

The Business Of Strength Podcast
Business Of Strength
See behind the scenes of our private sector sports performance gym Varsity House. We've helped hundreds of coaches from around the world build successful businesses. We help training businesses improve their coaching development, leadership, operational systems, sales, and marketing.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 13min
EP 220: How Obsession, Work Ethic & Relentless Curiosity Built a Gym Empire with Matt Wiedemer
In this powerhouse episode of the Business of Strength Podcast, Coach Joe Strong sits down with Matt Wiedemer—champion powerlifter, longtime private-sector coach, trainer to UFC legend Jon Jones, and the owner of BEAT Personal Training, one of the most profitable hybrid gym models in the industry.What starts as a conversation between two lifelong strength nerds quickly turns into a masterclass in business, coaching, culture, and leadership. Matt shares the real story behind his rise—from sleeping in trucks to train at Westside Barbell, to building 6- and 7-figure training businesses, to running a thriving 16,000+ sq/ft hybrid PT + membership gym that prints cash and changes lives.This episode is equal parts raw, hilarious, practical, and deeply insightful.WHY GYM OWNERS & COACHES MUST LISTEN:Because Matt says what EVERYONE is thinking—but won’t say out loud.From broken work ethics in young trainers, to the lies gym owners tell themselves, to why being “busy” is the blessing you once prayed for—Matt speaks the truth every strength entrepreneur needs to hear.Because he reveals the hybrid business model that prints money.Matt breaks down exactly how BEAT produces $110,000+ per month in PT and 1,500+ members at $60/mo, why both sides feed each other, and why most gym owners miss the opportunity sitting right in front of them.Because this is what mastery REALLY looks like.Obsession. Curiosity. Competing. Note-taking. Testing. Constant self-evaluation. Matt shows you the path to becoming the kind of coach clients never leave.Because community—not equipment—is the differentiator.People remember how coaching changed their life, not what brand of squat rack you bought. Matt shares how his team builds deep relationships that keep people training for decades.Because this episode will make you a better leader immediately.Whether you're managing employees, growing locations, fixing culture problems, or trying to get out from under your own weaknesses—Matt gives you the playbook.Don’t forget our next LIVE event is Trainer School 2.0 at VH-HQ January 23rd. This program will sell out so grab your seat today: https://trainerschool.businessofstrength.com/Support our Sponsors: TurnKey Coach - https://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/Naamly - https://www.naamly.com/Ignite Entrepreneurs Marketing Agency - https://bos.ignite-entrepreneurs.com/home-5858-8099#col-XsKe1v0T3M

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 9min
EP 219: Supplements That Work, and The Science Behind Elite Performance with Dr. Hunter Waldman
In this powerhouse episode, Coach Joe sits down with Dr. Hunter Waldman — exercise physiologist, metabolic researcher, and one of the sharpest minds in performance nutrition. Connected through Power Athlete’s John Welbourn, Hunter brings real science to the strength world in a way coaches and gym owners can actually use.Hunter pulls back the curtain on metabolic flexibility, fat-loss myths, mitochondria, stimulants, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, concussion protection for athletes, and what the research REALLY says about training intensity, Zone 2, women’s health, supplements, and more.If you coach general population clients, athletes, or women 40+, THIS EPISODE IS A BLUEPRINT for what to prioritize in training and nutrition in 2025 and beyond.WHY GYM OWNERS MUST LISTENThis episode gives you immediately implementable science that will:Help clients lose fat more effectivelyImprove longevity and metabolic health in adults 40+Increase the value of your nutrition coachingUpgrade your athletes’ performance and concussion protectionGrow retention with better results and educationSet your gym apart as the truth-teller in an industry filled with misinformationThis is the content your clients WISH their coaches understood.Topics Covered: 1. The Truth About Metabolic Flexibility (MedFlex)2. The REAL Fat-Loss Formula (Simple, Not Sexy)3. Training Intensity: The Missing Link for 35–65 Year-Old Clients — Especially Women4. Zone 2 ≠ Magic: What the Research Actually Says5. Supplements That Work vs. Total Nonsense6. GLP-1 Drugs (Ozempic): The TRUTH Gym Owners Must Tell Clients7. Protecting Athletes From Concussions (Every Performance Gym Needs This)

Dec 5, 2025 • 33min
EP 218: Answering YOUR Questions
On this Episode of the Business of Strength Podcast, Dan Goodman answers YOUR questions. 1. Budgeting for gyms.2. How to solve sales roadblocks for newer coaches.3. What marketing to focus on at the start of the year4. How to run a challenge without forfeiting your training principles.Our next live event is Trainer School January 23rd - Sign up Here: https://trainerschool.businessofstrength.comA special thanks to our sponsors!!Turnkey Coach: https://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/Naamly: https://www.naamly.comSimmons Media: https://simmonsmedia.coIgnite Entrepreneurs: https://ignite-entrepreneurs.com

Nov 25, 2025 • 52min
EP 217: Underground Strength Con 3.0 – Lessons, Leadership & Lasting Connections
Join Coach Joe Strong and Dan Goodman as they recap the powerful Underground Strength Con 3.0 event. In this episode, they dive into unforgettable moments, insightful lessons from top industry speakers, and behind-the-scenes stories on growing a gym business. Discover the value of live events for networking, building community, and real mentorship. Hear how partnerships with platforms like Turnkey Coach are shaping the future of coaching. Plus, get inspired by the real-life success stories of gym owners who turned passion into profit and find out how to join upcoming high-impact fitness business events.Be sure to check out our podcast sponsor:https://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/

Nov 7, 2025 • 48min
EP 216: Simplify to Scale with Tony Smith
This week, Dan sits down with newly appointed BOS coach and gym owner Tony Smith, who’s up 20% this year in a time when most gyms are flat or down.They talk about what really drove that growth, how simplifying, not adding helped him scale, and the leadership lessons that came with it.Topics covered:What fueled 20% growth in a flat marketHow focusing on “better,” not “more,” changed everythingShifting from doing everything to leading everythingThe message for owners still grinding for tractionHow coaching inside BOS reshaped his perspective on businessIf you’re a gym owner looking to grow, simplify, and lead with more clarity—this one’s for you.REGISTER FOR UNDERGROUND STRENGTH CON 3.0https://undergroundstrengthcon.com/CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORShttps://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/https://www.naamly.com/

Oct 29, 2025 • 45min
EP 215: Investing in Yourself with Eric Pullman of BreakThrough
In this episode of the Business of Strength Podcast, we sit down with Eric Pullman, founder of BreakThrough. Eric has been investing in his own education since he was 20 years old and has built a reputation for putting more money back into his growth, learning, and development than just about anyone in the industry. His discipline in both training and business makes him a voice worth listening to for any coach serious about building a career.We cover:Why investing in education early changed the trajectory of his careerThe ROI of continuous learning (and when it didn’t pay off)How discipline in training carries over to business successThe toughest business lesson he’s faced and how he overcame itWhat’s next for BreakThrough in the coming 12–18 monthsHis best advice to coaches trying to turn their passion into a professionConnect with Eric:IG:@ Eric.pullman_IG: @breakthroughperformanceli CHECK OUT OUR PARTNER: https://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/REGISTER FOR UNDERGROUND STRENGTH CON HERE: https://undergroundstrengthcon.com

Oct 23, 2025 • 24min
EP 214: 5 Ways to Improve Your Training Product and Remove Friction
In this episode Adam breaks down what we are currently working on at Varsity House as it pertains to product development and attrition. In a service based business there are 5 keys to reducing friction, getting results, and mitigating attrition: Defining our Training Ideology Messaging Externally to Members Training process and data presentation Customer experience Removing friction Don’t forget on November 15th and 16th the Underground Strength Con 3.0 is here! You can register with the following link: https://undergroundstrengthcon.com/Check out our partners at TurnKey Coach: https://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/

Oct 16, 2025 • 44min
EP 213: Mastering Client Retention in Your Gym
Unlock the secret to lasting gym success! In this episode, we dive into the “silent killer” of the fitness industry—client attrition. Learn why retaining members is more important than chasing new leads, discover a proven five-step retention playbook, and get actionable strategies to strengthen your fitness community, boost member loyalty, and build a gym business you love.Join us at Underground Strength Con 3.0 for two days of world-class coaching, business systems, networking, and fun! Click the link below to lock in your spot.https://undergroundstrengthcon.com

Oct 15, 2025 • 52min
EP 212: How to Build a 7-Figure Gym Business
We are back with another POWERFUL episode of the BOS podcast. Join Coach Joe Strong and Dan Goodman today as they sit down to teach you how you can build a 7-figure gym…A special thanks to our partner, TurnKey Coach. Check them out herehttps://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/Get your tickets to the next BOS event, Underground Strength Con 3.0, at the link below.https://undergroundstrengthcon.com/

Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 20min
EP 211: Turnkey Coach and Building Client Connections
Join us as we sit down with Andrew Jackson from Turnkey Coach to explore how their innovative platform is changing the fitness industry. Discover insights on building strong business partnerships, delivering exceptional hospitality, and using technology to boost efficiency and client connection. Whether you’re a gym owner, coach, or fitness enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons on elevating your business and client experience.Check out the Turnkey Coach website here! https://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/


