7 minute read
Kit Hoover
Kit Hoover is currently a host of the nationally syndicated programs and the Emmy-nominated nightly entertainment show “Access Hollywood” and the daily lifestyle entertainment show “Access Daily with Mario & Kit.” Securing her latest job at the age of 40, the Atlanta-native mother of three has always been up for an adventure. Kit made her television debut in 1995 as a cast member on the original season of MTV’s “Road Rules,” which sparked her interest in pursuing a career in television. Soon after, she joined King World Production as their entertainment reporter for “American Journal.” Kit then moved to Fox News in 1999 as a correspondent for Fox Broadcasting Company’s news magazine, “FOX Files.” In 2003, she hosted ESPN2’s “Cold Pizza” and served as a guest judge on ESPN’s reality contest, “Dream Job.” Additional hosting roles include TLC’s lifestyle makeover series, “Real Simple, Real Life,” based upon the magazine Real Simple, ABC’s “Shaq Vs.,” a reality show starring Shaquille O’Neal, and Lifetime’s “Celebrity Home Raiders.” Kit also hosted Animal Planet’s live two-hour special, “Give a Dog a Home,” which aired in December of 2019.
Kit received a track and cross country scholarship to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she earned a B.A. in Communications. She continues to practice her love of fitness by running, biking, hiking, and playing tennis and pickleball as much as possible. She loves visiting her daughters at college. Kit is a big advocate for aging gratefully. She currently resides with her husband and son in Los Angeles, where they enjoy attending all of their son’s athletic games.
Co-Host
When did you realize you wanted to become a TV journalist?
I knew I wanted to become a journalist after I finished the inaugural season of “Road Rules” on MTV. Since reality TV was brand new to the industry at the time, I had no idea what I was getting into, but I got really comfortable in front of the camera and thought if I could parlay this into a career, that would be incredible. You got your job at Access Hollywood at 40. How did you adapt to balancing your career and raising your children?
I always laugh about the word balance because, in my opinion, there’s really no such thing. As a mom of three, some days run smoother than others. Some days there’s the perfect work/life balance and a beautiful homemade dinner at the end of the night. Then there are other days where it’s a last-minute DoorDash dinner and it’s every man for themselves. What do you like to do when you are not working?
I am usually on a field, court, or track when I’m not working, watching my kids compete in various sports. It’s my happy place. I also love any physical activity. I enjoy running, hiking, biking, golf, tennis, and pickleball. I try to sweat every day. What does the word power mean to you?
The word power means I have earned the right to lead the life I’ve carved out for myself. I have power over my choices. I host two daily shows that allow me to interview interesting people daily. I have recently gotten back into covering sporting events which is a huge part of who I am.
I’ve got an incredible husband and three happy, driven, hilarious kids. My parents are vibrant and well. My brother remains my closest confidant, and all of my best friends I have known since elementary, high school, and college are still my friends. Life is good.
Brooke Burke is a television host, cancer survivor, entrepreneur, fitness educator, philanthropist, podcaster, and women’s health advocate who has been thriving in Hollywood for decades. The title she holds dearest, however, is that of mother to her four children, Neriah and Sierra Fischer, and Heaven and Shaya Charvet. Brooke has held numerous successful network television jobs and high-profile brand partnerships. In 2008, she became the champion of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) season 7, which she later parlayed into a co-hosting job that she would hold for eight seasons. Some of her other notable credits include producing and hosting the award-winning Saturday morning educational show, “Hidden Heroes,” hosting TV Land’s branded content series, “I Dare You,” and, most recently, co-hosting the iHeartRadio podcast Intimate Knowledge. Brooke is constantly seeking creative ways to engage, inspire, and motivate women and men everywhere. After successfully launching her fitness career with a Sony DVD series and several partnerships with Guthy-Renker, she launched her VIP Malibu Booty BURN class as well as female transformation retreats nationwide.
A born nurturer and motivator, Brooke became a certified breathwork teacher to help further her knowledge of whole-body wellness and, in 2019, created Brooke Burke Body (BB Body), a mindful wellness app designed to ‘Sweat Smart’ by working out from the comfort and safety of home. Dedicated to helping everybody make health and wellness a priority, BB Body is a mindful digital gym. Brooke produces and choreographs all of the workouts to be done at home, without equipment, for every fitness level, and in increments of 5-to-50 minutes to fit every schedule. In just two short years, the app has grown substantially and is now available in all app stores as well as Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Samsung Smartcast, and Vizio Smartcast. She is the author of a biography entitled “The Naked Mom: A Modern Mom’s Fearless Revelations, Savvy Advice, and Soulful Reflections,” (Penguin Random House, 2011) and co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Less” (Simon & Schuster, 2016). She also launched and remains
Television Host, Entrepreneur, Fitness Educator, Philanthropist
co-CEO of the premiere destination for moms, ModernMom.com, part of She Media Partner Network.
A trusted resource for women everywhere, Brooke has graced the cover of countless fitness, fashion, and lifestyle magazines including Fitness, Health, Ladies’ Home Journal, Prevention, Redbook, Shape, and many more. She remains one of social media’s ‘moms to follow’ with nearly four million dedicated followers.
What inspired you to create a fitness app?
I started Brooke Burke Body (BB Body) to connect with women around the globe and share effective, efficient ways for caring for their bodies. Knowing that time is the biggest excuse, I wanted to help women create a digital gym in the privacy of their own home, to accomplish their fitness goals and develop higher body confidence. I’ve been in the entertainment industry for two decades now. Fitness has always been part of my journey. I have been lucky to work with some of the best wellness experts in the business and my fitness philosophy incorporates styles that I have enjoyed the most.
What sets your Brooke Burke Body (BB Body) app apart from other fitness apps?
Brooke Burke Body is designed to be a tool for every individual body. That means every person and every body type. Whether you have five minutes or 50 minutes; whether you are someone who has never worked out or you’re a fitness junkie; whether you are at home or in a hotel room. Brooke Burke Body is full of possibilities to target, tone, body sculpt, stretch, recover, and improve overall well-being. I have also engaged some of my favorite instructors in the country to offer a variety of styles and programs. We have a wonderful community that allows subscribers to interact with each other and our team trainers. This past year, we also expanded to streaming platforms including Roku, Samsung, and Vizio, among others. Why are the five minute “mini” workouts on your app so effective?
I am all about efficiency. I’m a busy mom and know many of my subscribers are too. I’ve built my five-minute, bite size burns to help you target and tone specific body parts like the 4-week BOOTY challenge and 4-week AB Attack. I also use compound movements to maximize the time you do have. It’s about engaging the core, the abs, and the booty simultaneously. BB Body is about form and targets the trouble areas. In 2022, we introduced mantra movements, which is my concept of incorporating positive mantras with body movement to improve self-confidence and inner dialogue. In 2023, we are focusing on community fitness challenges to hold everyone accountable and encourage each other along the way. Have you made any modifications to your own exercise routine or your app’s content since you turned 50?
The short answer to that is “No.” I believe that the soul is ageless. We have evolved BB Body to our most recent concept BB Body and SOUL. Fitness is a big picture that incorporates the mind, body, and soul. I feel wiser as a woman today and have a better understanding of my body. I focus on strengths, not flaws. I understand my body’s potential, and challenge myself to create strength, balance, and confidence. Mobility, mindset, and movement are concepts that keep me feeling young and vibrant. I am more mindful today of my body and the way that it reacts to both food and fitness.
I also believe in daily gratitude and taking time to thank our bodies for what they do for us. In my app, I call it ‘planks and thanks.’ You hold a plank and say out loud what you are thankful for in life. It takes your mind off holding the plank pose and gives you the chance to pause and be grateful for what you have in your life. It’s a tough exercise but one that is accessible for everyone. Are there days you don’t feel like working out? If so, how do you motivate yourself?
Many days. The roller coaster of being a woman is complicated. Mother Nature is not always on our side. Because I teach wellness classes it keeps me honest and committed. I also challenge myself to complete my wellness goals and to make a personal commitment that I’m worthy of keeping. On a deeper level, I work out to create energy. So I just do it. No excuses.
When you were on “Dancing with the Stars” which job was more challenging for you –contestant or host?
Oh my goodness! 100% contestant! Which says a lot considering hosting a live television show in front of tens of millions of people can be quite scary. I loved both sides of the ballroom. I learned tremendous life lessons. And through the process of winning the mirror ball trophy, I learned I truly was capable of anything. It is a fascinating process to witness people outside of their comfort zone - learning to do something new and trust their body. I think everyone should do something that scares them. It’s the only way to grow. What does the word power mean to you?
Power means understanding personal potential, developing your strengths, and owning them! To consider myself an encourager, or an influencer of health and wellness, gives me a great purpose. It is in those moments that I feel like a powerful woman.
BrookeBurke.com | ModernMom.com