In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Dani sits down with Jacqui Somerville, founder of Mum & Mini Fitness in WA and AusActive finalist for the People’s Choice Small Business Award.

Jacqui’s story is one of resilience, passion, and community. From overcoming an eating disorder to creating a space where mums can train alongside their kids, she’s built a business that empowers women far beyond just the physical results.

Dani and Jacqui chat about:

• How Jacqui’s own recovery inspired her to become a trainer
• The leap from group fitness to running her own business
• Building a mum-friendly training space where kids are welcome
• Why gradual growth is more sustainable than burnout
• The power of community and the life-changing impact it can have on mums
• Her simple but effective “traffic light system” for tailoring workouts to each client’s needs
• The advice she’d give to women considering a career in fitness
• The most important quality every successful trainer needs

Whether you’re a mum, a trainer, or someone considering a career in fitness, Jacqui’s insights will leave you inspired to back yourself, slow down when needed, and always put connection first.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

This week on the Women’s Fitness Podcast, I’m joined (again!) by my good friend and powerhouse researcher, Thea Baker.

Thea isn’t just a brilliant clinical counsellor and psychotherapist — she’s also a PhD candidate at Deakin University digging deep into something that hasn’t had much attention: how moderate-to-vigorous exercise, like boxing, can support women’s recovery after experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).

Most of the research out there points to yoga and other mind-body practices. And while those are great, Thea noticed years ago — back when she was one of my very first mishfit franchisees — that women got something different, something powerful, from boxing. That release of anger, the rhythm, the strength — all of it mattered. Now she’s testing that hunch with proper research.

What We Talk About

• Why Thea’s personal and professional journey led her to this research
• The often unseen connections between IPV, trauma, and women’s health (yes, including cardiovascular disease risk)
• How boxing can create a sense of power, safety, and agency in women’s bodies
• The role of trauma- and violence-informed practices in fitness spaces
• The upcoming 8-week non-contact boxing program in Abbotsford that’s part of her study
• How this study differs from other programs like Left Write Hook

The Big Call-Out 

Thea is looking for 32 women in metro Melbourne to take part in her free 8-week cardio-boxing program starting October.

You may be eligible if you:

• Identify as a woman
• Are over 18
• Live in metro Melbourne and can travel to Abbotsford
• Have experienced intimate partner violence (this includes emotional, financial, psychological, sexual or physical abuse — not just physical violence)
• Can safely take part in exercise

What’s involved:

• One 60-min boxing session per week (with optional 30-min support strategies session)
• A series of online questionnaires before, during and after the program
• An optional focus group at the end to share your feedback

What’s in it for you:

• Be part of cutting-edge research that could reshape how exercise is offered to victim-survivors
• A safe, supportive space to move your body and connect with others
• The chance to help make fitness spaces safer for women in the future

How to Get Involved

👉 https://redcap.link/cardioboxingthis link for a direct link (includes QR code to screening process)
👉 Or contact Thea directly: [email protected] 

Even if this isn’t for you, you probably know someone who could benefit. One in four women in Australia experience IPV — so please share this episode and flyer with your community.

Mish’s final word
You never know how sharing something like this might be the first step in someone’s healing and recovery.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Episode Summary
In this episode, Mish chats with Mariana Ivantsoff, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at AusActive, about why political advocacy matters for the fitness industry and the impact of grassroots initiatives like Million Moves. They dive into how engaging government can benefit fitness professionals, the success of Million Moves in Queensland, and how trainers, gym owners, and exercise professionals across Australia can get involved.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why advocacy matters – How AusActive is pushing for government investment in preventive health and what that means for the fitness industry.
• Shifting perceptions – Breaking the stereotype of gyms as bodybuilding spaces and reframing them as community hubs for health, connection, and prevention.
• Million Moves explained – The origins of the campaign, its growth from a fun challenge between politicians to a national activation, and how it helps get sedentary Australians moving.
• Practical ways to get involved – How fitness professionals can encourage members, set up teams, run activations, and even invite local politicians to experience their facilities.
• The bigger picture – Why preventive health needs to be front and centre in Australia’s health strategy, and how grassroots action can create real change.

Key Quotes:

• “Exercise is preventive health, and preventive health is the government’s remit.” – Mariana Ivantsov
• “If exercise was a pill, it would be a bloody magic pill.” – Mish Wright
• “Every bit counts—invite your local MP, show them what you do. It is life-changing.” – Mariana Ivantsov

Resources and Links:

• https://millionmoves.org.au/signup – Pledge your 75 moves a day and get involved.
• The perks you get when you sign up and the prizes you can win (if you are in a participating area): https://millionmoves.org.au/benefits-prizes
• https://electorate.aec.gov.au/– Invite them to your gym, studio, or outdoor session.
• Supporting resources for people/clubs to get involved: https://millionmoves.org.au/resources
• Women’s Fitness Education – Start your fitness career with qualifications designed with women’s health in mind.

Take Action:
Be the squeaky wheel. Whether you’re running a gym, an outdoor bootcamp, or classes in your community, get involved with Million Moves, invite your local politician, and share the message that exercise is the most powerful preventive health tool we have.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this conversation, Aida, the owner and head coach of Boss Fitness, shares her journey in the fitness industry, focusing on the importance of community, mentorship, and creating a safe space for women. She discusses the challenges she faced, the growth of her business, and the significance of training staff to ensure a consistent experience for clients. Aida emphasizes the need for passion in the fitness industry and the importance of listening to clients' needs to foster long-term relationships.

Takeaways

• Aida started Boss Fitness in her sister's garage, focusing on women's fitness.
• Building a strong community is essential for success in the fitness industry.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in developing new trainers.
• Creating a safe and inclusive space for women is a priority.
• Aida emphasizes the importance of listening to clients' needs.
• The growth of Boss Fitness has been rapid, expanding to multiple locations.
• Staff training is extensive to ensure a consistent experience for clients.
• Community events help strengthen connections among members.
• Aida encourages risk-taking and passion in pursuing a fitness career.
• People will come and go in the fitness industry; it's important to accept that.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode, Mish speaks with Zev Tropp, a yoga teacher, artist, and breathwork facilitator, about the role of breath in movement, mindfulness, and daily life. From ancient yogic teachings to modern breathwork practices, they explore how breath can be used as a tool for both up-regulation and down-regulation—helping us manage stress, emotions, and even physical performance.

They unpack:

• Zev’s personal journey into yoga and breathwork
• The link between breath, the nervous system, and emotional regulation
• How breath practices differ from yoga—but are also deeply connected
• The rise of breathwork as its own wellness modality
• Tips for fitness professionals to incorporate breathwork without feeling like a knob
• The value of personal practice and self-kindness

Resources Mentioned:

• Breath by James Nestor
• Vipassana Meditation Centres: https://www.dhamma.org/
• Sattva Yoga Academy: https://sattvayogaacademy.com/
• Follow Zev on Instagram: @zev_tropp

About Zev:
Zev Tropp is a yoga teacher, artist, and breathwork facilitator with training from Power Living and Sattva Yoga Academy in Rishikesh. His teaching is informed by the Himalayan Yog-Vedantic lineage and modern movement practices. He’s currently based in Brunswick and teaches at Tender studio.

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 Jordie White, founder of Fierce Fits, a women's only boxing bootcamp. Jordie shares her journey into the fitness industry, her passion for boxing, and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated sport. 

She emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment for women in boxing and discusses her rapid growth in building a community of over 1300 women. 

Jordie also highlights the significance of certification and ongoing education in coaching, as well as her aspirations for the future. In this conversation, Jordie White discusses her approach to community engagement through wellness events, emphasizing the importance of boxing not only as a physical activity but also as a means to improve mental health. 

She shares her experiences in integrating breath work and holistic practices into fitness challenges, highlighting the significance of nutrition and mental health in achieving overall wellness. 

Jordie also offers insights into finding one's path in the fitness industry, encouraging individuals to stay true to their passions and values. 

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

You might know Jen Dugard as the powerhouse behind MumSafe™ and a long-time advocate for safe exercise during motherhood. But in this episode, we get into the other side of her mission: helping fitness professionals build a damn good business—one that doesn’t burn them out or leave them broke at tax time.

This is a chat for anyone who’s ever thought:

• “Why am I working so hard and earning so little?”
• “How do I go from best-kept-secret to booked-out expert?”
• “Is it just me, or is hiding behind Instagram posts not actually bringing in clients?”

Spoiler: It’s not just you. And nope, building it doesn’t mean they’ll come.

💡 What We Cover:

• Jen’s early business mistake (hint: big revenue ≠ big profit)
• Why just being great at your craft won’t grow your business
• How confidence and cold calls are related (yep, including awkward bum tingles)
• The magic of becoming oversubscribed—and why your numbers matter
• Why local visibility beats Facebook ads every time
• How to pitch yourself without sounding like a knob
• And how to build a business that supports your whole life—not sucks the life out of you

🚨 Workshops Galore:

Jen is taking her VIP Business Workshop on the road across Australia and NZ in 2025 (Canberra kicks off 29 July!). Her sessions are capped at 15 so you’ll get personalised feedback, real work done in the room, and no fluff. Meanwhile, Mish is running her Menopause Training Matrix™ Workshop—same date, same city—because we both believe in collaboration over competition. (Come to one, come to both—we’ll sort you out with a code if you do.)

🔗 Links:

• Jen’s Workshop: www.jendugard.com/vip-workshop
• Mish’s Menopause Training Matrix Workshop: https://go.mishwright.com/mtmworkshop

👯‍♀️ Want to attend both workshops? Reach out—we’ve got a little discount action we’re happy to share. Because let’s be real, this industry gets better when we do it together. 

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this inspiring episode, Dani chats with Amy Luttrell—Fernwood Tuggeranong Club Manager and 2025 AusActive Awards finalist for Manager of the Year. Amy shares how she transitioned from a corporate career to the fitness industry while on maternity leave, built her own PT business, and eventually stepped into a leadership role managing over 60 staff and 1,800+ members.

We dive into her early challenges, how she built confidence, the power of community at women-only gyms, and her advice for women thinking about becoming a trainer—especially those who feel like they’re “starting late” or doubting themselves.

Whether you're just starting out or dreaming of moving into management, this episode is full of relatable insights and practical encouragement.

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 Bec Gibbs, an experienced online coach who transitioned from in-person training to online coaching. They discuss Bec's journey in the fitness industry, her passion for helping women transform their lives, and the challenges she faced while pivoting to online coaching. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, building a community, and the need for trainers to have in-person experience before moving online. Bec shares valuable insights and advice for new trainers, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning and adapting to the evolving fitness landscape.

• Building a community on social media is crucial for online coaching success.
• Mentorship played a key role in Bec's transition to online coaching.
• Time management is a significant challenge when moving to online training.
• In-person experience is essential for understanding client needs.
• Continuous learning from various trainers enhances a coach's effectiveness.
• Bec's client base shifted towards women's transformation over time.
• The first year is critical for new trainers to establish themselves.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, host Danni chats with Tia, founder of the True Wellness Transformation Project. With over a decade of experience and a thriving coaching business alongside her corporate job, Tia shares her journey from fitness competitions to creating a holistic coaching model for high-achieving women. They dive into building confidence, navigating burnout, transitioning online, and why true transformation goes beyond just physical results.

Takeaways:

• Transitioning from gym floor to online coaching can open up greater reach and flexibility—especially for women juggling careers.
  
  
• Holistic coaching—encompassing mindset, habits, nutrition, and training—drives sustainable transformation.
  
  
• Investing in education every few years keeps your knowledge fresh and your coaching impactful.
  
  
• A strong community component can dramatically improve client experience and results.
  
  
• Empathy, communication, and treating clients as whole people—not just data points—are key to long-term success.

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/