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_obrien
Business: Generation Strength

If you’re a coach looking to transition online, refine your systems, or build a business that actually lasts, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Fitness Education Online

Website: https://fitnesseducationonline.com.au/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fitnesseducationonline

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesseducationonline

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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 a long, sustainable career in the fitness and wellness industry.

Connect with Bekk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekk-millwood-fitness-recruitment
(or simply Google “Bekk Millwood”)


Study with Fitness Education Online: https://fitnesseducationonline.com.au

Connect with Fitness Education Online

Website: https://fitnesseducationonline.com.au/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fitnesseducationonline

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesseducationonline

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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.”

Anthony also unpacks nutritional blood chemistry: what it is, what it isn’t, and why many people continue to experience symptoms despite being told their results are “normal.” He highlights the importance of working within scope, using functional insights appropriately, and building a strong referral network.

For personal trainers, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on early red flags to watch for in sessions — such as fatigue, shakiness, persistent bloating, or low tolerance to stress — and the foundational, in-scope strategies that can make the biggest difference. These include supporting circadian rhythms, prioritising nourishment and recovery, and programming that respects a client’s nervous system and capacity.

Anthony finishes by sharing his Optimal You process, his work at Fifth Element Wellness, and what’s coming next with his PT mentorship program.
Connect with Anthony: Instagram @coach_anthonymasino

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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.

The conversation then shifts into Dave’s simple B-roll content strategy - a way for personal trainers and coaches to grow their online presence without talking to camera, performing for the algorithm, or constantly selling. Instead, it’s about letting your life and your real coaching conversations do the work.

Dave breaks down how just a handful of short reels can lead to real outcomes - new clients, paid programs, partnerships, and opportunities - without chasing virality or perfection.

If you’re a PT or coach who feels stuck with content, hates “salesy” Instagram tactics, or wants a more sustainable way to show up online, this episode will completely change how you think about content.

Connect with Dave: @davepowtabain

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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 mentor
• Why great trainers still burn out (and how to avoid it)
• The model that helps PTs reach $3K+ weeks:
  free session → 1:1 → small groups → online
• How to run consults without sounding scripted
• What to do if you’re under 10 clients vs fully booked
• Why “dirty reps,” gym-floor conversations, and better conversions matter more than Instagram
  
  

Connect with Jenna: @jennacooper.coach on Instagram and explore her free PT checklist, mentorship options via her bio.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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, and why your career truly begins after your Cert IV. He also explains how to work effectively with club managers, connect with members on the gym floor, and contribute to a strong club culture that supports everyone’s success.

This is a must-listen for anyone studying, stepping into their first PT role, or wanting more clarity on how to build real momentum inside a commercial gym

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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 school group:
https://www.skool.com/fit-mentor-4938

Follow Jayde on Social Media
Instagram: @jaydewilmott_

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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:

• IG @empower_her_holistic_coach
• FB Hawkey Holistic Health & Performance

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify