The Active Life Podcast

In this deeply insightful episode, we unpack the profound role emotional intelligence plays in coaching and client success. The discussion opens with a reflection on the "soft skills" that elevate coaching beyond systems and programs. Emotional intelligence is explored not just as a buzzword, but as a functional toolkit—one that allows coaches to become more effective, trustworthy, and transformational.Our hosts explore five practical applications of emotional intelligence: empathetic active listening, regulating emotions in high-pressure situations, building self-awareness, navigating conflict, and adapting communication styles. With rich examples, real-life client stories, and thoughtful frameworks, listeners gain clarity on how to build trust, respond to client needs, and guide behavior change from a place of grounded emotional stability.Whether you're a new trainer or a seasoned coach, this episode offers a compelling case for doing the inner work. As one speaker emphasizes, “Your limit in your efficacy as a coach is going to be in how grounded you can be in the face of someone else’s discomfort.” Tune in to learn how emotional fluency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for lasting client transformation.

In this heart-opening episode of the Active Life Podcast, host Larry Gaier sits down with Esther, a full-time mom of four who transformed her love of fitness into a purpose-driven coaching career—all while homeschooling her children and managing life on a farm.With raw vulnerability and empowering honesty, Esther shares how she overcame imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and logistical hurdles to build a business that not only changes lives, but sets an example for her kids.Esther recounts her journey from fermentation workshops and DIY side gigs to finding the right mentorship through Active Life. She candidly discusses how scary it was to bet on herself despite limited time, no professional coaching background, and the fear of failure. But she also describes how she found strength in community, clarity through action, and confidence by stacking "undeniable evidence" that she was capable of more.From gym sessions surrounded by children to redefining professionalism in the comfort of her own home, Esther shows us that success doesn’t require perfection—it requires purpose, support, and the courage to keep going. This is an episode for every mom, coach, or aspiring entrepreneur who’s ever wondered, "Could I really do this?" Spoiler: yes, you can.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 Ester @ https://www.instagram.com/rooted.EstherFollow 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

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, hosts Larry and Cody dive deep into the mechanics of client retention, revealing where fitness professionals most often lose clients—and how to fix it. Drawing on real data from Active Life’s flagship location, Cody shares that 75% of client attrition happens within the first six months, prompting a discussion about two key systems they've implemented: the Early Win System and the Recommitment Conversation.Listeners will learn practical steps to immediately apply in their coaching businesses, including how to deliver tangible and identity-based wins, how to guide clients through emotional justification, and how to structure powerful future-casting conversations that drive long-term engagement. Cody also emphasizes how even partial implementation of these systems can dramatically improve retention and client satisfaction.If you’re a coach striving to bridge the gap between fitness and healthcare, this episode provides a clear, actionable strategy to boost results, increase loyalty, and build a career where you never have to worry about client turnover again. Don’t forget to download the full AL-P curriculum linked in the show notes.Downloads here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15kIFAPyKFawJC2Aad9Lh4EaYJN2u_Xf_?usp=drive_link

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of the Active Life Podcast, Casey Bennett shares her two-year transformation from an underpaid, overworked CrossFit coach to a thriving professional making a five-figure monthly income—entirely through referrals. Host Larry Gaier gets real with Casey about the emotional rollercoaster she rode while being dismissed as "not having a real job," the burnout of group fitness, and how a commitment to personal and professional development helped her rewrite the narrative.Casey opens up about the pivotal moment she realized no amount of enthusiasm or effort in a group class would ever earn her the respect—or the paycheck—she deserved. The turning point? A shift into personal training and a leap of faith into the Active Life Pro mentorship, where she learned not just how to train more effectively but how to truly believe in herself. With encouragement from her husband, Mick, and a willingness to get uncomfortable, Casey developed new tools, had tough conversations, and embraced her value.Listeners will walk away with raw insights on navigating impostor syndrome, raising prices with integrity, redefining professionalism in the fitness industry, and the power of personal growth. Whether you're a coach stuck at $1,800/month or someone who knows there's more waiting on the other side of fear, this episode is a blueprint for betting on yourself—and winning.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

In this high-value episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry Gaier is joined by Cody to unpack one of the most revolutionary aspects of the Active Life model—how professionals in their facilities can take time off without sacrificing income or business momentum. From guaranteed base salaries and capped floor hours to profit-sharing incentives, the conversation dives deep into how career coaches can finally build a fulfilling, sustainable livelihood.They start by addressing the all-too-common problem of burnout in traditional gym models, where coaches front-load sessions before vacation or lose income altogether. Cody breaks down the tiered compensation structure that allows professionals to earn a consistent income, even while they’re away. This includes a base salary for just 25 hours of work, premium pay for additional sessions, and eventually a share of business profits—all designed to reward quality, not just volume.Whether you’re a gym owner looking to redesign your staff model or a coach dreaming of six-figure potential without 60-hour weeks, this episode lays out how the Active Life system supports professionals with career longevity, client outcomes, and personal freedom—all at once.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

In this inspiring episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry sits down with Shannon, a former orthopedic nurse turned full-time coach, to unpack her unconventional path to career fulfillment. Shannon shares how she left behind a stable, well-respected nursing job—complete with benefits and security—for the unknown world of coaching, all fueled by a deeper desire to help people on a more transformative level.The conversation covers Shannon’s early career in fitness, her leap into healthcare, and the pivotal moment during the pandemic when she closed her gym and pivoted toward nursing. But despite the stability nursing offered, Shannon felt a calling to do more. Her background in movement and passion for preventive care made her yearn for a more proactive way to impact lives. This eventually led her to Active Life’s coaching mentorship, where she found both the tools and personal development she needed to build a thriving business from her garage.Now two years into coaching, Shannon talks openly about the fears she faced, how she found confidence through action, and what it really takes to leave a "secure" career behind. Her clients’ transformative results are proof that when you follow your gut and build with intention, real impact—and income—can follow. If you’re on the edge of a big career pivot, this episode is your blueprint for courage.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

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.