Mate, Spot Me

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Morrison, Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand at CrossFit, to unpack what continues to make CrossFit relevant in an increasingly competitive fitness landscape.We explore the affiliate model, the balance between methodology and flexibility, and the realities of running a CrossFit business today.We also get into the evolution of CrossFit globally and locally, how the brand has matured over time, and the ongoing challenge of separating the sport from the everyday gym experience.We cover:Why service quality outweighs marketing and brandingThe role of methodology in building successful affiliatesRetention, community, and long-term member valueNavigating trends without losing your core offeringThe difference between CrossFit as a sport vs a training modelCatch you next time mates.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheVLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mate-spot-me/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matespotme/

In this episode, we're bringing the pod back in-house with a chat between our esteemed hosts Barry and Jerram. They’re in the hot seat for this one, answering the questions and reflecting on their years running gyms, coaching, and building fitness businesses, unpacking the lessons that shaped how they think about the industry today.We also get into the trends that are front of mind for 2026 - how community‑based events and competition are taking off, the role of wellness and recovery in gym spaces, how strength‑focused training is sticking around, and what tech and innovation might actually look like in Aussie gyms this year.We cover:- Personal stories from starting out in gyms, PT, and club management- Lessons learned from transitioning from operators to industry leaders- How to stay grounded while growing a business and team- Reflections on trends, training philosophies, and fitness education- Insights on balancing life, fitness, and the high-pressure world of leadershipThat’s it from us, see you on the next episode.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheVLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mate-spot-me/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matespotme/

In our first episode of 2026, we’re joined by Fiona Kiaris from YMCA Victoria. Fiona is a trained mindfulness facilitator and a fitness industry leader who’s spent years helping teams and communities move from constant distraction to genuine connection. We talk about why mindfulness has become more relevant than ever, what it looks like in real life (not just meditation apps and buzzwords), and how leaders and facilities can create environments where people feel calmer, clearer, and more purposeful at work and in training. Key moments we unpack: • Why modern life is making us more distracted, more burnt out, and less present• What mindfulness really means• How mindfulness supports emotional intelligence, empathy, and better leadership behaviours • The trap of “transactional mindfulness” and why consistency matters more than intensity • Practical, simple tools you can use immediately, including Fiona’s STOP method• How gyms can support wellbeing without needing to run a full mindfulness program Together, these ideas point to practical ways mindfulness can benefit us as individuals, our teams, and the environments and culture we create.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheVFiona’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-kriaris-733131146NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitausNovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitausNovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus

In this episode, we sit down with the great Geoff Lord, founder, chairman, and CEO of the Belgravia Group - and one of Australia’s most influential business leaders driving impact in fitness, leisure, and community. With his trademark no-nonsense approach, Geoff brings clarity, humour, and hard-earned lessons on leadership and growth. We'd also like to congratulate Geoff on being awarded the 2025 Beyond Activ APAC Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his lifelong dedication to the health, fitness, and wellness industries, and his mission to positively influence the lives of one million Aussie kids.We cover: - Leadership lessons from decades of growing teams, businesses, and culture- The importance of backing yourself in- The strength of building incrementally instead of chasing big bets too soon- Making decisions through the lens of effectiveness (doing the right things) and efficiency (doing things right)- How Belgravia Group’s diverse businesses work together toward a common purposeWhether you're running a gym, leading a team, or building a business, Geoff’s insights provide a grounded playbook for scaling with purpose. There are some true gems of wisdom in this episode you won't want to miss!Belgravia Group: https://belgraviagroup.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitaus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus

In this special Movember edition, Barry and Jerram sit down with Daniel Wood, an experienced fitness professional, educator, and passionate mental health advocate, to explore the powerful connection between mental health and physical fitness.This conversation dives into:- The difference between mental health and mental fitness- How to check in with yourself- The role of community and belonging in protecting mental health- How gyms and fitness spaces can become more than just four walls- Encouraging others to speak up, seek help, and support one anotherWhether you’re a coach, gym owner, or fitness professional, this conversation will help reiterate how movement and meaningful human connection can strengthen mental resilience.YouTube: Apple Podcasts: Spotify:Daniel's Movember Page: https://au.movember.com/mospace/10500601AFL Mental Health Continuum: https://www.afl.com.au/mental-health-wellbeing/aboutHume City Council: https://humeleisure.vic.gov.au/NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofit/NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/NovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus/

Local government leisure centres are more than just places to train, they’re community health hubs that connect fitness, allied health, and social wellbeing. In this episode, James Weston, Unit Leader of Fitness and Sport at Hume City Council, shares how his team is creating facilities that support every stage of the health journey - from rehabilitation to long-term movement and community connection.We talk:- Why councils continue investing in leisure and wellness facilities- Building inclusive spaces that link fitness with allied health and recovery services- How gym staff act as triage points in a preventative health model- Using technology to track real health outcomes, not just attendance- Leadership, culture, and collaboration across council departments and partnersYouTube: https://youtu.be/xzhFzh4s0x0Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/04-connected-community-with-james-weston/id1825744433?i=1000730487987Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FGbGNmoyT6VnyJjtX7JaQJames' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-weston-2611b7162/Hume City Council: https://humeleisure.vic.gov.au/NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofit/NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/NovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus/

In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Beaux Glenn, owner of Genesis Lilydale. Beaux’s journey is all about heart, putting people before everything else and showing how genuine care can transform a gym into a thriving community. She opens up about her passion for cultivating culture, empowering her team, and fostering connections that go beyond fitness, creating an environment where both members and staff feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow.We talk:- Leading with relationships- Empowering staff and members to create club culture- Fostering loyalty and community at scaleSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastYouTube: https://youtu.be/mYwtE-5lkAU?si=72bsZF_0oK0JB_oRGenesis Lilydale: https://www.instagram.com/genesislilydale/?hl=enNovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofit/NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/NovoFit Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus/

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Waide - Chief Operating Officer at NovoFit - for an in‑depth look at how digital transformation is redefining fitness spaces. Daniel shares his playbook for scaling personalised member experiences, activating tech outside the four walls, and striking the perfect balance between human touch and automation.We talk:Crafting scalable, personalised programs that mirror one‑to‑one PT at scaleLeveraging digital communications and booking data to keep members engagedBuilding open, data‑driven ecosystems without losing sight of the people behind the profilesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheV Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MateSpotMe⁠⁠⁠NovoFit LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitaus/⁠⁠⁠NovoFit Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/⁠⁠⁠NovoFit Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/novofitaus/⁠⁠⁠Daniel 's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-waide-7ab7051b/

In our first episode, we sit down with Bart Walsh - Head Coach at Jetts Fitness Australia - for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of wellness, recovery, and coaching culture in fitness. Bart shares insights on integrating nervous system recovery into gym spaces, the power of mobility, and how gyms can empower their people and programs without losing sight of what really matters: the member.We talk recovery tools, mindfulness, high-performance habits, and how small innovations (and a lot of intent) can transform both outcomes and experiences. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MateSpotMeNovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitaus/NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/NovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novofitaus/Bart's Website: https://www.bartwalsh.com.au/Bart's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartholomew-walsh-47b796226/Bart's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walsh.fit/