What if the phrases you hear in a workout could actually carry you through the hardest chapters of your life?
My friend Suz and I sat down with Emma Lovewell’s memoir, "Live Learn Love Well", and followed the thread from the bike to real-world resilience: family roots on Martha’s Vineyard, the ache of divorce, the shock of loss, and the steady return to self through movement, mindfulness, and self-respect.
We talk about why “progress, not perfection” is more than a punchy motto—it’s a practical way to live when goals get heavy and life gets loud. You’ll hear how Emma’s early exposure to meditation and her mother’s fearless body comfort set the tone for emotional tools that actually work. We also dig into gardening as a life practice: patience, compost as “valuable trash,” and the deep peace of tending something you can control when everything else feels uncertain.
Her care your identity shines through every page as Emma aims to help us all discover our Voice. She shares what it meant to feel caught between cultures as a half Chinese woman, and how a trip to Taiwan reframed belonging as a bridge rather than a gap. Suz and I reflect on forgiving without forgetting and learning to shout out your wins—big and small—so opportunities can find you. If you need a reset that blends therapy-backed tools with sweat-tested wisdom, this conversation meets you where you are and walks beside you, one honest rep at a time.
If this resonated, follow and subscribe, share with a friend who loves Peloton or a good memoir, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more curious listeners find the show and build their own best days.
If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!
For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 7 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.
Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch
Suz and I’s favorite mantras:
Tunde’s “It’s a great day to have a great day!”
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option”
Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.
This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy
Special thanks to my dear friend, Suz!
Xx, Alex
Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!
Follow us on instagram! @babesinbooklandpod
