The Active Life Podcast

In this enlightening episode of the Active Life Podcast, host Larry welcomes speech coach Myles Usher Doyle for a deep dive into the art and science of meaningful conversation. With over 13 years of experience coaching people to reclaim authentic communication, Myles shares how modern technology has stripped away vital components of human interaction—and how we can restore them. From body language and posture to finding our natural voice, Myles discusses the foundational elements that lead to better speaking and richer relationships.The conversation explores the nuanced importance of small talk, its role in breaking conversational tension, and how even introverts can step into confident communication without losing authenticity. Myles offers practical frameworks—like embracing silence, refining posture, and rehearsing aloud—that help individuals present themselves powerfully whether on stage or in a one-on-one meeting. They also examine the cultural variances in public speaking anxiety and how storytelling becomes an empowering act of self-expression.Wrapping with insights on storytelling, bedtime rituals, and the role of poetry in vocal training, Myles connects classic communication practices with modern professional demands. If you’ve ever felt nervous in front of a group, misunderstood in conversation, or lost your voice in the noise of digital communication, this episode will give you the tools—and inspiration—to speak up with confidence.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Myles Usher Doyle00:50 - Why Speaking Skills Still Matter02:00 - Small Talk as a Conversational Tool04:25 - Managing Conflict with Civil Conversation06:05 - Authenticity vs Persona in Presenting09:30 - Coaching Quiet and Introverted Speakers14:40 - Confidence, Posture & Mental Health20:30 - Speaking in the Digital Age25:10 - Finding Focus and Being Present29:40 - Silence as a Tool for Authority32:30 - Social Media & Punchy Communication36:00 - Why One-on-One Coaching Works42:00 - Cultural Differences in Speaking Anxiety45:00 - Storytelling Influences & Classic Cinema48:30 - Where to Begin as a Speaker50:30 - Rehearsal Techniques and Rituals54:00 - Poetry and Children’s Stories as Practice59:00 - Audiobooks and Vocabulary Growth01:01:00 - Final Thoughts and TakeawaysFind Myles on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/speakwellcoaching/This is the Active Life Podcast where two fitness professionals with decades of experience tell their stories and hope to give you some tips and insights into what it takes to be successful for you and your clients.Follow Larry Gaier - https://www.instagram.com/larry_thehuman/Follow Cody Ringle - https://www.instagram.com/cody_ringle/Follow our main channel - https://www.youtube.com/theactivelifeActive Life Professionals help people who won’t take “if it hurts, don’t do it” for an answer. Want to learn how to get out of pain without giving up your active life, go to https://activelifeprofessional.com/find-a-pro-near-me/ Are you a coach or trainer who wants to learn how to build a fulfilling coaching business helping people get out of pain without giving up their active life? Head to https://activelifeprofessional.com/al-p-coaching-program/ Follow Dr. Sean Pastuch @ https://www.instagram.com/drseanpastuch/ Follow Active Life RX @ https://www.instagram.com/activeliferx/ Follow Active Life Professional @ https://www.instagram.com/activelifeprofessional

After years of overworking and undervaluing herself in traditional fitness and corporate jobs, Weezy made the leap that changed everything. This episode dives into her inspiring journey of betting on herself, from leaving a stable insurance job to facing burnout as a coach, and eventually finding success through authenticity and strategic risk. Larry unpacks the real, raw story of how Weezy and her husband, Ted, navigated career shifts, parenting, postpartum challenges, and career-building to design a life they actually love.Weezy shares how her breaking point—marked by a toxic gym environment and a dismissive boss—became her breakthrough. With Ted's unwavering support (even becoming a certified coach to cover her classes during pregnancy), she decided to "fuck around and find out" if she could truly make it on her own. Spoiler: she did. From reclaiming her time with her kids to building a business around clients she’s passionate about, Weezy now runs a thriving practice serving women in motherhood transitions.If you're someone sitting on the edge of a big decision, unsure whether it’s the right time to leap, Weezy’s story is your sign. This episode is packed with lessons on self-belief, value alignment, and how failing fast can be the key to sustainable success.This is the Active Life Podcast where two fitness professionals with decades of experience tell their stories and hope to give you some tips and insights into what it takes to be successful for you and your clients.Follow Weezy - https://www.instagram.com/coachweezFollow Larry Gaier -https://www.instagram.com/larry_thehuman/Follow Cody Ringle - https://www.instagram.com/cody_ringle/Active Life Professionals help people who won’t take “if it hurts, don’t do it” for an answer. Want to learn how to get out of pain without giving up your active life, go to https://activelifeprofessional.com/find-a-pro-near-me/Are you a coach or trainer who wants to learn how to build a fulfilling coaching business helping people get out of pain without giving up their active life? Head to https://activelifeprofessional.com/al-p-coaching-program/Follow Dr. Sean Pastuch @ https://www.instagram.com/drseanpastuch/Follow Active Life RX @ https://www.instagram.com/activeliferx/Follow Active Life Professional @ https://www.instagram.com/activelifeprofessional

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, Cody and Larry break down the key beliefs and behaviors that separate the world’s best salespeople from the rest. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, mindset, and how top sales professionals approach objections, pricing, and the psychology of decision-making. The conversation explores why sales is not about manipulation but about helping people make the best choices for themselves—even when that means not making a sale.If you’ve ever struggled with overcoming objections, felt hesitant about asking for the sale, or wondered how to instill confidence in your prospects, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can transform your approach. Larry also drops some powerful mindset shifts that redefine what it means to “help” a prospect, challenging the common misconceptions around empathy, confidence, and allowing people to bet on themselves.Key Takeaways: • Sales is a collaborative process—not a battle between salesperson and prospect. • The best salespeople expect “I’m not sure” as part of the process and know how to navigate it. • Obstacles vs. Objections – knowing the difference changes everything. • Why you should be proud of sticker shock instead of backing down. • “Let me think about it” is a sign of missing information, not indecision. • Your best sales tool is belief—your own conviction will transfer to the buyer. • People don’t come back later—help them decide now. • You are not responsible for deciding how someone spends their money—give them the chance to bet on themselves.By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on sales, along with practical strategies to increase your close rate while maintaining integrity. If you’re serious about improving your sales skills, you won’t want to miss this one.

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, Cody and Larry dive deep into the biggest turnoffs that can drive clients away from coaches and trainers. They discuss the subtle but powerful behaviors that can ruin trust, engagement, and professionalism in the fitness industry. From showing up late and being unprepared to working out with clients and oversharing personal details, these common mistakes can significantly impact a coach’s credibility and success. The duo emphasizes the importance of professionalism, intentionality, and client-centered service to build long-term relationships and a thriving coaching business. If you’re a coach or trainer looking to level up your client experience and avoid these pitfalls, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, Cody and Larry break down the fundamental mistakes that keep salespeople from success. They tackle the misconceptions around money, confidence in selling, and the mindset barriers that prevent professionals from making ethical, high-value sales. They also discuss the dangers of prioritizing personal needs over client success, the problem with “commission breath,” and why pushing people outside their comfort zones is not a bad thing. If you’ve ever struggled with sales or felt guilty asking for money, this episode will help reframe your mindset for growth.

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody reveal the often-overlooked strategy that increases client lifetime value and transforms the way coaches structure their businesses. They dive into why most trainers struggle with retention, the key mindset shift required for long-term client relationships, and the importance of creating a clear client journey. By setting expectations and mapping out a structured plan, coaches can dramatically improve their confidence in sales, while giving clients clarity and motivation to commit. If you want to stop clients from leaving too soon and start building a thriving coaching business, this episode is for you.🎯 Key Topics Discussed: Why most trainers fail at long-term client retention. The #1 mistake coaches make when trying to keep clients. How to structure a clear client journey for better results. Why setting clear timelines and success markers is crucial. How to create a system where clients want—not need—to stay. The difference between value-based retention vs. forcing commitment. Real-world examples of client retention done right.

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we dive deep into the reasons why some fitness professionals easily charge premium rates while others struggle to make ends meet. Host Larry and guest Cody discuss the two main paths trainers take—technical mastery and business acumen—and why neither alone is enough to build a sustainable career. They uncover the critical mistakes many trainers make, why clients often shop based on price rather than value, and how to position yourself as an irreplaceable coach in a crowded industry. If you’ve ever wondered why some coaches make six figures while others burn out, this episode is a must-listen.🎯 Key Topics Discussed: The difference between $150-per-session coaches and $50-per-session trainers. Why most trainers focus on the wrong things when trying to build their careers. The two essential factors that separate thriving professionals from struggling ones. Real-world examples of client needs and how to deliver undeniable value. The danger of positioning yourself as a commodity in the fitness industry. How to bridge the gap between fitness and healthcare to become indispensable.

In this episode ofThe Active Life Podcast, the hosts tackle one of the most common challenges for fitness professionals:Where do I find my clients? They break down the reality of client acquisition, emphasizing that if you don't have unlimited money and time to burn on ads, the only way forward is through quality conversations. This discussion provides a wake-up call to those who are hesitant about outreach and offers a step-by-step approach to finding the right clients without relying on expensive marketing strategies.The episode introduces thefour primary client sources that every coach should focus on: past clients, current clients, prospective individuals, and referrals. The hosts share a powerful success story of a coach who re-engaged past clients and grew his revenue by thousands with just a few emails. They also highlight the missed opportunities that many coaches overlook, such as upselling services to existing clients and leveraging their personal networks. With practical strategies and real-world applications, this episode provides a roadmap for coaches looking to fill their books with the right clients.Listeners will walk away with anactionable exercise to categorize potential clients and start meaningful conversations today. Whether you're a new coach trying to build momentum or an experienced professional looking for growth strategies, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you generate business immediately.

In this episode ofThe Active Life Podcast, the hosts dive into one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of running a successful coaching business: selecting the right clients. They break down why saying "yes" to every client isn't always the best move and how being intentional about who you work with can lead to better results for both you and your clients. The conversation goes beyond generic marketing tactics and instead focuses on the deeper reasons why trainers and gym owners should prioritize working with people they are genuinely excited to help.The hosts explore the benefits of choosing the right clients, such as increased energy, better service delivery, and long-term business growth. They also highlight the costs of taking on the wrong clients—lack of fulfillment, frustration, and ultimately a diminished reputation. If you've ever felt drained after working with a client who isn't the right fit, this episode provides valuable insights and practical steps to shift your business towards working with those who inspire you.To make it actionable, they outline a powerful exercise for identifying your ideal and non-ideal clients. They also discuss the importance of building a referral network, ensuring that when you say "no" to a client, you’re still providing them value by directing them to the right professional. Whether you're a new coach or an experienced trainer, this episode will help you refine your approach and build a more sustainable and fulfilling business.

In this episode ofThe Active Life Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the critical mindset shift from victim mentality to a creator mindset. They explore how our habitual thought patterns shape our perspectives and behaviors, breaking down the key differences between these two approaches to life. By examining the "Drama Triangle" and its inverse, the "Empowerment Triangle," they highlight how individuals often play roles of victim, hero, or villain—and how they can shift toward becoming creators, coaches, and challengers.Listeners will learn how the victim mentality keeps people stuck in fear, powerlessness, and dependence on external circumstances, while the creator mindset fosters responsibility, action, and personal growth. The discussion also uncovers the hidden dangers of the "hero" role, especially in coaching and leadership, and offers insights into how real empowerment comes from guiding, rather than saving, others. Through practical examples, including a powerful personal story of resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, this episode offers a framework for recognizing where we stand and how we can intentionally shift toward an empowered, action-driven mindset.To wrap up, the hosts provide actionable steps for listeners: identifying where they currently operate within these mental frameworks, finding mentors or coaches who can guide them, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or simply someone looking to take ownership of your life, this conversation will inspire you to move from reactive to intentional living.