The Reach Out: Kurt Bardella
The political commentator, and publisher of country music's Morning Hangover tip sheet, says exercising is vital for his mental health, and that he would play basketball "every day" if he could.
Kurt Bardella is the publisher of The Morning Hangover, a daily country music tip sheet of song releases, videos, upcoming concerts, new artists, and playlist suggestions.
The Morning Hangover recently held it’s first live concert experience, “Hangover Fest 22” on the eve of the ACM Awards in Las Vegas, selling out the House of Blues with a lineup of more than 18 artists, including Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Lainey Wilson, HARDY, Jordan Davis, and BRELAND. The event was sponsored by Coors Light and raised more than $100k to benefit the charity arm of the Academy of Country Music, Lifting Lives.
Bardella is a frequent contributor to the LA Times and USA Today, and serves as an advisor to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
I spoke with Kurt Bardella about basketball, mental health, motivation, and his workout playlist.
Is exercise and fitness a priority for you?
Definitely. Being able to detach from my professional work and have that time for myself to work out is really important to me. As well, I know how vital exercise is for my mental health.
I work out with a trainer three times a week and play basketball three or four times a week. I consider that unmovable time in my schedule, and I will schedule things around it so that I don't miss a day of basketball or a training session if I can help it.
Who joins you on the basketball court?
I play pickup basketball at the gym, so it's a hodgepodge of people. Media people, professional athletes, international athletes who come to the gym randomly. It's a whole host of different people.
How did the pandemic change your exercise routine?
Well, I exercised my Uber Eats and effectively ate my way through COVID. I had been going to the gym almost every day, and suddenly I couldn’t go for the better part of 18 months. I didn’t realize how much I’d let things go until the pandemic restrictions were lifted and I resumed going to the gym. I’d gained 19 pounds!
But not only did I suffer physically from the lack of exercise during the pandemic, but I know that I also suffered mentally.
What is your motivation for working out now?
I think a couple of things. Obviously, there’s the physical aspect — as you get back into that exercise routine, you notice the changes in your own body. For me, it was, “Hey, my clothes fit a lot better!” But it's also nice to go into a space that has nothing to do with work, and have that kind of escape. I think my wife is also very happy about my commitment to fitness.
Are you someone who appreciates wearing a fitness tracker?
I really don't want to feel like I'm being monitored 24/7, even if it's by myself. I try to eat a balanced diet and I’m committed to my fitness regimen. I can do without being reminded of that every minute of every day. I don’t want to feel like I'm on parole.
What do you listen to while working out?
I listen to music — and only country music. A lot of new music is sent to me, so when a new album comes out from a certain artist, I will definitely be listening to that. It also really depends on the activity. If I'm in a workout environment, I’ll listen to more up-tempo country music. When I know that I’ll be going to a certain concert, I will listen to that artist’s playlist to stay in that frame of mind of positivity and high energy.
Is there a sport or a fitness activity that you think you might want to try?
At this point in my life, I’ve pretty much realized that I have an activity that I love and that's basketball. Anything beyond that is not really in my wheelhouse. I do love snorkeling — it’s a lot of fun — but if I could play basketball every day, I would.
You interact with a lot of musicians. Do you think being active helps with their creative process?
I think for a lot of entertainers, the best way to clear your mind and have the mental space to be creative is through exercise or playing a sport. I think this is why so many entertainers are also fitness buffs. If you're playing a live show three or four times a week, you've got to be in good shape. Being on stage is an exercise in itself.
I'd love to know how many steps Kenny Chesney takes during just one show. He's running up and down the stage, and up and down a giant catwalk in the stadium. Musicians have to be fit to be able to do that every day.
Was I surprised to learn that Kurt Bardella’s workout playlist is exclusively country music? Not at all. But I had no idea how much he loves playing basketball. May everyone find a form of exercise that they enjoy that much!😄
Thank you, @kurtbardella
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