The Active Life Podcast

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody unpack a powerful question: “Why do smart people stay stuck in pain?” Whether it’s physical discomfort, professional stagnation, or emotional resistance, the duo explores why even the most capable people often fail to take meaningful action toward change.

They break the problem down into three core drivers — lack of awareness, lack of ability, and fear — with fear emerging a...

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody dive deep into one of the most important questions in modern wellness: why do one in five U.S. adults still struggle with unresolved pain despite the abundance of doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and trainers? They reveal that the issue isn’t a lack of personnel—it’s a lack of systems built to solve the root cause of dysfunction rather than manage symptoms.

The h...

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody unpack the four most impactful lessons that came out of their recent in-person Active Life seminar. These insights aren’t just for attendees—they’re universal principles for any coach or fitness professional who wants to elevate their craft, create better outcomes for clients, and build a more respected career.They begin with a powerful truth: “Good enough is the enemy of g...

Most coaches think their value lies in the workout, but programming is only 20% of what clients truly need. In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, we explore five overlooked areas that set great coaches apart and make them irreplaceable. From rest to resilience, boundaries to community, the conversation dives deep into actionable tools that extend far beyond sets and reps.

You’ll learn how to help clients integrate strategic re...

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we take a deep dive into the lessons that only come from failure, setbacks, and unexpected turns. Instead of treating failure as the end of the road, we explore how to use it as the clearest indicator of what’s not working—and a stepping stone to what comes next.We break down why failure feels so personal, the difference between quitting and making a better decision, and the trap of attac...

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we reflect on the top seven lessons learned after ten months of recording, coaching, and connecting through conversations. These insights are not just about podcasting—they’re powerful takeaways that apply directly to coaching, business, and personal growth.

We cover everything from cursing less and slowing down, to focusing on the 80/20 balance of education and entertainment. We also dive...

In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we sit down with Jess to explore her journey from military service to becoming a full-time coach at Active Life. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her—joining the Air Force at 19, discovering CrossFit, and moving across the country for an opportunity she once thought was out of reach.Jess shares how she transitioned from admin roles in fitness companies to hands-on coachi...

When faced with the choice between staying comfortable or moving 2,500 miles to pursue a dream, most people play it safe. Not Sam. In this inspiring episode, Sam shares her journey from a small town in Indiana to the flagship Active Life location in Long Beach, NY, building a career focused on helping people live pain-free, without compromise.

From her early days as an overweight athlete sweating through grueling workouts, to coachi...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence in the fitness industry—and why simply selling “sets and reps” will no longer cut it. Sean and Cody discuss how AI is already capable of building personalized training programs, tracking progress, and even providing habit-based coaching. The conversation highlights why the middle tier of fitness professionals is most at risk, and how t...

What happens when a probation officer trades stability for purpose—and moves his whole family 600 miles to chase it? In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Ken joins us to share the vulnerable, inspiring, and practical journey of betting on himself. From small-town CrossFit coach to personal trainer at Active Life’s flagship facility, Ken reveals how personal fulfillment and professional alignment came through saying “yes” to ...

Many massage therapists are deeply skilled, but increasingly frustrated. Despite their ability to create short-term relief through manual therapy, more and more are recognizing a harsh truth: their clients keep coming back with the same problems. In this conversation, the team unpacks the most common challenges Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) face and why so many are now reaching out for more than just continuing education—they’...

In this transformative episode of the Active Life Podcast, the conversation centers on how to truly help clients—and yourself—become the person they aspire to be. Hosts explore the often-overlooked distinction between change and transformation, setting the stage for four essential principles that can catalyze deep, lasting growth.

The discussion dives into how perception vs. perspective shapes reality, the difference between a victi...

In this episode, Cody and the team dive deep into what made the latest in-person assessment seminar a transformative experience for both new and seasoned coaches.

The conversation explores how rotating roles between coach, client, and observer enabled deeper learning, while practical sessions allowed attendees to immediately apply theory to movement assessments and modifications. They discuss the importance of contextual programmin...

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, we explore how mindfulness and presence aren't just buzzwords but true superpowers for coaches. Larry shares the five foundational pillars that transform a distracted presence into a powerful and grounded coaching experience. From mindful preparation to emotional regulation, every coach will walk away with tools that can be applied immediately.Listeners will learn how presence influen...

In this episode of the Active Life podcast, Cody and Larry break down the five essential behaviors that help coaches and professionals create trust and long-term commitment with clients. From first impressions to follow-through, they explore how trust isn't just a nice-to-have—it's foundational for client success and retention. Through practical examples and real coaching conversations, they highlight how intention, communi...

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, the hosts break down the real financial differences between earning $100,000 as an employee versus as an entrepreneur. They explore the overlooked costs associated with entrepreneurship and compare them with the built-in support systems and predictability of employment. Using data-driven examples and personal experience, they debunk the myth that entrepreneurship is always the more lucrat...

Download the doc here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15kIFAPyKFawJC2Aad9Lh4EaYJN2u_Xf_?usp=drive_link

In this episode, we explore what it takes to transition clients from dependency to autonomy in a coaching or training relationship. The conversation dives deep into the philosophy that the most successful client-coach relationships are built on empowerment, where clients continue working with coaches not out of need bu...

In this deeply insightful episode, we unpack the profound role emotional intelligence plays in coaching and client success. The discussion opens with a reflection on the "soft skills" that elevate coaching beyond systems and programs. Emotional intelligence is explored not just as a buzzword, but as a functional toolkit—one that allows coaches to become more effective, trustworthy, and transformational.

Our hosts explore five practi...

In this heart-opening episode of the Active Life Podcast, host Larry Gaier sits down with Esther, a full-time mom of four who transformed her love of fitness into a purpose-driven coaching career—all while homeschooling her children and managing life on a farm.

With raw vulnerability and empowering honesty, Esther shares how she overcame imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and logistical hurdles to build a business that not only chan...