Business Muscle

REPLAY- In this solo episode, we break down exactly how we doubled our new clients in one month—and no, it wasn’t from a viral post or a lucky break. We walk through the four specific levers we focused on to drive real growth: increasing Google Ads spend to capture high-intent leads, hosting more in-person events to build trust and community, showing up more consistently on social media with clear calls to action, and reactivating past clients who already knew and trusted our brand. None of these strategies are flashy, but when executed consistently and intentionally, they compound in a...

Replay Episode from October 2025- Today we’re joined by Isaac Lewis from ANCORE Training Systems, a company that grew from a grad school project in a Swampscott garage to supplying pro teams in the NHL, NBA G League, and PGA Tour, with products now shipped to over 65 countries. Isaac shares the origin story of ANCORE, including how he and co-founder Nathaniel got started, their first prototypes, and the lessons learned from early product development. We dive into the company’s growth milestones, breaking into professional sports, and expanding internationally, as well as business strategy insights on scaling, partnerships, and...

What would happen if your website disappeared, your social media accounts were deleted, and you had no existing clients or referrals? In this episode, we tackle that exact scenario and outline the steps we would take to get our first 10 paying clients from scratch. We discuss the importance of relationships, conversations, referrals, and delivering value before asking for anything in return. This practical episode strips away the distractions and reminds listeners that business growth is built on trust, connection, and consistent action—not logos, websites, or fancy marketing tools!

Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://ti...

Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we break down a simple 30-day roadmap for launching a service-based business. From defining your offer and validating demand to forming an LLC, setting up payment systems, and finding your first client, we walk through exactly what we would do if we were starting over today. Packed with practical advice and clear action steps, this episode is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs stop overthinking, take action, and start building something real.

Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp<...

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Toro, President of the Woburn City Council and owner of Toro Construction, to talk about his journey from spending 15 years as a federal investigator to building a multi-million-dollar residential remodeling company. Robert shares what it was like starting a business while working a full-time federal job, the lessons he learned scaling quickly, how he built a team and company culture, and the biggest mistakes contractors and homeowners make during renovations. We also dive into leadership, hiring, handling difficult clients, balancing business ownership with public service and family life, and what finally...

Opening a cash-based practice can be incredibly rewarding—but it’s also full of lessons learned the hard way. In this episode, we share the three biggest mistakes we made when launching FIXXED, including undercharging, trying to do everything ourselves, and waiting until we felt “ready.” We break down how these decisions affected growth, profitability, and burnout, while offering actionable advice for PTs looking to start or scale their own businesses. If you're thinking about opening a practice, this episode could save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of frustration.

Download the FREE cash based practice checklis...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked drivers of business growth: speed! We explore why businesses often lose opportunities not because of pricing, competition, or marketing, but because they simply take too long to respond. From leads and referrals to employees and partnerships, we discuss how responsiveness builds trust, creates momentum, and directly impacts revenue. You'll walk away with practical strategies to improve your follow-up systems, communicate more effectively, and stop letting opportunities slip through the cracks. Enjoy!

Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp

In this episode of Business Muscle, we sit down with Bianca Paraison, founder of The Luxe Dose, to discuss what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From balancing a hospital nursing career while growing her practice on the side to becoming a nationally recognized trainer featured in Vogue, GQ, and Best of Boston, We dive into why chasing trends can hurt your business, how staying committed to your values builds trust, and why reputation, consistency, and exceptional client experiences are the true drivers of long-term success.

Book an appointment at The Luxe Dose: https...

Would we open a cash-based PT practice in 2026? Absolutely. In fact, we'd argue there's never been a better time. In this episode, we discuss why we're such strong believers in the cash-based model, from escaping the headaches of insurance to building a business that's both profitable and rewarding. We break down the low startup costs, high earning potential, and ability to create a better experience for both clinicians and patients. We'll also share what we'd do differently if we were starting from scratch today, the opportunities we see in the industry, and why so many PTs are realizing they...

Everyone seems to be waiting for interest rates to drop before buying a home—but is that actually the smartest move? In this episode of Business Muscle, we sit down with mortgage expert Lacey Faria to discuss why waiting could end up costing buyers more in the long run. We break down the realities of today's housing market, refinancing, and why some of the best opportunities happen when everyone else is standing still. Lacey also shares her journey from leaving a salaried job to building a successful career in a male-dominated industry, the lessons she learned along the way, an...

Your questions, answered! This week on the podcast we’re answering some of your best business questions — including the best purchase we’ve ever made for our business for under $1,000, what we would do if we had to start over and lost everything, and the biggest things we’d do differently if we could go back to the beginning. We’re talking about lessons learned the hard way, the mistakes that actually helped us grow, and the practical decisions that made the biggest impact on our businesses. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into entrepreneurship, this episode is p...

Everyone is motivated when things are going well — but the real challenge is staying consistent when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed, not seeing results, running on no sleep, or trying to balance work, kids, and life. On this episode, we break down why consistency has less to do with motivation and more to do with systems, structure, and minimum standards. We talk about stopping the cycle of waiting for the “perfect time,” creating non-negotiable habits for hard days, avoiding decision fatigue by planning ahead, and using the “eat the frog” method to tackle the hardest tasks first. Whether it’s workouts, bu...

This week, we sit down with Matt Ganem, a recovering heroin addict turned entrepreneur, real estate investor, author, and CEO of multiple addiction treatment and behavioral health centers across Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey. Matt shares his powerful journey from addiction and early recovery to building and scaling successful businesses that help thousands of people. We dive into the realities of running treatment centers, rebuilding after losing a business partnership, opening a new company during the uncertainty of COVID, and the lessons he's learned about leadership, culture, resilience, and growth. Matt also discusses how real estate became a key...

In this week’s episode, we’re calling out the real problem with most women’s networking events — too much venting, not enough strategy! While community and support matter and we love women who support women, too many events leave women emotionally drained instead of walking away with actionable ideas, referrals, or business growth opportunities. We break down the difference between networking that feels good and networking that actually moves your business forward, the kinds of conversations women should be having more often around pricing, hiring, marketing, systems, and negotiation, and how to show up to any event with intentio...

In this week’s episode, we’re talking about why women struggle to talk about money — and how that silence can hold us back in business. Inspired by Emma Grede’s book Start With Yourself, we break down the conditioning that teaches women to stay quiet about finances, and how that impacts pricing, negotiating, paying ourselves, and owning our success. We also cover the key business numbers every owner should know — revenue, expenses, profit, break-even point, and owner pay — and why understanding them gives you the confidence to make better decisions and advocate for your worth. This episode is a reminder t...

On this week’s episode we welcome Chris Cuozzo, the owner of Christopher Cuozzo, LLC, a thriving multi-million dollar custom clothing brand. Chris shares his journey from starting his business as a side hustle in 2009 to building a distinguished company specializing in custom shirts, suits, blazers, and tuxedos. Tune in to hear Chris discuss what makes his brand unique, the inspiration behind starting his custom clothing line, and the challenges he faced in the early days.

We explore the strategies Chris used to scale his business to reach the million-dollar mark, including key financial decisions, important milestones, an...

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Lori Haverty, founder of Tread, who has spent over 20 years in the fitness industry building a high-energy, community-driven brand with locations in Reading and Winchester. Lori shares the real story behind how Tread came to life back in 2015 while she was teaching at another studio, and what it actually looked like to scale from one location to three. We get into the unfiltered side of running a boutique fitness business—how her role evolved from coach to owner to manager, what got harder as she grew, and the realities of managing pa...

In this episode, we sit down with Madison Macmillan, the creator behind the viral account @enzothebluestaffordshire , to talk about how a few funny videos of her dog turned into a massive online following. With Enzo recently hitting 1 million followers on TikTok, Madison shares the story behind the account, the viral moments that helped it grow, and the running jokes that fans love—like the debate over what animal Enzo actually sounds like. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes reality of navigating brand deals, learning the business side of social media, and balancing a growing online presence while running her do...

RAWR Organic Bars

If you’ve ever thought about launching a product, this is the episode you need. Today on the podcast, we sit down with Jake and Rachel Beaudry, founders of RAWR Bars, to break down how they went from selling at a local farmers market to building their own production facility. We dive into every phase of their journey—from starting from scratch and figuring out production, packaging, and shipping on their own, to navigating a major growth surge through social media and scaling operations without sacrificing quality. This episode is packed with honest insight into...

After interviewing over 60 business owners across fitness, physical therapy, wellness, and beyond, a few consistent themes have emerged — and most of them are simpler than people expect. In this episode, we break down the five biggest lessons that keep coming up: why starting small (instead of waiting for perfection) is often the smartest move, the reality of sacrifice in the early stages of building something meaningful, and how having a mentor can dramatically accelerate your growth by helping you avoid costly mistakes. We also dive into why documenting your processes is the key to turning a job into a sc...

In this episode, we sit down with Justina Gallow to talk about the real story behind selling her business, The Remedy Exchange. We dive into the identity shift that happens as entrepreneurs grow, the difference between burnout and simply evolving past a business, and the signs that it might be time to move on. Justina shares what led her to the decision to sell, the fears that almost held her back, and what the selling process actually looks like—from determining the value of the business to navigating the emotional side of letting go of something you built from th...

In this episode, we sit down with Madison Ciccone — master instructor at SoulCycle, speaker, coach, and now navigating her mom era. We talk about her journey into the world of boutique fitness, what it actually took to stand out in one of the most competitive spaces in the industry, and how she built longevity after nearly a decade of teaching and reaching hundreds of thousands of riders. Madison shares what people don’t see behind the scenes of being a top instructor, how she’s expanded her impact beyond the bike through speaking and personal brand building, and how mother...

In this solo episode, we break down exactly how we doubled our new clients in one month—and no, it wasn’t from a viral post or a lucky break. We walk through the four specific levers we focused on to drive real growth: increasing Google Ads spend to capture high-intent leads, hosting more in-person events to build trust and community, showing up more consistently on social media with clear calls to action, and reactivating past clients who already knew and trusted our brand. None of these strategies are flashy, but when executed consistently and intentionally, they compound in a bi...

Today’s episode is personal for our co-host, Elise. We’re talking about IVF — but through the lens of entrepreneurship. This season has forced her to confront control, patience, uncertainty, and resilience — the same traits business demands. IVF has a way of making you do everything “right” with zero guarantees. Sound familiar?

We dive into the parallels: why no one will advocate for your outcome the way you will, how to control the process (not the result), and why tying your identity to effort instead of outcomes changes everything. If you’re in a season of doing everything you...

In this episode of the Business Muscle Podcast, Elise and Ariel sit down with Liz Morrison, owner of Be Well with Liz Morrison, certified personal trainer, functional nutritionist, and wellness professional with 18 years of experience in the industry.

Liz shares the real story behind building and rebuilding her career — from opening her first boutique studio to stepping away from it during early motherhood, to helping grow a major fitness brand, and ultimately launching her independent practice.

This conversation dives into the realities many entrepreneurs face: burnout, pivots, undervaluing yourself, pricing your services, and building a bu...

Today on the show, we’re joined by Kevin Carr — longtime coach at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, co-founder of Certified Functional Strength Coach, founder of Movement As Medicine, author of Functional Training Anatomy, and partner at MBSC. Kevin has worked with everyone from U.S. Olympians to everyday adults and brings a rare perspective that blends performance, rehabilitation, and business. We dive into how his training philosophy has evolved since 2008, what “functional strength” actually means (and what it doesn’t), and how to know when a program is truly working. We talk about youth athlete development, the tension between fi...

We made the decision to build our personal instagrams this year — not to become influencers, but to attract more aligned clients, build authority in our space, and connect with a PT who wants to build their own business. The goal was 100 followers. Ariel gained 1,000 in 30 days! In this episode, we break down what actually worked to grow the right audience. We share the mindset shift from posting randomly to posting strategically, getting clear on speaking to active adults and postpartum women, and creating content we genuinely enjoy (no forced voiceovers). We talk about why posting five reels per week ga...

In this episode, we talk with world champion powerlifter Meg Scanlon — a record-holding athlete, coach, mom of twins, and founder of Onward. Meg shares her 13-year journey from trainer and gym owner to top-ranked lifter and successful online coaching entrepreneur. We dive into her biggest lessons from burnout, the shift to digital coaching, building athlete retention, and developing a coaching philosophy rooted in longevity and mindset. Meg also breaks down training principles, mistakes lifters make, how she prepares for Sheffield, and what she hopes her athletes — and her kids — learn from watching her chase big goals. A powerful mix of spo...

In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes PTs make when opening a cash-based practice: not tracking the right metrics. We talk about why being “busy” doesn’t automatically mean you’re profitable, and how flying blind leads to overworking and under-earning. You’ll learn the four numbers every PT owner should be tracking from day one—phone consult conversion rate, new client evaluations, retention, and lifetime value per client. If you want more clarity, predictability, and control in your PT business, this episode is for you!

Get our FREEBIE– don’t make these 5 mistakes in your...

Today’s conversation is with Jackie Lightner, therapist, founder, and CEO of LightWork Therapy & Recovery — a women-centered mental health organization redefining leadership in behavioral health. Jackie breaks down how she grew from a one-woman private practice into multiple IOP/PHP locations, the mindset shifts required to lead a team of helpers, and how she uses emotionally intelligent leadership to balance empathy with accountability. We explore scaling, culture-building, operational risk, mission alignment, and the realities of growing a mental health brand that prioritizes both people and performance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a heart-led, high-impact business.

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In this episode, we break down one of the simplest (and most overlooked) ways to increase your revenue: answering the phone! We talk about why speed to response matters, how missed calls turn into missed opportunities, and why potential clients need to hear from a real human while motivation is still high. We also share one of our favorite tools, Quo, and how it helps streamline communication so no lead slips through the cracks. If you want an easy, actionable way to convert more inquiries into booked clients—this episode is a must-listen.

Check out our favorite ph...

In this episode, we sit down with Eliza Shirazi — founder of Kick It and The Fempire® — to unpack how she turned a college passion project into an award-winning, nationally recognized fitness brand. Eliza shares the early vision behind Kick It, the turning points that shaped her growth (including her game-changing New Balance partnership), how she built a nationally accredited certification, and the intentional community-building strategies that keep her movement so powerful today. We dive into virtual fitness, entrepreneurship, brand identity, and what it truly means to create a “fempire” built on empowerment, connection, and impact. Enjoy!

Kick It: https...

On today’s solo episode, Elise breaks down three patterns she’s seeing repeatedly across conversations with business owners at very different stages — and why these things are quietly stopping growth heading into 2026. These aren’t theoretical mistakes or trendy business buzzwords. They’re real, fixable issues that came directly out of recent conversations with business owners who feel stuck, plateaued, or unsure what their next move should be.

We dig into shiny object syndrome and why chasing new ideas often slows momentum, why getting proof early makes selling dramatically easier (especially for newer businesses), and why most busin...

On today’s episode, we sit down with Danielle Gertner — keynote speaker, self-mastery mentor, and the powerhouse MC hyping up crowds at HYROX events around the world. Danielle shares how she went from fitness coach to one of the most recognizable voices in the HYROX community, what it’s really like behind the scenes at one of the fastest-growing fitness competitions, and how she helps people “Own Their Sh*t™” to build radical confidence and self-trust.

We dig into how she channels energy on stage, the mindset shifts that separate performance from embodiment, and why confidence isn’t about being...

If you’ve ever set a goal on January 1st and completely forgotten about it by February, this episode is your roadmap to changing that. We break down the science-backed truth about how your brain actually creates motivation (hint: it’s not from the finish line… it’s from the pursuit), and we teach you the simple, practical framework you can use to build goals that finally stick.

You’ll learn how to map out your next 5 years using our 5-3-1 method, how to break big visions into quarterly, monthly, and weekly actions, and why your brain need...

On today’s episode, we sit down with Mike Schifino, Founder and Creative Director of Holy Cow Ice Cream Café, a Massachusetts ice cream empire with locations across the North Shore and Cape Cod. Mike shares how he turns wild flavor ideas into small-batch, in-house creations, balances gourmet innovation with classic favorites, and navigates the challenges of growing a food business while maintaining quality. We dive into what sets Holy Cow apart from competitors, the behind-the-scenes chaos of running a kitchen, and how social media has shaped their brand. You’re not going to miss some of Mike’s wild st...

If you’ve ever felt like building a business as a woman comes with a rulebook full of fear, guilt, and “you can’t do that”… this episode is going to flip all of that on its head. Today, we’re breaking down the biggest lies women are told about business — from needing tons of money to start, to thinking everyone is your competitor, to believing you can’t be a mom and a successful business owner.

We go deep on the myths that hold women back, the outdated narratives we’ve been fed for years, and the exact mindset...

On today’s episode, we sit down with C White, Head Coach of Bentley University Women’s Basketball, a powerhouse leader known for building high-performance teams, developing confident athletes, and creating a championship-level culture both on and off the court. Coach White shares her journey from player to coach, the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style, and the mindset shifts that help athletes win in sport and in life.

We dive deep into what parents really need to know if their kids are involved in sports. Coach White breaks down how to spot true potential, when to i...

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest reasons entrepreneurs feel stuck: spending time on the wrong things. Most business owners are buried in busywork — the tasks that feel productive but don’t actually move the needle. Meanwhile, the real growth drivers sit untouched at the bottom of the to-do list.

We break down how the 80/20 rule applies to your business, why your brain gravitates toward low-pressure tasks, and how to identify the 20% of actions that will actually drive revenue, retention, and long-term success. If you’ve ever ended a day thinking, “I was so busy, b...

Today we welcome back our first-ever repeat guest, Meaghan St. Marc, the powerhouse founder behind REV’d. Meaghan shares exciting updates on taking REV’d to the next level through franchising, the lessons and challenges of scaling a business, and how her leadership style has evolved while maintaining culture and consistency across multiple locations. She also dives into balancing entrepreneurship, teaching, managing teams, and motherhood, plus setting boundaries that actually stick. Stick around for a rapid-fire “Get to Know Meg” segment, where she shares her morning routine, favorite music, business insights, and a few guilty pleasures along the way! Enjoy! <...