Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see 63MIX ROUTIN3S | Ajla Tomljanovic in mag.
63MIX ROUTIN3S | ANDREW FITZSIMONS
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CAN LACK OF SLEEP AFFECT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Did you know that lack of sleep can harm your overall health? It's true! This article will discuss the effects of sleep deprivation and how to get more sleep. We'll also cover some tips for improving your sleep habits, so if you're looking for ways to improve your health, read on!
How To Get A Good Night's Sleep
Most people know that getting a good night's sleep is vital for overall health, but few know how to achieve it. There are a few key things to remember when trying to get a good night's sleep. First, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can interfere with sleep.
Second, establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Finally, create a relaxing bedtime routine, including winding down for 30 minutes before sleep and using a melatonin diffuser to help you fall asleep. By following these simple tips, you can get the restful night's sleep you need to feel your best.
The Health Risks Associated With Lack Of Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health and well-being. It allows the body to rest and repair itself. Without enough sleep, people are at risk for various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep deprivation can also lead to accidents and injuries. In addition, lack of sleep can cause mood swings and irritability.
People who don’t get enough sleep are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. So it’s essential to make sure you get enough rest every night. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a day. If you’re not getting that much, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.
The Importance Of Getting Enough Rest
There are many benefits to getting enough sleep. When well-rested, you’re more likely to have a positive outlook on life and be productive. You’ll also have more energy to exercise and eat healthy foods. In addition, getting enough sleep can help improve your memory and concentration.
If you want to improve your overall health, ensure you get enough sleep every night. And remember, talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your sleep habits. Sleeping disorders are a serious business and should always be discussed with a medical professional.
What Are Sleeping Disorders?
There are many types of sleeping disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. Sleeping disorders can have a severe impact on your health. They can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If you think you might have a sleeping disorder, talk to your doctor.
Treating a sleeping disorder usually involves lifestyle changes, such as following a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine before bed. In some cases, medication may also be necessary. If you’re having trouble getting enough rest, don’t hesitate to seek help.
When To Call Your Doctor For A Sleep Disorder
If you’re having trouble sleeping, you must talk to your doctor. They can help you identify any underlying health conditions causing your insomnia. They can also recommend lifestyle changes or medications that may help you get a better night’s sleep.
Don’t suffer from lack of sleep any longer. Call your doctor today if you think you have a sleeping disorder. Getting the treatment you need can make a difference in your overall health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. If you’re not getting enough rest, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits. There are many different types of sleeping disorders, and they can severely impact your health. by following the tips in this article, you can get on the path to a better night’s rest. And remember, talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your sleep habits.
BINGELY STREAMING
BETTER CALL SAUL
The Final Season
AMC/AMC+
We can't believe that it's the final season of Better Call Saul. The last few seasons we have watched the transformation of Jimmy McGill to who we will know as Saul Goodman man, played by Bob Odenkirk (Fargo, Breaking Bad, Nobody).
This final season has brought a number of our favorite characters together as well as other glimpses of those that we have not seen in awhile. In this timeline, we're still ahead of the events that will take place in Breaking Bad. As we wonder whether we will see Walter White (Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad, Your Honor, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul - Big Love, Westworld, The Path)
With 13 episodes in the final season and a mid-season break as well, it's the perfect time to make sure that you catch up with the cartel, legal maneuvers and more.
THE STAIRCASE
Max Original
HBO Max
True crime is always our go-to genre when we're listening to our podcasts. There are a number of cases that we have heard told on various shows and The Staircase happens to be one of them. It's also a story that has been covered via documentaries as well as films. HBO Max's limited series of The Staircase shares the incidents that led to the death of Michael Peterson's (Colin Firth - Kingsman: The Secret Service, Bridget Jones's Baby, Kingsman: The Golden Circle) wife, Kathleen (Toni Collette - Pieces of Her, Knives Out, Nightmare Alley).
We're introduced to the family, their life prior to the murder as well as seeing the possible ways that she could have died. We also see how the family dynamics changed as Michael is charged with her death.
We also find out about other suspiscious activity that he has been associated with and how this could shine a light on her death of this true story.
JOURNEY TO 100
WZRD Media
Youtube
In Journey to 100, Jason Hardrath a PE teacher, has a car accident which turns his world around. Even though his doctors think that he will never run again, 7 years later he has the most FKTs (Fastest Known Times - established route at least 5 miles long with 500+ ft of climbing) of anyone on earth and is looking to be the first person ever to set 100 FKT records. This documentary shares his story.
To complete his challenge he wanted to climb Washington's Bulger List, the highest 100 peaks in the state, a lifetime challenge for most that attempt it but Jason, being a teacher, only has 50 days in the summer to complete it.
Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.
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BINGELY BOOKS
FINDING ME: A MEMOIR
HarperOne
Viola Davis
We have been long-time fans of award-winning actress and producer, Viola Davis. She is known for taking on dramatic roles and bringing her characters' essence to the front of our minds. In Finding Me: A Memoir, we meet her as a little girl where she had a decision to make when she realized that she would take on a decision that would make her stop running from herself and life.
She takes us from her early beginnings in Central Falls, Rhode Island to owning the stage in NYC and beyond. She shows how she found herself, claimed her space and made those listen who didn't see her when she made her presence known.
In analyzing her path, Viola Davis allows us to think about how we navigate our own lives. She also looks at the duality of who we are versus how the world labels us once they believe they know who they think we are. Her hope is that through her journey, others can look at how they define themselves and to provide the proper self-love that they deserve.
ART OF TEA: A JOURNEY OF RITUAL, DISCOVERY, AND IMPACT
Lioncrest Publishing
Steve Schwartz
We love a great cup of tea and we had the pleasure of interviewing the founder of Art of Tea and Master Tea Blender, Steve Schwartz for our AUG ISSUE #56 in 2020 and our podcast, Athleisure Kitchen. In his debut book, Art of Tea: A Journey of Ritual, Discovery, and Impact, he shares about how he obtained his passion for tea and founded his award-winning international tea brand. He explored the notion of impact by creating a tea ritual in one's day to enjoy creating a powerful, timeless and analog experience.
You'll find brewing tips for recipes while also learning how he grew his business that is a network of relationships with Google, #Slack, Caesars Palace, The Peninsula Hotels, The Getty and more.
CLEOPATRA AND FRANKENSTEIN
Bloomsbury Publishing
Coco Mellors
When the opportunity for a Green Card presents itself for 24 year old Cleo a painter, in her marriage to Frank who is 20 years older and financially successful.
Neither could imagine how their lives would change.
In Cleopatra and Frankenstein, we delve into the lives of both of these characters while seeing those that they are associated with. We learn the complexities of interpersonal relationships and how we go about navigating life when it throws curves into how we would like to live our lives. We see how an impulsive and convenient decision can create issues that we can't resolve easily.
Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.
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9DRIP | DIMITRI VEGAS AND LIKE MIKE
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PHOTO CREDIT | Deposit Photos/Artur Verkhovetskiy
5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT HOMES IN ASHCROFT, BC
You may have heard of the town of Ashcroft, BC. It’s a town on the banks of the Thompson River. The population is only about 1,500, so you might want to move there if small-town living appeals to you. You might like the idea of knowing all of your neighbors and getting away from the noise and tumult that you get in a larger city.
If you’re thinking about Ashcroft real estate, you should locate a realtor that knows the area and can sit down with you to talk about what you want to see in a home there. Let’s talk about a few things you ought to consider if you’re targeting this lovely town as a place to settle down.
The Price
Let’s face it: price matters more than virtually anything else if you’re doing some serious house hunting in 2022. You probably don’t have unlimited financial resources, so you’ll need to find a home in your price range. You likely have a high end, and if you reach it, you know you can go no higher, even if you find what seems like your dream home.
You can find a home in Ashcroft with an asking price as low as $224,900. You can also find ones that go for well over $400,000.
If that’s in your price range, then you might want to seriously consider this sleepy little town. If that seems like too much for you, then you’ll likely need to keep looking.
Nearby Schools
If you are not a parent, then you might not care about the nearby schools all that much. If you’re just starting a family, though, or you have school-aged kids that you’re going to relocate, you need to consider their education.
You can do some online research to learn about the local Ashcroft schools. You might look into the individual schools, the teachers, how many graduates go to college, what kind of sports and clubs they have for the students, etc.
If you like the look of the schools there, you might feel okay relocating to Ashcroft for that reason. You probably want to give your kids the best possible chance at an education since you know it will serve as their foundation for a better adult life in the future.
Nearby Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Bars, Etc.
Since Ashcroft is a relatively small town, you probably won’t find the thriving nightlife that comes with other major cities. If that’s first on your list, you likely won’t want to move there. Still, you might want to know about any coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and similar establishments close by.
You can look online and peruse any spots you might want to frequent if you’re looking for a night out on the town. You can also see whether there’s a nearby grocery store or anything else you feel you’ll need.
Other Nearby Places You Can Enjoy
You might look to see what else you have close to you that you and your family can enjoy. For instance, you may look for a local library if you like to check out books, DVDs, and more.
You might look to see if you’re close to a local park that has lots of walking and jogging trails. You may want to go there and ride your bike or sit under the trees and commune with nature sometimes.
You can look around to see if you can locate any farmer’s markets for you to enjoy during the appropriate season. You might look for any historical landmarks if that sort of thing interests you.
In short, the more cultural opportunities you find close to you, the better you might like a particular house in Ashcroft.
Proximity to the River
We mentioned earlier that the town sits very close to the Thompson River. You might enjoy getting out on the water. If so, you may want to get a house as close to the river as possible.
If you get one that sits almost on the water or very close to it, you can go boating when the mood strikes you. You might go for a swim or go fishing on nice days. You will find many kinds of fish in the river, including whitefish, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and bull trout.
If you can find a house in Ashcroft that appeals to you for all these reasons, you might snatch it up before someone else can make a better offer.
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9DRIP | JB SMOOVE
ATHLEISURE LIST | PAUSE STUDIO
With a belief that due to our hyperconnected world that life has no off button, Pause creates the space needed for the mind and body to reset. With its 3 studios in LA all of their services assist both mental and physical recovery including: stress and anxiety relief, mental clarity, promotes better sleep, detoxification, elevated immunity, and aids in athletic/physical recovery.
Pause Studios offers flotation therapy where clients are partially submerged in 10" of clean, body-temperature water, custom blended with 1,200lbs of therapeutic Epsom salts. It can help with lymph drainage and promote the absorption of magnesium.
They also offer infrared saunas which allow you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature. You can stay for a longer period of time so that you can increase your core body temperature by 2 to 3 degrees. This triggers a fever-like state in the body, increasing white blood cell production, and can help to flush out toxins and free radicals in the body.
Cold-water therapy is also provided where guests can take a dip into cold water that is well below body temperature. This creates a rush of the blood to the body's core and constricts blood flow to the body's surface tissue. When the body is back to a heightened temperature, the blood vessels are able to dilate and push nutrient rich fresh oxygenated blood back through the body.
In addition, they offer whole body cryotherapy, IV drip and LED beds. They continue to add additional modalities to the services offered. They continue to look for services that are science backed, live with and enhance the efficacy of the offerings and pass the vetting of their founders, their peer group and their Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
With a clientele that includes Tessa Thompson, Jessica Alba, Dax Shepherd, Kate Beckinsale, Rob Gronkowski and Anderson Silva to name a few, we can see why taking that time for ourselves is essential. The importance of the philosophy of rest, recovery and regeneration is one that we're all embracing regardless of what our day to day lives entails.
PAUSE STUDIOS
Venice
13353 West Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90066
West Hollywood
937 North Sycamore
West Hollywood, CA 90038
South Bay
850 Pacific Coast Highway
South Bay, CA 90245
PHOTO CREDITS | Pause Studio
Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Pause Studio in mag.
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ATHLEISURE LIST | PIKES IBIZA
Pikes Ibiza is a 25 bespoke room and suites hotel iconic Ibizan institution in the San Antonio hills that just opened for the 2022 season.
Top British chef, Tim Payne is helming Pamelas restaurant. Known for his 36-year career in Michelin restaurants, a top UK chef and previously a private chef for Carl Cox - he will bring inspiring seasonal and local produce as well as an international twist to his dishes. This is perfect for feasts and when dining under the stars.
During the day, we suggest the brunch concept at Love Food Ibiza which is helmed by Tess Prince.
Recognized as a Top 100 Hotels in the world by Sunday Times Travel and winner of Best Boutique Hotel by White Ibiza Awards for the last 4 years, Pikes Ibiza is one of the world's most iconic rock n' roll hotels. Located in the hills of northern Ibiza, lush Mediterranean gardens are wrapped around one of the most famous swimming pools on Earth. They have a sunset terrace overlooking the countryside of Ibiza.
It is known as a creative hub and a trailblazer in Europe for arts and culture.
Founded in the late 1970's by legendary icon, Tony Pike, it is known as a playground for the music and film industry which included guests such as Grace Jones, Tony Curtis, George Michael (who filmed Wham's Club Tropicana video by the aquamarine swimming pool), Jon Bon Jovi and Freddie Mercury who held his 41st birthday part in what is now called Freddies on the property.
Although everyday is a great day to unwind, Sundays are a key day at Pikes Ibiza whether you're at the restaurants to take in their famous Pikes Sunday Roast which is a feast that is meant to be enjoyed from meat, veggies, wine and a few cocktails. You can continue on poolside to keep the party going while taking in the ambiance.
On Sundays you can enjoy an epic night at Freddies as theu have selected a mix of international headliners, local DJs and special collaborators for a weekly party. You'll find their favorites, those from the underground, cutting edge, legends and pop stars in an intimate setting that will perform to keep the good vibes going.
PIKES IBIZA
Camí de Sa Vorera,
S/N, 07820
Sant Antoni de Portmany,
Illes Balears, Spain
IG @pikesibiza
PHOTO CREDITS | PIKES IBIZA
Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Pike’s Ibiza in mag.
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9LIST
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PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Daniel Salcius
AN IN-DEPTH GUIDE TO CYCLE INSURANCE
With rental, health, and auto insurance, the last thing on most cyclists' minds is bike insurance. Most will say they already pay a lot on other insurance, so bike insurance isn't necessary. However, bike insurance isn't just a cover for your bike if it gets stolen or damaged in a crash.
You might think your bike isn't worth much, so you don't need to have it insured, but do you know that bike insurance also covers the medical costs associated with bike accidents and crashes? Yes, it does, and just like auto insurance, bike insurance can serve as liability insurance if you cause a crash that leads to someone else being injured.
If you have an expensive car, it is only reasonable that you have it insured as you would your other automobile devices. Having your bike stolen can be both expensive and heartbreaking. So, irrespective of the bike type, be it a hybrid you take to work or a racer, it pays to have it insured.
First, let's take a look at the types of bike insurance below.
Types Of Bike Insurance Policies
Depending on the bike insurance company you choose, two-wheeler insurance is generally divided into the following categories:
· Third-Party Liability Insurance - This is a must-have for every bike owner. Third-party liability insurance covers you from potential liabilities to third parties, including harm to property.
· Standalone Own Damage Bike Insurance - This covers you financially and medically. For example, the replacement cost of fixing the bike if it is damaged, stolen, or destroyed.
· The Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy - This insurance policy protects against unanticipated incidents and financial obligations to third parties about your bike. Below are a few factors to take note of and consider before signing up for cycle insurance.
Rule Number One
Before making payment for a bike, always get an airtight insurance quote. Often, people only find out after purchasing a bike that the sweet deal they thought they had wasn't so sweet after all, thanks to the high insurance cost of the bike or, worse, no insurance company wants to insure the bike.
You should note that some bikes are high-performance, making them expensive or difficult to insure, so you should seek out insurance for specialized bikes.
Rule Number Two
When asked, provide the insurance company with an honest reply to all the questions. They will check to confirm the information provided, so there's no point in you being evasive or vague.
Rule Number Three
There are a lot of details to understand when it comes to cycle insurance, especially when you seek insurance for specialized bikes. This is why it is recommended that you go with a good insurance company. You need to understand the details involved, so don't be afraid to ask questions where you need clarity. This helps determine if the policy suits you as there is mostly no "perfect" coverage. Some cyclists seek theft coverage while others seek collision coverage. A good cyclist insurance agency will guide you based on your budget.
Rule Number Four
Though the cost of the insurance is essential, it is also crucial that you have absolute trust in your insurance and broker company. When it comes to a professional service that you acquire, you always ensure you are doing business with a brokerage that you are comfortable with. That'll be there for you if you encounter any problems or have questions.
Points That You Should Consider Before Purchasing Bike Insurance
Purchasing bike insurance is necessary, and as a beginner, you must realize the importance of acquiring a policy that delivers optimal coverage for you. Here are points to consider before purchasing cycle insurance.
1. Additional Covers
Select add-on covers for your bike after choosing the type of insurance you want. Add-ons are a form of cover for your insurance policy that gives you additional coverage. These add-ons will help you cover situations your normal policy does not cover. However, adding this coverage to the insurance policy for your bike may likely increase your premium. Therefore, take care to select the ones that are favorable to you.
2. Insurance Premiums for Bikes
Though you'll like to get the most coverage possible, you must also ensure that your bike insurance cost is reasonable. Your bike insurance rate can be determined by your bike's age, location, add-on coverage, its Insured declared value, etc. Also, make sure you calculate the cost of your premium when getting bike insurance online.
3. Claim Settlement Procedure
The primary purpose of procuring bike insurance is to be able to file a claim as soon as you encounter any accident or tragedy. To be qualified for this benefit, look for an insurer-provided service such as self-inspection and digital claim processing. A claim settlement ratio can be utilized to determine how efficient an insurance firm is in resolving claims.
Conclusion
The cycling world is fascinating, as there are many things to discover and learn. And just like all other pursuits or interests, the secret to enjoying the most out of what you love is to get a comprehensive understanding of every detail involved in bike insurance, whether they seem insignificant or not.
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THE PICK ME UP
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9LOOKS | ADIDAS X GUCCI
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Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS | Adidas x Gucci in mag.
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette
THE BACHELORETTES S19 | MEET THE MEN OF THE NEW CAST
On Jul 11th, we’re heading back to the mansion! Since the pandemic, we have seen variations on ABC’s The Bachelorette from new hosts, date dynamics for their dates and more. This season, the changes continue as there are 2 bachelorettes! We will follow the journeys of 26-year-old Rachel Recchia, a flight instructor from Clermont, Florida, and 31-year-old Gabby Windey, an ICU nurse from O'Fallon, Illinois.
Ahead of the season, we have The Bachelorette contestants that will be participating this season. You can find out more about who they are and where they’re from. There are a number of men who are from San Diego, Chicago and the surrounding area, Tampa and even twin brothers! It will be interesting to get to know the guys and see who we can see for each woman. Without a doubt, it’s going to be interesting to see the dynamics of how the men will decide between the two.
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
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IN OUR BAG | FOR A SPLASHY OVERNIGHT
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HOW TO DRESS | WHEN GRABBING YOUR COFFEE
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#TRIBEGOALS
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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY
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BACK AT THE PYNK
In 2020, the first season of P-Valley, an adaptation of Olivier Award, Pulitzer Prize winning and 2X TONY nominated playwright Katori Hall's (The Mountaintop, Tina: Tina Turner Musical, The Hot Wing King) play Pussy Valley, premiered on STARZ. Katori serves as the Executive Producer and showrunner for this series. This series takes us to the Mississippi Delta where local politics, a strip club and the need to elevate in society come to a head.
The sophomore season of P-Valley begins June 3rd and we caught up with some of our faves of The Pynk in Chucalissa, Mississippi. In our roundtable, we talked with Elarica Johnson (Eastenders, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, A Discovery of Witches) who plays Autumn that we meet in the first season after running from her problems to the town of Chucalissa and becomes a dancer at The Pynk; Parker Sawyers (Succession, Snowden, A Discovery of Witches) who plays Andre Watkins who is an an associate at a commercial investment company trying to secure land for The Promised Land Casino and Resort. We also talk with Shannon Thornton (POWER, Dynasty, Inventing Anna) who plays Keyshawn a dancer at The Pynk who is also making her debut as an artist and J. Alphonse Nicholson (Mr. Robot, Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madame C.J. Walker, Just Mercy) who plays the up and coming rapper, Lil' Murda.
We find out how they came to this series, why this show is powerful and what can we expect as we head into season 2.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s so great to talk to you guys and we've been a fan of your work in this series as well as other projects that you have been attached to. Before we delve into P-Valley and the upcoming season, what led you to want to be an actor?
ELARICA JOHNSON: Ohh I like this question! I was that performing artist kid – the annoying one that has to do performances at the age of 4 or 5. Then I watched Annie in the theater and saw this little girl doing this performance and I was like, oh my God, I want to do that. And then I think that the biggest part is the storytelling. I loved reading stories when I was younger and the fact that I can dress up and be whoever is handed to me and to be who I want to be, that’s the most incredible thing.
PARKER SAWYERS: What’s the expression? Nothing is as queer as folk – nothing is as queer as people? I just love exploring humans man! We’re just a strange animal! So far, my degrees are in philosophy and psychology. I like thinking and reading about people and then I didn’t start acting until I was 27. I’ve always been a keen observer of human behavior and just like – what? Why is that? I’ll give you an example. I was surprised by Katori, I think she had been out of her hometown for awhile like a decade! She had been in NY like Columbia, Harvard and this kind of stuff. And then, her accent is still quite strong! I love thinking about how she loves her hometown and she’s seeing all the stars, her place, the dialect – she loves it so much! That accent isn’t going anywhere! Whereas some other people, they move and they want to assimilate – I live in London and some Americans, they want to feel part of the culture and it’s not on purpose but their accent will start to go British. I love thinking about stuff like that and then putting it on screen whenever I get the chance.
SHANNON THORNTON: I wanted to be an actor since I was a kid. I have always just been a creative person. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a lefty as we’re always creatively and artistically inclined. I don’t know if that has something to do with it as well! I’ve always had a passion for drawing, I was involved in everything band, choir, drama club, African dance, ballet – anything that just involved being on the stage and performing. I was just a part of it and ever since I was a kid from my first play in middle school, I’ve always wanted to create and to express myself artistically. I really couldn’t see myself doing anything but what I am doing right now.
J. ALPHONSE NICHOLSON: For me, it came later in life. I’m a musician first, I’ve been a percussionist my entire life, but I will say that I have had a lot of artistic influences growing up from my mom writing church plays to being on a step team in high school to being in a marching band – so the showmanship was always there. Once I got to college, I was 18 at North Carolina Central University thinking that I was going to be a band teacher, I had a wonderful teacher come up to me and said that I should pursue this theater course and to audition for this play because I had a great personality. I did it and I fell in love with it. Here we are now at 32, 12 years later and I found a lot of success through storytelling and it just grew on me and I knew it was something that I was going to do for the rest of my life outside of any of my other endeavors. Storytelling is important to me and once you realize that you have a gift for it, it doesn’t feel like work – it’s something that you want to keep going after.
AM: I love that. What drew you guys to wanting to be part of P-Valley? I remember hearing about it before the 1st season dropped and I was excited. It sounded like it was going to be really good and when it came on, I was obsessed with this show and the characters! It was everything that I could have imagined and more.
EJ: I mean, I read this script and I fell in love very early on! I was like, this one’s for me – yes! The writing is amazing and Katori does an incredible job with the characters and the space and even the language – I had never seen it before. I knew that it had to be mine. You don’t see scripts like that very often.
PS: The same, the same! Elarica already said it, but as actors, I don’t know how many scripts we get and especially during busy months of the year, it can be 5 or 6 a week. I mean a lot of them look the same and I get confused! I’m like, did you already send me this one? But when I got P-Valley, it was so new and fresh – I got it and I understood it! Oftentimes, I don’t understand some of the humor written down or something in the script. But this one I was like – oh that’s funny, I got this, that’s cool. Reading it I was like, that’s interesting and I know that and I know that world – a little bit. So that’s just something that just leapt out.
ST: The writing is what pulled me in for sure. As soon as you read the script, I remember going into my manager’s office one day to put myself on tape for another project that I was auditioning for and they were like, “listen, this came across our desk and I know you don’t do nudity and that you don’t play this type of character, but it’s definitely worth a read.” I read it on the train ride home as I was living in NY at the time and I cried. It was so beautiful and I hadn’t come across anything like that in my entire career up until that point. The characters are just so beautifully fleshed out and complicated and this world is just so real and familiar to me. I absolutely, despite my reservations, absolutely had to at least throw my hat into the ring and see.
JAN: Same! Katori Hall! The writing! I knew of her genius as a writer prior to coming to P-Valley. We both come from the theater world in NY. So I was very fond of her work and when the opportunity came to work with her and to have an opportunity to audition, we went for it and when you add in the complexity of playing Lil’ Murda right? Him being a closeted rapper so as a heterosexual man, you get a little apprehensive and say, “hey is this a story that I feel comfortable in telling” and then you do it and it's so rewarding! For me, I feel like I have played a part in being an ally in a really dope community and that’s what drew me to it. 1. being an ally through storytelling and then 2. just this incredible writing by Pulitzer prize winning Katori Hall.
AM: That's great. One of the things that we love about this show is that everyone is haunted by something in this series and they are trying to escape to other things in their life. Where did we leave your characters last season and where do we pick up with them again going into the 2nd season which launches next month?
EJ: I mean, when we left my character Autumn, she was at the auction house and I know that there are a lot of questions from fans on where is that situation now and does she really own this space now and what is her relationship like with Uncle Clifford (Nicco Annan – Snowfall, This is Us, Claws)? I can tell you that it’s very bumpy! She does own the majority of The Pynk and is in partnership with Uncle Clifford and she is the boss now. This is a huge difference from her 1st season but the space belonged to Uncle Clifford for so long and has been in her life for so long that this battle has been going on for a very long time.
PS: With Andre, we’ve seen him where we left off with him failing at a mission again. We open up with him out of a job and sort of lost. And in my mind, a bit of a bum, overgrown and he’s stopped grooming himself and maybe stopped showering and maybe stopped washing his legs – I don’t know! He’s a bit lost, but then there’s something that happens that gets him out of it. Not immediately but it starts him on his path to getting back to himself. But he does it quickly and it’s pretty impressive.
ST: Season 1 as far as Keyshawn, you last see her at The Pynk, she had at this point, pulled a gun on Diamond (Tyler Lepley - 90210, The Haves and the Have Nots, Harlem) to protect her abusive boyfriend Derrick (Jordan Cox - TURN: Washington's Spies, Dynasty, The Outsider). We pick up where we left off, maybe a few months later where we are now in the throws of a pandemic and Keyshawn is dealing with the consequences of her actions. We see in season 2 whether or not she’s forgiven by Diamond or forgiven by her co-workers at The Pynk and where the relationship stands or goes with Derrick.
JAN: We find Lil’ Murda in a similar place at the end where he’s trying to figure him self out and to find himself. We absolutely find him in the same place that we’re at right now, dealing with a pandemic and dealing with how to cope with that. By the time we get to the end of season 2, we see him in a much more clearer space with himself but still complicated and complex none the less. We see him go through this incredible journey as a musician, a lover, a friend as a big brother to Keyshawn and how he moves through that space. So we find them in a multitude of different levels and a lot of different levels and then we find out how they even that playing field for themselves.
AM: The cast is really great and as you're watching the story unfold, there are interesting dynamics between them. In terms of Autumn and Andre, there is a tension between them will we continue to see that as we continue into the next season?
For Keyshawn and Lil' Murda, there is a great vibe into your characters in their relationship as friends and business partners. How will that evolve into the next season?
EJ: They do! They naturally have this thing. They’re like magnets and they’re drawn to each other regardless of what they’re going through as there’s always going to be something. I think that that is definitely a strong factor in their relationship. Yeah, we see that in this season coming.
JAN: For sure, you see it grow immensely. You see them become very fond of each other and what they are able to offer each other. Not only as business partners but as friends too right and as entertainers. I think that Lil’ Murda knows that he has to admit it to himself and his manager on the show that they can’t do that tour without Keyshawn. So we have to make that happen and then at the end of the day, I think that she knows and I don’t want to speak for her, but I feel like Lil’ Murda knows that Keyshawn knows that I am valuable to her. She feels like, “hey, he’s going to help me get out of these trenches – let’s go on tour and make that happen!”
I am valuable to her. She feels like, "hey, he’s going to help me get out of these trenches – let’s go on tour and make that happen!”
AM: Do you think that Keyshawn feels that way?
ST: Absolutely. Yes! We’re helping each other here. I think that being on tour is a kind of escapism and we were able to just escape reality for a little bit. It’s in the middle of the pandemic, but at the same time, we get to take that breather because we’re going on tour. You’ll see little texts and phone calls that bring us back to reality, but yeah absolutely.
AM: Looking past P-Valley, do you have any upcoming projects that you’re able to share that we can keep an eye out for?
PS: Oh man! The Lost Girls, that’s a movie that’s coming out. Look on my IMDB. Next week, I go off to Europe for a few months to do a couple of shows. I’m doing one for HBO Max and it’s set in the 1970s and it’s a spy thriller. Then I am also revisiting a character from a BBC show that I did in 2018 but because of the pandemic, we’re just getting around to being able to do the 2nd season! It’ll be cool, summer in Europe.
EJ: There’s nothing that I can talk about at the moment but I’m so thrilled to hear about what everyone is doing!
JAN: For sure, so I had an opportunity to work on a really cool project with John Boyega (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker), Jamie Foxx (Horrible Bosses 2, Baby Driver, Spider-Man: No Way Home) and Teyonah Parris (If Beale Streets Could Talk, Wandavision, Candyman) called They Cloned Tyrone coming to Netflix this year. I have 2 other projects that are in production right now and they are producer projects as well called Shadowbox with Hill Harper (Homeland, Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber, The Good Doctor) and Joslyn Rose Lyons (Looking Glass, Waging Change, Truth to Power) she’s a writer and director of that project. So it’s in the festival circuit right now. The other 2 projects that I am doing right now haven’t had my characters be announced yet so I can’t wait for the audience and my fan base to get a hold of that!
ST: There are a couple of things that are in play right now, that I don’t want to jinx – they’re under wraps for the moment but I am very very excited and I don’t think that anyone will see me in quite this light before.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 100 - 111 STARZ/P-Valley
Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see BACK AT THE PYNK in mag.
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