AI and Future-Proofing Your Gym in 2025: Shama Hyder & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 543
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Release Date: 06/12/2025
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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AI, Tech & Member Retention: Eric Malzone on Future-Proofing Your Fitness Business | Episode 548
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Curious how technology will redefine fitness? Tune in as fitness industry thought leader Eric Malzone shares his front-line insights after 850+ interviews with fitness visionaries! Discover eye-opening truths on AI, member retention, and industry innovation - all filtered through Eric’s experience from gym owner to podcasting powerhouse. Whether you’re an operator, trainer, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers actionable trends and practical advice to future-proof your business and inspire your next move in fitness. Key highlights from the episode: - How AI will transform...
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In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin 'JT' Tamsett is joined by AI and digital marketing expert Shama Hyder and brain fitness pioneer Dr. Patrick Porter to deliver actionable insights for fitness business managers and owners aiming to future-proof their operations. The discussion with Shama tackles common myths about AI artificial intelligence in the fitness industry, with Hyder demystifying AI's role and offering a practical playbook for leveraging AI to boost revenue, streamline operations, and create standout customer experiences. In a special segment of the episode, Dr. Porter shares science-backed strategies for optimizing brain health and performance, emphasizing the critical link between quality sleep and business leadership. Listeners will learn why embracing AI is essential to avoid being left behind in a rapidly evolving market and how to implement simple, effective changes that drive real ROI for fitness clubs and studios
Key highlights from the episode:
- Shama Hyder debunks AI myths and explains how gym owners can use AI to analyze sales data, bridge the sales-marketing divide, and create revenue-driving customer experience.
- Dr. Patrick Porter reveals the science of brain fitness, including practical sleep strategies to enhance decision-making and leadership performance for fitness professionals.
- The episode provides a step-by-step challenge for fitness leaders to experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT, plus tips on optimizing your website and online reputation to ensure your gym stands out in AI-driven search results.
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Quotes:
"AI is not going away anytime soon...you ignore it at your own peril." - Shama Hyder
"If AI is cheating, gosh, sign me up - because if calculators are cheating, look how much progress we've made." - Shama Hyder
"Deep sleep is critical." - Dr. Patrick Porter
Resources:
Be an FBP Insider on Patreon
Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community
Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website
Shama Hyder - Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook
Health and Fitness Association - Website
Momentum by Shama Hyder
Wise Words:
Dr Patrick Porter - Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Dr Patrick Porter’s Book - Thrive in Overdrive
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REX Roundtables:
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Leadership Academy – www.REXLeadershipAcademy.com
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Trusted Suppliers:
-Power Systems: your one stop shop for equipment, functional training, recovery and storage https://www.power-systems.com/shop
-Les Mills: offering group fitness classes and solutions. https://www.lesmills.com/
-Instinctive Insights: Profit driven marketing using data science. https://www.instinctiveinsights.com/
-HireBob.Ai: Sell memberships, service existing customers and provide motivational fitness support with AI. https://www.hirebob.ai/
-Eleiko: supplying premium strength training equipment https://eleiko.com/en
-MAX Members: automating member management and engagement. https://www.maxmembers.ai/
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: AI, ChatGPT, chat gpt, gemini, perplexity, fitness business, leadership, decision-making, trust, credibility, technology, innovation, customer experience, productivity
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