Best Shay Kostabi: Brand Strategist Experience Designer Podcasts (2025)

1
FCM220: The Rhythm Remembers: Music as Medicine for Movement, Mood, and Meaning with Emma Marshall 1:01:35

3d ago1:01:35

1:01:35

What if music isn’t just a good playlist in your classes, but the most powerful tool you have to transform how your clients feel, heal, and remember your brand? In this unforgettable episode of the Fitcarma Podcast, we sit down with Emma Marshall, researcher, educator, and author of Music is Medicine, to explore the deep, untapped potential of musi…

1
FCM219: Brands That Move People: Inside Collective Studios with Ashley Marand Iwanicki 1:22:23

24d ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Ashley Marand Iwanicki is the founder and CEO of The Collective Studios, a boutique fitness brand in New Hampshire that’s redefining what it means to lead with purpose, build community, and create experiences that actually move people. In this powerful conversation, Ashley shares how a vivid dream sparked the vision for her studio, what it means to…

1
FCM218: 13 Reasons Body Transformation Marketing Is Failing Your Business (Backed by Research) 1:03:34

1M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Episode Description & Show Notes: This week, a fitness influencer went viral for saying people over 200 pounds shouldn’t be allowed in Pilates class—and that instructors with a “gut” shouldn’t be teaching. Yes, she deleted the video. But the damage was done. Thousands of people agreed with her. This is the fitness industry we’re still up against. A…

1
FCM217: If They’re Not Showing Up, That’s On Us: Why the Real Problem Isn’t Motivation—It’s Conversion 38:54

2M ago38:54

38:54

What if your potential clients aren’t lazy, unmotivated, or inconsistent—what if your brand just isn’t making them feel like they belong? In this episode, we challenge one of the fitness industry’s most toxic assumptions and reveal why people aren’t saying yes to your studio (even when your workouts are amazing). We’ll share real stories, client ex…

1
FCM216: Stepping Off The Trend Treadmill: Why We Keep Chasing What’s Hot—and What to Do Instead 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

Trends aren’t growing the fitness industry—they’re just keeping it spinning. Despite all the buzz and innovation, only 20–30% of people consistently work out. And that number hasn’t moved in decades. In this episode, Barry and Shay unpack what they call The Trend Treadmill—the cycle of constantly chasing what’s hot in hopes of staying relevant… and…

1
FCM215: The North Star: The Secret to Building a Brand That Grows With You 36:22

3M ago36:22

36:22

If your fitness brand isn’t growing the way you want it to, it’s probably not a marketing problem. It’s not your logo. It’s not even your class experience. It’s the lack of a North Star—a core belief that guides your messaging, your experience, your team, and your future. In this episode, Barry and Shay break down what a North Star really is, how t…

1
FCM214: What Music, Mario Kart, and Your Cueing Style Have in Common 47:41

3M ago47:41

47:41

What does your cueing style have in common with Mario Kart and a trip to IKEA? A lot more than you think. In this episode, Barry and Shay answer a big question from inside the Conservatory: How do you balance giving clear technique cues with creating a fun, immersive experience? They break down why fun isn't fluff (it’s actually the key to results)…

1
FCM213: Beyond the Workout: Crafting Story-Driven Class Experiences 48:26

4M ago48:26

48:26

What if your fitness class was more than just a workout? What if it was a transformational journey where every client felt like the hero of their own story? In this episode, we dive deep into the Story Driven Class Experience™, breaking down how to use the Hero’s Journey framework to create more immersive, emotionally engaging classes. We’ll explor…

1
FCM212: The Fear That's Silently Sabotaging Your Studio’s Brand 38:40

4M ago38:40

38:40

Are you unknowingly holding back your studio’s growth? Many fitness business owners hesitate to define their clients’ real struggles, fearing they’ll sound negative or push people away. But here’s the truth: If you don’t define the problem, your dream clients won’t see why they need you. In this episode, Barry and Shay break down the silent fear th…

1
FCM211: A New Era, and a Game-Changing Challenge for Instructors 39:13

5M ago39:13

39:13

After nearly a year away, we're back—and stepping into a whole new era! In this episode, we’re catching you up on everything: our big move to Costa Mesa, our massive brand refresh (say hello to FitCarMa!), and the exciting changes ahead for the podcast. But the biggest news? The Make Them Feel Something Challenge. This 21-day challenge is going to …

1
FCM210: Revolutionizing Your Studio: The Transformative Power of Strategic Instructor Reviews 37:04

1y ago37:04

37:04

Whether you're new to conducting formal and informal evaluations or looking to refine your current process, this episode is packed with insights. We discuss performance reviews' important role in enhancing your business and team dynamics. Learn from common mistakes and adopt best practices for effective feedback. From improving instructor performan…

1
FCM209: Soulful Strategies: The Revolution in Fitness Marketing You Need 32:39

1+ y ago32:39

32:39

In this episode, we turn the traditional fitness marketing playbook on its head. If you're like most fitness professionals we speak to, you may not know exactly who your ideal client is or how to market to them in a way that communicates your value, or you have an idea of how you want to portray yourself to your people, but don't know for certain i…

1
FCM208: How To Sell Out Your Classes & Become A Sought-After Experience 35:38

1+ y ago35:38

35:38

Unlock the secrets to transforming your fitness classes into must-attend events with this enlightening podcast episode. We dive into innovative strategies that go beyond traditional fitness classes, focusing on creating a unique and immersive experience for participants. Discover how to captivate and retain a broader audience by incorporating creat…

1
FCM207: From Chaos To Consistency: Why Structured Programming is Essential for Studios & Instructors 44:33

1+ y ago44:33

44:33

In this eye-opening episode, we delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of group fitness success: the power of standardized programming in fitness studios. Join us as we explore why allowing instructors to freestyle their classes is a misstep for boutique studio owners, and how implementing structured, templated programming can revolutioni…

1
FCM206: The Power of MVC: The Path to Addictive Fitness Classes 37:23

1+ y ago37:23

37:23

Get ready to dive deep into the art and science of creating fitness experiences that keep clients coming back for more! In this episode, Shay, our seasoned experience designer, peels back the curtain on the number one challenge studio owners face - inconsistency in their classes. Discover the secret sauce of "Minimum Viable Certainty" (MVC) as Shay…

1
FCM205: The Game-Changer: How to Overcome Your Biggest Obstacle to Success 25:56

1+ y ago25:56

25:56

Uncover the Game-Changing Secret to Skyrocket Your Fitness Career... Join Barry and Shay as they unveil exclusive insights from one of Barry's recent strategy sessions, exposing the ONE elusive factor holding back fitness professionals from achieving unparalleled success. Discover the 'why' behind this obstacle, unravel its mysteries, and gain acti…

1
FCM204: Why You're Not Selling Out Your Classes (& What To Do About It!) Audiobook Version 22:09

1+ y ago22:09

22:09

This episode is the audiobook version of an ebook we wrote called 'Why You're Not Selling Out Your Classes (& What To Do About It!)' where we summarize what we feel is everything you need to know about what it takes to easily and confidently attract more of your dream clients. As you listen, you'll notice that at the end of each section are some jo…

1
FCM203: Learn What 'Era' of Your Fitness Career You Are In... And What It Means For Your Growth 29:39

1+ y ago29:39

29:39

In his book Hero on a Mission, Donald Miller describes 4 main character "archetypes". The victim, villain, hero, and guide. In your fitness career, you play three of those four parts at some point, as you move through your different "Eras" This episode was inspired by Miller's book, and today you'll learn how recognizing what era you (or others in …

1
FCM202: Why Most Group Fitness Marketing Fails: Understanding Strategy vs. Tactics 12:38

1+ y ago12:38

12:38

Unlock the secrets to marketing success in your fitness business. Join us as we delve into the crucial difference between marketing strategy and tactics. Barry breaks down the essence of each, helping you understand why they're both essential. Discover how your marketing strategy is your blueprint for success, setting you apart from the competition…

1
FCM201: WE'RE BACK! Welcome To The NEW Fitcarma Podcast. (Part 2) 34:56

1+ y ago34:56

34:56

Welcome to the NEW Fitcarma Podcast! For 200 episodes spanning half a decade, we brought on experts from every corner of the industry to share what they know about what they do best. We interviewed everyone from marketing experts, legal, finance, studio design, vocal coaches, and professional class reviewers, you name it. But now that we're back, w…

1
FCM200: WE'RE BACK! Welcome To The NEW Fitcarma Podcast. (Part 1) 52:50

1+ y ago52:50

52:50

Welcome to the NEW Fitcarma Podcast! For 200 episodes spanning half a decade, we brought on experts from every corner of the industry to share what they know about what they do best. We interviewed everyone from marketing experts, legal, finance, studio design, vocal coaches, and professional class reviewers, you name it. But now that we're back, w…

1
FCM199: Why Your Business Might Not Be As Inclusive As You Think It Is & How It Affects Your Reach with Tasha Edwards 45:20

2+ y ago45:20

45:20

This episode is going to cause you to question a lot about our industry, and how you’re offering the experience of exercise in your business. Because when it comes to inclusion, there is so much that we don’t think of that is causing a massive population of people to feel unwelcome and defeated by what you’re offering, rather than the way you hope …

1
FCM198: The Power of Professional Boundaries to Scale Your Business with Danielle Stead-Blanton 1:16:06

2+ y ago1:16:06

1:16:06

Our guest in this episode is a business operations consultant and attorney for fitness, wellness, and creative professionals. She’s passionate about providing her clients with her playbook and systems to teach them how to build the business they want and deserve, without the constant anxiety, overwhelm, exhaustion, or frustration. Through the conve…

1
FCM197: How To Leverage Your Uniqueness To Reach Dramatically More Clients with Jude Charles 59:20

2+ y ago59:20

59:20

If you’re a regular listener of the show, you know we talk a lot about leveraging your uniqueness to scale your business- whether that be your unique origin story, your core values, your beliefs, or your unique skills. The reason is because #1, there is no one else like you in the world, and you can immediately set yourself apart from competitors t…

1
FCM196: Why Self-Reflection Is The Key To Career Longevity with Anthony J Wall 41:56

2+ y ago41:56

41:56

We've partnered with ACE for a few recent episodes to bring you the best info on how to future-proof your business. In this truly heart-driven conversation our guest speaks about why turning a mirror on yourself and consistently self-assessing is the key to career longevity. This involves taking a hard look at your interests, your skills, the types…

1
FCM195: Why Your Marketing Will Fail If It Doesn't Focus On This One Thing with Alexa Cawley 58:46

2+ y ago58:46

58:46

The big question we unpack in this episode is... what does your community really want from you? And we’re not talking surface-level stuff like abs... What do they really want out of the time they’ve sold to you? Today’s episode features a marketing consultant for health & wellness entreprenuers, focused on helping wellness brands grow and learn how…

1
FCM194: Steps to Producing Your Own Continuing Education Content with Chris Gagliardi 42:10

2+ y ago42:10

42:10

Do you have an area of expertise in fitness? Have you ever considered writing continuing education content, or producing your own training program? Maybe you've mastered one skill that you want to share. If you're wondering what the steps are to producing something that could be accredited by an organization like ACE, then press play on this episod…

1
FCM193: How to Build Stronger Relationships With Your Clients As A Trainer with Chris Gagliardi 37:36

2+ y ago37:36

37:36

Being a good trainer is really about relationship building, but to built strong, meaningful, heartfelt, and impactful relationships (as we all should strive to!) it means we have to play a number of roles really well at the same time. We have to be a coach, an educator, a motivator, but also a DJ, an MC, and more! Aside from the difficulty of being…

1
FCM192: The Best Way To Measure Instructor Performance & Conduct Reviews with Staci Alden 57:21

2+ y ago57:21

57:21

This episode is a continuation of the conversation Shay had with Staci Alden in our previous episode. If you haven't listened to it, they really break down what it means to be a group fitness manager, and demystify this very important role at any fitness facility. This week Staci talks about going beyond the numbers and the six things to look for w…

1
FCM191: Unlocking The Mysteries of the Group Fitness Manager Role with Staci Alden 1:02:42

2+ y ago1:02:42

1:02:42

In this episode, we are diving into the role of the group fitness manager, which in almost 300 episodes is a topic that we haven’t really touched on before... and yet it was one of the most vital - albeit mysterious - roles of any club or studio. We know that if you are a studio owner, you may be performing this role yourself. OR if you’re looking …

1
FCM190: How To Bring Your Story To Life And Leverage It To Attract More Clients with Jude Charles 54:40

3y ago54:40

54:40

We believe that nearly every person in the world knows that exercise, moving their body is good for them, but most people still don’t do it. We also don’t believe that it’s due to a lack of motivation. We believe it’s because they don’t feel seen. The decision to purchase fitness classes is so different from the decision to purchase anything else. …

1
FCM189: A FCM Listener's Story On Adopting A Growth Mindset & Creating A People First Business 39:56

3y ago39:56

39:56

This episode features a fitness business owner and long-time FCM podcast listener who reached out to us through our website, expressing gratitude for pod and asked if he could be a guest on our show. It’s not often that we get a request like this, and we had a couple of spots open on our recording schedule, so of course, we said “Why Not.” Shay too…

1
FCM188: How To Charge Your Worth with Lesley Logan 1:13:12

3y ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Knowing how to price your services as a fitness professional is one of the most challenging things to do. Shay and I get it! We’ve been there! One of the reasons it's so hard is because each of us in this industry, and especially you, because you’re listening to this show- take what you do seriously and are so passionate about helping as many peopl…

1
FCM187: How To Use Applied Behavior Science To Improve Your Fitness Experience with Connor Joyce (PART 2) 40:39

3y ago40:39

40:39

We believe that the future of fitness is experience. You’ve heard us AND our guests say it in many different ways on the show- that what’s most important is the emotional connection that you’re making with your clients. We’re both personally fascinated by finding new and interesting ways to make a fitness experience more immersive, enjoyable, and m…

1
FCM186: How To Use Applied Behavior Science To Improve Your Fitness Experience with Connor Joyce (PART 1) 36:43

3y ago36:43

36:43

We believe that the future of fitness is experience. You’ve heard us AND our guests say it in many different ways on the show- that what’s most important is the emotional connection that you’re making with your clients. We’re both personally fascinated by finding new and interesting ways to make a fitness experience more immersive, enjoyable, and m…

1
FCM185: How To Build An Incredible Team with Rachael Cook 53:45

3y ago53:45

53:45

Building a strong team is essential to running a profitable fitness business, but it’s also one of the hardest things to do, and that’s because often, we’re going about it in the completely wrong way. Luckily, the fix is not only easy, but also incredibly empowering, and once you get it locked down, you’ll find that every single action and decision…

1
FCM184: How To Go Beyond The Workout & Create A Deep Human Connection with Mason Bendewald 59:35

3y ago59:35

59:35

A trainer is not just a trainer. We’re so much more than someone who gets certified to move others through a series of exercises safely. Deep down, we know that we also have the potential to step into a role where we can have such a more significant impact. Because the truth is that fitness, especially a group fitness class, is one of the few thing…

1
FCM183: Ending Your Entrepreneurial Poverty & Promoting Yourself to CEO with Rachael Cook 51:36

3y ago51:36

51:36

Our guest today shares some insane statistics. Women business owners make up 44% of small businesses in the US. But only bring in 4% of small business revenue. Only 12% of those women break 100k. Only 2% break 1 million. The way she sums up these statistics is this: women are facing entrepreneurial poverty of time, energy and money. They don’t have…

1
FCM182: How Fitness Missed The Right Metric to Measure Group Fitness with Rich Fahmy & Steve Myers (Part 2) 48:48

3y ago48:48

48:48

Brace yourself for part two of this epic conversation with not one but TWO very important guests that we are so excited to introduce to you. We feel so lucky and are incredibly honored to host the content and product managers at AFAA / NASM, Rich Fahmy and Steve Myers. These institutions are THE place where we as fitness professionals go to gain im…

1
FCM181: How Fitness Missed The Right Metric to Measure Group Fitness with Rich Fahmy & Steve Myers (Part 1) 32:29

3y ago32:29

32:29

Brace yourself for an epic two part conversation with not one but TWO very important guests that we are so excited to introduce to you. We feel so lucky and are incredibly honored to host the content and product managers at AFAA / NASM, Rich Fahmy and Steve Myers. These institutions are THE place where we as fitness professionals go to gain importa…

1
FCM180: The Inspiring and Unknown Stories of the Women Who Shaped Our Industry with Danielle Friedman 58:15

3y ago58:15

58:15

The more we learn about the fitness industry, the more we realize how incredibly complex it is. The messages that the average consumer receives from the media, beauty culture, diet industry, fitness industry and even holistic wellness trends can be confusing and contradictory. Especially for women. Shrink yourself, but take up more space. Lift heav…

1
FCM179: What You Can Do To Ensure Your Culture & Experience Are Contributing To Your Success with Jack Thomas 57:39

3y ago57:39

57:39

We're so glad you're going to play this episode. This is a really powerful conversation that Barry had with a friend and colleague who runs the Fitness Business Asia Podcast, and what you’re going to hear in this chat are some really actionable takeaways on how to develop the culture of your business, which should be the #1 thing that you invest in…

1
FCM178: Actionable Tips to Maximize Your Mindset For Success with Beth Bishop 57:46

3y ago57:46

57:46

Gotta get the mind right before you get your business (or your body) tight. Did you know that over 95% percent of all people who start a workout routine fail? Or that over 84% of Americans feel anxious, stressed, or depressed on a weekly basis? I think this is true especially if you are an entrepreneur. Why are there more fitness, mental health, & …

1
FCM177: How To Take Your Business From Crazy To Calm with Positive Psychology Coach Cory Zacker 36:46

3y ago36:46

36:46

Running your own business is one of the most fulfilling and empowering things you can do, but can also be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. And at times, it can feel like you’re stuck on a very brutal hamster wheel that causes you to spend hours late into the night doing tasks for your business that you wish you could outsource or delegate, but c…

1
FCM176: Why Flow State Is The Future Of Fitness Experiences 10:31

3y ago10:31

10:31

In this episode, Barry shares his experience taking a recent yoga class, and how his experience points to the future of the fitness industry. 86% of people say they'll pay more for a better experience. 77% of people say they're working out for reasons other than their body. The answer is clear. People don’t care about the workout. They care about t…

1
FCM175: Selling Broccoli Dipped In Chocolate & Other Musings with Shay 16:47

3y ago16:47

16:47

In this episode Shay shares THREE THINGS that happened this week and downloads some insights she had to you. She's gonna let you in behind the scenes and share some takeaways from conversations she's had with clients and colleagues, something that really got to her on the internet, along with some thoughts and tips for you to think about that we ho…

1
FCM174: Pathways to Scaling Your Business with Andi Smiles of Collective 52:22

3y ago52:22

52:22

It was supposed to be fun! You entered the fitness industry because you didn't want to play by the rules of being in an office to work. You get to sweat, move, get fit, feel good doing it, AND wear significantly more comfortable clothing! PLUS the most important thing of all... you get to make other people feel better about themselves. Make them fe…

1
FCM173: Breaking Up With Peloton- Our Thoughts On the NYT Article 27:11

3y ago27:11

27:11

If you haven’t read the article in the New York Times by Holly Burns, we’re gonna break it down for you in this episode. It’s called “Breaking Up with Peloton” and highlights why some superfans are done working out at home. We’re going to walk you through the 5 big takeaways from the article, share our thoughts, tell some stories and give you a few…

1
FCM172: Unpacking Toxic Fitness Messaging By Understanding Our Industry's History with Natalia Petrzela 50:35

3y ago50:35

50:35

“Bathing suit season is coming.” “Get your body bikini-ready!” “sweat is fat crying,” “pain is weakness leaving your body,” We’ve all heard someone in the industry say these things at one time or another. They’re part of a narrative that is still pushed hard- that fitness is about transforming your body, and the subtext of this kind of messaging th…

1
FCM171: The Power of "Flow Shui: The Science Behind Addicting Flow-Triggering Workouts with Patrick Charron 1:09:26

3y ago1:09:26

1:09:26

We think we can safely say we’ve all been in those workout classes where time just flies by. We look up at the clock after the cool down and think, "wow that could not have possibly been 60 minutes, I was so immersed in that experience it was seemingly over before it began." The elation we feel overrides any feelings of challenge or discomfort and …

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Shay Kostabi: Brand Strategist Experience Designer Podcasts

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