Ep.192: From Adversity to Excellence: Josif Todorovitz on Redemption, Resilience & Building a Thriving Fitness Career

In this episode Jenny reconnects with long-time fitness professional and education advocate Amy Thomposon of IDEA Fitness. The fitness industry is rebounding well from the pandemic, but one thing that never went away was the need for health and fitness education and mentorship. Amy discusses the growing opportunities for online and in-person education for fitness professionals as well as the benefits and opportunities for impactful mentorship in the field. 2025 IDEA World- July 2025Learn about Mentorship Opportunities HERE!www.ideafit.comIDEA Fit on InstagramIDEA Health & Fitness on YouTubeIDEA Fit on FacebookIdea Health & Fitness Association on LinkedInAmy Thompson on LinkedInAmy Thompson on InstagramHear more! Amy shares insights on The Wellness Paradox Podcast

What makes a great runner? Is it genetics, training, or something more? In this episode, Jenny and John chat with Dr. Jason Karp—renowned running coach, exercise scientist, and author of 15 books—to explore the fascinating world of running performance.From coaching elite Kenyan runners to training everyday athletes, Dr. Karp shares insights on what truly separates top runners from the rest. We dive into common myths about running, the role of science in performance, and how personal trainers can integrate running into their programming for better client results.Plus, we tackle key questions like:Is there really such a thing as a “non-runner”?Should you go barefoot or stick with high-tech running shoes?How does running impact mental health and longevity?How can personal trainers leverage running to build a more successful coaching business?Whether you're an endurance athlete, a personal trainer, or just someone who wants to enjoy running more, this episode is filled with valuable insights.https://www.instagram.com/drjasonkarp/

What does it take to succeed as a college athlete in today’s evolving sports landscape? Strength and conditioning coach from Seton Hall University Angelo Gingerelli joins us to dive deep into athletic development, recruiting, NIL deals, and the realities of college sports.With experience training athletes across multiple sports, Angelo shares his insights on sport-specific training, the importance of recovery, and how sports science has changed the game. We also discuss his book, The Next Four Years, which offers a must-read roadmap for student-athletes (and their families) navigating college recruiting, NIL opportunities, and the transfer portal.If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with essential insights on what it really takes to thrive in college athletics.Tune in now and connect with Angelo!

What does it take to be a great trainer, educator, and leader in the fitness industry? In this episode, Jenny and John chat with Miguel Vargas, TRX Senior Master Instructor and TRX Training and Education Manager, to dive into his journey from passionate trainer to international educator.With over a decade of experience leading TRX workouts, workshops, and courses around the world, Miguel shares insights on what separates good trainers from great ones, how to build confidence on the training floor, and what it takes to transition into coaching and education roles.We also get into some fun "Would You Rather" fitness scenarios—because let’s be honest, we’ve all had that client who insists on their magic fat-burning detox tea!Tune in for expert advice, industry insights, and a few laughs along the way.https://www.instagram.com/migueltrxsf/https://www.instagram.com/trxtraining/https://www.trxtraining.com/pages/education

In this episode Jenny and John chat with the one and only Emma Barry, founder of Trouble Global and a true force of nature in the fitness industry. Dubbed the “Oprah of Fitness”, Emma is a powerhouse speaker, advisor, and investor who thrives on igniting boldness, breaking conventions, and catalyzing massive innovation in business, leadership, and personal development.In this episode, we dive into:What it really means to create “trouble” in leadership and why it’s essential for successThe biggest shifts happening in the fitness industry and where the biggest opportunities lieHow to cultivate a high-performance mindset without burning outInsights on breaking industry norms, battling imposter syndrome, and building a lasting legacyPlus, a fast-paced lightning round where Emma shares her most unconventional beliefs, biggest industry wish list, and top resources for fitness pros.https://troubleglobal.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmabarryistrouble/

We’re back for more Research & Real Talk with Jenny and John! Take a deep dive into some fascinating new studies shaping the health and fitness landscape. Research with JennyHeart Health & Wearables – Did you know that nearly two-thirds of Americans use a device to track their heart health, yet only 25% share the data with their doctor? We explore why this matters and how fitness professionals can bridge the gap.Traffic & Fast Food – A new study out of California shows that traffic delays may lead to an increase in fast food visits, impacting long-term nutrition choices. How does urban infrastructure play a role in public health?Women’s Gym Experiences – A UK/Ireland study highlights barriers women face in gyms, from body image concerns to harassment. How can the fitness industry create more inclusive spaces? Real Talk with JohnThe ethics of before-and-after photos – Are transformation marketing tactics doing more harm than good?Beyond aesthetics – What’s the real goal of health and fitness?Tune in for insights, discussion, and a no-nonsense look at the realities of the fitness industry!+

In this insightful episode, Jenny and John chat with Pete McCall, a fitness educator, author, and industry thought leader. Pete shares an update on his work with Ramp Gym, a cutting-edge fitness concept that can create an additional revenue stream for personal trainers and health clubs.  Next, Pete shares his practical, no-nonsense approach to recovery,  with key insights from his latest book, Smarter Recovery. Here he explains why traditional recovery methods are often misunderstood and how fitness professionals can help clients recover more effectively.Tune in now for expert advice on training smarter, recovering better, and staying in the game for the long haul!Learn more about RAMP Gym: rampgym.comConnect with Pete: https://www.instagram.com/petemc_fitness/Get Pete’s book:  “Smarter Recovery”

In this powerful episode, Jenny and John chat with Josif Todorovitz, a highly respected personal trainer and mentor, whose journey from prison to prosperity is nothing short of inspiring. Josif shares how he transformed his life through fitness, overcame immense obstacles, and built a six-figure career in the industry. As the Head Trainer at Self Made Training Facility in Folsom, CA, he has not only impacted countless clients but also guided aspiring trainers toward success.We dive into his personal transformation, the challenges of re-entering society, and how his experiences have shaped his unique approach to coaching, leadership, and mentorship. Josif also opens up about his work in diversion programs, the lessons he hopes to impart, and his vision for the future of fitness.Whether you're a fitness professional, someone facing personal challenges, or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with insights, wisdom, and real talk on resilience and success.https://www.instagram.com/josif4/https://www.instagram.com/ironflexfitness2020/

In this episode, Jenny and John chat with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro. She breaks down the key differences between improving appearance (aesthetic changes) versus improving body image (self perception)—and why it matters. We explore how fitness professionals can help clients shift their focus from aesthetics to true well-being, the role of emotional health in body image, and practical strategies for fostering lasting, meaningful change. Whether you're a coach or on your own health journey, this conversation will challenge the way you think about fitness and self-perception.https://www.instagram.com/trust_and_nourish/Thomas Cash- body image researcherhttp://www.body-images.com/assessments/Value Sorting Exerciseshttps://www.think2perform.com/values/Internalized Weight Bias Articlehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3543476/

In this episode Jenny and John chat with Dr. Jonathan Mike, a renowned expert in exercise science, strength training, and sports nutrition. With over 120 presentations on global stages, numerous peer-reviewed publications, and 12 influential book chapters, Dr. Mike is a powerhouse in the fitness industry.We dive into his journey in the field, explore practical ways for trainers and coaches to elevate their expertise, and discuss how to separate credible information from fitness misinformation.Dr. Mike also tackles some of the most pervasive fitness myths surrounding resistance training—such as fears about "getting bulky," misconceptions about toning, and the role of strength training in fat loss and flexibility. Plus, he shares the importance of resistance training for older adults and debunks the craziest myths he’s encountered recently.Whether you’re a fitness professional or someone looking to maximize your own training, this episode is packed with actionable insights and science-backed wisdom.https://www.instagram.com/drjmike/