In this episode, Eric sits down with Jason McCarthy, founder of GoRuck, to discuss the evolution of the brand and its impact on the fitness community. Jason shares his origin story, from serving in the Army Special Forces and learning the way of the ruck, to creating a go bag for his wife while she was in the CIA and eventually founding GoRuck. He touches on the brand’s philosophy of applying Special Forces mindset to the broader community and emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and social connections in building a healthy society. The conversation also explores GoRuck’s various business segments, including gear, events, footwear, and apparel, and highlights the company’s recent collaboration with CrossFit   Episode Highlights: Jason McCarthy's Military Background The Birth of GORUCK The GORUCK Challenge Special Forces Mindset Community and Team Building Expanding GORUCK's Mission The Business of GORUCK The GORUCK Selection Event The Mental Attitude for Success The Importance of Community in Fitness Personal Journey and Camaraderie Building Real-World Connections The Concept of Social Fitness Partnership with CrossFit Challenges and Mission of GORUCK https://podcastcollective.io/ https://www.goruck.com/  

In this episode, Eric welcomes Saeju Jeong, co-founder of Noom, to discuss the future of fitness and health. Saeju shares insights from his 18 years of experience leading Noom, a company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through behavioral changes and technology. They delve into the importance of psychology in building healthy habits, Noom's innovative approach to weight loss using GLP-1 medications, and the potential of technology to make personalized health coaching accessible to all. Saeju also discusses the company's journey, their growth strategy, and the role of partnerships in the digital healthcare landscape. This comprehensive discussion offers a deep dive into the evolving digital health industry and Noom's mission to empower healthier living. Episode Highligths: Diving into Noom's Journey Music and Entrepreneurship Noom's Mission and Vision User Experience and Psychology Behavior Change and Long Surveys Medical Weight Loss and GLP-1 The Benefits of Technology in Healthcare Noom's Approach to Fitness and Weight Loss Telehealth and Scalability Challenges and Opportunities with GLP-1 The Importance of Healthy Habits Noom's Market Position and Partnerships Future of Personalized Health and Technology LINKS https://www.noom.com/ wodify.com https://podcastcollective.io/      

In this episode, host Eric welcomes Brendan Rice from Wodify to discuss the evolving landscape of the fitness industry. Brendan talks about his journey from startup enthusiast to CEO of Wodify, a major software company in the fitness space. The conversation delves into the importance of customer retention, AI's role in fitness, and the unique challenges faced by gym owners, particularly in the CrossFit space. Brendan also shares insights into how Wodify's technology enhances client engagement and gym profitability. Additionally, they explore the benefits of cross-industry learning and the potential of advanced software to revolutionize gym management. The podcast wraps up with Brendan emphasizing the value of feedback and connection with the fitness community. Episode Highlights: From Startups to CEO: Brendan's Entrepreneurial Path The Evolution of Brendan's Role at Wodify Driving Gym Retention and Profitability with Wodify CrossFit's Financial Challenges and Solutions Creating Exceptional Client Experiences for Growth Expanding Beyond CrossFit: Wodify's Diverse Impact Exploring the Impact of Wodify in Diverse Fitness Communities The Surprising Overlap Between CrossFit and Jujitsu Leveraging Technology to Enhance Jujitsu Training Cross-Pollination of Ideas Across Fitness Verticals The Importance of Networking and Learning from Other Industries Embracing Technology and AI in the Fitness Industry The Future of Fitness: Human-Centric Approaches and Technological Innovations https://www.wodify.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/  

In this episode of the Future of Fitness, host Eric Malzone sits down with Forrest Smith, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of a company pioneering the use of red light and laser therapy for neuromuscular pain and inflammation. Forrest shares his journey from starting multiple startups to founding a company focused on creating systemic health and wellness solutions. He explains the science behind their innovative device, which aims to make laser therapy more accessible by reducing costs and making it wearable. Discover how this technology can potentially replace traditional pain management methods like NSAIDs, offering a safer and more effective alternative.   LINKS: https://www.wodify.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/  

Join the insightful conversation with Adam Menner, a seasoned gym owner and consultant, as he reveals the secrets to scaling a fitness business through servant leadership. Discover his journey from intern to successful gym owner, focusing on core service offerings and technology integration. Learn about quality control, effective recruiting, client demographics, and delivering a holistic client experience. Gain practical tips and strategies from Adam's experience in the fitness industry.

Eric Malzone sits down with Brian Furey from Nature's Fynd, discussing the innovative development of high-protein food from fungi discovered in Yellowstone Park. Brian shares his journey, from working in biochemistry and natural products to joining Nature's Fynd, a company focused on sustainable, rapid-growth food sources that could revolutionize our food supply. They delve into the discovery of unique fungi capable of producing high-protein content in extreme environments, their potential for global food security, and its nutritional benefits compared to traditional sources. Moreover, they cover the significant impact on sustainability, the company's rapid funding and product development success, and the encouraging regulatory process with the FDA. The talk also explores the future of food, touching on the possibilities of licensing the technology globally and the importance of continuing research, particularly within the fitness and wellness community.   LINKS https://www.wodify.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/ 

In this episode, Eric Malzone engages into conversation with Chris Craytor to discuss the future of the fitness industry, touching upon various topics including innovations in health clubs, the importance of social connections, and the impact of third-party payer programs. Chris shares insights from a recent event in Los Angeles that highlighted the industry's growth and enthusiasm post-COVID. They delve into the rebranding of the health and fitness association, examining the integration of health in fitness facilities and how the industry can connect to the larger healthcare sector. The conversation also covers strategies for engaging members through personalization, technology, and creating a strong community within clubs. Additionally, Chris gives an overview of Well Health and its role in facilitating third-party payments and insurance programs for fitness services, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing payment models and catering to various member demographics.   LINKS: https://www.wodify.com/  https://podcastcollective.io/ 

In this engaging podcast episode, Robb Wolf, a prominent figure in the fitness and health industry, talks about how societal perceptions of aging and longevity have evolved, the role of lifestyle choices in health, and introduces an interesting discussion on GLP-1s in the context of obesity treatment. He shares insights from his experience in fitness coaching, emphasizing the importance of sleep, diet, and exercise in improving quality of life. Wolf also delves into his entrepreneurial journey with Element's electrolyte brand, highlighting its success and future directions, including sustainability initiatives like land acquisition for conservation and investment in nuclear energy as a sustainable power source. Additionally, Wolf reflects on his experiences with popular media figures like Joe Rogan and Tim Ferris, offering advice on building credibility and trust over time.   LINKS: https://www.wodify.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/ 

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Duey, co-founder and CEO of Plunge, discusses the growth and evolution of his business in the wellness industry, focusing on cold plunges and saunas. Duey reflects on the increasing consumer interest in wellness, evident through growing trends and the adoption of cold and hot therapies. Plunge's vision revolves around making wellness accessible through innovative products, such as their Evolve series, offering varying price points to meet consumer needs. Duey emphasizes the importance of consumer feedback, development of the Plunge app for enhanced user experience. Additionally, he highlights the shift in market demand from high to more accessible price points and introduces new products aimed at democratizing cold plunging.   LINKS: https://www.wodify.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/ 

In this episode, Eric Malzone and Mike Goscinski dive into the Health and Fitness Association's advocacy work and the key issues facing the fitness industry. Goscinski, VP of Government Affairs, stresses the critical role of advocacy in shaping industry policies and discusses initiatives like the FIT Act to integrate physical activity into healthcare. He highlights bipartisan support for such measures and underscores the industry's influence in driving advocacy efforts. The conversation also touches on the association's recent rebranding, membership benefits, and the importance of preventive health measures in addressing national health concerns. Goscinski encourages industry members to get involved in advocacy and shares avenues for engagement via the association's website and social media platforms, aiming to bolster the industry's voice in policy discussions.   LINKS: https://www.wodify.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/