We recorded something different today. I sat down and shared a pretty personal essay I wrote about my wife's recent pregnancy - our tenth pregnancy actually, but hopefully our third child. We've had our share of losses, and this time around, Allison's been sick. But here's the thing - it got me thinking about all these choices we make, you know? Like living close to my parents instead of chasing that New York dream, or not overloading Calvin with extracurriculars like every other kid in the neighborhood.

Sometimes these decisions that look like missed opportunities are creating space for when life throws you a curveball. We got into how this connects with the themes in my upcoming book, The Obvious Choice, and had some great discussions about writing, resilience, and why keeping your cup half empty might be the smartest move you can make. Amber and Dave jumped in with their usual wit, we went off on some tangents about vegans in California doing jiu-jitsu (because why not?), and somehow wrapped it all up with a conversation about Stephen King and the power of authentic storytelling.

Pre-order my upcoming book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com 

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps:

0:00 Living with a half-empty cup

15:00 Initial discussion/reaction to the essay

25:00 Discussion about writing process and sharing

35:00 Deeper discussion about life philosophy

45:00 Wrap-up discussion

Welcome back to The Obvious Choice podcast, where today we're continuing to workshop a chapter from my next book. If you guys don't know, I actually started this podcast for an entirely selfish reason - to write better books. Everyone says you should create content for your readers and listeners, but nah, this one's for me. I'm stoked that you're along for the ride though, and I hope it's fun for you to see these books basically get built in real time. 

Once The Obvious Choice comes out in January (which you can pre-order now), you'll start seeing this process unfold. Today we're diving into exploration and how to add more of it into your life. Get ready to workshop this with me, and maybe let's figure out together why doing nothing might be worse than doing something boring.

Pre-order my upcoming book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com 

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and explanation of podcast purpose (writing books, workshopping chapters)

2:13 - Start of chapter section "Boring Not Vacant"

5:30 - Isaac's Lesson begins

11:25 - Author's personal reflection on writing and book production

14:45 - Discussion of The Good Place TV show

17:30 - Critique of business success stories and survivorship bias

21:15 - Coach-client disconnect discussion

25:40 - Story about mother-in-law's tattoo

28:15 - Personal story about Mexico and pregnancy

31:00 - Exploration and self-discovery

34:00 - Closing segment/outro with humorous "slow jam" reference

In this episode, we discussed strategies for sustainable social media growth and business development. The conversation covers crucial topics including content recycling, community building, and the often-overlooked aspects of social media success beyond just creating content. Key insights include how to effectively reuse content, build genuine engagement through strategic partnerships, and develop business systems for scaling. The discussion also addresses common challenges like content creation burnout, hiring decisions for solo entrepreneurs, and maintaining a healthy mindset when dealing with sales and client outreach. Particularly valuable is the revelation that social media success isn't primarily about content quality, but rather about building reputation and fostering community engagement.

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

@itscoachgoodman

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and social media growth challenges

13:16 - Discussion on collaborations and strategic partnerships

17:02 - Business organization and hiring strategy

26:56 - Content recycling strategy and social media management

31:37 - Dealing with content perfectionism

36:36 - Discussion on video call backgrounds and professionalism

46:46 - Advice for young professionals starting their careers

50:03 - Handling DM conversations and sales mindset

56:15 - Closing remarks

Hey everyone, today we're diving into what it really means to grow older without growing up. You know, some of my best memories come from getting completely lost - whether it's finding the world's best cup of instant coffee in Nicaragua, riding local buses in Uruguay, or navigating treacherous roads in Indonesia. But this isn't just about travel - it's about keeping that sense of wonder and exploration alive in everything we do. I'll share stories about how stepping off the beaten path, embracing uncertainty, and staying curious can make life richer, even if it means occasionally hitching a ride in the back of a sketchy produce truck with your family. Trust me, those are often the moments when you feel most alive.

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Discussion about what grandparents want to be called

1:00 - Introduction to topic of growing older without growing up

2:00 - Pop culture references and jokes

4:00 - Story about best coffee in Nicaragua

7:00 - Discussion about exploration vs vacation

9:00 - Story about Band-Aids seller in Uruguay

11:00 - Discussion about fundraising and Girl Scout cookies

14:00 - Story about driving in Lombok, Indonesia

19:00 - Philosophy on getting lost and being present

21:00 - Story about Crater Lake visit

23:00 - Discussion about Mexico and travel experiences

26:00 - Story about Al Capone and French islands

30:00 - Conversation about different ways people process information

33:00 - Personal discussion about sleep and worry

36:00 - Wrap up with jokes about cultural differences in adventure

I listened to two fascinating coaching conversations today. The first was with Daniel Corbett, who has an interesting dual role as both a minister and a fitness coach. He came seeking advice about why his in-person clients stick around longer than those he finds online. Throughout their discussion, they explored how he could authentically bridge his religious work with his fitness business, particularly through his connection to the International Churches of Christ. The conversation was really about finding that sweet spot between digital presence and real-world relationships.

Then the conversation shifted to Miles, who shared his experiences networking within the Filipino community in Toronto. He's been actively attending cultural events and making meaningful connections, including building relationships with high-achieving members of his community. Both conversations really drove home a key theme: the power of genuine, in-person relationships over purely digital connections in building a sustainable coaching business.

What's particularly interesting is how both cases show coaches finding success by engaging deeply with communities they're naturally part of - whether that's through religious affiliation or cultural heritage - rather than trying to be everything to everyone online.

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

@itscoachgoodman

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps

0:00 Daniel introduces himself as both a full-time minister and online personal trainer, working primarily with career-driven men 25-35. He explains his challenge: clients he meets in person tend to stay longer than those he acquires online.

1:43 Discussion about Daniel's ministry work with college students at University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University, and his approach to incorporating his religious background into his fitness business.

3:18 Jonathan discusses the importance of trust in coaching relationships, explaining it as a triangle of affinity, familiarity, and community. Daniel reveals all his long-term clients come through church connections.

6:13 Exploration of Daniel's church structure (International Churches of Christ) and its potential as a platform for business growth.

10:30 Strategic discussion about incorporating Daniel's faith background into his social media presence and bio without limiting his client base.

14:41 Jonathan suggests viewing social media as a nurturing tool rather than lead generation and proposes creating content specifically for church leaders.

19:14 Discussion about organizing minister workshops and networking events, with emphasis on letting participants share their stories rather than just presenting information.

In this candid origin story, Jonathan reveals his journey from personal trainer to successful online entrepreneur. Growing up in a traditional professional family in Toronto, Jonathan breaks convention to build the Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC) from scratch. He shares pivotal moments including a life-changing book gift from a client, his first affiliate sale that exceeded a day's training income, and a breakthrough $180,000 product launch that came just as he was questioning everything.

Through practical lessons on recognizing talent, choosing development over immediate gains, and the power of optimistic ignorance, he demonstrates how persistence and strategic relationship-building can transform a side project into a thriving business. A must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and fitness professionals looking to expand beyond traditional career paths.

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Host:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

--

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Playful opening banter about Tiny Toons

0:27 - Introduction to the podcast and book announcement

0:57 - Discussion of podcast outreach and origin story motivation

3:16 - Ball hockey story and Excalibur team anecdote

4:29 - Background on growing up in Jewish Toronto community

7:26 - University years and working at campus gym

9:54 - Early personal training career and client interactions

12:09 - Lesson on false economies and development over savings

15:23 - Pivotal moment with psychiatrist client Tom giving Rich Dad Poor Dad

21:40 - Document compilation leading to first book

24:31 - Conversation with Rick about PhD vs writing a book

26:27 - Finding an editor and publishing process

28:47 - Discussion of optimistic ignorance in entrepreneurship

32:05 - Website creation and early marketing efforts

38:32 - Building relationships with other fitness professionals

41:01 - Learning internet marketing through others' products

44:02 - First significant affiliate sale moment

47:07 - The "freedom number" concept

50:34 - Building community and product development

52:58 - Launch of 1K Extra course

55:03 - New York wedding story and final launch success

59:19 - Follow-up about maintaining relationships with mentors

In this eye-opening conversation with gym owner Joe Hsiung, we uncover a goldmine opportunity in the online fitness space that almost nobody is targeting: empty nesters. After running multiple successful gym locations, Joe was struggling with the longer sales cycles in online coaching - until we identified this perfect market hiding in plain sight.

You'll discover:

• Why empty nesters make ideal online fitness clients (they have time, money, and motivation)
• How to build your marketing calendar around university start dates
• The key difference between local gym marketing and online coaching
• Why targeting "busy moms" might be hurting your business
• A repeatable system for scaling your online fitness business

This episode is a must-watch for gym owners looking to expand online or online coaches struggling to find their perfect niche. We even break down specific marketing angles and messaging strategies you can use to attract this untapped market.

Plus, we discuss creative business models, including how to partner with influencers if you prefer staying behind the scenes. Whether you're just starting your online fitness journey or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation will give you actionable insights you can implement immediately.

--

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

--

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

--

Host:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

--

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

💥Pre-order your copy today of The Obvious Choice: https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Choice-Timeless-Lessons-Success/dp/1400249139

I explore the concept of freedom through the lens of a 48-day road trip I took with Allison before we had kids, contrasting it with a friend's story of feeling trapped in his successful career. The episode weaves together themes of walking costs, perceived limitations, and the illusion of being stuck, ultimately revealing that freedom isn't about beaches or private planes – it's about having options and control over your choices. 

Drawing parallels between travel with no fixed route and life with no fixed expectations, I examine how we often become prisoners of our own success, letting status, belongings, and others' perceptions dictate our paths. The message is clear: true freedom comes not from what you own or achieve, but from your ability to choose your direction, even if you decide to stay right where you are.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and road trip story setup

0:37 Details of 48-day national parks adventure

1:44 Story transition to friend stuck in career

2:53 Discussion of walking costs and freedom

4:35 Freedom vs self-imposed limitations

6:14 Mentor's advice on prioritization

7:37 Analysis of anxiety and life balance

8:45 Discussion of selfishness and control

10:02 Behind-the-scenes podcast discussion

11:46 Conversation about podcast listening speeds

13:34 Discussion about religion and hope

16:47 Wrap-up and podcast recommendations

📚Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Please preorder your copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Choice-Timeless-Lessons-Success/dp/1400249139

👉FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate / review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

🎙️Host:

Instagram: @itscoachgoodman

Twitter: @itscoachgoodman

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at: https://www.5repsfriday.com/

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at https://www.quickcoach.fit/

Have you ever felt stuck in your coaching business or wondered if success was a fluke?

If you’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, maintaining momentum, or reigniting creativity in your work, this episode is packed with real strategies to help you move forward.

In this mega episode of The Obvious Choice Podcast, we’ve combined three insightful hot seat conversations featuring coaches who share their challenges and breakthroughs. From leveraging your local reputation for online growth to creating niche content and finding inspiration, these discussions will resonate with anyone navigating the ups and downs of coaching.

You’ll learn how to:

• Use creativity to stand out in your niche.
• Tap into your existing network and build from what’s already working.
• Reframe challenges as opportunities for community connection and personal growth.
• Design content that resonates with your audience and attracts the right clients.

If you’ve ever felt the emotional rollercoaster of coaching–and wondered how to keep going–this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

(00:00) Introduction to Nick's Journey

(00:47) Challenges and Emotional Rollercoaster

(01:58) Recalibration and Creativity

(04:52) Targeting Specific Audiences

(06:55) Content Strategy and Networking

(16:55) Expanding Local Market Presence

(21:00) Exploring Business Potentials at the Golf Club

(22:48) Building a Local Clientele

(26:05) Community-Driven Fitness Initiatives

(30:53) Introducing Lauren: A New Coach's Journey

(33:29) Leveraging Personal Stories for Success

(34:56) Creating Effective Freebies and Challenges

--

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

--

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

--

Host:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

--

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Are you tired of doing it all? 

In part 2 of our special series on Jonathan’s minimalist approach to living, he challenges the idea that being well-rounded is the key to success. Instead, Jonathan dives into the power of finding and focusing on your “thing”--the unique strength that energizes you, even when it’s tough. 

He shares why focusing on what you do best (a lesson not taught in school) can lead to a more fulfilling life, rather than trying to balance a range of skills that drain your passion.

Jonathan also talks candidly about letting go of control and how this unexpected move gave him more freedom to focus on his passion for writing and living a purposeful life.

From embracing specialized mastery, to the paradox of giving, to creating rules that reduce decision fatigue, this episode on minimalist living is a must-listen.

Tune in now to start shifting from busy to simplified and purposeful living!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:38) The wedding anniversary trek in Albania

(06:37) Why you should find and focus on your “thing”

(17:37) Leapfrog skills for success

(24:33) The giving paradox: Give more to get more

(29:49) How choice minimalism can be life-changing

(32:02) Creating rules to reduce decision fatigue

(36:42) Episode wrap-up 

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Watch or listen to episode 279 | The Truth About Having It All: https://youtu.be/uGLOH0ibGrI

--

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

--

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

--

Hosts:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

--

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.