What does it really mean to be resilient—not when things are easy, but when life is actively falling apart? In this powerful episode of Pac Talk, Piet Vodden and Emylee Cavell get honest about the emotional, financial, and physical weight of building something meaningful from scratch. From personal struggles and $2 million in debt to opening four gym locations without big corporate backing, this is the behind-the-scenes story of grit, growth, and grit again . Together, they break down the three ...
Jul 04, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 126
How do you stay healthy, grounded, and strong when summer throws your routine off track? In this episode of PAC Talk, Pieter Vodden and Emylee Cavell share their real-world travel tips—from road tripping with kids to staying fit without a gym. They reveal how they personally navigate vacation workouts, nutrition on the go, and family time without letting it all fall apart. Plus, they introduce the PAC Travel Guide—a free resource packed with at-home workouts, mobility videos, nutrition strategie...
Jun 27, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 125
This week, I sit down and discuss the top 10 lessons I learned from this year’s Limitless Challenge. How did people lose so much fat, gain so much muscle, and improve their lives? We always learn as much as we teach because the challenge is a collection of individualized experiences. Everybody goes through their own set of obstacles and wins, and the information and data we get back helps us better prepare for the future — maybe through correlation, maybe through inspiration, maybe through conne...
Jun 20, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 124
In this episode of Pac Talk , Pieter and Emylee Vodden share the real metrics that matter when it comes to progress—beyond just the number on the scale. After working with 75 people over a six-week challenge, Pieter and Emylee Vodden, reflects on what actually leads to meaningful transformation. From energy levels and mood to sleep, hunger cues, and performance, this episode helps you redefine what a “win” looks like. Plus, they break down six essential habits for long-term success, and explores...
Jun 13, 2025•13 min•Season 2Ep. 123
This week, I sit down with John Kim—aka The Angry Therapist . John is a therapist and author currently working on his seventh book. This is our fifth podcast together, and I think it’s our best yet. John was one of the first people I met in L.A. and my first roommate in the U.S. We’ve both been on a journey that’s led to a natural fork in the road. New beginnings are on the horizon after an unforeseeable tragedy. But sometimes, light comes from darkness—and what we thought was the end is really ...
Jun 06, 2025•57 min•Season 2Ep. 122
In this week’s Limitless Challenge call, Emylee Vodden walks you through a powerful framework for habit formation, inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear. Whether you're trying to build a morning routine, save money, or finally ditch the doom scroll, this episode helps you get clear on the “structured how.” Learn how to make good habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying — and break bad ones by reversing the formula. Plus, Emylee shares real-life examples from her own journey and the co...
May 30, 2025•13 min•Season 2Ep. 121
Most people think they’re in a caloric deficit… until they realize they’re not. In this clip from the Limitless Challenge weekend call, I break down what a true caloric deficit actually looks like, why it’s essential for fat loss, and how to track it without obsessing over every bite. If you’ve hit a plateau or are frustrated by your results, this might be the missing piece. Let’s make sure the work you’re putting in is actually getting you closer to your goals. Welcome to the Pac, please make s...
May 23, 2025•13 min•Season 2Ep. 120
Emylee here back once again! This week, I’m sharing something personal from inside the Limitless Challenge—a practice I’ve been using to call out the quiet, sneaky stories I tell myself that hold me back. Stories like “I have no time,” “I have no self-control,” or “I don’t finish what I start.” Sound familiar? In this episode, I walk through how I’ve been learning to separate story from truth—and how that shift is helping me take real action toward the life I want. If you’ve ever felt stuck in s...
May 16, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 119
In today’s episode, I’m stepping in as your guest host, Emylee Vodden. We don’t fail because we’re lazy—we fail because we build routines that only work when we’re at our best. In this episode, I’m flipping that script. What’s the laziest version of you still willing to do? That’s where the real change happens. Whether it’s drinking water before coffee, hitting your step count even on a rough day, or having go-to meals prepped, we’re talking about building bare minimum habits that still move you...
May 09, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 118
We’re excited to introduce the Limitless Challenge —a six-week coaching program we designed to help you reach your fitness and nutrition goals in a sustainable, community-driven way. This recording is from our Limitless Challenge onboarding call this weekend. We dive into why we created this challenge, the kinds of people we built it for, and how our own experiences—Pieter’s background in personal training and Emylee’s holistic approach to wellness—influenced the structure of the program. We tal...
Apr 15, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 117
This week, I sit down with Lizzy Picardi. Lizzy is a powerlifter, marathon runner, and founder of Rose City Barbell in Pasadena. We talk about her journey from powerlifting to bodybuilding to endurance athletics, how she manages her training schedule, how she fuels her hybrid body, and the benefits and hardships of running her own gym. I’ve been fortunate enough to know Lizzy for a long time, and watching how she has grown and pivoted over the years has been amazing to see. This is a great podca...
Apr 11, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 116
This week I sit down with “The Queen of Regenerative Ranching “ Carrie Richards . Carrie is the owner of “Richard’s Regenerative”, a fifth generation farm in California committed to provide “our customers with a healthier and more sustainable source of beef“. It has been a few years since our last podcast, lessons have been learned and changes have happened to ensure survival. We talk about the importance of this movement and how we could make it more available and affordable for broad populatio...
Mar 28, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 115
Training must be measured; the right amount of the right kind must be applied at the right time. In this Podcast Emylee and I discuss her scare with Rhabdomyolysis, what it taught her and how she rebuilt her body and her mind from the ground up. The hardest lessons can sometimes be the most educational... Listen, share and reach out if something similar has happened to you and you need advice or help! Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time. Welcome to the ...
Mar 21, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 114
This week Emylee and I discuss how we are keeping the train on the tracks. With 2 kids, 4 gyms, 50 employees, a lot of responsibilities and financial pressure it would be easy to crumble. We discuss steps we have taken, management tools, coping mechanisms and strategies to stay productive and progressive. Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time. Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this ...
Mar 14, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 113
This week I sit down with the legendary Bobby Strom. Bobby is as OG as it gets in the business. He was Bodybuilding with the forefathers of muscle in the 70s and 80s, competed in over 30 shows, won multiple awards and went on to be one of the most sought after Personal Trainers in the industry. Bobby was one of the original “Celebrity Trainers” in Hollywood before the term even existed. From supermodels to superheroes, if you’ve heard of them, likely Bobby has trained them. We talk about the old...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 112
This week I sit down with Laura Hood, our Director of Operations at PHAROS Athletic Club. We talk about our journey together, growth, overcoming obstacles and the future. “Not a day goes by when we thank God for Laura“ is something we have been saying for a very long time…here’s why! Great podcast for anyone trying to grow a small business, anyone in the fitness industry or anyone that just likes to hear about the PHAROS story so far. Enjoy, like and share as always and don’t forget to subscribe...
Feb 28, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 111
This week I sit down with Coach Amanda Perri to talk all things recovery. Amanda’s journey from yoga to strength and conditioning and her experience with a near fatal accident has given her a unique and fascinating perspective on fitness . She has used many techniques to create a life of growth, strength and stability. We learn the why, the how and the details of our current 21 day Breath, Stretch and Play reset. Listen, enjoy and share! Connect with Amanda Instagram Join the PAC and learn how t...
Feb 14, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 110
How many Calories do you need? No matter which we you swing it, calories will always be the biggest variable when it comes to fat loss and muscle gain. How can we calculate how many we need and whats the deal with macronutrients? In this episode I give you a great place to start and some simple/helpful things to think about when improving your nutritional program. Enjoy! Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time. Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subsc...
Feb 03, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 109
This week I sit down with our GM of PHAROS REDONDO Eric Libardoni and discuss our exciting new RACE program. What it is, how it rolls and where it fits in our broad hybrid programming at the club. With so many of our athletes competing in the upcoming HYROX in Vegas it felt like a great time to take a deep dive…. Eric’s is one of the fittest guys I know , and after years competing in CrossFit he has added a new sport to his roster. He has great in-site in to what this new class has done for him,...
Jan 29, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 108
This week Piet dives in to the new BUILD Cycle and puts it in context of the evolution and current trends in fitness. Great one for everyone jumping in to the cycle, everyone who is considering it (both in house or remotely) and anyone who has a general interest in fitness and programming. Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time. Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leav...
Jan 20, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 107
This week we get an update on the build out of our new 27,000 square ft facility in Palm Springs . This one will change the game and Piet gives us a little insight in to what we can expect and when. Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time. Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes ...
Dec 13, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 106
Discover the science and power of breath control in this insightful episode of Pac Talk with Emylee Vodden . Learn how to optimize your breath mechanics for enhanced strength, conditioning, and overall fitness. Emylee shares practical techniques such as box breathing, Valsalva maneuvers, and cadence breathing, designed to help you breathe more effectively during workouts, from endurance runs to heavy lifts. Whether you're a beginner or an athlete, this episode will teach you how to master your b...
Oct 09, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 105
In this special episode, Piet sits down with longtime friend Joe Riggio on The Business of Strength podcast to reflect on their 20 years in the fitness industry. Piet shares the story behind Pharos Athletic Clubs, from humble beginnings to their latest milestone—the opening of a 27,000-square-foot facility in Palm Springs. Tune in as they discuss the evolution of fitness, the Pharos philosophy, and how they are shaping the future of health and wellness in the desert. Plus, learn about exclusive ...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 2Ep. 104
In this episode of PacTalk, I’m taking you on a journey through the evolution of fitness. From my early days influenced by bodybuilding to the dynamic world of CrossFit, I’ve seen it all, and I want to share my perspective on where the industry is heading. We’re at a critical point in fitness, where the need for a balanced approach—combining strength training, functional workouts, and recovery—is more important than ever. Join me as I reflect on how fitness has transformed over the decades, what...
Aug 30, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 103
On this episode of PAC Talk, I am joined by my wife Emylee, as we dive into the concept of non-negotiables—the essential principles and habits that guide our daily lives. Starting with personal philosophies and extending into daily actions, we explore the importance of staying consistent and true to one's values in fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. Emylee and I share our own non-negotiables, including our commitment to fitness, the importance of mental well-being, and daily habits like journali...
Jul 19, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 102
In this episode of PAC Talk, I dive into the top 12 common mistakes people make in the gym that hold back their fitness progress. From excessive cardio and poor dietary habits to neglecting proper mechanics and the pitfalls of overtraining, I cover every aspect. Each of these errors can significantly impede achieving your fitness goals, and I'm here to guide you on how to avoid them. Mistakes Discussed: Endless Cardio and Calorie Restriction: Often referred to as "cardio bunny syndrome," this mi...
Jun 26, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 101
Today is a very special episode. Our 100 episode! Thanks for staying with me on this journey. I can think of no guests I would rather have than two friends who have been members at PHAROS since the start. Jake Taylor and Robert Campbell. It’s even more special as this year Jake Taylor, one of our own homegrown talents, qualified for the final of the Crossfit Games! Both of these athletes are absolute specimens who have redefined what fitness can look like in your 40’s and 50’s. Always learning, ...
May 29, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 100
In this conversation, I have an in-depth chat with Lalo Torres, a CrossFit athlete, coach, and CrossFit P.A.C. athlete. We discuss Lalo's background in gymnastics and Cirque du Soleil, his transition to CrossFit, and the challenges of balancing coaching and competing. We also touch on the importance of social media for athletes and the need for great coaches in the industry. I share my passion for creating excellent gym spaces and the importance of offering a variety of equipment and accessories...
May 14, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 99
In this podcast I go in to detail on my top 3 Supplements for sleep and techniques for rest and recovery. Over the years I have experimented a lot with different products and techniques to sleep better. To deal with a busy mind, restlessness and being a light sleeper I have had to find my way through a mine field of promises to arrive at something that truly works. It is my hope that it may be of help to you to…. Enjoy, listen and share Our 3 Key Supplements for Better Sleep Inositol Magnesium G...
Apr 01, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 98
We recently launch our “Flores Stack“, at our clubs which comprise of 7 Key Supplements that can help your life inside and outside of the gym. In this podcast I go in to depth on what these supplements are, when you should take them and why they may be of benefit to you. There is no magic pill, but there certainly are things that can give us a little help along the way ….. listen, enjoy and let me know if you have questions! Our 7 Key Supplements Phormula 1 - Post Workout Recovery Protein Micron...
Mar 04, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 97
