
Geronimo Unfiltered
Most studio owners decide to open their fitness and wellness businesses because they want to help people and add more meaning into their lives. Their heart is in the right place, but scaling a profitable business that feels incredible to own and run is trickier than ever before. So where they get stuck is no one has ever shown them how to run a wildly successful business, without the overwhelm and chaos.Plus, they’re doing it all alone. Until now.Welcome to The Geronimo Unfiltered Podcast for ambitious boutique studio owners who are allergic to average and know they’re capable of more. They’re just missing the HOW.I’m your host Doza, CEO and Founder of The Geronimo Academy... And together with my crew and my community of owners and managers who are the doers and the implementers, we are on a mission to pioneer a better way to own and operate a health and fitness business, while building a life you love, not hate.So, if you’re ready to push your boundaries, level up your money, meaning and impact & stop doing it all alone… then you’re in the right place ... This is going to be raw and unfiltered, zero bullshit. So take a deep breath, strap yourself in, and let’s get started.
Latest episodes

Apr 8, 2025 • 52min
200 Sales in Two Months - How This Pilates Studio Doubled Their Revenue in 60 Days
Is Pilates blowing up for no good reason—or is this your golden chance to build in the Pilates boom?Because here’s the truth: Whether your studio’s tucked away in the suburbs or you’re already running multiple locations, this new wave of mindful, community-focused training is transforming the fitness industry, and there’s a savvy way to capitalise on it.In this episode, we’re tackling the rise of Pilates, the pitfalls of cheap intros, and how clever studio owners are leveraging structure, systems and collaboration to thrive (without losing their sanity).Here’s what we’re covering:-The truth about Pilates: Just trending … or here to stay? -How studios are cashing in on #1 search demand without racing to the bottom -Why “cheap, shallow nets” attract the wrong crowd (and tank your revenue) -How to turn community vibes into real, long-term profits -The role of mentorship, and why it’s vital if you want to expand -Scaling up without chaos: Key systems, roles and delegation -The family factor: Finding real freedom to be with those who matter -Why “playing nice” with ClassPass can backfire—and how to negotiate differently -How to create membership offers that outperform class packs … and a whole lot more⏳ [00:00] Welcome & Backstory: Why These Owners Nearly Gave Up⏳ [07:00] 200 Sales in 60 Days: The Jaw-Dropping Turnaround⏳ [14:00] Abandoning the “Cheap Intro” Mentality⏳ [21:00] The 6k to 11k Weekly Leap⏳ [28:00] Why Mentorship and Systems Matter⏳ [35:00] Community vs. Chaos: Building an Unstoppable Culture⏳ [42:00] Looking Ahead: Scaling Up, Paying Themselves and BeyondHope you enjoy! Want free resources? DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non-negotiables’. https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfiltered WANT MORE: To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3-Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-plan Connect with us: Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Apr 1, 2025 • 28min
Is Your Studio Ready for the Hyrox Boom? Here’s How to Cash In
Is Hyrox just a fad—or the biggest opportunity you’re about to miss?Because here’s the truth: Whether your studio is functional, wellness-based or somewhere in between, this new wave of hybrid athletes is shaking up the industry—and there’s a smart way to capitalise on it.In this episode, we’re diving deep into the rise of Hyrox, hybrid training, and how smart studios are creating new offers, memberships and collabs to ride the wave (without losing their identity).Here’s what we’re covering:-The truth about Hyrox: Fad or here to stay?-Why hybrid athletes are reshaping the way studios program, market and retain members-How yoga, Pilates and recovery studios can still tap into this trend without adding squat racks-The new definition of success: Strength, recovery and longevity—not just fat loss or performance-The ‘Harvard business model’ and how to use it to boost retention and revenue-How to turn the hybrid athlete into your highest-spending member-What to include in a hybrid membership—and the real reason it works… and a whole lot moreChapters: ⏳ [00:00] The “Hybrid Athlete” Craze—And Why It’s Blowing Up⏳ [02:00] What Is Hyrox (And Why Should Studio Owners Care?)⏳ [04:00] The Growth Stats You Can’t Ignore⏳ [06:00] Is This Just for 25-Year-Olds? Why It’s More Inclusive Than You Think⏳ [08:00] Hyrox vs. CrossFit—What’s the Difference?⏳ [10:00] Retention Playbook: How to Keep Members Long-Term with Hybrid Goals⏳ [12:00] Is It Just a Trend? Or a Whole New Way to Train?⏳ [14:00] How Smart Studios Are Integrating Hyrox Training⏳ [16:00] New Offers, Secondary Memberships & Rep Teams⏳ [18:00] How Pilates, Yoga and Recovery Studios Can Get Involved (Without Changing Core Offerings)⏳ [21:00] The ‘30% Innovation Budget’ Approach to Experimenting⏳ [24:00] The Harvard Membership Model—And How It’s Being Done Now⏳ [28:00] Strength for Longevity: Why Hybrid Isn’t Just for Athletes⏳ [31:00] The 7 Fitness Tests Every 40-Year-Old Should Pass⏳ [34:00] Longevity, Recovery, and the Rise of Performance-Based Wellness⏳ [36:00] Final Word: Don’t Miss the Wave—Create Your Hybrid Offer NowHope you enjoy! Want free resources? DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non-negotiables’. https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfiltered WANT MORE: To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3 Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-plan Connect with us: Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Mar 25, 2025 • 44min
The 8 Metrics That Separate 6-Figure Studios from 7-Figure Ones
Most studio owners are working hard—but are they working on the right things?Because here's the truth: If your benchmarks are off, it doesn't matter how many hours you put in. You're going to stay stuck.In this episode, we're diving deep into the data that matters most—so you can track, fix and grow your studio without burning out.Here’s what we’re covering:-Exactly what ‘good’ looks like across the 8 essential benchmarks (and where most people are bleeding revenue) -Why leads, sales and rollovers are your fastest path to growth (and how to improve them this week) -What most studios get dead wrong when it comes to suspensions and churn -The ‘traffic light’ system we use with 7-figure clients to pinpoint growth killers -Why auto-rollovers and free trials are tanking your numbers (and what to do instead) -The exact ad copy and creative strategy our clients use to hit 40%+ conversions -Why sales isn’t about being ‘pushy’—and the real reason most owners never ask for the sale … and a whole lot moreChapters: ⏳ [00:00] Why You’re Probably Guessing If You’re Doing Well⏳ [03:00] The Traffic Light Benchmark System (And Why It Works)⏳ [05:00] Leads, Sales & Rollovers: The First Three KPIs to Fix⏳ [07:45] The ‘Revenue Accelerator’ Most Studios Ignore⏳ [10:00] The Hidden Tax That’s Killing Your Profit⏳ [12:00] Churn: What It Actually Means (And What It Isn’t)⏳ [14:30] Net Growth vs. Net Profit—And How to Get Both⏳ [17:30] Surface-Level Work vs. Real Execution⏳ [20:00] Why Paid and Organic Leads Are Not Separate Anymore⏳ [23:00] Gut-Punching Copy That Actually Converts⏳ [26:00] The Video Strategy Driving a Sale a Day⏳ [31:00] The Ad Creative Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make⏳ [33:00] The Sales Call That Changes Everything⏳ [36:00] Sales Scripts: Why You Need to Drill, Not Wing It⏳ [40:00] Speed to Lead: How to Triple Your Pickups⏳ [43:00] Rollovers: The KPI That Separates the Good from the Great⏳ [46:00] Onboarding Done Right = Higher Lifetime Value⏳ [49:00] Stuck and Working Long Hours? Here’s What to Do Instead⏳ [51:00] How to Rank Yourself—and What to Fix First⏳ [53:00] You Don’t Need Another Plan. You Just Need to Do the Thing.Hope you enjoy! Want free resources? DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non-negotiables’. https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfiltered WANT MORE: To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3 Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-plan Connect with us: Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Mar 18, 2025 • 26min
Should You Buy a Franchise or Go Independent? The Brutal Truth for Gym Owners
Franchise or independent—what’s the better move? If you’ve ever wondered whether owning a franchise gym is the golden ticket to success or if going independent gives you more control and profitability, this episode is for you.We’re cutting through the noise and giving you the real talk on what it takes to run a successful gym, no matter what’s on the logo.Here’s what we’re covering:Is F45 dead? The truth behind what happenedThe biggest mistake independent gym owners makeWhy some franchisees stay broke while others crush itThe 3 non-negotiables for running a profitable gym (franchise or not)Should you leave your franchise and go independent? The key questions to askThe mindset shift that separates successful gym owners from those who struggleHow business owners sabotage their own sales process—without even realising it… and a whole lot moreChapters:⏳ [00:00] Is F45 Really Dead? The Truth Behind the Headlines⏳ [06:30] Franchise vs Independent: Which One Makes More Money?⏳ [12:45] Why Most Gym Owners Fail (And How to Avoid Their Mistakes)⏳ [18:20] The 3 Things You NEED to Succeed—Regardless of Your Business Model⏳ [24:10] Should You Leave Your Franchise? What to Consider First⏳ [30:35] The Hard Truth: No One is Coming to Save Your Business⏳ [37:50] How to Stop Sabotaging Your Own Sales Process⏳ [45:15] What’s Next? How to Take Action and Win in 2024Hope you enjoy! Want free resources? DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non-negotiables’. https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfiltered WANT MORE: To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3-Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-plan Connect with us: Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Mar 11, 2025 • 25min
Why the Cost of Living Isn't Ruining Your Gym: Gen Z Is Spending More Than Ever
It's time to cut through the bull and face facts: If your gym isn't making it, blaming the cost of living crisis is just an excuse. The real data shows Gen Z is actually spending MORE on fitness than any other generation.In this eye-opening episode, Dozer and the team break down the shocking truth about who's really spending on fitness, what each generation actually wants from their gym experience, and why most gym owners are completely missing the mark with their marketing.Here's what we're covering:The myth of the "cost of living crisis" in the fitness industryWhy Gen Z is spending over $1000 a month on fitness while claiming they can't afford housingThe real reasons people don't join gyms (hint: it's NOT price)Generation-specific marketing strategies that actually workWhy your gym's social media probably looks like "an Ikea catalogue" to Gen ZHow to create content that resonates with each generationWhy most gym owners are "fishing with the wrong bait" and wondering why no one's biting… and a whole lot moreChapters:⏳ [00:00] The Cost of Living Myth in Fitness⏳ [05:10] Why People REALLY Don't Join Gyms⏳ [10:45] Gen Z Fitness Motivations: Appearance, Connection & Identity⏳ [16:30] Millennials: Energy, Stress & Family Health⏳ [21:05] Gen X & Boomers: Weight Management & Longevity⏳ [28:15] Marketing to Different Generations: Platforms & Messages⏳ [34:40] Adapting Your Content for Generation-Specific Marketing⏳ [42:10] Why Businesses That Don't Adapt Will DieHope you enjoy!Want free resources? DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non-negotiables’. https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfiltered WANT MORE: To say thank you for listening to the pod, we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3-Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-plan Connect with us: Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Mar 4, 2025 • 26min
Studio Owners: Here’s Why Your Memberships Are Stuck & How to Fix It
If your studio is bleeding out right now, it’s not the economy, it’s not your sales skills—it’s a toxic marketing virus that’s spreading fast. And if you’ve been running discount-heavy, low-value offers just to get people through the door, you’ve already been infected.In this episode, we’re exposing the real reason so many studios are struggling with retention, cash flow, and high churn rates—and exactly how to turn it around before it’s too late.Here’s what we’re covering:The ‘cheap offer’ trap that’s secretly killing your businessWhy discounting your services is the fastest way to attract low-quality leadsThe brutal truth about why your marketing isn’t working (and how to fix it)The only type of offer that will actually bring in high-value membersHow to structure a profitable front-end offer that converts long-term clientsWhy most ad agencies are setting studio owners up to failWhat to do if your studio is stuck with a bunch of freeloaders… and a whole lot moreChapters:⏳ [00:00] The Hidden Virus That’s Killing Studios Right Now⏳ [06:30] How a ‘Marketing Expert’ Led One Studio to Financial Disaster⏳ [12:00] The Fatal Mistake That Turns Your Studio Into a Revolving Door⏳ [18:40] Why Free Trials & Discount Offers Attract the Wrong Clients⏳ [25:15] The Simple Formula for a Profitable Front-End Offer⏳ [32:50] Ad Agencies vs. Studio Owners—Why You Can’t Outsource Sales⏳ [40:10] How to Stop the Bleeding & Fix Your Membership Pipeline⏳ [48:30] The Fastest Way to Turn High Leads Into High-Value Members⏳ [55:00] Your Next Move: The High-Converting Offer PlaybookHope you enjoy!Want free resources?DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non-negotiables’.https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfilteredWANT MORE:To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3 Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-planConnect with us:Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademyDoza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Feb 25, 2025 • 31min
Managing Gen Z: Nightmare or Leadership Wake-Up Call?
Are Gen Z employees really lazy, entitled, and impossible to manage? Or do most business owners just suck at leadership? In this no-BS episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges facing studio owners today- building and leading a high-performing Gen Z team. Whether you’re struggling with retention, motivation, or just getting them to show up on time, we’re unpacking exactly what’s driving this generation and how to get the best out of them. Here’s what we’re covering: · The brutal truth - avoid hiring Gen Z at your own risk· Why resilience is the missing link (and how to build it in your team)· The #1 hiring mistake studio owners keep making· How to filter out the fluff and find driven Gen Z employees· Why your vision matters more than ever for leadership· The secret to keeping your best team members from burning out· How to set standards without sounding like a dictator· … and a whole lot more Chapters:⏳ [00:00] Are Gen Z Employees Actually the Problem?⏳ [05:30] The Gen Z Hiring Cheat Sheet - What to Look For⏳ [12:00] Why Studio Owners Struggle to Retain Young Talent⏳ [18:40] Motivation, Resilience & Work Ethic - Can It Be Built?⏳ [25:15] Managing vs. Leading: The Shift Every Owner Must Make⏳ [32:50] The Mistakes You’re Making That Drive Gen Z Away⏳ [40:10] Creating a Team Culture That Actually Works⏳ [48:30] The Gen Z Retention Playbook—Keep Your Best People⏳ [55:00] Your Next Steps to Building a High-Performance Team Want free Resources:DM me “TEAM” on Instagram @Hey.Doza for the 5-Step Hiring & Leadership Cheat Sheet that’s helped hundreds of studio owners build rock-solid teams.Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfilteredOfficial Hope you enjoy! WANT MORE:To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3 Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-plan Connect with us: Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy?igsh=MTQ4bDZ2aTR6Ym43dA== Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Feb 18, 2025 • 28min
How the World’s #1 F45 Studio Keeps 570 Members with Just 2% Churn
What separates the best from the rest? Why do some studio owners struggle while others dominate?In this episode, we sit down with Ian, owner of the #1 global F45 studio, to break down the exact mindset, strategies, and systems that keep him at the top. Spoiler: It’s not luck. It’s relentless execution.Here’s what we’re covering:• Why your studio isn’t just a gym—it’s your members’ ‘third space’• The real reason Ian’s studio has a world-class 2% churn rate• How to build a team that wants to perform at the highest level• Why most studio owners are stuck in survival mode—and how to break out• How Ian scaled to 570+ active members (without relying on cheap trials)• The biggest mistake owners make when hiring—and how to fix it• What ‘relentless’ really means—and how to apply it in your business• … and a whole lot moreChapters:⏳ [00:00] What Separates the Best from the Rest?⏳ [05:45] Scaling to the #1 Global F45 Studio—How Ian Did It⏳ [12:30] The Secret to 2% Churn: Creating a ‘Third Space’ for Members⏳ [18:15] Building a High-Performance Team: Hiring, Culture & Leadership⏳ [26:40] Why Most Studio Owners Stay Stuck (And How to Break Free)⏳ [34:20] The Marketing Strategy That’s Driving Consistent Growth⏳ [42:00] The #1 Operational Shift That Took Ian’s Business to the Next Level⏳ [50:10] Elevate, Then Relentless—How to Keep Pushing Forward⏳ [58:20] Your Next Move: Applying These Lessons to Your StudioHope you enjoy!Want free resources?DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non negotiables’.https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfilteredWANT MORE:To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3 Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-planConnect with us:Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy?igsh=MTQ4bDZ2aTR6Ym43dA==Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Feb 10, 2025 • 21min
How 7 Figure Studio Owners Plan Their Week to Win
If I opened your calendar right now, would it scream successful CEO—or just another overwhelmed studio owner?Because here’s the truth: Your calendar doesn’t lie. It tells me exactly what your priorities are, what level you’re operating at, and whether you’re focused on growth or just busywork.In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to run your week like a successful CEO, no matter what stage of business you’re at.Here’s what we’re covering:
The brutal truth: You’ll never earn a dollar more than you think you’re worth
How to know exactly what to focus on (and what to cut) based on your business level
The 3 phases of growth—and how to structure your time at each stage
Why most studio owners stay trapped—and how to break free for good
The exact hires you need to make (in order) to scale without burning out
The ‘once and done’ rule that will save you hours every week
… and a whole lot more
Chapters:⏳ [00:00] The Hard Truth: You’ll Never Earn More Than You Think You’re Worth⏳ [06:30] Your Calendar Doesn’t Lie—Are You Running a Business or Just Busy?⏳ [13:00] The 3 Levels of Studio Growth (And How to Escape Level 1 Fast)⏳ [20:15] Stuck in the Grind? How to Start Delegating Like a CEO⏳ [27:45] The First 3 Hires You Need to Make (And the Order to Do It In)⏳ [35:00] The ‘Once and Done’ Rule That Will Free Up Hours in Your Week⏳ [42:10] How to Build a Team That Runs Your Studio Without You⏳ [50:00] Scaling Past $1M: The CEO Mindset Shift You Need to Make⏳ [58:30] Your Next Steps: How to Restructure Your Week for GrowthCheck us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfilteredOfficialWant free resources?DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non negotiables’.Want to dive deeper?To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3 Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-planConnect with us:Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy?igsh=MTQ4bDZ2aTR6Ym43dA==Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza

Feb 3, 2025 • 37min
Studio Owners Ins and Outs for 2025
If your fitness studio is still running the same way it did last year, you’re already behind.The industry is evolving fast, and the top studio owners are adapting just as quickly.In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what’s in and what’s out for 2025, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start scaling a million-dollar studio that doesn’t burn you out.Here’s what we’re covering:- The mindset shift that’s making 92% of our academy members more profitable than ever- The marketing strategy that’s driving leads for $0 (and how you can do it too)- Why most studio owners are still underpricing their services—and how to fix it- The simple system that will finally get you out of the day-to-day grind- What you need to stop doing in 2025 if you want to build a studio that works without youChapters:⏳ [00:00] The Brutal Truth About Why Most Studios Struggle⏳ [06:30] The Game-Changing Strategy Driving More Sales for $0⏳ [13:00] How to Finally Escape the ‘Doing Everything Yourself’ Trap⏳ [20:15] The Pricing Mistake That’s Costing You Thousands⏳ [27:45] The 5-Minute Daily Habit That Will Transform Your Business⏳ [35:00] Why Personal Branding Is Your Secret Weapon in 2025⏳ [42:10] The ‘Deep Work’ Method That Will 10X Your Growth⏳ [50:00] The 5 Biggest Studio Owner Mistakes That Need to Die⏳ [58:30] Your 6-Month Growth Plan: What to Do NextHope you enjoy!Want free resources?DM over on IG @hey.doza with ‘books’ for my personal recommendations or ‘non negotiables’.Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeronimoUnfilteredOfficialWANT MORE:To say thank you for listening to the pod we’d like to gift you a FREE session to brainstorm a 3 Step Action Plan for your gym or fitness studio so you know EXACTLY what step you need to take to grow. Book in yours: https://link.wingmancrm.com/widget/bookings/geronimo-3-step-action-planConnect with us:Geronimo: https://www.instagram.com/thegeronimoacademy?igsh=MTQ4bDZ2aTR6Ym43dA==Doza: https://www.instagram.com/hey.doza/?hl=en