The Neuroscience of Storytelling for Gym Owners: Danielle Krischik & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 542
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Release Date: 05/29/2025
How HYROX Is Helping Gyms Grow Revenue, Retention & Memberships with Andrew Sugerman (S6 E1)
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
HYROX is no longer just an event. It’s becoming a global sport, and gyms are in a prime position to benefit. In this Season 6 opener, JT speaks with Andrew Sugerman, CEO of Center, about why HYROX participation is surging and what it means for fitness business owners. You’ll learn: - Why gyms are becoming training hubs - How HYROX may improve retention and acquisition - New revenue opportunities for operators - How much space is needed for a HYROX zone - Whether boutique studios and independents should get involved If you’ve been hearing about HYROX and wondering if it matters for your...
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The Untold Story Behind the Fitness Business Podcast | JT on Imposter Syndrome, Leadership & Purpose | Episode 557
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Stories do what facts alone cannot. They make people feel, remember, trust, and act. In this special season finale takeover, master storyteller Danielle Krischik (podcast host and author of The Story Effect) flips the mic and interviews JT so you can hear the real reason behind the Fitness Business Podcast, , and JT’s mission to get more people moving in quality facilities with qualified professionals. Key highlights from the episode: Why storytelling shifts your brand from what you sell to why you exist How JT’s early life, sport, and career pivot shaped his leadership style The...
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Burnout in the Fitness Industry: How to Protect Your Health, Team, and Career Longevity with Emahlea Wilcher | Episode 556
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Burnout is not a badge of honor. For years, working 22-hour days and never taking holidays was worn as proof of resilience. But the reality is different. A 2025 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine estimates burnout costs employers between $4,000 and $21,000 per employee per year in lost productivity, disengagement, and turnover. In this Wise Words episode, Justin Tamsett sits down with clinician, scientist, and founder of New Approach Health, Emahlea Wilcher, to unpack what burnout really is, how it impacts your body and brain, and what you can do right now to...
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How to Motivate Your Fitness Staff with Gamification and Recognition with Alex Grande | Episode 555
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Staff turnover remains one of the biggest challenges in the fitness industry, especially with part time and casual teams. In this episode, Justin Tamsett is joined by Alex Grande, psychologist and workplace recognition expert, to unpack how gamification, rewards, and genuine recognition can dramatically improve engagement, performance, and retention in fitness businesses. Alex explains the science behind motivation, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, and why simple, low cost recognition programs often outperform expensive incentive schemes. Together, they explore practical...
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Fueling Leadership: Self-Leadership, Values, and Alignment with Heather Wiser Soubra | Episode 554
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
If your body and mind are the engine of your leadership, what fuel are you putting into it? In this episode of The Fitness Business Podcast, Justin Tamsett sits down with Heather Wise Soubra, founder and CEO of Wiser Way Coaching and Director of the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon. Heather shares powerful, practical insights on self-leadership—exploring how clarity, presence, values, habits, and alignment shape not just how we lead others, but how we lead ourselves first. This conversation is especially relevant for fitness business owners and leaders navigating...
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Stop Losing Money on Bad Hires: Expert Fitness Recruiting Strategies with Christine Howe | Episode 553
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Hiring the right people can make or break your fitness business. One great hire can elevate culture, performance, and profitability — while one poor hire can drain time, money, and momentum. In this episode, Justin “JT” Tamsett sits down with Christine Howe, founder of Fit Pro Finders and one of the most experienced recruiters in the global fitness industry, to unpack what it really takes to find, interview, and retain top talent today. From AI in recruitment to interviewing techniques, compensation strategy, onboarding, and resume red flags, Christine shares practical, experience-driven...
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Stop Leaving Money on the Shelf: The Retail Strategy Every Gym Needs with Meredith Rosson | Episode 552
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Retail inside fitness clubs often feels like a high-effort afterthought - but according to retail strategist Meredith Rosson, it’s one of the most untapped revenue streams in the industry. In this episode, Meredith breaks down how clubs can turn merchandise, apparel, accessories, and grab-and-go essentials into a meaningful secondary income source. With real numbers, practical frameworks, and a powerful client case study, she shows exactly how clubs of any size can create retail programs that elevate experience, drive fandom, and generate serious profit. If you’ve ever wondered what to...
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How to Persuade Anyone to Take Action (Without Being Pushy) with Michelle Bowden | Episode 551
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Persuasion expert Michelle Bowden, whose episode 83 on the Fitness Business Podcast ranks in the all-time top 20, is back to break down the science of influence and how to connect with every prospect and member. If you want to boost sales, retention, and team member engagement without resorting to manipulative tactics or "buyer's remorse," this episode is a must-listen. Michelle explains the difference between influence and authentic persuasion, introduces her four persuasion types, and gives practical, 1% tips you can implement today to become a stronger communicator and get more of what you...
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Radical Customer Obsession: Unlocking Growth, Loyalty, and Advocacy with Amanda Stevens | Episode 550
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Discover the surprising power of "Radical Customer Obsession" with author and expert Amanda Stevens. She explains that in a digitally distracted world, the key to success is getting to the heart of what your customers really need, not just what they tell you. From understanding the "Inner Circle" dynamic of female members to learning from other industries, this episode is packed with brilliant insights on how to create a "sticky" business that defies market pressures and turns customers into disciples. Key highlights from the episode: - Know Your Customer Intimately: Get "insanely curious"...
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Conscious Leadership: Science-Backed Strategies to Respond, Build Trust, and Lead Fitness Teams with Rachel Russo | Episode 549
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Discover the surprising science behind conscious leadership with Rachel Russo, who reveals how a simple pause and breath can activate your brain’s logic center and shift your leadership style from reactive to responsive. Fitness leaders will learn how journaling daily not only calms the mind but improves immune function and creativity. Plus, explore how self-awareness builds trust and collaboration in fitness teams where knowing your body meets leading your people. Ready to transform your leadership muscle and tackle your blind spots? This episode is packed with powerful insights and...
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In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin ‘JT’ Tamsett engages with storytelling expert Danielle Krischik to explore the vital role of storytelling in fitness marketing. They discuss how stories create emotional connections, the neuroscience behind storytelling, and the importance of crafting a compelling brand narrative. Danielle emphasizes the power of employee stories and how they can enhance customer experience. The conversation culminates in actionable steps for gym owners to activate their stories for greater impact.
Also hear from Dr Patrick Porter about what Brain Tap is and how you can use it to have better rest, more resilience and better overall wellbeing.
Key highlights from the episode:
- Storytelling Drives Business Results: The episode highlights how stories are remembered far more than facts and can significantly boost marketing effectiveness, conversion rates, and even pricing power for fitness businesses.
- Different Types of Stories Matter: The discussion explains the importance of distinguishing between brand stories, member transformation stories, and staff stories, emphasizing that each plays a unique role in building trust, authenticity, and emotional connection.
- Storytelling Builds Culture and Performance: Sharing stories within the team helps foster a strong, connected workplace culture, improves staff retention and engagement, and ultimately enhances the overall experience for both employees and members.
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Quotes:
"The brain likes to stay in lazy mode." - Dr Patrick Porter
"Authenticity is key in storytelling." - Danielle Krischik
"Money is an outcome, not a purpose." - Danielle Krischik
Resources:
Be an FBP Insider on Patreon
Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community
Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website
Danielle Krischik - LinkedIn, Podcast, Instagram
Knight Agency - Website
Danielle’s Book Recommendation: Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Matt Spears Live Event: Finance for Fitness Success - Register Here
Wise Words:
Dr Patrick Porter - Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Dr Patrick Porter’s Book - Thrive in Overdrive
Buy Your Headset Using our Link!
Merch Sponsor:
Be a Merch Sponsor - Here
REX Roundtables:
Website - www.REXRoundtables.com
Email - Eddie@REXRoundtables.com
Leadership Academy – www.REXLeadershipAcademy.com
Trusted Suppliers:
About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
Related: storytelling, fitness marketing, emotional connection, brand story, employee engagement, neuroscience, gym owners, marketing strategies, customer experience, business growth
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