Petra Kolber Happy Hour Call

"Be Likable, Credible and Trustworthy" Erin Gargan I first met Erin Gargan at the 2016 ISPA Convention that took place in Las Vegas. I heard Erin speak and was instantly a fan. A millennial who is crushing online media, Erin shares so many terrific insights around best practices when it comes to social media. We begin our conversation around the work she does with companies but stay tuned as we pivot the conversation into how we can use social media to deepen our connections and expand our reach even if we work for ourselves. Erin discusses the importance of, "Serving not Selling" and whatever your reason for being on social media she shares the top strategies to think about when considering your online audience. We discuss the millennial question that went viral a few months ago, and I have included the link to this interview with Simon Sinek below. Erin also talks about the shadow side of social media and the importance of balancing our screen time with face to face time. I love Erin's take on social media

"We Make Our Own Future, We Make Our Own Fate" Tracey Mallett It was so fantastic to finally catch up with my fellow Brit Tracey Mallett. Even though we had been fitness friends for over two decades, we had never really sat down to discover how very similar our backgrounds were. Here are my five favorite takeaways from this week's conversation with the creator of Booty Barre, Tracey Mallett. How does social media impact your heart? Are you inspired and motivated or comparing and contrasting? How is your relationship with your diet and exercise? Are you at peace? Is there something you could change in your day-to-day choices or in the choices you make with the internal conversations you have, that would allow you to be kinder to yourself? Is there something that you excel at that can fill a gap in the hearts of those around you? Tracey talked about her niche filling a need. Perhaps your next step is already inside of you. What can you bring to the world to leave it a little better than when you entered?

"Work Around The No" Tracey Mallett I had no idea that Tracey's and my backstory, on how we entered the world to fitness were so similar. After years of auditions in London and both of us becoming tired of the day to day grind, although at different times we both decided to audition for a cruise ship and that is how we came to the United States. It was also through working on the cruise ships at sea that led us to the high seas of fitness. We talk about how we both were enamored with America and in the back of our minds, even though we didn't know how we were going to get there, we both knew that this was the place we needed to be. Tracey and I share our love of England, and we also talk about the difference in mentality between the English where we are warned not to dream too big and get too big for our own good versus the United States where you are encouraged to dream as big as you can. Tracey shares the 10,000 hours that led to her “over overnight success” and the resilience it took to stay afloat during

"Everyone Needs To Hold Their Well-Being Sacred" Lisa Druxman I first met Lisa over 10 years ago at an IDEA Fitness Conference. When I looked her up recently I was both inspired and thrilled to see how quickly her company had expanded. Lisa brings so much wisdom and heart to all that she does and she is a big believer in keeping it real. Here are my five favorite takeaways from this week's conversation with the founder of Fit 4 Mom Lisa Druxman. 1. What makes you different? What makes you unique? Lisa talked about using her differences to make her stand out and create an impact of good in the world. These are probably some of your biggest gifts in disguise. Is there some part of you that you have been hiding or pushing aside as it makes you feel as though you don’t fit in? 2. What if the very thing that you thought needed to be hidden is the very thing that is going to make you stand out and make a difference? 3. What are your MIT’s? Your Most Important Things? Lisa talked about her MIT’s – Most Important Thi

"The Things That Make You Unique May Be Your Biggest Gifts" Lisa  In this episode, Lisa shares how she began Stroller Strides during the first few months of being a first-time mom. Finding that she had so many questions and was also in need of a community of like-minded people, she decided to bring together 4 moms to workout and from that small beginning and an unexpected television opportunity, it turned from 4 to 40 participants overnight, and that was just the beginning. Lisa discovered that she had tapped into a market that was not only needed in California but across the country. With heart and hustle, she quickly turned her one-woman show into a franchise Fit For Mom. Lisa shares her thoughts on the power of community and how important it is to find your tribe during all stages of motherhood. We talk about the importance of sharing and showing the chaos as well as the good, as it is in struggles that true connection occurs. During the conversation, we talk about the importance of delegating to others an

"When You Commit Something To The Universe, The Universe Will Conspire To Align" Jen Groover Jen Groover is a non-stop source of inspiration and motivation, and in this week's conversation, she provided so many solid action steps that anyone at any time can implement into their life. Whether you are a teacher, mother, entrepreneur or have a yearning to put an idea out into the world – here are my Friday Five Favorites that will help you fast track your dreams into reality. 1. What can you say “Yes” to before you know it is going to work? Jen talks about the fact that there are a million ideas out in the world, but it is only the people who put action behind them, that move their dreams into reality. I have heard it said that ideas are worth nothing, and action is everything. What Idea have you been holding onto? What idea can you put action behind to move it out of your head and heart and into the world? What if it worked? Why not you? 2. FEAR – Jen talks about playing small to our own potential. Our fear is

"We Are Often Playing Small To Our Own Potential" Jen Groover From her earliest memories of being tied to her chair as a young girl by “Sister Elizabeth” for being too curious, Jen Groover she knew she was intrigued by conversation and networking. In college, Jen studied education and psychology. During that time she expanded and shifted her approach to creativity and begun to apply it to her work. It just so happened that Jen's first business venture was in the world of fitness. Jen had experienced the high that comes from teaching (after facing her fears of no-one showing up for her first class) and realized that she wanted to experience the energy and high of creating something new and partnered with an existing company to open a gym space.  But that was just the beginning. During this part of our conversation, we also revisit the hey day of fitness and step aerobics. It so happened Gin Miller and myself were the videos she was using for inspiration. I love that this has now come full circle and Jen is one

 "You Have To Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone To Get To The Next Level"                                      1. Cathe talks about her love of learning and always staying curious. She is constantly is learning and evolving, which allows her to stay relevant and always on the forefront of fitness. Is there something you have put on the back burner that you have wanted to explore? Perhaps go online to see if there is an introductory class or video you can watch to learn more and see if it is something you would carve out time for.   2. Cathe talks about the importance of partnering with people who complement the strengths you already have. This way you can work together to expand the reach and impact of your message. Is there someone in your circle who you could partner up with to help move your passion and projects out into the world? If you are creative team up with someone who is great at project management if you are fantastic at execution but are not an “idea” person – partner up with a creative who needs you

  “When You Give Goodness, Goodness Comes Back” Cathe Friedrich What a treat to finally get time to sit down and connect with the incredible Cathe Friedrich. I have been a fan of Cathe’s for as long as I can remember, but it was about 5 years ago that we connected in person for the first time.   We dive right in and talk about how from the very first fitness class she took, she knew this was her calling. From the music to the moves, Cathe connected with her passion and found her sense of purpose on that fateful day.   We talk about the early days of the CIA Instructor VHS series with Greg Twombly, and how after ordering and watching her first video, Cathe had the courage to call Greg to see what it would take to be in a video. From that conversation her on camera career began.   In the early days of her career Cathe commuted daily from New Jersey to NYC to practice her craft and build her resume. It was here, at a Boutique Studio over Carnegie Hall that she discovered the gift of creative movement and develop

  "Live Your Life So That It Is Not A Once Upon A Time Story, But Is A Time That Happened Once" Jon Giswold   Jon and I go back over 30 years and he is truly one in a million. He was my idol when I first began teaching, became my mentor for several years and now is my best friend who lives two blocks away from me in NYC. Jon shared so much wisdom this week on the importance of kindness and empathy along with many other nuggets. Here are my five favorite takeaways from this week’s conversation with fitness and lifestyle expert Jon Giswold.   1. Can you put your phone away for 15 minutes and create one more face-to-face moment? Jon Talked about the importance of kindness and about moving from behind our screens and out into the real world and bringing compassion and empathy with us. Be it a smile to a stranger, a hug for a friend or opening a door for someone behind you. Can you get out into the world and carry out a random act of kindness today?   2. Are you able to listen more actively today? Jon talks about

  “Don't Be One In a Million, Be One In a Lifetime” Jon Giswold What a treat to sit down with fitness expert and my dearest friend Jon Giswold. I have known Jon for almost as long as I have been teaching. We reminisce about how we first met at the New Yorks Sports Club when I took one of my first step workshops in NYC over 25 years ago. I have learned so much from Jon over the years, and he shares so many beautiful words of wisdom in this episode. Jon discusses his backstory of the fashion world and how he rose through the ranks and entered the high fashion market, which eventually led to him starting his own label. He candidly shares his spiral downwards into the world of disco and drugs and how it took him seeing himself in a mirror, after almost taking his own life that finally enabled him to get the help he desperately needed. It was a few days later he met the one and only Molly Fox and through their meeting and her kindness that Jon moved from fashion and into fitness and never looked back. Jon talks ab

  “We are all born to be enormous, vibrant and illuminated” Melanie Smith It was so lovely to sit down with my dear friend Melanie Smith. Through her work as an award-winning actress, as the creator and owner of the award- winning yoga studio Yogaphoria, and as her work a coach who specializes in grief loss and recovery, she brought so much wisdom and humor to the conversation. Here are my five favorite takeaways and self-reflections from this week’s conversation with Melanie Smith.   1. What would happen if you approached everything with a beginner's mind, with the idea that is impossible to fail, simply because you tried? Melanie spoke about not being afraid to fail, that she approached life as though she knew nothing and so was not afraid to try and begin learning something. Is there something you have wanted to try but were afraid to, in case you failed?   2. Is there an area of your life where you could close the gap? Melanie told us that she “coaches to the gap” She is not afraid to look at the areas in

  “I approach life as though I don’t know anything, and so let’s start learning something” Melanie Smith   This episode was recorded at Melanie’s NYC apartment. Please enjoy the ambient sound of the Big Apple. Melanie Smith is one of my dearest friends and this episode begins with us sharing how we remember first meeting. It was at Kripalu during our yearlong studies in Positive Psychology with Tal Ben-Shahar Ph.D. Of course, we both have different memories, and this led perfectly into a conversation around the power of stories. Melanie has a rich and fantastic past, and we touch on just a few of her careers. From being a Playboy Bunny to playing Jerry’s girlfriend on Seinfeld, to opening her world renowned yoga studio in New Hope, PA – Yogaphoria. Throughout the interview, Melanie shares all the different hats that she tried on before landing the work and career that was the perfect fit. I find Melanie one of the smartest and soulful people I know. We talk about how our surroundings will influence our trajec

  “ With every word I speak I have a responsibility” Jeremy Newman   What a conversation I had with Jeremy Newman. I left that interview inspired, grateful and with a new determination to appreciate the good in every moment. Here are my five favorite takeaways and self-reflections from this week’s conversation with inspirational speaker, gratitude seeker and champion for possibility Jeremy Newman   1. Jeremy spoke about the responsibility that comes with what we say. One of my favorite books is the Four Agreements, and one of the agreements is to be impeccable with your word. How well do you tend to the words you use on a daily basis?   2. I loved it when Jeremy said, “Speak into existence what you want in your life.” What is something you desire? What is something that you want to do in this lifetime? Can you act and speak as if it has already happened and then embody the feeling of what it would feel like to accomplish your dreams. Act as if it has already happened and now go and do the work to make that dr

  “Speak Into Existence, What You Want In Your Life” Jeremy Newman Probably one of the most joyous and grateful people I know. Let Jeremy lift you up and remind you of the extra-ordinary in the most ordinary of days. From being a Hollywood personal trainer to being in a wheelchair, you will be both inspired and uplifted by his story. We begin by going back to when we knew each other 25 years ago at the very first Equinox Club on the Upper West Side in NYC. We had lost touch for about 15 years when Jeremy popped onto my Facebook news feed but this time he was in a wheelchair. While Jeremy believes there are no accidents, the fact he was living on all cylinders in his life created the perfect storm for the “accident” to occur. Jeremy was a self-proclaimed rebel and even 56 days in jail did not change his mindset as he continued to live life on an adrenaline high. He shares his entry into skydiving and what happened on the day he decided to collapse the outside of his chute and why he chose not to pull his reser

  “Don’t Wait! Do Amazing Things Now” – Greg Sellar I love the fact that through technology I could have this week's conversation with Greg Sellar. He was in Australia, and it was a Tuesday morning - while I was here in NYC on a Monday night. Both Greg and I have a passion for Neuroscience and Positive Psychology and practically geeked out – yes I said geeked out for a couple of hours the last time we saw each other in person and discovered we both has this mutual love of learning on these topics. Here are my five favorite takeaways and self-reflections from this week’s conversation with fitness expert and status quo hacker – Greg Sellar 1. What Is Your Big Word? Greg talked about the work he did with Matt Church and the idea of your big word – for now, mine is happiness, while Greg's was performance. What is your big word? A word that is a through line for how you want to live your life, contribute to the world and move forward this year? 2. What is one thing that you can turn your attention to hack into a h

  “Look For The Song Beneath The Words” Greg Sellar   I love this conversation with Greg Sellar, as recently we both have taken the deep dive into Positive Psychology and Neuroscience. He teaches everything that I believe in, and I am excited to share the path that Greg is taking with you today. Greg shares how he began his fitness career by following his sister out of the gym at his local Football Club (think Soccer) and into the aerobics studio next door. He was bored by the old school hydraulic equipment and was drawn in by the disco tunes of Sylvester playing next door. We both reminisce about the amazing presenters that came out of Australia. Lexie Williams, Cathy Spencer and Rebecca Small to name a few. It was the incredible Marcus Irwin, who to this day I think is one of the top 5 fitness presenters ever, who encouraged Greg to move to the UK to expand his career. We discuss how often we pigeonhole ourselves into one career and sometimes cannot see beyond what we are currently doing. Greg talks about h

This week Lisa whisked us all away to Italy to help us remember the important things in life, slowing down, nurturing and strengthening relationships and listening to our intuition. Here are my five favorite takeaways from this week’s conversation with the author of I found myself in Tuscany, Lisa Condie Lisa talks about the importance of travel and how sometimes when we get lost we can find our self in the process. Is there a day trip you have been meaning to take, a museum that you have been longing to visit or maybe a restaurant that serves a cuisine you have yet to taste? In the next few days can you step out of the familiar and explore a new town, a new restaurant a new culture?                                                                Lisa spoke about putting her dream out into the world. Is there a dream that has become a yearning in your life?                                                 Can you share your dream with three people you trust? Is there one action step you can take to move yours

“When I Could Forgive Myself, I Could Forgive Other People” Lisa Condie Lisa was one of the first people to ever hire me to come and present a workshop at her facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. To this day I am grateful for her belief in my work before I had ever appeared in a VHS or DVD. It was wonderful to sit with Lisa after all these years, and catch up with her and learn about the journey that took her from Utah to Italy. Lisa shares all her experiences and life lessons in her new book, I Found Myself In Tuscany.  Lisa shares how after a break-up she went to Italy for a vacation with her daughter, and it was in a split second as she was returning to the United States and decided she would be back – but next time not as a tourist. She went home and sold everything, and with just two suitcases she made her way back to learn the language, learn the traditions and learn who she was. Lisa shares how she managed to strengthen her courage and learn to live without a safety net and fell in love with her life. Li

I was a fan of Kathy Smith for at least a decade before I met her in person and when we did meet face to face, she was everything I had hoped for in a fitness icon and more. I have watched how she constantly evolves and continues to stay relevant in the fitness industry, and she continues to carve her unique path on her journey - as she inspires people all over the world to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Here are my five favorite takeaways from this week's conversation with one of the pioneers of health and fitness – Kathy Smith Are You Mindful or Is Your Mind full? Kathy talked about the shift in her daughter’s mindset that moved her from being a runner to a competitor in the Olympics, one of the big changes was mindfulness. What is one thing you can do to become less distracted and more fully engaged in the present moment? Is it minding your technology, perhaps it is dropping the idea of multi-tasking and attending to one thing at a time – or maybe it is pausing now and then and asking yourself "Am I ful