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.
Emylee sits down with artist-entrepreneur Alex Camacho—the force behind Acid Queen Jewelry—for a real talk on fitness, mindset, and building a business that lasts. We cover her athlete-to-artist journey, how the Limitless Challenge reframed goals, why “80% done is 100% perfect,” and how to use AI as a tool (not a shortcut) to analyze data, calm emotions, and stay the course. We get into macros, petite body composition, pull-up milestones, meditation for money fear, and the parallels between training and entrepreneurship.You’ll learn:Routine goals vs outcome goals (and why that changes everything)Using scans, wearables & photos without spiralingPetite strength & aesthetics: precise tweaks that move the needleFacing money fears with data + daily practiceWhere AI helps (and where it doesn’t)If this episode helped, hit Subscribe, drop your current routine goal in the comments, and share with a friend in their “80% done” season.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.Connect with Alex InstagramIf 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.
We’ve all missed alarms, overextended ourselves, or completely goofed up a plan. In this Pac Talk Mini, Emylee Vodden shares how a simple client message turned a potential scheduling disaster into a reminder of the power of planning, accountability, and community. Instead of stressing about mistakes, what if we built systems—and relationships—that anticipate needs before problems arise? This short mountain-drive reflection is about being proactive, reducing anxiety, and leaning on the right people in your corner.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.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 Pac Talk mini, Emylee Vodden opens up about anxiety, stage fright, and the lessons his parents taught him about butterflies in the stomach. Instead of letting fear paralyze us, we can choose to use that nervous energy as fuel for action, courage, and growth. From high school performances to everyday challenges, Emylee shares simple mindset shifts to reframe anxiety into empowerment.If you’ve ever felt stuck by nerves or fear, this episode will remind you that sometimes all it takes is one small, brave step forward.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.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, Emylee Vodden dives deep into how we talk to kids about food—and how those conversations shape their relationship with health for life. What starts as a heartbreaking moment with a five-year-old worried about “getting fat” turns into a powerful reflection on breaking generational cycles of diet culture, shame, and restriction. Emylee shares her framework for sustainable nutrition—fuel × joy × results—and explores how parents (and adults re-parenting their inner child) can create a healthier, more joyful relationship with food. Whether you’re raising kids or healing your own food story, this conversation offers a practical and compassionate path forward.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.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.#NutritionBeyondThePlate #HealthyKids #FoodEducation #BreakTheCycle #StopDietCulture #SustainableNutrition #ParentingHealth #PositiveNutrition #KidsAndFood #PacTalkPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Piet Vodden breaks down what “coaching” really means in 2025—how we got from big-box machines to CrossFit’s barbell revolution, and now to the hybrid model that blends functional bodybuilding, conditioning, running clubs, and community. Piet explains why great coaching is a learned craft: commanding a room, progressing skills safely, creating energy, and delivering results without burning people out. Piet breaks down the lost art of group coaching, the difference between PT and group leadership, and why education, reps on the floor, and standards matter more than TikTok tips. If you’re a coach, gym owner, or member who thrives in coached sessions, this is your playbook—and an open invite to help raise the bar at Pharos.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.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.#PacTalk #PieterVodden #FitnessPodcast #Sacrifice #HybridTraining #Bodybuilding #EnduranceTraining #Hyrox #MarathonTraining #LongevityFitness #StrengthAndConditioning #MuscleAfter40 #RecoveryMatters #GeneralPhysicalPreparedness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Pac Talk, Emylee Vodden sits down with her longtime mentor Andrea Marcum—yoga teacher, retreat leader, and author of Close to Om. Andrea shares her 20+ years of experience in yoga and fitness, from running a grassroots LA studio to leading transformative retreats in Bali, Italy, Mexico, and beyond. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, resilience, and community in sustaining a long career in health and wellness.Emylee and Andrea reflect on their own origin story, how a life-changing Bali retreat planted the seeds for Pharos Athletic Club, and why impact matters more than influence in today’s fitness world. They also dig into the importance of balancing strength training, yoga, and recovery—especially for women navigating perimenopause, bone density, and long-term vitality.Whether you’re a yoga teacher, fitness coach, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking sustainable health practices, this conversation is packed with wisdom on building a meaningful career and life rooted in movement, mentorship, and connection.Connect with AndreaInstagram Yoga Journal Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.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.#PacTalk #PieterVodden #FitnessPodcast #Sacrifice #HybridTraining #Bodybuilding #EnduranceTraining #Hyrox #MarathonTraining #LongevityFitness #StrengthAndConditioning #MuscleAfter40 #RecoveryMatters #GeneralPhysicalPreparedness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.