Mate, Spot Me

NovoFit

Mate, Spot Me is a podcast developed within the fitness industry, designed to support those shaping it. Whether you’re on the gym floor, behind the desk, or somewhere inbetween, we dig into the real stories, challenges, and shifts shaping the world of fitness. Hosted by Barry McDonald and Jerram Newton at NovoFit, each episode features honest conversations with industry leaders, where we dig into what’s working (and what’s not) in the sector. Expect a few gems of knowledge you can take back to your business - and maybe a few you didn’t even know you needed. New episodes monthly.

Episodes

  1. JAN 20

    #07 - From Distraction to Connection with Fiona Kriaris

    In our first episode of 2026, we’re joined by Fiona Kiaris from YMCA Victoria. Fiona is a trained mindfulness facilitator and a fitness industry leader who’s spent years helping teams and communities move from constant distraction to genuine connection. We talk about why mindfulness has become more relevant than ever, what it looks like in real life (not just meditation apps and buzzwords), and how leaders and facilities can create environments where people feel calmer, clearer, and more purposeful at work and in training. Key moments we unpack: • Why modern life is making us more distracted, more burnt out, and less present• What mindfulness really means• How mindfulness supports emotional intelligence, empathy, and better leadership behaviours • The trap of “transactional mindfulness” and why consistency matters more than intensity • Practical, simple tools you can use immediately, including Fiona’s STOP method• How gyms can support wellbeing without needing to run a full mindfulness program Together, these ideas point to practical ways mindfulness can benefit us as individuals, our teams, and the environments and culture we create.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheVFiona’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-kriaris-733131146NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitausNovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitausNovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus

    52 min
  2. #06 - Geoff Lord - The Builder

    12/03/2025

    #06 - Geoff Lord - The Builder

    In this episode, we sit down with the great Geoff Lord, founder, chairman, and CEO of the Belgravia Group - and one of Australia’s most influential business leaders driving impact in fitness, leisure, and community. With his trademark no-nonsense approach, Geoff brings clarity, humour, and hard-earned lessons on leadership and growth. We'd also like to congratulate Geoff on being awarded the 2025 Beyond Activ APAC Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his lifelong dedication to the health, fitness, and wellness industries, and his mission to positively influence the lives of one million Aussie kids. We cover: - Leadership lessons from decades of growing teams, businesses, and culture - The importance of backing yourself in- The strength of building incrementally instead of chasing big bets too soon - Making decisions through the lens of effectiveness (doing the right things) and efficiency (doing things right) - How Belgravia Group’s diverse businesses work together toward a common purpose Whether you're running a gym, leading a team, or building a business, Geoff’s insights provide a grounded playbook for scaling with purpose. There are some true gems of wisdom in this episode you won't want to miss! Belgravia Group: https://belgraviagroup.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitaus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus

    49 min
  3. #05 - Mental Fitness with Daniel Wood

    11/04/2025

    #05 - Mental Fitness with Daniel Wood

    In this special Movember edition, Barry and Jerram sit down with Daniel Wood, an experienced fitness professional, educator, and passionate mental health advocate, to explore the powerful connection between mental health and physical fitness.This conversation dives into:- The difference between mental health and mental fitness- How to check in with yourself- The role of community and belonging in protecting mental health- How gyms and fitness spaces can become more than just four walls- Encouraging others to speak up, seek help, and support one anotherWhether you’re a coach, gym owner, or fitness professional, this conversation will help reiterate how movement and meaningful human connection can strengthen mental resilience.YouTube: Apple Podcasts: Spotify:Daniel's Movember Page: https://au.movember.com/mospace/10500601AFL Mental Health Continuum: https://www.afl.com.au/mental-health-wellbeing/aboutHume City Council: https://humeleisure.vic.gov.au/NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofit/NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/NovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus/

    52 min
  4. #04 - Connected Community with James Weston

    10/06/2025

    #04 - Connected Community with James Weston

    Local government leisure centres are more than just places to train, they’re community health hubs that connect fitness, allied health, and social wellbeing. In this episode, James Weston, Unit Leader of Fitness and Sport at Hume City Council, shares how his team is creating facilities that support every stage of the health journey - from rehabilitation to long-term movement and community connection. We talk: - Why councils continue investing in leisure and wellness facilities - Building inclusive spaces that link fitness with allied health and recovery services - How gym staff act as triage points in a preventative health model - Using technology to track real health outcomes, not just attendance - Leadership, culture, and collaboration across council departments and partners YouTube: https://youtu.be/xzhFzh4s0x0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/04-connected-community-with-james-weston/id1825744433?i=1000730487987 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FGbGNmoyT6VnyJjtX7JaQ James' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-weston-2611b7162/ Hume City Council: https://humeleisure.vic.gov.au/ NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofit/ NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/ NovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus/

    54 min
  5. #03 - The Importance of Your People with Beaux Glenn

    09/08/2025

    #03 - The Importance of Your People with Beaux Glenn

    In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Beaux Glenn, owner of Genesis Lilydale. Beaux’s journey is all about heart, putting people before everything else and showing how genuine care can transform a gym into a thriving community. She opens up about her passion for cultivating culture, empowering her team, and fostering connections that go beyond fitness, creating an environment where both members and staff feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. We talk: - Leading with relationships - Empowering staff and members to create club culture - Fostering loyalty and community at scale Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast YouTube: https://youtu.be/mYwtE-5lkAU?si=72bsZF_0oK0JB_oR Genesis Lilydale: https://www.instagram.com/genesislilydale/?hl=en NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofit/ NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/ NovoFit Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NovoFitAus/

    40 min
  6. #02 - Connected Fitness Technology with Daniel Waide

    07/23/2025

    #02 - Connected Fitness Technology with Daniel Waide

    In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Waide - Chief Operating Officer at NovoFit - for an in‑depth look at how digital transformation is redefining fitness spaces. Daniel shares his playbook for scaling personalised member experiences, activating tech outside the four walls, and striking the perfect balance between human touch and automation. We talk: Crafting scalable, personalised programs that mirror one‑to‑one PT at scale Leveraging digital communications and booking data to keep members engaged Building open, data‑driven ecosystems without losing sight of the people behind the profiles Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bPjITT99fBLQ0DbyxhheV Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MateSpotMe⁠⁠⁠ NovoFit LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitaus/⁠⁠⁠ NovoFit Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/⁠⁠⁠ NovoFit Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/novofitaus/⁠⁠⁠ Daniel 's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-waide-7ab7051b/

    32 min
  7. #01 - Recovery, Mindset & the Future of Fitness with Bart Walsh

    07/10/2025

    #01 - Recovery, Mindset & the Future of Fitness with Bart Walsh

    In our first episode, we sit down with Bart Walsh - Head Coach at Jetts Fitness Australia - for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of wellness, recovery, and coaching culture in fitness. Bart shares insights on integrating nervous system recovery into gym spaces, the power of mobility, and how gyms can empower their people and programs without losing sight of what really matters: the member. We talk recovery tools, mindfulness, high-performance habits, and how small innovations (and a lot of intent) can transform both outcomes and experiences. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mate-spot-me/id1825744433 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MateSpotMe NovoFit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novofitaus/ NovoFit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novofitaus/ NovoFit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novofitaus/ Bart's Website: https://www.bartwalsh.com.au/ Bart's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartholomew-walsh-47b796226/ Bart's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walsh.fit/

    44 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Mate, Spot Me is a podcast developed within the fitness industry, designed to support those shaping it. Whether you’re on the gym floor, behind the desk, or somewhere inbetween, we dig into the real stories, challenges, and shifts shaping the world of fitness. Hosted by Barry McDonald and Jerram Newton at NovoFit, each episode features honest conversations with industry leaders, where we dig into what’s working (and what’s not) in the sector. Expect a few gems of knowledge you can take back to your business - and maybe a few you didn’t even know you needed. New episodes monthly.

Information

  • Creator
    NovoFit
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © NovoFit
  • Show Website
    Mate, Spot Me