We have a number of our favorite broadcasters when it comes to catching up with our favorite sports. When it comes to the NBA, we're excited that this month's cover is the host of ESPN's The Jump, Rachel Nichols. You can also catch her on NBA Saturday Primetime Pregame and Halftime Coverage. We wanted to find out about how her passion for sports led her to journalism/broadcasting, what stories she has enjoyed covering and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to work in sports?
RACHEL NICHOLS: When I was a kid, watching a game just always seemed better than any movie. You got adventure and clashes and heroes and villains and all of that, except also - unlike a movie where you pretty much know that Spiderman is going to save the city from the alien - with sports you don’t know who is going to win at the end. Sign me up.
AM: How did this translate into your interest in being a journalist/broadcaster?
RN: My personal athletic skills are...not elite. I’m short. My hand-eye coordination is so bad that eating soup can be dangerous. So since I was never gonna make it as a player, this was a great way to be involved in sports with the skills I do have – curiosity, critical thinking, writing.
AM: Prior to coming to ESPN, can you tell us your journey in terms of what school you went to and where you worked?
RN: I went to journalism school at Northwestern University near Chicago, but even before that I was interning at newspapers. I definitely started out wanting to be a writer – I grew up outside Washington DC and thought The Washington Post was the greatest newspaper in the world (still do), and by the time I was 22, I was lucky enough to be working there. I honestly would have been happy staying there forever, but the newspaper business model changed enough that it became clear it would be smart to also learn how to report for TV. I did both for a while, which led to a full-time job at ESPN in 2004.
AM: You were previously at ESPN covering the NFL with SportsCenter, NFL Countdown, Outside the Lines being a sideline reporter on Monday Night Football and being one of the original correspondents on E:60 what was it like working on this coverage?
RN: My first decade at ESPN involved so many sports – NBA coverage, NFL, baseball, college sports, hockey, golf, tennis. I even covered a blueberry pie eating contest once (seriously!) Learning how to bounce around gave me depth, and then the longer I was doing it, the more I bore down to focus on the NFL and the NBA.
AM: When you came back to ESPN you focus on the NBA and are the host of The Jump. We also see you on NBA Saturday Primetime Pregame and Halftime Coverage – what is it like covering these areas?
RN: The NBA is just so fun. There are no helmets, no masks – you get to watch these incredible athletes up-close, sometimes literally flying, and then when they come down to earth they are often some of the most outspoken, interesting, community-minded athletes in sports. NBA culture as a whole has a great sense of humor too - there's just never a boring day covering basketball.
AM: What is your preparation process like when you’re on The Jump for this daily show? How does this differ from when you’re on the court for a pregame show?
RN: When the season is going on, I spend a few hours a night watching games, making notes, and then each morning we have a big meeting to plan that day's show. I write a monologue for the top of the show, working in partnership with producers who really make it sing visually, and that’s where we try to set the tone for our conversations that day. Then it's about having those conversations with some of the smartest people I know – the reporters and former athletes who make up our show universe.
AM: What have been 3 of your favorite interviews that you have conducted?
RN: I’m so fortunate to have gotten to sit down with so many fascinating people. Some of them have been ultra-famous – I’ve interviewed Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods – and some of them are athletes that most Americans have never heard of, but people have amazing stories of perseverance and grit and all the things we love about sports.
AM: What are 3 interviews that you have yet to do that are in your bucket list to conduct?
RN: I don’t have a “bucket list” – but one thing I really do like is catching people at different moments of change throughout their lives. For example, I first interviewed LeBron James in his senior year of high school, and we’ve sat down and talked for the cameras nearly every year since. Now he’s 35 years old, with three kids and one of the best-ever NBA careers - getting a front-row seat to that journey has been pretty remarkable.
AM: You have been noted as one of the most powerful voices in sports media, what did it mean to be seen this way and how important is it for the continued movement of women in sports?
RN: I grew up reading Christine Brennan write about the NFL for The Washington Post. I didn’t know at the time, she was one of the only women doing that. I didn’t know that if I had lived in any other part of the country, I would have thought that football was only for men. To me it was as simple as “she does that, so I could do that.” Fast-forward to now: Hopefully when young girls see me, that’s what they think. That’s really all it’s about.
AM: Viewers can see you in the studio for The Jump as well as seeing you on the road, why is it important to you to be in both of these areas as opposed to just reporting from the studio?
RN: My career started “in the field,” so it’s how I still approach work. How am I supposed to talk about these players if I’m not regularly talking *to* them? How am I supposed to tell viewers what goes on during games if I’m not at them regularly? To me being out of the studio is just an important component of keeping the show current, and to signal to viewers that if something big is going on, they can count on us to be there.
AM: What is an average week like for you to give our readers insight into what your schedule is like?
RN: Thanks to coronavirus, there’s no ‘average’ for any of us anymore, sadly – but in more normal times, I’m in our LA studio 4-5 days a week, and then traveling 2-3 days to host our ABC Saturday Night game of the week on-site. I also sometimes travel to interview a player, and then there are the games here in LA that I go to once or twice a week, to catch up with players and coaches on not just the local teams but the visiting teams coming through.
AM: What's the best part about covering the playoffs?
RN: Seeing the best of the best go at it – there’s no substitute for that. I was really looking forward to this year’s playoffs, because unlike in recent years, there’s no heavy favorite like the Golden State Warriors. Now, with the NBA season being suspended...I’m just hoping we get to have a playoffs, even if it’s delayed.
AM: For this year’s season, what would you say have been the top 3 stories whether you covered it or not that have dominated this season?
RN: The NBA shutting down due to COVID-19 may be the most pivotal thing that’s ever happened to the league – it’s hard to even think about other storylines compared to that. Prior to the shutdown, we were certainly talking an enormous amount about the dominance of league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and about the tremendous level of play we were seeing from LeBron James at age 35, in his 17th year in the league.
AM: As someone who focuses on the NBA, in terms of your work with the ESPN, are there months or weeks during the year that are quieter for you and what do you do during this time?
RN: It’s pretty quiet in August but this year, the NBA is discussing playing basketball at that time – I think really for all of us, schedules are out the window right now. We just want to get back to some normalcy in America at large, and then we can figure out where basketball fits in.
AM: You travel quite a bit, what are 3 things that you like to have in your carry-on to make flying easier?
RN: Headphones! If I forget them on a trip, it’s torture. Whether it’s doing work, or escaping to watch a movie, that’s my No. 1 necessity on a plane. Other than that, I make sure I have an extra battery that my phone can hook into, and I usually bring a snack because airplane food is, well, airplane food.
AM: When you’re not on air, what do you do to take some time for yourself?
RN: I’m super-lucky to get to live in LA to do my job, which means at any time of year I can ride my bike at the beach, go on a hike or just stick my nose outside for 10 minutes to soak up that sunshine Vitamin-D. I also have twin daughters and as every working mom knows, that’s a huge juggling act, but for me being with my family is a great balance to what I do at work. Oh, and wine. God bless a good glass of red wine after the kids go to bed!
AM: Since you live in LA, where could we find you working out, grabbing a bite/ocktail or going shopping?
RN: I really like barre workouts, so when we’re not all self-isolating because of COVID, I go to classes for that. I also have a climbing machine at home for cardio. For cocktails, I’m a big fan of anywhere near the ocean with a good margarita – I like Elephante and Tallula's, which are both in Santa Monica - and the food at Felix in Venice Beach is off the hook. As for shopping – I’m a confirmed on-line shopper. It’s just so much easier with the amount of hours I work and travel, to browse on my phone instead of going into store. Let’s just say me and the UPS guy are really good friends.
AM: From a philanthropic standpoint, are there any organizations that you give your time to?
RN: With the country reeling from COVID-19 right now, my focus is on any organization that’s helping fill the gaps. Medical supplies for hospitals, food for kids who usually depend on meals at school but aren’t going to school right now. We’re in a national crisis - it’s scary and weird and one of the only things we really know about how to make it better is to just do as much as we can to help each other.
Our photoshoot took place at TAO Group Hospitality's Magic Hour which is located at Moxy Times Square. This has become a destination where it makes guests that are 21+ feel like they are in an adult playground. We sat down with Magic Hour's Rooftop Bar & Lounge Beverage Director, Nikki McCutcheon to find out more about this midtown property.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We had a great time shooting at Magic Hour for our cover shoot located at the Moxy Times Square, can you tell us a bit about all the TAO Group properties that are at Moxy Times Square for our readers to become acquainted with them?
NIKKI MCCUTCHEON: Since opening our doors in September 2017, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square is New York City’s largest indoor/outdoor hotel rooftop bar and lounge. Eighteen floors above Manhattan, the space features an “urban amusement park” concept with an adult sensibility and offers epic Empire State Building skyline views. Located downstairs on the second floor of Moxy Times Square, Legasea Seafood Brasserie elevates the seafood dining experience by serving local, sustainable dishes in a modern and vivacious atmosphere. It is my favorite place to go in NYC – the Spicy Crab Beignets are a must have.
AM: Does TAO Group have properties at Moxy Chelsea or Moxy East Village?
NM: Yes! At Moxy Chelsea, TAO Group Hospitality operates Feroce, and the rooftop lounge, The Fleur Room. Over at Moxy East Village we have Cathédrale Restaurant, Alphabet Bar & Cafe, Little Sister Lounge and a new rooftop bar & lounge coming soon! Be sure to follow @TaoGroup on Instagram to stay up to date with all our happenings!
AM: Tell us about Magic Hour in terms of its layout with 3 rooftops and indoor spaces within this urbanized adult playground?
NM: On the East Terrace, we have views of the Empire State Building, the West Terrace has a moving carousel, a pink ombré flower wall with an “Under the Influence” neon sign and Foreplay, our mini putt-putt course with pink bunny statues in provocative poses. We also have the ‘Elephant Room’ which we often use as a private event space that has a full bar and lounge seating.
AM: A number of the spaces have Instagramable moments, how important is that to the guests that are there?
NM: Guests come to Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge for our multiple Instagramable moments! From the atmosphere with live music and DJs, to the over-the-top menu offerings and risqué décor, everything about Magic Hour is designed to be photographed.
AM: Are hotel guests able to enjoy Magic Hour and can reservations be made here?
NM: Of course! At Magic Hour, we encourage you to make reservations. Reservations can be made by emailing us at MagicHourNYReservations@taogroup.com, online on OpenTable, and for last minute reservations by calling 212-268-0188.
AM: In general, what is the inspiration behind the food and cocktail menu?
NM: We call ourselves an “adult playground” and you will find that our food and cocktail offerings are fun and whimsical.
AM: Can you share information about the Chefs at Magic Hour?
NM: Our amazing food offerings come from Culinary Director Jason Hall and Executive Chef at Moxy Times Square, Anthony Venegas. From opening in 2017, Chef Jason and I wanted the food and cocktail menu to be playful and approachable; we are encouraged to be creative and think outside of the box. For example, our Disco Ball For All cocktail that is served in a spinning disco ball or the Super Stacked Pancakes that are piled almost a foot high.
AM: Are there 3 signature cocktails that you would suggest on our next visit?
NM: Our most popular cocktail, and my personal favorite – the Party Pouch – is a pink, 18 oz. cocktail that comes in a clear pouch, made with Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, yuzu citrus and a hint of pomegranate. Another great cocktail is the Berry Bubbly with Belvedere Vodka, St. George Raspberry and Domaine Chandon Sparkling Rosé. If you’re looking for a tequila-based cocktail, I always recommend the Float My Boat, which is prepared with Don Julio Blanco tequila, caramelized pineapple and jalapeño syrup.
AM: What are 3 signature dishes that you would suggest for us to enjoy?
NM: One brunch dish I love is our Super Stack Pancakes that comes piled high with maple cotton candy, bananas foster, blueberries and apple compote. For a quick and filling bite, I always recommend to our guests the Carnival Style Hotdog. It is unique to Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge and can be customizable to add your own toppings, such as a fried egg, bacon relish and mac & cheese, among others. If you’re looking for something sweet, enjoy the 3.5 lb. Giant Ice Cream Sandwich which was supersized for Cardi B.’s album release party and is now an internet sensation. With a 24-hour notice this “in the know” dessert comes with three different layers of flavors of ice cream – strawberry, chocolate and vanilla – and is covered in rainbow sprinkles and served with plenty of napkins!
AM: What kinds of special events or ongoing events are coming up that we should keep an eye out for as we head into the Spring/Summer?
NM: As we head into the Spring/Summer, we are rebranding our weekend brunch with new food and cocktail items. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @MagicHourNY for all upcoming events and new offerings!
IG @TAOGroup
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Athleisure Mag's cover story was shot by Co-Founder + Celebrity Photographer Paul Farkas, using Canon Mark IV; and selected Canon lenses: EF 50 f/1.2 L, EF 24-70 f/2.8 L II, and EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II.
IG @PVFarkas
STYLE, MAKEUP & HAIR CREDITS
Athleisure Mag's Celeb Fashion Stylist, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director Kimmie Smith, MUA Bamike Ogunrinu and Hairstylist Lea DeLoy share how Rachel Nichols' look was created for the cover editorial.
LOOK I | OUT & ABOUT STYLE
PG 18 + 21 | PROUD Be Positive Bomber Jacket | PARADISED Always Summer Tank | RUTHIE DAVIS Charlie 20 Flatform Jogger in Black/Glitter | PHARAOUN Night Mandala Cocktail Ring |
LOOK II | ON SET/NEWSROOM STYLE FRONT COVER,
PG 22 - 27 | HALE BOB Tabitha Stretch Satin Dress | LAGOS KSL Cuff Bracelet + KSL Caviar Bracelet | NAGACIA JEWELRY Bamboo Ring | QUPID Alona Peep Toe Bootie |
LOOK III | AFTER WORK STYLE BACK COVER,
PG 28 - 33 | HALE BOB Zoey Embroidery Dress in white/gold dress | KIMMIE VINCENT Ocean Avenue | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS San Benito Ring | LAGOS Gemstone Skull Bracelets |
SKINCARE | KOH GEN DO Cleansing Spa Water | REBELS AND OUTLAWS Love Potion | TATCHA Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask | TWINMEDIX Pro:Refine Eye Corrector | BELIF The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb |
FOUNDATION + CONCEALER | KEVYN AUCOIN Sensual Skin Enhancer | MAKE UP FOREVER Ultra HD Cream Foundation | CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hollywood Contour Wand | MAC COSMETICS Pro Palette Studio Finish Skin Corrector X 6 |
BLUSH | COZZETTE Infinite Blush Palette |
EYES | VISEART Neutral Matte Eyeshadow Palette + Dark Matte Eyeshadow Palette | ARDELL False Eyelashes Naked #420 | ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Definer #Caramel |
LIPS | RUNWAY ROGUE Lip Gloss in #Charmeleon | PAT MCGRATH LABS Lust: Lip Gloss #Bronze Venus |
HAIR | Misted in THEURGY Out of Body through dry hair before curling to add hold and heat protection | Then added THEURGY Shape Shift Texture throughout roots to create extra added volume and lift | Sprayed in THEURGY Enchantment Mist for high shine and to block out humidity | Finished with a light layer of THEURGY Retrograde Hairspray for a brushable finishing hold |
IG @Shes.Kimmie
Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Bank Shot with Rachel Nichols in mag.
