#07 - From Distraction to Connection with Fiona Kriaris

#10 - The Future of Wellbeing with Anna Davies

In our 10th episode of the pod, we sit down with Anna Davies, Founder of Refined Wellness, to unpack how wellness is shifting from a premium add-on to an expected part of the fitness experience.We get into what it actually takes to commercialise wellness inside a gym environment, from understanding your member to building an offering that fits.We also explore how different markets are approaching wellness, why Australia is still finding its feet, and what operators can learn from global leaders across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.We cover: * Why member demographic should drive every wellness decision * The shift from one-off sessions to integrated membership tiers * How flow and layout impact the entire user experience * The difference between recovery, longevity, and performance-led offerings * Why perceived value in wellness is outpacing traditional gym models * Global trends shaping the future of fitness and wellness If you’re trying to work out where wellness fits in your facility, this is a practical look at what’s working, what’s not, and where things are heading.Catch ya on the next one.Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbERtRnFPb2tyMDdXYTFrdjJmZEFRN2N1RGxyd3xBQ3Jtc0trSDdpdzBtSlBfR2pPeGhwUWYxRFNoVlhBeUExOWgtN1VRLTd4YjdmRHA5anE0ZU1sd0NqWE5leE9ybjNMM2tkdVhkQkZTVE1vdzd4LUtBaU5tT2k2RjBKdU9GekdsLWs5eDBWSjBZaGIzWFhrY3VaOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fau%2Fpodcast..&v=tkvrl97Iv3M].YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MateSpotMe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/110233219 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matespotme/

#09 - The Crossfit Evolution with Ed Morrison

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 branding * The role of methodology in building successful affiliates * Retention, community, and long-term member value * Navigating trends without losing your core offering * The difference between CrossFit as a sport vs a training model Catch you next time mates. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433 [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheV [https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheV] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mate-spot-me/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mate-spot-me/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matespotme/ [https://www.instagram.com/matespotme/]

#08 - Mates & Mindsets with Baz and Jez

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 leadership That’s it from us, see you on the next episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheV LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mate-spot-me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matespotme/

#07 - From Distraction to Connection with Fiona Kriaris

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

#06 - Geoff Lord - The Builder

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 purpose Whether 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