The People Pod with Ryan Jones
Season 1
by Ryan Jones
In todays episode of the podcast we are talking to Alexa Towersey. Alexa has over 15 years experience in the health & fitness industry as a personal trainer, nutrition and lifestyle coach. Born into a military family, her journey started on a mission for muscles after she was bullied at school for being too skinny – her nickname was Alexa Annorexa. The gym – and in particular, the weights room – became her sanctuary and was the first place she developed strength, both physically and mentally. Alexa graduated University with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Biology and Psychology. She then continued on with a post graduate diploma in Sports Management and Kinesiology. All through university, Alexa wrestled with the Mania Sportsfighting Academy, excelled as a Linebacker and Wide Receiver for a NZ Womens’ Champion Gridiron team – The Tamaki Lightning – and played soccer at a representative level. In 2007 she accepted a job in Hong Kong, where she attained her NASM qualification, completed in house internships with Poliquin, Merinovich, Gray Cook and Martin Rooney, and headed up the Strength and Conditioning division for a top MMA gym. 1 year later, she was voted in the Top 3 Toughest Trainers in Asia. Not one to be satisfied with being “comfortable”, Alexa began looking for a new challenge and decided to compete in Half Ironman 70.3, hiring a coach to teach her to swim. It was at this time that she came across Gym Jones, and fell in love with the “Mind is Primary” philosophy. She saw this as the edge she needed to get ahead and 2 years later, she qualified for the 70.3 World Champs on a broken foot. 7 years later, she became the first female Gym Jones Fully Certified Instructor in Australia and only the second female worldwide. Alexa has been a firm favorite with the media as a “go-to” fitness authority since moving to Australia with her “Train for Your Objective” approach, appearing on Channel 9’s Weekend Today as their fitness expert, and currently as Head Trainer for Women’s Health & Fitness magazine after first gracing their cover in 2016. She is also the female mentor for the athletes in Coach Keegan’s international Real Movement Project, and an ambassador for Livin, a charity aimed at dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health challenges where she presents at both schools and corporate events.' Enjoy the Podcast
This week on the podcast we are talking to Renee Gartner. The Sydney local has had an impressive career spanning TV, radio and media management. She’s forged a pretty remarkable career, been a panelist on Channel 9’s ‘The Footy Show’ (NRL), The League Lounge (NRL) on Fox Sports. She’s reported at the Dally M and been a voice in front of 80,000 fans at Rugby Leagues Pinnacle - State of Origin. Aside from a busy media career, she’s recently made her professional boxing debut having fought late last year against Tayla Harris. One thingI’ve admired Renee for is her work with Charity Living. After going through her own personal battles, she’s become a big advocate for mental health in the modern day. So good catching up with her, its always a good laugh - enjoy the podcast.
This week on the podcast we are talking to local Sydney producer J Thrill. J Thrill also know as James Field has been writing rhymes and making beats since his early days growing up in the nations capitol. Really interesting conversation this one, we touch on everything from the local Sydney hip hop scene to technology to rugby and ofcource how J Thrill project came about and whats in store.
This week on the podcast we are talking to a good friend of mine Luke Mcleod. Luke is owner and director of online guided mediation program called Soul Alive. We break down the stereotypes that often surround meditation, the benefits 15 minutes a day of mediating can bring to your life and just what you can expect to find out about yourself when you hit that zen state. Also I try a live guided meditation which ends up being a bit of a laugh. For someone like myself that has never really given the time to mediation this was a conversation I was extremely interested to have.
Episode 3 of The People Pod takes us into the creative mind of Nadia Valavanis. Owner and creative director of BS-Vii. A Sydney hat label making waves in the fashion industry not just here in Sydney but all over the world. Nadia is quickly becoming the go to woman for custom pieces through her collaborative approach and personal experiences. In this episode we talk about how she unexpectdley became a hatter, we talk the importance of gratitude and manifestation and also how sometimes tragic events can shape you into who you are today. #podcast #thepeoplepod
I chat with Robbie about his rise to becoming a professional fitness model and sponsored athlete. Robbie suffered from numerous knee injuries early on which unfortunately forced him to retire rugby- the game he loved and grew up with. These injuries then led him to pursue a different avenue in his life – fitness. Ever since then, hes kept pushing forward to find success on the fitness stage – reaching his peak when he earned his WBFF Pro Card in 2016. Now, Robbie aims to help others follow his lead to achieve the same level of success. We also touch on a potential change in career.
The people podcast