← Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch
Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch
What actually goes down after a season-ending NFL injury with guest Melanie Wilking Ekeler
00:56:12
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- [00:00]
A
The following podcast is a Dear Media production. What's up, guys? Welcome back to Sunday Sports Club Podcast, a podcast all about sports told by a woman. And that woman is me.
- [00:10]
B
Hi, guys. I'm your host, Allison Cooch, and today.
- [00:13]
A
I am joined with Melanie Wilking Echler.
- [00:20]
C
Hello.
- [00:20]
A
Do you have two last names?
- [00:22]
C
So it's legally just Eckler, but professionally I still go by Wilking. So I'm kind of hyphenated, but, like, that's not legal.
- [00:30]
A
Okay. You didn't legally hyphen.
- [00:33]
C
No, it's just Eckler.
- [00:34]
A
I feel bad for the kids who have hyphenated last names because I'm like, you have two last names or like a one, but it's double and it's a little confusing.
- [00:42]
C
It's a lot. And like Wilking Eckler, it's a lot of letters. So I. I'm like, I don't know.
- [00:46]
A
Like xna that out.
- [00:48]
C
We're transitioning, I guess, to just Echler. But yeah, Instagram, it takes time. It's still Wilking.
- [00:55]
A
I. I never made that transition. So, I mean, I really, I'm like legally and social media and everything is still. Yeah, I haven't changed it.
- [01:04]
C
That is totally fine.
- [01:05]
A
I thought it would bother me once I had a daughter or a child. I didn't know I was having a daughter, but I thought it would bother me because she would have a different last name. But it hasn't. So, you know, I'm a modern woman. But anyways, welcome to the show. Okay. I want to dive in of like so many different avenues. Your husband just had a season ending injury.
- [01:27]
C
He did. He tore his Achilles.
- [01:30]
A
I mean, beginning of football season.
- [01:32]
C
Yeah.
- [01:33]
A
What game were.
- [01:34]
C
Was it Thursday night? They were playing in Green Bay, Week two.
- [01:39]
A
Wow.
- [01:40]
C
Yeah, it was rough.
- [01:42]
A
And then I saw on social media, like you posting about how like within a few days, like he had surgery, you guys moved back home. Like, all of these changes. I mean, he's not lifting boxes.
- [01:55]
C
Like, oh, no, I'm lifting boxes.
- [01:57]
B
Yeah.
- [01:58]
A
So I want to dive into all of that. It's funny because I actually know Echler because Isaac and Echler played. It's funny I call him Eckler.
- [02:05]
C
Hey, go.
- [02:06]
A
Would you call your husband Austin?
- [02:08]
C
Yeah, but yeah, I know who you're talking about.
- [02:11]
A
It's funny because we go back because him and Isaac were drafted to the Chargers and then we all hung out in like a friend group. So it's so interesting, like seeing his life evolve. He's playing football, he got married all these Things. Okay, yeah. So then let's start off at the very basic. How did you guys meet?
- [02:29]
C
He DMed me on Instagram. Modern day love story. I love what we say, but it was, like, not romantic at all. It wasn't smooth. Like, Austin is not a smooth guy. Like, I'm not, I'm not a smooth girl. Like, we don't flirt. Like, flirting is so awkward. So it was just like a reaction to a story. And then actually he's going to say I was playing hard to get. But I did not see his message because I grew up dancing, like, in the arts. Sports was like, not a thing. So I was not following him. I did not know who he was. And so it was in my requested folder, this, like, message.
- [03:09]
A
Sorry.
- [03:10]
C
So sorry. And so it was like a month later, and then I was going through the request because sometimes I'll like, filter through and be like, what's going on in there?
- [03:18]
A
Right.
- [03:18]
C
And I saw that message and I was like, oh, wait a minute. He's kind of. He's cute. Like, what? And so I responded, but I was like, he probably won't respond, but, you know, we'll see. What the heck? And then instantly, like, responded back and we.
- [03:32]
A
He was like, I've been waiting.
- [03:33]
C
Yeah. Like, time is ticking. But, yeah, it's a very modern day love story.
- [03:38]
A
That was when you were living in LA and he was, Was he playing for the Chargers?
- [03:41]
C
Yes.
- [03:42]
A
Okay.
- [03:42]
C
Yeah.
- [03:43]
A
So that was how many years ago?
- [03:45]
C
Oh, gosh, like four and a half years ago.
- [03:48]
A
Okay.
- [03:49]
C
Maybe five. No, like four and a half, I think.
- [03:52]
A
Okay.
- [03:52]
C
Yeah.
- [03:52]
A
And then was it like a quick, like, okay, you guys started hanging out? You guys, like, started dating?
- [03:58]
C
No, honestly, it was about, I think, a month or a month and a half before we ever actually met up in person. And then once we met up in person, though, we, We've been together ever since.
- [04:08]
A
Okay.
- [04:09]
C
So yeah, it took a minute, though.
- [04:10]
A
I'm like, why? Why? I did it.
- [04:13]
C
I, I. What the heck?
- [04:14]
B
I know.
- [04:15]
A
Well, maybe because flirting is, like, awkward. Yeah, it's like a second. And then it came from there.
- [04:21]
B
Yeah.
- [04:22]
A
So then you guys got married last year?
- [04:24]
C
Yes. Yeah.
- [04:25]
B
So within the last.
- [04:26]
A
Okay, so a year and a half ago. So that was last off season.
- [04:30]
C
Yes.
- [04:30]
A
And you guys around that time also got your home base here in Vegas.
- [04:35]
B
Correct.
- [04:36]
C
So Austin actually moved here in to Vegas Right when we started dating.
- [04:42]
A
Yeah.
- [04:42]
C
So I was like, okay, so. And I was living in la, he was living in Orange County. So already I was driving.
- [04:48]
A
That's long distance. I have to Say, like, if you guys don't know California, like L. A. To Orange county, that's a long distance relationship right there.
- [04:56]
C
Because you have to plan. Like, it's not like, oh, let me just hop in the car and.
- [04:59]
A
No, you have to plan around traffic. It's like, is it 3pm on a Friday? Because absolutely not.
- [05:03]
C
Absolutely not. Which I've had to do that before. It's like three hours. I'm like, yeah, the things you do for love. Yeah, So I was already doing that. Then he's like, oh, I bought this house in Vegas. So now, like, going to Vegas to see him, I'm like, never in a million years did I think I would live in Las Vegas. But visiting him and staying here for a while, I actually, like, fell in love with it. And so now this is our home base.
- [05:29]
A
What does it feel like to live in Vegas? I want to hear from your perspective, because before moving to Vegas, when Isaac played for the Raiders, I thought of Vegas. Like, why do people live there? Like, it's like parties, like the strip, blah, blah, blah. But there is, like, life beyond the strip. Like, the strip is such a small part of Vegas.
- [05:48]
C
Yeah. Because I think when you visit Vegas, that's what you do. Like, you stay on the strip, the parties, the drinking, gambling, all of that. But when you live here, it's like, we. We love to have access to, like, the shows and great food. Like, the food here is insane. We love it. But I say it's like very normal living. You know, we're. We're in a little subdivision. We love our neighbors. There's golfing. We love to golf.
- [06:13]
A
I just have to say people are probably going to call it. The fact that you said it's a subdivision, that is such a Michigan term.
- [06:18]
C
Is it really?
- [06:19]
A
Yeah. People say, like, neighborhoods.
- [06:22]
C
Oh, my gosh, I did not know that.
- [06:24]
A
Cuz I remember calling my. My neighborhood a subdivision. Someone's like, what? You live in a what?
- [06:29]
C
Okay, well, I've learned. Yeah, okay.
- [06:31]
A
Michigan terms, you live in like, like a little homey community. Yes.
- [06:36]
C
Yeah.
- [06:37]
A
But it's so that. That's what I loved about Vegas because you actually have, like these great family communities. Like, there's like life outside the strip. But if you ever get bored on a Tuesday night, like, there is a show happening, there's a play happening, there's a dinner reservation. Like, you can get some really incredible food. And so I feel like it's kind of like the best. Me. Me, literally, like, I think I should move to Vegas.
- [06:59]
C
I think. I mean, hey, we would love it because, like you said, like, we'll just randomly go to a Cirque du Soleil show or go to dinner.
- [07:09]
A
And when family comes into town, it's not like you guys have to like so much scavenge the other plans.
- [07:14]
C
Yeah. Our family is actually coming in in like a week. We're going to the sphere, we're going to dinners.
- [07:20]
A
You can do all the touristy stuff and you're like, okay, now we're going back home. Yes. Instead of sleeping in a hotel.
- [07:25]
C
Yeah.
- [07:25]
A
Yeah.
- [07:26]
C
So nice.
- [07:27]
A
Oh, my gosh. Okay. Well, when. So he moved to Vegas and then you guys were still like dating and then you kind of like jumped into the football world then.
- [07:37]
C
Oh, yeah. So I had a lot to learn.
- [07:39]
A
Yeah. How quickly into you guys dating did he go to a different team? He.
- [07:45]
C
Oh, gosh. He was. I had three seasons, I think with the Chargers with him, so. And then the Commanders for the past two seasons.
- [07:53]
B
Yes.
- [07:54]
C
So I, like, he was already established there. I. That was already like a group. So that felt good that they knew what they were doing so that it helped me. Like, I mean, like him and his mom, because his mom goes to every. Like, she is incredible. My mother in law is amazing.
- [08:10]
A
And you actually like, your mother in law is incredible. I'm like, I drink a lot with her.
- [08:14]
C
Oh, yeah. She's. Oh, my God. She loves to have a good time.
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A
She's a who.
- [08:17]
C
So she really taught me everything I know because she is so serious at the. Like, we are not. I mean, we're there to have a good time, but, like, we're there to watch this game. Yeah. And she was like, if you're going to be sitting on your phone and whatever, like, don't sit by me.
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A
I'm like, I don't respect you.
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C
Like, trust me, I'm here to focus too. Like, I'm here to learn.
- [08:37]
A
Yes.
- [08:38]
C
So she. She was awesome. It helped me, like. Yeah. And it was just a whole world I did not know existed, like living in Michigan, obviously, like the Lions. I had family members that were big Lions fans, but my dad really wasn't. My mom didn't come from a big sports family, so it was still like a very new thing for me. And now I love it. Like, the communities behind these teams are insane. No, you are ride or die.
- [09:06]
A
Exactly.
- [09:06]
B
No.
- [09:07]
A
I love the football community so much and especially now that Isaac is retired, I always think back, like, wow. Like, I feel like I took it for granted, like, how special it is to feel like a part of a community. That is just like. So it's a very interesting community to be a part of, but it's so like inclusive. And you. I feel like if you go to a different team, like you already have friends on that new team.
- [09:29]
C
Absolutely.
- [09:30]
A
It is so quick. I was literally just telling Melanie before we started recording, like, when I, Isaac, came to the Raiders, a girl asked me to hang out like the first day I was there and I was like, sure. I'm like anxious and like end up sitting together like every single football game. And it's just so like quick like that. So when people ask like clicks between NFL wise, I'm like, I mean, people are going to gravitate towards one another.
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B
Yeah.
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A
But like there's not like you can't sit with us.
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C
No, not at all.
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A
Not that I'm expecting, thankfully.
- [09:58]
B
Yeah.
- [09:58]
C
The teams that I've been on. And that is one thing with the commanders, I was most afraid because with the Chargers, everyone was very nice and they were great, but we didn't really do a lot together.
- [10:10]
A
Yeah.
- [10:10]
C
And I also lived for. Far away from where they lived.
- [10:14]
A
Right.
- [10:15]
C
So it was hard for me to like, if they're going to dinner, I can't really drop what I'm doing just to go kind of thing. So that. So when I went to the commanders, it was like, okay, now I really know nobody. Because in LA at least I had my whole life there. Like I lived there before I met Austin.
- [10:29]
A
You had like a community outside of football, so you didn't have to like lean on the football community.
- [10:33]
C
No, I had my own thing going on. And so here I'm like, okay, I'm really going to feel isolated if I don't make friends. And then these girls were amazing, like with open arms. Just totally like, I felt like I had been there for years.
- [10:47]
A
This is great.
- [10:48]
C
So nice.
- [10:49]
A
Like, I feel like I belong. This is incredible.
- [10:51]
C
So with Austin's injury, that's honestly like, I'm like, oh my gosh, the girls, like, I had to leave them. It was so sad. No, just like leaving the girls, that's.
- [10:59]
A
Actually like what I want to get into.
- [11:00]
B
Okay.
- [11:01]
A
So Austin has a season ending injury, second game of the football. Football season. How quick did everything transpire from like him getting injured to like when his surgery's happening, where it's happening, getting on flights, moving back home, like all those decisions, like, how quickly did all those come?
- [11:20]
C
That was. It was less than a week because he had his surgery a week after the injury, which honestly was kind of long.
- [11:29]
A
It's crazy for Those listening, like an injury. Sometimes guys have 24 hours later.
- [11:34]
C
Yes.
- [11:35]
A
But they think, like, the faster you get surgery, like, the faster you're gonna come back. It's like a week. A week already passed.
- [11:41]
C
Like, oh, God. Oh, my gosh. Yeah, we're behind schedule.
- [11:44]
A
Yeah. Right.
- [11:45]
C
No, so actually, yeah, that was kind of late. But they wanted him to go to a surgeon. The team wanted him to go to a surgeon in la. So it was kind of like a logistics thing. How can we get him there? Where? When is that guy available? That sort of thing. So it was a week. So then in that week, I'm packing up our stuff. Like, what the heck is happening?
- [12:05]
A
Don't worry about it. You rest. I got this.
- [12:07]
C
You just lay there and I'm just gonna start packing stuff up. And so we were like shipping some stuff, but then I. So I'm a dancer. And so I was teaching a dance class the following week in Virginia, thinking I was gonna be there for the game, you know, So I was like, okay, well, I'll come back after his surgery. My parents, they're saints. They flew out. Well, they drove, actually, so we would have a car. Drove eight hours to Virginia to help me move that. Like, it was honestly, two days after Austin's surgery, I flew back. He. They flew or drove to Michigan. Then my mother in law, she lives in Colorado, flew to Vegas to watch over Austin because he, like, couldn't be unmonitored for, you know, 48 hours or whatever. So I'm like, can you watch your son, please?
- [13:01]
A
So then come back and babysit.
- [13:02]
C
Babysit your son. Yeah, right. Well, I pack up our place and so, yeah, thankfully my parents helped me clean that place out. And so within two days, I think everything was out of there. And. Yeah. And now it's empty and we're trying to sell it.
- [13:20]
A
You're like, you know, we're just, yeah.
- [13:22]
C
Trying to figure out, came back here and now we've been here, which I didn't even know that was a thing that you could do. Your recovery from wherever. So that was also something where I was like, oh, we're just gonna be here for the season, but you're not gonna play games. But no, it was like, okay, we're going home.
- [13:39]
B
Yes.
- [13:40]
C
Like, oh, okay, cool.
- [13:41]
A
It is interesting that when a guy gets injured and he's on an active, like NFL, on an active NFL team, he's actively on the NFL team. Like, you can kind of make that decision, but it's more so like, is there good rehab in the area that I'm in, like, what do I want to do? What. What team am I on next year? Like, there are so many decisions that go into play, and ultimately you, like, want to do what's best for you to get out there quicker where. I know, like, some injuries are a lot less. Like, some injuries, you can get injured the beginning of the football season and be back by, like, week 17, 1000. So, like, I know sometimes guys like that will just stay in the same city, but for this, it's like, a long recovery.
- [14:23]
C
Oh, yeah. So, like you said, his recovery is going to go beyond the football season, so it's like, there's no chance he's coming back. And this was his last year on his contract with. With the Commanders, so it's like, okay, well, he's going to be a free agent, so let's not stay in a place beyond season that, like, let's just go home, right, and just be home. He has his people here, here. Like, he likes the recovery here, all that stuff. So it just made sense.
- [14:51]
A
Absolutely. When he got injured, were you at the game?
- [14:55]
C
Yes.
- [14:56]
A
You were in the stands?
- [14:57]
C
In the stands, yeah. Yeah, it was. It was interesting because I feel like I was actually pretty calm because last season, Austin had two concussions. One was major, and that was the most terrifying experience of my whole entire life. Like, I was bawling, shaking, like, did not know what to do because he was just, like, out cold. And, like, I literally thought I saw him die.
- [15:24]
A
Yeah, it was awful.
- [15:26]
C
So when this happened and I'm seeing him, you know, kind of talk like, obviously he's in pain, right? But he's coherent, and they're helping him.
- [15:34]
A
Off the field, moving his extremities, and he's. Yeah.
- [15:37]
C
I'm like, okay, it is not his head. He will recover. Right now. I didn't know it was going to be this long of recovery. I'm like, oh, no.
- [15:45]
A
Now I'm gonna, like, he's fine.
- [15:47]
C
No, now I'm like, I feel bad, but still, I'm like, it was not his head. So he'll be fine, honestly. He'll make a full recovery. He'll be fine.
- [15:56]
A
Yeah. The head you can't really, like, with.
- [15:58]
C
Yeah, I'm like. And you don't really know. Like, he got second opinions and he went to the specialist and everyone's like, you're fine, you're fine. But if it happens again, we don't know. It's just like, that's scary. Like, you don't want to.
- [16:10]
A
There's too much up in the air. I feel like with an injury like this, it's, like, very cut and dry. Like, yes, we know what's wrong.
- [16:16]
C
Surgery.
- [16:16]
A
We know exactly.
- [16:18]
C
You're fine.
- [16:19]
A
So then so much was probably going through. I mean, when you saw him down on the ground, you're not like, oh, like it was his Achilles, like, duh.
- [16:26]
C
I had no idea.
- [16:28]
A
So when he got injured, did, like, the team doctor. Anybody, like, contact you?
- [16:32]
C
Yeah, so we have. We have, like, a team representative that the families will talk to. So I was texting her, like, what's going on? Whatever. She didn't give specifics, but she's like, here's his X ray. Yeah. No, not specifics, but she's like, he's in the locker room. You know, like, that's where they.
- [16:47]
A
Yeah, like, he's okay. He's.
- [16:49]
C
He's fine. They're checking him out, that sort of thing. It was also, like, right at the end of the game. So that's kind of where, like, last season when he had his concussion, they, like, brought me down to the locker room and made sure, like, I was there for stuff. Right this. It was like, right at the end. So we just kind of saw him when everyone. Yeah, he was, like, walking out, but then when he came out, then, like, the doctor said what was going on, and. And also he told us.
- [17:18]
A
But, yeah, he walks out and his crutches just. It's so sad to, like, see them like that whenever they're hurt. It's just it.
- [17:25]
C
That is honestly the worst part about football is the darn injuries on both teams. I don't care who's playing.
- [17:32]
A
My heart breaks.
- [17:33]
B
No.
- [17:34]
C
For these people, because obviously being married to a player and then just, like, being around a bunch of players, you. You know how hard these guys work. And just in an instant, like, Absolutely.
- [17:44]
A
I think especially it always hit. Well, I mean, it hits hard no matter what.
- [17:48]
B
Right.
- [17:48]
A
Because you're a wife and you're like, I know this feeling. And it's. You see them work so hard in the off season, like, their diet, their nutrition, they're working out, exercise pt. Like, you see how it is a year round. Like, they're dedicating.
- [18:02]
C
There's an off season, but there's. There's no.
- [18:04]
A
No off season.
- [18:05]
C
Yeah.
- [18:06]
A
And so I feel like it's hurts no matter whose husband or whose significant other it is. And it just sucks to see a guy go down. And I. I never was able to say this when Isaac wasn't retired, but now he's retired, everybody would say, like, oh, your husband's a benchwarmer. And I'm like, he's fine on the bench. Like, he's not getting hurt. He's not getting injured. He's getting the same paycheck exactly.
- [18:31]
C
The check is getting out.
- [18:33]
B
It's okay.
- [18:34]
A
But it's, it does suck to see these guys like work so hard. And then like the first two weeks.
- [18:39]
C
You'Re like, like, no, like if it.
- [18:42]
A
Was just a different play or if it was just like a different like twist.
- [18:46]
C
Yeah, his was a non contact injury. So he literally just stepped and he thought he got kicked in the leg.
- [18:54]
A
Oh, wow.
- [18:55]
C
Yeah. And that's what I guess they say with an Achilles tear, it feels like you got kicked. So he kind of looked around thinking like, bro, like, what just happened? But yeah, it just tore.
- [19:07]
A
Oh my gosh.
- [19:09]
B
Back when I was postpartum, I was startled by the amount of hair I was losing. And I quickly remembered that I used to use neutral before I got pregnant and that they had a specialized formula for postpartum. It's their neutrophil postpartum. And the wonders it did. It took took a few months for me to see a difference in my hair, but once I saw a differ, it was very noticeable in just like the overall health and feel of my hair and also the fact that it wasn't falling out in clumps. But I want to take a second to talk about Nutrafol because they are the number one dermatologist recommended hair growth supplement brand trusted by over one and a half million people. You can feel great about what you're putting into your body. Since Nutrafol hair growth supplements are backed by peer reviewed studies and NSF Contents certified, which is the gold standard in third party certification for supplements. You can see thicker, stronger, faster growing hair with less shedding in just three to six months with Nutrafol For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter the promo code Sunday again. I fell in love with Nutrafol back before I ever got pregnant. It helped so much with my hair growth after, you know, too many bleaching accidents. And then I also loved Nutrafol Postpartum. It's such a game changer for me and I can't recommend it enough. They have multiple different formulas. They have woman's vegan, woman's balance, women's postpartum. And again, I cannot recommend it enough. It really helps with my confidence. Postpartum especially so find out why Nutrafol is the best hair growth supplement brand@nutral.com spelled n u t r a f o l.com promo code Sunday that's neutropol.com promo code Sunday. You know how after a really tough game, analysts replay every single moment trying to figure out what went wrong and like when it went wrong? Now imagine your brain doing that same thing, but like with your own life and no matter what you do, it never stops. So I want to take a second to talk about OCD because I'm partnering up with nocd. So real OCD is nothing like the stereotypes about liking things organized. It's a very serious and highly misunderstood condition where unwanted, distressing thoughts get stuck on repeat in your mind and you feel compelled to engage in certain behaviors to try and make them stop. These unwanted thoughts are called intrusive thoughts and they're often disturbing or taboo and feel totally out of character. And they can be about anything, but often focus on people or things that we care about like our relationships, identity or health, making them really hard to ignore. So OCD is highly treatable with the right kind of specialized therapy. What works for OCD is E R P therapy or exposure and response prevention, not standard talk therapy, which can actually make things worse. NOCD is the world's leading provider of OCD treatment. All of their licensed therapists truly understand OCD and specialize in treating it with erp. Therapy with NOCD is a hundred percent virtual, covered by insurance for over 155 million Americans, and includes support between sessions so that you're never facing OCD alone. To learn more about starting OCD therapy with NOCD, go to nocd.com and book a free free call to learn more about how they can help. That's nocd.com the one thing that has stayed consistent upon my motherhood journey has been coterie diapers and how much I love them. I started using coterie diapers back when my daughter was a newborn. I was using their literally miniature size diapers and now comparing it to a size 6 it I can't help but get a little bit emotional. But I love coterie diapers then and I love coterie diapers now. And also I love the coterie minimalist routine that they just developed. It is a skincare routine and we all know that baby skin is so delicate. Their microbiome, their skin barrier, it's all still developing and a long complicated routine can potentially cause more imbalance. So let's talk about the coterie Skincare line. They have their first wash, which is a tear free hair and body wash that leaves everything very silky. They have a soft cream which lightly but so effectively moisturizes both face and body. And then the bun balm. You guys, I love the bun balm. It is this gorgeous occlusive balm that I love not only for diaper changes, but also for dry patches all over you guys, my husband and I both love using the soft cream and the bun balm. Honestly, we haven't tried using the first wash on ourselves.
- [23:45]
A
But like, I'm sure I would love.
- [23:46]
B
That for myself as much as I love it for my daughter. The bun balm, if you guys have never tried it, it is so creamy and it's thick and it's perfect for again, dry patches, scrapes. I use it under my daughter's nose whenever she gets a cold just to prevent it from getting dry. And I just love it so much. And I also love that these take out a lot of that guesswork by being hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, made without fragrance or parabens, cruelty free vegan microbiome friendly pH balance. Like the list goes on and on. So not only do I love Coterie diapers, I also love the Coterie skincare line. If you guys are interested in checking it out, obviously I can't recommend it Enough. Head to coterie.com and use code Sunday 20 at checkout for 20 off your first order at coterie.com. again, head to Coterie C-O-T-E-R-I-E.com and use code Sunday 20S U N D A Y 20 at checkout for 20% off your first order at coteria.com.
- [24:51]
A
Okay, so all that settles in. You go home, you're like, this is not great. I feel like for me, this like, you prepare to go out there for football season. Like you physically prepare. You move all your stuff in, you get comfortable. You have to settle into like a new routine overnight. And I think that's a hard part of this lifestyle that not a lot of people probably acknowledge is that you have two different lives. Like you're living in Vegas half the time and you're living wherever he's playing the other half the time. And so how quickly were you like, dang, Like, I'm kind of like bummed, like we're moving back home. Like I was prepared for this. Like all this is like kind of like what's going on?
- [25:31]
C
Yeah, I don't know that I had really time to like Think about it. It was like, cancel the gym membership. Pack up the place. Like, it was just kind of whatever. But now seeing. Seeing, like, the girls did, like a Monday night tailgate. I'm like, oh, that would have been so fun, like, seeing that. But honestly, it's okay. Like, now I get to watch games with Austin, which is kind of fun. He's like, yelling at the tv, and so that's kind of cool to see. See.
- [26:00]
A
Or like, from, like, his scooter.
- [26:01]
C
Yeah, with the scooter. With his snack basket. He has snacks.
- [26:05]
B
He's a snack.
- [26:06]
C
Yes. But he'll. Or he'll be like, oh, that was my route that I ran. And, you know, whatever.
- [26:11]
A
He's talking like, it's the good old days. You're like, okay, baby. It's a few months still on the.
- [26:15]
C
Team, actually, but it's gonna be okay. It's okay. So, yeah, it's. And it's definitely an adjustment, even, like, moving into our place there. We're like, we got a small, like, apartment, and I didn't want to put a lot of decorations. I'm like, we're only here for two years and I know I'm gonna have to get rid.
- [26:34]
A
Or like, we're gonna have to get.
- [26:35]
C
Rid of this stuff.
- [26:35]
A
Yeah.
- [26:36]
C
And move again. And so when that happened, I'm like, thank God I didn't put a lot of stuff right here because that would have been easier. Even worse. Like, we had our tiny apartment, and that's all I had to clear out. Thank goodness.
- [26:47]
A
When it comes to having an off season home and like, an in season home, do you guys have the same stuff or do you guys have, like, your own football stuff that you move each time it's football season, I feel.
- [26:59]
C
Like it's my excuse to get, like, a new wardrobe every.
- [27:03]
A
I just talked to somebody and they said this same exact thing. They're like, yeah, I just like, I'm a minimalist when it comes to football season, and I just acquire that is.
- [27:10]
C
1000% what I do. Yeah. Like, I'll bring my good pair of jeans, like a good sweatset.
- [27:17]
A
Like, why do you have a suitcase of clothes?
- [27:20]
C
Why are there boxes at the door every day? Well, and like, doing social media, I'm like, oh, it was gifted.
- [27:26]
A
It was gifted.
- [27:27]
B
Literally.
- [27:27]
A
I say that all the time. Isaac's like, there's tags on these. I'm like, yeah, it's gifted.
- [27:31]
C
Gifted.
- [27:31]
A
Yeah, gifted from your credit card buddy. Which.
- [27:35]
C
Thank you, by the way. Thank you.
- [27:36]
B
You.
- [27:37]
C
So. Yeah. I'm like, I'll Bring the basics. But, yeah, we.
- [27:40]
A
Do you guys rent furniture? Like, no.
- [27:42]
C
We just did, like, the cheapest Wayfair furniture we could find.
- [27:46]
A
Honestly. Honestly, that's what we did in Cleveland. Then it was only one more year after that. But I don't have any regrets because I feel like there's, like. You still want to put. Here's the difficult part.
- [27:55]
B
You still want to put your touch.
- [27:56]
A
A little bit, right?
- [27:57]
B
Yeah.
- [27:57]
C
Because you spend quite a bit of time there. It's like, I want to feel like this is home.
- [28:01]
A
You also spend the major holidays there, like Thanksgiving, Christmas. Like, yes. Well, those are only two holidays, but you get what I'm saying. Those are the cozy.
- [28:08]
C
My family. Those are the big ones.
- [28:09]
A
Those are the cozy, comfy ones. I remember one year, Isaac told me not to get a Christmas tree, and I was like, the.
- [28:15]
C
Austin said that, too. He was like, no, we're fine. Like, no, we need a Christmas tree, even if it's, like, a tiny one. I'm like, we need something. He actually. In California, when he lived in his place, he called it the shrub. It was literally. It just sat, like, basically on a table. It was that small. He was like, we can just use that one. Like, okay. No, we can level up a little bit.
- [28:38]
A
Just a little. Like, we can keep it.
- [28:39]
C
It's cute. But I'm like, we need, like, an.
- [28:41]
A
Actual, like, put that in the background.
- [28:42]
C
But, like, yeah, like, it's a decoration. It's not a tree. Yeah.
- [28:47]
A
So, okay. So then moving wasn't like. It wasn't like you were. You guys were moving a whole house worth no furniture, thank goodness.
- [28:54]
C
Yeah. It was just like, our apartment, which even still, I'm like, you accumulate so much in such a little time. It was wild. I'm like, a whole closet. I'm like, what is this stuff?
- [29:05]
A
Like, I really regret those last few packages. For sure.
- [29:08]
C
Yeah. Well, of course. And I. Because I do, like, a little series that's, like, game day outfits. And so, of course, I got a bunch of stuff for the whole season. And I'm like, wait, but this is cute stuff. Like, I want to keep it. So then I'm shipping all that stuff. Austin goes through his closet, and he's like, we can get rid of everything.
- [29:25]
A
I hate when guys do that.
- [29:26]
C
But I'm like, no, that's, like, nice stuff. I'm like, I bought that for you. You're gonna keep me?
- [29:30]
A
I'm like, that's my PJ shirt.
- [29:32]
C
Yeah.
- [29:32]
A
No way you're getting rid.
- [29:33]
B
Are you getting me?
- [29:34]
C
He did get Rid of a lot. I did not. I was like, no, this is cute stuff. I'm taking it with me.
- [29:39]
A
Like, this is what I'm taking. Okay. And you better get.
- [29:42]
C
I'm packing the boxes. I'm taking it.
- [29:45]
A
Yeah, Right. Okay. So now it's. I mean, we're. I would say, nearing the middle of football season.
- [29:51]
C
Yeah.
- [29:52]
A
Like, we're around there.
- [29:53]
C
Yeah.
- [29:53]
A
So what does football season now look like? Are you guys watching every game? Are you guys, like, tuning in together, or is it more like. Okay, yeah, like, you guys are keeping up, but it's not.
- [30:03]
C
Yeah, well, Austin throws on, like, red zone, so we'll, like, watch everything, but we're not watching, like, every game. But of course, all the commander's games. Okay. Watching all of those. But, yeah, he, like, throws it on and we'll watch stuff. But, yeah, it's. It's very different now. It's very way more calm. I will say it's a little quieter.
- [30:26]
A
Like, the. Well, the worst is already gonna happen. So now I'm calm.
- [30:29]
C
Yeah. Like, we're. We're chilling. I'll still do, like, my game day outfit.
- [30:35]
A
I was gonna say if you're not doing that, you should definitely keep doing that.
- [30:37]
C
No, I am, because I bought stuff for this. Okay. And, like, people make me stuff. That is incredible work. I'm like, this needs to be showcased.
- [30:45]
A
Yes.
- [30:46]
C
So I'm still doing it, but then when we actually watch the game, I'm in, like, sweats.
- [30:51]
A
Are you wearing this on the couch?
- [30:52]
C
No makeup, hair in a bun?
- [30:54]
A
Like, it's.
- [30:55]
C
Yeah.
- [30:55]
A
You're like, I'm actually watching this from my bed. So. No, I'm not wearing jeans and heels.
- [30:59]
B
No.
- [31:00]
A
Like, thank you.
- [31:00]
C
I'm not wearing my booties and my glittery vest. Okay. But that would have been great.
- [31:05]
A
Right? So when all of this injury stuff happened, did you have, like, a lot of people reaching out from, like, wives, coaches, like, anybody from, like, the team? Because I feel like this is, like, a very common occurrence where, like, a lot of other women at least know what this is like.
- [31:22]
C
Oh, yeah. No. I had so many people reach out. A lot of the wives and. Which is just so nice.
- [31:28]
A
You're like, oh, thank you.
- [31:30]
C
Because they know the struggle. Like, they. They know what I'm going through. And knowing that especially, like, Austin can't lift anything. He can't even walk.
- [31:37]
A
So it's like, literally seeing him on a suitor, I was like, wait, yeah. Like, have you gotten shorter?
- [31:42]
C
Yeah, it's. It's the scooter.
- [31:44]
A
It's the scooter, for sure.
- [31:45]
C
Yeah. Yeah. So it's just like, they. They know the. And the moving and all that. So it's just. It meant a lot.
- [31:53]
A
Yeah.
- [31:54]
C
And Austin's like, the staff there was incredible, too, and just reaching out and sending their well wishes and stuff was amazing.
- [32:02]
A
It's crazy how quick a team becomes like a family. Like, for sure. Coaches, organization, even, like, team personnel. Like the family point of contact or like, the person at the front desk. Like, it's crazy how intertwined you get so quickly. I even think of the teams that Isaac was on for a year, and I'm like, I was, like, really close to those people.
- [32:20]
C
Yeah. And so kind of funny. Austin and I, we shared a car in Virginia because we're like. I mean, we really just go to pointed point B.
- [32:29]
A
That's kind of crazy. Did you have to drop them off.
- [32:31]
C
At practice every day? So I was gonna say, have a great day. Yeah. Like, with his backpack, I'm like, see you, sweetie. I'm, like, in, like, pickup line and all that. But, like, the security guys at the front, they were so cute. I'm like, hey, Walter. Hi, Larry. Like, these, like, sweet old men that I, like, got close with.
- [32:50]
A
Absolutely.
- [32:51]
C
So in the last time, I'm like, I'm not gonna see you guys again.
- [32:55]
A
Yeah.
- [32:55]
C
Goodbye.
- [32:56]
A
Especially on, like, well, the fact that, like, his contract is up this year. You're like, I might never come back here. I might never see these people again.
- [33:03]
C
More than likely, I will not see you again. Which is so sad. Devastating.
- [33:10]
A
Like, tell me about how sad you are.
- [33:13]
C
But it was kind of fun. Like, that was. Was kind of our time to, like, debrief about the day. Like, oh, how was your day?
- [33:18]
A
Yeah.
- [33:18]
C
But, yeah, I would drop him off at the facility, and then I would go to the gym, Then I'd do my thing and then pick him up later. So, yeah, it was.
- [33:25]
B
It was.
- [33:26]
C
I finally had to, like, log into his, like, teamworks app, like, the scheduling app, because I'd be like, okay, what time do I have to pick you up today? He's like, oh, I don't know. I'll just text you, whatever. Like, well, I have stuff to do.
- [33:37]
A
Like, I'm so. I have a life buddy not waiting around for you.
- [33:41]
C
And then. Then the one time I'm late, late, he's like, the guys were making fun of me because I was waiting for you. And I'm like, okay, I need to log in. I need to see exactly what time I need to get you.
- [33:51]
A
Oh, my God. I Love that. I did. I think Isaac and I did that one year, but we had two cars, so I don't know why I did that.
- [33:58]
C
We looked very close to the facility, so it was like, okay.
- [34:02]
A
Oh my God. I lived in Indiana and it was like a 40 minute drive. I don't know why I did that.
- [34:07]
C
That's.
- [34:08]
A
I like, really like him.
- [34:09]
C
Yeah, he's like trying to impress.
- [34:11]
A
Okay, well, now that you guys are like settled back because you guys have been here a few weeks now. Yeah.
- [34:15]
B
So you would say you're like kind of settled back.
- [34:17]
C
Yeah.
- [34:18]
A
Into like life of some sorts. Okay. So you have a following on. A huge following on social media. You started off by dancing because you grew up dancing. Professional dancer, like the whole shebang. So now do you feel like you have time to like, dedicate it more towards, like, back to you?
- [34:35]
C
Yeah, I feel like, I mean. Yes.
- [34:37]
A
And now like, I mean, football season, you kind of have a lot of free time when you're not.
- [34:41]
C
Honestly, I'm like, I'm just chilling at home.
- [34:43]
A
Yeah.
- [34:43]
C
All day. So, yeah, honestly, I didn't feel like it really took time out and I, I kind of transitioned my career probably the past like three years, I would say, into just mainly lifestyle and lifestyle and all that because, like I did social media, but I would still do dance jobs on the side and like still do that sort of thing. And then I just love the social media side and the fact that I can still dance. I can still, but I'm like, I literally just dance in my living room.
- [35:13]
A
Like, no, literally the fact you like pull out these dances. What was it like the. My milkshake brings, like, wow, okay, like, I need to go work out because my God, Grace.
- [35:25]
C
No, you are right.
- [35:26]
A
No, but I do love how you feel transitioned because I remember when you first started dating Eckler Austin and I remember looking at yourself. Obviously you have to creep. Like, I was definitely creeping. I was like, oh, she like does dancing on social media, like is so cute.
- [35:41]
B
But I feel like you've really evolved.
- [35:42]
A
To like doing more like lifestyle and like, here's what my life looks like. And even showing like the behind the scenes of football and, and like game day outfits. I'm really happy those aren't going away sexually.
- [35:52]
C
Oh yeah, no, I, I, we those are staying around.
- [35:56]
B
The older I get, the more I find myself wanting to be more intentional about the way I live, eat, and take care of my body. So I want to take a second to talk about mosh, which you may have heard about on Shark tank. It was founded by Maria Shriver and her son Patrick Schwarzenegger with a simple mission to create a conversation about brain health through food, education and research. So Maria's father suffered from Alzheimer's and since then she and Patrick have dedicated themselves to finding ways to help other families dealing with this debilitating disease. So Mosh is the first and only food brand boosted with Cognizant, a premium nootropic that supplies the brain with a patented form of acetylcholine. And Mosh bars actually taste great too and they come in nine mouth watering flavors including three new plant based flavors, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Hazelnut Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and I can attest to that. They're so good and I crave them all the time. If you want to find ways to give back to others and to fuel your body and brain, Mosh bars are the perfect choice for you. Head to moshlife.com sundae to save 20 off plus free shipping on the Bestsellers Trial Pack or the new Plant based trial pack. That's 20 off plus free shipping on either the Best Sellers Trial Pack or the Plant based Trial Pack at M o S H L-I-F E.com Sundae thank you Mosh for sponsoring this episode. When it comes to working out, I really like to switch things up and I can get bored really easily. So like I can't do the same thing more than a few times every single week. So I have truly fallen in love with Pelotons. They have a new Peloton Cross Training Tread powered by Peloton IQ and they're truly shaping the future of fitness. The new Peloton Cross Training tread is Peloton's most elevated equipment with real time guidance and endless ways to move alone or with your favorite instructors. It's cross training reimagined and has features designed to make your workout more personal and Peloton is built for breakthroughs. They have features that help you plan, stay motivated and achieve peak performance so you can let yourself run, lift, lift, sculpt and go while Peloton handles the rest. And Peloton IQ provides real time strength coaching. Which is this is the craziest part. Peloton IQ tracks your progress and suggests weights that challenge you so that you can get stronger. The new movement tracking camera allows Peloton IQ to count your reps and correct your form in real time, taking the guesswork out of your workout so that you can train safer, lift smarter and make every rep count. If you guys are looking to try out a new workout that is kind of like the future of fitness. I can't recommend the Peloton Cross Training Tread enough. Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton cross training tread@1peloton.com Again, explore the new peloton cross training tread@1peloton.Com hey, it's Allison, and I'm partnering up with Abercrombie, the official fashion partner of the NFL. You guys, I love Abercrombie so much and it is such a pleasure to be able to work with them because I have been wearing Abercrombie on my body for as long as I can remember and nothing has changed because Abercrombie has clothes that match my confidence. They have pants that have a tall length, so they actually go down to my ankles, and they have so much to choose from. I'm talking not only pants or denim, but also coats, jackets, T shirts, sweatshirts, cute tops, blouses. Like they truly have it all. And again, starting with their denim, they have a fit for everyone. They have a very extensive size range. And again, love the fact that they have tall. The fact that they have NFL fashion is so nice because I love to switch it up from time to time and they just have so many different styles and apparel to choose from. And these days I'm not rooting for a specific team. So I do love to go in Abercrombie and just see, like, what team.
- [40:02]
A
Has the cutest gear and just kind.
- [40:04]
B
Of root for that. That team that weekend, they have so much to choose from. Their NFL by Abercrombie gear is more than just graphic tees. They're pieces for every team that'll want you to style with your entire closet. And Abercrombie's comfort and quality is next level. Everything I put on my body, it feels so comfortable and it just feels like it moves with my body, which also helps match my confidence. And when I feel like I'm in my own league, it's when I'm in an outfit that feels good. So shop Abercrombie in the app online and in stores. Again, Abercrombie, official fashion partner of the NFL, cannot recommend the NFL apparel enough. Abercrombie in the app online and in stores. This podcast is brought to you in part by Stash. So you want to start investing, but you have no idea where to go. Stash makes it easy. Stash isn't just another investing app. It's a registered investment advisor that combines automated investing with expert expert guidance. So you don't have to worry about figuring it out on your own. You can choose from personalized investments or let Stash's award winning smart portfolio do the work for you. With Stash, investing doesn't feel like gambling. It's simple, smart and stress free so your money can finally start working as hard as you do. Get access to world class financial advice with personalized guidance for just $3 monthly subscription. Stash has already helped millions of Americans reach their financial goals. Don't let your money sit around put it to work with stash. Go to get.stash.com SSC to see how you can retrieve $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures. That's get.stash.com/ssc paid non client endorsement, not representative of all clients and not a guarantee. Investment advisory services offered by Stash Investments LLC and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Investing involves risk offer is subject to tncs.
- [42:12]
A
It's crazy.
- [42:13]
B
Do.
- [42:13]
A
Do you like prepare like the whole season ahead of time?
- [42:18]
C
No, but I, I will do like a few weeks at a time.
- [42:23]
A
So Type A. Oh yeah.
- [42:24]
C
Oh, and even I don't even know what I'm where.
- [42:27]
A
Like, tell me an event and I have no idea what I'm wearing.
- [42:31]
C
No, I am definitely type A because I, I'm like, I know I'll freak out at the last minute and just be. It'll be so chaotic. So I'm like, no, I need to have it like laid out the day before. And then even I'll do Austin's game day outfits. Which now like of course he's not going to. He's not doing that.
- [42:47]
B
Are you?
- [42:47]
A
Sorry everyone.
- [42:48]
C
He's not going to do what he would have worn to his game.
- [42:51]
A
Wait, that's.
- [42:53]
C
He will not be doing that. But I would plan his stuff to like in advance, but it wouldn't go like I wouldn't do the whole season but just like, you know, a few weeks.
- [43:03]
A
Did he ever actually like an outfit that you planned?
- [43:06]
C
Oh yeah. In the beginning I would literally lay something out and he'd be like, okay, cool and just wear it and not say anything. Then he got a little more comfortable, was like, I don't like this. Or like he has this jacket. I think it's really cool. He thinks it looks like a grandma's rug or like a grandma's curtain or something big. So he's like, oh, I'm wearing the grandma curtain rug. I'm like, oh my gosh. Like it's cool.
- [43:29]
A
No, no, no. This is fashion actually.
- [43:31]
C
It's fashion, but whatever. So, yeah, he got a little more vocal. And then I was like, oh, wait a minute. You're supposed to just put it on and smile.
- [43:39]
A
No, no, no, no, no, no. I didn't give you the option. I didn't actually ask if you wanted to wear it.
- [43:43]
C
I don't know. But honestly, for, like, the videos and stuff, it was hilarious because he would say something crazy every time. Or like, when he tries on pants, he, like, walks with his legs straight to, like. I'm like, like, please just act like you like it.
- [43:59]
A
You're like. So, like, I'm just gonna ask you, can you just, like, look like a mannequin for a second?
- [44:03]
C
Just, like, try, like, be my Ken doll. Like, that's. That's it.
- [44:07]
A
But yeah, this is Barbie's dream.
- [44:09]
C
Yeah. I'm living in my dream now. You pretend like you like it.
- [44:13]
A
Yeah. I feel like you guys are, like.
- [44:15]
B
Such a great team.
- [44:16]
A
I feel like you guys complement each other really well. And you guys also do a good job of, like, building a life outside of football, which is so important. I think all guys in the NFL should do that because you just never. What does it stand for? Not for long.
- [44:28]
B
Right.
- [44:29]
A
Like, after two years. It's a long time if it's. If it's been two years.
- [44:33]
B
Yeah.
- [44:33]
C
Well, because I think the average is.
- [44:35]
A
Like two and a half. Yeah. So which I'm like, where's the two and a half?
- [44:39]
C
How long did Isaac.
- [44:40]
A
Seven.
- [44:41]
C
Yeah. And this is year nine.
- [44:43]
A
Yeah.
- [44:43]
C
Austin. So it's. Honestly, that is unheard of.
- [44:45]
A
It's crazy.
- [44:46]
C
Yeah.
- [44:47]
A
So are there any, like, plans or goals that you guys have?
- [44:51]
C
Well, I mean, together?
- [44:54]
A
I don't know, like.
- [44:56]
C
Oh, I don't know. We'll see. But like, Austin has. He has a lot of, like, he went to school for entrepreneurship or like, business, and so he's like, I'm building. Building stuff. Yeah. Like, he loves that. He. He actually didn't, like, wasn't even thinking about going to the NFL. Like, didn't know that that was an option for him. Right. So he was just always thinking of.
- [45:17]
A
That stuff because he was an undrafted free agent.
- [45:20]
C
Free agent, yeah.
- [45:21]
A
To go nine years in the NFL. I want to see the statistics on that because honestly, it is. That is crazy.
- [45:28]
C
Wild. So, yeah, so he has a bunch of stuff going on. And, like, he has a new project right now called Fantasy Royale, and it's like kind of like an anti gambling place. So it's still like, picking your. Your picks for the week and you know who's going to win each game, but it's all free and it's for, like, prizes and stuff.
- [45:48]
B
Oh, I love that.
- [45:49]
C
So he's definitely going to be building on that stuff. And then for me, I, like, you said, like, I've really branched out in my content because for a while I'm, like, just dancing. And I just. I felt like there's so much more to me than just smiling in front of a camera, like, doing something which I still love to do. Like, I'm still going to do that, but even, like, to build an actual community online, you have to put yourself out there and be vulnerable and, like, just have that connection with people. And I feel like when I'm just constantly doing these, like, polished performance stuff, that's really hard for, like, both sides. It's like, oh, I love the dance. But then people are like, how can.
- [46:27]
A
I connect with it?
- [46:28]
C
Yeah. So it's not really, like, connecting. So that's honestly when I, like, dove into two more aspects of my life and, like, really started to dive into the football stuff. Because in the beginning, too, like, I started doing my own thing on social media, and I know the WAG life is so interesting to people.
- [46:47]
B
Yeah.
- [46:47]
C
But I was like, wait, I was doing this before. Like, I don't want people to just know me as, like, Austin Eckler's girlfriend at the time or whatever. So that was really hard for me to juggle. And I honestly, you have done that so well, and you're someone I look up to.
- [47:00]
A
Thank you.
- [47:01]
C
We're like, you have. You hold your own girl, and it's, like, all about you, as it should be. So I'm like, okay. I, like, need to find that balance and, like, still keep what I was doing before, but, like, add these other parts in. And so that's been a journey.
- [47:17]
A
I. I think it is hard. It. It's nice that you were able to, like, enter the football world already having, like, your own name, your own identity. Like, this is my social media platform that I built. And it's just because I think that with being married to or being with a professional athlete, it's so consuming because your life does revolve around their job 100%. Like, off season's not off season. There's OTAs, there's training camp, and then you have the football season. It's like, you're moving away from your.
- [47:44]
B
Friends and your family.
- [47:45]
A
Like, if you have a normal job where you're like, let's say you're a doctor, you, if you either have to choose of being the doctor or choose.
- [47:52]
B
To be with your husband. Right.
- [47:54]
A
So you really have to make that decision. So it's not an easy task to like, maintain an identity outside of your husband while he's actively playing 1000%.
- [48:04]
C
And that's why I kind of started to do other, you know, types of social media, more lifestyle. Because I'm like, okay, then when we're traveling, I can do this. If we move somewhere, I can still work. I can still, like, have something for myself, like a purpose.
- [48:18]
A
I'm like, hell, yeah. I'm creating a career off of my husband's back. Yeah, you would too. I'm like, exactly. But it's crazy because when I first started, people definitely said that, like. Like, oh, like, the only reason I know who you are is because your husband. I'm like, yeah, but now look at now people. Isaac's running a marathon. They're like, that's Allison's husband. Like, okay, guys, say his name sometime. It's okay.
- [48:40]
C
I love it. It's just Allison's husband.
- [48:42]
A
Yeah, right. Well, do you have anything that's, like, coming up for you that you're excited about or, like, any goals?
- [48:48]
C
Well, so I actually started a fitness platform that literally, I look at your.
- [48:53]
A
Body, and I'm like, jesus Christ, Melanie.
- [48:57]
C
Thank you.
- [48:58]
A
Oh, my God. No, I'm like, so I've actually been waiting for you to do something like that, like this.
- [49:02]
C
Well, thank you. So it's actually been up for. We're coming up to a year.
- [49:08]
A
Wow.
- [49:09]
B
Okay.
- [49:10]
C
On it. But I've kind of, like.
- [49:12]
A
It's.
- [49:12]
C
It's like my little baby that I. I nurture. It's called Move with Mel. And it's just strength training workouts. You can do them from home or the gym. And I. Fitness is such a big part of my life. It always has been. But then especially since I've been with Austin, like, Austin is freakishly strong.
- [49:32]
A
You guys. Were you guys doing, like, workout challenges together? I'm like, I can't take this.
- [49:36]
C
He's, like, really into it. So it, like, really sparked my. My love for it, too, and, like, a whole new appreciation where I would. I would go casually. But then with Austin, it's like, we're here for a purpose, and this is what we do. And it's, like, broken down in different days. And so I started doing that, and then I had people reaching out to me, and they're like, what program do you follow? Or, like, can you share your workouts? So I was like, let me do this for someone who is in my shoes that would just show up to the gym and not know what to do? Or, like, I would go with Austin and then after everything, be like, okay, what should I do next? What should I do next? He's like, okay, wait. You gotta leave me alone.
- [50:14]
A
It's funny how different you and I are. Well, one, I'm very type B. But two different. Isaac has been trying to get me to do a workout, and I'm like, I'm not listening to you. Maybe it's because Isaac's a defensive end, and I'm like, defensive end? Like, all you have to do is, like, push somebody.
- [50:28]
C
But, yeah, I mean, I don't know.
- [50:30]
A
Me dumbing down Isaac's job. I'm like, all you have to do is push somebody. How hard can it be?
- [50:33]
C
Like, that's not even that hard. Oh, my God.
- [50:36]
A
Okay, so that, like, really?
- [50:37]
C
Yeah. So then Austin kind of helped me put together these workouts. And of course, you know, the guys work with. With top trainers.
- [50:44]
B
Like, they.
- [50:45]
C
They know their stuff. So I was like, okay, well, I'm gonna follow this. And so then I started sharing it and did, like, a little trial just to see. And I got so much positive feedback of, like, this is exactly what I needed. So I was like, okay, let me make this into an actual platform.
- [51:00]
A
Yeah.
- [51:01]
C
So, yeah, so it's move with Mel Fit. And it's. Yeah. Workouts. It's like, list format. And we do, like, what I liked is I would go to the gym. Well, sometimes we'll go with Austin, but, like, we're not doing the same thing. So it was kind of like.
- [51:15]
A
I'm like, you guys are benching the same.
- [51:16]
C
Absolutely not. We're like, he wouldn't even want to do this.
- [51:19]
B
He's like.
- [51:19]
C
He's like, I'd have to change the weights every time. Okay. No, I'm doing my own thing. So it's kind of like having a workout partner because we do the same workouts. Well, it's a different workout every day. But, like, we're each doing that workout every day. So then in the community, we're like, today was great. Or like, today kicked my butt. Or like, yeah, so this was fun.
- [51:37]
A
No, I can't walk up the stairs.
- [51:38]
B
Thanks.
- [51:38]
C
No, exactly. They're like, thanks. I'm like, sorry, not sorry. You know?
- [51:41]
A
Oh, my gosh.
- [51:42]
C
Yeah, so that's like my baby. That I'm definitely wanting to grow and will definitely take my focus. And, hey, maybe we'll have Austin be like a guest appearance or something.
- [51:54]
A
Yeah, I Know, I'm like, yeah, I.
- [51:55]
C
Don'T know that people would do, like, live events. No, literally, like, he's a mean coach. He would be like, did you push yourself today?
- [52:02]
A
Like, no, I would. Yes. I'm like, I would never kind of work out.
- [52:05]
C
Like, how many miles did you run?
- [52:06]
A
I'm like, one miles.
- [52:10]
C
Yeah, My goal.
- [52:11]
A
There was a puller on that one.
- [52:13]
C
One.
- [52:13]
A
Oh, my gosh. Is he gonna go insert crazy, like, being injured?
- [52:19]
C
Yes and no. Honestly, not really. Which I thankfully, like, he's good, and I think it's because he had other stuff off the field that he's like, okay, now I can just kind of pour a little more time into that. So that's been nice, but I think the not being able to just move around, like, use your body and, like. Yeah, like, use your whole leg, actually. And now he can put a little weight on his foot. So, like, he's a little more mobile. Yeah, but just that part. And then, you know, when he's using his scooter, like, his crutches, he can't hold anything. So then. And then he feels bad because then I feel everything. So he's. Yeah, he's like, I know. I'm just a nuisance right now. I'm like, yes. But, like, it's okay.
- [53:04]
A
No, like, I would definitely looking forward to football season, having a lot of free time, but, like, no, it's fine.
- [53:09]
C
This is fine, too. No, I'm like, he. Thankfully, he's a very easy patient. He is not. He. He doesn't complain. So he's. He's great, man. He's definitely ready to, like, be able to move, like, do something, like, walk, you know, just like. And he's. Well, he can only do, like, upper body workouts, too, so at the gym.
- [53:30]
A
His upper body is gonna be, like, solid.
- [53:34]
C
Oh, no. So the other day, we were going to the gym, and I'm like, oh, like, are you gonna come too? And he's like, I've done upper body three days in a row. He's like, I'm gonna chill for it.
- [53:45]
A
He's like, you know what? No, I'm okay.
- [53:46]
C
Like, okay, that makes sense.
- [53:48]
A
Oh, my gosh. Well, I'm really looking forward to seeing, like, all the next stuff you guys have coming up the next year, next football season where you guys are gonna end up, because.
- [53:57]
C
Yes, that's a lot. Is just up in the air, like, what's happening.
- [54:01]
A
It's kind of a fun, like, time in life when, like, things are just, like. You're like, it's okay.
- [54:05]
C
You just have to go with the flow. Honestly, you have to. Like, my family, they're like, I don't know how you guys are handling this. I'm like, you just do.
- [54:13]
A
We don't have a choice. Yeah, you just do.
- [54:15]
C
You just go like, I was not.
- [54:17]
A
I was thrown into this situation.
- [54:18]
C
So I'm surviving, which I am. I'm very type A. But when it to comes comes to, like, this stuff, I'm like, okay, it's.
- [54:25]
A
We're just.
- [54:25]
C
We're moving.
- [54:26]
A
We're figuring it out.
- [54:26]
C
Yeah, we're figuring it out.
- [54:27]
A
Oh, my gosh. Well, I'm excited to see all that. And before we wrap up, I have some rapid fire questions for you. AFC or nfc? NFC home games or away games?
- [54:39]
C
Home games.
- [54:40]
A
Really?
- [54:40]
C
Yeah.
- [54:41]
B
Okay.
- [54:42]
A
Sideline seats or sweet?
- [54:44]
C
Sideline seats. I've never stated a suite.
- [54:46]
A
Really?
- [54:46]
C
Yeah, never.
- [54:47]
A
Honestly, they're not all. They're cracked up. I mean, the food's good. Yeah. I feel like I'm complaining about, like. Yeah, the sweets aren't that good. The view is not that great. Heels or boots for game day?
- [54:58]
C
Oh, boots. Yeah.
- [55:00]
A
Coaching. You're like, yeah, coaching your kids. Team or cheering from the sidelines?
- [55:07]
C
Ooh, cheering from the sidelines.
- [55:10]
A
You're a Dan. If your child is dancing, work on it at home.
- [55:14]
C
But I can't.
- [55:15]
A
That's shitty form. But absolutely not.
- [55:17]
C
Work on it when we get home.
- [55:18]
A
Okay. Kelsey brothers or Manning brothers?
- [55:21]
C
Ooh, Kelsey Brothers.
- [55:23]
A
Celebrating a win with a team or celebrating alone with Austin?
- [55:28]
C
Ooh, a win with the team.
- [55:31]
A
Like a team dinner.
- [55:32]
C
Like, yeah, it's so fun.
- [55:33]
A
Yeah, I love that. And then where can people find you on social media?
- [55:37]
C
Okay, you can find me everywhere at Melanie Wilking.
- [55:42]
A
No, Echler.
- [55:43]
C
No Echler. If you search Eckler, though, it will show up.
- [55:47]
A
I love that.
- [55:47]
C
So you can do that too. I'll pop up, but it is just Melanie Wilkie.
- [55:51]
A
Perfect. Well, thank you so much for coming on the show.
- [55:53]
C
Thank you for having me.
- [55:54]
A
I hope you guys enjoyed and be sure to tune in every Sunday wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.
- [56:00]
B
Please note that this episode may contain.
- [56:02]
C
Paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.