In this episode, Dani chats with Jenna Cooper — business mentor, mindset coach, and long-time PT — about what it really takes to build a sustainable career in fitness.

From juggling three jobs to pay gym rent to mentoring women across Australia, Jenna has seen it all. She shares honest insights on burnout, boundaries, money mindset, and why passion alone isn’t enough to keep you in the game.

If you’re a new or aspiring trainer, this one’s a must-listen.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why passion alone isn’t enough — and what systems actually keep you in business.
• The mindset shift that stops burnout and builds confidence around money.
• How to create boundaries and structure your schedule for long-term balance.
• The importance of community and connection for client retention (and your own motivation).
• Why “being real beats being perfect” — both in business and in life.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

 In this episode, Dani chats with Bree Maddock — pregnancy & postpartum strength coach, twin mum of three, and no-BS advocate for motherhood, movement, and mindset. Bree shares how she went from working retail and battling self-doubt to building a successful online coaching business that helps moms rebuild strength, confidence, and consistency. You’ll hear stories of evolution, boundary-setting, and mindset resets. If you’ve ever felt “too late,” overwhelmed by motherhood, or unsure how to balance life + lifting, this one’s for you. 

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Recent WFE grad Sarah Martin shares how she went from corporate chaos to coaching confidence—juggling kids, study, and life to complete her Cert III & IV in just seven months. She opens up about tackling practical assessments (hello, camera nerves), her “10-minute” time-management rules, and the power of community and support. If you’re thinking about becoming a trainer—or you’re a busy mum wondering if you can actually fit study in—this one’s your sign to rip the bandaid off and get it done. 💪🩷

✨ Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need perfect timing — you just need to start
• The “10-minute rule” can beat overwhelm and procrastination
• Progress > perfection — especially for practical assessments
• Community and support make online study feel doable (and fun!)
• Mums are powerhouses — you can build a career you love, too

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Dani sits down with Carol “Caz” Attieh, founder of Fit by Caz and the philosophy she calls Sweat Therapy—a boutique, community-first space helping women feel strong, confident and empowered. Caz shares how a post-baby reality check (after child #3!) and one great group class changed everything: from hating gyms to falling in love with lifting, training friends in the park, carting kettlebells through the Sydney CBD as a mobile PT, and ultimately opening her home studio that now serves ~50 clients.

You’ll hear the truth behind sustainable results: empathy over ego, process over quick fixes, and why the best transformation is mental, not just physical. Caz gets real about mum-guilt, boundaries, time management (no clients during the school run!), and the power of mentors. She also shares a moving client story—Jenny’s 10-kg milestone by her 40th, and the confidence that came with it.

Takeaways

• A great trainer + class vibe + community can be the difference between quitting and thriving.
• Start small: one client becomes two—grow through word of mouth, patience, and consistency.
• Empathy & adaptability beat flashy promises; meet clients where they’re at.
• It’s never too late: neither Dani nor Caz were “sporty” at school—both began in their 30s.
• Boundaries fuel longevity: protect family time and energy so you can serve better.
• Mentors matter: ask questions, keep learning—no one knows everything at the start.
• Focus on how training makes you feel; the physique changes are a by-product.

If you’ve ever thought “I’m too late” or “I don’t look the part,” this convo will change your mind—and maybe your career.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode of the Women's Fitness Education podcast, host Dani speaks with Olympia, a new personal trainer, about her journey into the fitness industry. They discuss the importance of backing oneself, empowering women through fitness, overcoming stigmas associated with age and appearance in the gym, and the rewarding aspects of coaching. Olympia shares her experiences, challenges, and the significance of empathy in building connections with clients. The conversation emphasizes that anyone can succeed in fitness, regardless of their background or appearance, and encourages aspiring trainers to take the first step in their journey.

Takeaways:

• Backing yourself is crucial in pursuing your passion.
• You become ready by doing the work and showing up.
• Clients want trainers who understand and relate to them.
• Empowering women is a key focus in fitness coaching.
• Stigmas about age and strength training need to be challenged.
• The belief clients gain from training is more important than physical results.
• Building a community in fitness can enhance the experience for everyone.
• Empathy is essential for connecting with clients effectively.
• You don't need to look a certain way to be a great coach.
• Taking the first step is what matters most in starting your journey.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode, Mish sits down with Jen Dugard, founder of MumSafe™ and long-time advocate for women’s health in fitness, to talk about something that usually flies under the radar — board nominations. 

Jen’s currently up for re-election to the AUSactive Board, and she’s not here to play politics — she’s here to talk about what it really means to have a voice at the table that represents exercise professionals. 

They unpack: 

• How AUSactive has evolved from “the boys’ club days” to a credible national voice in Canberra 
• Why the switch from CECs to CPDs matters for the industry’s future 
• What “peak body” status actually means — and why it’s a game changer for recognition and funding 
• The vision for where fitness sits in Australia’s preventative health system 
• And, yes, the behind-the-scenes reality of unpaid leadership and hard decisions 

If you’ve ever wondered who’s really representing you in the fitness industry, or why your vote counts, this one’s worth a listen. 

Time to Vote 

If you’re an AUSactive member, you’ve already got a say in who shapes the future of our industry. Check your inbox (or your junk folder) for an email from True Vote — that’s your voting link. If you don’t have it, contact AUSactive before 27 October. 

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

 In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani chats with Samantha Hagger, a personal trainer at AquaLink, founder of Whole Body Conditioning, and finalist for the 2025 AusActive Personal Trainer of the Year Award.

Sam shares how she left a successful sales career at 40 to follow her passion for fitness, starting out by training parents on the school oval with nothing but some bands, dumbbells, and determination. What began with just two clients grew into a thriving business—and eventually led her to AquaLink, where she now runs 80+ PT sessions a month.

Her story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of saying yes to opportunities—even when they feel scary.

💡 Key Takeaways

• It’s never too late to start: Sam switched careers at 40 and built a thriving business from scratch.
• Say yes and figure it out later: Big opportunities often grow from small beginnings.
• Fitness is more than physical: Sam focuses on mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing through her Whole Body Conditioning approach.
• Connection is everything: The strongest client relationships come from listening, supporting, and adapting to individual needs.

Mentorship matters: Having guidance early in your career makes the first year less daunting and more rewarding. 

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani chats with Toni, founder of Beautiful and Balanced Bodies and finalist for the AusActive Personal Trainer of the Year Award. With 13 years of experience as a personal trainer and nutritionist, Toni has built a career focused on empowering women through every life stage.

She shares how she started in fitness straight out of high school, her passion for training women, the burnout that forced her to step away, and how she came back stronger—launching her own women’s-only business designed to create a safe, supportive space.

Whether you’re an aspiring PT or a woman looking for inspiration, Toni’s story is filled with wisdom on boundaries, resilience, and what it really means to empower clients.

💡 Takeaways

• Follow your gut: Toni chose fitness straight out of school, even when people doubted her, and it set the foundation for her career.
• Burnout doesn’t mean failure: Stepping away gave her the clarity to return stronger and build her business on her own terms.
• Boundaries matter: Protecting your energy is essential if you want longevity in the fitness industry.
• Adaptability is key: The best trainers can pivot quickly to meet clients’ needs—whether postpartum mums, women in perimenopause, or clients managing injuries.
• Celebrate the wins: True empowerment comes from helping women feel capable in their bodies, whether that’s doing push-ups on toes or recovering faster from injury.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani chats with Karys Ann, also known as the “I Kann Queen.” Karys is an international law of attraction and empowerment coach, motivational speaker, and ambassador for Turned Up Fitness—a high-energy, female-empowerment dance program that’s growing across Australia and New Zealand.

Karys shares her personal journey from losing confidence and direction to finding herself again through dance and then helping other women transform their lives through both fitness and coaching. This conversation is packed with insights on confidence, mindset, and taking action even when fear and imposter syndrome creep in.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Turned Up Fitness helps women unleash confidence and joy (and why it feels like a “night out without the hangover”).
• The role of law of attraction in building self-belief and creating the life you want.
• Why clarity only comes from action—and how small steps can lead to big transformations.
• Karys’ own struggles with imposter syndrome (and why it’s completely normal).
• Real-life stories of women who went from anxious and self-doubting to leading classes and building new careers.
• The most important qualities a coach or trainer needs to truly support and empower women.
  
  

✨ Free Resource from Karys Ann:
 Download her free eBook on finding your passion, purpose, and attracting it into your life with the law of attraction. @theikannqueen

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode, Dani interviews Palma, a passionate fitness trainer who shares her inspiring journey in the fitness industry. From her early beginnings in personal training to overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Parma discusses her growth, mindset, and the importance of helping others achieve their fitness goals. She emphasises the significance of mental alignment in achieving physical success and shares insights on building a successful fitness business.

Takeaways

• Her first job as a personal trainer was in a male-dominated gym, which was intimidating.
• Building rapport with clients through genuine conversations helped her gain clients.
• All trainers should believe they are worthy of clients.
• Mindset is crucial for success in the fitness industry.
• Continuous evolution and adaptation are necessary for trainers.
• Cultural diversity among trainers enhances communication.
• Rejection is a part of the industry; resilience is key.
• Client retention strategies are vital for success.
• Sharing personal stories can inspire others.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/