Discover why physical inactivity needs to be recognized as a national crisis with the potential to impact our economy and national security in ways you never imagined. Join our host, Michael Stack, as we challenge conventional thinking and propose a provocative, strategic shift in public health messaging. With healthcare costs devouring a staggering 20% of GDP, it's time to acknowledge the $117 billion burden of inactivity and inspire industries, governments, and communities to prioritize p...
Feb 26, 2025•30 min
In this episode, we delve into the critical transition from demonstrating the efficacy of exercise to proving its cost-effectiveness, a pivotal shift necessary for securing insurance reimbursement for supervised exercise therapy. We explore how the effectiveness of exercise, well-supported by numerous studies showcasing its benefits for various health conditions, forms the foundation. However, the challenge lies in aligning this efficacy with the economic metrics that insurance companies priorit...
Jan 29, 2025•32 min
Can exercise professionals become a cornerstone of healthcare? Discover how we're working to make this vision a reality as we reflect on our journey since 2021. Learning from all our amazing guests over the past three and a half years has taught us the importance of policy and system changes to integrate exercise professionals into healthcare delivery. As we move towards 2025, the focus remains on keeping you, our listeners, informed and proactively identifying opportunities for you to enga...
Dec 25, 2024•27 min
Discover the future of fitness with Amy Boone Thompson, CEO of IDEA Health and Fitness Association, as she unveils the secrets to a thriving career in the exercise industry. Ready to break free from isolation and ignite your professional growth? Our conversation reveals how IDEA has been revolutionizing support for fitness professionals with a legacy of 43 years, now further enhanced by their innovative mentorship program. Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran in the field, Amy shares inva...
Dec 11, 2024•32 min
Ever wondered how healthcare systems shape public health across the globe? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, an expert with firsthand experience in both the American and UK healthcare systems, for a compelling exploration of their structural differences. Natalie, with her unique journey from the U.S. to England, shares invaluable insights into how exercise professionals can bridge the gap between medical care and wellness, offering a holistic approach that could transform health ...
Nov 27, 2024•48 min
This is the twelfth, and final, episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll unlock the secrets to advancing your career in the exercise profession. We guarantee you'll learn how to transform your role by acting as a healthcare professional today, while staying on top of industry developments. Join our host, Michael Stack, as we w...
Nov 25, 2024•24 min
This is the eleventh episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the important and complex topic of payment, with Christina Badaracco, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Compensation for Exercise Professional Services." Christina has an extensive background in clinical research, healthcare ...
Nov 18, 2024•34 min
In this episode we welcome back Becky Searls to the podcast, who joined us originally in episode 48 . She is a former high school Spanish teacher turned personal trainer and fitness coach. In this episode she shares an update to her inspirational career journey. Discover how Becky's background in education seamlessly transitioned into the fitness industry, highlighting the striking parallels between curriculum planning in teaching and program planning in personal training. Becky reveals her...
Nov 13, 2024•43 min
This is the tenth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the exciting topic of technology, with Dr. Atkinson, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Emerging Health Technologies: Opportunities and Practical Applications for the Exercise Professional." Dr. Atkinson, a leading behavioral sci...
Nov 11, 2024•37 min
This is the ninth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss the topic of risk management, with Dr. JoAnn Eickhoff-Shemek, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Essential Risk Management Competencies for Exercise Professionals." Discover how to elevate your career as an exercise professional ...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min
Unlock the potential of whole person health and wellness with insights from our special guest, Dr. Jessica Matthews. In this episode she shares her unique perspective, informed by her vast experience in exercise science, health coaching, and academia, to emphasize the importance of psychological and behavioral aspects in health behavior change. Learn how a coach-based approach can significantly improve adherence to exercise programs and lead to better outcomes for clients. Explore the powerful r...
Oct 30, 2024•43 min
This is the eighth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss the professionalization in Wellness Coaching, with Margaret Moore, a contributor to the article in the themed issue entitled "Lessons Learned from the Wellness Coaching Profession: The Path to Healthcare Recognition." Margaret is a trailblazer in the heal...
Oct 28, 2024•44 min
This is the seventh episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the important topic of developing trusted collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, with Dr. Amy Bantham, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Developing Trusted Collaborative Relationships between Healthcare Providers an...
Oct 21, 2024•37 min
What if blending physical and mental health could revolutionize your approach to wellness? In this episode of the Wellness Paradox podcast, we bring you an engaging conversation with Angela Moore, a unique professional who bridges the gap between fitness and mental health. Angela's journey from a personal trainer to a licensed counselor underscores the importance of understanding and integrating both physical and mental well-being. Discover how her dual expertise equips fitness professional...
Oct 16, 2024•36 min
This is the sixth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of advocacy, with Mike Goscinski, the author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Empowering Health and Fitness: Advocating for Industry Representation and Policy Influence." Get insights into the legislative landscape affecting fit...
Oct 14, 2024•35 min
This is the fifth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the important topic of education and credentialing, with Dr. Ben Thompson, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "The Role of Programmatic Accreditation, Certification, and Career Advancement." Ben has extensive experience in academi...
Oct 07, 2024•34 min
Ready to revolutionize your approach to healthcare? Join us on the Wellness Paradox Podcast as we sit down with Joel Hungate, the Executive Director of Wellbeing and Employer Services at Hancock Health. Joel’s journey from biomedical engineering to spearheading integrated well-being services is nothing short of inspiring. He shares invaluable insights into medical fitness and discusses how data-driven strategies and a strong ROI perspective can bridge the gap between fitness professionals and th...
Oct 02, 2024•37 min
This is the fourth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore program development and implementation, with Dr. Karen Wonders, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Making Exercise as Medicine a Clinical Reality: Program Development and Implementation." Discover how evidence-based, outcome-dri...
Sep 30, 2024•33 min
This is the third episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore registration of exercise professionals, with Dr. Brian Biagioli, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Harmonizing Health and Fitness with Healthcare Through the U.S. Registry of Exercise Professionals." In this episode you'll ...
Sep 23, 2024•40 min
Unlock the secrets to impeccable posture and peak physical performance with our latest episode featuring Kristen Schuyten, a veteran physical therapist from Michigan Medicine. Kristen's extensive experience with athletes—ranging from athletes and performers—offers a comprehensive look at the critical role of posture in injury prevention and optimal function. Whether you're a fitness professional or a strength coach, Kristen's insights will prove invaluable. Gain a deeper understan...
Sep 18, 2024•38 min
This is the second episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss actionable steps exercise professionals need to take, with Dr. Rachele Pojednic, the co-author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Critical Action Steps to Take as a Certified Exercise Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Market." In an...
Sep 16, 2024•38 min
Join us for the first episode in a twelve-part podcast series brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). This podcast series is based on the Sept/Oct 2024 themed issue of the ACSM Health & Fitness Journal on the topic of professionalization and advocacy. In this discussion, Wellness Paradox host Michael Stack (who is the editor of the themed issue), will explore the topic of professionalization in the exercise profession. He’ll walk you through his i...
Sep 09, 2024•27 min
Ever wondered how yoga and other forms of exercise can revolutionize mental health treatment? This episode of the Wellness Paradox is a must-listen as we sit down with Melissa Hatcher, a seasoned mental health professional and yoga instructor from MindBody Optimization. Melissa delves into her extensive background in applied behavior analysis, marriage and family therapy, and equine-assisted therapy, with a special focus on neurodivergence. Together, we explore the rising tide of mental health i...
Sep 04, 2024•33 min
Can the fitness and wellness industry truly be inclusive? Join us as Dr. Dexter Shurney, a trailblazer in lifestyle medicine and health equity, unpacks the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the sector. With a career that spans general surgery to pivotal roles like Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Shurney offers unparalleled insights into how the industry can bridge the gap between fitness professionals and the broader community. This epi...
Aug 21, 2024•37 min
Discover the untapped potential of corporate wellness and direct-to-employer markets with industry veteran Debbie Bellenger on the Wellness Paradox podcast. Debbie returns to share her incredible journey from fitness management to hospital systems, and now, corporate wellness. Learn how her innovative Wellness Academy is transforming the way fitness professionals approach their careers, with weekly Zoom sessions featuring industry leaders that keep members ahead of the curve. Debbie's entre...
Aug 07, 2024•40 min
Discover the essential marketing strategies that can transform your fitness business as we chat with Oscar Smith, a fitness industry veteran whose journey spans from aspiring Olympian to successful studio owner in New York. Oscar shares his invaluable insights and experiences, highlighting the power of networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and continuous education. You'll gain practical advice on turning your passion for fitness into a sustainable career, with tips on creating impactful elev...
Jul 24, 2024•37 min
Unlock the secrets to transformative fitness for older adults with Erin Eleuterio, the vibrant host of the Second Act Fit Pros podcast. Erin shares her compelling career journey, from earning a degree in kinesiology to finding her true calling as an exercise physiologist in a cardiac rehab facility. Discover how her passion for improving the lives of older adults through fitness led her to work with Silver Sneakers and eventually return to engaging directly with seniors in group settings. Erin&a...
Jul 10, 2024•36 min
Unlock the secrets to blending a keen business sense with a passion for wellness in our latest conversation with Jenn Trepeck. She's not just any entrepreneur; Jenn's journey from corporate powerhouse to wellness maven is both inspiring and instructive. In this fascinating exchange, we peel back the layers of her personal struggles, from battles with weight to her encounter with a life-changing nutrition curriculum. As she shares her story, you'll gain invaluable insights into how...
Jun 26, 2024•38 min
Embark on an enlightening exploration of Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (REDS) with Dr. Melissa Novak, a sports medicine physician with a profound dedication to the health of athletes and active individuals. Our conversation uncovers the hidden dangers of underfueling and societal pressures on body image, providing crucial insights for anyone who moves their body with purpose. Dr. Novak, drawing from her deep well of experience both as an athlete and a physician, brings an intimate understa...
Jun 12, 2024•40 min
Unlock the secrets to a more inclusive, holistic approach to health, fitness, and wellness with our guest, Emilee Moore, an occupational therapist who is pioneering the way we think about physical activity, accessibility, and the role occupational therapists play in healthcare. Her insights into the unique benefits of occupational therapy offer a fresh perspective on how to support individuals with disabilities in finding joy and inclusivity in their fitness journey. We're not just talking ...
May 29, 2024•39 min
