#180 Jesse Thomas III

There is a lot of responsibility in training youth athletes and there is nobody that has proven success and results like @coachjessejewel After a very successful football career, Jesse took a leap of faith and opened @activestrengthco - a facility that is home to some of the best youth athletes in the Midwest. This episode is full of insight on a business level, sports training and development of our next generation. Tune in!

In this episode, we sit down with Lexi and Brett Johnson—power couple, competitors, and entrepreneurs making serious waves in the fitness space. Lexi is the owner of LJW, 1st Phorm Athlete and a rising force in the industry, while both her and her husband Brett compete at the pro level in HYROX, pushing the limits of performance and discipline.We dive into their journey through business, competition, and what it takes to operate at a high level both individually and as a couple. Lexi also announces her upcoming Bald 5K event on April 11th! Come bald, ready to run and ready to party! This episode is all about balance, mindset, and doing hard things… while still having fun.

Today we’ve got Morgan and Ryan, the duo behind the brand-new Iron Gates Gym in Belton, Missouri. It’s a 24-hour access gym built for serious lifters, with a heavy focus on bodybuilding and real training culture.But the gym is just part of the story. Morgan and Ryan have both owned and operated multiple businesses over the years, so we dive into their entrepreneurial journey, what led them to open Iron Gates, and what they’re trying to build in the fitness community.

Today we are joined by two absolute killers in the CrossFit world — Olivia Kerstetter and Chris Ibarra.Olivia is currently ranked 3rd in the world, and Chris is climbing the ranks as he placed 13th last year in the CrossFit Games.We dive into their journeys to the CrossFit Games, what competing at that level really demands, their experience with the World Fitness Project, and even what winter Olympic sport they would want to try.This one’s all about mindset, competition, and what it takes to perform on the world stage. Let’s get into it.

Anthony Madonia is the owner of Brave Enough CrossFit, host of Battle of the Brave CrossFit competition, former Marine and a highly successful Tactical Games athlete.In this episode Anthony gives us insight on why Brave Enough moved locations, why they are no longer hosting the Battle of the Brave event, his predictions for the upcoming CrossFit Games and his future plans in competing in the Tactical Games

Peptides. GLP-1s. Metabolic health.What’s real—and what’s misunderstood?In this episode, Dr. Kyle Gillett joins the show to unpack the science and clinical reality behind some of the most talked-about tools in modern medicine. We cover how GLP-1s actually work, where peptides fit in, common mistakes people make, and how lifestyle still underpins everything.This is an evidence-based conversation designed to cut through hype and give you clarity.

This week on the podcast, we’re sitting down with Jason and Heather May, the owners of Flex Fitness in Kansas City, to talk all things growth, innovation, and what’s next for one of KC’s standout gyms.Jason and Heather break down the new additions to Flex Fitness—from upgraded equipment, smoothie bar, new locker rooms to the intentional changes they’re making to elevate the member experience. We dive into why they chose to invest in these upgrades, what sets Flex apart in an ever-evolving fitness industry, and dive into Jason's last two pro bodybuilding shows he competed in this last year.Whether you’re a Flex member or not, this episode is packed with insight on building a culture, adapting to demand, and building the mecca of the midwest. Tune in and thank you for listening!

In this episode, we sit down with Wes Hamilton, founder of Inclusiv KC, Kansas City’s groundbreaking adaptive and inclusive gym redefining what fitness can look like for every body. Wes shares the powerful story behind the creation of Inclusiv KC — from his own journey to his mission of building a space where people of all abilities feel seen, supported, and strong.Join us as Wes opens up about why inclusivity in fitness isn’t just a trend — it’s a movement. If you’re interested in adaptive training, creating more inclusive spaces, or just love a story of purpose-driven leadership, this episode is for you.Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and a deep look at how one person’s vision can reshape wellness for an entire community.