Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe - Grape Therapy: Getting Chirped & Winning Medals with Olympian Ellie Black

Episode Date: February 23, 2023

When Jonathan Van Ness tells you to have an Olympic gymnast and fellow-Canadian sweetie on the podcast, you listen. The one and only three-time Olympian Ellie Black joins Kaitlyn to talk about everything gymnastics, and it turns out a lot of her wisdom applies to so, so much more than sports… who woulda thought? Ellie is sharing how she got involved in the sport, what training and recovery look like, how she calms her nerves before heading into competition, and why she chooses to compete whenever possible with a flower in her hair. She’s also opening up about mental health in the world of gymnastics and beyond, and why it’s so important to have role models like Simone Biles standing up for themselves and their well-being. No matter how incredible these athletes are, they are still humans first, just like the rest of us. Plus, we get to witness another Canadian use the word “chirp” and hear Kaitlyn’s thoughts on this week’s episode of The Bachelor. Thank you to our sponsors! Check out these deals for the Vinos: PELOTON - Explore Peloton Row and their financing options at onepeloton.com/row.  JUST THRIVE - For a limited time, you can save 20% on a 90 day bottle of Just Thrive probiotic and Just Calm https://justthrivehealth.com/discount/VINE.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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And Just Thrive. For a limited time, you can save 20% on a 90-day bottle of Just Thrive, probiotic, and JustCom, at Just Thrivehealth.com with promo code Vine. It's time for Off the Vine, grape therapy. Welcome to your weekly session. Caitlin and friends are here to share unfiltered advice, lots of laughs, and some major breakthroughs. So put your feet up, pop a cork, and get ready for some grape therapy. Welcome to Great Therapy. I'm your host, Caitlin Bristow. You may have heard JVN mention her a few weeks back when we podcasted. He was very passionate about Ellie Black, one of the most successful gymnasts in Canadian history. Okay. So we got her on the pod. That is one way you can support what JVM was saying, support the Canadian Olympic athletes. You can do that by listening to this podcast today. She is so sweet. Of course, she is Canadian. She continues to inspire young gymnast with her dedication, her hard work, impressive performances on the world stage. I really enjoyed talking to her. It's just cool to hear what these Olympic athletes go through. And they're always just such solid people. So I'm excited for you to hear this conversation.

with Ellie today. Hi. Hello. Hi. How are you? I'm good. How are you? I'm so good. Hold on. I'm going to take off these headphones because they look obnoxious and I just want to make sure it sounded okay. It was a part of the vibe. Do you think so? Yeah. I liked it. I feel like they could be cuter. They're just like these clunky big black things that I feel like. I need like a cute, like, neon pink or something to match the vibe over here.

Yeah. But thanks. I feel like you're just being nice because you're Canadian. We're both Canadian. Don't you hate that excuse? Everyone's like, oh, they're just Canadian. They're so nice. And you're like, yeah, but don't underestimate you.

I'm not a bitch. No, exactly. Exactly. And I am too nice sometimes. I realize that. And I'm like, I think I'm just too nice. Like, I feel like that sometimes. But then my fiancee would definitely disagree with me on that.

You'd be like, no, you could actually be a little nice. sir. Yeah, the people who really know you. Yeah, exactly. But I'm so happy you're here. And did you hear or did someone tell you about the JVN podcast where he was very passionate about Canadian Olympics? Oh, yes. Oh, yes. So someone actually in the gymnastics community here sent that to me. Yeah. And she was like, you need to listen to this. So I'm like, oh, yeah. Because I've like heard some of your episodes before. I just hadn't heard that one. Yeah. And I put it on. And I was like living. I was like, first off, I'm not retired. So don't get to. upset i'm still going and then second off when can i do gymnastics with you and also how can i

get on this podcast like i was like all of these sound great to me that's we just need to make it so now you're on the podcast and now we need to make it so we're in the same city me you jvian and you guys can teach me like how to do some sort i'm i'm like absolutely coordinated my trainer would say i'm athletic but if you see me like try and play any sport you would definitely disagree with that so I'd be curious how I would do of like that's okay my hand-eye coordination is not quite it so you may actually be like secretly really great at gymnastics like who knows you know what I guess we're going to have to teach you okay well we'll find out um and as jv and pointed out in that podcast several times you're one of the most successful gymnasts in Canadian history which is so cool like

what a legendary thing to be like I'm you know the most successful gymnast in Canadian history whatever. So what inspired you to pursue gymnastics or did you just come out of the womb like tumbling? Well, I think I actually didn't really know about gymnastics. I mean, neither did my parents. And someone actually suggested to my parents to put me in gymnastics because I was like so powerful and strong and just like jumping around and like so much energy. So they suggested to put me in gymnastics. And I think my parents were like a little bit hesitant because like like gymnastics like that's dangerous. Like, you know, I don't know about that. But once I got into it just like clicked and being in that environment and I don't know just like the feeling of

flipping and flying like nothing beats that I mean that does sound like fun but you have to have so many other things that add up in in yourself to be a gymnast like the training that would come along with it the competitiveness like oh yes the structure of your life like basically probably taking over of just like eat sleep and breathe gymnastics so you obviously were like bread as an athlete because you have that in you. But like, what does training for the Olympics look like? Is it every single day? Do you get days off?

How does your body handle that? Yeah. Well, I mean, yeah, like I do have a competitive nature. So I feel like that just like drives me. And I have goals that I want to achieve. But it is like fully, it just like takes over your whole life. Like, you know, in and out of the gym, right? Because you're trying to get your proper rest and your proper nutrition, proper recovery,

your training, like everything kind of just. consumed by gymnastics. But, you know, like training for the Olympics, we kind of look at it in like quads. So every four years, the Olympics happen. And then you kind of like set your goals towards the next one. Each year, it's like we've got qualifications for Olympics, like the first round. And the next year, it's like the second round of Olympic qualifications. And then you kind of move on to like, okay, it's like Olympic prep year.

And so you're kind of like preparing for the Olympics like many years in advance. I mean, you do get days off where you should. Yes. I advocate for that highly. Yeah. Especially as you go older in the sport. But yeah, I think it's important to have a good balance of like training hard, but also doing as much recovery as you are training because, you know, the amount you put

into the gym, you almost have to do that whole amount to recover and be able to come in the next day. I can't even imagine what the recovery would look like for that because it's probably more than just rest. It's probably like certain. Have you ever done like ice? ice baths. Yes.

Yeah. So ice baths or like contrast baths. I don't know if you've ever heard of like they're called Norma text. They're like these legs that go and the compression, the air. Yeah. Those are great. You know, seeing physio like all of that is it just like kind of feeds into that recovery. And then as well like, you know, sleep and proper nutrition and just like everything.

I mean that's and that's everything physical. And then I'm sure you add the mental element of taking care of yourself. as well. I feel like how would you mentally prepare for things like that on your recovery days, on your working days, on the days where like, like if, I don't know if you do, but I suffer so bad from PMS or cramps or anxiety and on those days where I, I can a lot of times just say, you know what I'm actually going to give myself this day to just stay in bed or do all that. Mentally, what can you do to prepare? Yeah, I guess there's like a fine line for us because like you'll have those days where you have to go to the gym and you feel.

like oh my gosh mentally i'm just not there today or physically like i don't i don't know what i can do if it's like that mental aspect you got to be careful and i always just like talk to my coach and i'm like okay i don't think i can do these things today because like my mind's just not with it physically you can kind of like push a little bit and be like okay i'm sore but like i actually might be able to get some stuff done and you know what happens if you're sore the day of competition like you you got to kind of have that under your belt or practice that a bit but i think like on the rest days and recovery days, your body almost feels like worse because your body knows you're resting. Your body knows that it's like time to relax and everything just like

crushes down and then you got to like pull yourself back up. But it's also really important to have those because yeah, without those rest, you're just going to burn yourself out. But I think it's just like knowing when you have those days and cycling and having a schedule, like we're very schedule based because obviously you got to be able to plan for your week and plan for your schedule and but I think it's important too to recognize if you do need a day off like and that's going to be more important and more beneficial like you should do that for yourself yeah i agree it's listening to your body and and your mind and all those things do you have any like rituals i know some athletes are superstitious maybe you're superstitious maybe you're a little stitious like do you have

any crazy routines where you're like i must eat this bowl of cereal with this amount of milk and wear these socks too no no no actually try not to be superstitious because I think my coach got me into this a little bit. But like, you know, you travel all around the world. The food's different. You probably are going to be sleeping in like a really different environment. Your whole schedule is going to be different. And so if you can kind of keep something similar, that's great, you feel like you feel like you like need to do this or you can't perform. I think that's what I try and stay away from. So I think that I like to do. And I prefer to do but if it doesn't go that way it's okay i can still do my gymnastics but i would say one

thing i like to have when i compete is i have like a little flower that i put in my hair yeah yeah and that actually comes from my first olympic games i was like very new to the scene but one of like um my gymnastics like idols that i looked up to and she probably would have been on the olympic team had she not gotten injured her name's uh pang pang lee or christine lee um but she always wore a flower in her hair. And so she got injured that year of the 2012 Olympics, wasn't able to compete. So our team collectively all wore little like flowers in our hair because she was like our team captain. That's sweet. Yeah. So we like had her with me. And that's just something that's kind of like stuck with me since then, basically. Oh, that's sweet. Yeah. So that's, I guess that's like the one

kind of vicious thing that I have. But I can still compete without it. Right. It's just a nice little touch that makes you feel good before because I feel like any time you're doing something, especially on that level of a stage, like the Olympics, your stress and nerves must be out of control. And sometimes a simple thing of like, you know, that little reminder in your hair of that little flower can like, okay, I can do this. Like it can be something so small like that. Yeah. It makes you feel comfortable. Yeah. And I think that's huge when you're feeling nervous, no matter what you're doing in your life, people can apply this to if you're on a stage like the Olympics

or if you're just like nervous about a work meeting or whatever you're doing, what are some things that you do to calm your nerves? Yeah, oh, for sure. Like, you can use this like any day. Things that I like to do is like breathing is number one for me. It's like calming down my nervous system, like bringing me down, making sure that I can actually breathe.

And you're actually then focused on something other than the nerves. So like regulating your breathing, I think, is really good. I also do visualization, so I like to, and do it in a positive way. Don't visualize yourself doing something. That's not really productive. But yeah, like visualizing my routines or doing it successfully. And then just like focusing on everything that I've done to prepare and everything that I know I've put all that hard work into and like kind of just finding that self-belief and confidence and trust to be able to like, just go out and be like, look, I can handle this. And if something comes up weird, I can handle that too. Like, I'm going to be able to

pivot. I'm going to be able to take this on. But just having that kind of confidence and belief in yourself that you can do more than you think. And so, I mean, it takes time. It takes practice. But all those little pieces kind of come together and then help you to just feel a little bit more confident. That's great. I love that advice. I actually think that's anyone can take away from that no matter what you're doing in your life. Okie dokey, if you're like me, sometimes you'll feel that tightness in your tummy just sitting in rush hour traffic or get sick to your stomach before like a big meeting or big interview.

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Is there anything that stands out to you as the most memorable moment in your career, even if it's something, like obviously certain ones are going to be really great, but do you have like embarrassing ones? Most memorable, like top three. Top three. Oh my gosh. Anything that comes to your mind. I've been doing gymnastics a long time. I have a lot of moments.

Yeah, okay. So I would say probably one of my favorite moments was from my first Olympic game. So just a little bit of background. I went from being like this little girl from Nova Scotia. I wasn't even on national team in January. And then I went to making the Olympic team in June. And so yeah, just like over the course of a couple months, made it onto national team and got like an Olympic spot. And this was something that me and my longtime coach were really like working towards. And on. I never knew it was going to happen or not. But I remember I was at the Olympic trials and my coach from before he passed away last year. But he... I'm sorry. So my current coach, he's coaching me still, but my longtime coach from before he passed away last year.

But he was the one who was coaching me at the time. He didn't like to travel so he wasn't at the Olympic trials with me. And I remember calling him from the Olympic trials and saying, like, Kagey, like, I made the Olympics. And he thought I was joking. Like he thought I was kidding. He didn't believe that it was actually true because this was something we were like working towards for so long.

So I think that was just a really special moment in like my gymnastic career and being able to go compete at the Olympics, being the first female gymnast from Nova Scotia to ever make it to the Olympic Games. Like very, very cool. And then I would say another amazing moment was also I competed at the World Championships in Montreal. Wow. We hosted them there. So it's not every day you get to compete in your like home country.

Um, you know, with all your family and friends coming to watch. So that was, yeah, that was just incredible. Like it was just the environment having everyone there watching. And I actually won a silver medal for Canada, which was the first ever all around medal, a female had won at a world championships. And I got to do that on home soil with everyone watching. Like just phenomenal. And then I went home and all my teammates were chirping me because I didn't get gold.

But, you know, yes. First of all, I love that you say chirping because I say that all the time, and it's such a Canadian. Like, I don't know if it's like athletes or because that's what, like, my ex used to always say chirping and he was an athlete. And then it stuck with me. And I used to say it all the time on The Bachelor and Bachelor. And people would be like, what is that? And so I love hearing like little Canadian athlete. Oh, I'm so glad it's not just me either.

No, no, no. It's, that's amazing. Oh, my gosh, they're chirping you for not getting gold. Yeah. He was like, but only silver? I'm like, are you kidding me? Come on, guys. Like, this is history right now.

Yeah, that's awesome. That's so cool. What a freaking feeling. Wow. Like when you said that, I flexed. Like I was like, yeah. That's so badass. Do you have any like idols in the space, like in, in that world that you look up to that you've gotten to meet?

Yeah. I mean, like I've had a lot of gymnastics idols over the years. Like Sean Johnson was always one for me because she was very, very similar build to me, kind of like short, powerful. Like, you know, just I. I felt like I could relate to her a lot. And then there's some others like Julia Steingruber. I don't know if you know who she is. She's from Switzerland.

Super awesome. Definitely a vault or two. So someone I could like relate to. Of course, Simone Biles, everyone looks up to her. I mean, I do. I'm not even in that same world. Exactly. Like people who aren't in gymnastics, just like everyone looks up to her.

Like she can, you know, set standards in pretty much every aspect of life. But, yeah, lots, lots of gymnasts that I've been able to kind of meet throughout my career, of course, like Christine Lee. She was also one, too. But yeah, like, it's just amazing that I actually got to meet them and be able to connect with them. And I think you realize, like, you're like, okay, these people are just regular people, too. Yeah. And, you know, because sometimes everyone, yes, their life is a little bit different than ours. But, you know, we're all, like, put on these platforms.

and really we're just individuals who are really passionate about what we do. And so it's kind of cool to be able to meet them and connect and be like, okay, actually this could be a possibility for me as well, especially when you're young and you're a young kid and you're able to meet your idol. Like, yeah, it's just phenomenal.

Sean has become such a dear friend of mine here in Nashville. I just love her and Andrews so much. And I see them with their kids, you know, doing like the flips and doing things and training them already. And I'm like, that's so cool because it also, I knew I saw somebody, there's some guy that went like viral on TikTok for doing these crazy tricks with his little girl for like cheer. Did you ever see that guy? I don't think I saw that. No. Oh, it was like next

level and people were so mortified that this guy was doing that with his daughter. And then there's like so many people that were like, they're building trust and like, there's so much more than that than what people, people are just like scared because it was kind of dangerous. But at the same time, you're building a lot of trust and like, I don't know. What age did you start? I started when I was like six, seven years old, but like gymnastics is such a foundation sport for that. Like it teaches you balance. It teaches you how to fall properly. It teaches you like body awareness. Like you learn how to do those things. And so for me like as a kid, I'm like, I hope every kid gets the chance to experience gymnastics. Not because like,

well, I am biased. I think it's the best sport out there. But that being said, I think it's just such an incredible like stepping stone because you can use those skills like in daily life. walking down the street we all need to do that and then as well but if you go to any other sport like gymnasts are like pretty universal they can go at least attempt and try pretty much any other sport because the base of like learning that we have is just so wide and you just learn so much but those people are also probably professionals yeah in their aspect right so like i don't know yeah trust the professionals just because obviously we wouldn't trust you susan 4982-91 at home to go flipping your kid like that.

These are professionals. John's an Olympic champion and she's bringing her kid to the gym. Like, that makes sense to me. Yeah. Okay, it is that time of the pod where we are going to do a little, what do you call it a Zatchler? Is that with you? Zackler or Zatchler?

Because it's spelled Zach. Let's just go with Zatchler. Okay. Our recap for our Peloton Romance Roundup, I've got my producers, Madison and Alicia with me. And we all watched the episode last night. And it definitely had a lot of romance, at least before the Zoom rose ceremony. Were you guys LOL in like I was during that? I was more cringing than L.O.

Nothing romantic about like a screen and what did they call it a virtual? Virtual Rose ceremony. They're like, never been done in Bachelor history. That's so funny. Okay, so quick word about Peloton who sponsors are Romance Roundups. Pelotan workouts are made to work for you. They really have movement for every single level, no matter where you are, fitness journey and their rower works 86% of your muscles in just 15 minutes. That is whack.

I mean, that's how long The Bachelor would be if they cut out everything unnecessary. Just kidding. Do I mean it? No, I don't. Yes, I do. Do you? I don't know. Boom-ching. Let's get into it. Who gets the first one-on-one date again? So Gabby got the first one-on-one date and he brought her to a perfumery. A perfumery? Marie, where they create their own scent called Zabby. That's kind of fun. Very clever. Very cute.

Very clever. And then they had royal corgis, and that really sold the date for me. I was like, all right, I'm so into the crown. And so seeing the royal corgis, I was like, get out of here. Their date was really cute and really romantic at the end. I really like them together. It was sweet. I loved their genuine conversation.

And Greer, she's feeling a little envious of Gabby's date and said she's never felt like somebody's queen, which I think we can all relate to. But I think let's get real. The real romance is between Greer and T. Okay, so group date comes, double up on love. As soon as they said, double up on love, I was like, clearly they're doing a double-decker bus in London. I didn't get them until right now. Come on, Madison. I was like half watching and I didn't put it together. Well, you know what? There's a good thing there's three of us with six eyes on this episode because four of them caught that

the people who caught that were the ones who were not sober I was a little buzzed up Alicia was high yeah wow that's actually embarrassing for you Madison Alicia was higher than their dackle tiddies sure it was never gets old okay so big group dates obviously Charity was not on it so she gets the one-on-one date which has been a long time coming and Charity is also by the way child and family therapist at 26 years old, which makes me feel better than the 22-year-olds this

season. But 26 years old, as a child and family therapist, I was still a child at 26 years old. I didn't know my ass from my elbow. Okay, Mercedes starts hyperventilating about charity getting the one-on-one date. I had hope for Mercedes. We'll get into that later. But honestly, do you think they're sad about not having time with Zach? Or are they sad about losing potential followers at this point because obviously someone was asking Anastasia about like getting brand deals and it's just so hard to tell this season. I don't want to sound bitter because I'm

not. I think everybody should be able to get Instagram followers and make money that way. It's great. I think Jason might have posted about this, but I think there's something to say of like it's 2023. Not going on The Bachelor to find just to find love. I mean, yeah, that's an option

but like you know what comes out of it. It's past its prime of getting followers though. That's what I'm saying. People aren't just given out follows anymore. Like it's... Are you going to follow any of them? Oh, yeah. I probably will. I've been a little behind this season and I like to follow once I feel connected to them. And like I would actually want to hang out with them in the future. So I haven't, I don't even know if I follow any of them yet. But last night was truly the first time I've sat down and actually watch. I really like Gabby. Okay, anyways, back to the hotel in an ITM Greer refers to Zach as her boyfriend, which is a lot. you think that's the right time to use the term boyfriend for him? Like, I'm trying to think of when I started calling Crystal's my boyfriend, but I actually don't think I did the whole time because I was like, is he?

I don't know. They always do that, though. What are you supposed to call them? What are they? The Bachelor. Yeah, The Bachelor. The main event. What would you have wanted to be called?

My crush. That's my crush. That's my girl. I like that. That's cute. Yeah. That's a girl. But I don't like that's my name.

man no i don't like that's my man and i don't like that's my boy that's my boy oh my god that was so when he was sick i actually was genuinely concerned about him and it felt like the group date like it was raining all the girls were like oh my gosh like this sucks we feel stood up and betrayed and i'm like nobody cares if he's like got a fever seemed like a great time i have a big insider scoop secret here and i probably didn't tell it, but I'm going to. Whoa. I don't know if I told you this last night, but when they show B-roll of Zach

and he like really doesn't look like he's doing too bad despite of the dramatic footage of him blowing his nose, you remember him? He's like in his hotel room, in the bed, blowing his nose, he's got a little fake cup of tea. That's a hotel in L.A. That makes so much sense. So they must have had to be like, oh shit, we need to be a B-roll of Zach looking sick.

And so then he's back in L.A. And they're like, can we just get you blowing your nose and like holding a cup of tea in the hotel room? That's great. He looks like he was thriving. It was like, I actually thought in that moment, I was like, damn, I could have used five days off with some tea in bed like during my season.

But that's, yeah, so doesn't that make sense? Oh, that makes so much sense. It's the hotel they always put all of their people in when we do like final rows or the women tell all, mental that's where they stay in this very specific bed that has writing on the back i just thought that was funny now that's some tea now that right there ladies and gentlemen is some tea okay so the gals got dressed up for the date and night and yet again m ia greer is upset she says that everyone's experience being stood up i haven't so i don't know what she's talking about

never stood up yeah i don't think i've i've never been stood up wow aren't we three little bitches we cut that but he's also not sending them out because the poor guys got the vid so that was sad charity's date gets canceled too which my god have you seen a more beautiful crying woman in your life 10 out of 10 stunning perfect everything and then just like her beautiful single tears going down her beautiful face yeah it was like Lauren Conrad in the hills oh yeah yeah I don't even know what that means but yeah I think I think I'm being a meme so that was sad and heartbreaking and I really am rooting for her too okay and then Jesse announces Zach is feeling better wants to do a virtual cocktail hour that was so awkward I had why couldn't they see themselves they all didn't know what to do

they're all saying the same thing and then the awkward encounter with Greer she like makes a comment about like yeah it's like a difficult end of quarter with sales he's like um I actually don't think it's like that at all which I loved that he did that bad. I love that he was like, I know she was trying to relate and I actually feel really bad for her after the fact because she was so embarrassed and she was like, I was just, you know, that's an uncomfortable situation. She was just

nervous. And then we get the virtual rose ceremony. Why? I don't know, but the show must go on. This is showbiz, baby. And the women are all in their dresses and Zach is up on a TV in a suit and not even the vid can mess up the traditional format of the show. So Kylie and Mercedes gets sent home. I had high hopes for Mercedes. I really did. Okay, well, that is a whole lot of romance, or at least something like that.

Okay, speaking of romance, you can try the Peloton Row risk-free with a 30-day home trial. New members only, not available in remote locations, see additional terms at Onepellatron.com slash home trial. Do you have any BTS, like behind the scenes, moments from Olympics or training, or anything that you wish people knew more about that they don't give you guys enough credit for? okay well this is something that I actually kind of do on my Instagram I call it the grind but it's kind of just like show what athletes go through behind the scenes yeah um I mean like I'm a pretty like I don't know foolish kind of like I'm very focused when I'm in the gym but I like to

have fun I like to joke um I always like sing and dance in the gym so that's something that I do a lot of the time I'm sure all my teammates know that um but maybe the public doesn't necessarily know that actually I'm sure they do I do it at competition too But, yeah, I just think, like, it's kind of that whole, like, Brian that goes behind it because it's not just, I don't know, when they see us competing, we're at our peak. Like, we're at the most prepared, you know, at the Olympic Games, at World Championships. Like, we've been, like, preparing the whole year, multiple years for this moment. But it's, like, everything that goes behind that in the daily life, like, those ice baths that are, like, completely freezing. Right.

The, like, gross gelatin you have to mix with water or, like, collagen before you go to training and, like, swallow down that goopy like goop you know like it's just there's a lot of stuff and the hard days in training too where you just fall in your face constantly every turn you have to get back up and keep trying and keep trying and so I don't know there's like a lot that goes behind it that I feel like not everyone sees and that's kind of what I like want to show because then I think they can appreciate and understand more of like what we do and what it takes to kind of get to that like higher level like preparedness just like ready to go Well, because I was thinking about this, is there any, like, reality TV shows out there about behind the scenes of that world?

Because, like, I think that's why people love dancing with the stars so much because you kind of watch this transformation happen where at the beginning, like, this person might not even know they're left from their right foot. And then by Monday nights on live television, they're doing a whole waltz. Like, it's, I think people love seeing people overcome things. And I feel like that would be such a good show idea for something like a gymnast. yeah no I actually don't think there is anything I think maybe in Italy like years ago there used to be like an MTV on like some of the Italian gymnasts of I mean they probably already got it got it started but I mean if anyone wants to do a show I'm sure we can get some gymnasts on board like they can come see me sing and dance and and because everybody's level of like competitiveness but also maybe I'm just making this up in my head because I like think this way but I'm I feel like athletes all kind of root for each other, but at the same time, they are competitive. So it's like this interesting dynamic of rooting for someone because you kind of know what they've been through and what they go through on a daily basis, but also like, you're my

competition, like, and I'm going to beat you. And I like, I think that's so crazy. That's so true, though. It is so true because you're competitive. You're like, well, I'm here to compete and I want to beat you. But also, I want you to do well because I know everything that you've been through. I know everything you've had to overcome. And like I've been there and I've been through that and I want to support that because like what what you're doing is incredible, but also like I'm competitive and I want to do well. But you want to do well when everyone does well. Right. Yeah. I think that's so fascinating about athletes. I feel like it's maybe that's in more things than just the athletic world. But I do find it so much with them because of that level of understanding what you all go through on the daily grind and what you do to your body. Like how do you deal with.

setbacks and injuries of your career. Like, everybody in their life has setbacks, but your body goes through so much. How do you, like, deal with these challenges? Oh, yeah. I've had a lot of injuries along my way. Yeah. I've had multiple surgeries.

And I've, yeah, I've, like, dislocated my elbow. I've had a couple ankle surgeries, busted a lot of my ankle ligaments. And it's tough. Like, I remember one of my, biggest first injuries. I broke my big toe and I like dislocated it and I had some chips out of the joint and yeah, that was my first surgery and I was like 15 years old and it kept me out of the sport for like six months and that was like really hard to deal with at the time. And so I think

for me it was like changing. Obviously you have to like feel those emotions and it sucks. Like there's no way to put it. It just like sucks. But it's a little bit of acceptance and knowing that this is the situation and what can I do to make this situation better or what can can I do to like do 1% every day to kind of get back to what I want to be doing, right? So I think, yeah, it's just like changing the narrative or changing your mindset into more of like a positive forward thinking mindset and then just like being like, okay, how can I make this situation better? But every time you're kind of faced with an obstacle, I think you gain a little bit of confidence or knowledge in yourself. So then the next time, obviously we train to

not have injuries or you know any setbacks but the next time you're faced with it you feel like okay well i was able to overcome this thing last time which was super difficult and super tough and i didn't think i was going to be able to overcome and i did so you know there i can do it this time right and it kind of just builds your confidence so that's what i found kind of over the years with my injuries is you know whatever it is i'll be able to handle it even if it's i have to pivot my plan or change the path a little bit it'll be okay and just kind of like reinforcing that because that is the situation and how can I just kind of create a positive out of it. Okay, when you've got a lot going on, it can be really hard to find time or motivation

for a workout. I know I've been there a million times before, but Peloton has really motivated me to get it in however and whenever I can. You guys already know how I feel about Peloton. It's my fave. So I've had their bike for a while now, take classes on the app, but the Peloton row brand new to me. I went to their showroom in Nashville. I need to get this rower immediately. You guys, I'm serious when I say I actually had fun working out and feel like I got in a brand new type of workout for me, just full body. Peloton is bringing motivation and energy to rowing like never before with a variety of rowing workouts on and off the row and all new world class instructors who will help you get in a great workout while having fun no matter what your

experience level is. And rowing is no joke. You can work on 86% of your muscles in only 15 minutes and get all your cardio and strength in one shot. The technology was really cool when I tried it in the showroom. It helped me get into it the right way and they have this form assist while working out. So it's like a breakdown of what you're doing right and wrong and it'll help give you the proper form and the breakdown is at the end so you can go even harder next time. Right now is the perfect time to get rowing with Peloton Row and we can promise you've never rowed like this before. Peloton Row offers a variety of classes for all levels. and game-changing features that will help you get rowing or advance what you already can do.

Explore Peloton Row and financing options at OnePelaton.com slash row. Hey, Friday Night Lights fans. It's not only football Friday Night Lights and beyond is an episode by episode discussion of the hit TV series Friday Night Lights, host by Yours Truly Scott Porter, who played Jason Street on the show, and my two wonderful co-hosts. Me, Zach Guilford, aka Matt Sarison. And me, May Whitman, a.k.a. someone who wasn't on the show, but really, really loves it a lot. We will also bring on some special guests, answer your questions, and tell you about what's going on in our lives today.

It's not only football. Friday Night Lights and Beyond is available now wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. And it must tough to knowing, like, I hope I podcast until I'm 100 years old. I feel like that I could, even if I'm not, you know, even if nobody's listening anymore. Even if nobody's listening, I'm just like off my freaking rocker being. I'll be listening. Don't worry. Also in my rocker.

Yeah. So I feel like it would be like, like I could do that if I wanted to. Whereas what you do, your body cannot do that for a long period of time. So does that bum you out because you're like, I don't even know like what I will do after this? Or are you like, hey, I have a time limit and I have goals for after I'm done with being a gymnast? Yeah, I think it's tough because you know there is a time limit for something that you love and I wish I could do forever. But also one of the cool things is that gymnastics has changed and you're seeing girls stay around in the sports so much longer. It used to be you hit 16,

won Olympics and you're done. And now you're seeing girls stay into the you know, late teens into their 20s, some even into their 30s and, you know, multiple Olympic cycles. So I think that's like pretty great and pretty inspiring. But also it's, yeah, it's so hard on your body that, you know, there is probably an end date. And I think for me, I just like don't, I don't want to set an end date for myself. You know, I'm, I monitor my body and my mind. And as long as I'm still loving what I'm doing and my body's able to handle it, you know why not do it because yeah there is only such like kind of a short timeline to be able to do that thing you're so passionate about and i think yeah it's just exciting because you know

there'll be like another adventure another chapter when you're done kind of scary because you don't know exactly what that is or most athletes don't it's a little bit of a transition period yeah it's unknown and you have to kind of find yourself outside of like who you are as an athlete because your athletic life is like all encompassing. It just kind of takes over every aspect of your life and you have to find yourself outside of that when you're done. But I think I'll always be connected in sport because it's been such a big part of my life

and I want to be able to give back in that aspect. Oh, that'd be cool. Yeah, you can, yeah, you're right. You can do things beyond just being that gymnast yourself. I always think about that with athletes, how tough that transition would be because you do start at such a young age and it is your whole life.

and then all of a sudden when that chapter's over, it's not something that you went, you had your life, then you go to college and you get your job, you get your education. It's like, no, I've been doing this since I was like five years old

and it's what I know. So that's got to be, you know. Yeah, that's got to be tricky. I want to know how fans of gymnastics can support and advocate for the sport. Like,

not even just fans, people in general, because JVN doing his very best out here just advocating for you guys, best to support you. What can people do to help the sport and to help you guys. Yeah, well, I think that's incredible that he does gymnastics.

And it just shows, like, you know, gymnastics is for everyone. Everyone can do it. And if you want to do it, then do it, you know, like the amount of, you know, older athletes that I've seen who did gymnastics before and just came back to do gymnastics because they love it. Like, why not? That's so incredible. But I think the biggest thing that they can do, or even if you're involved in the sport or not,

is like, I think it's important to talk about the challenge. challenges that we face in the sport so we can better it. But as well, talk about like the positive aspects and, you know, the joy and how great the sport can be. And so just kind of like developing the sport in that way by having those conversations. Yeah. I think that's, I think it's so important as we move forward just with like the culture and sport and trying to create a better culture for the next generations and the young ones coming in. And then as well like, you know, coming out to events and supporting the athletes and also just like tuning in and following their journey, whether that's

following them on social media or, you know, whatever they're involved with. And then I know for athletes as well, like sometimes funding is is a big thing as well. So, you know, there are avenues that you can go into to support athletes for sure and be able to kind of get back and help their journey and feel like you're a part of it as well. But I think that's one of the biggest things for me is like knowing the community and everyone who's been behind me. And then when I go represent I'm like thinking about all these people who have helped me to get to where I am and I'm like it's not just me competing right now like this is for everyone and everyone can kind of feel a part of that and yeah so I think that's kind of cool but as well in sport something that I think

which I think would be cool at the Olympic level is that we I feel like in in this society we like really only celebrate like the medal winners of like Olympics you know what I mean like I think everyone who goes to the Olympics just realizing how incredible that is and whether you had a top five performance or top 10 or you had like a personal best or just like even making it there is incredible and so just kind of like celebrating that a little bit more I mean like medals are great like and like people who win like phenomenal truly phenomenal of course but like I'm telling you like the fourth place fifth place finish like it's tough but that's still you know something to be celebrated I mean you're in the like 0.001 percentage of people

that can do that. It's like out of billions of humans and it's like the tiny little like handful of people that can be able to say they did that is incredible. Yeah. And then sometimes we lose that because we're like, oh, like we felt short of what we should have. But really like that's still an incredible accomplishment. And yeah, even if it was like a personal record or like a best ever, you know, just like having more understanding or support, I guess and knowing like, well, what it took you to get there. And yeah, maybe just everyone would know that and be able to support that a bit more.

Totally. I think that's really important. I don't think I even really ever thought about that, but that's a really good point that you just made. I feel like there's so much conversation around mental health in your sport lately. Actually, just athletes in general, I feel like are talking about it more, which is incredible.

But what changes would you like to see in the way athletes' mental health is addressed and supported? Because my God, that was controversial when Simone Biles did that, you know, took herself out. And she made a good point. It was like, if I'm not mentally in a good place, I can really hurt myself. And I have to put that first, you know. And I just feel like people need to be more supportive, I guess, in that way. No, absolutely.

And I think that's where, like, having a better understanding of what the journey actually is. And, like, for us as gymnast, when we heard that, like, that's what she was experiencing, what they call like the twisties or whatever like we all right away understood like we knew and we're like that is no joke like you don't mess with that especially in a competition setting where the mats are hard you're not in your home club where there's like a soft pit or soft mats to be able to like figure this out you don't know where up and down is you don't know where your hands or your feet or your head are going to land and that's terrifying and so I think it was really truly incredible for her to be able to stand up on that platform and prioritize her safety and her

health and her mental health over, you know, results. And then also she was putting her team first in that way because if she wasn't going to perform or be able to perform and her team was counting on her to do that, put in someone else who is able to do that and you can count on. And so stepping down actually was her prioritizing her team. Right. So, you know, I mean, as an athlete in the sport. I really get that and I really understand it. But I think it's just looking at athletes as humans first, really, and knowing that, like, what we do is really hard.

And I think everyone's gone through this, especially after COVID. Like, mental health is important and everyone struggles with that. Whether you do sport or whether you, you know, sit at a 9 to 5 job or you host a podcast, like everyone has those struggles. And I think it doesn't matter which level you're on. It doesn't make it, you know, any more difficult than someone else. So I think it's just like kind of realizing that athletes are humans first and we're not just athletes or like machines. And I think also too for us, we need to kind of learn how to prioritize our mental health as well because sometimes we're like, well, I should be able to do it or I should be able to handle this.

But really it's that fine line of like, yes, you. you can push yourself to a certain level, but then there's a like a threshold that you're going past that it's not safe and you shouldn't be. And it's okay to take a step back and prioritize your health. That is such a good point. But like athletes really do have that ability to push beyond even like physical pain. But when it gets to a point of it not being safe is when you really do need to take a step back and look at like what what am I doing here? Yeah. And part of that too, think is like education too because you know and I guess the culture and in sports but like we will push ourselves to the extreme and to the max and sometimes like we probably shouldn't or to have

people you know in your support team who can see that and be like okay actually we need to like kind of intervene or like take a step back and you know we can come at this from a different angle after we've taken some time to actually work on what we need to work on but yeah like just kind of definitely working on that because I think that's something that's super important within sport and within life, but just being a little bit more understanding that everyone's got things are going through. And sometimes you just, yeah, you got to prioritize your safety and your mental health first over, you know, the expectations and the, you know, pressure from other people who don't even know or understand what you're doing. That's always who it is. It's always

the people who are uneducated and don't do their research and don't think anything else. Like they just think that this is the little bubble and they know how it is and they don't know anything outside of it. And those are the ones that are always so freaking loud. No, exactly. So I always say like it's the people in your your bubble or the ones who are on your team who actually really understand everyone else. They have like a distorted view or an outside picture of what's actually going on. So you shouldn't be like trying to do stuff for them. You should be doing it for you or your team. But yeah, if you're doing it for them, they actually don't really understand what you're doing or why you're doing it or the plan

that you're going through. It's also so cool that everything you're saying can relate to so many different things in life. Like it just, it just makes sense to think the way that you're thinking in so many aspects and avenues of life other than just like, you know, what you're talking about. It's so cool that whoever's listening can relate it to that. So thank you so much for taking the time to come on and talk about all these things. And I know JV.N is going to be so proud of us for doing this. And, oh, wait. I can't believe I almost let you go without a confession. Oh, yeah. Oh, I was waiting for that. Oh, my gosh. I'm sorry. That's like my favorite part of every podcast. Confessed to me, my child, my Canadian child. Okay.

So I was, I was saying this before. I was like, I was trying to figure out something that was embarrassing. And then I was like, I'm just embarrassing. Like every moment of my life is embarrassing. So everyone knows this already. I texted my friend. I was like, I need an embarrassing story. And he was like, well, everything you do is embarrassing. So that's all. So this is a little bit tough for me. But so I have a confession, I guess, as something that people don't really know. It's not really embarrassing. And then I have just like a couple embarrassing things. So my favorite place to travel to is Japan. And the first time I went, I was like 12. I was on this big group trip. And I remember I was trying to get an apple juice from the vending machine

and it had an apple on it. I'm like, great. Like getting my apple juice and I'm like taking a sip. I'm like, this kind of tastes a little weird. Like I don't know, but it's probably apple juice. It's fine. I'm drinking it. Turns out it was like an alcoholic like apple drink because I guess you could buy alcoholic drinks like drew like anything out of a vending machine. you can literally get anything anything you want and apparently alcohol at 12 years old so um that was great um like my dad was there he didn't even know did you start feeling drunk at 12 were you like what am i feeling or did you not drink it up to i was really sipping this so so slowly because it tasted like super gross like you know i was like this but it's got to be like busy apple juice i don't know

that's hilarious anyways yeah and then it was pointed out that it was like uh alcoholic and Everything made so much sense. You know, yeah, my dad was there. We're all, like, laughing because it's just hilarious, but... That is funny. And then I'm pretty sure I proceeded to, like, walk down the street into a pole also at one point of that trip. So, really, it was a great, great trip for me. And then I realized that I'm just embarrassing and I need to embrace it.

And now every aspect of my life is kind of like that. So, yeah, if you just follow me, I'll probably do embarrassing things. But the one confession, that's not really embarrassing. I don't think a lot of people know it was when I was preparing for my second Olympic Games, Rio 2016, I actually got a massive tooth infection, like a week before I was supposed to go down. Oh, no. My cheek was like massive, like two sizes on one side. My eye was like swollen up. And so I go to the dentist and he's like, yikes. Like I don't even know how this happened, to be honest. It's all like, I think I blacked it out. And anyways, I had to get my tooth. extracted because I needed to like go down and compete and we weren't sure if the antibiotics were going to like do it in time. So I missed like the whole week of prep camp before we went down, went down to the Olympics, had to like go see the dentist there to make sure everything was okay and I could like go upside down. And so that was my Olympic prep for 2016. I had a massive

like face tooth infection, got my tooth pulled out and then went and competed at the Olympics. So I don't think a lot of people know that. That's crazy. You just had to have this infected tooth removed before and miss prep to go to the Olympics. That's crazy. Oh, yeah. Yeah, the stuff we go through, like a lot of people don't know that behind the scenes. Oh, my gosh.

Yeah, they need to make a TV show about y'all. That just needs to be a thing. I'm going to like, all executive produce it. We're making this a thing. Perfect. Because imagine that on television. Yeah, it's great. Right.

Great TV. Okay. And also I wanted to make sure you got. my wine because I want to, oh, you. Oh, that makes me so happy. I'm so excited. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I'm really excited to. Well, let me know how you like it and we'll send you more if you drink it all and you like

it. So let me know. Thank you so much. You're such a sweetie and so easy to talk to you. And I just had such a great time with you. So I really appreciate your time and you're just lovely. Yeah. Thanks for having me on.

This was super fun. And I'm very excited to try the wine. and so I will let you know. I'm going to love it. I'm just sorry. I know. I'm Caitlin Bristow. Your session is now ending. Thanks for joining us for this week's Great Therapy. Don't forget to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast platform. And tune in Thursday for your next session. Okay, when you've got a lot going on, it can be really hard to find time or motivation for a workout.

I know I've been there a million times before. Peloton has really motivated me to get it in however and whenever I can. You guys already know how I feel about Peloton. It's my fave. So I've had their bike for a while now, take classes on the app. But the Peloton row brand new to me. I went to their showroom in Nashville. I need to get this row or immediately.

I should have asked for it for Christmas. Maybe I'll just get it myself. Merry Christmas, Caitlin. You guys, I'm serious when I say I actually had fun working out and feel like I got in a brand new type of workout for me, just full body. Peloton is bringing motivation and energy to rowing like never before with a variety of rowing workouts on and off the row and all new world class instructors who will help you get in a great workout while having fun no matter what your experience level is. And rowing is no joke. You can work on 86% of your muscles in only 15 minutes and get all your cardio and strength in one shot.

The technology was really cool when I tried it in the showroom. It helped me get into it the right way and they have this form assist while working out so it's like a breakdown of what you're doing right and wrong and it'll help give you the proper form and the breakdown is at the end so you can go even harder next time right now is the perfect time to get rowing with peloton row and we can promise you've never rode like this before peloton row offers a variety of classes for all levels and game changing features that will help you get rowing or advance what you already can do explore Peloton Row and financing options at OnePeloton.com slash row.