The goop Podcast with Cody Rigsby

Host: Gwyneth Paltrow
Guest: Cody Rigsby
Date: October 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Gwyneth Paltrow sits down with Peloton superstar instructor Cody Rigsby in front of a live audience. The conversation explores Cody’s journey from a turbulent childhood to fitness fame, his evolving philosophy on wellness and relationships, the emotional nuances of his upbringing, and his trademark blend of humor and authenticity. With plenty of memorable exchanges, light-hearted rapid-fire questions, and honest insights about mental health, sexuality, and self-acceptance, the episode balances fun and depth—a true testament to Cody’s dual nature.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Cody’s Journey: Childhood to Peloton (03:47–08:26)

• Challenging Early Life: Born to a single mother in Los Angeles, with both parents experiencing addiction. Father died of heroin addiction; mother’s recovery began after moving to North Carolina.
  • “My mom dealt with addiction her whole life as well. And I’m so grateful and fortunate that she’s still happy, healthy, and in my life.” (04:41)
• Move to New York/Dance Career: Transitioned from dancing backup for pop stars to working at a NYC nightclub, leading serendipitously to Peloton.
  • “I took my little headshot and dance resume to this fitness company called Peloton, and they hired me within ten minutes because I’m hot.” (06:17)
• Finding Purpose at Peloton: Started as a “fish out of water,” but found his niche by blending humor, pop culture, and fitness.
  • “I had a fat ass and a will to succeed, so I made it happen.” (06:56)
  • “I felt through Peloton, I found my purpose, which was really inviting more and more people into wellness by breaking down the fear.” (07:51)

Defining Authenticity & Style (08:26–12:26)

• Leaning into Humor and Authenticity: Transitioned from trying to fit the mold of a stereotypical coach to embracing his “silly,” Richard Simmons-inspired approach, making fitness less intimidating.
  • “It’s not that deep, boo. When we take life too seriously, it restricts us, it keeps us in a box.” (10:11)
• On Sluttiness and Self-Celebration: Embraces sex positivity and encourages others to do the same.
  • “I am a self-proclaimed slut and I celebrate that. And I think people celebrate their own sluttiness while watching me bodyroll on a bike that goes nowhere to Britney Spears.” (10:48)

Behind the Persona: At Home & Mental Health (12:26–15:21)

• Duality: Describes his on-bike persona as 85–90% authentic, but reveals a more introspective, sometimes introverted side at home.
  • “We all have our insecurities... My own mental health journey is the thing that's allowed me to get curious about those things, explore them, and ultimately love the shitty or dark parts of myself that we all have.” (11:20)
• Therapy & Shadow Work: Regular therapy helps him address childhood trauma and adult challenges; references concepts from Jungian therapy and the book No Bad Parts.
  • “You have to remember—you, the true you, has to sit in the driver’s seat and tell these young, hurt parts that you’re in charge, that you’re okay, and that we’re going to make it.” (12:52)

Relationships, Monogamy, and Sexual Ethics (15:21–18:20)

• Open Relationships: Cody’s approach is non-monogamous, emphasizing communication and consent.
  • “I know that I'm not going to be able to sleep with one man for the rest of my life, Gwyneth. There's a lot of dicks out there and I want to enjoy them...with consent and regular STI checkups, okay?” (16:14)
• Romantic Lessons: Talks candidly about how mismatched needs ended past relationships and the importance of ethical non-monogamy.
  • “I learned that the hard way because...I was acting out and being a dirty little scoundrel of a cheater. And I said, I don't want to do that anymore, so I need to be in a ethically non-monogamous relationship.” (17:23)
• Authenticity in Love: Emphasizes knowing oneself, living from that place, and the link between authenticity and resonance with others.
  • “I think that kind of authenticity—it doesn’t surprise me that you resonate with so many people.” (18:20)

Pop Icons & Cultural Influence (18:35–20:44)

• Britney Spears as Inspiration: Shares personal stories of Britney’s importance, particularly as an emotional escape during periods of homelessness.
  • “I would pick up a Britney Spears CD and I would, like, kind of escape through that music. Or I would watch MTV and learn all the little dances.” (19:07)
  • “She just inspires me to be resilient a little bit.” (19:06)
• Pop Culture Banter: Lighthearted debate over whether Gwyneth has ever met Britney.
  • “I just hope you didn’t have your coochie out like she did. All right. It was 2006. She was going through a lot.” (20:44)

Peloton 101 & The Rise to Fame (22:11–25:08)

• What Is Peloton?: Cody explains the digital fitness platform for the uninitiated.
  • "It’s kind of like the Netflix of fitness where you can take a fitness class through so many different modalities wherever you are..." (22:37)
• Live and On-Demand: Describes the environment, competition, and format.
• Pandemic Popularity: Shares how COVID-19 was a catalyst for Peloton’s—and his own—explosive growth.

Therapy, Family, and Healing (25:08–32:25)

• Therapy Journey: Began therapy after a breakup, now values two therapists for different perspectives.
  • “Her and my barber are my longest relationships.” (25:37)
• Mother-Son Relationship: Discusses the pain and healing in becoming his mother’s caretaker, supporting her financially, and overcoming resentment.
  • “I had to make the conscious choice to let go of that resentment, let go of that pain, radically accept that I am the adult in this situation and the caregiver.” (28:45)
• Forgiveness and Acceptance: Stresses the importance of empathy, presence, and accepting imperfect love.
  • “The love that imperfect love is the reason that we’re here and able to have the life that we have.” (29:07)

The Power of Levity & Duality (32:25–35:07)

• Not That Deep, Boo: Explains how humor and lightheartedness are balancing tools, even when doing personal work.
  • “A really big sign of growth is when you can sit with the challenging parts...and laugh at yourself.” (33:11)
• Letting Emotions Pass: Advocates for time to feel emotions instead of ruminating.
  • “If you can kind of shut your mind off...some of it will go away and not have a lot of power over you anymore.” (34:45)

Fitness, Wellness, and Vain Homosexuality (37:01–40:56)

• Physical Maintenance: Mixes fitness discipline with a love for fast food—especially Taco Bell.
  • “A bitch loves Taco Bell. And it’s a fast food Mexican restaurant...” (38:56)
• Nutrition Tips: Prioritizes protein, shares daily eating habits and tips for satiety.
  • “A good rule of thumb is 1 gram of protein for every pound that you weigh.” (39:55)
• Exercise and Emotion: Physical activity as a tool for emotional regulation.
  • “Going back to the conversation of, like, sitting with your feelings...I think [working out] kind of release[s] that.” (41:13)

Rapid Fire & Fun Moments (43:12–46:10)

• Favorite Britney Song: “‘Gimme More’ or ‘Break the Ice’—both off the Blackout album, which is incredible.” (43:18)
• Tactful Pettiness Example: “Say your girlfriend just got bangs and they look horrible and you go, ‘Hey, Becky, those bangs are a choice.’” (43:39)
• Taco Bell Order: “Cheesy Gordita Crunch and maybe a Doritos Loco Taco.” (44:24)
• Gym Bag Must: “Magic Molecule—it’s like a spray...I spritz it so you’re not getting all the dirt in there.” (45:06)
• Unexpected Hobby: Intense interest in World War II history documentaries.
• Dream Podcast Guest: “You. But also RuPaul.” (46:02)
• Motivational Goodbye: “I wish you well.” (46:10)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Finding Purpose:
  “Through Peloton, I found my purpose, which was really inviting more and more people into wellness, into fitness, by breaking down the fear.” — Cody (07:51)
• On Self-Acceptance:
  “It’s not until we love those parts of ourselves that we can fully step into who we are.” — Cody (12:26)
• On Non-Monogamy:
  “There’s a lot of dicks out there and I want to enjoy them...with consent and regular STI checkups, okay?” — Cody (16:14)
• On Authenticity:
  “You seem to know yourself really, really well and live from that place.” — Gwyneth (18:20)
• On Trauma & Family:
  “I had to make the conscious choice to let go of that resentment, let go of that pain, radically accept that I am the adult in this situation and the caregiver.” — Cody (28:45)
• On Growth:
  “A really big sign of growth is when you can sit with the challenging parts of yourself...and laugh at yourself.” — Cody (33:11)
• On Letting Go:
  “What you resist persists.” — Gwyneth (35:01)
• Motivational Sendoff:
  “I wish you well.” — Cody (46:10)

Memorable Moments

• Cody calling Gwyneth an Avenger and joking about her Marvel memory lapse. (04:00–04:40)
• Honest and hilarious exchanges about sluttiness, objectification, and body rolling on the bike. (10:48, 42:40)
• Playful discussion of Britneys, bangs, and Taco Bell orders in the rapid-fire round. (43:12–45:04)

Useful Timestamps

• Cody’s Journey: 03:47–08:26
• Authenticity & Persona: 08:26–12:26
• Mental Health & Therapy: 25:08–32:25
• Peloton 101: 22:11–25:08
• Relationship Philosophy: 15:21–18:20
• Family Healing: 28:45–32:25
• Wellness Routine: 37:01–40:56
• Rapid Fire Questions: 43:12–46:10

Tone and Style

The episode blends Cody’s irreverent, celebratory openness with Gwyneth’s thoughtful, warm curiosity. Listeners are treated to honest, humor-laced insights on self-acceptance, relationships, and the duality of lightness and depth—a true reflection of the guest himself.

In sum:
This episode is as motivating as it is fun. Cody Rigsby shares personal stories, wellness wisdom, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, leaving listeners inspired to embrace all sides of themselves and, perhaps, shake it to Britney on a bike that goes nowhere.