Business Muscle

Today we’re joined by Isaac Lewis from ANCORE Training Systems, a company that grew from a grad school project in a Swampscott garage to supplying pro teams in the NHL, NBA G League, and PGA Tour, with products now shipped to over 65 countries. Isaac shares the origin story of ANCORE, including how he and co-founder Nathaniel got started, their first prototypes, and the lessons learned from early product development. We dive into the company’s growth milestones, breaking into professional sports, and expanding internationally, as well as business strategy insights on scaling, partnerships, and keeping ownership in-house. Isaac also shares marketing tips for startups, advice for founders navigating competition, and the skills he’s had to learn personally while growing ANCORE. Enjoy! ANCORE: https://ancoretraining.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

If you ever end the day wondering where your time went, this episode is for you. Today, Ariel is sharing the exact tools and habits that help herwork smarter, not longer, and save hours every week. From time blocking and time audits to prioritizing the three “needle movers” that actually move your business forward, plus email templates, social media scheduling, and using Loom instead of endless meetings — these systems are game-changers. Ariel breaks down why they work, how to implement them, and how even small tweaks can give you back serious time. Pick one strategy this week and feel the freedom by Friday! Enjoy!You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Today we’re talking with Caroline Pineau, CEO and Owner of Stem in Haverhill, MA. Caroline began her entrepreneurial journey at just 22, opening her first business, The Yoga Tree, and later launched Stem in 2020 as the 42nd licensed cannabis shop in Massachusetts. Since then, she’s grown the business to 25 employees, scaled production, and even navigated civil litigation successfully along the way. In this episode, Caroline shares her early business lessons from running a yoga studio, what drew her to the cannabis industry, and the challenges of launching and scaling a highly regulated business. She also dives into leading a team, white-labeling products, her experiences with legal battles, and the resilience required to succeed as a CEO. Enjoy! STEM: https://stemhaverhill.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Solo episode with our co-host Ariel today! Scaling from solopreneur to business owner is one of the hardest—and least talked about—phases of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ariel breaks down why the solopreneur stage feels so good, the growing pains that come with maxing out your time and revenue, and the mindset shift needed to move from doing everything yourself to leading a team. We’ll cover the key systems—like training, recurring revenue, and operational playbooks—that make scaling possible, even when margins shrink and challenges feel overwhelming. Enjoy! You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Kristen Bonito, founder of The Mom Comm—soon to be rebranded as Momentum! Kristen shares how what started as a stroller bootcamp side hustle evolved into a thriving brick-and-mortar studio, a growing run club, and a full team of instructors supporting over 60 women. She gets real about the messy middle of business growth while raising kids, how she built community from the ground up, and the bold leap she’s taking with her upcoming rebrand.We dive deep into the mindset shifts it takes to go from instructor to entrepreneur, what it really means to lead a team while staying mission-driven, and how she’s navigating the fear and excitement of change. If you're a mom, a business owner, or someone building a movement—this one’s for you! Enjoy!Momentum : https://www.momentumfitstudio.com/Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Solo episode with our co-host Elise today! “Passive income” sounds glamorous, but in today’s episode, Elise shares why it usually starts with sweat equity and late nights. In this episode, she dives into why active income is king for reliable cash flow, faster feedback, and building skills that compound over time. You’ll hear the reality of ratios—thousands per month from a business versus the trickle of ebooks or affiliate links—and her top tips for growing active income: doing the reps, mastering sales, and outlasting the competition. The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to work. Let’s make active income COOL again. Enjoy! You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Today we’re chatting with Simone Bernstein, founder of barre3 Brookline and Spark Permanent Jewelry—two women-led brands built on creativity, community, and resilience. In this episode, Simone shares how she went from college graduate to fitness studio owner, what it was like to open a second studio just before the pandemic, and how shutting it down—and navigating a traumatic subtenant experience—taught her to protect her energy and put herself first.We also dive into the explosive success of Spark, her permanent jewelry brand that made back its investment in just one month. Simone opens up about her mental health journey, how she’s redefining what success looks like, and why connection with other women in business is at the heart of everything she builds. Her story is raw, honest, and packed with wisdom for any founder facing hard pivots or fresh starts.Barre3 Brookline: https://barre3.com/studio-locations/brooklineSpark by Simone: https://www.sparkbysimone.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Everyone’s talking about AI, but do you actually know how to use it effectively? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how we use ChatGPT every single week across multiple businesses and consulting projects—no theory, just practical examples.We cover:How we use ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner for podcast topics, class ideas, event names, and captions.Drafting polished emails in minutes while keeping our tone direct and friendly.Turning messy notes into organized team trainings, agendas, and SOPs.Pulling out the best podcast quotes for reels and repurposed content.Crafting Instagram hooks and captions that sound on-trend and effortless.Getting fresh workout programming ideas to stay creative and inspired.Drafting contracts, policies, and job descriptions to save hours of work.Whether you’re running a business, building a brand, or just trying to save time, you’ll walk away with actionable ways to use AI right now. Enjoy! You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Derek Durkin started with eight clients in the basement of a gym—and now runs Train Full Send, a high-impact group fitness business with two thriving locations. In this episode, he shares how he went from structural engineer to Barry’s trainer, to launching his own virtual platform during COVID, and eventually building out his dream space in Needham Heights! We talk about what it takes to scale a second location, the systems he swears by, and how to lead a team in a seasonal town like Mashpee. Derek gets honest about what worked, what didn’t, and what he wishes he’d done differently. If you’re a coach or trainer dreaming of starting your own thing, this one’s packed with practical advice and hard-earned lessons.You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Starting a small business is no joke, and the stats prove it: most don’t make it past five years! But what’s behind that number isn’t just bad luck. In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reasons small businesses fail—and more importantly, how you can avoid falling into the same traps. From unclear target markets to poor cash flow management, we walk through the most common issues that sink businesses.You’ll also hear practical tips for building smarter systems, creating visibility through simple marketing, and making intentional hiring decisions. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure whether you're "doing it right," this episode will help you feel less alone—and way more equipped. The good news? Most of the things that lead to failure are totally within your control. Let’s make sure your business is built to beat the odds.Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Courtney Little was helping people heal long before wellness became trendy. A Clinical Nutritionist and founder of Courtney Little Wellness, she’s been guiding clients through personalized, root-cause healing since 2007. In this episode, Courtney shares how she built her business before the industry really existed—and how her own personal health journey has shaped everything she offers today.We talk about her early days launching CLW, what it was like to grow a wellness brand when few people were talking about functional health, and how she’s evolved her approach to serve the needs of clients today. She explains what most people misunderstand about nutrition, the labs she recommends for every woman, and why so many people struggle to lose weight—no matter how hard they try.Courtney also opens up about her new CLW Membership, a platform designed to make healing more accessible without sacrificing quality care. She talks about what it means to scale without burning out, and how digital business has shifted her impact. Don’t miss our rapid-fire questions on her favorite wellness trends (and the ones she could do without) and the supplements she swears by! Enjoy! Courtney Little Wellness: https://www.courtneylittlewellness.com/Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

You can have the best service, product, or offer in the world—but if no one knows about it, it doesn’t matter. In this episode, we’re digging into why marketing often falls to the bottom of the list for small business owners and what to do about it. Visibility isn’t optional, and you don’t need to be everywhere—you just need to show up where it counts!We’ll walk you through simple, effective marketing strategies you can start today—like updating your Google Business Profile, collecting reviews, creating low-effort videos, and building an email list (even a tiny one). Plus, we’ll show you how to ditch the overwhelm and build a plan that actually fits your life and bandwidth. If you’ve been stuck in marketing paralysis or don’t know where to start, this one’s for you.Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Today we’re joined by Jessica Dion, founder of Zest—a coworking space made for wellness entrepreneurs. What started as a scribbled idea during a Business Muscle session is now a fully launched space, built with heart, grit, and a whole lot of self-belief. Jessica takes us behind the scenes of building something from scratch, including what surprised her, what scared her, and what she had to unlearn.From marketing a totally new concept to navigating financial risk and isolation as a founder, Jessica brings honesty and insight to every step of the journey. If you’ve got a big idea and feel stuck by fear, perfectionism, or the myth that “if you build it, they’ll come,” this episode is your sign to start anyway.Zest: https://www.zestthecollective.com/Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

If you’ve ever second-guessed a choice, delayed a decision, or felt overwhelmed by too many options—you’re not alone. Decision-making is one of the most overlooked yet crucial business skills. In this episode, we unpack how to treat decision-making like a muscle, and give you tools to start making smarter, faster, and more confident choices.We break down types of decisions you face daily (strategic, tactical, and emotional), share practical frameworks like the 70% rule, and offer simple reflection tools to help you get unstuck. You’ll walk away knowing that you’re not bad at making decisions—you’re just under-practiced. And if you’re ready to trust yourself more, build clarity, and keep your business moving forward, this episode is for you!Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

On today’s episode, we chat with Christine Myers and Kristen Palladino, co-founders of Locals Social Club—a kids’ apparel brand born from a casual idea on a girls' weekend that turned into a nationwide, grassroots success. With no background in retail, they taught themselves everything from design to sales—all while working full-time jobs and raising kids.We talk about what it really looks like to bootstrap a product-based business, how they stayed scrappy (and sane) while scaling, and the power of leaning into community, not perfection. From micro-influencers to wholesale dreams, this conversation is full of tactical tips and honest reflections from two women redefining what "building a brand" looks like on your own terms. Enjoy!Locals social club: https://www.localssocialclub.com*Use code MUSCLE gets them 15% off your order!Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

We’re pulling back the curtain on four hard-earned lessons from our own business journey—the things we’ll never do again. From over-discounting and neglecting our email list to scaling too quickly and saying yes to everything, we’re breaking down what went wrong and how we’ve shifted since. These mistakes cost us time, money, and sanity—so we’re sharing them so you don’t have to learn the hard way!Whether you’re in your first year or scaling up, this episode is packed with action steps and mindset shifts that will help you build with intention. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, unsure what to say yes to, or stuck offering deals that don’t really serve your growth—this conversation will hit home. And if you’re ready for support structuring your offers, building systems, or creating a clear marketing plan, that’s what we’re here for.Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

On this episode, we're hanging out with Casey White, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Jaju Pierogi, to hear how she turned a niche Polish dumpling into a nationally known brand. From selling out at farmers markets to landing in over 2,500 grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Costco, Casey shares the behind-the-scenes highs and lows of growing a bootstrapped business. She opens up about early doubts, what made her double down on such a specific product, and how she and her team stayed scrappy while scaling.We also get into the real talk—like what it’s actually like to survive in the tough world of grocery retail, why some big risks paid off (and some didn’t), and how Shark Tank taught her more than she expected. Casey doesn’t hold back when it comes to the hard stuff, from shelf space battles to founder burnout—and she shares what she’d do differently if she could start all over again. If you're building a brand, thinking about going national, this one’s for you!JAJU PIEROGI: https://www.jajupierogi.com/Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

In this episode, we’re joined by Jenalee and Alie, the best friend duo behind Creating Connections—a pediatric occupational therapy practice that’s redefining what it means to support kids and families. We dive into how they went from traditional OT roles to building a thriving, heart-centered business from scratch! They share the real, behind-the-scenes journey of starting out, navigating growing pains, and staying grounded in their mission through it all. We also chat about what makes their approach to pediatric OT so unique and why community and connection are at the core of everything they do.This episode is extra special because (spoiler alert!) we’re now proud business partners with Jenalee and Alie as they continue to grow Creating Connections. We talk about how they knew it was time to bring on partners, what’s changed since then, and what the future holds as we scale this dream together. Plus, you’ll hear their favorite moments with kids, their biggest lessons in leadership, and what they hope people feel when they hear the name “Creating Connections.” Enjoy! Creating Connections OT: https://creatingconnectionsot.com/Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

It’s our 100th episode (!!) and we’re celebrating with something a little different—and a lot of fun. We each answered 10 surprise questions generated by ChatGPT, and somehow, they weirdly nailed our personalities. From lighthearted laughs to deeper reflections, this episode is full of unexpected moments and genuine connection as we put each other in the hot seat.We also just want to say a huge THANK YOU for being here for 100 episodes. Whether you’ve been listening since day one or just found us recently, we’re so grateful for your support, messages, shares, and the amazing community that’s grown around this show. Here’s to 100 more!Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

Trying to grow your business but don’t have the budget for ads? We’ve got you. In this episode, we’re talking all about how to land your first clients without spending a single dollar on marketing. From sliding into DMs the right way to getting creative with social media and tapping into your community, we’re sharing the scrappy, real-world strategies that actually work.If you’re just getting started, bootstrapping your way through, or tired of throwing money at things that aren’t moving the needle, this one’s for you. It’s all about getting resourceful, making the most of what you’ve got, and building serious momentum—no budget required.Work with us here: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/