Fitness Education Online Podcast I For Personal Trainers, Fitness Professionals, Gym Owners & the Fitness Industry
Fitness Education Online are one of the largest providers in world when it comes to online CEC / CEU courses for Fitness Professionals. This podcast is a free resource for Personal Trainers, Bootcamp Operators, Group Fitness Instructors, Gym / Studio Owners and anyone else in the Fitness Industry who is looking to up skill their knowledge. Every week your hosts Jono Petrohilos and Travis Mattern will interview a different expert in the Fitness Industry who will share their expertise and give actionable tips that a Fitness Professional can implement immediately. Fitness Education Online also have one of the largest Facebook Groups in...
From burnout to building a team: Courtney Kerrigan on coaching, leadership and growth
On this episode of the Fitness Education Online podcast, we’re joined by Courtney Kerrigan, Fitness Operations Coordinator and Team Lead at AUT and owner of Fitstop Albany, the first Fitstop in Auckland.
Courtney shares her winding path into the industry, from studying architecture and working in event management to group classes, PT, education and a burnout that changed how she saw her place in fitness. She also gives us a sneak peek into Hybrid Engine, the program she created to bring strength and metcon training to the everyday athlete in a way that’s simple to lear...
Your Nana's favourite trainer - How Josie built a successful business training older adults.
Josie Lock is an exercise physiologist and personal trainer who's spent the past six years running her own business, Healthy Habits Exercise Physiology, out of Anytime Fitness Brighton SA. In this episode she takes us back to where it all started, from watching her mum struggle with chronic illness growing up, to a university placement at a gym built entirely for older adults that changed the direction of her whole career. What began as something she fell into has become a genuine niche and a business she's incredibly proud of.
We get into the real business side...
Building Perth's Biggest Fitness Festival, with Joanne Finkelstein
On the podcast today, Bex is joined by Joanne Finkelstein, co-founder of Expro, Perth's biggest fitness summit and festival. Joanne's path into the industry started in dance before shifting through sports science, healthcare and disease prevention, eventually landing in fitness education in Singapore, where she first launched Expro as the region's leading industry conference. In 2024 she brought the concept to Australia, reimagining it as something Perth had never seen before, a fitness convention merged with an outdoor festival on Scarborough Beach.
In this episode Joanne unpacks what makes Expro different, from the invite only Pro Summit day...
From Dedicated Member to Coach Mentor with Cat Christ
In this episode, Bex chats with Catherine "Cat" Christ, Group Fitness Coordinator and PT at Fernwood Fitness North Lakes and Morayfield, and finalist for both Personal Trainer of the Year and Group Exercise Instructor and/or Leader of the Year at the 2026 AUSactive Awards. Cat shares how her fitness journey started as a Fernwood member, losing over 30 kilos before taking a reception job and eventually training as a Les Mills instructor, a leap she describes as far more intense than it looked from the outside.
She talks about her shift into pre and postnatal coaching, born...
From Flyers to Finalist with Sharri Castellari
In this episode, Bex sits down with Sharri Castellari, founder of Tathra Beach Personal Training Studio and finalist in three categories at the 2026 AUSactive Awards, Personal Trainer of the Year, People's Choice Registered Professional of the Year and People's Choice Small Business of the Year. Sharri shares her journey from a self described non gym person putting up flyers around her small town, to taking the leap on her own studio years later.
She talks about the connection she's built with her community, including a group of her old high school teachers who now train with her...
Boot Camp, Community and Chasing Dreams with Steph McKay
In this episode, Bex chats with Steph McKay, owner of Chasing Dreams Fitness in Tamworth and a familiar face in the Fitness Education Online community running The Bootcamp Hub. Steph shares how she went from avoiding school sport altogether to building a ladies only outdoor boot camp community, and why she was so shocked to find out she'd been named a finalist for both Personal Trainer of the Year and Group Fitness of the Year at the 2026 AUSactive Awards.
Steph talks through what a typical day looks like juggling boot camp sessions with her work in real...
Simplify to Amplify with Mojo Mentor Loz Antonenko
In this episode, Bex sits down with Loz Antonenko, also known as the Mojo Mentor, a coach, author of the Amazon number one bestseller "Get the F*ck Unstuck," and finalist for both Personal Trainer of the Year and Pilates Professional of the Year at the 2026 AUSactive Awards. Loz shares the raw, honest story behind her work, from being diagnosed with a serious autoimmune condition at university, to building a successful business, to the years of grief, loss and burnout that followed, including the loss of her husband and a period of competitive bodybuilding that spiralled into orthorexia and...
Building & Successful Fitness Business & Client Relationships That Last Decades with Steven Halligan
In this episode, Bex sits down with Steven Halligan, an online fitness trainer with over 30 years in the industry, from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, London and back, through a studio, 12 week challenges and eventually a full pivot to online training during COVID, when he became the national trainer for Weight Watchers Australia and New Zealand. Steven's now trained clients in 40 countries and reflects on what's really set him apart along the way, and allowed him to build connections that have meant he’s been training some of this clientes for over two decades.Â
Steven talks candidly about the...
Business, babies, and barbells with AUSactive Finalist Caterina Bozzi
In this episode, Bex sits down with Caterina Bozzi, prenatal and postnatal fitness coach and founder of Collective Fitness Yoga, a women's only gym in Mildura, Victoria. Caterina has been named a finalist for Personal Trainer of the Year at the 2026 AUSactive Awards, an award she also won back in 2023, this time reflecting the work she has done since becoming a mum to triplets.
Caterina shares how she got into the industry as a teenager, her typical week juggling private clients, running the business and family life, and the moment she almost stepped away before deciding to...
How Kate Morris Went From Losing 80% of Her Business Overnight to Building Multi-Million Dollar Brands
On the podcast today we have Kate Morris, a nutritionist, online PT and business mentor who has built a multi-million dollar coaching business entirely through organic content, and whose podcast Oi Let's Talk is currently charted number four in Australian Health and Fitness. Kate shares the full story behind her career, from the gym floor with no clients and $300 in rent hanging over her head, to losing 80% of her business overnight when COVID hit, to scaling from 10 to 110 clients within three months of going online.
She talks candidly about the fear and imposter syndrome that...
Stop Delivering a Service. Start Creating an Experience - With Dan Williams
Dan Williams is an accredited exercise physiologist, founder of Perth-based Range of Motion (20 years strong), and business mentor. In this episode he introduces Gobsmack Consulting, a practical framework for turning ordinary client touchpoints into experiences people actually talk about.
Most fitness professionals are delivering a good service, but good service is just the cost of entry. Dan walks through how to map every client touchpoint, identify the pits and the forgettable middle, and redesign them into moments that create a genuine emotional response.Â
The big takeaway: in an AI-driven world where everything is b...
The Lead Gen Playbook with Dan Henderson
In this episode, Bex is joined by fitness business coach Dan Henderson for his third appearance on the podcast. Dan has spent nearly two decades in the fitness industry, building multiple businesses including Filex, Australia's largest fitness conference, and now helps gym owners and fitness professionals add $10 to $50k a month to their revenue while working less.
Dan breaks down his six lead flow system for face to face PTs, gyms and studios, dives into what makes an offer actually convert right now, and shares why sorting your packaging and pricing...
From Overwhelmed to Automated: AI for Fitness Pros with Claudia Li
In this episode Bex sits down with Claudia Li, Head of Marketing at FEO and creator of the first ever AI course for the fitness industry. If AI feels overwhelming or you have no idea where to start, this is the one for you. Claudia explains why Claude is so different to the chatbots most of us are used to, and how it can actually do the work for you, from drafting client emails to building programs, eBooks, carousels and reports.
Bex and Claudia cover the simple first steps for anyone brand new to Claude, how...
20 Years of Pre & Postal Natal Training with Calum Wilson
In this episode, Bex sits down with Calum Wilson, founder of Bump Health and one of Australia's most experienced pre and postnatal coaches. With over 20 years specialising in this space and thousands of mums trained, Calum is on a mission to make expert level support accessible to more women, and to upskill the PTs working with them.
Calum unpacks the biggest myths still floating around about training during pregnancy, how programming should actually shift through each trimester, and why the 6 week GP clearance isn't the green light most PTs think it is. He shares what trainers...
How These Aussie Business Coaches Are Helping Health Coaches Hit $20k+ Months with James Fleming
You've done the study, you've got the qualification - now what? Bex sits down with James Fleming from the Health Coach Growth Hub, a business built to help health and wellness coaches crack the online space, sign clients, and get paid what they're worth. James and his wife Mikaela run both a health coaching business and a coaching business for coaches, so everything they share comes from real-world experience.
In this episode they dig into the three things most coaches get wrong from the start - pricing, service structure, and marketing - and what to do...
Lessons from Nearly 40 Years in Fitness with Joy Flint
In this episode, Bex is joined by Joy Flint - gym owner, IFBB competitor, coach, and mentor - to explore what it really means to build a life, not just a business, in the fitness industry. Joy shares what's changed across nearly four decades in the industry, why she believes coaching has gotten too fluffy, and how staying connected to your "why" is what separates the coaches who last from the ones who don't.
Together they discuss why retention comes down to genuine relationships, how to train for longevity rather than aesthetics, and what coaches need...
The Power of Niching Down with George Varvaressos
George Varvaressos of Metamorph Physique went from 150kg to the bodybuilding stage, and built an online coaching business by doing one thing a lot of coaches are scared to do: niching down. In this episode he shares how leaning into his Greek culture completely changed his business, and why being authentic on camera will always beat a polished content strategy.
We also get into client retention, building real human connection in an online world, and why grinding for the long game is the game worth playing.
Connect with George: @george_metamorph
Listen to his podcast...
The Shift Toward More Freedom in Fitness with Loz Marie
In this episode, Bex is joined by Loz Marie, a personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, to chat about career progression beyond the gym floor and what it can look like to build more flexibility, impact, and sustainability as a coach.
They discuss the shift happening across the industry, why trainers are no longer just delivering programs, and how creating leverage in your career can open the door to more freedom and long-term opportunity.
Connect with Loz: @loz.marie_
Check out this weeks...
The Missing Piece in Fat Loss and Performance with Sofia Shahrokhey
In this episode, Bex is joined by fitness coach Sophia Shahrokhey to explore how the nervous system influences fat loss, muscle building, and overall performance. Sophia shares how stress, recovery, sleep, and lifestyle factors can impact a client’s ability to get results — even when they’re consistent with training and nutrition.
Together they discuss the signs of nervous system dysregulation, why pushing harder isn’t always the answer, and how coaches can take a more holistic approach to help clients achieve better, more sustainable results.
Connect with Sofia: https://www.instagram.com/coaching_with_sof...
The Business Lessons Every PT Needs to Know with Tye Arnett
In this episode of the Fitness Education Online Podcast, Bex sits down with Tye Arnett from Simple Gym Co to discuss what it really takes to build a long-term, sustainable career in the fitness industry.
With more than 25 years of experience, Tye shares insights on the foundations that help gyms and personal trainers succeed, including strong systems, clear culture, and consistent service. The conversation explores common mistakes fitness businesses make with marketing and lead follow-up, why retention should be a major focus, and how coaches can simplify their content and messaging to connect with the right...
What 13 Years of Gym Ownership Can Teach You - with Wayne Li
In this episode of the Fitness Education Online Podcast, Bex sits down with Wayne Li, founder of Training Day Gym, to explore what it really takes to build a long-term gym business.
Wayne shares his journey from opening his first facility at 22 with $30,000 in savings to now leading a 30+ person team across multiple locations in Melbourne — all bootstrapped and built through grit, continuous learning, and a strong focus on culture. They discuss the realities of gym ownership, from sales and marketing pressure to leadership challenges, becoming the bottleneck in your own business, and building systems that al...
The Rental Gym Playbook with Chris Duncan
In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Duncan, founder of Rental Gym Mentors, to talk all things rental model personal training.
Chris shares his journey through the fitness industry and breaks down the biggest mistakes PTs make when entering rent-based gyms. We discuss lead generation on the gym floor, sales, tracking the right numbers, pricing properly, and why being busy doesn’t always mean being profitable.
We also dive into what scaling actually looks like in an in-person PT business, how to increase income without burning out, and why retention and valu...
How Ryan & Eilish Help PTs Hit $3–5K Months Without High Ticket
In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan and Eilish from creators of The Fitness Solopreneur, where they help PTs and coaches build consistent $3–5K months through simple, subscription-based online coaching.
We talk about their journey from high-ticket coaching to a more sustainable model, the biggest mistakes PTs make when moving online, and why clarity, consistency, and simple systems matter more than complicated strategies. We also dive into content, niching, and how to have genuine sales conversations without feeling pushy or “salesy.”
If you’re wanting to take your coaching online and build something...
How Blake makes over $700K in revenue with his PT business with Blake Randall
In this episode of the Fitness Education Online Podcast, Bex Lock is joined by Blake Randall, Director of Inner Power Coaching, to break down how he has built a PT career generating over $700K in revenue.
Blake shares his journey from entering the industry straight out of high school to building a multi-location business across South East Queensland, and reflects on the early challenges that shaped his long-term success. He explains how focusing on systems, numbers, and consistency — rather than constantly chasing new ideas — has been key to scaling sustainably.
The conversation covers Blak...
How Merinda O’Brien Built a 45-Client Hybrid Strength Coaching Business
In this episode, Bex chats with Merinda O’Brien, Head Coach at Generation Strength and elite strength coach, about building a sustainable online coaching business. Merinda shares her journey into the fitness industry, how her business evolved organically into supporting over 45 online clients, and what’s helped her maintain coaching quality and long-term client relationships.
This episode is a great listen for coaches looking to grow online in a way that’s sustainable, professional, and aligned with high standards.
Where to find Merinda:
Instagram: @coach_merinda_obrienÂ
Business: Generation Strength
If you’re a coac...
Career Pathways in Fitness You Didn’t Know Existed with Bekk Millwood
To kick off the first FEO Podcast episode of 2026, Bex is joined by Bekk Millwood,
 Founder & Head of Talent Acquisition at Fitness Lifestyle International. With nearly 30 years in the fitness industry and close to a decade in recruitment, Bekk shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry has evolved - and why there are now more career opportunities than ever beyond “just PT”.
They cover what employers are really looking for, common mistakes people make when applying for roles, how to stand out even as a student or newly qualified trainer, and how to build...
The Missing Link in Client Results: Stress, Gut Health & Recovery with Anthony Masino
In this episode, Bex is joined by Anthony Massino - functional nutritionist, strength & conditioning specialist, and AUSactive Exercise Professional of the Year 2025 - to explore what a genuinely holistic approach to health and performance looks like, and why it’s becoming essential for personal trainers.
In this conversation, Anthony breaks down the most common factors he sees holding clients back, including blood sugar dysregulation, gut dysfunction, and stress-related HPA axis imbalance. He explains how chronic stress can quietly impact digestion, recovery, sleep, inflammation, mood, and overall resilience - even when training and nutrition appear “on track.”
<...
The Anti-Influencer Content Strategy That Actually Converts with Dave POW Tabain
In this episode of the Fitness Education Online Podcast, Bex sits down with Dave POW Tabain - three-time world kettlebell champion, coach, and mentor - to talk about building a coaching business that actually feels aligned.
Dave shares his journey from running a kettlebell gym out of a backyard shed to creating multiple successful businesses, and why burnout, identity shifts, and starting again were never failures - but part of the process.Â
The conversation then shifts into Dave’s simple B-roll content strategy - a way for personal trainers and coaches to grow their online pre...
How Jenna Cooper Helps In-Gym PTs Grow to $3K+ Weeks Without Working More Hours
 In this episode, Bex chats with PT business mentor Jenna Cooper, who helps in-gym PTs grow to $3K+ weeks using a simple model that doesn’t require more time on the gym floor.
Jenna shares how she went from burnout to building multiple six-figure coaching businesses - and the exact approach she now teaches female PTs to scale sustainably.
We cover:
Jenna’s journey from gym-floor grind to business mentorWhy great trainers still burn out (and how to avoid it)The model that helps PTs reach $3K+ weeks: free session → 1:1 → small groups → onlineHow to run consu...
PT Success 101: Business, Culture & Clients with Alex Campbell
PT Success 101: Business, Culture & Clients with Alex Campbell
In this episode, Bex sits down with Alex Campbell, Cluster PT Manager for Club Lime in Brisbane. With more than a decade of experience across roles from PT to club manager, Alex now mentors trainers across multiple gyms and helps them build sustainable, successful careers.
Alex shares what really separates PTs who thrive from those who struggle to gain traction. He talks about the mindset shift from simply loving training to thinking like a business owner, the importance of social skills and ethical selling...
How this young Aussie makes $200k p/month as an online fitness coach with Jayde Wilmott
In this episode, Jono Petrohilos interviews Jade Wilmott, a highly successful online fitness coach and mentor. Jade shares her journey from being a flight attendant to building a multi-million dollar online fitness business, Fit Tribe. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and the strategies that helped her scale her business. Jade emphasizes the significance of sales in business and offers valuable insights for aspiring fitness professionals. The conversation highlights the realities of entrepreneurship, the need for clarity in business offerings, and the importance of finding joy in one's work.
Join Jaydes...
Ep 259: Inside-Out Coaching - What PT’s Are Missing with Shannon Hawkey
I’m joined by Shannon Hawkey - Regional PT Manager at Jetts New Zealand, Holistic Nutritionist and Soul Alignment Life Coach. With 20+ years in the industry, Shannon shows trainers how to coach beyond programs and macros so clients actually change. We cover: building awareness without the “woo,” why women aren’t “small men,” habits that separate great PTs, simple rituals that keep coaches grounded, and how to bring mindset/holistic work into your practice the right way. If you want better retention and real outcomes, this one’s for you.
Connect with Shannon:Â
IG @empower_her_holistic_coach ...Ep 258: What PT’s Need To Know About Gut Health & Fat Loss with Zoe Jett Black Lee
In this episode, Zoe Jett Black Lee (Female Transformation Coach) joins me to unpack how gut health and stress play a huge role in your clients’ fat loss results - and what every coach should know before putting a client into a deficit.
We cover how chronic stress, under-eating, and poor food diversity can impact digestion, recovery, and hormones - and how those factors can stall progress in a physique phase. Zoe also shares practical, within-scope strategies for PTs to help clients support their gut, regulate stress, and approach fat loss in a way that’s both effe...
Ep 257: Peptide Medicine & the Future of Health — A Conversation with Ted McGill
Episode Summary:
 In this episode, Travis speaks with Ted McGill, founder of Biov8, a company specialising in peptide therapeutics and advanced health solutions. The discussion explores the emerging field of peptide medicine — what peptides are, how they work, and the evidence behind their various applications. Ted shares insights on peptide use and efficacy, how they relate to GLP-1 medications, and why uptake among medical professionals has been relatively slow despite promising results. The conversation also looks ahead to future innovations and potential uses for peptides in recovery, longevity, and performance.
Disclaimer: Ted McGill is not a doc...
Ep 256: Global Policies on Obesity and the Future Role of GLP-1s with Professor Boyd Swinburn
In this episode, Travis speaks with Professor Boyd Swinburn, Professor of Population Nutrition and Global Health at the University of Auckland and a leading international expert on obesity prevention. The conversation covers the global rise in obesity, the policy approaches different countries are using to combat it, and the drivers that make modern environments so obesogenic. Boyd also shares his perspective on how GLP-1 medications might influence public health policy and what role they could play in the future of obesity management worldwide.
Ep 255: Future-Proofing PT’s: Leadership, AI & Opportunity with Robbie Mattei
In this episode, Bex speaks with Robbie Mattei, owner of Vision Personal Training St Leonards and Marrickville. Robbie shares his journey from arriving in Sydney with just $3,000 to becoming a multi-studio owner. The conversation explores the mindset and habits that helped him succeed, the qualities PTs need to step into leadership, and how to build strong culture and community. Robbie also discusses the role of ongoing education, the importance of nutrition in client results, and how AI will shape the future of the fitness industry.
Ep 254: GLP-1s and the Future of Weight Loss: Guidance for Personal Trainers
In this episode, Travis speaks with Richard Beddie from Exercise New Zealand, a leading voice in the fitness industry. The conversation explores how GLP-1 medications have changed the landscape of weight loss and what that means for personal trainers. Richard shares insights on how trainers can support clients who are using GLP-1s while staying within their professional scope of practice, from setting realistic expectations to monitoring progress and knowing when to collaborate with other health professionals
Ep 253: Building Resilient Bodies with Core Foundations with Regan Zemponia
Building Resilient Bodies with Core Foundations
In this episode of the Fitness Education Online Podcast, Bex sits down with Regan Zemponia, founder of Core Foundations PT in Victoria. With over a decade in the industry, Regan has carved out a niche helping everyday people move better, stay injury-free, and build long-term resilience through biomechanics, postural restoration, nutrition, and recovery tools.
Regan shares how his journey from corporate sales into fitness led him to create a training approach that prioritises longevity over short-term gains. Together, we unpack why so many traditional training methods reinforce...
Ep 252: How Brandon went from struggling PT to owning 5 gyms
In this episode, Jono Petrohilos interviews Brandon Hasick, a successful gym owner and business coach. Brandon shares his journey from studying sports science to owning multiple gyms and helping others in the fitness industry. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges he faced in his early career, and the strategies he used to build a thriving business. Brandon emphasizes the significance of systemizing operations and the lessons learned from failures. He now focuses on coaching and mentoring personal trainers, sharing his insights on client acquisition and business growth.
https://www.instagram.com/businessbybrando<...
Ep 251: How to fix your online business with Cam Gilfillan
In this episode of the Fitness Education Online Podcast, host Jono Petrohilos interviews Cam Gilfillan, a business development expert for online coaches. Cam shares his journey from being a business development manager to helping fitness professionals improve their marketing and business strategies. He discusses the importance of coaching quality, lead generation, and retention strategies, as well as the role of mentorship in his success. The conversation provides valuable insights for aspiring coaches and entrepreneurs looking to enhance their business acumen.
https://www.instagram.com/camgilfillan
