Chat EYT the Podcast

Jessica Spillane
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Entrepreneurship

This is the podcast for the people doing the real work in Pilates — teachers, studio owners, and the people thinking about becoming either. The kind of show you wish someone had been making all along. Hosted by Jessica Spillane — founder of EYT Pilates Teacher Training with more than twenty years of experience across every side of the industry — Chat EYT is what happens when someone who’s truly done it all sits down to answer the questions you’ve been asking, the questions you didn’t know to ask, and a few nobody else has bothered to answer yet. Teaching. Cueing. Anatomy. Business. Leases. Pricing. Hiring. Burnout. The work. The why. The wisdom that usually only comes from a mentor down the hall — except most of us don’t have one of those. Now you do. Not New. Not Cool. Not Holding Back.

  1. 2d ago

    Chat EYT Episode 22:Gen Z Puts a Pilates Boss in the Hot Seat: Wild Client Stories, Pricing Secrets & The Future of Pilates

    What happens when Gen Z gets to ask the questions—and Jessica Spillane doesn't hold back? We're turning the tables on this episode of Chat EYT! Mya, Jacqueline, and Kate take over the conversation and put Jessica in the hot seat with questions about the future of Pilates, the business behind the boom, fitness culture, and a few things you probably wouldn't expect to hear on a Pilates podcast. And yes… there's a client story that is absolutely jaw-dropping. You've been warned! From whether Pilates has reached its peak to why a mat class can cost $30 (or even $60!), Jessica shares her unfiltered perspective on where the industry is headed, what studio owners need to understand, and why being different is more important than ever. Inside this episode: Is the Pilates boom just getting started? Jessica predicts what's next beyond the Reformer—and why Tower, Cadillac, and Chair could be the industry's next big opportunity.The $30 Pilates class debate: Why are classes so expensive? Jessica breaks down studio overhead, rent, teacher pay, and the business realities clients don't always see.One client story you won't believe: Jessica shares an unforgettable—and seriously awkward—experience from her years as a studio owner. This one is NOT what you expect!How do you stand out in a crowded Pilates market? Jessica explains why your personality, teaching style, and unique brand are your biggest competitive advantages.Is Pilates becoming more about aesthetics than movement? A candid conversation about social media, body image, fitness trends, and what really matters.Gen Z vs. Gen X: What younger generations get right about making fitness a lifestyle—and what older generations learned along the way.The music question: Does every Pilates class need a great playlist, or should the instructor be the star of the show?The biggest mistake new instructors make: Why trying to be everything to everybody can undermine your teaching, your business, and your boundaries.What Jessica wishes she knew 20 years ago: The business mistakes, pricing lessons, and hard-earned wisdom she'd pass along to anyone starting out.This episode is funny, honest, a little unexpected, and packed with advice for Pilates teachers, studio owners, aspiring instructors, and anyone who loves the business and culture of wellness. And the big takeaway? Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Figure out what makes you YOU—and own it. Have a question you'd like Jessica to answer in a future episode? We want to hear from you! If you enjoyed this conversation, follow or subscribe to Chat EYT, leave us a rating and review, and share this episode with your Pilates friends. Trust us, you'll have plenty to talk about after this one! Exhale, my friends!

  2. 2d ago

    Chat EYT Episode 21: No Plan B: How to Save Your Pilates Studio When Money Gets Tight

    What happens when your family’s financial security depends on your small business—and suddenly, everything changes? In this episode of Chat EYT, Jessica Spillane shares the personal story that changed the way she thinks about business, resilience, and what it really takes to survive when there is no Plan B. During the 2008 financial crisis, Jessica’s husband lost his work as an architect just as their family was navigating the diagnosis of autism for their young son. With two babies at home and mounting financial pressure, Jessica’s Pilates studio became the lifeline that helped support her entire family. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the answer isn’t to abandon ship—it’s to figure out what’s working, fix what isn’t, and keep moving forward. But that’s only half the conversation. Jessica also takes on a major shift affecting the Pilates industry: the growing influence of private equity and large corporate chains. As independent studios compete in an increasingly crowded marketplace, how can small-business owners communicate their value, build customer loyalty, and stand out? In this episode, we discuss: When financial stress hits: Why panic can keep you from seeing the opportunities right in front of you.No Plan B? No giving up: Jessica’s lessons from surviving the 2008 financial crisis while raising two young children.Fix the leaks and double down: How to identify what’s working in your studio, strengthen your team, and create new revenue opportunities.Invest in your people: Why hiring, training, and supporting great teachers and staff can help your business grow.Private equity and the Pilates industry: What consolidation could mean for independent studio owners and the clients they serve.Make being independent your advantage: How to market your studio’s local roots, personal relationships, and community impact—without tearing down the competition.Independent, but collectively unstoppable: Why collaboration and community may be some of the independent studio owner’s greatest strengths.Jessica’s message is clear: You don’t have to be the biggest studio in town to make a difference. You need to know what makes you valuable—and make sure your community knows it, too. Whether you own a Pilates studio, teach independently, run a small business, or are navigating a difficult financial chapter, this episode is a reminder to keep looking for solutions, invest in what works, and remember why you started. Enjoying Chat EYT? Follow or subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a studio owner or small-business friend who needs to hear it. Have a question or a story to share? Connect with Jessica and join the conversation. Exhale, my friends. ❤️

  3. Oct 26

    Chat EYT Episode 20: Your Clients Want WHAT?! Pilates Studio Mistakes That Lead to Burnout & Betrayal

    Your clients say they want a 5:45 AM class. You add it to the schedule, your teacher sets the alarm, and… nobody shows up. Sound familiar? On this episode of Chat EYT, Jessica Spillane is serving up some unsolicited advice for Pilates studio owners, followed by a conversation every owner and teacher needs to hear: how do you build a successful studio without letting fear, mistrust, and competition get in the way? First, Jessica tackles the frustrating reality of early-morning and evening classes. Why should teachers sacrifice their sleep and personal time for classes clients say they want but don't actually attend? Jessica shares a practical solution involving four-week commitments, enrollment deadlines, and boundaries that protect both your teachers and your business. Then, she takes on a much bigger question: What happens when you train or hire an amazing teacher who eventually wants to open their own studio? Is it inevitable competition? Should owners be worried about losing clients? Or could honesty, transparency, and collaboration turn a potential business conflict into an opportunity for everyone to grow? Jessica explores: Why you shouldn't add early-morning or evening classes without real client commitment.How last-minute cancellations contribute to teacher frustration and burnout.What studio owners can do to establish fair scheduling boundaries.The questions owners should ask when hiring or training new teachers.Why fear and secrecy can damage professional relationships.How honest conversations can turn future competitors into collaborators and business partners.Plus, Jessica wraps up with a favorite advanced Pilates mat exercise: hip circles, and explains how this challenging movement reveals a client's progress, strength, and stability. Whether you're a Pilates studio owner, teacher, or teacher trainer, this episode is a reminder that building a thriving business takes more than a great schedule and talented instructors. It takes trust, clear boundaries, and a willingness to have the conversations that matter. Have a story or question for Jessica? Send a voice note or reach out on Instagram. Your experience might help someone else in our community navigate the same challenge.

  4. Oct 21

    Chat EYT Episode 19: 1099 vs. W-2: Why Your Pilates Studio Owner Is Changing the Rules

    Is your Pilates studio switching you from a 1099 independent contractor to a W-2 employee? Before you get offended, quit your job, or assume your studio owner is changing the rules for the wrong reasons, there's a bigger conversation we need to have. In this episode of Chat EYT, Jessica Spillane tackles one of the most misunderstood and potentially contentious issues in the Pilates industry: the relationship between studio owners and teachers. Drawing on real-world scenarios and her own experience as a studio owner, Jessica explores why the traditional independent contractor model may not fit the way many Pilates studios actually operate, the risks of worker misclassification, and why employment agreements and non-solicitation clauses can matter more than you think. She also shares a personal story about a business partnership that took an unexpected turn, illustrating how quickly circumstances can change when the right protections aren't in place. In this episode, we discuss: The key differences between 1099 contractors and W-2 employees in a Pilates studio.Why the way a studio operates can matter more than what a worker is called.The potential financial and legal consequences of worker misclassification.Non-solicitation agreements, client relationships, and protecting the business you've worked so hard to build.Why contracts aren't necessarily a sign of distrust—and how they can protect both teachers and owners.How better communication can prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary tension.Plus, Jessica shares exciting updates on the EYT network, the upcoming Stream EYT class library, and the development of Get EYT booking software designed by teachers and studio owners, for teachers and studio owners. Whether you're a Pilates instructor, an independent contractor, or a studio owner navigating growth and change, this is a conversation worth having. Know someone in the Pilates industry who needs to hear this? Share this episode, leave a five-star rating, and help us grow the conversations that move our community forward. As always, exhale.

  5. Oct 14

    Chat EYT Episode 18: From 8/10 Pain to ZERO: Why Physical Therapists Are Turning to Pilates

    What happens when physical therapists discover that Pilates can completely change the way they approach movement, pain, rehabilitation—and even their careers? In this eye-opening episode of Chat EYT, host Jessica Spillane sits down with three physical therapists—Samantha McGuire, Bianca [Last Name], and Debbie Dieter—to unpack the powerful crossover between Pilates and physical therapy. The conversation gets real about why these two worlds remain surprisingly disconnected, how insurance and declining reimbursement are impacting physical therapists, and why the future of care may be moving toward wellness, concierge medicine, cash-based services, and prevention. And then there's Debbie's unforgettable patient story: a patient with severe stenosis went from 8/10 pain to ZERO after incorporating Pilates-based movements into his treatment. As Debbie says, “That doesn't happen” in the traditional PT world. The panel also explores: • Why Pilates can be a powerful clinical tool for physical therapists • The missed opportunity when patients “graduate” from PT but aren't given a long-term wellness plan • Why PT schools should introduce Pilates into their curriculum • The growing shift from reactive healthcare to preventative wellness • How cash-based Pilates could complement—not replace—traditional physical therapy • The impact of insurance, reimbursement and private equity on the PT profession • Why some physical therapists are moving toward concierge care and wellness • How Pilates may help patients reconnect with their bodies after major trauma or injury • Whether group-based rehabilitation could make PT more accessible and affordable • And what the future of physical therapy might actually look like This isn't just a conversation about Pilates. It's a conversation about where healthcare is going—and whether we're finally ready to rethink how we help people stay well. And, of course, the episode ends with everyone's favorite Pilates exercises—including the Double Leg Kick, Teaser and Short Spine—plus one final reminder from Jessica: when in doubt, exhale.

  6. Oct 7

    Chat EYT Episode 17: Stop Trying to Be Liked: The Psychology of Pilates, Money & Boundaries

    What if the thing holding your Pilates business back isn't your clients, your competition, or the economy… but your fear of being disliked? In this deeply honest and fascinating episode of Chat EYT, Jessica Spillane sits down with licensed psychologist Dr. Nadine O'Reilly to explore the psychology behind some of the most common—and complicated—things happening inside Pilates studios. Because Pilates studios aren't just places where people exercise. They're places where people feel vulnerable. They move. They breathe. They slow down. They open up. And sometimes… they tell you things you never expected to hear. Jessica and Nadine dive into why movement can unlock powerful emotions, why clients sometimes treat their instructors like therapists, and where a Pilates teacher's responsibility ends—and a mental health professional's begins. But that's only half the conversation. They also tackle one of the biggest challenges facing studio owners and teachers: fear. Fear of raising prices. Fear of difficult conversations. Fear of disappointing clients. Fear of losing people. Fear of being judged. And, perhaps most importantly, the fear of not being liked. Nadine explains the concept of “money wounds” and the stories we inherit about what it means to charge for our work. Jessica explores why so many teachers and studio owners struggle to value what they actually provide. And then comes one of the biggest mindset shifts of the episode: Stop calling it a confrontation. A price increase isn't a confrontation. A difficult conversation isn't necessarily a confrontation. Setting a boundary isn't an attack. Sometimes it's simply a proposal. The conversation gets even deeper as Jessica shares a real-life story about a client revealing a potentially dangerous situation at home—and the moment Jessica realized the situation was far beyond her role as a Pilates instructor. Together, they explore: • Why Pilates can become a “confessional booth” • How movement can unlock unexpected emotions • What teachers should—and shouldn't—ask when clients disclose personal trauma • The importance of recognizing your professional boundaries • Why being a good listener can actually leave you emotionally depleted • What “transference of trauma” can feel like • Why studio owners and teachers operate from fear • The psychology behind money wounds and money scripts • Why charging more isn't selfish • How to stop making business decisions based on whether people like you • How small, incremental “baby steps” can help you become more comfortable with hard conversations • And why sometimes giving people what they need is more important than giving them what they want This isn't just an episode for Pilates instructors. It's for anyone who has ever struggled to set a boundary, charge what they're worth, have a difficult conversation, or cared a little too much about whether someone liked them. And Jessica and Nadine may have opened the door to an entire series of conversations. Because what happens when the person everyone confides in finally needs someone to talk to? Listen, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it—and then tell us: Are you making decisions based on what is right… or based on being liked?

  7. Sep 30

    Chat EYT Episode 16: EYT Network Announcement & Raising Rates

    Chat EYT the Podcast

  8. Sep 23

    We Hit a Nerve. Now What? The Pilates Industry Problems Nobody Is Solving

    The response to our last episode was HUGE. Downloads tripled. The DMs, texts, emails and conversations kept coming. And one thing became very clear: we hit a nerve. So we’re going back in. In this follow-up to our Pilates Journal Expo episode, Jessica Spillane breaks down the questions, conversations and non-answers that sparked such a strong reaction — and, more importantly, starts talking about what we can actually DO about them. Because it’s easy to stand on a panel and say, “These are the big conversations our industry needs to have.” But what happens when everyone goes home? Jessica tackles some of the biggest challenges facing Pilates studio owners and instructors right now: • Why studios need to build an actual teacher-training pipeline instead of constantly scrambling to hire instructors • The instructor shortage — and whether the real problem is a shortage of certified teachers or a shortage of teachers who are truly ready to teach • Why salary and predictable compensation could change the teacher/studio relationship • The hustle culture that has instructors running from studio to studio just to make a living • Why studio owners and teachers are often being pitted against each other when they actually need each other • The subbing problem — and why both sides need to rethink how it works • Why throwing a newly trained instructor onto the schedule on “day one” may be setting everyone up to fail • The burnout problem when one instructor is teaching 25+ classes a week • How experienced instructors can move into mentorship, leadership and business roles instead of simply teaching more classes • And the bigger question: Are we actually solving the problems in Pilates… or are we just talking about them? Jessica also reveals more about the thinking behind the EYT Network of Studios — a concept designed to bring studio owners together to create practical, actionable solutions from the ground up. This isn't about bashing Pilates Journal Expo. It’s about continuing the conversation that started there. And this time, Jessica wants to hear from both sides of the reformer. Studio owners. Teachers. Operators. Industry leaders. Come to the table. Because talking about the problems is easy. Now let’s see if we can actually solve some of them. Exhale.

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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

This is the podcast for the people doing the real work in Pilates — teachers, studio owners, and the people thinking about becoming either. The kind of show you wish someone had been making all along. Hosted by Jessica Spillane — founder of EYT Pilates Teacher Training with more than twenty years of experience across every side of the industry — Chat EYT is what happens when someone who’s truly done it all sits down to answer the questions you’ve been asking, the questions you didn’t know to ask, and a few nobody else has bothered to answer yet. Teaching. Cueing. Anatomy. Business. Leases. Pricing. Hiring. Burnout. The work. The why. The wisdom that usually only comes from a mentor down the hall — except most of us don’t have one of those. Now you do. Not New. Not Cool. Not Holding Back.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Spillane
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chat EYT the Podcast
  • Show Website
    Chat EYT the Podcast

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