ACTIVE LIVING
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BROOKE SMITH
Brooke Smith spent more than 13 years in TV news media and has been practicing yoga for the past 7 years.
Finding Sanctuary Brooke Smith found yoga when she needed it most. Along the way, her faith and fitness collided—now it’s her passion and her purpose. BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE You are probably familiar with the name Brooke Smith—after all, she spent many years on-air, brightening mornings with her cheerful personality and reporting. And though she says she’ll always be a journalist, lately it’s something else that drives her days—which no longer begin in the wee hours of the morning. Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. A: I am from Albertville, and I graduated from the University of Alabama. In 2002, I was runnerup on “The Bachelor.” My mom watched the first season and loved it. Back then, the show was different—a lot more innocent. My mom watched the first season—it aired on Wednesday nights after church! I was single, 22, and my sweet mom 12 Bham Family December 2021
thought it looked like so much fun and a chance for her baby girl to see the world and possibly fall in love, so she dared me to submit a video. Back then it was a VHS recorder; I had to prop it up on stacks of college books to the perfect height, hit play, and run to my seat. My mom was right (as moms usually are), and it was an amazing experience. Season 2 of “The Bachelor” was the highest rated in the show’s history. The director called me to come back and do another show, but it was too late—I had already met the love of my life. He said, “Are you sure? Do you know what you are missing?” Actually, I knew what I’d be missing if I said yes to another show: Scott Weaver. We have been married for 14 years and have two beautiful daughters: Gracie (12) and Gwen (9). Gwen is actually named after my friend CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
