In this energetic and unfiltered episode of Everything’s Perfect, hosts Autumn Calabrese and Donald Stamper take you behind the scenes of their whirlwind 48-hour adventure in New York City, filled with humor, heart, and high-stakes fitness. From coach class flights to competing in the international HYROX competition, this episode is packed with fitness inspiration, real talk, and the kind of candid storytelling only these two best friends can deliver. Whether you’re craving a dose of New York City energy or looking for endurance training motivation, Autumn and Donald bring you exactly what you need with a side of laughter.
Autumn opens up about saying “yes” to the HYROX competition without knowing exactly what she signed up for, and the preparation that followed. From tackling the dreaded farmer carries to learning how to row from scratch, she shares the physical and mental challenges of training for her first HYROX relay event. Meanwhile, Donald cheers her on and offers his own reflections on watching the competition unfold—spoiler: he left with serious FOMO and renewed fitness goals. Their experience provides endless fitness inspiration and a raw reminder that trying something new is always worth it.
The duo also shares their hilarious hotel experience in New York City, where open-glass bathrooms and deep bathtubs made for some awkward (but entertaining) situations. And don’t miss their candid take on flying coach, pantry confusion on JetBlue, and why sometimes embracing discomfort is the path to growth—whether it’s travel-related or during endurance training.
But it wasn’t all fitness and chaos. Autumn and Donald also volunteered with God’s Love We Deliver, a nonprofit that prepares over 6,000 meals daily for individuals battling illness. Their reflections on the emotional impact of giving back and the dedication of the volunteers add a heartfelt layer to this fast-paced episode. It’s a powerful reminder that impact goes beyond individual goals—it’s also about community and compassion.
Sprinkled with real-life wisdom, empowering moments, and nonstop banter, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating fitness journeys, personal growth, or just needing a laugh. Whether you’re into HYROX competitions, exploring New York City, or needing the push to embrace endurance training, Autumn and Donald deliver a vibrant, deeply relatable conversation that feels like catching up with your most honest friends.
And don’t miss the introduction of their new “Phone a Friend” segment—where you can submit real-life situations for a dose of advice that’s either the best worst or worst best advice ever. Email them at everythingsperfect.podcast@gmail.com and get featured in an upcoming episode.
Timestamped Chapters:
00:00 - Cold Open
01:00 - Intro & New York City vibes
03:00 - Flying coach & JetBlue pantry discovery
06:00 - Hotel room quirks & shower privacy
09:00 - High Rocks competition breakdown
13:00 - Training, fitness styles & motivation
16:00 - Learning to row & training with Dom
20:00 - Event day recap & support from Donald
24:30 - Volunteering with God's Love We Deliver
35:00 - Setbacks, confidence & life reflections
Autumn and Donald recently announce a new three-month challenge centered around the 21 Day Fix program. With community workouts, playlists, live Zooms, and giveaways, this challenge is designed for those who want consistency and fun—not perfection—this summer. It will be $50/month and you can sign up here: https://everythings-perfect.mn.co/plans/1539731?bundle_token=e48e7dcc3758a4fd50f93372323b04de