FITLETE Radio | A Personal Training News and Fitness Industry Q&A Show

In this FITLETE Radio Trainer Spotlight, meet Jacob Martinez, MA, CSCS, the lead performance coach for OrthoNebraska Athletic Performance and Adult Fitness in Omaha, Nebraska. Jacob works along a full continuum of care—surgery, physical therapy, then performance—helping youth athletes, college competitors, and adults (including joint-replacement patients) bridge the gap between rehab and real-world performance. He talks about how he collaborates with physical therapists, modifies movements instead of eliminating them, and focuses on what clients can do rather than what they can’t.​​Off the floor, Jacob shares the story of his past life as a hip-hop artist and the chaotic show where an inebriated audience member unexpectedly turned into his unofficial hype man—an inside joke he and his wife still reference years later. In the episode, Jacob also dives into why active listening and trust-building matter more than “owning” people with research citations, how he shrinks client goals into winnable chunks, and why communication skills can be harder to train than programming. He wraps with a peek into the tech he actually uses—force plates, blaze pods, and why he’s intrigued by velocity-based tracking—as tools to support, not replace, coaching.​​Guest highlights* Lead performance coach at OrthoNebraska Athletic Performance and Adult Fitness, working with both athletes and general-population adults.​​* Background as a multi-sport athlete and baseball player, now specializing in sports performance, knee and shoulder-related performance, and adult fitness.​​* Experience hiring and onboarding coaches, giving him a front-row view of what actually matters when building a performance staff.​Who Jacob coaches and what he doesJacob breaks down how OrthoNebraska’s performance program fits into a hospital system that serves the Omaha metro, working closely with physical therapy to handle the “after PT” phase for both athletes and adults. He explains that his teams see youth athletes as young as 9–10 years old through college, plus adults ranging from joint-replacement patients to general-population folks who just want to get in shape.​​How he coaches around pain, injury, and limitationsWorking inside a continuum that runs from surgery to PT to performance, Jacob leans heavily on communication with physical therapists so he knows exactly what a recovering athlete is cleared to do. If something is off-limits, he pivots to movements and body parts that are safe, focusing on the goal of the movement rather than the specific exercise.​* “I’m not married to an exercise. I’m only married to Krista Martinez.”​* He emphasizes patterns (squat, hinge, push, pull) over exercises (back squat vs. split squat vs. landmine press) and uses variations like heel-elevated squats or unilateral work to find a trainable pattern that fits the person in front of him.​* For adults with very limited options, he zeroes in on what they can do and layers in the tools that allow them to be successful and consistent.​Tackling myths, social media noise, and “bro science”When clients come in armed with TikTok tips, family advice, or half-true nutrition rules, Jacob’s first move is not to dunk on their sources. He builds trust and rapport, then uses active listening and open-ended questions to help clients unpack where their beliefs came from and how well those ideas are actually serving them.​* “Nobody wants to meet someone for the first time and then hear, ‘That’s dumb. That’s not what the research says.’”​* Rather than rushing to fix, he tries to guide people toward seeing why a misconception might not hold up—so that by the time he offers an alternative, they are already more open to it.​* Once enough trust is built, clients are more likely to believe him over a random internet post without the constant back-and-forth debate.​Helping clients juggle multiple goalsJacob doesn’t see multiple goals as a problem by default—sometimes achieving one goal is exactly what creates momentum for another. But he notes that without structure, a long list of goals can quickly become discouraging if nothing ever gets checked off.​He borrows the idea of “shrink the change” from the book Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Dan and Chip Heath, using smaller stepping-stone goals that feel achievable right now. He also distinguishes between:​* Outcome goals: things you want (e.g., hit a .300 batting average), which depend on many factors you cannot fully control.​* Process goals: actions you can directly control (e.g., three 15-minute hitting sessions per week outside of practice) that stack the odds in favor of the outcome you want.​* “Process goals are usually within your control; outcomes, not always.”​* With multiple objectives, he clarifies the main desired outcome, then reverse-engineers process goals that make success more likely without overwhelming the client.​What he looks for when hiring coachesBecause Jacob interviews, hires, and onboards staff at OrthoNebraska, he has a clear sense of what separates effective coaches from the rest. He resists the idea that there’s one golden certification everyone must have, and instead talks about balancing technical skill with communication and behavior-change chops.​He looks for:* Solid “X’s and O’s”: kinesiology, exercise physiology, and real programming ability.​* Demonstrated interest in behavior change and active listening, which often are underemphasized in four-year strength-and-conditioning or exercise-science programs.​* Communication skills and presence: the ability to command a room, hold attention (even with 7th–8th graders), and adjust coaching style to the athlete or client in front of them.​He notes that great programmers who cannot connect with people will struggle, just like charismatic motivators who cannot design safe and effective training plans. In his view, certifications and technical knowledge can be taught more easily than genuine session leadership and charisma, so he tends to prioritize the latter when hiring.​Where and how he uses technologyJacob jokes that he feels like a bit of a boomer when it comes to adopting tech, but his team has chosen a few key tools that genuinely sharpen their coaching instead of distracting from it. At OrthoNebraska, they use:​* Force plates instead of a manual Vertec, letting them measure jump performance, asymmetries, and power outputs in healthy athletes, then compare those numbers if the athlete later gets injured and returns through OrthoNebraska’s surgical and PT pipeline.​​* Isometric mid-thigh pulls on the force plates to estimate strength and reduce the need for risky, time-consuming one-rep max testing in busy group settings.​* BlazePods and similar reaction-based tech to create fun, competitive drills that also train reactivity and decision-making.​Looking ahead, he’s interested in velocity-based training (VBT) trackers as a way to keep overzealous lifters honest about bar speed and intent. Having an objective number on the screen can back up coaching cues like “lighten the bar and move it fast,” tying the “trust the science” side of coaching into a format athletes respect.​Three key takeaways for coaches* Focus on movement, not specific exercises: patterns can stay the same even when the joints or equipment need to change.​* Build trust before busting myths: active listening and rapport make your evidence-based advice more likely to stick.​* Sharpen communication and behavior-change skills as much as your programming: they are often the true bottleneck in delivering great results.​Connect with Jacob & FITLETE* Learn more about OrthoNebraska’s Sports Performance and Adult Fitness offerings: JACOBS INSTAGRAM This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio Trainer Spotlight: Meet Kevin DineenAbout Kevin DineenCoach Kev Dineen’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine, followed by over 1,500 hours of clinical experience in Division I athletics. After graduating in 2005, he moved to New York City, managing one of the largest personal training departments in the country at Equinox on 63rd Street. He’s since built multiple training facilities from humble beginnings in a 150 sq. ft. room inside a nail salon to owning a 6,000 sq. ft. gym, and now leads Structure Personal Fitness. He is recognized for both his hands-on coaching style and genuine care for each client, combining deep scientific knowledge with practical leadership.​​Three Memorable Quotes“If you’re doing a budget of either time, resources, financial... I could accurately say from a financial and personal level—to always estimate a little bit higher than you think.”​“A man who chases two rabbits loses both. While that’s not always true, that hybrid training is real. I think goal setting for clients is about focusing on what’s important now rather than doing everything together.”​“Technology isn’t going to change the weight on the bar. It can change how you read it—but it’s effort, not apps, that truly transforms your fitness.”​Key Takeaways* Relentless Evolution: Coach Kev believes in continually growing both as a coach and as a person. He’s built his business from scratch multiple times, always learning from each stage and “underestimating” the resources required—but never the effort.​​* Real-World Experience First: “In-person experiences are gold.” Coach Kev values real training hours over just certifications, and encourages young trainers to learn in the trenches, observing and listening as much as possible.​* Empathy-Driven Coaching: He’s a storyteller with a coaching style rooted in empathy, often using analogies (like his “man in a hole” story) to connect with clients facing unique challenges—making them feel seen and understood.​* Fighting Fitness Myths: Kevin takes a “meet them where they are” approach, debunking fitness fads and guiding clients with respect for personal nuance, not just “the science”.​* Smart, Simple Tech: While Coach Kev appreciates effective technology for tracking progress or automating business tasks (like Google Sheets and InBody scans), he believes tech is a tool—not the driver—of fitness results.​Socials & How to Connect* Instagram: @coachkevdineen for daily coaching wisdom, honest takes, and a look inside his training philosophy.​* Structure Personal Fitness: CEO and head coach—reach out for training, workshops, or speaking events.​* LinkedIn: Connect professionally at Kevin Dineen’s LinkedIn.​The FITLETE Resource Nexus is your all-in-one hub for education, networking, and business growth. It’s made for entrepreneurial trainers and coaches. Instantly explore in-person seminars, online courses, industry events, job boards, mentorship opportunities, and a toolkit for running your business your way. Updated regularly, the Nexus ensures you find what you need, when you need it, so you can keep learning, connecting, and thriving as a fitness professional. Check it out and join a community built for coaches who never stop growing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Taylor EdwardsAbout This EpisodeIn this episode of FITLETE Radio’s Trainer Spotlight, host George Pagan III sits down with Taylor Edwards, a personal trainer and online coach from Reno, Nevada. Taylor’s blend of analytical precision and human connection—rooted in her background in mathematics and teaching—defines her holistic coaching philosophy. She focuses on helping clients create sustainable routines and mental flexibility so they can thrive even during life’s busiest seasons.Taylor’s Coaching MindsetTaylor’s approach to fitness is grounded in empathy, structure, and personal responsibility. “At the end of the day, my role is that of a helper. I can’t do the work for you, but I can clear the path for you and guide you toward your own vision of success.”She sees her mission as teaching clients to challenge their current realities—whether physical, mental, or lifestyle-based—through simple but powerful habit changes.Key Takeaways* Holistic Coaching: Taylor emphasizes that most client barriers are mental or lifestyle-related, not just physical limitations.* Intentional Planning: Known as “the planner” at Team Iron & Lace, she uses yearly calendars to design personalized training phases that adapt to each client’s schedule.* Community Collaboration: She believes great coaching comes from collaboration, saying, “Build your network. I’m huge on collaboration. It’s more important than certifications.”* Smart Technology Use: For Taylor, tech is a tool, not a substitute for presence. She uses MyPT Hub for programming, check-ins, and client communication, yet still commits to weekly video calls to maintain the human connection.Fun MomentIn one of the lighter parts of the episode, Taylor shares her unlikely obsession—with umbrella catalpa trees. After finding her “dream tree” on social media, she planted it in her yard and turned it into a quirky local project, joking that one day she’ll make a scrapbook of every catalpa tree in Reno.Quotes“At the end of the day, my role is that of a helper. I can clear the path, but the client has to make the journey.”“Nearly anything is possible if you’re willing to challenge your own reality.”“The best coaches invest in themselves and serve their clients first—that’s the foundation.”Connect with TaylorStay up to date with Taylor and Team Iron & Lace:* Instagram Live: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM Pacific – @team_iron_and_lace* Coaching & Inquiries: @Taylorce on InstagramWhy ListenIf you’re a coach looking to improve your client relationships or someone struggling to stay consistent, this episode delivers wisdom from a coach who merges data-driven planning with empathy and humor. It’s about growth, curiosity, and showing up for yourself—one habit at a time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Russell MooreRussell Moore is the welcoming force behind More Than Fitness in Richmond, Virginia. A personal trainer with 13 years of experience, Russell specializes in guiding fitness newcomers and those who’ve felt uncomfortable or anxious in typical gym environments, helping them build confidence and foster genuine relationships with their bodies and fitness journeys.Key Takeaways* Russell’s gym, More Than Fitness, is built for the “intimidated, anxious, or out-of-place” exerciser—helping those turned off by mainstream gym culture gain confidence and belonging.​* His coaching philosophy is rooted in empathy, adaptability, and putting personalization over rigid protocols: “Being able to, like, think on your feet is huge as a trainer... But what’s more important is, oh, s**t, the game plan isn’t working. And now I’ve got to, like, pivot.”​* Russell emphasizes language familiarity, compassion, and letting clients define their own journey: “It’s important to let people use the language…that they feel comfortable using and being able to like challenge them on what they believe and why they believe what they believe…in a respectful, compassionate way.”​* On hiring and coach development, Russell looks for “how good of a communicator are you? How much do you show that you care? How empathetic are you?” Technical expertise matters less than authentic client engagement.​* Russell keeps technology simple—preferring personalized conversation and qualitative feedback to extensive tracking and apps: “Honestly, I’m not a huge tech user. If someone’s really interested in data points, I’m probably realistically not a great fit.”​Fun Moments & Memorable Quotes* “Ever since I was probably 12 years old, I’ve been obsessed with the musical Les Miserables...I think I could sing you the entire soundtrack from start to finish with all of the characters’ parts.”​* “I remember trying to like break down exactly the goal and exactly how we were going to achieve the goal...I also think that can generate a lot of overwhelm. So I do loose goal setting with people. I kind of make a joke about it.”​* “There’s no weekend certification for an, ‘I give a s**t’ trainer, right?”​Connect & Discover MoreExplore Russell’s work and approach at Moore Than Fitness.Website moorethanfitness.comInstagram: @orange_chicken_guyGym Instagram: @moorethanfitnessgymLearn more about FITLETE and their missions at FITLETE.com.​ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Tasha Wolf WhelanAbout Tasha Wolf WhelanTasha Wolf Whelan brings more than 24 years of coaching experience to the table, shaped by an eclectic academic background in cultural anthropology, archaeology, exercise science, athletic training, and dance. Co-owner of Ideal Strength, Tasha is known for both her deep industry knowledge and her refreshing ability to not take herself too seriously ("I am the world's worst ballerina, but I can get down to some hip hop. So crank that music up and I will bust out some moves.").She has spent her career not only coaching individuals but also mentoring other professionals and educating personal trainers, coaches, physical therapists, and more. Her journey is marked by a genuine spirit of mentorship, adaptability, and keeping fitness meaningful, fun, and empowering.Key Takeaways* Individualized Coaching: Tasha emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. "We're not looking for the truth, but their truth—what works best for their body, their goals and their lifestyle."* People Over Programs: She prioritizes flexibility and human connection. "A great coach needs to be flexible in their approach, willing to adapt the plan to fit the person, not the other way around."* Phased Goal Setting: Tasha helps clients organize and prioritize multiple goals. "Trying to chase everything at once often leads to diluted results...my job as their coach is to help them organize and prioritize those goals into a clear kind of progressive roadmap."* Curiosity and Respect: Challenging client misconceptions starts from a place of curiosity, not confrontation. She opens up dialogue, asking, "How has that worked for you so far?" to collaboratively explore solutions.* Tech Balance: Tasha prefers old-school pen and paper for in-person coaching but uses programming platforms, spreadsheets, and video modules for remote clients. The goal? Tech should enhance—not replace—the coaching experience.Guest Quotes“We're not looking for the truth, but their truth—what works best for their body, their goals and their lifestyle.”“A great coach needs to be flexible in their approach, willing to adapt the plan to fit the person, not the other way around.”“Trying to chase everything at once often leads to diluted results...my job as their coach is to help them organize and prioritize those goals into a clear kind of progressive roadmap.”Fun FactTasha is always stopped by airport security; one time her dad loudly proclaimed, “The only thing Tasha has that's explosive is diarrhea!” while she was being searched for ‘explosives’. Years later, she’s able to laugh at the moment...but insists, “I did not have diarrhea.”Connect with TashaWant to learn more about Tasha or get inspired by her approach? Follow her on Instagram @ironwolf03 and check out Ideal Strength.Discover MoreFind Tasha and other standout coaches at fitlete.com. For more Trainer Spotlights and fitness wisdom, subscribe to the FITLETE Radio Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Sujal SanchetiWho Is Sujal Sancheti?Sujal Sancheti is a certified sports nutritionist, competitive powerlifter, and founder of NutriFit World in Dallas, Texas. After reversing her own pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid issues, she now specializes in coaching South Asian vegetarians, helping them burn fat, balance blood sugar, and build strength without sacrificing cultural foods like rice and roti. Her approach is grounded in science, sustainability, and self-trust.Episode Highlights* Personal health journey: Sujal turned a diagnosis of pre-diabetes and cholesterol into a launchpad for her coaching career, demonstrating lived experience and empathy.* Signature program: Her Plant Power Metabolic Makeover is tailored for plant-based metabolic health, focusing on root causes, restoration, and lifestyle integration.* Empowering with technology: Sujal’s private coaching app and individualized check-ins foster accountability and encourage learning, not just following rules.* Community and resilience: She helps clients filter social media “noise,” build self-trust, and decode advice with compassion.Sujal’s Approach: Key Takeaways* Listen before fixing: Sujal’s philosophy is to slow down, listen, and find the emotional anchor behind every client’s goal. “Your body is not broken, it just needs a different kind of attention.”* No gimmicks: Her methodology avoids fad diets and emphasizes the long-term integration of habits, not fast fixes or elimination of cultural foods.* Education and lived experience: Sujal sees certification as a starting point but says true coaching requires ongoing learning and real transformation, both personal and through client results.Fun Quotes from Sujal“They’ll come in saying things like, my cousin just lost weight on keto…There is so much information. You’ve just been given 100 opinions and you haven’t had the chance to learn what actually works for your body.”“Tech is not the coach. It’s the bridge. It supports the relationship. It doesn’t replace it.”Connect & Discover SujalFind out more about Sujal’s coaching, her latest nutrition advice, and client stories:* Instagram: @sujal_nutrifitworld (latest reels, Q&A, tips)* NutriFit World coaching site: NutriFitWorld.fitbudd.com* LinkedIn: Sujal Sisodiya Sancheti This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com

FITLETE Radio: Coach’s Spotlight: Let’s Meet Dal SekhonAbout Dal SekhonDal Sekhon brings unique depth to her nutrition coaching; her background started in criminology and sociology, followed by work in law enforcement administration, before a personal transformation saw her lose 120 pounds and sparked her passion for helping others. Her approach is rooted in real-life experience, emphasizing breaking free from all-or-nothing thinking and focusing on what's sustainable for each individual's life.Episode Highlights* Dal’s mission is “to help women break free from the cycle of yo-yo dieting and the all-or-nothing mindset, thinking, and really just learn how to work within the parameters of their lives and achieve sustainable, lifelong change”.* She values emotional intelligence, lived experience, and compassion as effective coaching qualities; “You can have every acronym after your name, but if you don’t know how to listen or how to meet someone where they are or ask better questions… I feel that one wouldn’t be an effective coach”.* Technology is used intentionally and only where it provides genuine support, “I keep it pretty simple. I’ll use tools like Google Sheets for check-ins or habit tracking because my coaching is really centered around relationship and not just data”.Key Takeaways* Compassion over discipline: Dal believes clients don’t always need more discipline; they often need more compassion and a plan that meets their unique situations.* Real solutions for real life: She helps clients pivot their focus and build sustainable habits, emphasizing progress in manageable areas like consistent meals, rather than strict protocols.* Debunking diet myths: Rather than shaming clients for beliefs shaped by pervasive diet culture, Dal validates their experiences and opens up new perspectives rooted in evidence and empathy.* High-touch support: Her coaching is relationship-first, maintaining regular, personal contact and support to help clients reflect and progress.* Lived experience matters: Dal’s own journey is proof of how coaches can leverage personal growth to create context and compassion for clients’ struggles.Guest Quotes“A lot of people come in thinking they need more discipline. But when in reality, they need more compassion, more strategy, and a plan that actually respects what they're going through.”“Coaching isn't just about handing someone a workout, a macro target, just numbers. We've done that for years, and we still have an issue with obesity. It's about helping real people navigate real life.”“Work within the parameters of your life. And that's what I really came to the realization early in my journey and what I feel was very much successful for me.”Connecting with Dal SekhonExplore more about Dal, her coaching philosophy, and client resources via Instagram @nutritioncoachingbydal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisweek.fitletes.com