Published: June 12, 2008 11:40 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
Edited by: Tina D Leggett, BBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive: Brian Peeler
Brian Peeler
Junior’s Cave prides itself on interviewing the followers of the indie culture. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, Wikipedia.com describes indie culture as an avant-garde lifestyle which follows social trends that consciously deviate from the mainstream. The uniqueness of its followers is appreciated here at Junior’s Cave and from time to time, we are privileged to interview one who feels as we do; Brian Peeler, BRAVO’S WORKOUT, recently honored us with a phone interview, and I quickly came to realize that while he too appreciates the indie culture, he’s really just a good old North Carolina boy.
I immediately noticed that Brian was personable, with oodles of southern hospitality and charm. As I began the process of dissecting Brian’s background, he allowed the questions to flow naturally since he provided high energy responses to my queries. I quickly learned that Brian grew up in a small North Carolina town that boasts a population of about 2,600 people; growing up in this small community is the main reason for allowing him to remain grounded. This close knit community provided the foundation that continues to shape Brian’s family values, beliefs, and opinions so that he is able to bring his special brand of small town attitude to America and eventually the world.
In fact, Brian Peeler is the vintage family man. He makes time for his family by travelling at least twice a year to North Carolina even though he now lives in Los Angeles.
One of the interesting elements to our conversation was when Brian revealed that he spent 9 months as a Flight Attendant; he left just before 911. Also, Brian moved to Miami to get into acting and modeling. Although he had some success with modeling and acting, Brian knew that real contenders in this particular profession needed to live in pr near what he calls, the “Television Fitness Mecca”, Los Angeles.
Brian describes Los Angeles as a place where one could never get bored. Furthermore, Brian as a heterosexual male is an advocate of the gay community. Living in Los Angeles in fact supports his passionate belief that respect and dignity is for everyone no matter one’s sexual proclivity, race, gender etc. As a matter of fact, Brian carries this belief back to his home town whenever he visits. He wants to make the people of his hometown aware of the negative and hostile attitudes that many have against the LBGT community.
As a personal trainer on a hit reality show on Bravo, Brian has remained grounded as a person. He doesn’t let his star status influence him in a negative way. He realizes that in order to help people one cannot be above them emotionally or mentally. This drive has prompted Brian to pitch for a new show that he has stated will focus primarily on fitness and about truly helping people. He does not want a show whose primary focus is say sex. As far as reality series goes, Brian knows if his show is picked up some drama will follow; that is a part of television.
When asked about whether WORKOUT is scripted, Brian exclaims that, “what you see is what you get”. The disagreement one sees on the show is all real. When asked about the possible pitfalls that he has encountered while being on a reality series, Brian explains that a series like WORKOUT requires a lot of one’s time.
Brian also revealed that being on the television show has not per se garnered him additional clients. The truth of the matter is that Brian has received a few more star clients but with his scheduling and their schedules don’t always meet.
To switch the mood of the conversation, I asked Brian what type of lady would catch his eye. Brian attempts to laugh this off but he eventually reveals that she has to be pretty, a great conversationalist, have aspirations and finally she needs to be able to love him for him.
One of the most pivotal moments in Brian’s life was the passing of his best friend Doug . Brian’s biggest pain consisted of having to relive it three times: one time when it happened, another time when the episode aired, and a finally time when people would offer their condolences. Brian says Doug will always be with him and he knows that Doug is watching over him.
In closing, I asked Brian to provide a final statement about the current state of fitness in America. Brian’s personal philosophy as follows:
“If you do not take care of your body which is your home, then where are you going to live?”-
Brian Peeler
These are wise words from a very intelligent, handsome, yet down to earth person.
