Fitness + Technology

Bryan O'Rourke: Fitness Industry Technology Council
  • 4.9 (37)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You'll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brought to you by the Fitness Industry Technology Council, who is mobilizing resources to drive the fitness industry forward, and representing leading companies and organizations to success through collaboration. This show is supported by Vedere Ventures, a boutique investment and advisory firm helping early mature and late stage enterprises succeed in a new era.

  1. JAN 13

    Operational Excellence & Tech Integration With Carrie Kepple

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back industry veteran Carrie Kepple. Bryan and Carrie share a professional relationship spanning over 15 years, including their time serving together on the IHRSA Board of Directors. Carrie is a board member of the Fitness Industry Technology Council and a distinguished leader in the global fitness industry, having worked with prominent organizations such as Gold's Gym International and Les Mills. Her expertise lies in club operations, and she is the visionary behind Styles Studios, a pioneering fitness concept that combines four boutique studio experiences in one location. In this conversation, Bryan and Carrie dive into technology stacks, boutique fitness models, and the evolution of hybrid fitness concepts. One Powerful Quote: 12:03: "Don't get distracted by the shiny new toy. Stay in your lane." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:00: Bryan opens the discussion with Carrie's background and the creation of Styles Studios. 6:00: Carrie outlines her top three challenges with tech stack integration. 8:39: Carrie shares her insights on tech stack complexity and the high cost of switching systems. 11:09: Carrie emphasizes the importance of mapping the entire user experience for operators. 15:06: Carrie explores how AI tools can streamline the onboarding and member journey. 21:02: Carrie closes with impactful advice for fitness operators and tech innovators. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.stylesstudiosfitness.com https://www.soundhound.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-kepple-414a555a/ https://twitter.com/CarrieKepple https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    26 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    FitnessKPI Webinar: Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues With Pablo Viñaspre

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his webinar, "Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues," alongside Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI. The session explores how data and digital tools are reshaping fitness business performance, with a focus on practical, real-world application. Listeners will gain actionable insights on improving member retention, optimizing pricing strategies, and unlocking new revenue opportunities through smarter use of analytics and technology. Designed for operators, managers, and industry professionals, this webinar provides a clear framework for making more informed decisions and driving measurable, sustainable growth. You can view the webinar deck here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/using-data-technology-to-drive-revenue-fitness-kpi-12-25-webinar/284677394 One Powerful Quote: 32:48: "So deciding which moments in the customer journey or in the customer experience I can fully automatize and in which ones I have to go fully human to bring that value." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 1:46: Bryan opens the webinar by outlining the agenda, followed by Pablo introducing Fitness KPI and its role in data-driven decision-making for fitness operators. 8:58: Bryan and Pablo discuss why data proficiency is becoming a core organizational competency across the fitness industry. 11:50: The conversation turns to how leading enterprises are using data insights to improve the quality and speed of decision-making. 15:02: Bryan and Pablo explore the challenge many organizations face in extracting real value from AI, despite lagging in the development of critical AI capabilities. 18:57: Pablo identifies the most significant sales revenue opportunities currently available to fitness clubs. 23:31: Pablo highlights brands that are setting the standard for excellence in data insights and analytics execution. 29:01: Bryan and Pablo discuss the future evolution of technology stacks for fitness operators. 34:58: Pablo shares what he believes is the single most important mindset shift required to fully leverage data and technology. 37:40: Pablo explains how operators can translate data into concrete operational actions and meaningful KPIs. 42:25: Pablo provides software recommendations for effectively managing and centralizing data. 45:20: Pablo outlines the key barriers and concerns organizations face when implementing data and technology solutions. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitness-kpi.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/ https://x.com/PabloVinaspre https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    48 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    Building Smarter Tech Stacks For The Future Of Fitness With Vic Kurs

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Vic Kurs, Senior Technology Advisor at Qodeca. Vic leads sales strategy, partnerships, and client success for Qodeca, a firm specializing in custom software and consulting for the fitness, sport, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience across SaaS and health club operations, he helps organizations streamline workflows, enhance member engagement, and accelerate growth through integrated, data-driven digital solutions. Today, Vic joins Bryan to discuss practical technology adoption, the realities operators face with complex tech stacks, and how to build a smarter digital strategy for the future. One Powerful Quote: 13:03: "Before any business moves into the AI space, it is absolutely crucial to fix the basics and to put that right." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:33: Vic shares his background in technology and fitness, and the core challenges operators face in adopting new solutions. 7:52: Vic discuss short-term versus long-term thinking, execution pitfalls, and the switching costs associated with legacy systems. 12:42: Vic talks about the importance of infrastructure design and the operational challenges of automation. 17:02: Vic speaks on the biggest opportunities for improving technology adoption across the industry. 21:40: Vic shares his perspective on the shifting future of SaaS models in a world increasingly shaped by agentic AI. 32:03: Vic offers closing insights and practical advice for operators navigating digital transformation. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.qodeca.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vkurs/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    35 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 & Beyond LIVE From Portugal With Bryan O'Rourke

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his keynote, "European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 And Beyond" live from the SC Fitness Annual Convention in Portugal. Bryan shares the spotlight for what's next in the European fitness market and the key differentiators needed for successful operators. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to expand your perspective and prepare you for what's ahead. To view the slideshow, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/european-fitness-market-trends-2025-bryan-orourke-keynote-sc-fitness-conference/284499398 Apply for the 2025 Innovation Awards: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/fitc-innovation-award-2025 One Powerful Quote: 11:51: "The quality of your thinking determines the quality of your life." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 6:57: Bryan opens by emphasizing thinking big as the first major trend. 15:54: Bryan discusses the opportunities and challenges shaping the growth of the European fitness market, highlighting the importance of leaders distinguishing between strong ideas and effective execution. 19:14: Bryan expands on the role of capital as markets scale and mature in response to continued industry growth. 21:13: Bryan addresses evolving customer expectations, noting the growing demand for both digitization and human connection in the fitness experience. 30:01: Bryan examines current technology, AI hype cycles, and their implications for the industry. 37:03: Bryan reflects on the importance of people and collaboration, underscoring the theme of working together to achieve greater impact. 45:05: Bryan concludes by summarizing the key points from his talk. Bullet List of Resources: https://elementgyms.pt/ https://www.solinca.pt/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    53 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    Redefining Preventive Health & Medical Wellness With Uday Anumalachetty

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Uday Anumalachetty, Founder of Bright Medical Wellness, to the show. Uday is on a mission to redefine the health and wellness landscape by making transformative treatments—such as GLP-1 medications—more accessible to those who need them most. Motivated by his personal journey with weight challenges and the life-changing impact of GLP-1 therapies, Uday took the leap into entrepreneurship to build a service that not only improves access to these medications, but also prioritizes education, post-consultation care, and ongoing support. In this conversation, he shares his insights, vision, and personal experiences with Bryan, offering valuable perspective on the evolving intersection of healthcare and fitness technology. Apply for the 2025 Innovation Awards: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/fitc-innovation-award-2025 Register for Bryan's upcoming webinar Data & Technology to Drive Club Revenues:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_80ylSZ-TQGCe6hdkOhc7pw  One Powerful Quote: 20:07: "In order to make that recurring revenue stable, you have to able to innovate, but do it incremental steps that actually influences that customer journey real time." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:56: Bryan opens the conversation by asking Uday about the inspiration behind starting Bright Medical Wellness. 5:19: Uday discusses the future of transformative medications and their potential in the wellness space. 7:10: Uday speaks on how Bright Medical Wellness is shaping the future of fitness and wellness services. 9:38: Uday shares his perspective on how different components of fitness and wellness can be more effectively integrated. 11:57: Bryan and Uday discuss the challenges of technology adoption in health and wellness and the realities behind industry hype cycles. 19:21: Uday closes by offering valuable advice and key takeaways for listeners navigating their own fitness and wellness journeys. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.brightmedicalwellness.com Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productgeek/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    24 min

  6. 11/13/2025

    The Discipline Of Transformational Leadership: Lessons From Lindsay Vastola

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Lindsay Vastola to the show. With a rich background spanning corporate management and entrepreneurship, Lindsay brings a dynamic perspective to leadership and professional growth. Through her engaging keynote presentations, professional development workshops, and thought-provoking conversations, she empowers professionals to reach their full potential. As the founder of VastPotential, Lindsay helps organizations cultivate exceptional employee experiences and enhance performance through innovative staff development and vision-driven leadership education and coaching. In this episode, she joins Bryan to explore transformational leadership, the role of technology, and the discipline required to drive organizational success. One Powerful Quote: 24:45: "Leadership is an endurance sport. You are never there." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:16: Bryan opens the conversation by asking Lindsay to define transformational leadership and explain its importance. 7:04: Lindsay discusses why this style of leadership is increasingly vital in today's evolving workplace. 9:35: Lindsay outlines common productivity challenges teams face in achieving consistent performance. 12:21: Lindsay shares proven strategies she has implemented to help teams overcome these challenges. 16:13: The discussion turns to organizational culture, where Lindsay expands on Bryan's comments about fear as a limiting factor. 19:53: Lindsay examines how technology is reshaping transformational leadership and influencing collaboration within teams. 25:38: Bryan and Lindsay dive into the concept of discipline and the focus leaders must maintain to achieve lasting impact. 31:49: Lindsay offers her final thoughts and actionable recommendations for listeners seeking to elevate their leadership approach. Bullet List of Resources: https://vast-potential.com Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-vastola/ https://x.com/LindsayV_BP https://www.lindsayvastola.com/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    36 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    AI Front Desk: Transforming Frontline Work With Brian Holmes

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Brian Holmes, CEO and Founder of AI Front Desk. With hiring, training, and retaining frontline workers becoming increasingly challenging, AI Front Desk offers innovative artificial intelligence solutions that handle complex business tasks directly. By reducing dependence on traditional staffing models, the company helps streamline operations, improve efficiency, and minimize errors. Brian joins Bryan to discuss his company's approach and the practical impact these solutions are having across the industry. One Powerful Quote: 32:05: "Yes you can get to where you want to go. You just won't get there as fast as you want." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:47: Bryan opens the show by sharing Brian's entrepreneurial background. 8:42: Bryan asks Brian about the key lessons that led to the founding of AI Front Desk. 13:47: Bryan discusses the timeline behind launching AI Front Desk. 17:09: Brian addresses common misconceptions about agentic AI. 20:22: Brian outlines some of the core functions that AI Front Desk can perform. 25:33: Brian highlights the biggest challenges organizations face in adopting the technology. 31:20: Brian imparts his final pearls of wisdom to the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://aifrontdesk.com/ Guest Contact Information: brian@aifrontdesk.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-holmes-0a448566/ https://x.com/BrianAIFrontDsk https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    35 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    Key Trends That Will Shape The Global Fitness Industry — Live from FitLife's Club Network Conference With Bryan O'Rourke

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his keynote presentation delivered live at FitLife's Club Network Conference in Seattle. Bryan explores the key trends transforming the global fitness industry from rapid technological advancements to the evolving importance of human capital. He emphasizes why now is a pivotal moment for leaders to shape the future of fitness. To view Bryan's slide deck, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-fitlife-club-network-keynote-seattle-2025-bryan-orourke/283944575 One Powerful Quote: 16:54: "Clarity is a superpower." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:34: Bryan gives an introduction to the major trends shaping the fitness industry and their impact on its future direction. 17:38: Bryan shares the opportunities and challenges that will define the next five years in fitness and wellness. 18:48: Bryan discusses the capital and financial shifts in the marketplace. 27:02: Bryan speaks on bridging the digital and physical gap through humanized experiences. 37:06: Bryan talks about business models that are driving innovation in health and fitness services. 44:12: Bryan highlights what's real in understanding the technology and AI hype cycle. 56:46: Bryan explains why people and trust are the most valuable assets today. 1:06:50: Bryan summarizes how translating strategy into execution can lead to meaningful change. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitlifeclubs.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    1h 12m
See All (197)

4.9
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You'll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brought to you by the Fitness Industry Technology Council, who is mobilizing resources to drive the fitness industry forward, and representing leading companies and organizations to success through collaboration. This show is supported by Vedere Ventures, a boutique investment and advisory firm helping early mature and late stage enterprises succeed in a new era.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan O'Rourke: Fitness Industry Technology Council
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    197
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © FIT-C
  • Show Website
    Fitness + Technology

You Might Also Like