Dr. Clayton Skaggs is the founder and CEO of the Central Institute for Human Performance and the founder of the Karel Lewit Clinic and Curious Gap Labs. In addition to his clinical career, Skaggs has been on post-doctoral and research faculties of eight national and international universities including leading a National Institute of Health (NIH) randomized trial that resulted in a publication of one of the largest studies of low back pain in pregnant women. He has worked with thousands of elite...
Jul 10, 2025•42 min
Dr. Erin Nitschke, NFPT-CPT, NSCA-CPT, ACE Health Coach, ACE-CPT, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Therapeutic Exercise Specialist, Pn1, FNMS, and DSWI Master Health Coach, is a seasoned college professor in health and human performance. She is a nationally recognized presenter, industry writer for IDEA, NFPT, Fitness Education Online, and Youate.com, and an active member of the ACE Scientific Advisory Panel as well as a program administrator for the IDEA Fitness Mentor Network. Learn More about Dr...
Jul 03, 2025•57 min
Andres Ayesta is a Registered Dietitian, Sports Nutritionist, and founder of Planos Nutrition, where he helps men over 30 and busy professionals lose fat, improve energy, and build sustainable habits without restrictive diets or gimmicks. With over 12 years of experience and features in outlets like Forbes, CNN, and Men’s Health, Andres combines science-based strategies with real-world coaching to help people create results they can actually maintain. Learn More About Andres: Instagram: https://...
Jul 02, 2025•40 min
In this conversation, Dr. Darian Parker shares essential insights on building a successful online personal training business. He emphasizes the importance of having in-person training experience before transitioning to online formats. Dr. Parker discusses various online training formats, the significance of defining a unique point of view, and the critical need for building trust and connection with clients in the virtual space. He advocates for a focus on human relationships over technical perf...
Jun 25, 2025•6 min
Jen Gerasimas has over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She began her journey as a registered nurse before transitioning into teaching group exercise, then personal training. She worked in several different gym settings, including managing at a high-end fitness club. Over 8 years ago, Jen left the gym world to start her own independent personal training business 7Core Wellness. Witnessing firsthand the joys, struggles, and impact of independent training, she co-founded ...
Jun 05, 2025•46 min
In this episode, fitness professional, Kayla Johnson, delves into an unconventional and vital conversation about GLP-1 peptides, not just in the context of weight loss but also focusing on their role in perimenopause. Kayla Johnson is a nationally recognized fitness expert, entrepreneur, and passionate women’s wellness advocate with over 30 years of experience in the industry. As the co-owner of StarCycle Santa Barbara and a two-time Lululemon Athletica ambassador, Kayla has become a trusted lea...
Jun 03, 2025•35 min
In this episode, Dr. Parker chats with Kira Shishkin , CEO of informed , about the importance of reliable information in an age of misinformation and information overload. Kira traces the history of news media, examining how it became both overwhelming and unreliable. He emphasizes how modern news media hijacks readers' attention and holds it hostage against their will. Kira highlights three influences that make news media noisy: Dominance of advertisement revenue, adaptation to social media, an...
Jun 01, 2025•40 min
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Darian Parker speaks with Dr. Alexander Hutchison, author of An Unfair Advantage : In Sports the Body Matters , to explore one of the most contentious debates in modern athletics: the participation of trans women in women’s sports. The conversation dives deep into the biological differences between men and women, the role of hormone replacement therapy, and the science behind physical performance disparities. Alexander shares why he begins his book with an ...
May 25, 2025•51 min
In this eye-opening episode of The Far Side of Fitness , Dr. Darian Parker chats with Dr. Elliot Justin, an Emergency Medicine (EM) specialist and healthcare technology consultant in erectile neuromodulation, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dr. Justin explores the emerging science of erectile fitness —a vital yet often overlooked indicator of men’s overall health. Far beyond the clichés, we discuss how sexual performance , nocturnal erections , and testosterone levels intersect with cardio...
May 18, 2025•32 min
In this episode, the founders of Mobius, Caroline, and Julia, discuss their innovative approach to making fitness more inclusive and accessible by integrating it with non-fitness businesses and community events. They share their mission to bring fitness into spaces where it's not traditionally found and highlight their efforts to support local businesses and fitness professionals. Check out the Blog Post for this Episode: Episode Links: https://doctordarianparker.com/the-pod-blog/ Mobius Events ...
May 15, 2025•33 min
In this episode, David shares the inspiring story of how he created a versatile home gym device out of necessity. He describes his lifelong passion for fitness, the challenges of maintaining a workout routine as life's responsibilities grow, and the inventive ways he kept fit using everyday household items. After a home accident with a pull-up bar, David was motivated to design a better solution. David's Link: The Door Way Gym Dr. D's Affiliate: Stick Mobility: Get your flexibility back and prev...
May 02, 2025•20 min
In this inaugural episode of Unracked, Shawn Richardson shares the exciting journey of creating the Bodybuilding and Mobile Functionality Hammer, a unique strength training tool that combines attributes of kettlebells, maces, and sledgehammers. He discusses the inspiration behind the invention, the challenges faced during production, and the versatility of the product for different training environments. Shawn's Links: Instagram @Bamfhammer Website: www.bamfhammer.com Tick Tock - @BAMFHAMMERoffi...
Apr 26, 2025•21 min
David Amerland has authored several influential books on SEO, including Google Semantic Search, which explores how Google's algorithm shifts to better understand user intent and deliver meaningful results. His work emphasizes the importance of context, relevance, and semantic connections in digital content strategies. By focusing on human-centric approaches, he has helped businesses adapt to the changing landscape of search and content marketing. Beyond SEO, Amerland's writings often delve into ...
Apr 05, 2025•27 min
This episode delves into the critical connection between gut health and fitness with Nutritional Therapist, Atavia Minoudis who specializes in gut health. Atavia's Links: Podcast: Gut Reactions IG: https://www.instagram.com/atavia.minoudis/ Dr. Parker's Links: Website: www.doctordarianparker.com Dr. Parker's Affiliate - Stick Mobility Get your flexibility back and prevent injuries with Stick Mobility. Training Sticks improve range of motion, muscle activation, coordination, and body awareness to...
Mar 31, 2025•44 min
Alison Katschkowsky is a veteran swimmer and lifelong fitness enthusiast—first as a competitive swimmer and then a bodybuilding career before beginning her business. An established fitness expert and coach for 30+ years, in the health, fitness and coaching industry—she’s helped thousands of people and groups achieve fitness and longevity goals. Alison owns CU Fitness-a health and fitness ‘hybrid’ business—where she has most recently pivoted more to serving more business owners, leaders, and infl...
Feb 28, 2025•43 min
In this episode, we delve into the world of fitness mentorship with a focus on the Fitness Mentor Network. Our guest, Aaron Wyant, discusses his passion for mentorship, inspired by his own career and past mentors. He sheds light on the informal nature of career development in the fitness industry and the importance of perseverance. The discussion includes reflections on how the pandemic impacted the industry, leading to creative pivots and the rise of virtual training. We explore the challenges ...
Feb 26, 2025•32 min
In this episode, fitness professional, Laura Dow, shares her deep-rooted passion for mentorship, stemming from her background as an educator and musician. She reflects on the importance of collaboration and support in the fitness industry, highlighting her experiences with mentors who shaped her journey. Discussing the high attrition rates and burnout in the field, Laura underscores the significance of the fitness mentor network. Laura Dow is a Master Trainer and Yoga Teacher who works exclusive...
Feb 14, 2025•31 min
Waihon is from Malaysia but now works and lives in St Paul, MN with his wife. He is an educator and wellness coach. He works primarily with new immigrants in Minnesota and travels back to Malaysia 2-3x a year to conduct education & wellness workshops for schools, coaches and community. He had taught at the K-12 as well as college level in Malaysia and Minnesota. Waihon is awarded the Distinguished Alumni of Last Decade by his alma mater in 2023 (Winona State University, MN), where he obtaine...
Feb 07, 2025•11 min
Jennifer Dawkins is a Tattoo Artist, Cosmetologist/Esthetician and Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Jennifer's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metamorphosis_by_jen?igsh=bWd4d2g1Z2w3YjNt Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction: Beauty, Fitness, and Wellness 00:26 The Foundation of Beauty: Fitness and Self-Care 01:26 Body Modification: Beyond Tattoos and Piercings 02:48 Mindset Training: Overcoming Barriers 04:08 A Holistic Approach: Combining Skills for Client Success 04:34 Pers...
Jan 31, 2025•25 min
The project team from the soon to be launched Fitness Mentor Network, came on The Far Side of Fitness to discuss why a nationwide mentorship program hasn't come to fruition in the past, why this time it will work and a call to action to our fitness and well-being colleagues to advocate for a better industry. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and the State of the Fitness Industry 00:39 The Importance of Mentorship in Fitness 00:46 Meet the Team: Debbie and Erin 1:04 Personal Stories and the Birth o...
Jan 16, 2025•44 min
In this episode, Allison Jackson shares her transformative journey from a decade-long bodybuilding lifestyle to adopting a more balanced approach to health and fitness. She opens up about her experiences with extreme fitness, the physical and mental toll it took on her, and the pivotal moments that inspired her shift towards focusing on overall well-being and mindfulness. Allison's Links: www.allisonjacksonfitness.com FB, IG - @allisonjacksonfitness LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonrjacks...
Dec 17, 2024•37 min
In this episode, we explore Kate's transformative journey from an 'angry vegan' to leading with love and compassion. Kate shares personal stories, including the strained relationship with her father and the profound impact of her mother's sudden death, which redirected her approach to activism. Through anecdotes from her experience as a personal trainer and an animal rights advocate, Kate highlights the importance of empathy and respect in persuasive communication. Kate's Links: Website: www.str...
Dec 14, 2024•37 min
In this episode, the discussion revolves around Velocity Based Training (VBT) and its application beyond athletic settings to benefit general exercisers. Conor Gettemy, the Director of Sports Performance at Flagler College, provides an in-depth look at VBT's core principles: eliciting specific training adaptations, auto-regulation to optimize readiness, and the importance of immediate feedback and driving intent. Connor's Links: Instagram - @gettstrongperformance Website - www.gettstrongperforma...
Dec 11, 2024•40 min
Janet McConnell is a renowned health and fitness expert with over 20 years of experience, specializing in the powerful link between strength training and cognitive health. As a certified fitness coach through the American College of Sports Medicine and a North American National Champion in IFBB Figure and Physique competitions for the 50+ and 60+ divisions, Janet embodies the essence of proactive, healthy aging. Her innovative focus on brain health through resistance training offers a fresh pers...
Dec 04, 2024•43 min
Former Men's Health Editor, Peter Moore, talks about how men view their bodies as they age, what he learned in his own health journey and more! Peter Moore is the former editor of Men's Health Magazine and BACKPACKER, and he currently works as a columnist/cartoonist for the Colorado Sun, and contributes commentaries and animations to Front Range NPR. Peter's Links: https://https://coloradosun.com/author/peter-moore/ www.kunc.org/peter-moore https://www.backpacker.com/byline/peter-moore/ https://...
Nov 22, 2024•43 min
Our certifications and traditional formal educational pathways tell us to do physiological assessments with our clients, but what if that is no longer the right thing to do? Christin Everson comes on the Far Side of Fitness to discuss this alternative view on conducting physiological assessments for personal training clients. Christin owns a fitness consulting and education business serving fitness businesses, recreation organizations, and their fitness professionals. Her work helps to redefine ...
Nov 12, 2024•35 min
Maybe you have heard this question in the title of this podcast from a woman who has lit up the internet impersonating her German grandmother. Funny stuff for sure! It got me thinking about something we don't talk about enough as fitness professionals, which is the entertainment value of our work with people. Ask yourself this question...do your clients find you interesting? Do they dread coming to your sessions not because of your exercise knowledge, but because you present a boring experience ...
Nov 09, 2024•10 min
The sludge machine is part of all of our lives, but it is particularly insidious and an obstacle that both clients and service providers have to navigate. So how do we do it? Listen, watch and learn. Dr. D's Links: www.doctordarianparker.com Dr. D's Affiliate: Stick Mobility Get your flexibility back and prevent injuries with Stick Mobility. Training Sticks improve range of motion, muscle activation, coordination, and body awareness to build a strong foundation for better movement. Go to this Li...
Oct 31, 2024•28 min
In this episode of The Far Side of Fitness I sit down with award winning fitness professional Ingrid Knight-Cohee. We get into all things Group Fitness and why should be marketing fitness classes and fitness in general in a very different way! Ingrid is a thought leader and sought after presenter with an expertise in fitness programming, management, and leadership. She was recently recognized as the 2024 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year, representing excellence in fitness leadership and unparalle...
Oct 24, 2024•34 min
In this episode of The Far Side of Fitness I break down the Anatomy of a Personal Training session because well...I never hear any trainers talk about the mechanics of their training sessions. So, I am sharing how I conduct my session with 6 points that may surprise you! Dr. Darian's Links: www.doctordarianparker.com
Oct 08, 2024•16 min
