PAC Talk with Pieter Vodden

If you are in the Pharosphere, then you will know that relationships and people are at the core of our business. We are noted for our bells and whistles, but the loyalty we have fostered is due mainly to the personalities that give life to our spaces.In this episode of Pac Talk, I had the opportunity to work out with our leadership team and then sit down for one-to-one conversations with each of them. My hope is that you will get to know them better… who they are, what they do, how they found fitness, how they found PHAROS, what journey they are currently on, and what dreams they have for the future.These people are the muscle behind the machine. They fuel our business, gift us their talents, and take us passionately into tomorrow. This is their story.In this episode, we talk with:Laura: The administrative rock and systems expert.Tori: The creative force and cinematic director.Josh: The GM leading the charge in Palm Springs.Dan: The head coach bringing empathy to the barbell.Shep: The veteran coach and Echo Park GM.Thanks for listening, don’t forget to follow, subscribe, like and share—we really appreciate it!💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Act Despite How You Feel: Why Action Comes Before Confidence | PAC Talk Podcast with Piet and Emylee VoddenIn this episode, we close the gap between insight and execution. After a week of reflection, awareness, and intention-setting in the Accelerator program this episode is a reminder that transformation doesn’t happen when you feel ready — it happens when you act anyway."Motivation is Unreliable"We unpack:•How waiting for motivation keeps us stuck•Why action builds confidence (not the other way around)•How to put behavior before belief and momentum before doubtThis episode is for anyone who knows what to do… but has been hesitating.
Press play, take the step, and let action do the convincing.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the quiet internal battle that determines whether people follow through—or fade out—on the things that matter most: the voice that looks for a way out versus the voice that finds a way in.Using real conversations from a recent Accelerator group call, we break down how self-sabotage often shows up disguised as logic, comfort, or “being realistic.” From the idea of first-mile lies in running, to the familiar pattern of joining the gym with good intentions and quitting a few months later, this episode looks at how identity—not motivation—drives consistency.We talk about why telling yourself “this time is different” doesn’t work if your past actions say otherwise, and how repeated non-follow-through trains your brain and body not to trust you. Through stories of weight loss, addiction, gym intimidation, and starting something you’re not good at yet, this episode highlights a critical truth: belief isn’t built through words—it’s built through reps.This conversation also tackles humility, accountability, and the importance of being willing to look inexperienced, uncomfortable, or imperfect in order to grow. Whether it’s quitting smoking, walking into the gym for the first time, or simply showing up when it would be easier not to, the question stays the same: are you finding a way in, or are you looking for a way out?If you’ve ever struggled to see something through, felt stuck in a cycle of starting and stopping, or questioned whether you’re “just the kind of person who quits,” this episode will challenge that narrative—and give you a framework to start rewriting it through action.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High achievers—this one’s for you! If you constantly feel:• Like nothing you do is ever “enough”• Guilty when you rest• Stuck because things aren’t perfect yetYou might be caught in the curse of the high achiever.🎙️ In today’s mini episode, I’m sharing:• Why dissatisfaction isn’t the enemy—but unmanaged, it will stall you• How perfection keeps high achievers stuck• Why “bare minimum habits” beat overachievement every timeYou’re not lazy.You’re not falling behind.You might just need permission to do less.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk about failing your goals.Because if I’m being honest, I’ve fallen short on almost every goal I’ve ever set.And for a long time, I let that mean something about me. That I was undisciplined. That I couldn’t finish what I started. That no matter how hard I tried, it was never good enough—so why even try?But here’s what I’ve learned: the problem was never the goals.It was the story I attached to them.In today’s episode, we want to reframe how we think about goals—especially if you’re looking back at this year feeling disappointed, behind, or tempted to say, ‘Why bother?’Goals are meant to give you direction, but not define your worth…When you shift your focus from outcomes to effort and the actions you can control, you enjoy the process and actually get results that last. If you’ve ever let missing a goal give you permission to quit—or stop dreaming altogether—this one’s for you.If you’re a coach, gym owner, or someone trying to build strength that carries into the real world—this one is for you.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Goal Setting Framework For Work And Life That Keeps Us Moving Forward In 2026 In this reflective solo episode, Emylee shares the exact 3-pillar framework she uses to set goals at Pharos—and in her own life. Recorded during a quiet early-morning drive down the mountain after the annual leadership retreat, she reflects on the progress the team made in 2025, the lessons learned, and the clarity that comes from reviewing both the wins and the challenges.She introduces the three types of goals that guide every decision at Pharos:  •  Financial – supporting stability, reinvestment, and long-term health.  •  Community – delivering on the promise of results, connection, and service.  •  Cohesion – building systems and infrastructure that keep the team aligned and the experience consistent.Listeners will learn how to use this exact framework in their own lives by brainstorming everything they could do, then identifying the one to three “rocks” that will truly move the needle in the next 90 days. Emylee breaks down how to think in quarterly pushes, avoid overwhelm, and build a year that feels intentional—rather than rushed.Interested in working with us to get a plan of action for you? Join our 7-Day Results Accelerator kicking off each Monday in January 2026 for anyone craving momentum, clarity, and a roadmap they can actually stick to.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comConnect with JoeJoe's InstagramBusiness of Strength IGJoe's WebsiteIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Riggio (Varsity House, Business of Strength) joins Pieter Vodden to talk about what really separates gyms that grow from gyms that fade out: business fundamentals, leadership, culture, and having the humility to get coached.They go back to the early Jim Jones days—why traveling for education builds confidence, camaraderie, and “earned” self-respect—and how that same mindset became a blueprint for building better businesses. Joe breaks down the origin of Business of Strength (from early workshops to mastermind groups), why most gym owners hit the “coach-owner paradox,” and how perspective, systems, and community can pull you out of the weeds.They also recap their Cactus to Clouds attempt—training prep, pacing, hydration, gear, and why you don’t do this hike casually. The conversation widens into endurance vs. strength, VO2 max and longevity, fatherhood, resilience, and why doing hard things on purpose makes real life easier.If you’re a coach, gym owner, or someone trying to build strength that carries into the real world—this one is for you.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comConnect with JoeJoe's InstagramBusiness of Strength IG Joe's Website If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brazilian Ju Jitsu Is coming to PHAROS Palm Springs !!!!! This week I sit down with one of the best in the business, 4x Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion Omar Salum, and his partner David Carrillo.We talk through the history, evolution, training, and importance of the sport, and explore why it is becoming the most popular martial art in America. The best news is: we’re bringing it to Palm Springs in January for both adults and kids.You’ll have the opportunity—whatever level you’re at—to work with Omar and his team. Build self-defense, confidence, skill, ability, and athleticism. Alongside our boxing program, this will help you go into 2026 with a greater sense of awareness and purpose.David and Omar are on a mission to help people, and it’s a privilege to be able to share part of this journey with them. And this is just the start…Listen, enjoy, and share with anyone you think may be interested. Memberships will be on sale soon, with discounts for existing gym members.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comConnect with Omar, David & My Gracie HemetOmar's IG My Gracie Hemet IGIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PAC Talk, Emily and Pieter open the doors to the 7-Day Results Accelerator and share a behind-the-scenes look at how they guide members through fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle strategy — all through the lens of bare minimum habits that create momentum.You'll hear a live excerpt from one of the Accelerator’s Q&A sessions, where Emily coaches members through identifying the one habit they can realistically commit to this week, how to simplify fitness goals, how to structure movement when life gets messy, and why habit stacking is the key to sustainability. Pieter breaks down morning nutrition strategy, calorie planning for weight loss vs. weight gain, and why clarity the night before sets the entire day up for success.Whether you're new to training, restarting, or leveling up, this episode gives you the exact framework used inside the 7-Day Accelerator to help hundreds of people find clarity, consistency, and confidence. If you want a week of structured coaching to build momentum in January, the link to join the next cohort is in the show notes.Start small. Build momentum. Stack wins.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this PAC Talk episode, Pieter sits down with Cyto-Wellness founder and traditional naturopath Mitzi Avila to break down one of the most overlooked performance tools in the fitness world: biometric scanning. Mitzi explains how her Meridien-based scan can read over 2,000 internal markers—from mineral deficiencies and gut imbalances to sleep disruptors, neurotransmitter patterns, toxic load, parasites, and more. Pieter shares his firsthand experience with the scan and how it immediately uncovered the root causes of his sleep and energy issues.Mitzi dives deep into gut health, hydration, electrolyte balance, mineral deficiencies, heavy metals, red light therapy, nootropics, and why so many high performers secretly operate in burnout mode. She breaks down her 4 Golden Rules for decoding cravings and energy dips, explains why most people are dehydrated even when they drink a gallon a day, and outlines how the body actually repairs during Delta/REM sleep.Whether you’re a serious athlete, a stressed professional, or someone who wants to understand their own body on a deeper level, this episode gives you real, actionable tools to fine-tune your health from the inside out. Mitzi now works out of Pharos Palm Springs every Friday & Saturday — offering full biometric scans, supplement audits, and personalized wellness plans.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comConnect with MitziInstagramIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this live PAC Talk session, coach Pieter Vodden sits down with writer and strength-training historian Michael Joseph Gross to explore what strength really means — not just for performance, but for longevity and quality of life. They trace the history of strength culture from ancient Greece to modern gyms, unpack how we’ve told stories about muscle over the centuries, and why we’re only just beginning to understand how powerful strength training is for living longer, better lives.Michael shares how learning a scary new sport in his 40s pushed him into serious training and ultimately into eight years of research on strength — from motor units and neurology to myth, culture, and identity. He and Pieter break down why strength training has to become as automatic as brushing your teeth, how a simple, consistent program can change your body and mind at any age, and why the real magic happens when strength becomes part of your story, not just your routine.They dive into the science of muscle and aging, including landmark studies on people in their 90s who dramatically improved strength, independence, and life expectancy after just eight weeks of resistance training. Michael explains how lifting can reduce risk for chronic disease, support brain health, and even rival antidepressants for many people. The conversation also tackles the myth of “brain vs. brawn,” showing how muscle actually supports cognition, emotional resilience, and empathy.A big part of this talk centers on women and strength, featuring the story of Jan Todd and the fight to normalize heavyweight training for women. Pieter and Michael break down persistent myths about “bulking,” “girl exercises vs. boy exercises,” and the way fitness marketing has confused people about what really works. They also talk about the synergy between strength and cardio, the pros and cons of bodybuilding culture, why relatability matters more than extremity, and how community gyms like Pharos help people build not just muscle, but a shared sense of meaning and connection through training.Connect with MichaelBuy his bookInstagramWebsite💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don’t need a better diet — you need a better philosophy.Today’s session is one of the most transformational of the 7-Day Results Accelerator. In this 30-minute conversation, Piet and I unpack how to break free from diet culture and step into a sustainable, empowering way of eating that actually moves the needle — physically, mentally, and emotionally.We cover:🍎 Fuel: how to eat to support your training, recovery, hormones, and energy — not punish yourself for what you ate yesterday.😋 Joy: how to enjoy food again without guilt or extremes — and still stay aligned with your goals.💪 Results: how to use awareness, data, and feedback to fine-tune your nutrition for performance and body composition.And most importantly — we’ll help you understand the two nutritional approaches that every successful athlete and everyday mover needs to master:1️⃣ Intuitive: learning to listen to your body — hunger cues, cravings, and energy signals — and build trust through awareness and flexibility.2️⃣ Calculated: using structure, tracking, and measurable metrics as temporary tools to build discipline, awareness, and precision.When you understand how to flow between these two modes — when to be intuitive, when to be strategic — you stop “starting over” and start evolving. Tune in, let us know what you think! Piet will see you at 8am and I'll see you at 12!Whether you’re part of the Pharos Accelerator or just trying to optimize your day, this episode challenges you to design a lifestyle that actually supports your goals — not one that burns you out.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people think training starts and ends in the gym — but that’s only two hours of your day. The other 22 hours? That’s your lifestyle, and it’s where true progress happens.In this PAC Talk Mini, Pieter Vodden breaks down the underestimated power of lifestyle — sleep, recovery, relationships, hydration, habits, and small joys — that define how you perform, think, and feel. From horse therapy in Gardner Valley to Taco Tuesday and family movie nights, Pieter shows how balance and awareness drive sustainable success.Whether you’re part of the Pharos Accelerator or just trying to optimize your day, this episode challenges you to design a lifestyle that actually supports your goals — not one that burns you out.💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this PAC Talk Mini, host Emylee Vodden shares a simple nightly ritual she practices with her kids — one that’s quietly reshaped how she approaches gratitude, leadership, and growth.Each night before bed, she asks them:“What was the best part of your day?”Sometimes the answers come easily. Other times, she has to pull a little, dig deeper, and remind them — and herself — that gratitude is a practice, not a mood. It’s how we learn to look for light even on the hard days.Emylee reflects on how this small act of reflection has grown into a larger philosophy at Pharos: to lead with light, to find joy in the process, and to systemize positivity in a world that constantly demands more.✨ Try it tonight: Ask yourself — what was the best part of my day?💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.comIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this PAC Talk Mini, Emylee Vodden shares a big update from the Pharos team: after nine years and more than 20 Limitless Challenges, she and Pieter have built something new— a digital school and 7-Day Results Accelerator designed to help you reset your focus, rebuild momentum, and create a roadmap for the season you’re in.This isn’t about more information. It’s about catalyst—clarity, excitement, and accountability. Whether you’re a 500 Club veteran or just trying to find your rhythm again before the holidays, this seven-day experience will help you reconnect to what drives you.Take the free 3-minute quiz to get a personalized 90-day planJoin the 7-Day Results Accelerator (Nov 10 – 16)Reignite your motivation and head into the holidays without restriction, without burnout, and with joy.If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us default to one style of “help,” even when another would serve better. In this PAC Talk, we break down the difference between Push, Pull, and Hold—and give you a quick self-check to pick what you need today.Push = pressure + accountability to raise your ceiling (targets, deadlines, coaching cues).Pull = inspiration + vision that draws you forward (community energy, role models, events).Hold = support + steadiness so you can regulate and recover (boundaries, rest, presence).We’ll map common training/life scenarios to each mode, plus a 60-second quiz to decide your next move. Right help, right time. That’s the game.If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of PAC Talk, host Pieter Vodden sits down with multiple CrossFit Games champion Leka Fineman about what comes after competition.Leka opens up about:Stepping away from elite CrossFit after burnoutDiscovering a new sense of purpose through surfing and longevity trainingNavigating perimenopause and hormone therapy (HRT) with strength and curiosityLearning how to “train for life” — not exhaustionWhy community, connection, and consistency still matter more than anythingTogether, they explore the evolution of the fitness industry, the myths around menopause and performance, and how both men and women can train smarter, not harder, as they age.📘 Download Leka’s Free Menopause Blueprint: lekafineman.comFollow Leka on Instagram: @lekafinemanIf you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emylee shares her mom’s decade-long fight with trigeminal neuralgia and the lesson it forged: lead with light. Joy can coexist with pain—and sometimes you borrow someone else’s light until your own returns.If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not toxic gloss—action. Emylee defines “relentless positivity” as acting despite how you feel: micro-joys, gratitude, and forward motion when the marathon gets long. Name the hard, then move anyway.If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us get to 90%—then stall. Emylee riffs on remodel chaos, human nature, and why coaching, accountability, and a good crew carry you across the finish line. If you’re stuck, borrow a tribe and close the gap.If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.