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My first exposure to Shemane Nugent was her appearance on her husband Ted’s episode of VH1’s Behind The Music. But as it turns out, when that program had first aired, Shemane had already been an established media personality. She started as a radio newscaster in the early 1980s, has written three books – including 2002’s Kill It & Grill It with the aforementioned Ted – and has been a group fitness instructor for over 30 years. All of that is in addition to extensive philanthropic work with Freedom Angels, K9s For Warriors, Operation Finally Home and Ted Nugent’s Kamp For Kids.
Shemane’s latest book is 4 Minutes A Day, Rock ‘N Roll Your Way To Happy: Be Happier, Healthier, More Prosperous, And Live The Life Of Your Dreams. As the long title of the book implies, it’s a self-help title, but it comes from an author who overcame obstacles to find her happiness and health. Shemane kindly spoke to Downtown about what directly inspired 4 Minutes A Day, and how more people can get closer to attaining their long-term goals.
For more info on all things Shemane Nugent, click on over to www.shemanenugent.rocks.
A lot of authors that choose to write a book about happiness seem to do so after hitting rock bottom. As a motivated and seemingly-happy person, where did you find the motivation to write this book?
Shemane Nugent: My house that was once featured on MTV Cribs, was contaminated with toxic mold between the walls. My husband and I never saw anything so it was shocking to us, but we couldn’t deny the debilitating symptoms that plagued us. We walked away from our beloved home and everything in it, including some of Ted’s guitar memorabilia and our son’s baby pictures. The worst part was that my family and I became very ill. I was diagnosed with pre-emphysema and unable to walk up a flight of stairs. My 30-year career as a group fitness instructor was over, I was certain. My husband had headaches and fatigue and our son had severe asthma. The only good that can come out of a tragedy like that is to tell my story in hopes of helping others.
I wrote this book to not only describe the health issues we battled and overcame, but also to help people through their own trials and to create the life of their dreams. I wrote the book that I wanted to read — one that discusses not just how to look and feel good, but also how to be truly happy. Yes, I’ve hit rock bottom a few times: Once after losing my home and getting sick, and another difficult situation was one I openly share in my book. My husband fathered a child with another woman during our marriage. That was my dark night of the soul. It was devastating, but I realized that I needed to find a way to be happy or the sadness and depression might kill me. Total body health includes the effects that happiness, sadness, and grief have on our bodies. There truly is a mind-body connection.
When did you first have the realization that it was important to be positive in your everyday life?
S: I know what it’s like to lose my health and I know what it’s like to be sad. To be happy and healthy is much better! Every day is a gift and if we aren’t healthy or happy, we can’t enjoy our blessings or help others who might need us. In my metaphysical studies, I learned that some of the tribulations we endure can be lessons in disguise. No one wants to have a flat tire or get sick or have financial difficulties, but if we encounter insight on becoming more mindful and at peace during tragedies, our capacity for happiness and optimum health increases.
For someone looking to make changes in their life, what do you think is the first step that needs to be taken?
S: Step 1: Read my book! Seriously though, most of us are incredibly busy and finding the time to work out for an hour four times a week is nearly impossible. The truth is, we find time to do the things we really want to do in our lives, even with responsibilities of work and family. Four minutes can be the catalyst to start your metamorphosis.
Did I read correctly in the book’s introduction that you wrote the first draft of the book within three days?
S: Yes! I wanted to write an entirely different book but years went by and I hadn’t written a word. Life gets in the way, you know? So I prayed for guidance one night and the next morning I felt a powerful presence — God — that guided me to write a completely-different book. The words just flowed off my fingertips and onto the computer keys. I couldn’t type fast enough!
Do you have any goals for your book? Or must anything happen for you to view it as having been successful?
S: My goal is to inspire people to be happier and healthier, and to live the life of their dreams. I’ve already received lots of amazing comments and reviews about the book. It’s rewarding when people tell me they lost weight because I inspired them to start exercising. The day the book was released, it reached number 30 on Amazon in the happiness category. So that made me happy!
I’d love to keep reaching more and more people and motivate millions, but honestly, if I never sold one more book I still feel as though it was successful because of the positive feedback I’ve already received. Randomly, I’ll give away a free book on my daily Periscope broadcasts. One woman was so appreciative and thankful. She said the book came at the perfect time and that simple act of kindness brought her to tears. She had been depressed and needed motivation to get back in shape. My book was the incentive she desperately needed.
2012 Tour
What do you wish more people knew about your husband, Ted?
S: Ted’s a hopeless romantic. He writes me love notes and texts and brings me flowers often. He hates when we’re apart, even for a few hours. He’ll send me a text that he misses me.
You were featured prominently on the VH1 show Supergroup. Over the years, it’s come out that parts of the show were staged, but did you enjoy being part of that production?
S: In all reality shows, the situations are staged — like the guys getting together and rehearsing — so the show has adequate production quality, but the conversations and the music weren’t staged at all. Supergroup was definitely interesting. We’ve done four reality shows. They’re always fun to film — there are parties, great food and special events — but it really makes you appreciate getting back to your normal life.
As a New York-based publication, I figured I’d ask when you were last in New York City?
S: I’m in New York City at least once a year. I love it! The shopping, the plays and the nightlife are dangerously intoxicating! I’d like to go to see more plays.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
S: There are so many fabulous restaurants, but one place I really love for breakfast is Balthazar [80 Spring St]. It reminds me of Paris. It’s elegant and the food is divine.
What do you like most about living in Texas or Michigan? What keeps you living ranch life instead of in a big city like New York?
S: We have a lot of property in Texas and Michigan and we live a very different lifestyle. We live off the land. It really makes you appreciate everything. Nothing is wasted, especially food. We have dogs and they love to run and hunt squirrels. That’s their nature, but that’s tough to do in a big city. Dogs aren’t really fond of leashes.
We also have a place in Naples, Florida, and that’s where my heart is most at home. There’s so much to do there. Great shopping, restaurants and beautiful beaches. I get dressed up and go out dancing with my girlfriends. It seems like I live a double lif, one on the ranch and one in a beautiful city, but the beach is where I feel most at peace. I wouldn’t rule out New York just yet. I’m young — sort of — and one day I’d like to do a daily radio or TV show and live in Manhattan. Hopefully soon. There’s just so much to do and I can’t sit still, so New York would seem like a great fit.
For you, what’s the most ideal way to spend a day off?
S: Exercising is my addiction. I love the endorphin rush I get when I’m teaching a Zumba® fitness class. My ideal day is to start off with a high-intensity workout then head to a coffee shop for a post-workout chat with my girlfriends. I’d spend the rest of the day at home writing a little, reading the paper or a good book, then watching a movie with my son Rocco and Ted, and snuggling with my dog. Watching the sunset on the beach with a glass of wine would be great too. At night I’d do what I discuss in Chapter 13 in my book!
Finally, Shemane, any last words for the kids?
S: I am so very thankful that my parents involved me in sports when I was a kid. Being physically-active throughout your life is important for both health and self-esteem. Find the thing that makes your heart sing and share your gift with the world. That is your purpose in life.
-by Darren Paltrowitz