The Obvious Choice
The Obvious Choice

The Obvious Choice

Jonathan Goodman

Overview
Episodes

Details

Forget becoming an influencer. This podcast is for people searching for a simpler way to make more money, help more people, and have more freedom. No matter who you are and no matter what you sell, your customer is a human. And yet, marketing these days feels so (in)human. Filled with frameworks, entertaining stories, and admittedly bad-Dad jokes, The Obvious Choice is a much-needed recalibration and, at times, a refreshing slap for a business generation that’s lost its way. New episodes ship out Mondays along with short, business hotseats every Wednesday.

Recent Episodes

299 I Why Social Media Should Be Your Last Priority as a Coach (Do This Instead)
DEC 4, 2024
299 I Why Social Media Should Be Your Last Priority as a Coach (Do This Instead)

I listened to two fascinating coaching conversations today. The first was with Daniel Corbett, who has an interesting dual role as both a minister and a fitness coach. He came seeking advice about why his in-person clients stick around longer than those he finds online. Throughout their discussion, they explored how he could authentically bridge his religious work with his fitness business, particularly through his connection to the International Churches of Christ. The conversation was really about finding that sweet spot between digital presence and real-world relationships.


Then the conversation shifted to Miles, who shared his experiences networking within the Filipino community in Toronto. He's been actively attending cultural events and making meaningful connections, including building relationships with high-achieving members of his community. Both conversations really drove home a key theme: the power of genuine, in-person relationships over purely digital connections in building a sustainable coaching business.


What's particularly interesting is how both cases show coaches finding success by engaging deeply with communities they're naturally part of - whether that's through religious affiliation or cultural heritage - rather than trying to be everything to everyone online.


Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.


FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)


HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]


Hosts:

@itscoachgoodman


Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.


The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.


Timestamps


0:00 Daniel introduces himself as both a full-time minister and online personal trainer, working primarily with career-driven men 25-35. He explains his challenge: clients he meets in person tend to stay longer than those he acquires online.

1:43 Discussion about Daniel's ministry work with college students at University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University, and his approach to incorporating his religious background into his fitness business.

3:18 Jonathan discusses the importance of trust in coaching relationships, explaining it as a triangle of affinity, familiarity, and community. Daniel reveals all his long-term clients come through church connections.

6:13 Exploration of Daniel's church structure (International Churches of Christ) and its potential as a platform for business growth.

10:30 Strategic discussion about incorporating Daniel's faith background into his social media presence and bio without limiting his client base.

14:41 Jonathan suggests viewing social media as a nurturing tool rather than lead generation and proposes creating content specifically for church leaders.

19:14 Discussion about organizing minister workshops and networking events, with emphasis on letting participants share their stories rather than just presenting information.

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21 MIN
298 I From Personal Trainer to Online Success: Jonathan Goodman's Origin Story
DEC 2, 2024
298 I From Personal Trainer to Online Success: Jonathan Goodman's Origin Story

In this candid origin story, Jonathan reveals his journey from personal trainer to successful online entrepreneur. Growing up in a traditional professional family in Toronto, Jonathan breaks convention to build the Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC) from scratch. He shares pivotal moments including a life-changing book gift from a client, his first affiliate sale that exceeded a day's training income, and a breakthrough $180,000 product launch that came just as he was questioning everything.


Through practical lessons on recognizing talent, choosing development over immediate gains, and the power of optimistic ignorance, he demonstrates how persistence and strategic relationship-building can transform a side project into a thriving business. A must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and fitness professionals looking to expand beyond traditional career paths.


Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.


FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)


HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]


Host:


@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me


--


Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.


The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.


Timestamps:


0:00 - Playful opening banter about Tiny Toons

0:27 - Introduction to the podcast and book announcement

0:57 - Discussion of podcast outreach and origin story motivation

3:16 - Ball hockey story and Excalibur team anecdote

4:29 - Background on growing up in Jewish Toronto community

7:26 - University years and working at campus gym

9:54 - Early personal training career and client interactions

12:09 - Lesson on false economies and development over savings

15:23 - Pivotal moment with psychiatrist client Tom giving Rich Dad Poor Dad

21:40 - Document compilation leading to first book

24:31 - Conversation with Rick about PhD vs writing a book

26:27 - Finding an editor and publishing process

28:47 - Discussion of optimistic ignorance in entrepreneurship

32:05 - Website creation and early marketing efforts

38:32 - Building relationships with other fitness professionals

41:01 - Learning internet marketing through others' products

44:02 - First significant affiliate sale moment

47:07 - The "freedom number" concept

50:34 - Building community and product development

52:58 - Launch of 1K Extra course

55:03 - New York wedding story and final launch success

59:19 - Follow-up about maintaining relationships with mentors

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60 MIN
297 I The Untapped $100K Fitness Niche (HOT SEAT)
NOV 27, 2024
297 I The Untapped $100K Fitness Niche (HOT SEAT)

In this eye-opening conversation with gym owner Joe Hsiung, we uncover a goldmine opportunity in the online fitness space that almost nobody is targeting: empty nesters. After running multiple successful gym locations, Joe was struggling with the longer sales cycles in online coaching - until we identified this perfect market hiding in plain sight.


You'll discover:

  • Why empty nesters make ideal online fitness clients (they have time, money, and motivation)
  • How to build your marketing calendar around university start dates
  • The key difference between local gym marketing and online coaching
  • Why targeting "busy moms" might be hurting your business
  • A repeatable system for scaling your online fitness business


This episode is a must-watch for gym owners looking to expand online or online coaches struggling to find their perfect niche. We even break down specific marketing angles and messaging strategies you can use to attract this untapped market.


Plus, we discuss creative business models, including how to partner with influencers if you prefer staying behind the scenes. Whether you're just starting your online fitness journey or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation will give you actionable insights you can implement immediately.

--

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

--

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

--

Host:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

--

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

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22 MIN
296 | The Illusion of Being Stuck: A Guide to Freedom
NOV 25, 2024
296 | The Illusion of Being Stuck: A Guide to Freedom

💥Pre-order your copy today of The Obvious Choice: https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Choice-Timeless-Lessons-Success/dp/1400249139


I explore the concept of freedom through the lens of a 48-day road trip I took with Allison before we had kids, contrasting it with a friend's story of feeling trapped in his successful career. The episode weaves together themes of walking costs, perceived limitations, and the illusion of being stuck, ultimately revealing that freedom isn't about beaches or private planes – it's about having options and control over your choices. 


Drawing parallels between travel with no fixed route and life with no fixed expectations, I examine how we often become prisoners of our own success, letting status, belongings, and others' perceptions dictate our paths. The message is clear: true freedom comes not from what you own or achieve, but from your ability to choose your direction, even if you decide to stay right where you are.


Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and road trip story setup

0:37 Details of 48-day national parks adventure

1:44 Story transition to friend stuck in career

2:53 Discussion of walking costs and freedom

4:35 Freedom vs self-imposed limitations

6:14 Mentor's advice on prioritization

7:37 Analysis of anxiety and life balance

8:45 Discussion of selfishness and control

10:02 Behind-the-scenes podcast discussion

11:46 Conversation about podcast listening speeds

13:34 Discussion about religion and hope

16:47 Wrap-up and podcast recommendations


📚Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Please preorder your copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Choice-Timeless-Lessons-Success/dp/1400249139


👉FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)


HOW - Rate / review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]


🎙️Host:


Instagram: @itscoachgoodman

Twitter: @itscoachgoodman


Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at: https://www.5repsfriday.com/


The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at https://www.quickcoach.fit/

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17 MIN
295 | From Stuck to Inspired: Real Strategies to Reignite Your Coaching Business (HOT SEAT)
NOV 20, 2024
295 | From Stuck to Inspired: Real Strategies to Reignite Your Coaching Business (HOT SEAT)

Have you ever felt stuck in your coaching business or wondered if success was a fluke?

If you’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, maintaining momentum, or reigniting creativity in your work, this episode is packed with real strategies to help you move forward.

In this mega episode of The Obvious Choice Podcast, we’ve combined three insightful hot seat conversations featuring coaches who share their challenges and breakthroughs. From leveraging your local reputation for online growth to creating niche content and finding inspiration, these discussions will resonate with anyone navigating the ups and downs of coaching.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Use creativity to stand out in your niche.
  • Tap into your existing network and build from what’s already working.
  • Reframe challenges as opportunities for community connection and personal growth.
  • Design content that resonates with your audience and attracts the right clients.

If you’ve ever felt the emotional rollercoaster of coaching–and wondered how to keep going–this episode is for you.


Key Takeaways

(00:00) Introduction to Nick's Journey

(00:47) Challenges and Emotional Rollercoaster

(01:58) Recalibration and Creativity

(04:52) Targeting Specific Audiences

(06:55) Content Strategy and Networking

(16:55) Expanding Local Market Presence

(21:00) Exploring Business Potentials at the Golf Club

(22:48) Building a Local Clientele

(26:05) Community-Driven Fitness Initiatives

(30:53) Introducing Lauren: A New Coach's Journey

(33:29) Leveraging Personal Stories for Success

(34:56) Creating Effective Freebies and Challenges


--

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

--

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

--

Host:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

--

Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

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42 MIN