The Emergence Podcast
The podcast by fitness instructors, for fitness instructors, hosted by Laura Gunder. Empowering fitness professionals through candid conversations about building and maintaining their minds, bodies, and business.
Episodes

3 days ago
3 days ago
On this week’s episode, Laura sits down with Oscar Arana, a coach at Session Training in New York. Oscar breaks down his evolving coaching philosophy, one that prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and connection over intensity for intensity’s sake. He also shares his journey from corporate finance to full-time coaching, how he manages energy and burnout, and why showing up with presence — and a great playlist — matters more than any perfect plan.

Tuesday May 13, 2025
The Walk: Chaz Knight Recap | The Emergence Podcast
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
In this episode of The Walk, host Laura revisits key takeaways from her conversation with Chaz Knight, a seasoned Pilates instructor based in California. She shares insights from her own practice, emphasizing the power of "less is more," building strong foundations, and approaching the Pilates method as a system rather than a checklist. Laura also dives into the importance of self-practice, clear cueing, teacher boundaries, and honoring your own journey as both a teacher and a human being.

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Ep. 3: Chaz Knight | The Emergence Podcast
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
In this episode, Laura talks with Pilates instructor Chaz Knight, who built a thriving practice in West Hollywood after transitioning from a career as a dancer. Chaz shares how he learned to hone his skills during the pandemic through virtual instruction, which unexpectedly doubled his business. Now, with a full-time teaching practice, he's interested in continuing to follow his passions, focusing on mentorship opportunities and building training programs for new teachers.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
The Walk: Alexa Javens Recap | The Emergence Podcast
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
In this The Walk episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura reflects on her conversation with Alexa Javens of Session Training in New York City. She explores the importance of trusting the “season” you’re in, mastering your craft, and investing in growth. Laura shares personal stories of navigating fear, body image pressures, and shifting priorities, leaving listeners with reflective prompts to reconnect with their core values and intentions.

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Ep. 2: Alexa Javens | The Emergence Podcast
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Alexa Javens, co-owner of Session, joins Laura for an honest conversation about the realities of running a fitness business. She shares how a temporary coaching role during COVID evolved into a long-term partnership, and how her background at Orange Theory helped shape her “simple, not easy” philosophy. They look at what it means to build intentional culture and foster genuine community, alongside her approach to coaching, leadership, and more.

Friday Apr 18, 2025
The Walk Trailer | The Emergence Podcast with Laura Gunder
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Welcome to The Walk, a solo series within The Emergence Podcast. Laura shares personal insights and key takeaways from past guests, exploring themes to support your fitness, career, and mental well-being. Designed as a companion for your daily walk, each episode invites you to take 30 minutes to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with your goals.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Ep. 1: Laura Gunder | The Emergence Podcast
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Meet Laura Gunder, your host, in this special introductory episode of The Emergence Podcast. Laura discusses her podcast's mission to connect, empower, and support fitness professionals through conversations with industry experts about finding balance in a challenging industry and chronicles her own journey toward learning to care for herself in order to better serve her clients.

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Trailer | The Emergence Podcast with Laura Gunder
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Welcome to The Emergence Podcast, launching on April 15th! Hosted by Laura Gunder, a classical pilates instructor, this podcast is designed to empower fitness instructors through candid conversations about building and maintaining their minds, bodies, and business.