For this episode I spoke to Ian Smith, co-owner of the Atilis Gym in New Jersey.. Ian and his gym gained nationwide prominence in 2020 when he and his co-owner made the decision to re-open their business during the government imposed shutdown. 

Ian spoke to me about his life previous to the gym-shutdown drama, his thought process as covid hit the US, the decision to re-open and remain open during lockdown, the escalation of actions taken by the State to discourage and close them down, the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of getting back to normal business and Ian’s ongoing run for Congress.

Intro, opening gym pre-covid  01:58

Was Ian a “politically interested” person pre-covid. 08:38

First hearing about covid in US, initial thoughts         14:00

First shutdown order and first thoughts of re-opening against govt orders        17:48

Reopening during shutdown.. escalation of govt measures (fines, changed locks, business revocation)     19:43

Getting business license back (WIN)   25:18

Moments of doubt ??    26:56

Becoming influential on social media-  Treatment by media outlets- Left vs Conservative media  30:17

Initial idea to run for congress  36:55

Explaining voting.. congressional districts  38:50

View on local/state politics previous to Ian running, did Ian vote in local elections?    40:04

Media treatment while running for congress  41:30

Election schedule- voting dates  42:20

 Lessons from the last few years   45:55

Upcoming book, Two Dumb Gym Owners   47:00

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