The Successful EP (Exercise Physiologist) Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Alexis Bhagat - a clinical exercise physiologist working at the forefront of cardiac care and virtual rehab in the US.She’s currently working at Kaiser Permanente in Denver, managing patients through virtual cardiac rehab, prescribing exercise for complex chronic conditions, and collaborating closely within a multidisciplinary medical team. She also brings experience from hospital-based roles at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, particularly in cardiac stress testing and advanced ECG and CPET assessment.We get into what cardiac rehab actually looks like in practice - and where a lot of EPs get it wrong.We cover: How to approach cardiac patients with confidence (without being overly conservative)  What safe, effective exercise prescription really looks like  How to progress patients when risk is always a factor  The realities of virtual cardiac rehab - what works and what doesn’t Alexis also shares her work with the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association, and how virtual care is starting to reshape what’s possible for EPs.If you’re working with cardiac patients - or want to - this will give you a clearer, more practical lens on how to do it well.Guest handles: LinkedIn - Alexis BhagatInstagram - Alexiso Bhagat Advance your practice - explore our EP courses hereStay connected - join our EP community here

In this episode, I’m joined by Mitchell Vautin, Founder and Director of Exercise Healthcare Australia - a rapidly growing clinical exercise physiology organisation in Queensland with three purpose-built centres and a team of 22 Exercise Physiologists.Mitchell started EHA with a clear mission: to make high-quality, evidence-based exercise physiology a necessity in the treatment of chronic disease and disability - not an optional add-on. Since launching in 2017, he has built a culture focused on clinical excellence, innovation, professional development, and measurable patient outcomes.In this conversation, we explore the journey from solo clinician to building a multi-site healthcare organisation, including the challenges, systems, and leadership lessons that come with scaling a clinical service.Mitchell also shares insights from his background in clinical cardiology at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, chronic disease programs within the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, and high-performance sport through the Queensland Reds.In this episode we discuss:• The early challenges of starting and growing Exercise Healthcare Australia • The transition from clinician to organisation builder • Hiring your first Exercise Physiologist and building a strong team • The systems required to scale a multi-site EP service • The metrics that actually indicate a healthy clinic • Leadership lessons from managing a growing team • What needs to change for exercise physiology to become central to chronic disease careIf you’re an exercise physiologist, healthcare professional, or clinician interested in building a high-performing clinical service, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to scale while maintaining quality of care.Guest handles:Mitchell Vautin - InstagramMitchell Vautin - LinkedInAdvance your practice - explore our EP courses hereStay connected - join our EP community here

In this episode, I’m joined by Kurt Vogel, a high-performance leader who has built and directed performance systems across professional and elite sport — particularly within women’s programs.Kurt currently leads high performance within professional football and has delivered strength & conditioning and sport science programs across state and national women’s teams in rugby league, basketball, football, and boxing. His experience spans the full athlete pathway, from junior development through to State of Origin and international representation.He is also the Founder and Director of Revolve Athletic, where he has scaled performance services across multiple clubs, integrating strength & conditioning, rehabilitation, sport science technology, and athlete development into cohesive high-performance models.In this conversation we unpack what it actually takes to build effective high-performance environments — exploring leadership, culture, and the systems that allow teams of practitioners to operate effectively. We also discuss the growing role of AI and technology in performance environments, and how practitioners can integrate data and tools without losing sight of coaching and athlete outcomes.A deep dive into the intersection of performance, science, and leadership, where EPs will gain a clearer understanding of how elite performance systems operate, how science is translated into practice, and how practitioners can elevate their role within high-performance environments.Guest handles:Instagram - kurtvogel.coachLinkedIn - Kurt VogelEmail - [email protected] Advance your practice - explore our EP courses hereStay connected - join our EP community here

In this episode, Lenny Hazelwood interviews Terry Wong, General Manager of Move For Life, who shares insights on workplace safety, injury prevention, and the role of exercise physiologists in corporate settings. Terry discusses his journey into workplace safety, the importance of behavior change, and the differences between compliance-driven and performance-driven safety cultures. He emphasizes the need for effective communication, engagement strategies, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for behavior change. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by health professionals in organizational settings and the importance of finding a community within the profession.Guest handles:Terry WongAdvance your practice - explore our EP courses hereStay connected - join our EP community here

In this episode of The Successful EP, Lenny Hazelwood speaks with Steph Otto - a researcher and Clinical Exercise Oncologist with more than 35 years of experience advancing Exercise Oncology Medicine.Steph’s work sits at the intersection of research and clinical application. She has dedicated her career to integrating evidence-based exercise interventions across the entire cancer care continuum - from prevention and prehabilitation to acute treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship.In this conversation, we explore:• How exercise became integrated into modern cancer care• The early caution and misconceptions around loading oncology patients• The importance of translating research into practical clinical frameworks• How healthcare systems (Germany vs Australia) shape implementation• The evolving role of exercise physiologists in oncologySteph’s expertise spans precision-based exercise screening prior to oncological surgery and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), inpatient and intensive care exercise oncology, quality management, integrative oncology, and mechanobiology — including fascia research and myofascial release.Her doctoral research at the University of Ulm examined the effects of high-intensity resistance and endurance training on BRCA1 gene expression and protein biosynthesis in BRCA mutation carriers — highlighting the molecular interplay between exercise and cancer biology.This episode moves beyond surface-level oncology rehab and into the future of personalized, mechanistically informed cancer care — where genomics, epigenomics, and exercise science converge.If you’re an exercise physiologist working in — or considering — oncology, this conversation offers both depth and direction.Guest:Stephanie OttoSteph invites listeners to join the Fascia Research Society.Use the discount code FASCIA15 to receive 15% off membership.Learn more:https://fasciaresearchsociety.orgExplore our range of EP CPD courses:https://epcpd.com/

In this episode, Lenny Hazelwood interviews Dayla Rayne Jankelowitz, an accredited exercise physiologist and PhD candidate specialising in female physiology and menopause. They discuss Dayla’s journey into exercise physiology, her experiences in starting her own business, and the importance of understanding menopause from a physiological standpoint. The conversation covers the challenges faced by menopausal women in exercise, the significance of individualized programming, and the need for effective communication and rapport-building in practice. Dayla emphasises the importance of behavior change, collaboration with dietitians, and the role of exercise physiologists in supporting women's health during this transition. The episode concludes with insights on future career pathways and the importance of open discussions among exercise physiologists.Guest handles:Instagram: DalyarayneLinkedIn: Dalya JankelowitzCheckout our range of courses: https://exphyscpd.com/ 

In this episode, Lenny Hazelwood speaks with Chiara Mastro Giovanni, Exercise physiologist and ESSA award-winner practicum supervisor of the year for 2024, who has navigated a unique career path that includes clinical practice, research, and academia. They discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing clinical work with research, particularly in the field of mental health. Chiara shares insights on the importance of mentorship, the realities of early career challenges, and the significance of mental health first aid training for exercise professionals. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support among exercise physiologists and the importance of adapting to client needs in real-time. Chiara also highlights the value of taking initiative and building rapport with clients to enhance their experience and outcomesConnect with Chiara: Linkedin Checkout our range of courses: https://exphyscpd.com/ 

In this episode of the Successful EP podcast, host Lenny Hazelwood engages with Dr. David Mizrahi, a leading figure in exercise oncology. Dr. Mizrahi shares his journey into the field, highlighting the transformative role of exercise in cancer treatment and recovery. He discusses his research on exercise interventions for cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in improving quality of life and treatment outcomes. Dr. Mizrahi also addresses the challenges faced by exercise physiologists (EPs) in establishing referral pathways with healthcare professionals and the need for better integration of exercise into cancer care protocols.The conversation delves into practical strategies for younger EPs to build confidence in communicating with GPs and other healthcare providers. Dr. Mizrahi offers valuable insights on networking, mentorship, and the significance of community engagement in promoting exercise as a vital component of cancer treatment. He shares inspiring patient stories that illustrate the profound impact of exercise on individuals facing cancer, reinforcing the message that exercise should be viewed as an essential part of treatment rather than an afterthought. This episode is a must-listen for EPs interested in oncology and those looking to enhance their practice through evidence-based approaches.Linkedin - Dr David Mizrahi PhDCheck out range of courses at exphyscpd.com

In this episode of the Successful EP podcast, host Lenny Hazelwood speaks with Rob Newton, a global leader in exercise oncology and exercise medicine. They discuss Rob's journey into exercise physiology, the founding of the Exercise Medicine Research Institute, and the evolution of exercise physiology in cancer care. Rob shares insights on the importance of psychological care, the role of exercise in enhancing treatment effectiveness, and the future of exercise physiology in managing chronic diseases. He emphasises the need for exercise to be recognised as a first-line treatment and the importance of integrating exercise into patient care.Linkedin - @profrobnewtonInstagram @profrobnewtonBook - MyExerciseMedicine for Cancer Check out range of courses at exphyscpd.com

In this episode, Carol Robbins, Sport Scientist of the Year 2024, and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, shares her extensive experience in the field of exercise physiology, particularly focusing on youth athletic development and injury prevention. She discusses her journey into the profession, the importance of education, specialisation, and the psychological aspects of coaching young athletes. Carol emphasizes the need for effective communication with both athletes and their parents, the role of strength training, and the significance of a growth mindset. She also touches on the challenges of balancing multiple roles within the profession and the importance of data in athletic training. The conversation concludes with insights on preventing burnout and the proactive approach EPs should take in their practice.Connect with Carol:LinkedIn - @ Carol Robins

In this episode, Ray Kelly, two-time Exercise Physiologist of the Year award-winner   and a leading figure in chronic disease prevention, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming one of the most respected Exercise Physiologists in Australia. He discusses his work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, focusing on diabetes management through lifestyle changes. Ray emphasises the importance of behaviour change, accountability, and problem-solving in health interventions. He also highlights the need for Exercise Physiologists to take initiative in policy advocacy and to specialise in niche areas to enhance their impact. The conversation concludes with insights into the success of the Too Deadly for Diabetes program, the importance of community engagement in health outcomes and what conversations more Exercise Physiologist’s need to be having.Connect with Ray:Instagram - @ raykellyfitnessLinkedIn - Ray Kelly