Best Stage Zero Studio Podcasts (2025)

Most studio owners think offering more types of movement classes will attract more clients. In this episode, I explain why those formats actually hurt your studio by lowering margins, confusing your brand, and competing with cheap alternatives. Mentioned in this episode: Work with me 1:1 to grow your business This podcast uses the following third-p…

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327. What No One Tells You About Opening a Second Pilates Studio, with Laura Saggers and Raphael Bender 1:28:12

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10d ago1:28:12

1:28:12

Laura Saggers joins me to share the real story behind expanding from one to two Pilates studios. We cover the unexpected challenges of growth, what worked at one location but not the other, and how she navigated ClassPass, staffing, and competition. If you’re considering opening a second studio, this conversation will show you what no one tells you…

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Why It’s So Hard to Adopt New Skills (with Maxine Anderson, Co-Founder & CPO at Arist) 28:00

14d ago28:00

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Every product manager obsesses over leadership styles, onboarding flows, and GTM strategies—but what if the biggest differentiator of success comes down to something much simpler? Learning. In this episode, Hannah Clark sits down with Maxine Anderson, Co-Founder and CPO of Arist, a text-based learning platform that flips traditional corporate educa…

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326. How a 23-Year-Old Built a Waitlisted Pilates Studio in Just 1 Year, with Chelsea McBride and Raphael Bender 49:46

17d ago49:46

49:46

At just 23, Chelsea McBride turned personal struggles into purpose and built a Pilates studio that filled up so fast she had to close the books. In this episode, you’ll hear how Chelsea: Grew from teaching private sessions at home to running 50 weekly reformer classes with 11 beds. Built a team of six Created so much demand she now has a waitlist f…

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325. How to build a loyal community, with Sara Leach and Raphael Bender 38:08

23d ago38:08

38:08

Sara Leach, owner of Downtown Pilates in Mississippi, shares how she built a thriving reformer studio serving mostly 50+ clients, scaled to six teachers, and runs 40+ classes a week. We dive into how she built an incredibly tight and loyal community, plus key challenges she faces in her business. Connect with Sara and Downtown Pilates Studio Facebo…

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How American Express 4x Its Experimentation Velocity in 1 Year (with Jean Castanon, VP of Digital Product at American Express) 19:22

29d ago19:22

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Every product leader wrestles with the same tradeoff: move fast and risk breaking things, or move slow and risk irrelevance. But what if the real accelerator wasn’t cutting corners—it was systematizing experimentation? In this episode, Hannah Clark sits down with Jean Castanon, VP of Digital Product at American Express, to explore how his team quad…

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324. The Biggest Hiring Mistake Studio Owners Make - And How To Fix It 1:54:03

1M ago1:54:03

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We discuss: How to tell if you've made this hiring mistake (you almost certainly have) How to properly filter potential hires Practical steps to get your existing team delivering a consistent high quality experience The exact hiring process we used to set up our studio for growth and retention Mentioned in this episode: Get help installing our hiri…

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323. Why the best instructors encourage messy form, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 48:16

1M ago48:16

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Heath and Raphael challenge the myth that flawless form makes for safe, effective Pilates. They discuss why, and when, form should “fall apart” in strength and balance work, how load, not alignment, predicts injury, and why real progress comes from reps at the edge of fatigue and wobble. Bootsy's Basic Funk Formula: https://youtu.be/IHE6hZU72A4?si=…

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How to Navigate “Growing Pains” in Scaling Orgs (with Matthew Wensing, Head of Product and Design at Customer.io) 45:59

1M ago45:59

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Startups don’t get easier with age—they just get more complex. Much like teenagers, scale-ups are constantly outgrowing their structures, still figuring out their identity, and not always great at setting realistic goals. But this awkward “in-between” stage isn’t a failure—it’s a rite of passage on the path to becoming a mature company. In this epi…

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322. From Zero to $23K/mo in 34 Days: Jennifer Tan’s Pilates Studio Launch in the Philippines 39:04

1M ago39:04

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Jennifer Tan opened Bacolod’s first reformer Pilates boutique, Madila Pilates, and hit $23K revenue with 87% margins in her first month. She shares her journey from student success team member to thriving studio owner, why she expanded just weeks after launch, and the strategies fueling her rapid growth. Resources mentioned in the episode: Find Mad…

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How to Balance Speed and Value: The Essential Role of Empathy in the AI Product Era (with Megan O'Rourke, Executive Director of Product at Metalab) 41:44

2M ago41:44

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The Tin Man’s silk heart in The Wizard of Oz is a perfect metaphor for AI right now—it can convincingly mimic empathy, but it’s not the real thing. In this episode, Hannah Clark sits down with Megan O’Rourke, Executive Director of Product at Metalab, to explore the delicate balance between AI-powered productivity and human-driven resonance. They di…

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321. When did Pilates become so obsessed with specific cues? With Raphael Bender 21:47

2M ago21:47

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Pilates is all about cueing specific muscles, neutral spine and avoiding locking your joints, right? Often - yes. But it wasn't always that way. In fact all those things have flipped 180 degrees over the years since Joseph Pilates' day. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Studio Maste…

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How to Adapt to the New Gold Standard in Product Management (with Maryam Ashoori, VP of Product and Engineering at IBM Watsonx) 29:22

2M ago29:22

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Product management isn’t just evolving—it’s getting completely rewritten. In this episode, Hannah sits down with Dr. Maryam Ashoori, VP of Product and Engineering at IBM Watsonx, to talk about how AI is reshaping not only the tools product managers use, but the very nature of the role itself. Maryam brings two decades of experience in AI across des…

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320. The 5 stages of Pilates studio business, with Raphael Bender 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

These are the 5 predictable stages every Pilates studio owner goes through — from dreamer to thriving CEO. Exactly what breaks, plus what to do to grow at each stage. Stage 0 – Wantrepreneur Stuck in planning mode. No revenue. Fix: Stop thinking, start doing. Follow Ep 273 for exact steps. Stage 1 – Solopreneur ($1k–$10k/mo) Teaching, cleaning, sel…

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How I Survived the Past 3 Years in Product Leadership (with Michael Luchen, Product Transformation Architect) 29:09

2M ago29:09

29:09

When AI was just a sci-fi footnote and “product transformation” sounded like a buzzword, Michael Luchen was already in the trenches. In this episode, Hannah sits down with the original host of The Product Manager Podcast to unpack three years of change—from his early missteps to building scalable systems and navigating the AI tidal wave with nuance…

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319. How to make your Pilates studio stand out in a sea of competitors, with Raphael Bender 46:08

2M ago46:08

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This is for Pilates studio owners who are feeling pressure from an explosion of new studios offering the latest fads and undercutting prices. This is a step-by-step practical, battle-tested strategy to stand out without racing to the bottom or chasing trends. Here's the study I mention - 65% of people think they're above average intelligence: https…

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Vibe Coding 101: A Zero-to-One Hands-On Workshop (with Drew Falkman, Principal at Moves The Needle Studio) 20:07

2M ago20:07

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If you’ve heard the buzz about Vibe Coding but aren’t quite sure what’s real and what’s hype, this episode is your shortcut to clarity. Recorded live at our hands-on Vibe Coding Workshop, this 30-minute seminar with Drew Falkman (Principal at Moves The Needle) unpacks what Vibe Coding actually is, where it fits in the product lifecycle, and how non…

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318. The Myth of Hands-on, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 44:36

2M ago44:36

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Why we changed our minds on hands-on cueing in Pilates. Resources mentioned in the episode: Listen to Ep. 160. 'Can we even feel muscles activating' here Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Studio Mastermind Teaching Mastery Progr…

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317. New Prenatal Guidelines with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender 1:05:45

3M ago1:05:45

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ACSM's new pre and postnatal exercise guidelines just came out, and there are several substantial changes. We talk through them, the evidence behind each one, and what they mean for Pilates instructors. Links: Narrative review of exercise dose during pregnancy here Exercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes here Systematic review of …

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How to Turn Neurodivergent 'Challenges' Into Leadership Superpowers (with Frankie Berkoben) 48:30

3M ago48:30

48:30

ADHD might be the product trait nobody’s putting on their resume—but maybe they should. In this episode, Hannah sits down with executive coach Frankie Berkoben to unpack the complex intersection of ADHD, executive function, and product leadership. Together, they explore how ADHD traits like systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and comfort with…

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316. Why Simplicity Wins in the Studio, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 30:55

3M ago30:55

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Raph and Heath share their journey from rigid STOTT Pilates rules to a science-backed, minimalist approach to teaching. Discover why doing less—fewer cues, less correction, and simpler programming—gets clients better results, more flow, and deeper engagement. Connect with me Raph on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heath on Instagram: @co…

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BREAKING: Trump Holds Roundtable At Florida 'Alligator Alcatraz' With DeSantis And Noem 1:12:03

3M ago1:12:03

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Trump Holds Roundtable At Florida 'Alligator Alcatraz' With DeSantis And Noem

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Finding Your Unfair Advantage in Product’s Wild West Era (with Margaret-Ann Seger, Head of Product at Statsig) 26:08

3M ago26:08

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Product-market fit isn’t enough anymore. In an age where AI is making it easier for anyone to ship a half-decent product, the real battleground is distribution. Margaret-Ann Seger (Head of Product at Statsig) joins Hannah Clark to talk about how AI is reshaping go-to-market strategy, why speed and feedback loops are becoming product differentiators…

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315. Can Pilates Make You Stronger? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 55:43

3M ago55:43

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In this episode, Raphael and Heath challenge the myth that Pilates doesn’t build strength. They break down the science of strength adaptations, clarify what “strength” really means, and explain how Pilates can be a legitimate strength training method—when done right. Key Topics: What counts as “strength” and how it’s measured Why effort (not burn o…

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WOW: Josh Hawley Goes Absolutely Insane On 23andMe CEO, "Should Be Sued Into Oblivion" 8:16

3M ago8:16

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WOW: Josh Hawley Goes Absolutely Insane On 23andMe CEO, "Should Be Sued Into Oblivion"

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Bernie Sanders SLAMS TRUMP, Issues Major Warning That 50,000 Americans Will Die because Big Beautiful Bill 21:53

3M ago21:53

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Bernie Sanders Issues Major Warning That 50,000 Americans Will Die Yearly and SLAMS Trumps Big Beautiful Bill

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BREAKING: Elon Musk Subpoena grinds DOGE Hearing to halt 4:21

3M ago4:21

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BREAKING: Elon Musk Subpoena grinds DOGE Hearing to halt

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BREAKING NEWS: DOGE Hearing - Marjorie Taylor Greene Battles Democrats In Combustible Talk 1:58:53

3M ago1:58:53

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BREAKING NEWS: Marjorie Taylor Greene Battles Democrats In Combustible DOGE Hearing

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The Systems Thinking Process Used by the Most Adaptable Product Leaders (with Sheryl Cababa, Author of Closing the Loop) 42:53

3M ago42:53

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What if instead of racing to solve problems, you paused to map the entire system first? In this episode, Hannah sits down with Sheryl Cababa—author of Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking for Designers and founder of Optimistic Design—to talk about what it really means to design for complexity. From AI adoption to organizational policy changes, Shery…

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Iran launches missile strike on US military base in Qatar amid rising tensions 4:19

3M ago4:19

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Iran launches missile strike on US military base in Qatar amid rising tensions

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314. From Zero to $30k/Month in 5 Months – Brian’s Story, with Brian Darsie and Raphael Bender 2:36:43

3M ago2:36:43

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Five months ago, Brian Darsie opened the doors to his Pilates studio. He had never taught a group Pilates class outside his certification course. Since then, he’s taken a two-week holiday, and last month, he hit $30k revenue and $16k profit—all without working insane hours. In this episode, Brian shares the mindset shifts, pricing strategies, and s…

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What Does Engineering Excellence Look Like in the Age of AI? (with Anish Dhar, Co-founder and CEO of Cortex.io) 29:12

4M ago29:12

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The “AI is coming for your job” headlines have been exhausting—especially if you're a software engineer. But as Cortex.io founder Anish Dhar explains, engineering isn’t dying; it's evolving. In this episode, Hannah sits down with Anish to unpack what engineering excellence actually means in 2025, why measuring developer productivity is still wildly…

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313. ‘True Strength Comes From Control’ — Really? with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 56:00

4M ago56:00

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You’ve heard it a thousand times: strength comes from control. But what if that’s only half true? In this episode, we challenge the dogma, unpack the nuance, and explore where real strength actually comes from—in Pilates and beyond. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Heath on Instagram: @contrologycollective Download a fr…

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How to Make Passion Your Differentiator in an AI-Driven World (with Norma Løvhaugen, VP Strategy at Neat) 38:39

4M ago38:39

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What does passion really look like on a product team? In this episode, Hannah sits down with Norma Løvhaugen, VP Strategy at Neat, to unpack how passion fuels team collaboration, customer empathy, and a culture of innovation. They explore the difference between building products with passion versus simply shipping features—and why that distinction …

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312. Change Is Good – If You Do It Right, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 1:04:40

4M ago1:04:40

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Natalie shares how she navigated fear, self-doubt, and career pivots—and what made the difference. If you’re thinking about change, this is how to do it right. And some pitfalls to avoid! Connect with me on Instagram: @the_raphaelbender Connect with Natalie on Instagram: @nataliewilsonpilates Download a free course guide: Pilates Certification Teac…

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Elon Musk Torches Trump’s ‘Beautiful’ Bill: Calls It a ‘Disgusting Abomination’ and Threatens GOP 6:47

4M ago6:47

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Elon Musk called President Trump’s signature domestic policy legislation a “disgusting abomination” and accused Congress of “making America bankrupt.” That attack came just days after a farewell ceremony in the Oval Office, where Musk and Trump praised each other and celebrated Musk’s exit from his advisory role as head of the Department of Governm…

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Mastercard’s SVP of Global Products on How to Enter New Markets (with Simone Paul Tamussin) 24:49

4M ago24:49

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Expanding internationally is more complex than ever, with economic uncertainty, shifting regulations, and unpredictable tariffs creating constant challenges. While overseas opportunities can be tempting, businesses must navigate a landscape full of blind spots and evolving risks that demand careful planning and adaptability. Simone Tamussin, SVP of…

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311. Do it scared, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 43:40

4M ago43:40

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In this episode, Raphael talks with Natalie—a Pilates instructor who faced her fears, took imperfect action, and built a new life teaching Pilates. They explore: Why waiting to feel “ready” holds so many people back. How Natalie pushed through fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. What it really looks like to take the leap while still feeling sc…

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Managing Stakeholder Perception: How Product Leaders Build—and Lose—Influence (with Carolyn Dolezal & Kate Leto) 35:18

4M ago35:18

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Two seasoned executive coaches, Carolyn Dolezal and Kate Leto, share candid insights on the realities of executive leadership and how to truly earn the trust and confidence of your team and stakeholders. They debunk common myths and explore how personal agendas can undermine leadership effectiveness, while offering practical advice for building inf…

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310. Strengthening: Simpler (but not easier) than you think, with Nicole Mazurkiewicz and Raphael Bender 1:06:49

4M ago1:06:49

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In this episode, Raphael and Nicole cut through the noise around strength training—and explain why it’s way simpler than most Pilates instructors think. They break down: Why you don’t need to chase “the burn,” perfect form, or sore muscles. What actually creates strength gains (hint: it’s not magic or mystery). The 5 key adaptations that happen whe…

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How Parenting Made Me a Better Product Leader (with Anuj Jhunjhunwala, Director of Product at Merge) 32:08

4M ago32:08

32:08

Becoming a parent profoundly changes how you approach product leadership, blending personal and professional challenges in unexpected ways. Anuj Jhunjhunwala, Director of Product at Merge, shares how parenting teaches lessons in influence without authority, clear communication, and time management that directly apply to leading products. Anuj offer…

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309. Why Some Instructors Light Up The Room - and How You Can Too, with Natalie Wilson and Raphael Bender 54:13

5M ago54:13

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Charisma isn’t magic—it’s a skill you can practice. In this episode, we break down the four elements of charisma—technical expertise, body language, vocal tone, and emotional intelligence—and how each one helps you connect, lead, and inspire. Whether you’re naturally introverted or born with “resting Zen face,” this episode will teach you to be mag…

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The AI-Enhanced Team: A New Playbook for Product Leaders (with Andrew Saxe, VP of Product at Smartling) 27:10

5M ago27:10

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As we navigate the AI revolution, we’re collectively creating a new reality that’s far from utopian, and both leaders and individual contributors are struggling to find their way through the uncertainty. Questions around workplace ethics, output quality, and long-term impacts are top of mind for many, but this presents an opportunity to learn from …

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308. What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do, with Natalie Wilson & Raphael Bender 45:24

5M ago45:24

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Not sure what to do when a client shares a diagnosis with you at the start of class? Here’s the simple framework to stay calm, take action, and lead like a pro. Summary: Raphael and Natalie break down simple, actionable strategies for Pilates instructors when faced with unknown client conditions moments before class. Learn how to stay calm, ask the…

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Confirmed: SpaceX Starship Flight 9 Launch Date May 19 - More Details inside. 5:17

5M ago5:17

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Confirmed: SpaceX Starship Flight 9 Launch Date May 19 - More Details inside.

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Sheldon Whitehouse Accuses Musk Of Using DOGE To Undermine Social Security In Push To Privatize It 6:00

5M ago6:00

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Sheldon Whitehouse Accuses Musk Of Using DOGE To Undermine Social Security In Push To Privatize It

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How to Be ‘Limitless’: The Mindset Shift That Opens Doors (with Uma Subramanian, Founder of Limitless Leaders) 32:46

5M ago32:46

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What's holding you back from reaching your next level? For many, the biggest obstacle is often a mental one, not a physical one. By shifting your perspective and zooming out, you can find pathways around the challenges that seem insurmountable. Uma Subramanian, founder of Limitless Leaders and former Microsoft leader, shares her journey of achievin…

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307. Why Pilates Should Look Ugly Sometimes, with Heath Lander and Raphael Bender 55:04

5M ago55:04

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Heath and Raph unpack why good form isn’t always desirable. They break down the difference between skill and strength training, explain when “ugly” movement signals progress, and share how to program smarter by revisiting exercises with different loads. A must-listen for Pilates instructors who want results. Connect with me on Instagram: @the_rapha…

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SpaceX Starship Flight 9 Update - IFT9 News and Technical Information 8:07

5M ago8:07

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SpaceX Starship Flight 9 Update - IFT9 News and Technical Information