Welcome to episode 33 of hurdle, a podcast that talks to everyone from top CEOs to entrepreneurs about how they got through tough times, hurdles of sorts, by leaning into wellness.

I am Emily Abadi. It's Christmas Eve. I'm surrounded by diff wrap on the floor of my apartment. And I am so excited to bring you this week's episode

with photographer Mark Hunter, otherwise known as the Cobra Snake, also described by Vice in 2015

as the hipster Richard Simmons. Before we get into Mark's story, shout out to the sponsor

of today's episode, Carrie Foods, a plant-based salad dressing and sauce company started by two sisters

who just happened to be good friends of mine. More than likely, whatever solid dressing

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Well, kari dressings have none of those things. They're 100% natural, vegan, gluten-free, and paleo, plus so delicious.

Like total understatement.

Seriously, the sesame ginger and creamy vegan verde are to die for.

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Again, that's K-A-A-R-I-Foods.com. Use the code hurdle for 15% off.

So, full transparency. Mark's episode's been in the vault for a minute. We linked up over the

summer when I was in Los Angeles. We tackled a flywheel class together since the best rendezvous start with a little bit of sweat.

And then sat down and had a chat at his cobra shop in Hollywood.

And our talk was a long time coming too.

Mark and I met a couple years ago at an A6 event in Los Angeles.

And I was so enamored by his whole schick and his personality and his crazy outfits and, of course, his story.

In his early 20s, Mark was a thriving, popular photographer, a fixture in the L.A. and New York party scenes

traveling all over the country and the world with big names like Kings of Leon and good friend Steve Ayoki.

Known for his wacky outfits and great aesthetic, everything changed for Mark when

Instagram became a thing.

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