This episode of Back Room Talk takes us to Egypt, where Sherif Nassar coaches clients through Ramadan fasting, navigates the tension between OPEX principles and client expectations, and demonstrates why the hardest part of becoming a great coach isn't learning the principles, it's knowing when to bend them. Sherif's journey from CrossFit gym owner to professional individual design coach reveals why relationship building matters more than perfect programming, how coaches undervalue themselves by acting unprofessionally, and why the triangle of education, mentorship, and experience is non-negotiable for growth.

This episode of Back Room Talk follows Chad Johnson's journey from a 22-year-old personal trainer working out of his garage in Australia to building a thriving 500-square-meter hybrid gym that serves 150+ group clients and 35 individual design clients. Chad's story reveals why relationship-building matters more than programming, how implementing individual design nearly broke his business before saving it, and why staying aligned with your own values is the only way to survive the noise of social media fitness culture.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the unconventional journey of Atti, a former Hungarian Army officer turned Luxembourg gym owner turned business strategist, whose evolution demonstrates how questioning everything, including your own success leads to deeper impact. Atti's story reveals why most coaches struggle with business (hint: it's a mindset problem, not a marketing problem), how to build services clients are actually ready for, and why the future of fitness coaching might not involve a gym at all.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the remarkable journey of Scott Brewer, owner of OPEX Midlands in South Carolina, whose career evolution from Army paratrooper to running coach to CrossFit endurance specialist to OPEX gym owner demonstrates how following curiosity while maintaining authenticity creates sustainable coaching success. Scott's story reveals the value of patient business growth, the power of lifestyle coaching over quick fixes, and why staying true to your mission matters more than chasing rapid expansion.

Inside Backroom Talk, Kandace Dickson chats with coach and entrepreneur Justin Yoon about building an individual design gym in Korea, moving beyond CrossFit, and growing community through workshops, testing days, and unique events. Justin shares how saying yes early in his career led to mentorships, brand work with Nike, and a thriving practice. We cover running and HYROX trends, practical tech for testing, simple systems with CoachRX, and clear tips for progressing runners without burning out. Strong, clear takeaways for coaches and builders.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the remarkable journey of Brandon Wilton, a gym owner and coach whose 16-year career demonstrates how business survival requires constant adaptation while core principles remain steady. Brandon's story reveals the evolution from early CrossFit affiliate struggles through multiple service models to his current hybrid approach that serves both group and individual design clients. His journey illustrates that successful gym ownership isn't about finding one perfect model—it's about continuously solving problems while staying true to what serves clients best.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the multifaceted journey of Garrett Bell, an Alabama-based fitness coach whose path from high school athlete to stay-at-home dad demonstrates how life's seasons shape coaching philosophy. Garrett's story reveals how discovering OPEX methodology under James FitzGerald transformed his understanding of fitness, and how becoming a parent reshaped his priorities while deepening his commitment to helping others find sustainable approaches to health.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the inspiring transatlantic journey of Keith Gulliford, a British fitness coach whose career-altering ACL injury became the catalyst for an 18-year coaching career in the United States. Keith's story demonstrates how personal setbacks can become professional breakthroughs, and how proper education transforms good coaches into exceptional ones. Now an OPEX ambassador and Lifetime Fitness veteran, Keith's approach to coaching has evolved from session-focused training to comprehensive lifestyle guidance.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the coaching journey of Vidur, an OPEX coach based in India whose path from curious basketball player to seasoned fitness professional demonstrates how early athletic experiences and a relentless pursuit of personal autonomy can shape a coaching practice centered on deep human connection. Vidur's story reveals how transitioning from group fitness models to individual design coaching allows for the kind of transformative relationships that define professional coaching excellence.

Mitch Fischer, a coach with a background in multisport athletics and a gift for helping clients through every stage of their health journey. Mitch shares what it’s really like to go from a big box gym to running his own private practice, how he connects with clients facing menopause and body image challenges, and why creating a strong, supportive community matters so much. If you coach, want to coach, or simply love learning about health, you’ll get tons of actionable advice and relatable stories about overcoming setbacks, building trust, and helping others see their own potential. Plus, they talk about family, balancing business, and what really keeps good coaches in the game. Stick around for practical tips, honest moments, and resources you can use right away.

Get an inside look at the real life of a coach and entrepreneur who's shaping the fitness world from the ground up. Candace Dixon sits down with Kyle Lampy to explore his journey from an outdoor-loving kid to a seasoned fitness coach. Kyle talks about the lessons his dad taught him, building a career through tough times, and why keeping things simple always wins. He shares how listening to clients, making tiny changes, and creating real solutions can drive lasting results.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the inspiring journey of Edward "Eddie" Geraghty, an Irish fitness coach whose path from gym cleaner to head coach and successful individual design practitioner demonstrates how dedication, proper education, and genuine care for clients can create extraordinary career growth. In just two years, Eddie grew from 10 clients to 65 while building Ireland's premier individual design coaching service and mentoring a new generation of professional coaches.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the remarkable journey of Ronel Velasquez, a Venezuelan coach whose path from martial artist to security captain to professional fitness coach demonstrates how diverse life experiences can create coaching excellence. Now based in Colombia and known as "The Movement Champion," Ronel has built a thriving remote coaching practice that serves clients across continents while maintaining the deep, relationship-focused approach that defines exceptional coaching.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the inspiring journey of Daniel, a Swedish fitness coach who transformed from business studies student to gym owner to remote coaching entrepreneur. His story demonstrates how following your passion, combined with systematic education and a commitment to relationship-building, can create a thriving coaching practice that serves clients across continents while maintaining the personal touch that defines exceptional coaching.

Explores the inspiring journey of Ahmad Tarek, an Egyptian fitness coach and gym owner who transformed from engineer to fitness entrepreneur. His story demonstrates how passion, persistence, and professional education can create not just a successful business, but a thriving fitness community that changes lives through sustainable health practices and genuine care for client success.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the remarkable journey of Michal Scepko, a Slovakian fitness coach whose path from competitive swimmer to Navy SEALs combat diver to professional coach demonstrates how elite military training can forge exceptional coaching excellence. After 20 years of military service, Michal has built a thriving coaching practice.

This episode of Back Room Talk explores the powerful journey of Deven Kennedy, a police officer turned fitness coach who transformed personal tragedy into a life-saving mission. After experiencing injury and psychological trauma on duty, followed by the devastating loss of a colleague to suicide, Deven founded Resilience Through Fitness, a coaching service dedicated to supporting first responders across Canada and the United States through the unique challenges of their demanding careers.

In this episode, Mizar Fuente Ortega shares his transformative journey from elite gymnast to a coach who prioritizes health over mere performance. He discusses his personal experience with competitive burnout, the evolution of his coaching methodology, and the importance of building supportive relationships with clients. Mizar emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt to individual client needs, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and highlights the significance of mentorship in the coaching community. He also reflects on the balance between coaching and personal life, the importance of skill acquisition, and the necessity of falling in love with the process of growth and development.

This episode of Back Room Talk takes us inside the world of Devin Wells, a part-time coach at OPEX Round Rock who balances his coaching passion with a successful tech career. From his journey as an inquisitive client to becoming a coach who empowers others toward autonomy, Devin shares valuable insights on building genuine client relationships, the power of effective communication, and how AI can enhance (not replace) the coaching experience.

A look inside the world of Robin Steyvers, a fitness coach who's redefining professional coaching by bringing coaches and entrepreneurs together through immersive retreats. From his early days helping friends at outdoor calisthenics parks to running Viomatico retreats on the beautiful island of Madeira, Robin shares his journey coaching and prioritize deep relationships.