Work, Play, Love with Lauren Fleshman and Jesse Thomas

Lauren are Jesse are BACK with allllll the 2020 vibes to answer your questions about the balance of work, play, and love. But first?! Rewind. Back in November, the New York Times published an op-ed by pro runner Mary Cain about the culture of body shaming and abuse in Nike’s (now defunct) elite running group, Project Oregon. Lauren and Jesse dedicated an entire episode (WPL 63) to discussing the article, as well as issues of eating disorders, RED-S, and body shaming that are all-too commonly experienced by athletes. In this episode, Lauren and Jesse answer follow up questions about Cain’s story, and talk about how you can cultivate a culture of balance, health, and positivity for yourself and your communities.

The holiday season is in full swing and your favorite Work, Play, Love hosts are going bananas with packed schedules for Picky Bars, sport, and family. And, no. The use of “bananas” is not a food pun. Lauren and Jesse catch up after not seeing each other for a bit and then dive into your WPL questions. They talk meditation and visualization, training while sick, and sponsorships. Plus, Lauren and Jesse go deep on developing a healthy relationship with food and body image, how to deal with a sibling taking over the title of “runner of the family,” fitting music into your busy life, and much more.

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Flomas duo. Lauren’s been laser focused on completing her book proposal (with publisher meetings on the calendar!) and coaching Little Wing athletes. Meanwhile, Jesse’s been working hard on a new product launch for Picky Bars and planning for his 40th birthday. But amidst the beginning-of-the-year craziness, they get a quick Work, Play, Love date to answer your questions. Jesse and Lauren consider whether ultra-endurance events are “good for you” or not, they let you know signs of overtraining vs. constructive fatigue, they offer some advice about mixing up speed-work training, and they consider what to do when your partner suggests a vacation ahead of your “A” race. Plus, they talk wedding planning, Picky Bars and braces, and more.

You know it, we know it, vegetable lasagna knows it—communication is a huge help in finding balance in work, play, and especially love. Lauren and Jesse answer questions about navigating and communicating about depression in a relationship, how to find comfort with your changing body during your first pregnancy, what to think about when moving in with your partner, and how to develop a primary parenting strategy. Plus, they offer up some advice to a new business owner, talk about how they like their eggs, and of course, they answer the most important question of all: Red Vines or Twizzlers?

Spring has sprung, there’s some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and race season is starting up again. Everyone’s excited to get back outside and into the world, and the Work Play Love duo sits down to answer your questions about it. They answer questions about counting calories, how to properly wear running shorts (with undies, or without undies...that is the question), and how to best prepare for an upcoming race. Plus, they hear from a listener who’s struggling to achieve their “perfect” weight, they get a follow up about the hazards of having a bidet with toddlers in the house, and Jesse gives an injury update about his bruised ego.