The Podcast by Adam Rippon
Episode 8: Haunting Yourself
Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 8, titled "Haunting Yourself," Adam Rippon delves deep into his personal journey with fitness and health post-retirement from competitive figure skating. The episode seamlessly transitions into engaging listener interactions, offering both personal anecdotes and practical advice.

1. Adam’s Fitness and Health Journey

Adam begins the episode by reflecting on his transition from a rigorous Olympic training regimen to retirement seven years ago. He shares his initial struggle with maintaining his fitness routine without the structured environment of competitive sports.

"When I retired, the first thing I said that I was going to do was I wasn't going to go to the gym." [00:45]

He admits that the absence of daily gym visits left him feeling less than optimal, highlighting the importance of movement for overall well-being.

2. Motivation from a Pandemic Photo

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a pivotal moment for Adam. A candid photo taken by his then-boyfriend revealed a side of himself he wasn’t proud of, acting as a wake-up call to prioritize his health.

"I just looked... it was a Gerber baby with a beard. It just was not good." [10:55]

This unsettling image motivated him to reignite his fitness journey, emphasizing the profound impact a single moment can have on one's life choices.

3. Revamping Gym Routine and Embracing Meal Prepping

With the help of his trainer friend Tyler, Adam revamped his approach to working out, shifting from Olympic-level training to a more sustainable and enjoyable routine.

"Tyler changed my life because he got me into the gym again and taught me how to work out like a normal person." [15:30]

Acknowledging the critical role of nutrition, Adam introduces his newfound passion for meal prepping, which has streamlined his dietary habits and enhanced his fitness progress.

"Meal prepping has been, like, game changing for me because I don't have to think about it." [20:15]

4. Incorporating Cardio and Tracking Steps

Adam discusses his initial neglect of cardio exercises and steps tracking, leading to the realization that he was far less active than he believed.

"I thought I was getting 20, but I was only getting 3,000 steps." [18:50]

Switching from an Apple Watch to a Fitbit, he found a more comfortable way to monitor his activity, helping him achieve a consistent 10,000 steps daily goal.

5. Listener Voicemails

a. Driving Aggression and Horn Usage

A listener inquires about handling aggressive drivers and the appropriate use of car horns. Adam shares his personal policies and experiences, emphasizing the horn's role in safety and communication.

"I believe that if you're seeing somebody do something... I hit the horn." [22:30]

He recounts a life-saving incident where a friend’s quick horn use prevented a potential accident, underscoring the importance of being prepared to use the horn judiciously.

b. Podcast Feedback and Branding

Another listener provides feedback on the podcast’s sound effects and branding. Adam appreciates the constructive criticism and discusses the evolution of his podcast's name and sound design.

"I do feel like in episode seven, I just let everything breathe a little bit more and it just sounded nicer." [32:42]

He acknowledges the balance between sound effects and content flow, committing to refining the listening experience based on audience feedback.

6. Closing Remarks

Adam wraps up the episode by thanking his listeners, encouraging them to leave reviews, and inviting more voicemails for future discussions.

"Thank you so much for listening to this episode. Make sure that you give us a five-star review." [32:42]

He reiterates his commitment to evolving the podcast, ensuring it remains engaging and reflective of his authentic self.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Motivation: Personal challenges and unexpected moments can serve as powerful motivators for positive change.

• Balanced Routine: Transitioning from a high-intensity regimen to a sustainable fitness and nutrition plan is crucial for long-term health.

• Effective Communication: Using tools like car horns responsibly can enhance safety and interpersonal interactions on the road.

• Audience Engagement: Listener feedback is invaluable in shaping and improving content delivery and branding.

Adam Rippon's candid discussions offer listeners both inspiration and practical advice, making "Haunting Yourself" a compelling episode that resonates on multiple levels.