The Conveners - Michael Hirst

The Conveners - Tanya Hall

Andy King chats with Tanya from eGym on the Conveners podcast, covering everything from her accidental start in fitness to where the industry is heading. Tanya didn’t plan a career in fitness, she got into it after having her son, starting part-time at a local leisure centre and working her way through roles in membership, reception and swim school. The turning point came when an older member told her she’d managed to carry her shopping home on the bus for the first time. That moment stuck, and eventually led her to eGym, where she’s now spent about seven years leading their public leisure sales team. They talk a lot about what makes eGym different, not just making strength training feel simple and accessible, but actually producing real health outcome data. Things like strength improvements or reduced HbA1c aren’t just nice-to-have stats; they’re helping operators unlock funding from public health and community sources, rather than relying purely on big upfront spend. Places like Blackpool, Plymouth, Corby and Pembrokeshire all come up as examples doing interesting things with it. There’s also some chat about Genius AI, which personalises workouts across the whole gym floor, even on kit that isn’t eGym. The conversation gets more personal when they get into GLP-1s. Both Andy and Tanya have been on their own journeys for around two years. Tanya is really open about how tough the start was, side effects, hair loss, poor sleep, alongside losing six stone in under a year. She talks about the strange psychological side of that kind of change, briefly coming off the medication, regaining weight quickly, and moving onto Monjaro. They also touch on how people are figuring dosing out as they go, the likelihood this becomes a long-term thing, and what’s coming next, like retatrutide or oral versions. From a sector point of view, Tanya’s take is pretty clear: the biggest opportunity is helping people who’d never normally step into a gym feel comfortable enough to do so. That means simple things, where equipment is placed, how staff show up, and recognising that fitness professionals aren’t therapists but still play a role in confidence and behaviour change. Her overall feeling is that GLP-1s could be huge for the industry, but only if it adapts instead of pushing back.

The Conveners - Rhys Jones

Forget chasing empty numbers. In this episode, Rhys reveals how genuine connection and relentless curiosity create real social change, from pioneering COVID health programs to leading Plymouth’s ambitious wellness agenda. We break down how grassroots sports and marathon grit translate into system-wide leadership, and why authentic relationships will always outperform top-down mandates. You'll learn how Rhys uses deep self-awareness, coaching, and even AI experimentation to build resilient teams capable of busting through stubborn bureaucracy. The Bottom Line: Leadership isn't just about results. It’s about the relentless pursuit of a difference. Whether you’re a community champion or a seasoned executive, this conversation is your blueprint for turning big ambition into tangible action. Listen now and lead with purpose.

The Conveners - Michael Hirst

Most leisure trusts focus on facilities, but BPL puts people and purpose first. CEO Michael Hirst explains how a fun, community-driven culture, despite market challenges, is reshaping the industry. BPL’s focus on staff well-being, social value, and strong community partnerships drives innovative programs where employees and customers thrive. From tailored incentives to storytelling-led impact measurement, their approach goes beyond numbers. In this conversation, we explore embedding social value into a commercial model, the power of staff recognition, and the role of local, flexible thinking. Michael also highlights how partnerships with health services and councils are transforming leisure centres into community health hubs. The takeaway: success in leisure today isn’t just about running facilities. It’s about improving lives. This episode offers practical insights for leaders looking to stay competitive while making a meaningful impact.

The Conveners - David Joerring

David Joerring, founder of HealthKey.Health, joins host Andy King to explore how smarter health data, better habits, and accessible tools can transform long‑term wellbeing. A practical, energising conversation for anyone looking to take ownership of their health journey. Please note: this episode was recorded remotely, so audio quality may vary slightly.

The Conveners - James Lorey

Most personal trainers dismiss the potential of AI, but what if it could revolutionize your career? James shares a ground breaking prototype for AI-driven coaching that reveals dangerous overtraining trends and offers a clear blueprint for harnessing technology to scale your success. In this episode, you'll discover how AI can be both a threat and an opportunity in personal training, from diagnosing training overreach to creating tailored programs with real data. James breaks down how AI is already shaping PT models, the pitfalls of short-term online fixes, and the future of hybrid coaching. where high-tech meets high touch. We delve into the critical skills needed to thrive in an evolving sector, including soft skills, long-term health integration, and the importance of data-driven pathways from hospital corridors to gym floors. You'll learn about the innovative services James' network offers like, online mentorship, career pathways, and exclusive licenses, that are transforming the industry, and why your PT business might be the ultimate health intervention in the long game. If you're a leisure CEO, MD, or a personal trainer hungry for growth, this episode arms you with the insights and tools to future-proof your approach and turn disruption into opportunity. James is a seasoned leader at YourPT, with a passion for developing fitness entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of health. His vision includes connecting personal training more deeply with long-term health conditions, collaboration with NHS pathways, and pioneering new technology solutions for smarter operations across sectors. Perfect for fitness professionals, gym owners, or health sector innovators aiming to stay ahead of the curve. Hit play and discover how to leverage technology, talent, and training to elevate your impact and your income, in an industry on the brink of transformation.