Shows
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Kira Lamb Recap | The Emergence PodcastLaura reflects on her conversation with Kira Lamb this week, exploring the concept of reverence in movement practice and teaching. She discusses the importance of respecting your craft enough to embrace struggle, curiosity, and the discomfort of not knowing, recognizing that mastery takes years of trial and error. Laura reminds listeners that sustaining yourself as a practitioner requires adaptability and the willingness to juggle multiple paths, all while giving yourself grace through the difficulty. She challenges the culture of instant gratification and emphasizes that building resilience and self-confidence comes from working through the hard things, ultimately allowing us to...
2025-12-1809 min
The Emergence PodcastEp. 18: Kira Lamb | The Emergence PodcastIn this week's episode, Laura welcomes New York-based Pilates instructor Kira Lamb for a conversation about building a sustainable teaching practice rooted in classical methodology. Kira shares her journey from ballet dancer to creating the viral Contrology Freak Challenge, and offers practical wisdom on navigating the early years of teaching without burning out. The conversation explores the distinction between Pilates as a workout versus Pilates as a method, and how to create a practice that attracts like-minded clients. With 23 years of teaching experience, Kira emphasizes the power of repetition, teaching fundamentals deeply, and the necessity of adaptability as an...
2025-12-091h 02
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Erica Almodovar Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this week's episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her conversation with Erica Almodovar, exploring the ongoing journey of becoming a skilled Pilates teacher. Laura discusses embracing struggle as part of the learning process, reminding listeners that certification is just the beginning and true mastery comes through years of practice and embodiment. She addresses the business side of teaching, emphasizing fair pricing, professional boundaries, and continuous investment in one's own education. As the holiday season approaches, Laura offers a gentle reminder to practice self-care while showing up authentically for clients and yourself.
2025-11-2509 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 17: Erica Almodovar | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode, Laura sits down with renowned classical Pilates instructor Erica Almodovar, who shares her journey from managing health clubs to studying directly under Romana Kryzanowska and becoming an international teacher trainer. Erica reflects on her nearly 30 years in the industry, the invaluable lessons from observing Romana's teaching, and her commitment to passing on the classical method exactly as she learned it. The conversation explores challenges facing Pilates today—from quick certification programs to the importance of embodiment and continuous practice—as well as Erica's approach to teacher training, client retention, and building a sustainable business rooted in the...
2025-11-1850 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Emilio Lara Recap | The Emergence PodcastOn this week's episode of The Walk, Laura shares a candid reflection on the importance of slowing down and resisting the urge to constantly push for more. Drawing on her conversation with Emilio Lara about humility and sustainable success, she discusses her own tendency to become controlling during uncertain times and emphasizes that ambitious fitness professionals must balance their drive for growth with genuine self-care. Laura encourages listeners to practice gratitude for what they've already built, recognize when pushing harder creates more harm than progress, and remember that preserving their physical and mental health is essential to serving clients...
2025-11-1111 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 16: Emilio Lara | The Emergence PodcastOn this week's episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura chats with Emilio Lara, a coach, trainer, and multi-hyphenate creative based in Mexico City. They dive into a focused conversation around movement and discipline and how that translates into his way of life—across fitness and creativity. Emilio shares stories from his journey, from being an active kid inspired by his older brother's transformation, to discovering his passion for fitness at sixteen with those "killer chest workouts" by the side of his bed. He opens up about how discipline on the soccer field shaped him, his inspiring approach to coaching, an...
2025-11-0451 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Emma Baker Recap | The Emergence PodcastOn the Walk this week, Laura discusses key insights from her conversation with first-year instructor Emma Baker, emphasizing the importance of bringing one's full life experience into teaching rather than fitting a narrow definition of fitness professional. She explores practical strategies, including focusing on "needle-moving" micro-actions over overwhelming macro goals, creating grounding spaces to combat decision fatigue, and maintaining mindfulness during challenging sessions. Laura addresses anxiety around client turnover, advocating for building a financial safety net and trusting that quality work attracts clients. She challenges listeners to radically reassess their values and boundaries, asking what kind of coach they...
2025-10-2815 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 15: Emma Baker | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura sits down with Emma Baker, a New York-based personal trainer who made the leap from ballet dancer and corporate writer to fitness professional just a year and a half ago. Emma shares the realities of being a new trainer in New York City, from managing the physical and mental demands of running between studios to navigating the identity shift that comes with a major career change. The conversation explores how Emma's background in ballet and powerlifting shaped her coaching philosophy, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while building a client base...
2025-10-211h 04
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Stephanie Krempa Recap | The Emergence PodcastLaura reflects on last week's conversation with Stephanie Krempa and gets candid about her own struggles with burnout and overextension. Drawing from Stephanie's holistic approach to wellness, she opens up about pushing past her boundaries despite knowing better—a tendency many ambitious, Type-A personalities share. Laura emphasizes the importance of listening to your body's cues before reaching a breaking point, sharing her personal health setbacks as a cautionary tale. She encourages listeners to build sustainable systems that allow space for rest and self-care, reminding everyone that slowing down isn't weakness—it's essential maintenance for long-term health and success.
2025-10-1411 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 14: Stephanie Krempa | The Emergence PodcastThis week on the Emergence podcast, Laura sits down with certified trainer, nutritionist, and yoga instructor Stephanie Krempa to discuss the realities of building a sustainable fitness career. Stephanie shares her journey from competitive runner battling female athlete triad to holistic coach, exploring the industry pressures around appearance, navigating injuries and weight fluctuations, and why she shifted from perfectionism to authenticity. They discuss the importance of rest and recovery, setting boundaries with clients, avoiding burnout, and staying connected to what makes movement joyful—plus why going back to her small-town roots keeps her grounded in New York City's elite fi...
2025-10-0746 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Roxie Jones Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk, Laura revisits her conversation with strength and nutrition coach Roxie Jones, diving deeper into the concept of biodata feedback and the allostatic load model as frameworks for understanding how chronic stress impacts the body. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between productive signals from the body and persistent noise that indicates deeper issues, urging fitness instructors to prioritize individualized approaches to training and recovery. Laura challenges instructors to think strategically about career longevity, encouraging them to upskill and create sustainable income streams that protect their health while allowing them to show up fully...
2025-09-3012 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 13: Roxie Jones | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode, Laura sits down with Roxie Jones, a strength and nutrition coach based in New York who shares her winding journey from fashion to fitness. Roxie opens up about her SoulCycle obsession that led to teaching multiple classes a day before burning out, her honest experience with bodybuilding competitions in her twenties, and how she evolved from aesthetics-focused training to performance-based coaching that helps clients find joy in movement. She discusses the psychology behind nutrition coaching, the signs of overtraining from skin issues to sleep problems, and why focusing on deadlift PRs can be more fulfilling than...
2025-09-2354 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Kat Zenger-Atienza Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this week's episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her conversation with coach Kat Zenger-Atienza, exploring how fitness professionals can stay grounded amid technological and social uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of establishing morning routines and systems that anchor practitioners in their bodies, enabling them to show up more thoughtfully for clients instead of constantly reacting to external pressures. Laura discusses setting healthy boundaries as empathetic coaches, rediscovering joy in movement practices, and addressing anxieties about AI's impact on the fitness industry—ultimately affirming that the people-centered nature of their work, built on genuine human connection, remains irreplaceable.
2025-09-1617 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 12: Kat Zenger-Atienza | The Emergence PodcastIn this week's episode, Laura interviews fitness professional Kat Zenger-Atienza about her transition from general population training to specializing in prenatal and postpartum clients. Kat discusses how becoming a mother fundamentally shifted her perspective on movement, leading her to recognize the privilege of accessing quality fitness resources and education. The conversation explores her experience teaching 15 classes per week while pregnant, the challenges of "bounce back culture", and developing systems to manage motherhood while maintaining her career. Key themes include listening to your body's signals of safety, building supportive community networks, and shifting from aesthetic-focused training to sustainable, joyful movement...
2025-09-091h 01
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Sara Talbert Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her inspiring conversation with Pilates instructor Sara Talbert, drawing key insights about authenticity and business sustainability in the fitness industry. Laura discusses Sara's advice about taking calculated risks and believing in yourself when pursuing a full-time teaching career, while exploring her own journey of embracing her unique personality rather than trying to fit a typical instructor mold. A central focus of the episode is knowing your worth as an instructor—Laura emphasizes how proper pricing prevents burnout, creates better client relationships, and allows instructors to show up fully energized. She en...
2025-09-0213 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 11: Sara Talbert | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of the Emergence Podcast, Laura sits down with Sara Talbert, a seasoned Pilates instructor with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Sara shares her journey from discovering Pilates as a college runner to building a thriving studio business while raising three children. She discusses the transformative impact of finding mentor Sonjé Mayo after decades of teaching, which reignited her approach to the fundamentals and deepened her understanding of traditional Pilates principles. The conversation covers practical business strategies for sustainable growth, including the transition from employee to studio owner, setting firm boundaries around cancellations and pricing, a...
2025-08-261h 05
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Jordan Fairclough Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this week's episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her conversation with Jordan Fairclough, a former Liverpool FC performance coach, about taking calculated risks and betting on yourself in your fitness career. She emphasizes the importance of creating safety nets before making major career pivots, drawing from her own experience of building a private practice while maintaining stability at Equinox. Laura discusses staying connected to what makes you feel most alive in your work, celebrating small wins in a demanding industry, and being honest about your needs for happiness and fulfillment. She encourages listeners to take calculated risks...
2025-08-1914 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 10: Jordan Fairclough | The Emergence PodcastLaura is joined by Jordan Fairclough, a former Liverpool Football Club first-team physical performance coach who spent seven and a half years working with elite athletes before choosing to follow his intuition and pursue his own venture. Jordan shares his journey from realizing he was living someone else's dream as a footballer to finding himself "out of alignment" despite working at one of the world's most prestigious football clubs. In this honest conversation, Jordan opens up about the hidden mental health struggles in elite sports and his own battles with anxiety during his tenure at Liverpool. Now six months...
2025-08-121h 08
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Alexa Idama Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this week's episode of The Walk, Laura opens up about her recent creative struggles and self-doubt while reflecting on her conversation with Pilates instructor Alexa Idama. She shares her personal battle with perfectionism and the pressure she puts on herself to be exceptional, which has led to a two-week creative rut and emotional breakdown. Drawing inspiration from Alexa's insights about consistency and the natural ups and downs of pursuing goals, Laura reminds listeners that being human means experiencing lulls and self-doubt, but that consistent movement toward goals — even imperfect progress — is what matters most. She encourages anyone feeling frus...
2025-08-0508 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 9: Alexa Idama | The Emergence PodcastLaura is joined by Alexa Idama, a third-generation classical Pilates instructor based in Atlanta, founder of Peachtree Pilates, and the voice behind Low Impact Fit. Alexa shares her transformative journey from earning a psychology degree and working in corporate settings to discovering her calling in movement as medicine through a life-changing encounter with chronic knee pain. In this episode, Alexa reflects on how her lineage training shaped her understanding of authentic classical work, her mission to create inclusive spaces for Black and brown women in Pilates, and how she built a thriving social media platform and teacher training program...
2025-07-291h 04
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Gabe Snow Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her recent conversation with guest Gabe Snow and expands on the importance of emotional honesty, intentional growth, and redefining strength. She shares her own mid-year check-in process—from setting clear goals and non-negotiables to identifying habits she’s leaving behind in 2024. Laura explores how writing things down can create accountability and clarity, not pressure, and how protecting your peace often means setting boundaries and being mindful of where your energy goes. She emphasizes the value of checking in with your future self, making aligned choices, and using self-reflection as a way...
2025-07-2209 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 8: Gabe Snow | The Emergence PodcastLaura is joined by Brooklyn-based personal trainer and life coach Gabe Snow, who shares his transformative journey from struggling with mental health, body image struggles, and steroid use as a football player and model to becoming a "mind & body architect" who views movement as medicine. In this episode, Gabe reflects on how his background in psychology and neuroscience shaped his unique training philosophy of "mind leads, body follows," the role of vulnerability and grace in his coaching practice, and how he's redefined strength to emphasize resilience and emotional openness over physical power. He and Laura also discuss the shift...
2025-07-1552 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Christie Wang Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her recent conversation with guest Christie Wang and explores the essential balance between ambition and self-compassion in building a career. She unpacks Christie's journey from dance and modeling into teaching and studio ownership, highlighting how rejection can become redirection when used as fuel for confidence. Laura discusses the reality that most successful ventures involve a slow uphill climb rather than instant success, and how social media can create misleading expectations. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace when timelines don't match your hopes, keeping creativity and fun at the...
2025-07-1508 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 7: Christie Wang | The Emergence PodcastLaura sits down with Christie Wang, a San Diego–based classical Pilates instructor and fitness entrepreneur, to talk about her journey from college student to studio owner. After years of self-doubt sparked by a mentor’s harsh feedback, Christie slowly built her business from teaching in her apartment with secondhand gear to running a thriving, modern studio rooted in classical instruction. She shares how she navigated the rigid hierarchies of traditional Pilates, what she’s learned about receiving critique, and why financial discipline matters just as much as physical precision. We also discuss the power of staying curious and how he...
2025-07-0154 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Michael Autore Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk on The Emergence Podcast, Laura reflects on her recent conversation with guest Michael Autore and dives deeper into the theme of betting on yourself. She unpacks the idea as a multidimensional practice—emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial—and shares how it’s less about a single moment of bravery and more about cultivating a steady, resilient mindset over time. Laura explores topics like imposter syndrome, self-awareness, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong support system.
2025-06-2411 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 6: Michael Autore | The Emergence PodcastLaura sits down with Michael Autore, a New York-based coach and entrepreneur transitioning from his full-time role at MOTIV to focus on his brand SlimThick. Michael shares his journey from small-town Connecticut to NYC's fitness scene. Navigating personal loss during the pandemic while building community through Instagram Live classes, he shares how that shaped his coaching philosophy—one that prioritizes clients leaving happier than they arrived. Michael also discusses his three pillars of confidence, the power of betting on yourself, and why he believes in meeting people where they are rather than forcing them into rigid fitness boxes.
2025-06-1752 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Saphi Gonzalez Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her recent weekend with guest Saphi Gonzalez and revisits their earlier conversation on community, mindset, and personal growth. She explores the value of showing up authentically, building trust with clients, and embracing the season you're in—whether busy or slow. Through stories from her own teaching journey, Laura highlights the power of gratitude, intentional language, and cultivating integrity in your practice.
2025-06-1010 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 5: Saphi Gonzalez | The Emergence PodcastLaura is joined by Miami-based Pilates instructor Saphi Gonzalez, who shares her journey from a career in corporate marketing to running a thriving home-based classical Pilates studio. In this episode, Saphi reflects on what it’s meant to find deeper alignment in her work, the role of faith and gratitude in her business, and how she’s leveraged her digital marketing expertise to build a loyal and growing client base. She and Laura also discuss the shift from group fitness to private clients, building community through an abundance mindset, and her vision for a more intentional future in the well...
2025-06-0346 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Oscar Arana Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk series, Laura reflects on her conversation with Oscar Arana, a fitness coach based in New York City, and explores the importance of setting boundaries as a teacher. From protecting your energy to learning when to say no, she shares personal insights on avoiding burnout, staying present, and making space for growth, both for yourself and your clients. A grounding reminder to slow down, listen to your body, and honor where you are.
2025-05-2710 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 4: Oscar Arana | The Emergence PodcastOn this week’s episode, Laura sits down with Oscar Arana, a coach at Session Training in New York. We talk about what it means to meet clients where they are today, not where a program says they should be. Oscar breaks down his evolving coaching philosophy, one that prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and connection over intensity for intensity’s sake. He also shares his journey from corporate finance to full-time coaching, how he manages energy and burnout, and why showing up with presence — and a great playlist — matters more than any perfect plan.
2025-05-2044 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Chaz Knight Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Walk, host Laura revisits key takeaways from her conversation with Chaz Knight, a seasoned Pilates instructor based in California. She shares insights from her own practice, emphasizing the power of "less is more," building strong foundations, and approaching the Pilates method as a system rather than a checklist. Laura also dives into the importance of self-practice, clear cueing, teacher boundaries, and honoring your own journey as both a teacher and a human being.
2025-05-1321 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 3: Chaz Knight | The Emergence PodcastIn this episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura talks with Pilates instructor Chaz Knight, who built a thriving practice in West Hollywood after transitioning from a career as a dancer in Martha Graham's second company. Chaz shares how he learned to hone his skills during the pandemic through virtual instruction, which unexpectedly doubled his business. Now, with a full-time teaching practice, he's interested in continuing to follow his passions, focusing on mentorship opportunities and building training programs for new teachers. Chaz opens up about preventing burnout while maintaining passion for the work, and his mission to bridge different Pilates...
2025-05-0653 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk: Alexa Javens Recap | The Emergence PodcastIn this The Walk episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura reflects on her conversation with Alexa Javens of Session Training in New York City. She explores the importance of trusting the “season” you’re in, mastering your craft, and investing in growth. Laura shares personal stories of navigating fear, body image pressures, and shifting priorities, leaving listeners with reflective prompts to reconnect with their core values and intentions.
2025-04-2927 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 2: Alexa Javens | The Emergence PodcastLaura talks with Alexa Javens, co-owner of Session, a standout workout studio in New York’s fitness scene, in this episode of The Emergence Podcast. Alexa shares how a temporary coaching role during COVID-19 turned into a long-term partnership with founder Patrick Waters, and how her background at Orange Theory shaped her approach. Now leading client-facing operations, she brings her “simple, not easy” philosophy to life through thoughtful coaching and community-building. Alexa also opens up about her experience with overtraining, her work as a Nike Well Collective ambassador, and how intentional hiring and staff development have helped create the suppor...
2025-04-2254 min
The Emergence PodcastThe Walk Trailer | The Emergence Podcast with Laura GunderWelcome to The Walk, a solo series within The Emergence Podcast. These reflective episodes feature personal insights from Laura, highlight key takeaways from past guest conversations, and explore recurring themes to help guide your fitness, career, and mental well-being. Designed as a companion for your daily walk, each episode invites you to take 30 minutes for yourself—to recharge, reflect, and realign with your goals.
2025-04-1801 minThe Emergence PodcastEp. 1: Laura Gunder | The Emergence PodcastMeet Laura Gunder, your host, in this special introductory episode of The Emergence Podcast. Laura discusses her podcast's mission to connect, empower, and support fitness professionals through conversations with industry experts about finding balance in a challenging industry and chronicles her own journey toward learning to care for herself in order to better serve her clients.
2025-04-1527 minThe Emergence PodcastTrailer | The Emergence Podcast with Laura GunderWelcome to The Emergence Podcast, launching on April 15th! Hosted by Laura Gunder, a classical pilates instructor, this podcast is designed to empower fitness instructors through candid conversations about building and maintaining their minds, bodies, and business.
2025-04-1001 min
25 Years of Ed TechThank you @OpenEdGlobal for the #OEAward2021 for the @YearsEd Project!A huge thank you to the OE Global community for awarding our project a 2021 Open Education Award of Excellence for Reuse/ Remix/ Adaptation. for the 25 Years of EdTech: The Serialized Audio Version. From the OE Global Awards team: The award was given to the project in the “Open Reuse/Remix/Adaptation” category and, according to the adjudicators, the project is an outstanding example of the power of OER reuse for the following reasons;Remixing the physical book into an audiobook has increased accessibility by providing the text in an alternate format.Drawing together the open education community around the r...
2021-10-2406 min
25 Years of Ed TechChapter 6: 1999 E-LearningIt could be argued that, at the turn of the last century, E-Learning ushered in a golden age of education technology with educators experimenting with numerous models and technologies to facilitate learning using the internet as the primary distribution and connective network. E-Learning is read by Angela Gunder.
2020-12-1413 min