Episodes

Today we're joined by Beth Potter and Peter Pastijn, industry veterans in the HALO sector and two top players at Studio Grow, one of Integrity Square's strategic partners who provide top notch, in-the-trenches coaching for boutique studio owners worldwide. Beth and Peter draw parallels between Studio Grow and the role of a regional director, highlighting the extensive network they provide, from legal and marketing, to specialized coaches. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, ongoing ...

Greta Wagner is a seasoned fitness industry veteran with over four decades of experience in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space. A current Board Member of the Health & Fitness Assocation (formerly IHRSA), and Executive Director of Chelsea Piers, her journey began at the age of 16, when she started teaching what used to be called "aerobic dance." After a decade-long hiatus in the golf industry, her return to fitness was marked by a pivotal realization: The sector had seen little gr...

We're excited to bring back Lauren Foundos, founder of FORTE. Join her in a deep dive into the dynamic world of virtual fitness and digital engagement. Lauren transitioned her company through the intense periods of the pandemic by focusing on survival and being nimble. As the world shifted towards hybrid work post-pandemic (particularly with many NYC companies settling on a sort of 3 days in office, 2 days out), she noticed the parallels between this new work dynamic and the ever-evolving fitnes...

In today's episode host Pete Moore talks with Mauro Frota, the innovative mind behind BHOUT-a company that's revolutionizing the exer-gaming industry by merging gaming and boxing into an immersive, competitive experience. Mauro takes us through the unique premise of his company, which offers a trifecta of modes: learning, playing for clubs, and pure competition. Mauro is an innovative entrepreneur,and product designer specializing in cutting-edge materials and durable hardware. Dedicated to pus...

Joe Cannato, a dedicated coach and fitness veteran, started an ambitious journey in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he initiated a youth sports program. Despite his initial hustle, the program didn't achieve the growth he was hoping for, compelling him to start again from scratch. Joe talks about this, his beginnings from studying nutrition and dietetics, to becoming a professional parkour coach and more! For five and a half years, he worked tirelessly, refining his business concept while also try...

Nancy Trent, inspired by her father's early dedication to health, cultivated a lifelong passion for wellness. Recognizing a gap in the market 30 years ago, when wellness was an unfamiliar concept and healthy products were met with skepticism, she pioneered the first wellness public relations (PR) firm. Trent's innovative vision and relentless efforts helped shape the burgeoning wellness industry, turning what was once a niche into a mainstream movement. Nancy talks about her journey from the ea...

Ania Wysocka experienced her first panic attack during university which subsequently set off a spiral of fear and negative changes in her life. Initially not understanding what was happening made the situation extremely challenging. This frustration fueled her determination to find a solution. After learning about some tools to help heal and manage her panic attacks, she realized the need for a much more accessible resource. Recognizing that she, like most, always have her phone with her, she de...

Brynn Scarborough, CEO of JK Products, has been instrumental in revolutionizing the recovery space through her innovative approach and forward-thinking vision. With over 40 years of experience in the tanning and sunshine sector, Scarborough's company expanded its focus about five to six years ago to include stackable amenities in recovery and wellness spaces. Anticipating industry trends long before they became mainstream, she began exploring touchless and labor-free modalities even before the ...

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tessa Arnold, a former banker turned wellness entrepreneur, HALO evangelist, and Co-Founder of Snapback Energy. She shares her journey from a 12-year career in commercial banking into the entrepreneurial space. She dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning industries, the importance of balance in life, and her passion for Ayurvedic health coaching. Tessa discusses the development of her patented supplement formula, her dedication...

Larry Blundred found solace and a new passion through an unexpected yet heartwarming intervention by friends. In the wake of his wife's passing due to a brain tumor, Larry was navigating a tumultuous period, balancing the demands of his job and his role as a caretaker. Amidst all this, he was introduced to pickleball by two friends. Initially unfamiliar with the game and without a paddle, he quickly embraced the sport, finding both emotional refuge and camaraderie on the court. His journey into ...

Barbara Safani began her career in human resources with a specialization in recruiting candidates. Her career took a transformative turn when she found herself searching for new opportunities and ended up having to revamp her own professional narrative. This provided her with valuable insights into the many challenges job seekers face. Motivated by her newfound perspective, she decided to leverage her recruitment skills to help candidates present themselves more effectively to potential employer...

James McGinniss is the Co-Founder and CEO of David Energy, a technology-enabled electricity provider that caters primarily to multi-location businesses, quick-serve restaurants, and fitness brands, with a special emphasis on the latter. A mechanical engineering Master's graduate from the University of Texas, James was drawn to the renewable energy sector during a significant solar and wind power boom in the state. Witnessing firsthand the economic opportunities in solar, he recognized this as a ...

In today's special episode (big #500!) host Pete Moore hands the mic to industry veteran Al Noshirvani and dives into a wealth of topics currently affecting the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector. Listen for insightful stories about overcoming business challenges, from employee and landlord issues to the complexities of deal funding, and aligning management teams. Pete shares his personal and professional experiences and Al (who has been "in the room" on some deal closings) praises...

Ryan Valencic, an accomplished entrepreneur with a 12+ years in the trenches, has built and successfully exited multiple businesses. With a family background in franchising, Ryan continues to hone his skills as a serial entrepreneur, currently overseeing multiple companies. He is in the midst of launching an innovative health tech platform and about a year ago, Ryan joined Cultivate Advisors to lead their partnerships, drawing on his extensive professional experience to drive new opportunities. ...

We're excited to welcome back Kevin McHugh, a legend in the HALO sector and a key player in helping reinvent the Atlantic Club. (Check out his first episode here if you missed it.) Host Pete Moore sits down with Kevin and delves into how the Atlantic Club took the challenging COVID-19 shutdown as an opportunity to completely rethink and transform their business model and facilities. Kevin provides an in-depth look at the strategic decisions and renovations that not only helped them recover post...

Sara Al Hardan's journey into the fit tech industry began unexpectedly when she joined a small startup that unfortunately didn't succeed. This eventually led her to connect with Jeff Miller who shared with her an innovative lateral motion device called the Phantom Edge, which he and his brother Ken invented. With a strong background and passion for health, wellness, and mobility—fueled by her personal connection to Parkinson's disease through her mother—Sara jumped in. She and Pete discuss the ...

Neal Valera's passion for golf began in college, where he competed at the collegiate level. Aspiring to turn pro, he realized he wasn't quite at that level. Unwilling to settle for a "traditional desk job," he began personal training in 2007. His entreprenurial spirit led him to collaborate with his business partner, Dennis Dunphy, in 2015. Together, they attended a course with Dr. Arthur Faygenholtz who specialized in stick stretching. Inspired by their mentor, Neal and Dennis developed an inno...

Dan Schreiber is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and a former athlete who enjoys the simplicity and effectiveness of outdoor exercises. With a philosophy rooted in maximizing training efficiency, Dan appreciates workouts that integrate both strength and conditioning without the confines of traditional gym settings. Embracing the freedom of outdoor activities, he often engages in HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), plyometrics, and hiking to maintain a robust fitness regimen. His athletic ba...

Sandra Statz is a seasoned veteran in the beauty industry and the inspiration behind the innovative beauty brand, AP Chem. With a focus on the often overlooked Gen X market, Sandra brings a wealth of experience from her days at major beauty conglomerates. In this episode we'll dive into the origins of AP Chem, discussing the unique approach Sandra and her Co-Founder are taking to create science-forward, fun, and effective beauty products targeted at mature consumers. We also touch on the inters...

We're excited to have Blake Rose and Brian Price from OLA Beach Tennis on the episode. These childhood friends-turned-entrepreneurs share their journey of bringing the vibrant and accessible sport of beach tennis from Rio's shores to the sands of Southern California. Learn how they transformed a fun discovery abroad into a flourishing community-building sport that mixes play, wellness, and social interaction. Beach tennis isn't simply about the game. These guys have created a fantastic space whe...

Nick Allen is the visionary Founder behind Sunnyside, a pioneering health and wellness app designed for individuals who consume alcohol regularly and are looking to moderate their habits without committing to complete sobriety. Motivated by the lack of middle-ground solutions in the alcohol health space, Nick identified a substantial demographic of people who drink more than what might be considered healthy and are interested in adjusting their drinking habits, yet have no intention of becoming ...

Delaine Fowler is an innovative physical therapist with over 20 years experience. Early in her career, she noted a recurring pattern; numerous workers from the same company were suffering identical injuries. Driven by curiosity and a proactive mindset, she started reaching out to these companies, offering to tour their facilities to attempt to understand the underlying causes of these injuries. She quickly recognized an opportunity to intervene before workers ever needed medical attention. She ...

Alexa Newkirk has always seen wellness and fitness as her sanctuary—a vital outlet from the everyday challenges of adolescence and an effective tool in her battle against anxiety and depression during high school. Recognizing the profound impact that holistic health—encompassing physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being—had on her life, Alexa was inspired to dedicate herself to guiding young individuals in discovering their own passion for health and wellness. At bKYND ("Be Kind"), whe...

Henry Penix is an innovative entrepreneur in the holistic health industry who embarked on a transformative journey about eight years ago when he co-founded a unique clinic. This space was a melting pot of traditional and alternative medicines, featuring professionals ranging from MD's and DO's to chiropractors, offering a diverse array of healing modalities. Amidst these varied treatments, Penix and his team discovered the profound impact of sound frequency therapies. The approach was so succes...