Hard Knocks’ Rachel Hague: "You Already Know What Your Next Step Is"

When Rachel Hague came by to interview Karena for Hard Knocks Business, Karena had one condition: she got to interview Rachel, too. In this conversation, Rachel shares how she landed her hosting role out of 950 applicants, what she has noticed about the founders she interviews, and how writing helped her through losing her sister. She also talks about finding her people in Austin, the rescue dogs who changed her home, and what a sabbatical taught her about who she is beyond every title. If you have ever wondered how to make friends as an adult or how to follow a next step that feels scary, this one is for you.

[05:14] Growing Up Taking Charge

Rachel's Vegas childhood in a family of entrepreneurs and how she learned early to look after everything around her.

Her take on eldest-daughter energy: reading the room and taking control are habits that often lead to building companies.

[07:02] Writing Through Grief

How losing her sister shifted her sense of identity and how she came to see grief as the source of her superpowers.

Her view that grief reaches everyone: "Everybody has experienced grief, whether they're going through a breakup, whether they're just grieving a past version of themselves, or whether they've lost a family friend or a pet."

[12:57] What Bodybuilding Taught Rachel About Discipline and Health

Two shows, at 18 and again in 2024, and the structure and habits each one gave her.

Her realization that the magazine version of fitness wasn't the true definition of health.

Her honest take: a competition is a good way to test how hard you can push yourself, but long-term bodybuilding takes a toll on the body.

[21:16] Staying Present With Big-Name Guests