases of foods that you can do many many things with if you’re kind of playing college dorm room Chopped, I always have eggs and potatoes on hand. Eggs are extremely versatile and you can make so many different things with them. The same can be said with potatoes. You can fry it, bake it and chop it up and put it into things. If you’re trying to scramble and make multiple different meals, those are two things that are great bases to have.

CHEF JF: There’s always leftovers at my house and my beautiful other half always has something in the fridge and sometimes I will do a combo where I will take leftover noodles, I’ll take Justin’s egg and fry it on top of the noodles. I like to take whatever is in the fridge with leftovers and take meat from Tuesday, add it to Wednesdays’ noodles and then obviously cover it with a bunch of stuff sauce wise.

AM: It becomes a Friday special at that point!

Do you guys have any projects coming up that you want to share that we should keep an eye out for beyond the second season of Fast Foodies?

CHEF JS: I have a cookbook dropping Sept 22nd so deeply working on that. I have 2 other television projects that will be coming out. One is pretty soon next month and there is another one for next year. I can’t share the names yet, but they will both be out soon.

CHEF KK: I have a memoir I’m writing and that will come out at either the end of this year or beginning of next year. That depends on how fast I can recall every memory that I have ever had. It’s a lot! Similar to Justin, I have 2 television projects; one that is already filmed and one I start filming next month. So those will be releasing with one this year and one at the beginning of next year.

CHEF JF: I just opened up a restaurant here in Palm Beach Gardens called the Butchers Club so if you’re ever around and want a yummy steak, that’s where I will be!

IG @chefjeremyford

@kristenlkish

@chefjustinsutherland

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | TRU TV's Fast Foodies/Anna Maria Lopez

Hear Chef/Restaurateurs, TV Personality and Hosts of TRU TV's Fast Foodies’ Kristen Kish, Justin Sutherland and Jeremy Ford on our show, Athleisure Kitchen - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

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Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see TOGETHER AGAIN | Kristen Kish, Justin Sutherland and Jeremy Ford in mag.

NEW YEAR, N3W YOU

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see NEW YEAR, N3W YOU in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | ICHIRAN RAMEN NY TIMES SQUARE

ICHIRAN has 86 global locations with 3 in NYC. They're known for Tonkotsu Ramen (ramen with pork bone soup) and their "Five Originals":

1. Aromatic Tonkotsu Soup. The traditional method to make pork bone soup produces a very strong smell and they developed a method that removes that aroma for a creamy, savory soup.

2. Ramen Focused Booth. Individual booth seating is unique to ICHIRAN and is designed to allow diners to focus on the flavors of the ramen with minimal distractions of diners and staff. These booths are hidden behind curtains and inside the booths, servers are only seen through a window at the booth for semi-private eating.

3. Original Spicy Red Sauce. ICHIRAN was the first to introduce the now popular concept of serving ramen with a thick, red sauce. The secret togarashi pepper blend of their Original Spicy Red Sauce is made from combining over 30 different spices and slowly aged to perfection.

4. Order Form. The written order system allows guests to customize their ramen and order without speaking to a server. There are 7 components of the ramen for guests to customize: Dashi (the strength in flavor of the broth), Richness (how fatty to make the broth), Garlic (how much garlic to add to the broth), Scallions (whether or not to add scallions to the ramen), Chashu (whether or not to add slices of pork as a topping), level of spice to make the ramen, and Noodle Texture (how firm or soft to cook the noodles). This creates a unique bowl of ramen that meets their exact preferences.

5. Kae-Dama Ordering System. As a way for diners to ask for their Kae-Dama (noodle refill) or dessert without the need to speak to their server, ICHIRAN added sensors to the corner of every booth. They are given a small metal plate that corresponds to their order. Whenever the diner is ready he/she will place the plate on top of the sensor, which triggers a brief melody to play. This informs the team to go to that booth to receive the order and they will be served - all without the diner having to say a word.

We suggest ordering their Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, their Recommended Toppings Set (assorted toppings) that includes a little bit of all of their toppings, and their Matcha Pudding for a refreshingly creamy end to your meal. If you're still hungry, order a plate of Premium Yakibuta - smoky and sweet marinated pork cut in thick slices.

If you're in the US, ICHIRAN, can ship a Take-Home Ramen Kit. It's a ramen set that includes all the basic ingredients to make ramen at home in under 3 minutes. Each kit includes three servings of noodles, their tonkotsu soup concentrate, and Original Spicy Red Seasoning (red pepper mix).

ICHIRAN RAMEN NY TSQ

152 W 49th St

New York, NY 10020

ichiranusa.com

IG @ichiran_ny

PHOTOS COURTESY | ICHIRAN

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | ICHIRAN RAMEN in mag.

OUT AND ABOUT | ALI FEDOTOWSKY

We're kicking off the beginning of the year and as we navigate all of the things that we want to do, recover from the holidays, we also want to make sure that we're taking care of ourselves with a bit of self-care. Self-care can be a number of things from watching our favorite shows, taking a walk and doing things that just bring us joy!

We caught up with one of Bachelor Nation's faves who competed on Season 14 of The Bachelor and was the 6th Bachelorette. From there, she continued to stay on our screens as a host for NBC 1st Look, a correspondent on E! News and E! Live From the Red Carpet as well as being a co-host on Hallmark's Home and Family.

We caught up with her to talk about her time on The Bachelor/The Bachelorette and advice that she has for those that are thinking of being on the show, the importance of creativity and making sure that as we WFH that we remember to go outside whether it's for a walk or anything that breaks up our routine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: During the holiday season last year, we followed The Bachelorette’s Michelle Young in her season and currently, we’re watching Clayton Echard on The Bachelor which is always a great way to begin the new year with this franchise. As one of Bachelor Nations’ faves as someone who competed on The Bachelor as well as being The Bachelorette, we couldn’t chat with you without asking you what it was like to be on both sides and what your best takeaway from it was?

ALI FEDOTOWSKY-MANNO: For me, you would assume being the lead of the show as The Bachelorette was the best thing ever and that I absolutely loved it. But for me and I think that this is true for a lot of people, it was actually the opposite! I had so much fun as the contestant because you get to hang out with a bunch of girls, sit around the pool, drink margaritas, just talk, have fun and not have to work! It was like it was a long vacation. It was lovely and sure there was drama here and there, but it was fun! I made a bunch of friends whereas as The Bachelorette, you’re going out on these dates every single day that are like 13 hours long – you’re exhausted and you just want to be able to take a nap! A lot of the dates that you’re going on are with guys that you’re not totally all that interested in and you have to give them a chance so you’re doing it anyway and again, you just want to be able to take a nap! For me, I actually highly preferred being a contestant. Maybe I just like naps, who knows?

AM: A nap is always a good thing! So for those that may be thinking about wanting to sign up to have that experience, what is your best advice? When you just talked a moment ago, we never thought about how long the dates were and what those dynamics are.

AFM: Oh, they are so so long! What I always try to tell people who are thinking about what it would be like to be on the show, is that I ask them, if I put you in a room and you’re single with 25 men, how many of those guys do you think you would be interested in? I mean come on, if you had to guess how many would be interested in.

AM: Ok that’s a question, at most 2 or 3 people. It’s pretty tough to have an interest in all 25!

AFM: Exactly! So, put yourself in the shoes of being The Bachelorette – you’re in a room with 25 guys. Let’s be real, at least 10 – 12 are put there just for entertainment because the producers know that you wouldn’t be interested and it’s just about the drama or to be funny. So maybe you’re left with 12-15 that are actually casted for you. Chances are that at the end of the day, you’re only going to be interested in 1 or 2 of them. So knowing that and assuming that about yourself, most people would be this way as I know I was – you know who you like right away. But you’re forced to go out on all of these dates with these guys who are great guys and you want to give them a chance and to be fair because they are putting their life on hold, but you really wish you were back with the other guy who is back at the mansion. It’s really hard honestly and for me, it was a really hard experience. I’ve been told by producers that I am a little bit of an outlier because I knew the guys that I liked from day 1 and it never changed and I was never interested in anyone else after that. But for most Bachelor and Bachelorette leads that I have spoken to over the years, they have said that they only liked a handful maybe 3 or 4 if they were lucky. It doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with the other people, the guys and girls were great – it’s just that there wasn’t any chemistry there from the get go!

AM: Transitioning from your time on these shows, it’s always great to see you in your role as a journalist and TV personality. Was that a natural progression for you to take these roles on?

AFM: It was for me. Just because, I have always been that person who enjoyed public speaking. Some people hate it and I love it. I loved giving speeches and little things prepared me for it. I got best speaker in my oral communications class in college. When I worked at Facebook, one of my jobs was to teach people how to use different programs and talking to groups. It’s always been something that I have enjoyed and I think it was a natural progression and at the end of the day, people who are The Bachelor or The Bachelorette lead, they are usually chosen because they are comfortable talking in front of a camera. So as you can imagine, that is a natural progression – the people who aren’t comfortable talking in front of a camera are usually the ones that don’t open up and then don’t get lead role on the show because they need someone who can be comfortable there. I will say, that I moved from LA a year ago, because I was ready to sort of step away from television and just leave that part of my life behind although now that I am here in Nashville and working from home everyday, I’m like maybe there is a TV gig that I can do locally ha! We’ll see, maybe I will be back on TV who knows?

AM: I hope so as I always enjoyed seeing you hosting and corresponding for a number of different shows! Well, as a busy mom with so much on your plate, how do you take time to ensure that you’re meeting your health and wellness goals and the time for yourself that you need?

AFM: For me, a really important thing and I think that this applies to a lot of different people, because so much of the world has changed over the last couple of years with so many people WFH now – a really important part of my health and wellness is getting out of the house. Because I don’t have a TV show that I go to work at during the week anymore, I find that I am working from home and doing a lot of different projects and I have a business that I am launching soon and all that. I find that weeks will go by and I’ll say to myself that I have not left the house in 2 weeks as my husband took the kids to school in the mornings – I need to get out of the house. Going for walks, a drive, whatever you need to do! If you’re WFH and feeling down, I really believe it will help so many people by just getting myself outside of the house every once in a while.

AM: Tell me more about teaming up with PEBBLES on their mission to spark kids’ creativity with the Never Stop Doo-ing Project and why you wanted to be involved in it?

AFM: Speaking of getting out of the house, that’s one of the things that my kids are doing today! We’re going to go see the PEBBLES mural in Nashville. It’s really cool! They have this initiative called the Never Stop Doo-ing Project and a few weeks ago, we encouraged parents and kids to submit artwork online. That artwork is now turned into murals that we can see in LA, NY, Nashville and Denver. You can take your kids and I’m really encouraging parents to do this and I'm doing it today with my daughter. I think that showing a child that this is a big mural in a major city and that kids their age are having their work displayed there – the sky is the limit. Never stop creating, never stop doing, never stop using your imagination to be whatever you want to be. I think it’s going to be a really good teaching moment for my daughter today. She’s going to be so excited to see that there is going to be a mural in Nashville – because in Nashville, murals are huge and they’re everywhere and people love them! That kids her age created them and it will be so inspiring for her and I hope that parents will be able to do and share that with their kids. They’re only up to the 13th of this month, so there are only a couple of days. Put on your coat, have an outing of it and maybe this will be people’s actual excuse to get out of the house when you’re WFH. Get out, take your kids out and it will be good for your mental health and it will hopefully be able to inspire kiddos.

AM: Love that we’re in NY so being able to check it out will be a nice break!

AFM: Um yeah but since you’re out there – make sure you bundle up!!

AM: For sure this time of year you have so many excuses to stay in – but this is a good one to venture out!

So you were talking about projects that you have coming up – what can you share with us?

AFM: Right now I have a hair accessories line that I am wearing in my hair right now Scunci X Ali Fedotowsky which is available at Walgreens nationwide. It’s such an awesome thing that I was able to be part of and I hope people check it out as it is super affordable.

I’m launching my first product for my first business shortly! A clean liquid hydration packet. A lot of them are filled with a lot of sugar and I feel like mine is cleaner and great. It’s taken a long time to develop with my partner and hopefully that will launch soon and I am so excited! I hope that people will love it.

IG @ali.manno

PHOTOS COURTESY | PEBBLES

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Out and About | Ali Fedotowsky in mag.

Hear TV Host Ali Fedotowsky-Manno on our show, Bungalow SK - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

BINGELY BOOKS

MORE MEDITERRANEAN: 225+ NEW PLANT-FORWARD RECIPES ENDLESS INSPIRATION FOR EATING WELL

America's Test Kitchen

America's Test Kitchen

We've been fans of America's Test Kitchen for a number of years as they have a variety of cookbooks that focus on dietary lifestyles, food focuses and cuisines. In More Mediterranean: 225+ New Plant-Forward Recipes Endless Inspiration for Eating Well, the variety of the Mediterranean diet is explored and looks at various meats and plant-based elements that comprise the dishes.

You will be introduced to eastern and southern dishes of the Mediterranean region and will become familiar with spices, sides and mains to ensure a healthy lifestyle.

It also walks you through substitutions that can be utilized to ensure that these meals maintain their healthy components. This is a great book to have on hand when you have friends and family who have varied culinary diets - as this book will allow all to enjoy meals with one another.

ENERGIZE: GO FROM DRAGGING ASS TO KICKING IT IN 30 DAYS

Ulysses Press

Michael Breus PHD + Stacey Griffith

Renowned sleep expert, Michael Breus PHD and SoulCycle Founding Instructor, Stacey Griffith have created a book that focuses on energy and doing so through a science-based wellness program. In Energize: Go From Dragging Ass to Kicking It In 30 Days, they illustrate how you can get more energy from quizzes, a personalized program, daily movements and looking at your sleeping schedules. They explore your happiness, moods, eating and more.

As many look at how they can optimize their lives and how you navigate your day, it's a great way to understand more about yourself.

QUESADILLAS

Gibbs Smith

Donna Kelly

When we think of quesadillas, we think of that melted cheesy goodness that allows you to put a number of your favorite items in between tortillas for the perfect pocket meal! In Quesadillas, we go beyond our normal go-to's and see that there is an entire world of ingredients that can be found in this meal.

There are a number of sweet and savory options that are perfect to enjoy when you're having a snack, enjoying the Super Bowl or other kinds of gatherings! The fact that there are a number of options that can be made into a quesadilla opens up an entire workd that we want to take on. We can't wait to try the Roasted Veggie and Goat Cheese, Parmesan Crusted Italian, Chicken Caesar, Philly Cheesesteak, Peanut Butter Apple and Pecan-Crusted Pear.

Just flipping through the recipes that are in this cookbook makes you think about other items that you can do to create your own custom dishes to excite friends and family!

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

BEANIE MANIA

Max Original

HBO Max

Many of us remember when Beanie Babies became the most collectible item. Out of nowhere, these stuffed animals known as Beanies were found in a number of gift shops and stores in your town. Growing up, you even knew that your parents or other elders were collecting them.

Beanie Mania goes behind this craze to share how the company came into existence, how it grew slowly and how a group of Midwestern women began driving value and interest to this toy and how it became something where people felt that they literally would become millionaires.

We learn about how the company with a handful of employees went from having a product, to giving it life with the poems, names of the Beanies and having a non-traditional distribution.

Ultimately, greed, undervaluing employees and additional issues began to be the undoing of the millionaire dreams that many had. It also looks at how there is a resurgence of these toys and interests as younger generations have been gifted the toys.

OZARK S4 PART I

Netflix Originals

Netflix

We've been waiting to see how it all comes to an end on Ozark and this month, Part 1 of the final season of this show dropped with the first 7 episodes and the remaining 7 will drop later this year. We catch up with with Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy (Laura Linney) Byrd as they continue to utilize their accountant work with the drug cartels in order to gain political influence in the Midwest.

With this goal in mind, the entire family is focused on being able to leave the Ozarks and to move back to Chicago to get back to life. Unfortunately, there continues to be twists and turns as enemies and frenemies wind up dead, former work associates find themselves dragged into bigger problems and new acquaintances prove to be harder to work with than ever.

With the goal firmly ahead of them, we know that ultimately, the tag line for this season is, "no one makes it out alive."

WILD THINGS

Apple Original

Spotify

We all remember the entertainment tragedy that took place at Siegfried and Roy's show. When one of the stage tigers carried Roy offstage, it led to the final show. Wild Things goes behind what took place to talk about the entertainers and what else was involved.

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | THE PILATES CLASS

For 25 years, dancing and performing was a huge part of Jacqui Kingswell's life as she was a dancer for Beyoncé, and One Direction to name a few. Prior to becoming a pilates instructor, she had always included this as a supplement to her dance practice.

She launched The Pilates Class Method which focuses on the connection between your mind and body and is a holistic approach to wellbeing that teaches you to tune into your body and what it needs. It is a sustainable practice that is kind to the body and embodies strength, control and connection. No matter what your goal is or how active you are, you are able to practice this method and experience how it serves you both on and off the mat.

At TPC, they have 10 class categories so that you can find a class for whatever mood you are in. They have a variety of classes such as traditional Pilates, Barre, stretch, HIIT, calm, pre and postnatal and many more. The platform offers classes ranging from 5 to 45 minutes so that no matter where you are, what time it is or how active you feel, you can find a class that transforms your body and mind. Whether you’re craving a stretch session, an ab workout, a cardio burn, or all three, there’s a TPC class for you.

Class categories are based on selecting a class level that will serve you on that day. Their 'chill' classes are really nourishing and are designed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and grounded. The 'satisfying' classes are all about lengthening and scultping while still feeling a nice burn. Finally, the 'intense' classes focus on challenging their members to experience that deep burn and really sweat it out. Each of the levels focus on your Pilates technique and applying the TPC method the entire time.

From these levels, TPC offers two tailored weekly schedules; chill-satisfying and satisfying-intense depending on what your fitness goal is or how intense you would like your workouts to be that week. That way, your classes are chosen for you each week in an easy to follow format.

A brand new weekly workout is introduced and incorporated into the schedule so that members can try something new.

TPC encourages members to set sustainable habits and goals for themselves throughout the year which is why the January Challenge is a favorite. It is totally natural to fall out of your routine or feel low in motivation which is why the challenges encourage regular movement and committing to making time for yourself on the mat.

If you are new to Pilates, take the time to learn the foundational movements and how your body feels and what it is telling you.

THE PILATES CLASS

thepilatesclass.com

IG @thepilatesclass

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | The Pilates Class in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | SARASHINA HORII

This month's The Art of the Snack introduces our readers to the historic Sarashina Horii which opened in Japan in 1789. We connected with Chef Tsuyoshi Hori and General Manager Rui Higuchi which shares the historic nature of the restaurant as well as its location here in NY. We also learn more about soba and the culinary heritage that is involved. As always we find out about what appetizers, entrees, cocktails and desserts we should keep in mind when dining their next as well as what they are offering during NY Restaurant Week.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Sarashina Horii here in NY, can you tell us about the history and when it was initially established?

CHEF TSUYOSHI HORI: Sarashina Horii has a history that dates to 1789 and has served its soba noodles to the Shoguns and Japanese Imperial Household. It is now overseen by ninth generation soba maker and owner Yoshinori Horii. Japan has three main families associated with the art of soba making and Sarashina Horii is known for its unique white soba using only the very core of the buckwheat seeds. The husk of the seed is polished off the way rice is polished to make sake. This white soba is much different type of soba and has been made this way by the family since the late 1800’s and the Sarashina type of soba is quite rare in Japan as well.

AM: You have three restaurants in Tokyo and one here in NY. Why did you want to have a location here and what are the differences/similarities to those that are in Japan?

CHEF TH: Yoshinori Hori chose New York for their first location outside of Japan because New York is known for its diversity, which will allow him the opportunity to introduce his soba to many people. Mr. Horii is also proud of the historical connection between the U.S and Japan as the founder opened the first restaurant the same year George Washington was inaugurated as President of the U.S.

AM: Is there anyone from the Horii family here in NY that ensures that this restaurant has the same standards as those that are overseas?

GENERAL MANAGER RUI HIGUCHI: Many of the recipes we use are from Sarashina Horii in Japan and made within their standard. While no Horii family members are in New York, Sarashina Horii is in good hands with Chef Tsuyoshi Hori. Chef Hori started to make soba at a young age since his family also runs a soba restaurant in Japan. And at the age of 20 he started working at “Sarashina no Sato” in Japan and learned to make handmade soba as well as Sarashina Soba. Throughout his training, he developed a strong desire to keep the soba tradition alive, his goal is to make everyone enjoy soba. Introducing Sarashina soba outside Japan is a big step toward achieving that.

AM: Tell us about your Executive Chef, Tsuyoshi Horiand how he came to Sarashina Horii?

GM RH: Our chef is Tsuyoshi Hori trained at the highly regarded “Sarashina no Sato” in Japan with Yoshinori Horii, the current ninth generation owner of Sarashina Horii. When the Sarashina Horii project was in the works in New York, Tsuyoshi was working in California. When he heard about it, he did not hesitate for a moment to reach out to us to be able to collaborate with Yoshinori again. Tsuyoshi has a strong passion for making soba and honing his craft in the art of making soba.

AM: Can you tell us about soba noodles and why this culinary heritage is being featured for guests to enjoy?

CHEF TH: Soba has a history of more than 300 years and in order to preserve this tradition it was necessary to make soba available to people outside Japan as well. Most people these days look at soba as a healthy alternative compared to the other noodle options, mainly be cause soba is known for its low glycemic index. But soba has more to offer than just a healthy meal. Soba noodles are known for its aroma and refined flavor. Also, it can be enjoyed equally hot or cold. Those who already tried different types of soba should definitely try Sarashina Soba to enjoy a unique experience.

AM: Are there key soba noodles that are available and how are they made?

CHEF TH: We recently started to offer Kawari soba with different ingredients kneaded into the noodles, giving the soba the aroma, taste and color of the ingredient. Every two weeks, we feature a different Kawari Soba. We started with our Shiso Soba a couple of weeks ago and just introduced a new one this week: the Kuro Goma or Black Sesame Soba. Kneading the black sesame into the soba dough gives it that nutty aroma which is quite a different experience compared to the Shiso. We only serve the Kawari soba cold because it’s the best way for to enjoy its aroma and refined taste.

AM: Can you tell us about the ambiance of Sarashina Horii when guests are coming to dine?

GM RH: The New York location has a full bar displaying our selection of sake and Japanese Whiskey, which is different from Japanese locations. Sarashina Horii logo is placed discreetly on the door but our stone mill displayed by the front window always helps indicate where our restaurant is located. Many of our patrons love to take pictures by the window to showcase the stone mill and our logo.

Unlike in Japan, here we do not offer Ozashiki seating where customers can take off their shoes and sit on a flat cushion to enjoy their meal but many of our guests are blown away by the chic design - the soaring dining room features a ceiling installation inspired by soba noodles as well as a rock garden inspired by traditional Japanese temple gardens.

AM: What are 3 appetizers that you suggest that we should try when we eat there?

CHEF TH: I would highly recommend ordering the Tsukune Japanese Duck Meatball, Kakiage Shrimp Tempura with Mitsuba (a parsley-like herb), and Tamagoyaki Egg Omelet appetizers. Tsukune is often made with chicken but we make ours with Rouen duck thigh, it is served on a hot stone plate in a shape of a hamburger steak.

The Kakiage is one of our signature appetizers, we put a lot of effort into it – it has to be carefully fried one at time to preserve its presentation. We also highly recommend guests save some of their crispy kakiage batter flakes for their soba soup coming later as the flake gives it additional flavor.

Lastly, our Tamagoyaki is something you must try. It is common for people to judge a sushi restaurant by their tamago egg cake - you can see how much effort a chef puts into the flavor, showing proficiency and skill. At a soba restaurant, it is important to try tamagoyaki because every soba restaurant’s version will taste slightly different because of the dashi broth that they use. Dashi is a quintessential ingredient for most of our soups and sauces.

AM: What are 3 entrees that we should order when we’re there with family and friends?

CHEF TH: Well, you certainly must try the soba. Hot or cold, you can’t go wrong either but ideally you should try both on your visit. When you eat the soba cold, you can fully enjoy its aroma and texture. It is accompanied by a dipping sauce “soba tsuyu” which is saltier than the hot soba broth. Hot soba is served in a bowl of hot light broth, we make it that way so that guests can enjoy drinking the broth at the end.

Our Sarashina Soba is a must try when visiting the restaurant. When using only the inner most part of buckwheat seed, the noodles are pure white in color with a delicate aroma. The texture is very silky smooth and flavor refined.

Our Duck Soba either hot or cold Kamo Nanban or Kamo-Tsuke is very popular. We locally source our Rouen duck breast from Hudson Valley, which we sous vide right away when the are delivered in order to offer the best flavor. The duck adds great flavor to the soup and pairs well with the leek served in the dipping sauce and soup as well.

AM: Are there 3 desserts that we should be thinking about when ordering?

CHEF TH: Our home-made desserts that should be tried are Matcha Tiramisu, Hoji-cha Blancmange and Blueberry Apricot Pudding. The Matcha Tiramisu is the signature and most popular.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have when eating there?

GM RH: Three signature cocktails not to miss are Shitakiri, Sarukani, and Momotaro. The names are all inspired by traditional Japanese folktales. Shitakiri is with mezcal, tequila, chili tincture and yuzu is spicy and smokey – the crowd favorite. Sarukani is made with Japanese gin and shochu and fresh persimmons now in season. Momotaro is our smoked twist on the classic Old-fashioned with Japanese whiskey and limited-edition sake. It is great for whiskey lovers and has a show-stopper presentation with smoke released at the table.

AM: For those with dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan - what are dishes that you suggest that they should keep in mind?

CHEF TH: We have some meatless options but, unfortunately, we currently do not offer any gluten-free and vegetarian options due to the fact that the dashi stock for our soups, cold dipping sauce and vegetables is bonito-based. And while Sarashina soba is low in gluten, it is not 100% gluten-free.

AM: Tell me about your tasting menu - why were the dishes on it selected.

CHEF TH: In Japan “Soba Kaiseki” is a soba tasting and we wanted to present a similar menu to show there is much more than soba, spanning all the sections of the menu and include ingredients such as “Kaeshi” infused soy sauce that has been aged. Our tasting menu was created to pair well with soba but, of course, hot or cold soba is the centerpiece of the tasting menu.

AM: Are you participating in restaurant week and what are you offering guests?

CHEF TH: Yes, we’re participating and offer a 3-course tasting menu for $59 that features a choice of Salmon Carpaccio or 2 types of Sashimi to start, followed by Sarashina Soba with Vegetable Tempura and choice of hot duck soba, hot mushroom soba, cold soba with a hot dipping broth with duck or mushrooms. For dessert: Hojicha Tea Blancmange; Blueberry Apricot Pudding and Matcha Tiramisu.

IG @sarashinahorii

PHOTOS COURTESY | Sarashina Horii

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see The Art of the Snack | Sarashina Horii in mag.

63MIX ROUTIN3S | MOLLY SEIDEL

Read the JAN ISSUE #74 of Athleisure Mag and see 63MIX ROUTIN3S | Molly Seidel in mag.

9LIST STORI3S | CAROLINE MARKS

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S | CAROLINE MARKS in mag.

63MIX ROUTIN3S | NIA DENNIS

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Nia Dennis in mag.

9PLAYLIST 9COLLAB | CHEFS KRISTEN KISH, JUSTIN SUTHERLAND, JEREMY FORD

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST 9COLLAB | CHEFS Kristen Kish, Justin Sutherland and Jeremy Ford in mag.

9LIST

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and read 9LIST in mag.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty in mag.

9LOOKS | MICHEL COSTELLO

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS | Michael Costello in mag.

IN OUR BAG | FOR A V-DAY GETAWAY

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | For a V-Day Getaway in mag.

HIS TIME IS NOW | JOSEPH SIKORA

Throughout the past few months we have loved interviewing those who have been in POWER, POWER BOOK II: GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN and with the release of POWER BOOK IV: FORCE on Feb 6th, we were excited to chat with Joseph Sikora (POWER, Ozark, Jack Reacher) who is back playing fan favorite, Tommy Egan. We talked about how he got into acting, being on POWER, where we find Tommy in the latest series and what projects he has coming up that we should keep an eye out for!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

JOSEPH SIKORA: I was 10 years old. There was a show that used to be on called KIDS Incorporated. Fergie used to be on it and I think even Jennifer Love Hewitt. They were just the kids that were being rockstars and actors. I went to my mom and I said, I’d love to be an actor. She said that if I still wanted to be an actor in a month, come back. So I’m waiting and counting down the days. I said, “ma I want to be an actor.” She says ok and pulls out the Yellow Pages and we look up acting and there isn’t much in there. We look up theater and my mother, to her credit starts cold calling theaters and says, “my son wants to be an actor, how do we do this?” Eventually, I auditioned for a role in A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theater in Chicago, but I didn’t get it. The casting director said that I was really talented and that I should audition for The Little Prince which was up in a far suburb in Lake Forest in Chicago. I ended up booking the role so my mother had to trek me out all the way to Lake Forest for rehearsals and performances. I did it and it was really a bug. Then my mother again cold-called agencies and said, “my son is in a play will you come watch it and would you want to represent him afterward?” Some of them came and then I got representation, I did some commercials which really helped pay for college and saved all of my money and even when I was just getting into mischief in high school, I kept paying my SAG dues and I have been a member of SAG since 1988. That’s how I started acting, it was through the theater and doing little bits of pieces here and as you know, I have done a ton of stuff! But none of it was any real success until really the POWER show. It’s my biggest thing for sure!

I was a series regular one of the series leads of an Adult Swim show called The Heart, She Holler that I am very proud of. It was directed and written by Vernon Chatman and John Lee starring Patton Oswalt which was so much fun. I did stuff here and stuff there, but acting is a tough thing and it’s truly a calling in some ways that I just never gave up.

So in a lot of ways, Tommy Egan, he’s that same guy. Tommy Egan never gives up and he says as much in episode 1 of POWER when he takes Holly out for their first date to the bar. He just keeps fighting and so I really just kept fighting and I did it not for reasons of fame. I didn’t want people to recognize or know me, I did it because I wanted to be able to explore the human condition and to see what it would be like to be other people and from what other people experienced. To see what it’s like to love, lose and win in other bodies.

AM: What made you want to be part of POWER?

JS: I mean, I was starving! I had no money, I was auditioning, I had a couple of little things around that time that I was really happy to do. I had just done Jack Reacher and I had done True Detective, the series Banshee – I was dating a girl who is now my wife and I had found something that I loved more than acting. For whatever reason in the irony that is life, when you don’t want something so bad, things start coming to you. This is one of those things.

There were 5 auditions for POWER for Tommy Egan, which was originally called Eddie O’Neal by the way!

AM: Where did we leave Tommy in POWER and where do we pick him up again in FORCE?

JS: Well, where we leave Tommy in the POWER show, is with Tommy and NY in his rearview mirror. But then, in POWER BOOK II: GHOST, we realize that he made a U-turn to take care of some unfinished business with Tasha played by Naturi Naughton and obviously the lead of the series Michael Rainey Jr who plays Tariq. After he leaves Tariq in Monet’s capable hands, but makes an enemy of the Tejada group, it’s even more of a reason for Tommy to get out of town. He’s not welcome back in the town of the city that raised him, so now he’s on his way to Los Angeles to take care of the ports and to work at the ports of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles. But he makes a pit stop in Chicago for what people will find out in the first episode. But then he ends up saying, “you know what? Chicago may be talking to me right now. This may be my land of opportunity.” It’s a harkening back to the 1890’s where the NY papers said, “go West young man, go West!” Tommy did it and he ended up in Chicago and he sees a possibility of a future in the gem of the prairie in Chicago, Il.

AM: How does it feel to have this whole spinoff wrapped around your character?

JS: It’s great! I love working and I get to work more, it’s a win-win! I’m so happy and grateful for the audience demanding it and that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson made it happen!

AM: Is there anything that you can tell us about it as I know it’s out very soon but any insights would be appreciated!

JS: Absolutely, I think that it’s super exciting and that it’s really truly different city, different rules, same Tommy. I’m so excited about the pilot directed by Larysa Kondracki (Legion, Gotham, THEM) and then we have Kieron Hawkes (POWER, POWER BOOK II GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN) a POWER alum who directed in Raising Kanan and on the POWER BOOK II: GHOST, he’s an amazing director – so it’s great to have Kieron Hawkes! Another director that I am so excited about is Deon Taylor (Kicks, Meet the Blacks, Black and Blue) who directs our incredible finale. Everyone knows him from The Intruder and Black and Blue, Supremacy, and I am doing another film with Deon that’s going to be coming out in March called Fear, also starring Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, T.I., Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg and Terrence J – so a bit of an all star wonderful cast that is a thriller and a horror film that revolves around our current state of pandemic so you have to check that out!

AM: I just finished watching Ozark Season 4 part 1. It was nice seeing you in that!

JS: Nice! Frank Jr! Frank Jr is the antithesis to Tommy! Tommy is everything that Frank Jr is not. But they share the same struggle. They want to be able to make their way, they want to get outside of somebodies shadow, but Frank Jr is as unsuccessful as Tommy is successful.

IG @JosephSikora4

PHOTOS COURTESY | STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE

Hear STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE's Joseph Sikora on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see HIS TIME IS NOW | Joseph Sikora in mag.

IMPACT THE GAME | DARIUS LEONARD

We're kicking off the year with our 73rd cover, 3 X Consecutive Pro-Bowler Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts. Known as The Maniac on the field for his energy and the ability to make productive plays, he is also known for his commitment to giving back.

We caught up with Darius days before the Pro-Bowl for his virtual shoot as well as to find out more about playing for the Colts, being in this season's Hard Knocks on HBO and The Maniac Foundation.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with football and what was the moment that you knew you wanted to play professionally?

DARIUS LEONARD: Started playing football at the age of 8. Fell In love with the game at age 14. Didn’t think about playing professional football until about my junior year of college and that’s when I started thinking about the NFL and that I could possibly have a chance.

AM: You were drafted in 2018 – what was that process like for you and what has it mean to play for the Indianapolis Colts?

DL: Draft process was tough coming from a small college. I had lot of visits and people flying me out to make sure I was who I was. Had to play senior ball then after Senior Bowl I popped my quad running the 40 at the combine and after that I thought my draft stat would fall and then fortunately I was drafted by the Colts and that means a lot being drafted by a team that is known for championships and that’s been my mentality to be a winner and that’s why I am happy to be a Colt.

AM: How did you get the nickname, The Maniac?

DL: Energetic and productive playing.

AM: When you’re in the season, what’s a week like for you from working out, practicing etc and how does this differ in the off season?

DL: During the season my week is pretty tough. After game Sunday I get in the hyperbaric chamber and spend some time with the family. Monday is a lot of body work and massages and hyperbaric chamber and ankle work. And then Tuesday I start watching a little bit of tape and a little body work and get in hot and cold tubs. Wednesday and Thursdays wake up at 6am get home around 7/8pm. Friday is a big work day for body work. Then Saturday is relaxation day and Sunday is game day.

AM: When you’re hitting the gym, what workouts do you do that allow you to optimize your sport?

DL: When I hit the gym I do a lot more of the explosive stuff. Continue to make sure I have that quick twitch, a lot of squats & snatches. Making sure I am hitting the field pretty heavy making sure my feet and hand placements are good. Make sure I am doing good at my drills that I gotta do when the game is coming.

AM: This season was a great one to watch and it was nice to also have the team on HBO’s Hard Knocks In Season so that we got an inside look on what you and the team do on and off the field. It’s one of my favorite shows that lets us see the practice and camaraderie you have with one another as well as the friend and family support that exists. What was it like being on this season and being able to share more about you and your family with the fans?

DL: Hard knocks was great being there. It was fun having them get our back story of who we are as players and human beings. Fun having my family and seeing their reactions during the games and stuff like that because those are things that I never get to see so it was fun to have hard knocks there to make that visible for us since I never get to see it.

AM: Although you won't be heading to the Super Bowl, the Colts are sending the most players to this year’s Pro Bowl and you will be returning for a 3rd consecutive time. How have you been preparing heading into the Pro Bowl and how do you train and get in sync with fellow teammates that you are not used to playing with?

DL: You know for Pro Bowl I don’t do too much for it. I just make sure I am staying in shape, and make sure my lungs are good so if it’s a long drive I am ready for that. Its all about trust, you get the playbook, and you just trust the guys to be professionals and know they are going to do their job and I am going to do my job. Everybody do their 111 just to make their play work. Looking forward to the Pro Bowl and looking forward to playing with teammates I have never played with before.

AM: How do you take time for yourself?

DL: Off the field I really don’t take too much time for myself. If I’m home with the girls or at a high school doing community service to be a positive role model on these kids lives and try to find a way to give back as much as I can – that’s what I like to do in my free time. I want to be the spotlight for these little kids and try to make a way for them and let them understand that you can be someone and it don’t have to be football related and make sure they know there are multiple ways to get out there and make an impact and that’s what I like to do to help kids as much as I possibly can and be their role model.

AM: When you’re in Indianapolis, where can we find you enjoying a date night?

DL: In Indianapolis, if I am on date night and out and about I am definitely going to Hyde Park and getting their fried lobsters and I am getting their crab cake, their steak, potatoes, and my wife is definitely going to get her asparagus and that’s about it!

AM: Last year you launched the Maniac Foundation which supports those in Indianapolis and Lake View communities in South Carolina - can you tell us more about your organization?

DL: The Maniac Foundation was launched March 2, 2021. The foundation is dedicated to transforming communities through education, wellness, serving families in need and other charitable causes. The foundation has provided over 100 bikes to children in foster care, books and backpacks for students, winter coats, holiday gifts and over $25,000 in charitable grants.

AM: What can we expect to see from you and the Maniac Foundation this year?

DL: The Maniac Foundation is refurbishing a park in Lake View. Hilltop Park will be receiving a makeover complete with a new playground and new basketball goals. We are partnering with the Indianapolis Public Schools District, Lake View Elementary and Lake View High School to kick off the Mind of Maniacs Reading program (kids are required to read 10 books) and the Math Maniacs Math Program. High performing students will have the opportunity to attend an Indianapolis Colts home game. We are having a big volunteer event at Midwest Food Bank in Indy to help pack food boxes for those in need. Starting this spring I will record monthly messages directed towards individuals working on their mental health.

AM: How can those who wish to support you be part of the foundation?

DL: Please visit http://www.maniacfoundation.org to find out how to volunteer with the foundation or make a donation to support our initiatives. You can follow us on social media at @ManiacCares.

IG @Mr_Highflyer10

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | COVERS, PG 18 - 25 Paul Farkas | PG 16 Colts | PG 26 Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire | PG 28 Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire | PG 30 + 31 Darius Leonard |

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Impact the Game | Darius Leonard in mag.

HOW TO DRESS | FOR A PUPPY AND COFFEE DATE

Read the JAN ISSUE #74 of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress | For a Puppy and Coffee Date in mag.