Have you ever wondered what it really takes to recover from an injury—both physically and mentally? In this episode, Dane Larsen, an Exercise Physiologist at Total Fusion Gym, shares practical strategies for rehabilitation. From working with physios in the early stages to building strength and confidence for a full return to sport, he breaks down the process step by step. You’ll learn about the power of mindset, tailored training plans, and breathwork techniques to manage stress. Whether you’re an athlete, trainer, or just passionate about movement, this episode has something for you. Listen now and rethink recovery!

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Our favourite quotable moments:

“Surrounding yourself with smarter people than you and learning from the wisdom that exists around and that will just really have this amazing knock on effect to you and your clients.” - Dane Larsen

“Focusing on what you CAN do is a big game changer.” - Dane Larsen

“[Clients] might have some anxious thoughts coming up. So getting them to be aware of their state is such an important first thing.” - Dane Larsen

Resources:

Dane Larsen - Website, Instagram and YouTube

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Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: Dane Larsen is a dedicated health and wellness professional with a unique perspective shaped by personal experience. Having undergone four ACL surgeries by the age of 25 and battled OCD, he discovered the transformative power of community support through his local gym. This journey ignited his passion for helping others overcome physical and mental challenges. With extensive experience at one of Australia's premier sports medicine clinics, Dane has honed his skills under the guidance of top physios, surgeons, and doctors from elite sporting organizations such as the Wallabies, Socceroos, Broncos, Brisbane Lions, QAS, and AIS. His holistic approach to rehabilitation and performance optimization empowers clients to achieve their full potential and return to their beloved activities.

About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

Dive into the cutting-edge of fitness industry evolution with Ross Campbell, founder of Beyond Activ, in this must-listen episode for fitness professionals. Campbell, a veteran in market insights and industry growth, unpacks the transformative trends shaping health, wellness, and fitness businesses in 2025. From the rise of "light training" like Pilates to the resurgence of big box gyms, this episode offers invaluable insights into the shifting landscape. Campbell explores the blurring lines between fitness, wellness, and hospitality sectors, and how technology is revolutionizing the industry. Whether you're a gym owner, personal trainer, or wellness entrepreneur, this episode provides the knowledge you need to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving fitness ecosystem. Don't miss out on these crucial insights for your business strategy in 2025 and beyond.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"Group fitness has absolutely been on the rise for the last few years." - Ross Campbell

“We sit here and complain about penetration rates, but we're not creating any products or platforms or facilities for them.”

“Wearables also have been a really buoyant trend in the last five years... with some of the major players like Fitbit, for example, being replaced by the likes of Apple and Whoop, Oura, and Garmin.” - Ross Campbell

Resources:

Beyond Activ - Website

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Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: Ross is a life-long health and fitness fanatic, a former gym owner and operator, the Founder & CEO of Beyond Activ, and the Co-Founder of Singapore Fitness Alliance

About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

How would you and your loved ones’ lives change if you could prevent illness rather than treat it? Dr Torkil Færø, an ER Doctor and leading voice in preventive healthcare, shares why the future of medicine lies in empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. You’ll learn how simple, accessible tools like wearable tech and heart rate variability tracking can provide actionable insights, shifting the focus from curing disease to building resilience. Dr Færø’s message is clear: prevention is within your grasp. Listen now and get ready to take the first step towards lasting health and vitality.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

“It's just a matter of educating people that they have this power over their health.” - Dr Torkil Færø

“Change the focus from treating people after they get sick to preventing them from getting sick in the first place.” - Dr Torkil Færø

“What we can measure, we can manage.”  - Dr Torkil Færø

Resources:

Website: The Pulse Cure

The Pulse Cure - Video Lecture

LinkedIn Page: Dr Torkil Færø

Facebook Page: Dr Torkil

Twitter Handle: @FTorkil96880 

Instagram: @Drtorkil

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Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: Torkil Færø is a Norwegian doctor, photographer, adventurer, and author. He has traveled to over 80 countries on 5 continents and speaks 8 languages. As a photographer, he has had exhibitions, made photography books and held over 60 photographic workshops in 11 countries. Torkil sees that many people become ill from unfortunate lifestyle choices and poor coping skills. Instead of treating people after they become ill, he wants to help people prevent disease and increase their quality of life by taking responsibility for their own health! He is the author of The Pulse Cure, a book on how to use wearables to track health metrics like heart rate variability.

About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the Functional Training Institute. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling co-author of Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

Looking to listen to older episodes of Purpose Driven Movement, but not sure where to start? This episode with hosts Tarek and Vanessa reflects on 2024, highlighting some of their favourite interviews and themes on the podcast throughout the year. Vanessa found Paul Taylor's insights on the endocrine function of muscles particularly impactful, while breathwork emerged as a unifying theme across various guest discussions. Tarek emphasised the importance of integrative approaches in health and fitness, citing his conversation with Sam Merza and Dr. Simon Baarbé as examples. The hosts also discussed the value of seeking out diverse perspectives, both within and outside their own industries, through travel, mentorship, and continued learning.

Episode Links:

Longevity and the Holistic Fitness Approach with Sam Merza
Mind-Body Fitness and Kettebell Mastery with Steve Cotter
Rethinking Fitness: Ian O'Dwyer Explores Controversial Beliefs for Better Health
Injury Prevention and Improved Resilience with Ulrik Larsen
The Benefits of Barefoot Training and Healthy Feet with Andy Bryant
Nervous System Regulation and Self-Regulation with Jessica Maguire
Holistic Fitness Training, Zone 2 Training and Exercising for Longevity with Paul Taylor

Resources:

To learn more about Vanessa’s new podcast and what she's up to, visit her website here.

Get 15% off any of our online courses. Go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at cart checkout.

Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

Join Our Mailing List

About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

How can breathing and movement reshape your health practice? In today’s episode of Breath Performance, we’re joined by Tom Williams, a physiotherapist with a passion for integrating breathwork into therapy. Tom breaks down the practical application of breathwork and its profound impact on physical therapy. You’ll hear about how small shifts in breathing can lead to powerful results in movement, the resistance professionals face when incorporating new techniques, and why building trust with clients can sometimes be more important than a specific technique. Tom also explores how wearables can bridge the gap between science and intuition. Listen now and get ready to rethink how simple habits can transform your approach to health.

If you're loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!

Resources:

Tom Williams - Instagram

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Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: Tom is an experienced clinician who wants to help you move better to get back to exercise!  Tom holds a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science, to go with his Masters of Physiotherapy degree. Since graduating, he has been involved in numerous sporting clubs including UQ Rugby Football Club, Toowong Football Club along with UQ Swimming. Additionally, he was a physiotherapist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast. Tom uses a unique blend of hands on manual therapy, breathwork and breathing strategies, visual and vestibular retraining, along with exercise prescription to get you back moving freely. Tom’s whole body approach, coupled with his exercise prescription will allow you to move better and be more confident with how your body moves.

About Your Host: Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

What if being productive didn’t mean doing more, but doing less? Ben Wisbey, a performance scientist with over 20 years of experience and founder of Pylot, explains how the key to true productivity is shifting focus from ticking off endless tasks to instead, maximising mental energy. In this episode, Ben talks about breaking free from the pressure to constantly grind and learning how to prioritise what truly matters. He shares how balancing work, family, and personal life without losing sight of the present moment can lead to more rewarding, purposeful outcomes. Listen now and get ready to transform your approach to productivity.

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!

Our favourite quotable moments:

“Maximise your energy to use your mental energy for the things that are important to you.” - Ben Wisbey

“Use your mental energy in those areas of priority that are important to you. So to me, it's getting away from this maximising time.” - Ben Wisbey

“Everyone is always looking for shortcuts, but it just requires consistency and hard work.” - Ben Wisbey

Resources:

Website - Pylot

Meditation of Mortals by Oliver Burkeman - (Ben’s recommendation)

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Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: Ben Wisbey is a performance scientist with over two decades of experience in helping elite athletes achieve their peak potential. After years of refining his expertise in physical performance, Ben turned his focus to mental performance, realising the profound impact it has on all aspects of our lives. Driven by a passion for optimising human productivity, he founded Pylot, a company that creates wearable technology designed to track mental energy. With his unique blend of knowledge in both physical and mental performance, Ben is now on a mission to help people make smarter decisions about how they spend their mental energy, ultimately allowing them to live and work more intentionally.

About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

Are the fitness trends your clients are following helping or hindering their progress? In this episode, host Vanessa Leone and guest Ian O'Dwyer discuss the controversial elements of fitness and explore a more holistic approach to health and well-being. The two focus on the importance of fascia, the emotional and mental states of individuals in relation to physical health, and the often intimidating environment of gyms. They discuss the evolution of fitness practices towards recovery and functional training, and the changing landscape of masculinity in fitness spaces. The dialogue highlights the need for a holistic approach to movement and wellness, encouraging you and your clients to listen to their bodies and prioritise enjoyment in their fitness journeys.

Our favourite quotable moments:

“Fascia is a system defined not by anatomical consistency, but by individualised adaptability.” - Ian O’Dwyer

"Stress is life." - Ian O’Dwyer

Resources:

Feel Soma Website

Instagram - @feelsoma

Facebook - @feelsoma

YouTube - @feelsoma

Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at cart checkout.

Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

Join Our Mailing List

Related: fitness, fascia, emotional health, gym environment, recovery, masculinity, functional training, mental health, injury prevention, holistic approach, recovery, fitness, priming, restoration, stress, aspirations, goals, movement, wellness, health

About Our Guest: Ian O’Dwyer (OD) is an accomplished fitness professional with a 30-year career spanning diverse roles, such as Movement Coach, Personal Trainer, Author, and Mentor. For 24 years, he owned and operated the renowned OD on Movement Performance Studio on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, and has made significant contributions to the fitness industry through ventures like PT on the Net and PTA Global. Currently, as the Co-Founder of Feel SOMA, Ian's innovative approach focuses on guiding and coaching the whole person, encompassing emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects to create positive solutions. His remarkable ability to connect, observe, and facilitate instant change in individuals, groups, and teams is highly esteemed by a global community of clients, friends, family, and colleagues, emphasising his inclusive, practical, and enjoyable approach.

About Your Host: Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Are you tired of battling the relentless cycle of autoimmune symptoms? Join Dr David Bilstrom, a leader in Functional Medicine, as he reveals a transformative approach to treating autoimmune diseases. Discover how gut health and butyrate play crucial roles in promoting wellness and reducing inflammation. Learn about the often-overlooked significance of vitamin D and how natural light can enhance your body’s healing processes. This episode empowers you to shift from symptom management to addressing causes, offering hope for reclaiming your health. Listen now and get ready to transform your understanding of autoimmune disease.

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!

Our favourite quotable moments:

“The immune system is such a central mechanism in whether the body can stay healthy or not.” - Dr David Bilstrom

“People get stuck in a position where they can't exercise their way out of this stuff anymore because exercise actually beats them up.” - Dr David Bilstrom- Dr David Bilstrom

“Sometimes we tend to act like you have to use a big sledgehammer to get the body turned around, [but that’s not true].” - Dr David Bilstrom

Resources:

Website, Instagram and LinkedIn - Dr David Bilstrom

Books - Dr David Bilstrom

Free 7-Day Educational Email Course by Dr David Bilstrom

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Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: Dr David Bilstrom, a leading expert in autoimmune medicine, revolutionises treatment through his integrative approach. As the Director of the International Autoimmune Institute, he utilizes nature's healing properties and evidence-based practices to address autoimmune diseases. Dr Bilstrom is a sought-after speaker and author, sharing his knowledge globally through courses and publications like "The Nurse Practitioners’ Guide to Autoimmune Medicine." His pioneering work challenges the conventional approach, offering hope and solutions to patients worldwide.

About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

Related: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, Psoriasis, Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Scleroderma, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Graves' Disease, Myasthenia Gravis, Pernicious Anemia.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Do you want to transform your approach to fitness training, for you or you clients? In this episode, strength and conditioning coach Clint Hill shares his insights on the importance of tailored training for both athletes and the general population, emphasising the need for inclusivity and personal growth in fitness settings. You’ll learn about the unique challenges faced by individuals on their fitness journeys, how misconceptions about gym environments can deter participation, and the significance of cultivating a supportive community. Clint recounts inspiring stories from his coaching experience, highlighting the transformative power of fitness. Listen now and get ready to embrace a more compassionate approach that empowers everyone to achieve their goals!

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!

Our favourite quotable moments:

“We're supposed to be present. We're supposed to realise exactly where we are.” - Clint Hill

“It's a nice thing to realise the impact that you can have on athletes and clients' lives. - Clint Hill

“We have an opportunity to grow as a coach, to grow as a person grows by training every week. - Clint Hill

Resources:

Clint Hill Instagram

Clint Recommendation: Super Training by Yuri Verkhosohansky and Mel Siff 

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Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: With a strong academic foundation in Human Movement and a Masters in Strength & Conditioning, Clint's expertise is backed by years of dedicated study. His ASCA Elite High Performance S&C certification and Eleiko Weightlifting L3 Olympic Lifting & Power coach designation highlight his commitment to excellence in the field. Beyond his professional achievements, Clint is a self-proclaimed coffee snob, demonstrating his passion for the finer things in life, even outside the gym.

About Your Host: Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

What does it take to build a thriving fitness business? In this episode, we speak with Dan Pender, National Franchise Sales Manager at Jetts Fitness Australia, who shares his expertise on the essential pillars for success. Dan dives into the importance of selecting the right real estate, crafting a strategic marketing plan, and assembling a skilled team. He also highlights the significance of careful planning, understanding your business’s roles and responsibilities, and the value of seeking advice from seasoned professionals. Whether you’re launching a new gym or considering a joint venture, Dan’s insights will guide you towards long-term success. Listen now and get ready to take the right steps toward building a thriving, sustainable fitness business.

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!

Our favourite quotable moments:
“You don't have to be an expert in [marketing], but it's understanding the emphasis that marketing will take up.” - Dan Pender

“Most businesses have to understand, especially service-based, that they’re not a brick and mortar business anymore. They’re a digital business that gives you access to bricks and mortar. But there is a clearly a gap there, which is your marketing ability.” - Dan Pender 

“There's three main pillars that I would suggest before you look at a business: real estate, marketing and team and support.” - Dan Pender

Resources:
Dan Pender - LinkedIn

Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at cart checkout.

Check out our best selling book Purpose Driven Movement by host Tarek Michael-Chouja and Dan Henderson.

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About Our Guest: With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, Dan specialises in franchise sales and management. As the National Franchise Sales Manager at Jetts Fitness Australia, he focuses on identifying top-tier franchise candidates who align with the brand's values and prioritise sustainable growth. Dan's goal is to bring fitness to communities across Australia by partnering with reputable business owners who share his commitment to health and wellness.

About Your Host: Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

We sometimes include links to products and services we find interesting. These may or may not be affiliate links. Thanks for your support!