Podcast Summary: Gals on the Go – "How to Be a Sports Illustrated Model with Katie Austin"

Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Gals on the Go, hosts Brooke Miccio and Danielle Peazer welcome special guest Katie Austin, a multifaceted personality known for her modeling career, fitness expertise, culinary skills, and entrepreneurial ventures. The conversation delves deep into Katie's journey to becoming a Sports Illustrated (SI) model, her daily routines, challenges faced in the modeling industry, and her invaluable advice for aspiring models.

Katie Austin's Journey to Modeling

Katie Austin opens up about her unconventional path to becoming an SI model, which began with her passion for sports and broadcasting.

"I wanted to be the next Erin Andrews. I studied sports broadcast and always thought I had to follow the traditional route of a sports broadcast role."
(02:33)

Despite her aspirations in sports broadcasting, Katie found herself transitioning from being a Division 1 athlete at USC to exploring new horizons after leaving lacrosse. This period of uncertainty led her to discover a passion for fitness and content creation.

"I started doing virtual workouts on YouTube and community-led workouts with my sorority sisters. It just kind of became a career from there."
(02:30)

Her dedication paid off as she balanced her roles as a sports host and a fitness influencer, eventually leading to her recognition and involvement with Sports Illustrated Swim Search.

Daily Routine and Productivity

Katie shares her structured daily routine, emphasizing the importance of scheduling and maximizing productivity.

"I wake up around 6:15 AM. I start my workout by 7:00 AM because I'm a morning workout person. Once you start doing it, you feel so good and you go to bed early, around 10:30 PM."
(07:20)

She highlights the necessity of treating daily tasks like work commitments to stay organized and efficient.

"Scheduling in my daily tasks like laundry and cleaning into my calendar as if it's work because that's how I work. I won't do the task otherwise."
(09:00)

Additionally, Katie emphasizes the value of utilizing small gaps in the day for productive activities rather than wasting time on social media.

"The gaps in your day are so important to take advantage of. Doing something productive versus scrolling on social media can add up significantly."
(10:06)

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Katie discusses maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially in the demanding world of modeling and fitness.

"My favorite thing to do in life is when my husband gets home from work. We pour a glass of wine or make a mocktail, play music, and disconnect from our phones to vibe out and break down the day together."
(11:03)

She also touches upon the dynamics of communication in her relationship, balancing her over-communicative fiancé with her own under-communicative nature.

"He likes calling me a lot more. I'm like, amazing. I have to go right now."
(12:52)

Experiences as a Sports Illustrated Model

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Katie's experiences with Sports Illustrated Swim Search, detailing the audition process, selection criteria, and the camaraderie among models.

"Swim Search is an open casting call for Sports Illustrated swimsuit. In 2021, I won alongside my best friend, Kristin, making it the most emotional experience because it was a sisterhood moment."
(26:21)

Katie explains the rigorous selection process and the honor of being continually invited back due to her outstanding performance as a Rookie of the Year.

"Rookie of the Year automatically means you're invited back. Aligning yourself with the brand values is really important."
(28:02)

She also shares insights into the diverse roles SI models undertake, from hosting workout classes to participating in panels, showcasing their unique strengths.

"Every location is different. At Bermuda, I had a goddess-themed shoot. They allow us to choose from various outfits, especially after multiple years where I can now give input on what suits me best."
(37:00)

Behind the Scenes: Modeling Challenges

Katie candidly discusses the challenges faced in modeling, particularly dealing with bikini lines and public scrutiny.

"After a shoot for Miami Swim Week, my bikini line was illuminated in a way that sparked criticism. It was a traumatic experience that led me to pursue laser hair removal every six weeks."
(40:11)

She emphasizes the importance of self-care and accepting one's body, sharing her journey towards finding effective solutions to personal insecurities.

"I struggle with body odor and initially felt self-conscious about it. Laser hair removal has significantly helped me feel more confident."
(43:20)

Advice for Aspiring Models

Katie offers heartfelt advice to those looking to break into the modeling industry, stressing the importance of perseverance and authenticity.

"Submit yourself even if you think your audition tape is cringe. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
(30:08)

She encourages aspiring models to align themselves with the values of the brands they aspire to represent and to build genuine connections within the industry.

"Women supporting women is crucial. In SI, there's no competition because you're already part of the community. We're all different and genuinely supportive of each other's unique strengths."
(30:36)

Personal Anecdotes and Lighthearted Moments

The conversation takes a personal turn as Katie shares humorous and relatable stories from her modeling career, including mishaps with spray tans and the realities of maintaining a flawless appearance.

"I had a spray tan accident that made it look like my pores were illuminated. It was featured in the Daily Mail with the worst comments, pushing me to switch to laser hair removal."
(41:08)

These moments highlight Katie's openness and ability to laugh at herself, fostering a relatable and authentic connection with listeners.

Favorite Products and Recommendations

Katie discusses her favorite beauty and fitness products, offering recommendations to the audience.

• Skims Ultimate Bra:
  "It's the best. It lifts and supports in the most natural, flattering way. A good bra is the key to any good outfit."
  (33:18)

• Blush Sticks:
  "I love the dibs because it's two-sided and creamy. It leaves your face looking refreshed."
  (48:43)

• Sneakers:
  "I wear a different pair of sneakers every day to spread out the wear and maintain their quality."
  (50:38)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Katie Austin expressing her gratitude and enthusiasm for her modeling journey and upcoming projects. She invites listeners to follow her on various platforms and explore her Katie Austin app for workouts and recipes.

"You can find all my workouts and recipes on the Katie Austin app, and follow me on Instagram and Snapchat for more content."
(59:07)

Brooke and Danielle express their admiration for Katie's authenticity and success, reinforcing the episode's uplifting and motivational tone.

Key Takeaways

• Perseverance Pays Off: Katie's journey underscores the importance of persistence and resilience in achieving one's dreams.
• Authenticity is Crucial: Being genuine and supportive within one's community fosters lasting relationships and success.
• Balancing Life: Maintaining a structured routine and prioritizing self-care are essential for personal and professional well-being.
• Overcoming Challenges: Openly addressing and finding solutions to personal insecurities can lead to greater confidence and empowerment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I start my workout by 7:00 AM because I'm a morning workout person."
  (07:20)

• "Swim Search is an open casting call for Sports Illustrated swimsuit."
  (26:21)

• "Women supporting women is crucial. In SI, there's no competition."
  (30:36)

• "I had a spray tan accident that made it look like my pores were illuminated."
  (41:08)

This episode of Gals on the Go not only highlights Katie Austin's impressive achievements but also provides listeners with actionable advice and relatable stories that inspire and motivate. Whether you're aspiring to enter the modeling world or seeking tips on balancing a busy lifestyle, Katie's insights offer valuable guidance.