#16: Tackling Diabetes and Health Education with Ethan Bezner: Insights from the Future Healthcare Leaders
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Release Date: 01/15/2026
Episode #609: Building a Fitness Empire-Tony Scrimale Talks Growth, PE Strategy, and the Crunch Brand
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to HALO Talks, where we take deep dives into the minds behind the most dynamic brands in the health, active lifestyle, and outdoors space. In this episode, we're joined by Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness and a true industry operator whose path took him from upstate New York to the heart of Florida’s gym scene. Starting as a young gym enthusiast, Tony’s grass-roots experience paved the way for an entrepreneurial ride . . . moving from walking the floor early on, to eventually leading a powerhouse Crunch franchise group with over 100 locations. Tony opens up about the value of...
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Episode #608: Dario Miceli-Making Padel Magazine and Championing a New Sport in America
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Dario Miceli, the passionate founder of Padel Magazine, to explore the explosive growth and unique challenges of padel, one of the world’s fastest-rising racket sports. Dario shares his career path from real estate investor to becoming the unlikely publisher of a global magazine, revealing what makes padel so addictive, how it’s carving its own unconventional path in the U.S., and why the current market still feels like the Wild West. From navigating linguistic debates (is it “padel” or “paddle”?), to the complexities of building...
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Episode #607: Building EoS Fitness-Growth Strategies and Leadership Lessons from CEO, Rich Drengberg
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to HALO Talks, where host Pete Moore sits down with Rich Drengberg, CEO of EoS Fitness and a seasoned leader in the fitness industry. In a rare podcast appearance, Rich shares his journey from Gold's Gym SoCal to transforming EoS into a powerhouse of high-value, low-price gyms across the Sunbelt. Listeners will get an inside look at EoS's disciplined growth, the importance of industry relationships, lessons from private equity partnerships, and why knowing your brand’s identity is crucial, straight from someone who’s helped steer one of the fastest-growing health club chains in...
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Episode #606: Building Planet Fitness-Joe Pepe Jr. on Family Legacy, Private Equity, and Scaling Fitness Clubs
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Pepe Jr., CEO of IGNITE Fitness Holdings, one of the largest Planet Fitness area developers and a second-generation leader in the health club industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in fitness entrepreneurship, with his father tracing back to the industry’s early days, Joe shares his path evolving from a family-owned gym business to building one of the most successful Planet Fitness franchises in the country. Pete and Joe also touch on how early risk-taking, embracing disruptive business models, and leveraging private equity fueled explosive...
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Episode #605: How Mighty Pilates Became a Leader-Community Building, Teacher Training, and Smart Expansion
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
On this episode of HALO Talks, Pete Moore sits down with Cricket Wardein, founder of Mighty Pilates, and Cat Martin, the company’s CEO and longtime fan, to explore the explosive growth and evolution of their premium Pilates studio brand. Starting with a single location in San Francisco in 2009, Mighty Pilates has grown to 11 studios, with a 12th on the way, successfully combining authentic, high-quality Pilates instruction with a strong sense of community and innovative business strategies. Listen in as Cricket Wardein and Cat Martin share the story of Mighty Pilates, discuss building...
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Episode #604: Offset Loading’s Breakthroughs in Athletic Training-Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca Discuss
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, Pete Moore is joined by Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca for a discussion on advanced human performance and an innovative strength training methodology known as offset loading. Sal shares the origins of their company and his quest to enhance the nervous system of athletes through contralateral training and randomized exercise, which led him to discover and collaborate with Dr. Seedman, often referred to as "The father of offset loading." Together, they dive into the science and practice behind offset loading, its demonstrated benefits in boosting...
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Episode #603: Behind UFC Gym’s Global Franchise Surge with Adam Sedlack
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome back to HALO Talks! In this episode, we’re joined once again by Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC Gym, for another conversation that explores the evolution of the brand since his last appearance in May, 2019. (Link below.) Adam takes us behind the scenes on navigating the challenges of COVID-19, transitioning to a franchise-focused, asset-light business model, and expanding globally, with UFC Gyms now operating in 48 countries and growing. You’ll hear firsthand how strategic decisions protected both the UFC brand and its franchisees, why careful franchisee selection and capitalization are...
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Episode #602: Connecting Family Fitness-Lessons from GreatLIFE'S Integrated Approach with Nick Ovenden
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
On this episode of HALO Talks, we welcome Nick Ovenden of GreatLIFE, an organization that has redefined community recreation in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. What began as a sort of "accidental" golf course acquisition has evolved into a network of six golf courses, 19 fitness centers, and a bowling alley, serving over 40,000 members within a 90-mile radius. Nick joins us to discuss the unique business model that blends fitness, golf, and family activities under one membership, fostering inclusivity and long-term member engagement. Pete and Nick also dive into how their employee stock...
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Episode #601: Growing Club 16 and She’s Fit-Inside British Columbia’s Fitness Boom with Trevor Linden and Carl Ulmer
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to HALO Talks NYC! In this episode, in this episodes, host Pete Moore sits down with Vancouver-based fitness entrepreneurs Trevor Linden and Carl Ulmer to explore the fantastic growth behind Club 16 and She's Fit health clubs in British Columbia. From the early days of innovating women’s-only fitness spaces to strategic brand evolution and ambitious expansion plans, Trevor and Carl share candid insights on adaptation, leadership, and building a values-driven organization. They discuss how professional athletics translate to business, the increasing importance of inclusivity and...
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Episode #600: Inside Ola Capital-Richey Hansen’s Move from Endurance Sports to Healthy Aging Investments
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Richey Hansen, a former college athlete turned sports injury prevention clinic founder, coach, and now. . . venture investor. Drawing from his roots in the sports world and experience leading the Roots Running Project (a nonprofit that supports post-collegiate athletes) Richey talks about the unique dynamics of training groups, the benefits of nonprofit structures for athlete development, and his transition into the world of healthcare venture capital. He goes on to discuss what it takes to evaluate and invest in...
info_outlineOn this episode of HALO Talks-FastBreak, host Pete Moore welcomes University of Georgia student and public health major Ethan Bezner for a transparent conversation about tackling today's greatest health issues—loneliness, obesity, and diabetes. Bezner shares his motivations about why he dove into research around early onset type 2 diabetes, exploring risk factors like sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, and our evolving relationship with fitness.
The conversation steers into into the reality of the public health system as Ethan recounts stories from his time as a clinic phlebotomist, where systemic education gaps and real-life challenges come to light.
They also discuss the role of government and food manufacturers in transparent labeling, and debate the best ways to reach younger generations, whether through books, social media, or a combination of both. Listen now for a look at the factors shaping public health today and the future leaders working to solve them.
Some key takeaways:
1. The lifestyle-disease connection is real: Bezner’s research spotlights how technology-driven sedentary habits, ultra-processed food consumption, and reduced physical activity contribute to the rise in early-onset diabetes.
2. Education (and transparency) matter: There's a huge gap in understanding food labels and health risks. Both policy makers and manufacturers must do more to provide honest, accessible information.
3. Hands-on perspective: Working with patients facing real barriers (like income and access to healthcare), Ethan sees first-hand how education, empathy, and community-driven solutions are critical to make things happen.
Kudos to him for waving the HALO flag high and representing the next generation of health leaders! 🟢 If you want to check out his final literary research review, check out the link below.
Resources:
- Ethan Bezner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-bezner-6bb405348
- Final Research Review: https://www.halotalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Final-Literary-Review-Ethan-Bezner.pdf
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
- Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
- HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com
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