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Business Muscle

Business Muscle Podcast

How do I turn my side hustle into a full time job? What strategies should I implement in my business now to gain financial freedom? How do I launch a business with no outside investors? How do I grow my business to six figures in less than 6 months? How do I market my business to get a return on my investment as quickly as possible?

And the MOST important question, how do I quit my day job and build the business of my dreams?

Whether you have a business idea and you’re not sure how to make it come to life, you want to turn your side hustle into your full time gig, or you own a small business and want to turn it into an empire - you’ve come to the right place. And we can’t help ourselves, as a physical therapist and a fitness instructor, we’re going to throw fitness and wellness tips your way, too.

The Business Muscle podcast is a female run business podcast loaded with tips and takeaways to make you the strongest business owner you can be. Expect episodes on anything from how to be profitable in the first month to the way we grew five locations in less than three years, to ways to bulletproof your back.

Your co-hosts Elise and Ariel have the experience to put the muscle behind your business, together scaling to 7 different business locations in less than 7 years, each of them profitable in the very first month.

Our co-hosts and guests are the experts who will help you turn your passion into a profitable business in less time than you’d think. Get ready to flex your business muscle!

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  • 23 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 26 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • #168
    Monday · 20 min

    168. Make Sure You Ask Your Business Partner These Questions FIRST!

    Thinking about going into business with someone? In this episode, we’re breaking down the important conversations you need to have before committing to a business partnership. From how you handle challenges and what being “all in” really means, to trusting each other’s responsibilities, navigating disagreements, and making sure you share the same vision. We also dive into understanding what each person brings to the table and whether you’re both in a season of life where you can fully commit. Because a successful business partnership isn’t just about having a great idea together—it’s about trust, communication, alignment, and being willing to work through the hard stuff. Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #167
    October 19 · 16 min

    167. WE’RE BACK!!! & THINGS THAT MAKE US DIFFERENT IN BUSINESS

    We’re back! In this episode, we’re kicking things off with a little life and business catch-up before diving into some of the things that make us different in business. From making fast decisions instead of overthinking every little detail, to not getting too high with the wins or too low with the setbacks, we’re sharing the habits and mindsets that have helped us continue to grow. We also talk about making our meetings more strategic and productive, being intentional with our time, and cutting out the things that don’t actually move the business forward. Because at the end of the day, growing a successful business isn’t always about doing more—it’s about making better decisions, staying consistent, and focusing your energy on what actually matters. Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #166
    September 21 · 46 min

    166. REPLAY! Creating RAWR

    Buy RAWR bars here: https://shop.rawrorganics.com?aff=369 If you’ve ever thought about launching a product, this is the episode you need. Today on the podcast, we sit down with Jake and Rachel Beaudry, founders of RAWR Bars, to break down how they went from selling at a local farmers market to building their own production facility. We dive into every phase of their journey—from starting from scratch and figuring out production, packaging, and shipping on their own, to navigating a major growth surge through social media and scaling operations without sacrificing quality. This episode is packed with honest insight into the risks, challenges, and behind-the-scenes realities of growing a physical product—and what it actually takes to make it work. Rawr Organics: https://shop.rawrorganics.com?aff=369 Follow Rawr Organics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawrorganics You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #165
    September 14 · 37 min

    165. Dr. Dawn Andalon - Co Founder of Revive PT & Pilates

    What does it actually take to build a profitable cash-based PT practice that doesn’t rely solely on one-on-one treatment? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Andalon, co-founder of Revive PT & Pilates, to talk about how she grew a 100% cash-based practice, built a team that has served more than 4,700 women, and created a wellness membership generating $30K+ per month in recurring revenue. Diving into sales and converting cash-pay clients, building memberships people actually want to keep, hiring and retaining great PTs, getting yourself out of patient care, and creating a business that can grow beyond the owner. If you’re a PT, wellness professional, or business owner looking to build more recurring revenue and a business that isn’t completely dependent on you, this episode is packed with takeaways you can put into action. Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #164
    September 7 · 14 min

    164. Replay- Double your clients with these 4 things

    REPLAY- In this solo episode, we break down exactly how we doubled our new clients in one month—and no, it wasn’t from a viral post or a lucky break. We walk through the four specific levers we focused on to drive real growth: increasing Google Ads spend to capture high-intent leads, hosting more in-person events to build trust and community, showing up more consistently on social media with clear calls to action, and reactivating past clients who already knew and trusted our brand. None of these strategies are flashy, but when executed consistently and intentionally, they compound in a big way. If you’re feeling stuck in your business, this episode will help you identify where you might be under-leveraging opportunities that are already right in front of you. You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #163
    August 31 · 38 min

    163. REPLAY Isaac Lewis creating the ANCORE Training System

    Replay Episode from October 2025- Today we’re joined by Isaac Lewis from ANCORE Training Systems, a company that grew from a grad school project in a Swampscott garage to supplying pro teams in the NHL, NBA G League, and PGA Tour, with products now shipped to over 65 countries. Isaac shares the origin story of ANCORE, including how he and co-founder Nathaniel got started, their first prototypes, and the lessons learned from early product development. We dive into the company’s growth milestones, breaking into professional sports, and expanding internationally, as well as business strategy insights on scaling, partnerships, and keeping ownership in-house. Isaac also shares marketing tips for startups, advice for founders navigating competition, and the skills he’s had to learn personally while growing ANCORE. Enjoy! ANCORE: https://ancoretraining.com/ You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #162
    August 24 · 9 min

    162. If We Lost Everything Today How We'd Get Our First 10 Clients Again

    What would happen if your website disappeared, your social media accounts were deleted, and you had no existing clients or referrals? In this episode, we tackle that exact scenario and outline the steps we would take to get our first 10 paying clients from scratch. We discuss the importance of relationships, conversations, referrals, and delivering value before asking for anything in return. This practical episode strips away the distractions and reminds listeners that business growth is built on trust, connection, and consistent action—not logos, websites, or fancy marketing tools! Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #160
    August 10 · 8 min

    160. How to start a business in 30 days

    Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we break down a simple 30-day roadmap for launching a service-based business. From defining your offer and validating demand to forming an LLC, setting up payment systems, and finding your first client, we walk through exactly what we would do if we were starting over today. Packed with practical advice and clear action steps, this episode is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs stop overthinking, take action, and start building something real. Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #159
    August 3 · 33 min

    159. Rob Toro: Starting over and building a Multi-Million dollar construction company

    In this episode, we sit down with Robert Toro, President of the Woburn City Council and owner of Toro Construction, to talk about his journey from spending 15 years as a federal investigator to building a multi-million-dollar residential remodeling company. Robert shares what it was like starting a business while working a full-time federal job, the lessons he learned scaling quickly, how he built a team and company culture, and the biggest mistakes contractors and homeowners make during renovations. We also dive into leadership, hiring, handling difficult clients, balancing business ownership with public service and family life, and what finally gave him the confidence to leave the security of his government career. Enjoy! Book an estimate with Toro Construction: https://www.toroconstruction.com/ Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #158
    July 27 · 12 min

    158. The 3 Mistakes That Cost Us the Most Money in Our Cash-Based PT Practice

    Opening a cash-based practice can be incredibly rewarding—but it’s also full of lessons learned the hard way. In this episode, we share the three biggest mistakes we made when launching FIXXED, including undercharging, trying to do everything ourselves, and waiting until we felt “ready.” We break down how these decisions affected growth, profitability, and burnout, while offering actionable advice for PTs looking to start or scale their own businesses. If you're thinking about opening a practice, this episode could save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of frustration. Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #157
    July 20 · 11 min

    157. Speed Wins: Most overlooked driver of business growth

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked drivers of business growth: speed! We explore why businesses often lose opportunities not because of pricing, competition, or marketing, but because they simply take too long to respond. From leads and referrals to employees and partnerships, we discuss how responsiveness builds trust, creates momentum, and directly impacts revenue. You'll walk away with practical strategies to improve your follow-up systems, communicate more effectively, and stop letting opportunities slip through the cracks. Enjoy! Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #156
    July 13 · 33 min

    156. Bianca Paraison on building The Luxe Dose

    In this episode of Business Muscle, we sit down with Bianca Paraison, founder of The Luxe Dose, to discuss what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From balancing a hospital nursing career while growing her practice on the side to becoming a nationally recognized trainer featured in Vogue, GQ, and Best of Boston, We dive into why chasing trends can hurt your business, how staying committed to your values builds trust, and why reputation, consistency, and exceptional client experiences are the true drivers of long-term success. Book an appointment at The Luxe Dose: https://www.theluxedose.com/ Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #155
    July 6 · 10 min

    155. Would we open a cash based Physical Therapy Practice in 2026?

    Would we open a cash-based PT practice in 2026? Absolutely. In fact, we'd argue there's never been a better time. In this episode, we discuss why we're such strong believers in the cash-based model, from escaping the headaches of insurance to building a business that's both profitable and rewarding. We break down the low startup costs, high earning potential, and ability to create a better experience for both clinicians and patients. We'll also share what we'd do differently if we were starting from scratch today, the opportunities we see in the industry, and why so many PTs are realizing they don't have to settle for burnout, low reimbursement rates, and endless paperwork. If you've ever wondered whether cash-based PT is worth it, this episode is for you. Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #154
    June 29 · 28 min

    154. Betting on Yourself: How Lacey Faria Built a Thriving Mortgage Business

    Everyone seems to be waiting for interest rates to drop before buying a home—but is that actually the smartest move? In this episode of Business Muscle, we sit down with mortgage expert Lacey Faria to discuss why waiting could end up costing buyers more in the long run. We break down the realities of today's housing market, refinancing, and why some of the best opportunities happen when everyone else is standing still. Lacey also shares her journey from leaving a salaried job to building a successful career in a male-dominated industry, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it takes to bet on yourself and build a business from the ground up. Enjoy! Work with Lacey: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/lynnfield-ma-4815/lacey-faria/ Download the FREE cash based practice checklist: https://tinyurl.com/5xxtd2xp You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #153
    June 22 · 14 min

    153. Listener Q&A with Elise and Ariel!

    Your questions, answered! This week on the podcast we’re answering some of your best business questions — including the best purchase we’ve ever made for our business for under $1,000, what we would do if we had to start over and lost everything, and the biggest things we’d do differently if we could go back to the beginning. We’re talking about lessons learned the hard way, the mistakes that actually helped us grow, and the practical decisions that made the biggest impact on our businesses. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with honest conversations, strategy, and perspective we wish we had earlier on. You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #152
    June 15 · 11 min

    152. How to Stay Consistent when Things Aren't Going Your Way

    Everyone is motivated when things are going well — but the real challenge is staying consistent when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed, not seeing results, running on no sleep, or trying to balance work, kids, and life. On this episode, we break down why consistency has less to do with motivation and more to do with systems, structure, and minimum standards. We talk about stopping the cycle of waiting for the “perfect time,” creating non-negotiable habits for hard days, avoiding decision fatigue by planning ahead, and using the “eat the frog” method to tackle the hardest tasks first. Whether it’s workouts, business, content creation, or everyday life, this episode is all about building routines that still work when life gets messy — because consistency isn’t perfection, it’s continuing to show up anyway. You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #151
    June 8 · 49 min

    151. From Rock Bottom to CEO: Matt Ganem's Unfiltered Path to Building an Empire

    This week, we sit down with Matt Ganem, a recovering heroin addict turned entrepreneur, real estate investor, author, and CEO of multiple addiction treatment and behavioral health centers across Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey. Matt shares his powerful journey from addiction and early recovery to building and scaling successful businesses that help thousands of people. We dive into the realities of running treatment centers, rebuilding after losing a business partnership, opening a new company during the uncertainty of COVID, and the lessons he's learned about leadership, culture, resilience, and growth. Matt also discusses how real estate became a key part of his wealth-building strategy, the mindset shifts required to scale multiple businesses, and the hard-earned lessons that shaped the entrepreneur he is today! This is a must listen! Follow Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattganem_poet/ You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #150
    June 1 · 16 min

    150. Why we hate women's networking events

    In this week’s episode, we’re calling out the real problem with most women’s networking events — too much venting, not enough strategy! While community and support matter and we love women who support women, too many events leave women emotionally drained instead of walking away with actionable ideas, referrals, or business growth opportunities. We break down the difference between networking that feels good and networking that actually moves your business forward, the kinds of conversations women should be having more often around pricing, hiring, marketing, systems, and negotiation, and how to show up to any event with intention. This episode is about raising the standard, asking better questions, and creating rooms where women leave smarter, more connected, and more confident in business. You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #149
    May 25 · 15 min

    149. Stop being Polite and Broke

    In this week’s episode, we’re talking about why women struggle to talk about money — and how that silence can hold us back in business. Inspired by Emma Grede’s book Start With Yourself, we break down the conditioning that teaches women to stay quiet about finances, and how that impacts pricing, negotiating, paying ourselves, and owning our success. We also cover the key business numbers every owner should know — revenue, expenses, profit, break-even point, and owner pay — and why understanding them gives you the confidence to make better decisions and advocate for your worth. This episode is a reminder that knowing your numbers isn’t selfish or bragging — it’s power! Enjoy! You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklist FIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/ Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/

  • #148
    May 18 · 52 min

    148. REPLAY with Chris Cuozzo!

    On this week’s episode we welcome Chris Cuozzo, the owner of Christopher Cuozzo, LLC, a thriving multi-million dollar custom clothing brand. Chris shares his journey from starting his business as a side hustle in 2009 to building a distinguished company specializing in custom shirts, suits, blazers, and tuxedos. Tune in to hear Chris discuss what makes his brand unique, the inspiration behind starting his custom clothing line, and the challenges he faced in the early days. We explore the strategies Chris used to scale his business to reach the million-dollar mark, including key financial decisions, important milestones, and the technology that has been crucial for efficient operations. Chris offers valuable advice on funding, investment, digital marketing, and customer acquisition. He gets vulnerable and honest about the challenges of business growth, lessons learned from mistakes, and how he stays motivated and balances business with fatherhood. Enjoy! Get your first suit from Christopher Cuozzo: https://www.christophercuozzo.com/ Work with us here: You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt.

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