Kinetic Careers: Stories from Sport and Exercise Science Graduates

Jeremiah Peiffer

You've got the degree, but what's next? Welcome to Kinetic Careers, the podcast that bridges the gap between the classroom and a career in sport and exercise science. Join us each week as we talk with professionals who have turned their passion for movement into a successful career. They'll share their stories, challenges, and triumphs, offering a real-world look at the diverse paths you can take. Whether you're a current student or a recent graduate, Kinetic Careers will get you moving in the right direction. 

Episodes

  1. 12/15/2025

    Building a National Brand - Ryan O'Connor, Entrepreneur and Exercise Physiologist

    In this episode, Ryan O'Connor discusses his 18-year journey in Exercise and Sport Science, detailing his rise from a motivated mature-age student to a successful business owner. He shares his evolution from volunteering and working in industrial health to overcoming clinical burnout, becoming a partner in a rehabilitation business, and eventually exiting after a successful sale to a private equity firm. You will learn about Ryan's strategic approach to volunteering, the realities of "tall poppy syndrome" in Australia, and the pivotal role of personal branding in career advancement. He emphasises the critical nature of building genuine relationships, the necessity of reading business literature to supplement clinical knowledge, and how being willing to "fail fast" and adapt—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—was instrumental in growing a team of over 60 employees.

  2. 12/06/2025

    A Decade of Adaptability - Johanna Mee, Exercise Physiologist and Educator

    In this episode, Johanna Mee discusses her decade-long career in Exercise and Sport Science and walks us through her diverse clinical experiences in both urban and rural environments. She shares her transition from specialised scoliosis management to her current role educating the next generation of allied health assistants. You will learn about Johanna's journey from navigating early career uncertainty to establishing herself as a specialist in spinal deformities and undertaking a working "lap" of Australia. She emphasises the value of adaptability, the distinct differences between metropolitan and regional practices, and why the willingness to say "I don't know, but I'll find out" is a crucial skill for success.

  3. 12/01/2025

    Stong Communities - Renee Cabassi owner and operator of Say Yes Fitness

    In this episode of Kinetic Careers, Renee Cabassi, owner and operator of Say Yes Fitness, discusses her 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Her business is focused on creating a feel-good, women-only, community-based group fitness experience. We explore Renee's educational path and career evolution, highlighting how her commitment to building a strong, supportive community is a key factor in her enduring success. You will track Renee's path from UWA graduate to health promotion on mine sites and the non-profit sector, where she learned that people skills are often more critical than technical data. These experiences led her to found Say Yes Fitness with a focus on community and well-being. Renee also shares vital advice on building supportive networks and emphasises that the industry's real value lies in the positive impact on everyday lives.

  4. 11/24/2025

    Never stop learning - Jonny Christie puts his education into practice

    In this episode, Jonny Christie discusses his 20-year career as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and walks us through his passion for community-based rehabilitation that he provides as the owner/operator of Agility Rehabilitation.  You will learn about Jonny's journey from identifying exercise physiology as the "fun part" of allied health to building a thriving rehabilitation career. He addresses the evolving landscape of exercise science, how building a business is really a passion for lifelong learning, and what critical skills you will need to be successful in this field.

  5. 11/24/2025

    Beyond borders: Ben Scott forging a career in high performance sport

    In this episode, Ben Scott discusses his journey from being a fitness professional to pursuing a PhD at the University of Canberra, focusing on preparing the Australian flag football team for the 2028 Summer Olympics.  You will learn about Ben's educational journey with opportunities in the United States, Canada, Ireland and now Australia. He discusses what drove him to leave a successful fitness and coaching role to explore educational opportunities within exercise and sports science. A journey that has helped him become more adaptable, build critical professional networks, and ultimately led to an applied research PhD opportunity embedded within Olympic-level sport.

  6. 11/10/2025

    Opportunities lead to Opportunities: Catriona Atkins' pathway to leadership

    In this episode, Catriona Atkins discusses the adaptability of her education as she outlines her career path, from the clinic to the mines, and now as a team leader at a large national insurer.  You will learn how Catriona found her path from physical education to clinical exercise physiology. She explains how her degree has prepared her for roles within sport, rehabilitation, the mining sector, and ultimately as a team lead within a large national insurer. Catriona's honest assessment of her educational and career choices will resonate with anyone looking to enter a career in exercise and sports science.

  7. 11/03/2025

    Practical Enthusiasm: Jen Woodhouse's 20 Year Clinical Journey

    In this episode, Jen Woodhouse outlines the changing landscape of clinical exercise physiology in Australia over the last 20 years, what drove her to become a clinical physiologist, and what she does to continue growing as a professional in this field.  You will learn how Jen applies her university knowledge daily to provide her clients with the best possible service. She explains why practicum placements are so important to professional growth and what qualities make a standout clinician. Finally, she gives her insight into the role of a mentor and why all exercise and sports science students should seek mentors early and foster these relationships.

  8. 10/27/2025

    Grassroots to High-Performance Sport: Brendyn Appleby’s Journey Through Sport Science

    In this episode of Kinetic Careers, Dr Brendyn Appleby describes his path from undergraduate studies in human movement to a PhD and a varied career spanning community clubs, professional teams, and national programs. Brendan explains how practical placements, networks, and core training principles shaped his work in high-performance sport, his transition into academia, and his private consultancy, which helps diverse clients — including airline pilots — with realistic and sustainable exercise plans. Listeners will hear practical advice on embracing grassroots opportunities, developing transferable skills, embracing lifelong learning, and the value of relationships in building a career in sport and exercise science.

  9. 10/18/2025

    Eighteen years and counting: Dan Williams on Building a Family‑First Fitness Business

    In the inaugural episode of Kinetic Careers, host Jeremiah interviews Dan Williams, founder of Range of Motion and a consultant in the fitness industry. Dan shares his education in sport and exercise science, how he built two businesses, and his family first approach to designing his career. The episode covers practical career advice for sport and exercise science students and graduates: the importance of networking, embracing failure, lifelong learning, and the ‘‘explore before you exploit’’ approach to find the right professional path.

  • 9 Episodes

About

You've got the degree, but what's next? Welcome to Kinetic Careers, the podcast that bridges the gap between the classroom and a career in sport and exercise science. Join us each week as we talk with professionals who have turned their passion for movement into a successful career. They'll share their stories, challenges, and triumphs, offering a real-world look at the diverse paths you can take. Whether you're a current student or a recent graduate, Kinetic Careers will get you moving in the right direction. 

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