E 58 | 2025 Year in Review: Real Talk on Content Growth, Gym Ownership & What's Next

Episode SummaryWelcome to a special year-in-review episode where I'm pulling back the curtain on everything that happened with THIRST gym in 2025. This was my biggest growth year yet—crossing 6K YouTube subscribers, getting monetized, purchasing our own gym facility, and expanding across multiple platforms. But it wasn't all wins. I'm also sharing the setbacks, the expensive mistakes, and the hard lessons that are shaping my 2026 strategy.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How I grew my YouTube channel to over 6,000 subscribers and finally got monetized (plus why hiring a video editor was a game-changer)The strategy behind bringing the podcast back and building steady listenership while testing new formatsWhat drove 4,000+ new Instagram followers and created some of my most viral posts everThe reality of purchasing vs. renting a gym facility—the ups, downs, and financial implications (see episode 51 here)How we streamlined our gym business operations even as total revenue decreased (and why that was actually the right move)My biggest mistake of 2025: outsourcing online client growth strategies and why it didn't deliver (but what I still learned from the experience)What's changing in 2026: more frequent shows, more guests, and the experiments I'm runningIf you're a fitness professional trying to build a content platform, grow your business, or scale your gym, this episode gives you a transparent look at what actually works—and what doesn't. I'm not sugarcoating the challenges or hiding the failures. This is real-world insight from someone actively building in the trenches.Whether you're just starting your content journey or you're already established and looking to level up, there are actionable takeaways here that can save you time, money, and frustration.Thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast, watched the YouTube content, followed on Instagram, and engaged with this brand. Your support makes this possible, and I'm committed to delivering even more value in 2026.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.