Scheananigans with Scheana Shay - Flip Out with Nastia Liukin

Episode Date: October 23, 2018

Gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin joins Scheana to talk about her incredible career, her love for the sport, having Olympian parents, the Nastia Liukin Cup, and, of course, her time on Dancing with the Stars! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thank you for listening to this Podcast One production. Available on Apple Podcasts and Podcast One. With currently no NBA, NHL, or MLB, you might think there's nothing to bet on. Well, you'd be wrong. Our exclusive partner, BetOnline, still has hundreds of events, games, and props to wager on. From their online casino to poker and blackjack as they are bringing the Vegas to you. Missing the NFL? No problem. BetOnline has live daily Madden NFL 20 simulations you can wager on.

If you're into entertainment betting, you can still bet on Survivor, Big Brother, American Idol, Stock Crisis, and even the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. All open 24 hours a day and all online. Visit the website or use the mobile device and join today to receive your new welcome bonus. BetOnline, your online wagering solution. Visit our good friends and exclusive partner at BetOnline to take advantage of the best bonuses in the business.

Sign up for a free account and make sure to use that promo code PODCAST1 for your sign-up bonus. Visit BetOnline.ag and don't forget that promo code PODAST1, for your sign-up bonus. BetOnline, your online sportsbook experts. This summer at Sentra, we have everything you need with great offers. Like Sentra BBQ Meats Range Mix and Match, any three for €10. Coca-Cola 1.5 Liter, only €2.

And our mega deal until Sunday, Carlsberg 20 bottle box. Only 17 euro. Sentra. Live every day. Enjoy car sensibly. Here's some useful car tips you guys might not be aware of. A coffee filter and a little bit of olive oil can clean your interior. Removing excess weight from your car will improve gas mileage. And you can place your key fob to your chin to increase its range.

I know. It's weird, right? Well, here's another tip you guys might also not know about. TrueCar also helps people get used cars. Yes, that's right. TrueCar isn't just for buying new cars. With their certified dealer network and nationwide inventory of nearly 1 million used cars, you'll enjoy real pricing on actual inventory and a simpler buying experience,

whether you buy new or used. And with TrueCar, users can see what others paid, so they know if they're getting a good deal before buying. They're also more likely to enjoy a faster buying experience by connecting with Truecar certified dealers. When you're ready to buy a new or used car, check out Truecar and enjoy a more confident car buying experience. Some features not available in all states. From Vanderpump Rules to Vegas and everywhere in between, it's time to party with Sheena Shea. This is Shenanigans. And now, here's your host, Sheena Shea.

We're good as gold. Because we're good as gold. Here's your host, Sheena Shea. Hey guys, we're back. I am fresh off an airplane from Iceland. I just had an incredible experience and trip, but we're back doing more shenanigans. And literally, you guys, ever since I was a little girl girl gymnastics has always been my favorite event to watch at the Olympics and 2008 was an iconic year I would say for women's gymnastics. Sitting next to me is none other than the amazing talented gold medalist individual overall champion who I've been a fan of for many years, Miss Nastia Lukin. Hi. How are you?

I'm good. I'm so excited. What an intro. I want to talk about your trip to Iceland. You probably want to talk about the Olympics. I know. I'm just kidding. Oh my God.

Iceland was incredible. It's like been on my list for a few years. Yeah. Was it your first time? Yes. First time. Bucket list. Check.

Literally everything. Absolutely worth it. And everyone says it's a really overpriced country, but I feel like, I guess, just growing up in LA and working in Beverly Hills and whatnot, I felt it was very comparable price-wise. So just so y'all know. But it's also like you get amazing other things that LA doesn't have. You know, scenery. Yeah. Mom's here again.

Hi. Yeah. She's chiming in. Sorry. It's our social media girl. One of your many jobs. But yeah, it was incredible. So we landed, went straight to the Blue Lagoon and then ended up driving the entire island over six days. Oh my gosh. So we packed up and stayed in a different place every night, whether it was a hotel, Airbnb, it was a group of six of us. And we got to see everything.

And the way we did it, it wasn't that expensive because it was like the glaciers were free. The waterfalls were free. Like all of these things we did were just incredible sightseeing opportunities. So awesome. Yeah. Now I'm like even more eager. Yeah. We saw the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis.

It was amazing. That's a little bit of a tongue twister. Yeah, right? So is this, the Aurora Borealis. It was amazing. That's a little bit of a tongue twister. Yeah, right? So is this the best time of year to go? So the best time to see the lights is between October and April. They said November is even more likely, but we got really lucky with the weather. It was cloudy a few nights, and then the one day that we're literally packing up our hotel and driving a little west

that was the best place to see them and i was like no we should have just stayed there another night but then all of the clouds cleared and that night at like midnight we were all in the hot tub and one of the guys was like oh my god get out and we all hop out of the hot tub and it was a 45 minute light show in the sky oh my gosh it was incredible like this is what you see on tv yeah like experienced it yes it was so cool so bucket list check i highly recommend it we didn't even get that much time in reykjavik like the town was like our last night and we were sober now we're like dinner bed go to sleep back to the blue lagoon that's what we did for our last day i can't believe that was yesterday it's beautiful yeah. I know. And now you're like, isn't that crazy?

Yeah. To think like you woke up in a completely different place. Yeah, totally. I mean, you've traveled all over. Where's your favorite place been? So it's really interesting because I have traveled a lot, but I haven't seen these places because we were training and competing. So, you know, any like Beijing, for instance, where the Olympics where we trained seven hours a day, seven days a week while we were there,

we didn't have a single day off. And so I was there for an entire month and I never saw the Great Wall of China. No way. So actually two months ago, it was just on my bucket list. I'm like, if I don't go back, you know, at some point, I guess in my life at the 10 year mark, which is insane that it's 10 years. Oh my God, it is. I know. I'm like, back, you know, at some point, I guess, in my life, at the 10-year mark, which is insane that it's 10 years. Oh, my God, it is. I know. I'm like, oh, it's making me feel really old. I'm older, so.

But I kind of said, like, I want to go back at that 10-year mark. And so I went back. My manager, like, surprised me with a trip. And it was – we did two days in Beijing and, like, it was a few days in Hong Kong. But it was absolutely amazing because I, like, got to see the wall for the first time. And then we went back to the Olympic stadiums. And they actually created this huge wall in the Olympic Park. And they have everybody's name who won an Olympic medal, like, engraved into this wall.

Wow, that's so cool. So it was, like, super cool. Like, I had seen pictures. Like, people were like, oh, my God, I'm in Beijing. So I, like, engraved into this wall. Wow, that's so cool. So it was, like, super cool. Like, I had seen pictures. Like, people were like, oh, my God, I'm in Beijing. I'm like, cool. Like, I need to see this. Right. So, yeah, so that was cool.

And then I'm trying to think, like, yeah, I mean, Australia was probably one of my favorites just because it's just, it's like it's so, it's on the opposite end of the world. Like, it's just, like, so far away. But the people opposite end of the world like it's just like so far away but the people are just incredible um the country's beautiful but the same thing like i it's my first world championship so i competed there and didn't really see much of it yeah so now it's exciting because it's like the next chapter of my life and when i travel i always now make sure even if it is a work trip that i put in time whether before or after and

i didn't have that flexibility when i was training because it was like right back home and back into training and, you know, on to the next thing. Yeah. So, yeah, I'm like I'm excited to do a little bit more traveling. Awesome. Yeah. Australia and New Zealand are next on my bucket list. Yeah. Me too.

Yeah. I want to do both. I'm like if I'm going all the way to Australia. Oh, me for sure. I'm going to do both. You're all the way over there. Yeah. Yeah.

But then I'm like, well, then should I do Bali as well while I'm over there? That's another one. Yeah. So I'm thinking January because that's You're all the way over there. Yeah. Yeah. But then I'm like, well, then should I do Bali as well while I'm over there? That's another one. Yeah. So I'm thinking January because that's their summer. I don't work that much in January. So. Yeah. And then the next Olympics are in Tokyo, which I love.

Have you been to Japan? No. That might be one of my favorite places. See, okay. That and Australia are literally the two top things on my bucket list. And my sister was just talking about. And complete opposites. Oh, totally.

I know. But it's absolutely incredible. Yeah. I don't even know how to describe it. People are like, well, what is it about? I'm like, I don't know. Just go. You just go.

Yeah, you go and then you'll get it. Yeah. It's so awesome. So I think the Olympics there are just going to be amazing. So fun. Just to think of like, I don't know anything about technology, but, like, just to think, like, how advanced they are in so many different things, just thinking about, like, the opening ceremony and, you know, all that stuff.

It's going to be, like, next level. It's going to be amazing. My sister was just talking about going with the girlfriend of hers, and I'm like, can I hop on that trip? You're like, can I be there? Like, I've always wanted to go there. One of my friends is actually on a plane to China right now. It's like.

Oh, wow. Yeah. Lots of traveling. Yeah. Love it. Yes. So you're a West side girl. We were just talking about before we started. I love living on the West side. Yeah. So I, ever since the Olympics, like the last 10 years, I've spent so much time in LA for work stuff and, um, but I always stayed in like different areas depending on what I was here for. And so kind of like trying to figure out like where I wanted to live. I grew up in Texas.

And so I just, I don't know, I'm the only child, but I always loved like being with family and friends and having that like homey feel. Yeah. And I just felt like the West side was like for me. And I guess I feel like a tourist because it's like I I take advantage of the fact that the beach is right there and I feel like a lot of people in LA maybe I'm wrong but like they don't oh no you're right a lot of people don't go to the to the beach yeah like you know and in Santa Monica is obviously like super packed but in a lot of

tourists but I'm I'm always just like nothing beats like watching the sunset oh I know yeah I I love it like she does it all the time all the time just like going by yourself and just like sitting there or like reading a book or like whatever it's it just kind of like helps me like decompress and de-stress at the end of the day and um yeah so i'm like a west side girl yes um you know making plans with your friends that live like oh yeah basically once you cross the 405 it's like sorry i'm busy tonight yeah unless you're over here so um i know i'm like what do i have to do buy a boat to get my friends to hang out with me i know exactly yeah i'm looking at boats right now you're like actually

yeah but my place is awesome it's like i have my um deck it's right on the water so it's like a five minute bird ride to the venice pier bird you You're a bird. I'm a birder. Birder. Is that a word? A limer. A limer. Yeah. I'm like, oh, I birded to the pier.

Yeah. You know. But I love living over there. Yeah. I love that side. Anyway. Okay. How many medals do you have?

So I have five Olympic medals, nine World Championship medals, and then that's where I lose count. I don't know. That's amazing. I've competed in so many like national championships and other um competitions but um so my both my parents were gymnasts as well yeah so my dad competed at the Olympics won four medals I won five not that we're competitive or anything just putting it out there do you guys compare well we do so then he comes back and he's like I won two gold and you only won one and And I'm like, okay, fine, you win.

Or we're equal. But no, you know, it was really cool because growing – so my dad was also my coach. Basically my entire – my mom started as my coach. She was also a gymnast and world champion. And she was just too much of a mom. You know, if I told her – which was a good thing. But like when I told her like, oh, I'm tired, she'd be like, okay, honey, go sit down. And my dad was just like, she's going to get real far in this, you know.

And he really just started taking over because I had, like, a bad fall, and it was nobody's fault. It was a coach that was spotting me. My hand slipped off the bar, and I came home with a black eye. Oh, my gosh. And he was like, that's it? He's like, if you're going to continue doing gymnastics, like, I'm going to be the one that's, like, spotting you. And it wasn't because he thought he was a better coach, but just for safety. I'm the only child. He's like super protective. And I was so young. And and so, yeah, it was it was so great being able to kind of have

him, you know, yes, there were difficult times, especially, you know, your teenage years, like high school, like all of that. You think, you know, better than your parents. And we all go through that. And it was obviously even harder when, you know, than your parents. And we all go through that. And it was obviously even harder when, you know, you're training for the Olympics. And it's just, it's stressful to begin with. Yeah. But at the same time, he knew me more, obviously, not only as a, you know, as a parent and as a daughter and as a, you know, as a child. But also, like, more than any coach should ever get to know an athlete because I was his daughter and he knew you know the best plan for me the best thing to do and so I trusted him a hundred percent like even if he would say like go to 10 beamer teens and I really didn't want to

do that I was like you know what there's a reason he's saying this he's not just saying this out of spite or telling me like because he wants me to be tired like I know that there's a reason and so I always trusted him and and also for him like having competed at the Olympics and and you know had such success he knew exactly what it took to get there and so um but growing up it was really interesting because actually someone literally just asked me like an hour ago like oh like are your medals like display like where are they and I'm like they're all like curled up in a ball in a safe in Texas in my parents house and it was like when you walk into their house you would never know like who lived there. And I think growing up that way, like that's why I never felt pressure to live up to those expectations.

And it wasn't until the Olympic year where, you know, it was media and they were all just like, like don't you feel pressure to live up to like his accomplishments and become an Olympic gold medalist? And I was like, no, never once in my life until you mentioned it, you know. Now that you bring it up. Yeah. But I think it was just something that, you know, we're proud of what we've done, but it's, we never felt like it was something that needed to be like displayed. Like that's like our family home, you know, and it's like the accomplishments like stay

at like the office basically or the gym. Yeah. And so I think just growing up, like it motivated me because I knew what he did and I wanted to grow up to be like him. But I never was like, oh my gosh, just because, you know, he's an Olympic gold medalist, like I have to do the same thing. Right. So what age did you like fall in love with gymnastics and know that's what you wanted

to do? I honestly like don't even like ever since I was my parents didn't want me to do gymnastics because they had both done it. Really? Yeah. And no one believes that. But like I promise you they knew like how hard it was. And especially being, you know, the only child.

They truly wanted me to be happy. And my happiness immediately came from gymnastics. I fell in love with it at such an early age. I was born in Moscow. We moved to the United States when I was about two and a half, three years old. And my dad was still training and competing and they started coaching at a gym and then they opened up their own gym. And so I, you know, at the time when they moved to the United States, they didn't speak any English, had no money. They just had a dream. And I, you know, they didn't have money for a babysitter. So luckily for them, I fell in love

with the sport and never wanted to leave the gym. So're like thank god because we don't know what we would have done but but they never pushed or forced me to do it it was always my dream and my goal and you know they were obviously a lot there along that journey with me um and would always help me if you know whatever i needed but it was never like we want you to do this and we want you to like continue the family tradition or, you know, whatever it was. It was actually quite opposite. My mom just wanted me to play the piano. And so she would take me to piano lessons and I would cry every single time. And I was like, I don't want to be here.

Like I'm, you know, all my other teammates are at the gym. Like I'm taking away, you know, from learning more gymnastics. And she's like, no, you have to, you have to try it out for a little bit. And finally, I think after'm taking away, you know, from learning more gymnastics. And she's like, no, you have to. You have to try it out for a little bit. And finally, I think after a few months, she was like, okay, fine. I'm giving up. Like, clearly this isn't going. But I do think it's important to try other things, you know.

And especially, like, when I eventually have kids, a lot of people ask me, like, would you want your kids to do gymnastics? And it's like, sure, if they want to. You know, I'm never, ever going to push or force them to do gymnastics and it's like sure if they want to you know i'm never ever gonna push or force them to do it it's so important to find something that you love you know and that you're passionate about and for me it was gymnastics but like for them that it might not be and that's totally why probably prefer you know not yeah three generations is a lot yeah um those are a few questions i was gonna ask so yeah yeah that's awesome yeah what's your favorite part of gymnastics like did you like doing the overall or like the beam or which one so i was like the complete opposite of like every

other gymnast i had no muscle i was not strong i was not fast i couldn't tumbling and vault were my least favorite because i just i wasn't a powerful gymnast i was like i was tall at five two i was the tallest one on my Olympic team. Right. Which is crazy. But I was – Do you think that helped with, like, certain – Absolutely. Yeah. I mean, like, with certain things. And then it also was, like, made it harder for certain things.

But I really excelled more on, like, the uneven bars and the balance beam. And just in terms of, like, even on floor, like, I was better at, like, the choreography and the leaps and the jumps instead of, like, the actual tumbling. Mm-hmm. But we used it – you know, we kind of, you work with the system. You figure out what works for you. You know, and I was able to do so many different like connections and turns and jumps on the floor that like a lot of the other, you know, a lot of my other teammates couldn't do. But like I couldn't do the tumbling passes that they were doing. So you kind of, you really have to like work.

It's like a puzzle piece. You have to figure out what works best for you. And my mom was a rhythmic gymnast. So I feel like I got, you know, a lot of that flexibility from her. Like I never had to, you know, I stretched every day, but I never had to focus on my flexibility. It's like, it was such a natural thing to me. Whereas like for other gymnasts, like it's not, you know, because their muscles are kind of in the way yeah i'm like i didn't didn't have any still don't still working on it my goal was always just to get my back handspring without a spotter being a cheerleader it's a big deal

yeah yeah and so i can still do a back walk over at 33 years old but a back hand that's impressive unless i'm on a trampoline i literally have a photo of me from Iceland that we're in the middle of the road. There's no one on the road whatsoever and so we're like we should take some pictures like sitting in the middle of the road. And then one of the girls like is doing like a front handspring and I was like wait that looks really cool. I want to do that with like the sunset in the background

but I slept funny on the plane and totally like pulled like I had like a kink in my shoulder. So I got to the back bend part and I was like yeah that's not maybe not you're like how do I what do I do I was like I'm not gonna try and push myself over but I definitely feel it like now the older I get I'm like yeah how much longer am I still gonna be able to do like a few of these skills I definitely can't do like a lot but um even whether it's like dancing we were talking about i did dancing

i know i want to talk about that yeah i was like sore for like a week after that so yeah tell me what that was like because that is literally one of my goals it has been since the first season of that show i think i was in college when it started and i'm like one day i'm gonna be on that and it hasn't happened yet but it's okay it's still going yeah 27th yeah something it's kind of like a contract thing with Bravo but I don't well you never know yeah um so when I got asked to do this I had always wanted to do it as well and a few of my teammates had done it and I just like it looked like so much fun um you know it's i'm like still have like a heavy duty spray tan going on between the spray tan the the costumes

you know i think what i i mean i loved a lot of things i think what was really cool being especially being a gymnast was like when you're out there on the competition floor you're obviously portraying yourself and you're like for me i was so sto so serious. And a lot of my other teammates were like, you know, like always bubbly and smiley. And so I always came across as like, are you allowed to say bitch? Yeah. I always came across as like the bitch because I was just like very stoic and serious. And, you know, part of that is like, you know, my Russian background, I guess. But also it was like, that's how I focused.

Whereas some of my other teammates, like for them to focus and kind of stay calm, they let loose. And they were laughing. And we were just very different. But being able to do the show was so cool because every single week you play a different character. Yeah, that's very sad. Yeah. And so it's like it's obviously a little bit of acting. But it's just like it's like one day you're a brunette.

The next day you're, like, a Disney princess. And the next, you know, so it's, like, that, I loved that part of it. And that was, like, the creative of it, I think, was, like, so exciting kind of seeing it come to life. Like, first you're given the dance type, you know, whatever type of dance that you have that week. Then, you know, you work. Well, my partner was Derek Hough, who was amazing amazing um right and then you had Sasha for yeah so he unfortunately got hurt in the middle um and but but work he's like a creative genius like it was so cool to kind of see that process of like he's such like a bit like and it's all in his head and like sometimes it's like hard for him to communicate his thoughts to words and I'm like I need to see it and I need and so so we struggle with that a little bit he'd be like just like do

like this and I'm like can you show me like I don't know those terms but but so that the whole process was incredible I think what was really really difficult for us that season was we were built I was living in New York he was living in New York I was going to school full time at NYU he was doing um a show at Radio City the New York Spring Spectacular he had 13 shows a week I had a full load of school and so crazy binding rehearsal times like was really challenging and then I'd have to obviously the show's live in Los Angeles and so this is insane were you flying back and forth every week every week for 10 10 weeks. That's crazy. Wow, I went from Vegas to L.A. every week for four months, but that was Vegas. Yeah, yeah, exactly. And so it's like, that was very challenging because I would have to be out here by Friday, I guess, or Saturday.

And when I got to L.A., I had to learn the dance that he taught me with another partner because he couldn't get to LA until the morning, Monday morning, morning of the show. Oh, my gosh. He would land at like 4 or 5 a.m. 6 a.m. we'd have a rehearsal because I hadn't seen him in three or four days or whatever it was. We'd get to the studio and he's like, why did you change this? Like, this is different. And I was just like, okay, okay, okay. And so then we'd get to the studio.

It was 7 a.m. We'd start hair and makeup. We'd have, it was a live band. So so then we'd get to the studio. It was 7 a.m. We'd start hair and makeup. We'd have – it was a live band. So all week you rehearsed to a track. So when it's a live band, everything is like – whether it seems slower or faster or whatever. And then we'd have a full dress rehearsal at 1 o'clock. And then go back into hair and makeup, final finishing touches. 5 o'clock was the live show PST.

And then done at 7, press line, rush to LAX, get on a red eye. Wow. Would land Tuesday at, like, 6, 7 a.m. And I'd have class Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday half the day. And then we'd start rehearsing, like, Wednesday or Thursday. And then I had to – so we literally were learning dances in, like, a day and a half. Yeah.

So the experience – like, I don't regret it for the world. I wish I could like do it again and actually have the experience of like being here in LA. And that's like the coolest, one of the coolest parts is like you create these friendships with like, you know, like with Sasha. Like I'm like, well, and Derek, like he was at the show this last week backstage. the show um uh this last week um backstage and Sasha obviously it's like you just you bond with these people because you you go through so much and you and it's crazy because when I when I signed up to do it I guess like I never really thought that that would happen I'm thinking like this is a reality dance show like you don't realize you're like I can meet in the Olympics like so part of me was kind I, I treated it like the Olympics.

I'm like, this is a competition, you know? Right. And so, again, I kind of went into that, like, competition mode of, like, being focused and serious and stoic. And then, like, the cameras would turn off and I'd be myself. And Derek was like, okay, like, you can't do anything. You can, like, just be you. Yeah. And so I think that's really what I learned a lot was that, you know, it's okay

to just like be yourself all the time. And I think as a gymnast and competing at the Olympics, I was so used to kind of like turning it on for cameras or for like the judges, you know, when the green light goes on. And so I just learned that like, and he kind of like taught me like people are going to love you for just like who you are. Right. Not for, you know, the medals that you've won or the accomplishments that you have. And so, and it was

a transitional phase of my life. I had just retired from gymnastics and didn't know who I was as a person. I had no idea what my passions were or anything. And so, you know, it's, it's crazy to say that like a reality TV show, like really helped kind of figure that out for, I figured it out for myself, I guess during that process, but it really did. And, um, it just, it made me kind of like realize like who I was and that, you know, it's just, just be yourself. And then, you know, also having so much fun and learning a little bit. I just, um, was catching up on my TV because I've been gone for like a week last night

and this morning and I watched the Monday nights episode. That's so fun to do it again? Yeah. So I had just landed back in LA. I was traveling. Um, and I guess this was like, that was like a week, about a week before, um, Dina, she texted me and she's like, Hey, it's trio week. Like Mary Lou would love to have you.

And she was like, any chance you could fly in? I was like, I'm here. Yes. Like I'm already in LA. Yeah. And she was like, any chance you could fly in? I was like, I'm here. Yes. Like, I'm already in L.A. Yeah. And she was like, oh, my God. Okay. And, again, like, you just become, like, part of this family, which is, like, it's so awesome.

And it's so much fun coming back because you then, like, you know the drill. Right. And it's, like, yeah. You're almost, like, the pro. Which then, also, I was going to say, even though I'm not a pro, but you feel a little bit more pressure because you have done the show. Right. And you also, like, don't want to mess it up for, like, I was going to say, even though I'm not a pro, but you feel a little bit more pressure because you have done the show. Right. And you also, like, don't want to mess it up for, like, Mary Lou.

Right. You're the person. So it's, like, we were all talking, all the people that were, like, back kind of, like, as, you know, the trio. We were all, like, wait, we are, like, a little bit more nervous because you're expected to be good or, like, better, you know? And so. And it was so good. It was so good. It was so good. Like, so I've done the Charleston,leston like 10 times now i feel like every time i'm back i love that dance at first i

was like oh man like again you know but but then like i talked to sasha and he was like this is okay this is like the vision i was like i love it like it's so like it was just so fun and i felt like and all the dances were so amazing but this one was just so different because it told a story you know and it was just like the set I don't know and you know Mary Lou and I are a little bit different heights and so I was just like some of the lifts we were like wait a second how is this gonna happen like the one that I was sitting on my shoulder I know I started like on the like basically the. And she was sitting up there. And I was, like, longer.

And so I was, like, almost touching the ground. And I'm like, wait a second. Like, let's switch. I went back twice on the DVR. Yeah. And looked at it again. Yeah. It was fun.

Yeah. So it's just fun being able to, like, play a character and dance. Like, I think that was also my biggest fear was, and as a gymnast, you're expected to do well on the show, you know, and people think that you have. I had never taken a dance class in my life. And so I was, like, doing a salsa or a samba in front of however many millions of people watch every week. Like, that scared me. Like, I was, like, I can go out there and do, like, my Olympic beam routine or my floor routine. But, like, the second, you know, it's it's like it's out of your comfort zone for sure.

Do you think that type of background with like floor exercises and stuff like that helped you choreography to pick up every week a new dance? Absolutely. And I think like I feel like we got lucky given like Derek didn't have a lot of time. I didn't have a lot of time. And I'm used to like, don't't get me wrong I'm not a professional dancer by any means so I don't pick it up as quickly as the pros do but just like having a you know I've done choreography like my whole life very different than Dancing with the Stars but at

least I like knew some of the movements and knew how to like you know if you would say like a point your toe or your hand out or like whatever steps whatever, steps, whatever. It was a little easier, I would say, than someone that has, like, no background in, like, any, like, dance gymnastics. You've been disciplined and trained your whole life. Yes, exactly. So you knew how to listen and pay attention. Yeah, and then I also think, like, a lot of, like, actors do well because they also, like, are portraying characters, you know? So it's, like, that's the part that I had to kind of learn a little bit more of like, okay, like, you know, facial expressions.

And, you know, again, like I was just looking at the camera while keeping the choreography down. But like, exactly. Yeah. So Rumor was on my season and she won. And I'm like, like, she was incredible, an incredible dancer, but even more so like just her, the characters that she played. I was just like, oh oh my god you're so good

um which amazing parents and amazing backgrounds but but um but yeah I mean it's so fun to just like create these friendships you know for sure so yeah what was your favorite type of dance hmm well the one dance I couldn't wait to do was the contemporary and we never got it oh no it was the it was the one that we were actually saving the whole season for the finale and then we got eliminated literally the week before the finale and we were like, oh man. We had like an awesome it was a

Sia song. It was going to be incredible. She was actually going to come sing live. What? Yeah. So, but other than that, I feel like the Argentine tango was really cool because we actually, it was that week, every week is like a Argentine tango was really cool because we actually it was that week every week is like a theme that week was most memorable moment or most memorable moment of your life or whatever so I picked the Olympics and um it was actually the floor the same floor

music that I won my gold medal with we did our dance too and I had never performed it since and so I think Derek that was probably his like the week he struggled with most because he was like he felt a lot of pressure to kind of like make this so special and it was really really cool because at the beginning of the dance it opened it up and they went back to you know the nbc show when when it was on tv at the olympics and in in one of my colleagues he was like this is it like a routine of my colleagues, he was like, this is it, like a routine of a lifetime, not Steele or something. And they like put that voice at the beginning of the dance routine.

And so I was like, my heart started beating and I like felt like I was at the Olympics. And so, yeah, so I feel like that was really special and it was most like I kind of felt most comfortable. It was kind of like the dances, like the samba and the salsa that I didn't love. It was kind of like the dances, like the samba and the salsa that I didn't love. But, yeah, I loved the Argentine tango. And I guess the Charleston has just been like, that one's fun. It's so fun.

It's such a cute dance. You have those classic moves. It's just like happy. Yeah, it's happy. That's exactly it. I got to learn the Charleston. Yeah. And like rehearsals are like fun in it, you know. Right.

It's like a lot of times it's like serious it's, like, you know, it's romantic. And so you have to, like, and I mean, I didn't date my partner. So it's, like, you really have to, like, try to act and, like, try to. And I wasn't always as good at that because I feel like, you know, or I know, like, when I was competing, I was always by myself on the dance floor. And so it was hard for me at times to, times to adjust to having someone else right in front of my face and having to interact with them as opposed to just going out there and performing. Yeah. So you were saying one of the songs was from the Olympics.

Yeah. Did you get to pick your own music for your routines and stuff? At the Olympics? Yes. So my mom and I did. Okay. Yeah. She was my first coach.

Didn't coach me after that, but she and we would just literally spend hours and hours just listening to music. And we just wanted to find something. I mean, my type was just always like more classical, I guess, just because of like my body type and the way that I did my choreography and dance. And so we would literally, it was like when Barnes & Noble had the music section and you could listen to the CDs. I don't know if you remember that, but we would literally just, you scan them. Only a few years. Like five. But we would just listen for hours and hours,

and then we would cut the pieces together. And so it was like an entire process um and so yeah we found that piece and kind of put it together and in my choreographer in texas she choreographed it for me and um yeah and it just became yeah it was it was cool i've always wondered that because like on dancing with the stars i don't think you really get to pick your song or your dance you know it's given to. So I always wondered if it's like that song is something that's like personal to you. So I think it's like it's not that doesn't always work that way. I think just because my parents were so involved.

I think like a lot of times like, well, the national team, like you have a few choreographers that you work with. I always worked with like a personal one that coached at my parents' gym. But a lot of times it's you know between the choreographer and your coaches and they're kind of like here's your music you know and you're just like oh my god this is so annoying um but yeah I mean I think it depends I mean I think especially like once you're kind of at that Olympic level you have to be comfortable and you have to be confident with it because it's it really is about performing yeah like for the judges and everything so totally I loved on Monday night's episode how it was like Mary Lou was like for the judges and everything so totally i loved on

monday night's episode how it was like mary lou was like you know i don't want to disappoint sasha or nastia but like just your advice and everything like because i i mean i'm not an olympic medalist by any means but i'm a perfectionist as well and so i'm like watching that and i was like oh my god i know like if i do ever do this show like even when I'm in the recording studio, if I can't hit the right note or sing it the right way, it's just like I'm such a perfectionist. So I'm the same way. I was actually just talking to one of my best friends today about it, Karchel, and she was like, we're so similar, which it's a great quality to have, you know, to be like to strive

for perfection. But then sometimes it can hurt you because it's like, it's super frustrating. And then you feel like, you know, again, it's a great quality because you never want to get give up until you feel satisfied. But at the same time, you're just like, you know, I don't know, is there such thing as perfection, you know, so it's like, you're always striving for something else, which again, is great. But it's also kind of like at what point, you know, you get frustrated to a point like where Mary Lou was and she was just like, again, she like, and I felt so bad because she kept telling me like, I just don't pick

up as quick as you. And I was just like, oh my God, like I'm trying, I'm here to like try to help her. I don't want to make her feel more uncomfortable. And she's 50 years old and she's doing amazing. And that's what I kept telling her. I was like, when was the last time you did anything like this? Because I did like last season on Dancing with the stars i did like a little dance so it was like it's only been a few months you know and she was like like 34 years i'm like

exactly oh my god my whole life so yeah and it's like it it's muscle memory like i took between high school and going to nyu i took seven years in my first semester i was like holy shit like what is calculus like yeah i'm looking at my hot pink graphing calculator from high school and i'm like oh my god like trying to hide under the table but i didn't want to buy a new one because i knew i wasn't going to need it for long and and i was just i was so afraid because it you know it's so hard to like get back in that routine and that rhythm and so that's what i was trying to explain to her i'm like this is so foreign to you right now to move your body like this and and even had you just competed like I mean I was only a few years out and it was still challenging and that's what I said I'm like you don't see everyone else

struggle you know you see like that you said that well because you see like the 90 second package that's produced and put together and it's yes, sometimes they show the difficult times. But a lot of times you see, like, everyone smiling and having fun. And, yes, it is fun. But you don't see the struggle. And I think, like, not just on the show and not just Dancing with the Stars, but all of us, like, in life, right? Because we live this world on social media in a very curated, filtered world where, like, no one shares their, you know, a lot of times like some people do a great job. I'm like trying to work on it.

That is like kind of one of my laws that I don't share a lot of like, you know, my insecurities or my disappointments or like the struggles that you go through. And I think that's so important for like this next generation because they look at our Instagrams and they're like, oh my God, they have this perfect life. Oh, totally. Oh, honey, no. It's like you can't take a bad photo. You're like, no, I can't. I just don't post them. Exactly. I'm like, do you want to look through my camera? How many it took to get that one?

Exactly. Um, and yeah, so it's just, it's, it's challenging because we don't all, we don't all see that. And so you, you compare yourself and in your life to others and what you think is perfect. And, um, trust me, it's not, you know? And so that's kind of what I was like trying to explain to her with the show. I'm like, I've seen it. I've been through it. Like there were times where I was like, I literally like don't know how I'm going to get through this. Like the last few weeks of Dancing with the Stars was, you know,

closer to the finale. It was also like finals at NYU. And I was like, oh my gosh. Like how am I going to study for five finals, learn this dance, fly cross country, you know, and not half-ass something, you know, because that's the other thing as a perfectionist, you don't want to half-ass anything. You want to make sure that you're giving a hundred percent everything, but then you're like, what am I left with? You know, you kind of give everything that you have. So, so yeah, so I was kind of,

You know, you kind of give everything that you have. Yeah. So, yeah. So I was kind of – and that's kind of what she shared too. She was just like, you know, to be able to relate to somebody in that way. Like I was like as a gymnast and very similar. You know, as any kind of performer, you're just so used to like being on and trying to be perfect and trying to make people happy. You know? And it's like I'm a people pleaser, you know?

It's like, that's something that I like to do. And sometimes you have to be like, okay, but what's going to make me happy, you know? And so it's definitely a struggle at times, but I think it's also what makes us successful, you know, and for you to achieve those goals and those dreams. So yeah, it's about having balance. Absolutely. I just headlined a show in vegas for four months it was um an off-broadway comedy had a dance at the end

and like the first night was such a high and it was so good everything went perfectly and then the second night i guess it's like a thing in theater where they say it's like second night blue whatever it's called but i was like literally hysterical that night my mom was there and i was just crying after i was like it wasn't was there and I was just crying after. I was like, it wasn't that good. And it was just like being a perfectionist. Like I wanted every night the show to be perfect. And it was like. And that's impossible when you have four months of that.

Especially when it's live theater. It's like you don't get to rewind and edit it. That's what I was talking to some of my friends that are actors. And that's what they were. They were kind of saying that. And they were just like, you know, what's what's so impressive about athletes or thelympics is like you have one chance like the judge raises their flag and you can't be like hold on let me have another take i messed up my line and not to discredit like actors or that industry by any means at all because it's incredible what they can do but it makes you

kind of think like when it's live as you know like when you're performing live and you don't have like a chance to tell the audience like, just a second. Let me try that again. I just messed that up. So you kind of learn from your mistakes and you learn to just like do your best. And that's all anybody can ask from you. There was one night I tried to just completely improv and like be funny and it just failed. Hashtag fail.

That's when you're just like, just stick to the plan. I was like trying to use what someone yelled out because our show is very audience interactive. I was trying to use what they yelled out as like a joke. And then I was like, where am I going with this? What's my line? What am I saying? Thankfully, the other guy who was starring opposite me asked me the question and picked me

and I was like, and that's where we are. But then the director the next week, I guess that was the night they didn't tell us that they were taping it for the director in New York. I'm like, I that's where we are. Okay. But then the director the next week, I guess that was the night they didn't tell us that they were taping it for the director in New York. I'm like, I haven't messed up a line once in two months and the one night. But that wasn't even a part that he critiqued me on. He's like, you did? He's like, I didn't even notice that.

And I'm like, here I am. I flew all the way to New York. I'm like at dinner with him. And I was like, oh my God. Oh my God. He's going to be so mad. It's not my job to improv. It's the other guys.

And I was trying to be funny. And he like, didn't even notice that part. Yeah. Great. He's like, oh, okay. oh my god oh my god he's gonna be so mad it's not my job to improv it's the other guys and i was trying to be funny and he like didn't even bring it up yeah great okay um so i noticed uh sean johnson was in the audience on monday we actually live together out here what you do yeah no way yeah so i split my time between east coast and west coast she splits her time between nashville and here okay and we had just been spending so much time out here. And so we were both kind of thinking at the exact same time, like, it's time to get, like, a place out here and stop, like, being in hotels. And so we were both at the same time looking for one bedrooms. And then we, like, looked at each other and we're like, wait, this is either going to be the worst idea ever or, like, the best idea ever.

And it's been 14 months now. Wow. Okay. And we don't overlap a lot. Yeah. And so it's, like, that's probably why. It's great. We're both the only child.

We've never had roommates. And so we were just, like, uh. And then we were, like, okay, we just got to lay down, like, some boundaries. And we definitely get on each other's nerves, like, for sure. Anyone you live with, you're going to. Yeah. But I think it's also been, like, it's been great, too, too because again we it's not an everyday thing like we don't rely and then when we do when we're together it's so fun like i i'm the only child so i never had a sister yeah i

always wanted a sister and um whether it's like working out or going to an event or you know just postmates and movie night and a little too much of that but But, so, yeah. So, it's been fun to kind of be able to be on this, like, next phase of life and be friends and kind of, yeah, share this. Yeah, because you guys had, what, an eight-year break where you didn't talk at all? It's crazy. I know. Like, it's so crazy. She's like, thanks for bringing that up, Sheena.

No, no, no. I mean, I have to ask about it. Now you guys are roommates. Honestly, it's, yeah, it's like, it's the facts. Things happen. Yeah. And so, I think like we were so young like she was 16 I was 17 or 18 yeah and um but also like five years less

maturity wise because like our whole life was just gymnastics we didn't have like work out of gymnastics world skills or like maturity I think like we were mature in ways of like started like fending for myself and doing my own laundry when I was 12 and you know figuring out like those types of things but then it was just like relationships and situations like that like we didn't have that we were so focused on ourselves and our gymnastics and our performances so um it got to a point where it was just I think it um it was it was just the weirdest thing we There was never, like, pinpoint one thing and that's what it was. It just became, like, over time because we were so competitive, you know, as gymnasts. And it was always, like, it was either Sean won and I got second or I won and Sean got second.

So it became this, like, we were rivals. But then that kind of, like, turned into, like, off the competition floor. And it was, like, okay, Sean, you know, got this deal. And, like, Nasty got this. And then was like, okay, Sean, you know, got this deal. And, like, Nasty got this. And then it's like this. And all of a sudden, like, we, it was, like, agents and then the media and, like, all this. And we were like, oh, my God.

Like, yeah, like, we should be competing against each other. You know? And, like, even though we shouldn't have. But, like, we didn't quite realize it. And then it came to a point where it was, like, one year, two years, three years. And then we were like, okay, now it's like awkward. Right.

We would see each other at events sometimes and it's like the awkward like, hey, how are you? Good. You roll your eyes. We're quick. You can relate to that. Yeah, I'm sure you can. I mean, we all can.

You know, you all have people in your life that you're competitive with. But it got to a point where it was like really unhealthy. And we would laugh all the time because – or now we laugh because for eight years we wouldn't follow each other on instagram but we would literally you wake up get on your phone she's the first person that i stopped you know it was the same thing and it was it just got too crazy to the point where we were just like this is like stupid literally there was no other like i have no idea like why or whatever and then we were just kind of like, okay, we're in our, like, mid-20s, late-20s. And it's like, what was the reason?

Like, when you actually think about it. You know, and it wasn't us. It's not worth it. No, we were roommates at the Olympics. Yeah. We were best friends before. And we were so similar. Like, we have very similar drive and work ethic.

And we just get each other. And it's hard to find people in your life that, like, know what you – you know, it's like the question that I hate is, like, so, like, what do you do now? And it's just like, I don't even want to go. You know, like, I do a lot of things, you know. And so it's, like, it's hard to find those people that, like, truly understand and get your life. And so, yeah, so it's just, it's been awesome to kind of be friends again. I mean, it was like, we caught, we didn't even have each other's numbers anymore because we both changed numbers and I was living in New York and, and I was like, well, um, let me

know if you're ever in New York. And she was like, I'm actually there next week. And we met at the Bowery Hotel at Gemma and we both like started crying and it was just it when you experience something so special like the Olympics and you are side by side you know achieving your lifelong dreams of becoming you know an Olympian an Olympic gold medalist it's like that bond is forever you know no matter what you go through in life and and it's just so fun now like and not even like Sean and I but our entire entire Olympic team. There were six of us, and we're all super close. One of my other teammates, Sam, she lives, you know, a few miles from me. And it's just so fun to have, you know, these other girls in your life that you don't necessarily always talk to or see every day. But no matter how much time goes by, like, you're there for them.

You know, it's like if one of them calls me, like I will answer it and I will like, like we're there for each other no matter what, if someone's going through a hard time or, you know, happy moments in life, like sad moments, like hard, whatever it is, like we're always going to be there for each other. Totally. I love that. I feel like too, just like, especially nowadays, even more, not so much in 2008, but like with social media and just the media in general It's so easy to believe the things that people are saying and you're like, you know, okay Maybe they are right like maybe we shouldn't like each other and then it's like that's team Shawn team

You guys were on a team together I know I know and that's like the hardest thing for me. Like, it's so funny. Like, I'm just, I feel like my whole life I like competed against like my closest friends. And I'm just like, yeah, I'm done like competing against people. Like, it's like even comes down to SoulCycle and Flywheel. Like at Flywheel, it's like super competitive and like your name's on the board. And like SoulCycle is more just like chill. And I'm like, I, you know, went to Flywheel.

And I was like, nope, I can't do it. Like, I don't want to compete against anyone anymore. Like, I name's on the board. And, like, SoulCycle is more just, like, chill. And I'm, like, I, you know, went to fly. And I was, like, nope, I can't do it. Like, I don't want to compete against anyone anymore. Like, I did that. I'm, like, I'm working out for myself not to compete against people anymore. And so, yeah, I mean, it obviously serves its purpose. And, you know, everyone wants to be the best. But I think towards the end it just brought out, like, you know, not always good, you know. So it's nice to like

that we can be adults yeah and be friends again now so yeah well you look amazing what's your like go-to exercise like how do you stay in this perfect shape with your little 18 inch waist um gosh i so she's like it's just genetic no well a little bit. Like, my mom, we're very similar. Well, of course, you come from two gymnasts. Yeah. We're very similar. But I like just changing it up. The hardest part, I think, for me, and I feel it most, I feel it and I, like, see it most, is when I travel. Like, being on the road is so hard, whether it's a vacation or work. Like, you're just like, okay, like, a drink here, eating out here. Like, okay, I'll have dessert.

That was my last week. Yeah, but also like what I've realized and I was like super strict with myself for so long. And I'm like, but I also want to enjoy life. You know, because it's like we're not guaranteed tomorrow. We don't know. And so it's like you can't be miserable, you know. And so I think it's important if you want to have a night out with your girlfriends or whatever it is or have ice cream. want to have a night out with your girlfriends or whatever it is or have ice cream or and that's something like my parents always taught me was I think because I was never restricted from anything

like they always let we always had ice cream in our freezer like we always had desserts and it was like they you know it was never like I couldn't have it like it was just like you know I knew like if I had a competition coming up like I wouldn't have it or you know if I did want a cookie like I would have one but I wouldn't have the whole box of cookies and and so I think just growing up yeah it's a moderation and so yeah and then I think like again like it's the hardest part for me is is truly traveling and not being in a routine like when I'm here it's it's first of all LA is like the easiest place to get something healthy. Whereas like totally like the middle of America and you're just like the healthiest thing is like a sandwich with like cheat, you know,

it's like in here you can get like a great organic salad or a juice or like something anywhere you are working out. I have an amazing trainer out here. Chase who is awesome. It's all in this morning. But I also like mixing it up between I love hot yoga, core power. During gymnastics, I had to run every day. Like, not long, but two to three miles.

And I just, I can't do it. Yeah. Because I had to do it for so long. And I, like, had to do it. Not that I was, like, forced to do it, but it was part of our training. Right. And so now I'm, like, someone tells me, I'm, like, no. No. It's not something you enjoy. Absolutely not. Unless you're being chased. I'm not to do it. Not that I was like forced to do it, but it was part of our training. And so now I'm like, someone tells me, or I'm like,

no, it's not something you enjoy. Unless you're being chased. I'm not running. Sean's actually training for, um, the, the marathon.

And she started her training yesterday. And she's like, Hey, want to join me? And I'm like, no, no, I'm good.

I'll be here. I'll go to hot yoga with you tonight. Like, it's just, I feel miserable doing it. And so I, I think the here. I'll go to hot yoga with you tonight. Like, it's just, I feel miserable doing it. And so I think the most important thing to find, again, whether it's a career, whether it's a sport or, you know, physical activity, is to find something that you like and that doesn't feel like you're, like, being miserable or someone's forcing you to do it.

Because, like, why would you want to do that? Totally. Just like your trainer, Seth, he'll put you on a meal plan, but she lets him know, I will still have my tacos. Oh, yeah. That was what I missed the most in Iceland. I'm like, I just want some goddamn tacos. I know.

The last night in Iceland, I swear, we stop at a gas station. I walk in. There's a place called Serrano that had tacos. You Snapchatted me that. I'm not even hungry, but I'm doing it. Yeah, you're like, I have to. Yeah, there's no fast food in Iceland. The only place they have is. Yeah. There's no fast food in Iceland. The only place they have a subway.

Yeah. But it's because the economy took like a huge flop or whatever. And they had to like get rid of all the McDonald's and like all of everything. So it was like just driving around this country. I mean, it was there. We would go hours where there's just nothing but waterfalls and just gorgeous views. But then I was like, I haven't seen one drive through here. Yeah.

I mean, Switzerland has McDonald's. Yeah. But yeah. But yeah. Again, like I haven't seen one drive-thru here. I mean, even Switzerland has McDonald's. Yeah. But yeah, again, I think it's moderation. It's doing something that you like to do. Don't deprive yourself. Keep yourself happy. Yeah, absolutely. And also, like, sorry, my earring is like, I don't like this.

I don't like this. Cough on. Look at this. Look at my nerve. I just had to take my cough. My hips are smashed. You know? But I think it's like, I used to tell myself myself too, like, I have to work out every day because that's what I did for so long.

And I thought that that's what I needed to do. And now I'm like, no. You don't have to. And that's what I tell Chase, like my trainer. I'm just like, hey, like, okay, I can do like three times this week. Like what times, what day, you know, whatever. And we work out. And it's like sometimes I'm like, like last week when i was doing dance like every day i was rehearsing six

hours and he texted me enough he texted he's like hey when can you come in and i'm like i just did six hours yeah yeah and one time but i felt i was like you know like i haven't been here i haven't seen him a while like i i do need a good workout in like i'm gonna be on tv you know yeah like all these crazy things and so i went and worked out and I was okay but like I also have to dance like don't do anything hard I left and I couldn't move and I was like oh my gosh this was the worst idea ever I truly you need to listen to yourself yeah and listen to your body yeah and especially like when you're training for something like the Olympics like obviously like you don't really have that choice of like being like I don't really want to work out today.

You know, it's like you have an obligation to your country and, you know, we're on the national team and. The pressure. Yeah. Right. Yeah. There definitely is a lot of pressure, but you also want to, like, you want to live up to that, but you also want to make people proud.

Sure. Now it's like I'm doing this for my, like, I did gymnastics for myself, but now I'm, like, really, like, not working out for anybody except myself. Yeah. And so it's, it's easier for me. You know, it's like today. Like, I was like, he was like, oh, like, 7 a.m. or, like, 3. And I was just like, well, I can't do 3.

I guess 7 a.m. And I woke up and I was like, oh, my God, bad idea. I really didn't know this. But I was like, you know what? No, like, you should go. And I left. And, like, as you know, you feel great. And I'm like, okay, I'm so glad I did that.

Totally. That's why I forced myself today. I was like, first first day back I texted my trainer last night from the flight I was like okay what time tomorrow and that's what I have to do like when I'm motivated I make because it's like it's easy it's easy to like cancel you know but I'm like I oh I've never one time I canceled on him actually this week because I was like, I realized I double booked myself and I had a hair appointment. I was like, yeah, he's like, really? I'm like, sorry, she's like really busy. Right.

And he's like, so I'm like, okay, I've totally done that for either a nail or hair appointment. Yeah, I know. But like, I also like didn't cancel and like, I wasn't just sitting on my couch eating chips. You know what I mean? I was like, it's I did. It was a legitimate reason. It was. It's logistical. Yeah. When the hair person's available, you got to go. Right. You can't always mean? I was like, I did have something to do. It was a legitimate reason. It's logistical, you know? When the hair person's available, you gotta go.

You can't always squeeze those in, you know? Exactly. So true. Okay, so I wanted to ask you about starting the Nastia Lukin Cup. Yeah. Was that something you were approached to do or was that like something you did on your own? Yeah, so right after the Olympics, I, my, kind of my mission and my goal was always just to help and um give back to the next generation and try to like as i was saying you know earlier like with social media and just like being a positive role model um whether it's to a gymnast or just like another young girl but um at the time you know having a great relationship with usa gymnastics obviously

there's so much going on in that world that's like a whole other conversation um, you know, having a great relationship with USA Gymnastics, obviously there's so much going on in that world. That's like a whole other conversation. But, you know, we were trying to figure out, like, what can we do to kind of give these young girls an opportunity? And for me it was I remember that feeling of, you know, competing at the Olympics, getting, you know, your box of, like, national team apparel, and you feel like you finally made it. Like that to me was like when I was 12 years old,

and I still – like I remember that moment of like opening this huge box of like USA like leotards and warm-ups and like all this stuff and you're like oh my gosh this is this is like the coolest thing ever and so I tried to create because I and also understanding that not everybody unfortunately is going to have that opportunity to compete at the Olympics. And it's like such a, such like a slim percentage. And so I wanted to kind of give these girls like the feeling that they, you know, had just like made it. And so we,

we created an osteoarthritis. I wasn't my idea to be called. I just like kind of wanted to create something, but so yeah. So basically there was like, there's 25 qualifying competitions throughout the country from January to end of February. And always the first weekend of March is like the grand finale kind of. And so the top finisher or two, depending on, you know, how big that competition is, qualifies on the finale.

And I design all the leotards and they get, you know, a leotard, a long sleeve leotard, a competition leotard, warm ups and some cool other swag. know a leotard a long sleeve leotard competition leotard warm-ups and some cool other swag and it's just i you know sit down and have like brunch with them and i don't let like parents or coaches go because like this is a chance for me to get to know them and for them more so to get to know like the real me and that's kind of what i say i'm like and and so funny every year like there's been a few that have like made it like multiple years in a row so it's cool to kind of grow with them and see them grow up. And this last one, I think three, they had competed, three of them had competed like three or four times

and it was their senior year. And they were like, prof to college, thank you so much. So it was like, you feel almost like, I'm not a mom, but like I felt like I kind of grew up with them and was part of their journey a little bit. But, you know, it's like for them, like for them to be able to ask questions that you know they that I remember I was so lucky that I because of my parents I had like access to so many incredible Olympians and gymnasts and so I was always like able to like

meet them or like get to know them or ask them questions but you don't really get a chance to do that on social media you know it's like you can like something you can retweet something and like that's about it like it's hard you know it's like you're yes you can sometimes answer comments but it's like it's not meant for that and so I kind of wanted to create that opportunity for them to ask me something or hopefully that you know my experiences can teach them something valuable or that they can take with them and you know so we've had a lot of girls go you know from from that to going on to full ride scholarships we you know, so we've had a lot of girls go, you know, from that to going on to full-ride scholarships. We, you know, Gabby Douglas competed in it two years before she won the Olympic gold medal.

Oh, wow. That's so cool. And so it's like that was cool because that was kind of like her kickoff. And so I commentate the meet as well. And so I remember that we were commentating. And, you know, a few years later, she goes on and wins an Olympic gold medal. And we've had tons of world champions and national team members that have kind of – So it's been really cool to really just –

And it's – Again, it's like it's not a – I can't even say it's not about me when it's called an osseous. But it really isn't. Like it's like I'm trying to make this experience amazing for them. Our 10th one is this coming March. Wow. Yeah.

So it's really exciting, but it's also like I've not made a single penny off of 10 years of doing that. Like it really is for me like trying to give them this experience. Just paint it forward, your experience. And so that was my goal. That was what I wanted to do. And it's like every year like it's so fulfilling, you know.

It's like you think like at what point is it like it's gonna be 10 years you know it's like at what point does it like stop getting fulfilling and it doesn't because it's like you see these young girls and you see like their eyes just like light up and they walk into like a big arena and it's like it's on live television and they're just like looking at all the cameras and like a lot they're like how do you deal with like you know the camera thing on you i'm like you block them out You're a horse at a racetrack. You have like, you know, your blinders on. Absolutely.

It's like something my mom told me when I was really, my first, you know, competition that was on TV. And, um, and so, yeah, I think it's really just about, you know, as you said, like just trying to pay it forward. Yeah. Now you have, um, an app that you're launching. Yeah. So I, yeah.

So it's launched, um, version one. We right? Yeah. So it's launched, version one. We're actually working on version two. Version one. So again, very similar kind of mission and vision. But as I was saying with social media, there's not much more besides liking or retweeting something. And so we wanted to build and provide a platform for young women and the next generation to hopefully be empowered and inspired by their mentors or by the content that we're providing. and provide a platform for young women in the next generation to, you know, hopefully

be empowered and inspired by, you know, their mentors or by the content that we're providing. But to just be the best version of themselves, not necessarily to build or try to teach them to become Olympic gold medalist or, you know, top athletes. Like it's not just about that. It's whether you want to be a lawyer, a scientist ceo yeah a founder whatever it is that your dreams are to like try to be inspired by you know the things that we're providing for them so we we started with one community um because we we felt it was important to stay focused and really learn what people want and what they you know what they like what they don't like what they want to see more of and so we started in gymnastics as an obvious and so

um have really learned a lot. And so now we're excited because now we're launching kind of like version 2.0 and this is going to like open the doors to really everybody. And we put on a – our first of its kind of like grander summit just a few months ago in Boston. We're starting to plan our next one in LA early next year. And so it's just – it's really, really exciting to do something that is so fulfilling to me

because it's, again, it's providing that education, the inspiration, the content, the, you know, stuff that's going to inspire this next generation. Whereas, you know, at first we weren't even sure, like, do we stay specific towards, you know, women and young girls? And when we started, started like really doing research we just learned how underserved like just even talking about sports but even just like everything in general but how underserved like women's sports are from so many

different aspects from coverage and content to pay to literally everything and so and and like as a young boy you know you can turn on TV and ESPN and it's like 24 seven. You have like all men's sports, any channel you can turn to. And, and for women, it's like, okay,

like gymnastics is only on TV three times a year. Like where do you, okay. YouTube is great, you know, but it's like trying to provide that like content for them or a place to go, a place to kind of be inspired and, and truly feel like you're part of a community. You know, like instagram's great and we're don't get me wrong we're not

trying to replace instagram or compete with them by any means but it's like you don't really feel like you're part of a community you know there's built or not many i don't know you're part of a hater community more so wasn't gonna go there but absolutely right like i get it every day and so i get it and so and that's what we want to like provide like a safe place and a safe community for people to truly just like interact and support each other with, you know, like-minded, like-minded individuals with, you know, the same dreams and the same goals or, you know, whatever it is. So, yeah. So it's, it's awesome. Um, you know, for me, after I retired from gymnastics, it's been hard to kind of find. I've been very lucky for the opportunities that I've had these last 10 years, but it was every day is so different.

And, you know, it's like whether it's traveling or doing an appearance or doing a pose or whatever it is, it's like I didn't always feel fulfilled. And with this, it's like, you know, you're constantly growing, you know, and you're constantly evolving, you know, yes, at the end of the day, it's a business, but you're also hoping to inspire people and, and, you know, big idea, hopefully change people's lives. So yeah, definitely. That's so good. And now you also have a lifestyle blog that's like fitness and beauty. So, um, what made you decide to start doing that? Well, so that was like before we started the app because very similar. Like I just felt like social media wasn't always like the place to kind of share more of, you know, what I liked. And people always ask me like what kind of workouts that I do and, you know, traveling so much.

Like, okay, what were your favorite places in New York, LA, like Boston, Dallas, you know, all those things. And I just love being able to kind of, I think, share with others and whatever that might be. And these are all topics that I've just always been passionate about, you know, whether it's fitness, you know, living a healthy lifestyle has been and always will be very important to me. Fashion. I've always just been into fashion. Never had like the time to really do anything in it until, you know, after gymnastics. I designed all my own leotards when I was growing up and throughout really my whole

career. That's so cool. Right? Yeah. Well, not our Olympic ones because those were like the national team. Right. But every other one, my mom and I, that was like, you know, some people write or journal or draw or whatever. And we used to sketch out leotard designs.

That's so fun. That was like our thing. Yeah. Yeah. So, yeah. So I think it's just been something for me to almost like a little outlet to kind of really just share and kind of what I'm passionate about, what I'm loving and, you know, people love – I love reading other people's blogs and seeing kind of like what, you know, like makeup and skincare. I don't know.

Just being a girl. Totally. No, I love that. And that's NastiaLukin.com. Yep. L-I-U-K-I-N. The I throws everyone off. Everyone always wants to say L-U-K-I-N.

I'm just like, ugh, just drop the I. Yep. Yeah. Okay. So before we finish, I want to do a quick game of Would You Rather. Okay. It's called Shenanigans, so I wanted to get into some with you. All right. So, if you had to pursue a different sport, which would have eventually led you to an

Olympic gold medal status, would you rather it be figure skating, swimming, or something completely different? Before you even said it, I was going to say figure skating. Yeah. i didn't know i had options those are my two favorites like it's like summer and winter like totally i can't tell you how many times people are like oh my god you're the big figure skater i'm like sure yeah like we wear a sparkly outfit you know it's fine i hate the cold but it's fine sasha cohen was in my acting class back in the day yeah love her we it's really interesting because speaking of like summer and winter so we both moved to New York at the very basically at the same time um you know obviously she's a winter Olympian I was summer she was

brunette I'm blonde I went to NYU she went to Columbia like it was like complete opposites yet we like we are really great friends we don't see each other as often now that I spend most of my time on this coast. Yeah. But just an incredible young lady. Yeah. That's awesome. So I know you've lived and traveled all over, but if you had to choose, would you rather settle down in New York or Texas or here in L.A.?

Hmm. Settle down with, like, family or, like, I don't know. Like like definitely not new york like i i feel like i put a check by that um it was great going to school there and living there you know for some point in my life but texas is home like in my heart yeah but for where i'm at in my life, I would say L.A. In five or ten years. I don't know. It's the best place. It is, especially the West Side. Right?

Because it feels like a little bit more homey than like Beverly Hills. For me, you know, because I didn't grow up in L.A. And I did, but I feel like it's more home. It's still like neighborhood-y. Yeah. If my mom's listening, she's going to be really mad. I'm just kidding. They're like, they travel all the time. Yeah. If my mom's listening, she's going to be really mad. I'm just kidding. They're like, they travel all the time.

Yeah. Would you rather be a member of the Magnificent Seven, the 1996 women's gymnastics team, or the Final Five, the 2016 one? Oh, that's tough. I'm not picking sides here because I like love all the for me the mag seven like my the first olympics that I truly remember watching and falling in love with and thinking this is what I want to do was yeah so it's just it's hard because it's like and I'm friends with like both sides now which is crazy like to think like those are my idols right was it dominique mochiano yeah yeah i mean oh my god i loved her growing up i thought i looked like her when i was yeah i see it yeah um

but yeah so i think i was just only because like that to me was like truly what inspired me like seeing them win a gold medal as a team i was just like that's what i want to do you know yeah yeah awesome last one would you rather go back into intense gymnastics competition training mode gold medal as a team, I was just like, that's what I want to do, you know? Yeah. Yeah. Awesome. Last one. Would you rather go back into intense gymnastics competition training mode or never be able to get on another apparatus again? Oh, my gosh. Jeez, Sheena. I know.

This one came from Mark, actually. That one is tough because I don't miss training seven hours a day at all, but. To be told you could never. I know. See, I don't think I could do that. Like, I don't regret a single hour I spent. And like, I feel like also like I'm older now. So it's like the thought of training seven hours a day where I can barely spend an hour in the gym now.

I'm just like, oh, gosh, no. But I would definitely. Yeah, absolutely. I don't even know why I like hesitated like I would absolutely go back to that I think there's the thought of like right now in this moment training for seven hours I'm like oh my god no but yeah yeah for sure awesome well thanks for being here so fun this was fun tell everyone where they can find you on social media sure so it's at nasty lucan n-a-s-t-T-I-A-L-I-U-K-I-N, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Awesome. And follow your fitness and beauty blog, NastyLucan.com. And the app is Grander? Yeah. It's in the app store. So currently working on version two, hopefully to be launched in the next few months. Yes. Awesome. Congrats. That's so amazing. This was so much fun. Seriously. I've been such a fan of yours. I have to go to Iceland. So cool. Yes. Iceland. Definitely. Check it out.

All right. Well, thank you guys for listening. And if you like my show, you are going to love the Lady Gang podcast on Podcast One. The Hollywood Girl Posse has tackled the biggest names and stories in Hollywood, and now they're taking over your TV. Check out the funniest ladies on the planet as Kelty, Becca, and Jack prepare for their upcoming premiere episode this Sunday, October 28th on E! I just want to

say congrats ladies. Everyone check out the Lady Gang podcast every Tuesday and Thursday on Podcast One or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening to Shenanigans. Download new episodes every Tuesday and subscribe on the Podcast One app at podcastone.com or at Apple Podcasts. And don't forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Thank you.