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Michael Ramsay is the co-founder of STRONG Pilates, a rapidly growing boutique fitness brand that has expanded to more than 100 locations around the world. He joins Kenny Santucci on the Strong New York Podcast to talk:- Why most underperforming gyms have a leads, sales conversion, or retention problem.- The biggest mistakes gym owners make when trying to scale.- How STRONG Pilates uses presales and community building before a studio even opens.- Why accountability, management, and the right operators are critical to running a successful gym.- How Michael went from working in corporate and becoming an F45 franchisee to building STRONG Pilates. Chapters: 0:00 Intro - Michael Ramsay2:46 How Michael Ramsay Built STRONG Pilates to 130 Locations5:19 Why Traditional Pilates Doesn’t Like STRONG Pilates10:05 How STRONG Pilates Chooses Franchise Owners14:20 From Broke at 25 to F45’s #1 Franchisee20:26 How to Launch a Gym: Presales, Community & $1M Revenue21:36 Boutique Gyms vs. Equinox & Life Time27:53 Why Gym Owners Should Collaborate, Not Compete31:05 Why Gyms Fail: People, Management & Accountability38:08 The Gym Growth Playbook: Marketing, Leads, Sales & Retention41:56 How to Build a Profitable Gym Business Model48:57 Fitness Marketing in 2026: UGC, Influencers & Affiliates52:00 Why Results Matter More Than Fitness Hype58:03 The Fitness Brands Michael Ramsay Studies60:00 Why Australia Produces So Many Fitness Brands64:24 Why Long Island Is Crushing It + How to Expand Your Gym69:48 Inside an $83M Fitness Franchise74:08 The Future of Fitness: Longevity, Tech & Strength Training Connect with Michael Instagram: @ramslegit Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: Instagram: @kennysantucciInstagram: @strongnewyork Follow the Strong New York Podcast: Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod For more raw, unfiltered, and strong conversations, subscribe to Strong New York to never miss an upload. Follow us on Spotify for exclusive content:https://open.spotify.com/show/7aZJACuPsaawNIbWTHUkBp?si=bbc2dde469e44982 This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com.

This week on Strong New York Podcast, Kenny Santucci sits down with Sam Tejada — former firefighter/paramedic turned founder of Liquivida. Sam has spent two decades in functional and alternative medicine, and he breaks down exactly what's really happening in the booming (and increasingly unregulated) world of peptides, IV therapy, and hormone optimization. In this episode, we get into: - How Sam went from fighting fires to building one of the leading IV therapy companies in the country- Why the peptide and biohacking space has become the "Wild West" — and how to spot the bad actors- 503A vs. 503B pharmacies: what actually separates a legit compounded product from a sketchy one- Testosterone therapy explained — optimal ranges, dosing, esters (cypionate vs. enanthate vs. propionate), and how to manage estrogen and hematocrit- Hormone optimization for women and why the conversation is finally changing- The truth about competitive bodybuilding and why Sam walked away from it- Wearables, blood work, and why data can help you — or quietly stress you out If you care about your health, your hormones, or just want to understand what's actually in that IV bag or vial, this is a must-listen. Connect with Sam TejadaInstagram: @sammy_tejada Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: Instagram: @kennysantucciInstagram: @strongnewyork Follow the Strong New York Podcast: Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com.

Olivia Ormos is the founder of Mavn and co-founder of Model Volleyball, an event that has become a staple of Miami culture. After years of producing events and managing influencer campaigns manually, Olivia decided to build the technology she couldn’t find anywhere else. Despite having no previous experience in tech, she bootstrapped Mavn, proved the concept and raised $1.5 million to continue scaling the company. In this episode, Kenny and Olivia discuss: - How Model Volleyball became so successful- The story of paying Travis Scott $15,000 in cash to perform on the beach- Why friends and family may not understand the sacrifices required to succeed- What every successful founder is ACTUALLY doing Chapters: 00:00 Meet Olivia Ormos01:00 Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?02:42 Building Model Volleyball05:18 How Model Volleyball Makes Money08:01 Paying Travis Scott $15,000 Cash13:39 From Influencer Marketing to Mavn19:14 Building a Tech Company With No Tech Experience21:30 No Plan B and the Loneliness of Being a Founder27:28 The Connection That Closed Her Funding Round29:14 Raising $1.5 Million and Setting a $600 Million Goal32:56 Using AI to Design and Build Faster35:17 Women in Male-Dominated Business Rooms37:03 Why Olivia Ignores Her Competition39:28 Sending 20,000 Cold Emails Every Week43:32 Three Qualities Most People Are Missing For more raw, unfiltered and strong conversations, subscribe to Strong New York to never miss an upload. Follow us on Spotify for exclusive content:https://open.spotify.com/show/7aZJACuPsaawNIbWTHUkBp?si=bbc2dde469e44982 Connect with Olivia Instagram: @oliviaormos Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: Instagram: @kennysantucciInstagram: @strongnewyork Follow the Strong New York Podcast: Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com. #mavn #stronnewyork #founders

At 23, Bruce Bryan was arrested for a murder he didn't commit and sentenced to 37.5 years to life. It took 29 years — and a signature from Governor Kathy Hochul — for him to walk free. In this episode, Bruce joins Kenny to talk about the wrongful conviction that stole nearly three decades of his life — a crooked prosecutor, an unfit defense attorney, and years spent in Rikers Island and Sing Sing. But more than that, it's a conversation about mindset: how he refused to let prison define him, the difference between loneliness and being alone, and how books like Man's Search for Meaning helped him turn his cell into a classroom. Today, Bruce is a patent-holding inventor (Judge Score AI, built to help prevent wrongful convictions), a board member at the Jericho Project, and an advocate who now returns to Rikers to speak with the people the system forgot. This is a conversation about hope, discipline, and what it really means to be strong. Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:17 Wrongfully Convicted at 2308:32 “My Prosecutor Was Crooked”14:17 The Brutal Reality of Rikers Island19:02 Why Innocent People Plead Guilty28:59 Building Winners Through Community37:10 Discipline and the 29-Year Fight for Freedom46:50 The Public Defender Who Couldn’t Defend Him50:19 The Loneliness of Wrongful Imprisonment53:28 Becoming a Thriver, Not Just a Survivor59:55 Freedom After 29 Years01:05:51 Materialism, Faith and What Really Matters01:12:39 Creating Judge Score AI01:17:42 Giving Back Through Fitness and Prison Reform01:25:24 When Exoneration Comes Too Late Connect with Bruce BryanInstagram: @bruce.bryan24 Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: Instagram: @kennysantucciInstagram: @strongnewyork Follow the Strong New York Podcast: Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com. #wrongfulconvictions #brucebryan #strongnewyork

Kenny Santucci sits down with Chris Davids (@EvolvedByChris) — a former physician turned attachment coach who dated 300+ women after his divorce and grew his following from 0 to 300K in six months by telling the truth about relationships. They break down the anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles running most people's dating lives, why men and women process stress and "peace" completely differently, why chasing dopamine early kills relationships, and what women actually want from a man (hint: it's not his bank account). In this episode: The 3 attachment styles that predict how someone datesWhy "honesty" in dating isn't about looks or moneyDopamine vs. oxytocin — why the honeymoon phase always endsWhy smart people still make terrible relationship decisionsWhat women actually want from a manConnect with Chris Davids Instagram: @evolvedbychris Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: Instagram: @kennysantucciInstagram: @strongnewyork Follow the Strong New York Podcast: Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod 0:00 Intro0:58 Why Dating Is Harder Than Ever8:25 Chris’s Journey Into Relationship Coaching11:50 Attachment Styles Explained: Anxious, Avoidant and Disorganized18:58 Does Childhood Cause Avoidant Attachment?24:41 Why You Cannot Love Someone Out of Avoidance27:36 Avoidant Attachment vs. Narcissism32:59 The Best First-Date Advice37:19 How to Choose the Right Partner41:21 Dopamine, the Honeymoon Phase and Why Feelings Fade43:16 Friendship, Sacrifice and Compromise in Relationships50:00 Why Smart People Make Bad Relationship Decisions56:32 Why Relationships Should Be Run Like a Business57:59 What Women Actually Want From Men62:16 These are the Only Qualities Women Look for This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com. #attachmentstyles #attachment #strongnewyork

Ben Greenfield built his life around mastering the human body, biohacking and optimizing performance with some of the most extreme methods possible.  But behind the image of success, everything was beginning to fall apart. After nearly losing his marriage and family, one of the world’s leading biohackers was forced to confront a question no protocol could answer: What is optimization worth if it costs you everything that matters? Today, Kenny Santucci and Ben Greenfield discuss: - Extreme biohacks involving blood filtration, gene therapy and stem cells- The dangerous “shortcut mentality” taking over the biohacking industry- The three biohacks Ben believes can transform your health- How Biohacking almost ruined Ben Greenfields life 0:00 Intro1:34 Ben Greenfield’s Biohacking Journey6:44 Self-Preservation vs. Generational Legacy8:24 Ben’s Daily Routine for Family and Faith10:10 God, Spouse, Kids, Health and Business11:51 What Ben Sacrificed to Change His Life16:34 How Much Money Is Enough?20:15 Faith, Infidelity and Almost Losing His Family26:30 Why Success and Validation Become Addictive28:22 Why Young Men Need a Rite of Passage33:17 Ben Greenfield’s Parenting Philosophy39:29 Fitness, Sleep and Nutrition Ranked42:56 The Problem With GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs44:43 Ben Greenfield's Three Most Important Biohacks50:01 The Biohacking “Shortcut Industry”51:24 How to Avoid 'Overhacking' Your Body53:53 What Biohacking Actually Means57:19 Biohacking Products That Don’t Work63:44 Why Optimization Leaves People Unfulfilled66:35 What’s Next for Ben Greenfield?68:08 The Boundless Documentary For more raw, unfiltered and strong conversations, subscribe to Strong New York to never miss an upload. Follow us on Spotify for exclusive content:https://open.spotify.com/show/7aZJACuPsaawNIbWTHUkBp?si=bbc2dde469e44982 Connect with Ben GreenfieldInstagram: @bengreenfieldfitness Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: Instagram: @kennysantucciInstagram: @strongnewyork Follow the Strong New York Podcast: Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com. #biohacking #biohacks #bengreenfield

Matt Hughes is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. He is a UFC Hall of Famer, two-time UFC welterweight champion and the first man to defeat Georges St-Pierre inside the Octagon. After a near-fatal accident in 2017, Matt was left with a traumatic brain injury, but he's been rebuilding ever since. That’s where Clifford Morgan and Kenetik come in.  Kenetik is a sugar-free, caffeine-free ketone drink designed to provide an alternative source of fuel for the body and brain. In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast we cover: - What happened to Matt Hughes After Fighting - What Are Ketones- How ketones may support energy, focus and brain health- Why doctors told Matt his recovery had reached its limit- How Matt Hughes Became a UFC World Champion For more raw, unfiltered and strong conversations, subscribe to Strong New York to never miss an upload. Follow us on Spotify for exclusive content:https://open.spotify.com/show/7aZJACuPsaawNIbWTHUkBp?si=bbc2dde469e44982 Connect with MattInstagram: @matthughes9x Connect with Cliff:Instagram: @cliffgammaceo Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: Instagram: @kennysantucciInstagram: @strongnewyork Follow the Strong New York Podcast: Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com. #matthughes #ketones #brainhealth

Phil Daru has trained some of the biggest names in combat sports — Dustin Poirier, Amanda Nunes, and countless UFC and ONE Championship fighters — and built one of the most respected performance training brands in the game.  In this episode, Kenny sits down with Phil to talk about the concussion that ended his pro fighting career, the framework he built at American Top Team that shaped how he coaches today, and how he's now applying those same principles to busy executives and entrepreneurs through his partnership with Marek Health. We get into readiness tracking and auto-regulation, why wrestling is the real foundation of great fighters, his Mount Rushmore of trainers, his brief stint in bodybuilding and powerlifting, and what he's building next — a certification course, a new HQ facility, a book, and a returning podcast. #PhilDaru #StrongNewYork #MMA #UFC #StrengthAndConditioning CONNECT:  Follow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow the Strong New York Podcast: @strongnewyorkpodFollow Phil Daru:  @darustrong This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com. 00:00 – Intro: Welcome Phil Daru01:30 – What makes Phil stand out after 20 years in the industry04:15 – The 2-hour intake: understanding a client's true "why"07:40 – Training fighters vs. training executives10:20 – Readiness tracking: RPE, HRV, and the green/yellow/red system13:00 – The concussion that ended his fighting career16:45 – Opening his first gym at 22 while still fighting pro20:10 – Scaling from an 800 sq ft gym to 11,000 sq ft23:00 – Phil's Mount Rushmore of trainers28:15 – Learning the conjugate method from Louie Simmons32:00 – Making pro debut at 155 and the brutal weight cuts36:30 – The final concussion and the decision to walk away40:00 – Chasing the competitive itch: bodybuilding, Strongman, powerlifting46:00 – Top 3 things every trainer needs to know50:30 – Why wrestling is the real foundation of elite fighters54:00 – Blocking out the noise: what separates elite fighters mentally58:00 – Building Marek Health's performance division1:02:00 – What's next: certification course, new HQ, book, and podcast1:06:00 – Where to find Phil Daru

On this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Giovanni Vaccaro — co-founder of Glamsquad, an on-demand beauty service platform and founder of Peak Mode Coaching, his high-performance coaching business for executives, founders, and entrepreneurs. Strength isn't just something you build in the gym — it's a mindset. Giovanni breaks down his journey from shampooing hair 25-30 times a day at a top Manhattan salon to building a beauty-tech company from the ground up, and the mental toughness, discipline, and "radical responsibility" that took him from stylist to CEO to executive coach. This one is packed with lessons on staying strong through setbacks, building unshakable habits, and why nobody is coming to save you. In this episode:- Growing up in an immigrant Italian family and the blue-collar work ethic that shaped him- Paying his dues: 2.5 years shampooing hair before ever touching scissors- The "light bulb" moment that led to founding Glamsquad- Building the mental strength to shift his identity from "hairstylist" to "entrepreneur"- Why imposter syndrome is actually a sign of strength, not weakness- Hiring for your weaknesses and killing the "self-made" myth- Glamsquad's near-collapse during COVID — and the strength it took to rebuild- His non-negotiable 5am routine: meditation, prayer, gratitude, training- Training for his first marathon and the obsession behind elite performance- The 3 things every strong, high performer has in common- "No one's coming to save you" — radical responsibility and ditching the victim mindset- Why he started Peak Mode Coaching and how identity-first coaching builds mental strength Chapters:0:00 – Intro: Radical responsibility & don't play the victim2:10 – Welcome Giovanni Vaccaro + Strong New York 10th Anniversary4:00 – Growing up Italian, working for his father, discovering the salon world8:15 – Telling his dad he wanted to be a hairdresser10:00 – Starting at the bottom: 2.5 years to become a stylist14:30 – Building a client book & why every person is an opportunity18:00 – The Glamsquad "light bulb" moment22:00 – Shifting identity from stylist to entrepreneur25:30 – Imposter syndrome as a sign you're playing a bigger game28:00 – The power of a great business partner32:00 – Hiring for your weaknesses, not your ego36:00 – Launching Glamsquad & the slow build to viral growth41:00 – What makes a great Glamsquad pro (and the hiring process)45:00 – Money vs. purpose: what really drives high performers50:00 – His 5am routine: meditation, prayer, gratitude, cold plunge55:00 – Training for his first marathon & building mental strength59:00 – The 3 non-negotiables of every strong, high performer1:03:00 – "No one's coming to save you" — radical ownership1:08:00 – Losing weight at 13 and the discipline that followed1:14:00 – Glamsquads' worst year (COVID) and the rebuild1:18:00 – Why he started Peak Mode Coaching1:23:00 – Identity-first coaching & closing thoughts CONNECT:  Follow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow the Strong New York Podcast: @strongnewyorkpodFollow Giovanni Vaccaro:  @giovannivaccaro #GlamSquad #EntrepreneurMindset #Selfimprovement  This episode is sponsored by:🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com.

Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Dave Rabin (co-founder of Apollo Neuroscience) joins Kenny Santucci to break down why modern life feels so complicated — and why it doesn't have to be. From his new book "A Simple Guide to Being Alive," Dr. Rabin explains the neuroscience of bottom-up learning, why Gen Z is the first generation to score lower on cognitive tests than the one before it, how screens hijack your nervous system, and why feeling safe is the foundation of learning, healing, and manifestation. They also get into caffeine, nicotine, and nootropics from a neuroscientist's perspective — and why we should treat plant medicines with respect instead of abuse.If you've ever felt like you don't know how to sleep, calm down, or focus — this episode is your reset button. #Neuroscience #StrongNewYork #ApolloNeuro #MentalHealth #podcast  CONNECT:  Follow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York: @strongnewyorkFollow Dr.David Rabin: @drdavidrabin This episode is sponsored by Celsius, the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors! This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance. by visiting marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY at checkout for 10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.

Most people have been told caffeine and nicotine are bad for you — but what does the science actually say? This week, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dr. David Putrino, neuroscientist and Director of Rehab Innovation at Mount Sinai, to break down the truth behind nootropics, brain optimization, and the substances that could sharpen your focus and performance. Dr. Putrino shares what it's really like to work at the intersection of elite athletic performance and clinical rehabilitation — and why the strategies used to train special forces operators and professional athletes aren't that different from what helps stroke patients recover. Plus, they dive deep into one of the most important and undertalked health crises happening right now: long COVID and its devastating effects on cognition and energy. In this episode: Why caffeine and nicotine have been unfairly demonized — and what the research actually showsThe truth about nootropics and how to build your own cognitive "stack"How elite athlete training and stroke rehab are more similar than you thinkLong COVID and the brain: why millions of Americans are still struggling with brain fog and fatigueThe supplements and treatments Dr. Petrino uses with his 4,000+ long COVID patientsCreatine, lion's mane, L-theanine, nicotine patches, and more — what works and for whomThe future of personalized nootropics based on your DNACONNECT:  Follow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York: @strongnewyorkFollow David: @putrino_lab This episode is sponsored by Celsius, the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors! This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance. by visiting marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY at checkout for 10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.

What does it take to run across the Sahara Desert, survive federal prison, maintain 33 years of sobriety — and come home to be a full-time caretaker for the person you love? Charlie Engle has lived all of it. In this episode, Kenny sits down with ultramarathon legend, New York Times bestselling author, and charity: water ambassador Charlie Engle for one of the most raw, real, and inspiring conversations we've ever had on the show. In this episode: Why being a caretaker for his wife for 10+ years has been harder than any race or prison sentenceHow running 4,600 miles across the Sahara Desert changed his relationship with sufferingThe truth about what federal prison is actually like — and why the system isn't built to rehabilitate anyoneHow 33 years of sobriety shaped his identity, discipline, and driveHis upcoming charity: water expedition and why he keeps chasing the next impossible goalThe mindset shift that took him from always asking "what's next?" to learning to live in the present momentWhy owning your narrative is everything — and what happens when you let others tell your storyCharlie's story isn't just about physical endurance. It's about what it means to keep moving forward when life strips everything away — and why the only compass that matters is the one inside you. CONNECT:Follow Charlie:  @charlieengleFollow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York: @strongnewyork This episode is sponsored by Celsius, the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors! This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance. by visiting marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY at checkout for  10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.

What if you could get all the energy of a pre-workout or energy drink — without the bloat, the bubbles, or the $6 price tag? Richard Mumby, CEO of Wip Energy, is betting the answer fits in the palm of your hand. In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Richard to break down why Wip's clean caffeine pouches are disrupting a multi-billion dollar industry — and why 85% of Americans who already consume caffeine daily are ready for something smarter. In this episode, we cover:- Why energy drinks are losing ground to caffeine pouches — and what makes the pouch delivery system so effective- The truth about caffeine: how much is too much, and why it's one of the most studied and beneficial ingredients in the world- How Wip went from a 2-year stealth formulation phase to hitting 10,000+ retail doors (Wawa, Murphy's, Quick Trip, and more)- The CEO's journey from Wall Street finance to leading a next-gen consumer brand- Why your mindset matters as much as your macros — and the powerful lesson Richard learned watching his 83-year-old father give himself a pep talk- The untapped consumer: why Wip isn't just for gym-goers, but for everyone hustling through a demanding day Plus: Richard and Kenny talk about the upcoming Strong New York event (September 26th at The Glass House), influencer marketing strategy, festival season, and what's next for Wip. CONNECT:Follow Richard:  @rpmumbyFollow Wip Energy:  @wipenergyFollow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York: @strongnewyork This episode is sponsored by Celsius, the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors! This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance. by visiting marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY at checkout for  10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.

This week, Kenny sits down with Jake Steinfeld — the man who literally invented the personal training industry. Jake opens up about losing his home in the LA Palisades fire, why he still trains at 4:15am every single day, turning down Nike before they created "Just Do It," and the anonymous poem that shaped his entire life philosophy from age 14. From posing with the Village People to doing stunt work as The Incredible Hulk, from Cold Calls in Hollywood to building a fitness empire seen in 90+ countries — this episode is a masterclass in betting on yourself when nobody else will. In This Episode: How Jake created personal training as a profession (there was no blueprint)The steroid decision at 19 that changed everythingLosing his home in the Palisades fire & what he grabbed on the way outWhy he turned down Nike's offer to buy "Don't Quit"GLP-1s, fitness culture, and what the industry gets wrongThe mindset behind never missing a workout — everBody by Jake Radio & what's coming nextCONNECT:Follow Jake: @bodybyjakeFollow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York: @strongnewyork This episode is sponsored by Celsius, the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors! This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance. by visiting marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY at checkout for  10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.

This week Kenny Santucci sits down with Jake Heyen — the fitness industry analyst and founder of Wellworthy who blew up on Instagram by delivering no-BS, news-style breakdowns of the brands, events, and trends shaping health and fitness culture. Jake shares the full story: from studying finance and statistics in college, to building a workout subscription platform during COVID, to joining Playbook as Director of Operations — and ultimately growing one of the most trusted voices in the fitness media space. In this episode, we get into: How Jake built his audience from zero with a completely different content styleWhy he almost quit before realizing it was actually workingThe brands he thinks are absolutely crushing it right now His take on the biggest fitness trends: community gyms, HYROX-style events, home health tech, and the rise of strength culture for womenWhy he turned down every podcast — until this oneWhether you're a fitness entrepreneur, creator, or just obsessed with the industry, this episode is packed with real insight from someone who's been behind the curtain. CONNECT:Follow Jake: @jakeheyenFollow Kenny: @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York: @strongnewyork This episode is sponsored by Celsius, the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Visit @celsiusofficial on Instagram to see all of their new flavors! This episode is sponsored by Marek Health. Optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance. by visiting marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY at checkout for  10% Marek Diagnostics, Supplements and the Marek Health Guided Optimization signup.