Defining Success with Marion Roaman

I’m so excited to introduce this new monthly series with esteemed astrologer Darryl Gaines.

Each month, Darryl will share insights into the astrological energies shaping the weeks ahead and how you can work with them to create greater clarity, purpose, and.....success!

For August 2026, Darryl invites us to consider this powerful question:

"What if success isn't about becoming more visible, but becoming more authentic?"

Join us for this awesome 30 minute conversation as we explore how to make the most of Leo season, no matter what your zodiac sign. You'll walk away with practical insights and a fresh perspective on navigating the month ahead with intention. Let's goooo!!

Find Darryl Gaines:

IG: @Guidingplanet

WEB: guidingplanet.co

SUBSTACK: @Darrylgaines

In episode #43 of Defining Success with Marion, I sit down with boxing coach, entrepreneur, and founder of SBox Training, Sydney Rose Miller.

We dig into the lessons she’s learned through fighting, fitness and now, as a soon to be single Mom! Syd shares her journey from New Orleans schoolteacher to decorated amateur boxer revealing how boxing transformed her confidence, resilience, and understanding of what it means to be truly strong.

She shares about the intensity (and bad assness!!) of preparing for her first fight, balancing a demanding career with training while working alongside world champion Amanda Serrano, and why the discipline and psychology of boxing continue to shape the way she coaches today.

We also chat about Syd’s transition into digital fitness, her passion for building supportive communities, and how becoming a mother is completely redefining her perspective on strength, success, and vulnerability.

She offers thoughtful advice for expecting mothers, discusses the importance of trusting your body, and shares why community and connection are essential through every stage of life.

This episode is about far more than boxing. It’s about embracing discomfort, finding confidence through challenge, redefining success as life evolves, and discovering the power that comes from showing up as your authentic self.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Boxing and Female Empowerment

03:45 The Journey to the First Fight

09:40 Understanding the Psychology of Fighting

14:43 Transitioning Through the Boxing World

18:11 Working with Amanda Serrano

20:53 Building a Digital Fitness Business

25:08 Navigating the Challenges of Digital Fitness

29:03 The Shift to Pre and Postnatal Fitness

30:01 Embracing Motherhood and Personal Growth

33:05 Advice for Expecting Mothers

36:00 The Power of Vulnerability in Sharing Experiences

41:10 Defining Success Through Life Experiences

49:12 Accessible Fitness for All

Find Syd: @sboxsydrose on IG @boxing.mommy on TikTok @sydneymiller1110 on YouTube

Laison Dunnavant shares his inspiring story from growing up in Brooklyn to becoming a young father determined to provide for his family. His path led him to serve in the U.S. Army, where he dedicated himself to serving his country.

After his military career, he found a new mission, helping civilians improve their health and well being through fitness and wellness.

Throughout every chapter of his life, Laison has remained committed to serving others while providing for and supporting his growing family.

In this episode, Laison helps us to understand the importance of understanding and accepting one's purpose, never losing site of that purpose and continuing to evolve to fulfill one's purpose.

Listen and learn..Laison has a lot of wisdom to share with us all.

Chapters

00:00 Morning Hustle: A Day in the Life

02:03 From Soldier to Fitness Coach: A Journey of Transformation

03:59 Childhood Influences: The Roots of Service

10:01 Joining the Army: A Life-Changing Decision

16:59 Deployment and Family: The Struggles of Separation

22:58 Life in Virginia: Building a Family and Career

32:31 Transitioning from Military Life to Deployment

36:21 The Emotional Toll of Deployment

42:51 Returning Home: A Defining Moment

47:07 Life After the Military: New Beginnings

51:07 Finding Stability and Purpose in Fitness

51:29 Navigating Life Changes and Career Transitions

57:08 Discovering Passion in Fitness

01:02:50 Overcoming Challenges During the Pandemic

01:09:38 Finding Balance in Family and Career

01:20:24 Defining Success and Resilience

Connect with Laison:

Instagram: @LD_NYC_

Jenna Arndt is kind of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Upon meeting her she appears to be a bit quiet, shy and reserved. Within five minutes of knowing her, one comes to realize she is fiercely competitive, the loudest supporter on the field and extremely passionate about helping people discover their fittest selves.

Oh and she loves to be in front of a camera ;)

Jenna's story is one of curiosity, bravery, resilience and perseverance. This is not a tale of easy answers, quick fixes and over night success (is there even such a thing?). This is a story of being patient with oneself while truly answering to a burning passion, no matter how difficult the path to success may be.

As Jenna shares in this special episode, the path to success is certainly not linear and as long as you remain open minded, creative and true to yourself, the path you end up on is exactly where you belong.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:00 Jenna's Journey to New York City

06:03 From Law School to Fitness Passion

09:05 The Transition from Lawyer to Fitness Instructor

11:52 The Soul Cycle Experience and Audition Process

14:52 Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Dreams

25:01 Taking the Leap: Balancing Dreams and Responsibilities

26:01 Facing Rejection: The Journey to Finding a Fit

27:10 Exploring the Fitness Scene: From Manager to Instructor

28:34 The Rise of Boutique Fitness: Rate Your Burn and Beyond

30:04 Finding My Niche: The Path to Becoming an Instructor

32:56 The Fitting Room Experience: A New Approach to Fitness

34:39 Swerve: A Competitive and Team-Based Cycling Experience

36:35 Transitioning to Crunch: Expanding My Teaching Horizons

39:13 Embracing Diversity: Teaching Beyond the Bike

43:06 Building Confidence: The Crunch Experience

46:04 Creating Inclusive Workouts: A Philosophy in Action

48:06 Innovative Fitness: The Switch Playground Experience

50:13 Becoming a Leader: Full-Time at Swerve

52:53 Navigating COVID: Challenges and Opportunities in Fitness

53:46 Reinventing Swerve: A Journey of Transformation

56:51 Creative Programming in Fitness: The Art of Class Design

01:03:39 Navigating Change: From Swerve to Chelsea Piers

01:10:27 Project Sweat: Building a Community Through Running

01:15:24 Reflections on Success: Embracing Wins and Growth

Follow Jenna :

@jenna_arndt

@projectsweatrunclub

In some circles, he is known as The King of Indoor Cycling.

His class has been referred to as "the Candy Shop".

In East Hampton, at ZoneHampton, we called him the "Spin Preacher".

For thirty years Roland Walker has been devoted to teaching fitness classes throughout the East End of Long Island, New York.

We learn in this episode how Roland found his way to teaching fitness, that it all started with roller skating ?!! and that as a New York State Park Ranger his favorite place to be stationed was Montauk.

To those of us who know and love Roland, this episode is a special treat and for those who have not had the grace of meeting Roland in person, get ready to take in his infectious positivity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Early Life and Roller Skating Adventures

06:00 Transition to Law Enforcement

08:56 Career in State Park Police

11:58 Journey into Fitness and Aerobics

14:58 Becoming a Spinning Instructor

17:56 Building a Following in Fitness

21:01 Program Development and Success Stories

25:15 The Journey of ClassPass and Building a Following

27:00 Essential Tips for New Instructors

28:50 The Art of Music Selection and Presentation

29:41 Mixing Music: A Game Changer in Classes

36:03 Retirement and Transitioning to a New Phase

41:50 Building a Following: The Importance of Consistency

43:06 Choreography in Indoor Cycling: Finding Balance

The Power of Saying Yes and Knowing Your Limits

Embracing Failure and Learning from Experience

Defining Success: A Personal Journey

Connecting Through Passion and Community

Follow Roland Walker:

IG: Roland.cycle.artist

TT: Rolandw376

FB: Roland Walker

In this episode of Defining Success, Marion Roaman sits down with Nick Lagonia, former Peloton producer and co-founder of Dawn Breaker Oats, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship from the ups, downs, wins and losses and how to stay centered through it all.

Nick shares his journey from Peloton to launching a protein-forward food brand, the lessons he learned about funding, branding, sourcing, and why having the right co-founder(s) makes all the difference.

He also reveals how his team completely rebranded the company from Misery & Mayhem to Dawn Breaker Oats, in just seven weeks (!!!), transforming customer perception and accelerating the brand's momentum.

The conversation explores the challenges of building a consumer food business, balancing startup life with family, hiring experts in areas outside your expertise, and why celebrating small wins is essential for long-term success.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, business leader, or simply curious about what it takes to build a meaningful brand, this episode is filled with practical insights and inspiration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nick Lagonia and Dawn Breaker Oats

02:53 Nick's Journey from Peloton to Entrepreneurship

05:59 Lessons from Early Stage Startups

08:59 Building a Strong Founding Team

12:06 The Story Behind Dawn Breaker Oats

15:09 Funding the Early Days of Dawn Breaker Oats

18:14 Maintaining Momentum and Positivity

20:58 The Importance of Co-Founders

23:58 Rebranding from Misery and Mayhem to Dawn Breaker Oats

26:01 The Burden of Branding and Rebranding

30:52 Navigating Sourcing Challenges

38:30 Vision for the Future of Dawnbreaker Oats

42:40 Balancing Work and Family Life

48:53 Defining Success

Order Dawnbreaker Oats :

https://dawnbreakeroats.com/

Follow Dawnbreaker Oats:

IG: @dawnbreakeroats

Amber Rees story is a woman who is not afraid to go for it. In this awesome episode of Defining Success with Marion Roaman, Amber shares her story from growing up in a musical, loving and supportive family in Indiana to pursuing her dream of performing on stage in New York City.

Along the way, she navigated the highs and lows of the theater world, including the breakthrough moment of landing her first major role in the national tour of "Hairspray". She also met someone super special on this tour. (spoiler alert, sort of)

But Amber's path took an unexpected turn when she discovered Barry's Bootcamp. What began as a workout quickly became a life-changing experience, introducing her to a community that reignited her passion for movement, connection, and personal growth. She shares how she transitioned from waiting tables and auditioning to building a successful career in fitness leadership, mentorship, and talent development.

Amber also opens up about her personal journey, including her relationship with her wife, Lindsey, the role of honesty and vulnerability in building meaningful connections, and the inspiration behind creating the Brave Body Project—a movement dedicated to making fitness more inclusive and empowering for everyone.

Together, Marion and Amber explore leadership, authenticity, community building, and what it takes to create unforgettable experiences that positively impact others. They discuss the elusive "it factor" in fitness instruction, the importance of embracing change, and why success isn't a destination—it's the willingness to keep moving forward.

Whether you're navigating a career transition, seeking deeper connection, building a community, or redefining what success means to you, Amber's story offers valuable lessons in courage, adaptability, and purpose.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:05 Amber's Early Life and Passion for Performance

06:07 Transition to New York City and Early Career

11:56 The Journey in Theater and First Major Role

18:14 Discovering Fitness and Barry's Bootcamp

24:03 Building a Career in Fitness and Personal Growth

29:59 Personal Life and Relationship with Lindsay

31:10 The Birth of Brave Body Project

34:54 Evolving Community and Connection

38:54 Leadership and Growth in Fitness

42:42 The It Factor in Talent Development

54:36 Defining Success and Personal Growth

Connect with Amber:

https://www.bravebodyproject.com/

IG: @amber_rees

In episode #37 of Defining Success with Marion, Marion Roaman sits down with Lavinia Errico, co-founder of Equinox and one of (perhaps THE) the original pioneers of the wellness industry. Lavinia shares her remarkable journey from helping shape fitness trends to becoming a leading voice in holistic wellness, purpose-driven leadership, and women's empowerment.

Together, they explore the evolution of the term "wellness," the challenges of pioneering innovative wellness experiences, and the powerful lessons Lavinia has learned through entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal growth. Lavinia opens up about her struggles with body image, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how being of service to others has guided both her personal and professional life.

The conversation dives into the delicate balance between profit and purpose, the role of value exchange in building meaningful communities, and the power of collaboration in entrepreneurship. Lavinia also discusses her work creating sacred women's circles, her writing journey, and how astrology has always informed her unique leadership style.

Most importantly, Lavinia shares her vision for her new wellness movement, JoyLift, one that empowers women to release emotional burdens, embrace authentic self-expression, prioritize their health choices, and find strength through movement, mindset, and community.

This episode is a powerful reminder that true success isn't measured by financial gain, but by the positive impact we have on others and the lives we help transform.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

02:08 The Birth of Equinox and the Concept of Wellness

06:37 Challenges and Innovations in Wellness Programming

09:50 The Evolution of the Term 'Wellness'

11:19 Current Trends in Fitness and Movement

15:07 The Impact of Dance Background on Fitness Journey

19:36 Body Image and Personal Struggles

28:14 Being of Service and the Balance of Profit

31:39 Navigating Profit and Purpose

34:25 The Dance of Value Exchange

36:28 The Power of Collaboration

39:32 The Art of Patience in Creativity

40:50 The Journey of Writing and Self-Discovery

43:41 Astrology and Intuition in Leadership

49:39 Embracing Authenticity in Business

53:50 Empowering Women to Release Emotional Weight

01:00:38 Creating a New Movement for Wellness

01:02:59 Understanding Personal Health Choices

01:06:00 Empowerment Through Movement and Community

01:12:25 The Importance of Mindset in Wellness

01:18:19 Creating a Supportive Community for Women

01:24:51 Defining Success Beyond Financial Gains

Check out JoyLift:

https://www.joinjoylift.com/all-access

IG: joinjoylift

Historian, author, and podcast host Natalia Mehlman Petrzela joins Marion Roaman for a thought-provoking conversation on fitness culture, education, wellness, and the evolving relationship between health and American society.

Natalia shares her journey into academia, her passion for understanding contemporary American culture, and why she believes physical education should inspire a lifelong love of movement rather than fear or exclusion. Together, they explore the transformation of fitness from a public good into a luxury pursuit often associated with affluence, the impact of COVID on exercise habits, and the critical role community plays in overall well-being.

Historian, author, and podcast host Natalia Mehlman Petrzela joins Marion Roaman for a thought-provoking conversation on fitness culture, education, wellness, and the evolving relationship between health and American society.

Natalia shares her journey into academia, her passion for understanding contemporary American culture, and why she believes physical education should inspire a lifelong love of movement rather than fear or exclusion. Together, they explore the transformation of fitness from a public good into a luxury pursuit often associated with affluence, the impact of COVID on exercise habits, and the critical role community plays in overall well-being.

The conversation also dives into some of today's most pressing health topics, including GLP-1 medications, weight loss culture, body image, pharmaceutical advertising, masculinity, eating disorders, and the changing definition of health in modern America. Natalia offers historical context for today's wellness trends while challenging listeners to think critically about the messages they receive from media, culture, and the fitness industry.

Whether you're interested in fitness, education, American politics, cultural history, wellness, personal growth, motherhood, or the future of health culture, this episode offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on how we got here—and where we're headed.

Topics Covered:

• Fitness culture and health history

• Reimagining physical education

• The impact of COVID on exercise and wellness

• Community and human connection

• Motherhood, career growth, and balance

• GLP-1 medications and weight loss culture

• Body image and masculinity

• Pharmaceutical advertising and health messaging

• American politics and cultural change

• Building meaningful work and personal fulfillment

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Natalia Mehlman Petrzela

03:00 Journey to Becoming a Historian

05:53 Reimagining Physical Education

08:57 Navigating Complex Conversations in Education

11:53 Creating a Center for the American Experience

15:06 Building a Better Future Through Fitness

18:00 The Evolution of Fitness Culture

26:09 The Evolution of Fitness and Affluence

29:13 COVID's Impact on Exercise Habits

32:36 The Role of Community in Fitness

36:22 Personal Growth and Career Trajectory

44:00 Motherhood and Professional Balance

50:09 The Evolution of Health Perspectives

51:51 Understanding GLP-1s and Their Impact

54:04 Cultural Shifts in Body Image and Health

57:33 The New Dynamics of Body Image and Masculinity

01:00:51 The Role of Pharma and Advertising in Health

01:07:12 Current Projects and Future Directions

Find Natalia:

IG: @nataliapetrzela

X : @nataliapetrzela

FB: Natalia Petrzela, PhD

LinkedIn: Natalia Mehlman Petrzela

On episode #35 of Defining Success with Marion Roaman, Scott Goldsmith shares his story from growing up in New York City to becoming a leader in urban development and innovation. From his early days as a spin instructor to serving as CEO of Titan, Scott reflects on the experiences, relationships, and challenges that shaped his path. He opens up about the influence of his family, especially his father’s dedication to mentorship and community service, and how those values guided his understanding of success, leadership, and resilience.

Scott also discusses the role fitness, music, and human connection played throughout his career and personal life. The conversation dives into the creation of the groundbreaking LinkNYC project, exploring how Scott and his team transformed outdated city payphones into a modern public service that reimagined urban infrastructure. He shares lessons learned from navigating the financial crisis, building a company through uncertainty, and ultimately leading Titan through its acquisition by Sidewalk Labs.(an Alphabet Inc./Google company).

Throughout the episode, Scott reflects on entrepreneurship, personal growth, health challenges, family, and the importance of finding balance while pursuing meaningful work. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success is often built through connection, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:55 Scott Goldsmith's Background and Career Path 06:04 Growing Up in New York City

09:07 Influence of Family on Success

11:54 Father's Journey and Impact on Scott

15:04 Navigating New York City and Life Lessons

18:00 Starting a Non-Profit and Second Chances

20:58 Career Transition and Discovering Passion

24:02 Athletic Background and Team Experiences

26:52 Finding Purpose Through Fitness

30:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Success

33:19 The Influence of Music and Connection in Fitness

37:46 The Birth of Titan: From Teaching to Entrepreneurship

44:54 Navigating Challenges: Learning on the Job

56:00 The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Business

01:00:21 Reimagining Urban Infrastructure: The Link NYC Project

01:08:38 The Journey of Titan and Sidewalk Labs

01:10:41 Defining Success: Expectations vs. Reality

01:12:53 Navigating Challenges Post-Acquisition

01:14:41 Finding Balance: Personal Growth and Professional Identity

01:17:47 Life-Altering Moments: Health and Perspective

01:24:54 The Role of Music in Family and Life

01:31:51 Advice to the Younger Self: Embracing the Journey

01:36:30 Redefining Success: Passion and Joy in Life