Podcast
Shorts with Liz Clark
Join Liz Clark, president and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association, for a bi-weekly conversation with trailblazers and innovators shaping the future of the health and fitness industry.
Episodes
New! Episode 22
Inside the Health & Fitness Association’s New Digital Health Council
The Digital Health Council is here — and it’s set to redefine the intersection of technology, fitness, and wellness. In this episode, Liz sits down with Al Noshirvani and Mohammed Iqbal, two of the founding advisors helping to shape the council’s mission, vision, and strategy. Together, they discuss what it means for the Health & Fitness Association to step into digital leadership, how industry standards can unlock opportunity, and why data-driven health isn’t just the future — it’s now.
Episode 21
The New Voice of Fitness Advocacy in Canada: A Conversation with Zach Weston
This week, Liz talks with Zach Weston, Executive Director of FIC Canada, about leading the national voice for 7,000+ fitness facilities. Zach shares his goals to expand access to movement, integrate fitness into healthcare, and push policy changes—like making gym memberships tax-deductible. With former FIC head Gabriel Hardy now in Parliament pushing for fitness-friendly policies, the industry’s momentum is growing. Tune in to hear how Canada is turning advocacy into action.
Episode 20
LIFT: Anne Marie Chaker on Women, Muscle, and Meaningful Change
Anne Marie Chaker spent over 20 years at The Wall Street Journal telling other people’s stories — until her own transformation from reporter to bodybuilder made the news. In this episode, she shares what inspired her book LIFT, how strength training reshaped her life, and why building muscle is about so much more than fitness. A conversation about power, reinvention, and the stories we choose to tell.
Episode 19
Leading the Charge: AUSactive's Push for Physical Activity in Australia
In this episode of Shorts With Liz Clark, we sit down with AUSactive Chair Emmett Williams and former CEO Barrie Elvish to discuss takeaways from their recent Leaders Forum in Canberra. We explore how AUSactive is driving policy change, promoting physical activity across Australia, and helping position fitness as a vital part of the healthcare system—paralleling the Health and Fitness Association's own advocacy work in the U.S.
Episode 18
Martin Seibold on LifeFit Group’s Growth, Strategy, and Future
Martin Seibold, CEO of LifeFit Group, joins Liz Clark to discuss leading one of Europe’s top fitness operations. With 170 clubs and bold plans to reach 250 by 2028, LifeFit is rapidly expanding through acquisitions and premium brand partnerships like Barry’s and Club Pilates. Martin shares insights on scaling a multi-brand strategy, adapting to new ownership under Waterland Private Equity, and what it takes to lead in Europe’s evolving fitness landscape.
Episode 17
The Fit Guide - Setting Global Standards For Fitness Hospitality
Liz talks with Jack Thomas—founder of The Fit Guide and BASE Bangkok—about how global standards in fitness are being defined and measured. As the only independent rating system for premium clubs, The Fit Guide is raising the bar worldwide. Jack shares what separates the best from the rest, why hospitality matters more than ever, and how fitness businesses can create experiences that meet rising consumer expectations in an increasingly competitive global market.
Episode 16
Built to Evolve: Annbeth Eschbach on Leading Wellness, Women’s Health & Longevity
From building one of the most iconic wellness brands with Exhale, to reshaping women’s health at Kindbody, and now leading the charge in longevity with ResetOne—Annbeth Eschbach’s career is a masterclass in vision, reinvention, and purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, she shares how each chapter built toward the next, what it takes to lead through industry shifts, and why the future of health is personal, precise, and proactive.
Episode 15
The MIORA Model: Lifestyle Medicine & Longevity
Jeff Zweifel, Executive Director of MIORA Longevity & Performance, shares how MIORA is transforming the health and wellness space by integrating comprehensive blood work, GLP-1 medications, hormone optimization, and performance-based compounds and peptides into personalized fitness and nutrition programs. We’ll explore how this data-driven, whole-person approach supports sustainable weight management, improved metabolic health, and enhanced performance—bridging clinical precision with customized coaching to optimize longevity and unlock human potential.
Episode 14
The Father of Aerobics on Living Longer, Stronger, and Smarter
In this inspiring episode of Shorts With Liz Clark, we sit down with the legendary Dr. Kenneth Cooper — preventive medicine pioneer, founder of the Cooper Aerobics Center, and the man who coined the term aerobics. At 95 years old, Dr. Cooper is still shaping the future of health and fitness. He joins us to discuss his 20th book, Grow Healthier as You Grow Older, and shares practical, science-backed advice on how to take control of your health, improve longevity, and “square off the curve.”
Episode 13
The Importance of Association Work
HFA President and CEO Liz Clark and National Restaurant Association President and CEO Michelle Korsmo explore the vital role associations play in advocating for policies that support both industry and public well-being while navigating shifting priorities, influencing legislation, and ensuring industry voices are heard. Learn how effective, often misunderstood, lobbying helps shape regulations, secure funding, and drive collaboration that benefits businesses, consumers, and communities alike.
Episode 12
Building Media Authority in a Crowded Space
In this episode of Shorts With Liz Clark, veteran podcaster Eric Malzone shares how he built the Future of Fitness Podcast and launched the Podcast Collective to elevate wellness voices. We discuss what makes content stand out, common mistakes creators make, and how to find your unique voice. Eric also offers advice on platform strategy, evolving with the industry, and building lasting authority in a crowded media landscape.
Episode 11
Policy & Progress: The HFA Short Report
Liz Clark, HFA President & CEO, and Mike Goscinski, HFA VP of Government Affairs, recap a pivotal moment for the health and fitness industry. From powerful conversations on Capitol Hill during our annual Fly-In to the exciting inclusion of PHIT Act language in the latest reconciliation package, we’re seeing real momentum—thanks to your support and persistent advocacy.
Episode 10
Boutique Rising II: How Jennifer Maanavi Brought Physique 57 Abroad
Jennifer Maanavi—co-founder of global fitness brand Physique 57—shares how she built a boutique wellness empire, embraced digital platforms early, and scaled internationally. Jennifer opens up about mentoring women founders and navigating global markets while staying true to her brand. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and empowering the next generation of women in wellness and consumer industries.
Episode 9
Boutique Rising: How Sadie Lincoln Built a Women-Led Fitness Empire
Raised in an unconventional, matriarchal community, Sadie Lincoln’s unique upbringing shaped her leadership style and fueled her rise as the ultimate ‘girl boss.’ Now with 207 franchised studios—all owned and operated by women—she's been featured in Time, Forbes, NPR, Medium, and more.
Episode 8
Fitt Insider’s Rise From Newsletter to Media Authority & Beyond
In this episode, we sit down with Fitt Insider's co-founder, Anthony Vennare, to explore how a small newsletter started in 2020 transformed into a leading force for fitness industry news, trends, and insights. From niche beginnings, Fitt Insider has grown into a powerhouse that covers everything from acquisitions to forecasting what's hot in the fitness and wellness space.
Episode 7
A Watershed Moment For Wellness: Trends That Are Shaping 2025
In this episode, Susie Ellis, co-founder and chair of the Global Wellness Institute and the Global Wellness Summit, explores the trends shaping global wellness in 2025. Whether you're a wellness professional or simply curious about the future of well-being, this episode offers a fascinating look at the key trends defining health and lifestyle in the coming years.
Episode 6
Staffing Series: Next Era of Staffing
Guest Paula Comfort, CEO of Hire Ground Talent, shares her expertise in staffing and HR within the fitness industry. The conversation explores why staffing is a critical issue for fitness businesses today, the shifts in recruitment and retention strategies, and how the industry is adapting to attract and keep top talent.
Episode 5
The Current M&A Landscape
This episode explores the recent merger between SE Brands and OTF, the creation of Purpose Brands, and the appointment of its new CEO, Tom Leverton. Clark discusses with the guests what this new portfolio company brings to both members and investors, some of the expected changes, and how they will impact franchisees and members.
Episode 4
Incentivizing Success: Bryan Myers on Employee Motivation, Company Culture, and Growth
In this episode, Solidcore CEO Bryan Myers explains how Solidcore uses employee incentive programs to motivate staff, aligning these plans with the company’s broader growth strategy and culture. Join Liz and Bryan as they explore engagement & motivation, measuring success, attracting top talent, and the landscape of evolving workforce needs.
Episode 3
The Top Fitness Trends of 2025: Wearables, Apps, and Age-friendly Training
In this episode with Dr. Karlie Intlekofer, a global research scientist at Matrix Fitness, we break down the top three 2025 fitness trends identified by the American College of Sports Medicine: wearable technology, mobile exercise apps, and fitness programs for older adults.
Episode 2
Financial Forecasts on the State of Private Equity & Lending in 2025
Episode 1
An Intro to Shorts With Liz Clark: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
In the premiere episode of the Health & Fitness Association's new podcast, HFA President and CEO Liz Clark is joined by former HFA Chairman Chris Craytor and current HFA Chairman Chris Smith for a candid conversation about the organization's evolution and its bold vision moving forward. Listen on YouTube.