Podcast Summary: "How to Keep Going When You’re Over It: Taking the Hill with Marcel Dinkins"

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of She’s So Lucky, host Les Alfred sits down with Peloton instructor Marcel Dinkins to explore the resilience required to persist through challenging times. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, the significance of taking bold steps, and the importance of embracing discomfort to achieve personal growth.

Lucky Moments Shared

Les and Marcel begin the episode by discussing their respective "lucky moments" that significantly impacted their lives and careers.

• Les' Lucky Break with Peloton (02:14)

  Les shares her serendipitous journey to joining Peloton:

  “I put Peloton on my vision board a couple of years prior and was actively aligning my activities toward that goal. When COVID-19 hit, despite the setbacks, someone discovered her through Instagram and reached out about Peloton. It was a moment where preparation met opportunity.” (03:34)

• Marcel's Encounter with Michelle Obama (04:01)

  Marcel recounts how her book club led to a private meeting with Michelle Obama:

  “I hosted a book club in Seattle discussing Michelle Obama’s Becoming. A coworker on Michelle's book tour approached me, leading to a private 90-minute session with her. It was an unbelievably lucky moment that validated the power of persistence.” (05:35)

Career Transitions and Personal Growth

The conversation shifts to their diverse career paths and the courage to pivot when necessary.

• Les' Multifaceted Career Journey (06:03)

  Les outlines her transitions from being a Division 1 athlete to a military officer, then to fashion, and eventually to fitness and Peloton:

  “I always follow my interests. From athletics to the military, and then to fashion and fitness, each pivot was driven by a desire to find joy and fulfillment.” (06:20)

• Marcel's Insights on Pivots (08:49)

  Marcel emphasizes the bravery required to make significant career changes:

  “People are often afraid to make big pivots, like moving into the military or transitioning into full-time fitness. These changes are daunting but essential for personal growth.” (08:49)

Moving to New York: A Bold Step

Les shares her adventurous move to New York City, highlighting the risks and rewards of stepping out of her comfort zone.

• Les' One-Way Ticket to NYC (18:12)

  Detailing her impulsive decision to move:

  “I bought a one-way ticket to New York with just $1,200. The day before my flight, I informed my mom, knowing she would naturally let me go. Thirteen years later, I'm thriving in the city I once feared.” (18:12)

• Encounter with Tracy Ellis Ross (22:34)

  A humorous anecdote about meeting Tracy Ellis Ross on the subway:

  “I was so embarrassed that after whispering my admiration to her, I quickly exited the train to avoid an awkward situation.” (24:21)

Embracing Authenticity and the Beginner's Mindset

Les and Marcel discuss the importance of being authentic and embracing the learning process.

• Les on Being a Beginner (26:14)

  Reflecting on her own experiences:

  “It’s okay to suck at things initially. Sharing these authentic stories helps others understand that everyone starts somewhere and that perseverance leads to improvement.” (26:14)

• Overcoming Perfectionism (29:12)

  Addressing societal pressures to appear flawless:

  “No one starts out perfect. Embracing the journey, including the struggles, makes our successes more relatable and attainable for others.” (29:12)

Taking the Hill: Overcoming Personal Challenges

The episode delves into the metaphor of "taking the hill," inspired by Les' cross country experience.

• Origin of "Taking the Hill" (36:53)

  Les explains the significance:

  “Running up that challenging hill taught me that facing and overcoming obstacles is a privilege. It became a motto that I share with my students and now through my podcast.” (36:53)

• Impact on Students and Listeners (40:59)

  Highlighting how the ethos influences others:

  “One listener shared how taking the hill helped her secure a job she was initially afraid to pursue. It’s about pushing through discomfort to achieve personal victories.” (40:59)

Hyrox Race: Testing Physical and Mental Limits

Les discusses her experience participating in Hyrox, a demanding fitness competition, and how it symbolizes her resilience.

• Understanding Hyrox (45:05)

  Marcel seeks clarification on Hyrox:

  “Hyrox is a fitness competition involving multiple physical challenges, including runs, sled pushes, and wall balls. It’s both physically and mentally taxing.” (45:05)

• Les' Motivations and Challenges (49:12)

  Overcoming injury and the thrill of the race:

  “Despite tearing my ACL and spraining my MCL two years prior, I pushed through the Hyrox race. It was a testament to my physical recovery and mental fortitude.” (48:17)

• Future Aspirations (50:59)

  Planning to participate in more competitions:

  “I'm already looking to sign up for another Hyrox and a Chicago marathon. Proper training will be my focus, but the experience was incredibly rewarding.” (50:59)

Podcasting and Continuous Learning

Marcel and Les discuss Les' journey into podcasting and the continuous learning process involved.

• Launching "Take the Hill" (36:53)

  Les shares her motivations:

  “I started the podcast to have deeper conversations and learn from others' experiences. It’s about understanding how people take their own hills in life.” (36:53)

• Learning from Peers (34:18)

  Marcel praises Les' listening skills:

  “Your intentional way of listening is brilliant. It’s something I aspire to improve in my own interviewing style.” (34:18)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation and encouragement for listeners to embrace their own challenges. Marcel commends Les for her journey and the meaningful conversations she facilitates through her podcast.

“You are a podcaster now. If you have a podcast, you are a podcaster,” Marcel affirms, acknowledging Les' efforts and the impact of her work. (36:35)

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Pivots: Personal and career transitions can lead to significant growth and unexpected opportunities.
2. Authenticity Matters: Sharing genuine struggles and beginnings can inspire and empower others.
3. Resilience Through Challenges: Facing and overcoming obstacles, metaphorically "taking the hill," builds strength and character.
4. Continuous Learning: Whether through podcasting or fitness, the journey of learning and adapting is ongoing and rewarding.

Notable Quotes

• Les on preparation meeting opportunity:

  “Luck is preparation meets opportunity. I have been preparing for it, and then opportunity presented itself.” (03:48)

• Marcel on career pivots:

  “People are often afraid to make big pivots, like moving into the military or transitioning into full-time fitness. These changes are daunting but essential for personal growth.” (08:49)

• Les on handling perfectionism:

  “No one starts out perfect. Embracing the journey, including the struggles, makes our successes more relatable and attainable for others.” (29:12)

• Marcel affirming Les' role:

  “You are a podcaster now. If you have a podcast, you are a podcaster.” (36:35)

Resources Mentioned

• Marcel Dinkins:
  • Instagram: @officialmarcelfit
  • Peloton Classes: onepeloton.com
  • Podcast: Take the Hill on Spotify and YouTube

Final Thoughts

This episode of She’s So Lucky serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, authenticity, and the willingness to embrace change are key to creating one's own luck. Through heartfelt stories and practical insights, Les Alfred and Marcel Dinkins encourage listeners to take their own hills and persist through life's challenges.