The Emergence Podcast

In this episode of The Walk on The Emergence Podcast, Laura reflects on her recent conversation with guest Michael Autore and dives deeper into the theme of betting on yourself. She unpacks the idea as a multidimensional practice—emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial—and shares how it’s less about a single moment of bravery and more about cultivating a steady, resilient mindset over time. Laura explores topics like imposter syndrome, self-awareness, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong support system.

Laura sits down with Michael Autore, a New York-based coach and entrepreneur transitioning from his full-time role at MOTIV to focus on his brand SlimThick. Michael shares his journey from small-town Connecticut to NYC's fitness scene. Navigating personal loss during the pandemic while building community through Instagram Live classes, he shares how that shaped his coaching philosophy—one that prioritizes clients leaving happier than they arrived. Michael also discusses his three pillars of confidence, the power of betting on yourself, and why he believes in meeting people where they are rather than forcing them into rigid fitness boxes.

In this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her recent weekend with guest Saphi Gonzalez and revisits their earlier conversation on community, mindset, and personal growth. She explores the value of showing up authentically, building trust with clients, and embracing the season you're in—whether busy or slow. Through stories from her own teaching journey, Laura highlights the power of gratitude, intentional language, and cultivating integrity in your practice.

Laura is joined by Miami-based Pilates instructor Saphi Gonzalez, who shares her journey from a career in corporate marketing to running a thriving home-based classical Pilates studio. In this episode, Saphi reflects on what it’s meant to find deeper alignment in her work, the role of faith and gratitude in her business, and how she’s leveraged her digital marketing expertise to build a loyal and growing client base. She and Laura also discuss the shift from group fitness to private clients, building community through an abundance mindset, and her vision for a more intentional future in the wellness industry.

In this episode of The Walk series, Laura reflects on her conversation with Oscar Arana, a fitness coach based in New York City, and explores the importance of setting boundaries as a teacher. From protecting your energy to learning when to say no, she shares personal insights on avoiding burnout, staying present, and making space for growth, both for yourself and your clients. A grounding reminder to slow down, listen to your body, and honor where you are.

On this week’s episode, Laura sits down with Oscar Arana, a coach at Session Training in New York. We talk about what it means to meet clients where they are today, not where a program says they should be. Oscar breaks down his evolving coaching philosophy, one that prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and connection over intensity for intensity’s sake. He also shares his journey from corporate finance to full-time coaching, how he manages energy and burnout, and why showing up with presence — and a great playlist — matters more than any perfect plan.

In this episode of The Walk, host Laura revisits key takeaways from her conversation with Chaz Knight, a seasoned Pilates instructor based in California. She shares insights from her own practice, emphasizing the power of "less is more," building strong foundations, and approaching the Pilates method as a system rather than a checklist. Laura also dives into the importance of self-practice, clear cueing, teacher boundaries, and honoring your own journey as both a teacher and a human being.

In this episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura talks with Pilates instructor Chaz Knight, who built a thriving practice in West Hollywood after transitioning from a career as a dancer in Martha Graham's second company. Chaz shares how he learned to hone his skills during the pandemic through virtual instruction, which unexpectedly doubled his business. Now, with a full-time teaching practice, he's interested in continuing to follow his passions, focusing on mentorship opportunities and building training programs for new teachers. Chaz opens up about preventing burnout while maintaining passion for the work, and his mission to bridge different Pilates lineages while preserving the method's traditional roots and depth.

In this The Walk episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura reflects on her conversation with Alexa Javens of Session Training in New York City. She explores the importance of trusting the “season” you’re in, mastering your craft, and investing in growth. Laura shares personal stories of navigating fear, body image pressures, and shifting priorities, leaving listeners with reflective prompts to reconnect with their core values and intentions.

Laura talks with Alexa Javens, co-owner of Session, a standout workout studio in New York’s fitness scene, in this episode of The Emergence Podcast. Alexa shares how a temporary coaching role during COVID-19 turned into a long-term partnership with founder Patrick Waters, and how her background at Orange Theory shaped her approach. Now leading client-facing operations, she brings her “simple, not easy” philosophy to life through thoughtful coaching and community-building. Alexa also opens up about her experience with overtraining, her work as a Nike Well Collective ambassador, and how intentional hiring and staff development have helped create the supportive, standout culture that defines Session.