Gareth Anscombe

Peter H. Interview

1. Age: 31

2.Where are you from? Essex, UK

3. Current occupation? Finance… accounting, tax… boring stuff.

4. Favorite current pop song? Still loving Avicii’s album ‘True’… not a big pop fan.

5. Which do you prefer: boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs? Why?

Boxer briefs because… well, they’re just better. They’re comfy and feel better.

6. Has your current preference always been your underwear preference? If not, what’d you switch from, and what made you change?

No, as I’ve grown up I’ve ‘matured’ into boxer briefs. 

7. Do you favor any underwear brands? If so, which and why?

Always used to prefer CKs, but I’ve just discovered Andrew Christian, and I LOVE them! Gap and Diesel too if the mood takes me (Gap are best for lazy weekends! Haha)

8. What would someone find if they went through your underwear drawer?

Underwear?! Nothing much more exciting than that, although I have an underwear box, not a drawer.

9. Do you have a lucky or favorite pair of underwear? If so, what color/style?

My new Andrew Christian’s.  They’re maroon, and super comfortable.

10. Do you have any funny or memorable underwear stories?

I never usually run to catch a train, and I know why when I did last year and I was wearing a pair of jeans that were too big for me because I’d been dieting and lost weight. I ended up exposing my bright yellow boxer briefs to a train full of commuters!

I wouldn’t have minded if they’d been decent ones!

11. GQ wrote an article stating that “tighty-whities” are stylish now. How do you feel about tighty-whities, & do you agree with GQ?

Tighty-whities are hot on really tanned and toned guys. Definitely.

12. Worst wedgie experience?

I’m lucky, never been wedgied… I was always the tallest and broadest at school, and never suffered that fate!

13. Words to live by? I don’t have any really, just live each day as it comes.

Jack Green

Stephen Thompson

Sean Lerwill Interview

This week's interview is with Sean Lerwill. Mr. Lerwill is an actor, international cover model, a published author, AND an ex Royal Marine. He kindly provided some photos of his modeling which can be found after the interview. Go follow him on Twitter and his Facebook -- he posts even more great pictures!

1. Age: 32

2. Where are you from? England, UK

3. Favorite superhero?

Spiderman - but I love Deadpool. I would love to play him in a Marvel movie. Spread the word, Sean Lerwill for Deadpool!

4. Zoolander or Hansel? Zoolander

5. Who or what inspired your fitness interest? Have you always been fit?  

I've always been into fitness. Probably inspired as far back as He-Man and Spiderman toys. I loved their physiques! Certainly Sylvester Stallone and Arnie played a part. Yes, since I was a kid. My mum tells stories of me and a friend at age 9 lifting rocks like weights! I would shove my feet under the sofa and do 300 sit-ups watching TV!

6. What would you say is the toughest aspect of being a fitness model?  

The negative comments people seem to think they have the right to put out when photos of you are associated with a brand or magazine. It seems everyone is an expert on physiques. I guess everyone has their opinion of what a fitness model should look like and feels it's necessary to voice them. 

7. What’s been the most rewarding experience as a fitness model?  

I was lucky enough to be chosen for a trip to Lake Tahoe by one of the big outdoor brands. To be flown from the UK to the US and driven in a Limo from San Francisco to Tahoe was an incredible experience. An amazing trip. However, that's not really rewarding in the true sense of the word. I think meeting the people I've been able to meet and being able to create a reach that's enabled me to advise and inspire others to lead a healthier lifestyle has been the real reward for me.

8. What have you learned about yourself from being a model?  

That I'm far more confident that I was 10/15 years ago and more than I ever thought I would be.

9. How do you stay in shape? That is, what does your typical weekly gym schedule look like? How do you keep yourself motivated to stick to your schedule?  

I've never had an issue with motivation. If anything I have to force myself to rest. I love training and miss it when I don't get the chance, so I always make the time. My schedule varies. I periodise my training to keep it fresh, ensure I'm always progressing, and to stop it from getting boring. I also have a group of friends (actors, models, military - male and female) and they try to train with me whenever they can, so sometimes I tweak my schedule to suit us all.

In general though:

1 or 2 leg sessions a week, 1 interval session a week, then various splits ensuring all the muscles are worked. I've used systems like GVT, 8x8, Jim Stoppnai's programmes etc. Always some great stuff to try to keep things interesting.

10. Can you tell me about what your regular diet looks like? Do you have a guilty pleasure when it comes to sweets or junk food?

I eat sensibly but am far from restrictive. I base my diet around protein at every meal (5-6 per day)  from eggs, beef burgers/steak, fish and poultry. I eat a good portion of vegetables and basic carbs like rice, sweet potato, oats and bread with almost every meal. I have 2-4 protein shakes a day depending on how busy I am and how much training I do. I have fruit post training and berries before bed with oats and casein. Guilty pleasure wise, to be honest, I mix it up. Burger restaurants are a favourite, but so too are pizzas. As a kid I had a sweet tooth, but that seems to have waned! 

11. What is your biggest pet peeve at the gym?  

Men lifting up their tops to check their abs...like they've changed in the 10 minutes since they looked in the changing rooms. 

12. Can you tell me about the books you have written, and any books that are in the works?

I've had 3 books published so far: The Royal Marines Guide to Fitness (2010), Guide To Running (2011) and Triathlon Manual (2012) all published by Haynes. I have just (last week) handed in the manuscript for my 4th Haynes book, which is a 12 week transformation guide. It will be available in January for the post holiday gym rush! I am now working on my 5th book, which I've been asked to write for Men's Fitness. It's a military based transformation book - not using the normal gym kit as you usually get with those books, so far more appropriate for those that try to avoid the gym.

13. Which do you prefer: boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs? Why?  

Boxers. I'm not sure why. I think perhaps from pressure to be cool as a kid! But these days I do find them more comfortable. Briefs for exercise, boxers for normal times, commando for relaxing!

14. Do you favor any underwear brands? If so, which and why?  

My drawer is generally filled with Calvins, Jack Wills and Abercrombie boxers. Calvins because you just have to. Abercrombie because I like the fit, and Jack Wills because they are good quality, yet always cheap in the sales.

15. You’re in a public place and you get a natural wedgie -- how do you handle it?  

I'm not shy, I generally just go for it. We're all human.

16. What would someone find if they went through your underwear drawer?

Just underwear I'm afraid. There is a flesh coloured thong from a Rugby job I did for IntoTheFray http://vimeo.com/30782535#

17. While you were in the Royal Marines, did you have to wear a specific type of mandated underwear?  

You didn't have to and when I joined, you didn't get issued underwear, but as the Afghanistan conflict started they did issue an antimicrobial shorts. They made me itch though. I preferred Nike base layer style shorts/cycling shorts. Stopped rubs between the legs, especially as we would sometimes wear them for many days on end!

18. Do you have a lucky or favorite pair of underwear? If so, what style/color?  

Not anymore. I think as a kid/teenager I had that favourite pair of boxers (usually the most expensive/newest) that I thought should be the pair I'm wearing if I got lucky. These days, I have a few that look a bit tired that I wouldn't wear! I have 1 or 2 that I'd choose above others for an underwear/briefs photoshoot though. Both are Calvins.

19. GQ wrote an article stating that “tighty-whities” are stylish now. How do you feel about tighty-whities, & do you agree with GQ?

I'm no fashioista, so I wouldn't argue with the mighty GQ. I think it's down to the individual and how confident you are. It's amazing what a decent physique and a bit of confidence can do, whatever you're wearing!

20. Do you have any funny or memorable underwear stories? 

Two funny stories I guess.

1. Not mine, but an old girlfriend's underwear. It was my last day of 3 years at University and my mum came to pick me up and collect all my stuff from the dorm room in London. She was doing the cursory check of the room even though I said I had everyting. She looked under the bed and said she could see "something." I looked and saw a girl's thong. Funny, because I don't remember the girl in question saying she was leaving "sans underwear!" I grabbed them and shoved them into my pocket. Busted!

The second story was embarrassing. It was summer and I was late for an audition. I was really hot. When I got there they asked for me to strip down into my underwear. I was wearing grey Calvins. I had sweated running, not to be late. You guessed it, sweat marks on the grey underwear material. Not good. I didn't get the job and I leanred to wear black boxers to auditions!

21. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

"That'll do will never do". A Royal Marine Commando mantra. Simply put, if you ever catch yourself saying "that'll do," give it another go. You can do better.

Bear Pascoe

Josh W. Interview

1. Age: 25

2. Where are you from? Paisley, Scotland

3. Current occupation?

I work as a water treatment engineer, and I travel 100% of the time for work. I also do some travel blogging on the side to help pass the time in more remote locations (www.engineerontheroad.com). 

4. Favorite current pop song? "Lay Me Down" by Avicii ft Adam Lambert

5. Which do you prefer: boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs? Why? 

Boxer briefs - I think it's the fact that I find them comfortable and more flattering (at least on me).

6. Has your current preference always been your underwear preference? If not, what’d you switch from, and what made you change? 

For a long time my underwear choice was dictated by what showed up in my Christmas stocking (thanks mum...). In my mid teens it was boxers and now things are generally getting shorter and tighter. Now I'm taking more control of what I'm wearing and bringing home my dirty laundry for my mum to wash. That's given her the hint of what I prefer to wear. It's still taking her a while to grasp the fact that a high quality pair of boxer briefs/briefs is infinitely preferable to half a dozen pairs of cheap, novelty pairs or boxers/boxer briefs (I've had to explain to her it's like investing in a good bra), and less of an embarrassment in the locker room/bedroom (hang on... is she trying to control my sex life?!).

7. Do you favor any underwear brands? If so, which and why? 

Calvin Klein is my go-to brand, especially for special occasions; they fit well so I won't be adjusting myself throughout the night, and they're pretty respectable.

8. What would someone find if they went through your underwear drawer?

I actually live out of a suitcase, but when I do stay somewhere with drawers long enough they would find an assortment of my favourite pairs of boxer-briefs, maybe some briefs, a mixture of thick work socks, trainer socks and invisible socks for wearing with espadrilles (i.e. TOMS), plus 2-3 pairs of Brazilian-cut swimming trunks (which I'm notorious for occasionally posting photos of me in on Instagram). 

9. You get a natural wedgie in public – how do you handle it? 

Well at the moment I'm in India so I just deal with it then and there, which no one bothers much about. Back home I would discretely adjust temporarily if possible, before heading to the bathroom to untangle myself. 

10. Do you have a lucky or favorite pair of underwear? If so, what color/style? 

I have a couple of pairs of boxer briefs in turquoise and grey which used to belong to my ex. I really should get rid of them, but they are so comfortable... it's a tough one!

11. Do you have any funny or memorable underwear stories? 

This one time in high school we had a year group sports day, and there were about 300 of us in the games hall waiting to start. Suddenly I felt someone try to pull my shorts down. Fortunately I had two pairs of underwear on as it was a fairly cold day, so I avoided any major embarrassment. And then I had a rush of anger and pushed the guy responsible. Bad idea.

12. GQ wrote an article stating that “tighty-whities” are stylish now. How do you feel about tighty-whities, & do you agree with GQ? 

I don't agree, there's just something about them that doesn't appeal to me. 

13. Worst wedgie experience?

I had a few long haul, overnight flights recently where my underwear rode up pretty badly and I was blocked in on the middle seat so it wasn't easy to get out to the bathroom and adjust myself. It got really uncomfortable after 8 hours...

14. Words to live by? Make the most of every opportunity, every situation, good or bad.

Cale Hooker

Tory Belleci

Joey Thurman Interview

This week's interview is with the ruggedly handsome Joey Thurman. Mr. Thurman is a model for Chosen Models and the co-founder of The Lifestyle Renovation. Mr. Thurman also sent me more of his modeling photos, which can be found after the interview. I encourage all of you follow his Twitter and check out his Lifestyle Renovation page! 

1. Age: 30

2. Where are you from?

Oh that's a loaded question. I was born is Savannah, GA, lived there briefly, moved to Appleton, WI from 4-13, then Saint Louis from 13-23, and the past 7+ years Chicago.

3. Favorite workout song? Anything that gets me going. 

4. Favorite superhero? Superman 

5. Who or what inspired your fitness and model interest? Have you always been fit?

I have been a lifelong athlete playing soccer, baseball, and hockey through college so some would say fitness has been my life. Although "in shape" has many different connotations, I would say I have been active my entire life. 

6. How did you get involved with Chosen Models?

After my senior year in college I decided to stop getting beat up on the ice for a living and take a job as a personal trainer in Chicago while I simultaneously signed a fashion modeling contract with a small agency. I was with the small agency for a while and decided I needed more direction with modeling so I signed with Chosen and it has been great ever since!

7. What would you say is the toughest aspect of being a fitness model?

Not the working out.....the dedication to the clean eating. I often have to turn down liquor, pizza, beer, fried foods, etc, etc... Life is about balance, if I have a shoot coming up I'm 100% clean, if I don't every now and then I will indulge my sweet tooth!

8. What’s been the most rewarding experience as a fitness model?

Landing magazine covers, it's not the cover that matters but the hard work that paid off leading to that cover!

9. How do you stay in shape? That is, what does your typical weekly gym schedule look like? How do you keep yourself motivated to stick to your schedule? 

My business partner and I (Mr. Australia 2002: Marcus Warren) created a workout/nutrition program called ProCycle12, www.procycle12.com (available for digital download) that keeps me on point with my training and nutrition schedule. You need to be on a program to see continued results, this is truly the best way to stay on course! I always set small goals for myself that lead to an overall goal. My week consists of rotating lifting either 3,4, or 5 days a week with cardio days (mainly sprints) on my "off" days. My exact program is laid out at procycle12.com

10. Can you tell me about what your regular diet looks like? Do you have a guilty pleasure when it comes to sweets or junk food?

My regular diet is gluten, soy, preservative, and dairy free with the exception of whey protein pre and post workout. Guilty pleasure......ANYTHING sweet, love it!

11. What’s the most interesting health/fitness tip or fact you’ve come across?

Hmmmm.... That's a tough one! I would say that your workouts don't need to be long, they need to be efficient!

12. What is your biggest pet peeve at the gym?

​People sitting on equipment forever!

13. Which do you prefer: boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs? Why?

Depends on the day, briefs if I'm rocking some snug jeans, boxers if I have a little more breathing room, lol!

14. Do you favor any underwear brands? If so, which and why?

I like the new sport stuff from Jockey, Calvin Klein is a classic as well. I need durable, movable, breathable underwear. That wasn't supposed to rhyme!

15. You’re in a public place and you get a natural wedgie -- how do you handle it?

Discreetly pick it!

16. What would someone find if they went through your underwear drawer?

Underwear, hahaha!

17. Do you have a lucky or favorite pair of underwear? If so, what style/color?

Not really, I try to make my own luck. 

18. GQ wrote an article stating that “tighty-whities” are stylish now. How do you feel about tighty-whities, & do you agree with GQ?

I will rock a pair of tighty whities with pride! 

19. Do you have any funny or memorable underwear stories? 

All I have to say is remember underwear when you workout and plan on wearing not-so-soft jeans after a workout, ouch!

20. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Live your life so the people around you can say they are PROUD of you!

Andy Newell