The Emergence Podcast

Laura Gunder

The Emergence Podcast empowers fitness professionals through candid conversations about building sustainable minds, bodies, and businesses. Host Laura Gunder, an ex-professional ballet dancer turned classical Pilates instructor based in New York City, shares insights from her decade-long journey navigating an industry with no set path to success. By fitness instructors, for fitness instructors.

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S2 · E6
Tuesday · 55 min
Chaz Knight on the Future of Pilates and the Power of Community
Welcome back to The Emergence! Today, we are thrilled to welcome back Chaz Knight—experienced educator, mentor, and recent Pilates Style cover star. With over 16 years of teaching experience and extensive certifications across multiple lineages (including Romana's, Fletcher, and Authentic Pilates), Chaz brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. We dive deep into the art of teacher training, what it actually means to teach "Neoclassical Pilates," and why the future of the method relies on community over gatekeeping. Whether you are a brand new instructor trying to find your voice, or a seasoned teacher feeling the weight of burnout, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to elevate your practice and better serve the bodies in front of you. In this episode, we discuss: The Art of the Spring: Why cueing the springs is about finding space in the spine, not just working the muscles. Neoclassical Pilates: Moving beyond a scarcity mindset to honor the rich history and variations of the first-generation elders. Teaching the System vs. Running the Order: Why moving slowly and mastering the basics is the true path to advanced work. The "Let Them Fail" Strategy: A brilliant psychological approach to working with combative or difficult clients. Combating Teacher Burnout: Why collaboration, continued education, and discounted teacher rates are essential for industry survival. Guest Announcements: Chaz drops two exciting exclusives in this episode! Be sure to look out for the launch of the new Neoclassical Pilates Substack (featuring writing and an advice column) and the upcoming opening of his brand new private studio in West Hollywood, outfitted with legacy equipment. Connect with Emergence: Substack Instagram If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, and share it with a fellow Pilates teacher!
S2 · E9
August 18 · 57 min
Savannah Dysard: Bio-Individuality, Healing Your Gut, & Curing Instructor Burnout
Are you a movement educator running on empty? When your career is built on pouring energy into others, it is incredibly easy to lose connection with your own body. This week on The Emergence Podcast, we sit down with Savannah Dysard to dismantle the rigid wellness dogmas that lead to burnout and embrace the power of bio-individuality. Savannah opens up about her personal journey healing from Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), revealing how culturally accepted "healthy" habits—like standard green juices and heavily processed gluten-free foods—were actually harming her gut. Together, we explore what it really means to regulate your nervous system, how to break free from militant workout schedules, and why prioritizing your own "oxygen mask" is the ultimate prerequisite for teaching. In this episode, we cover: The Myth of Universal Wellness: Why standard nutrition advice fails and how to navigate your unique food thresholds without losing the joy of eating. Intuitive Movement vs. Rigid Routines: How to transition away from calendar-blocked, grueling workouts to movement that actually serves your current season of life. Yoga for Digestion: The direct link between anxiety, stress, and gut health, and how to use movement to build bodily safety. The "Airplane Oxygen Mask" Rule: Why carving out non-negotiable personal time is essential for preserving your creative energy and career longevity. Micro-Resets for High Stress: Actionable, 2-minute tools you can use to calm a fight-or-flight response right before teaching a class. Wellnessbysav Instagram
S2 · E8
August 4 · 47 min
Finding Your Autonomous Voice & The Legacy of Kathy Grant with Blossom Leilani Crawford
How do you stay grounded in your teaching when the fitness industry is constantly chasing the next big trend? In this episode of Emergence, we sit down with Blossom Leilani Crawford to explore why good, smart movement will always outlast the fads. Drawing heavily from the legendary influence of her mentor, Kathy Grant, Blossom shares her philosophy on radical transparency, the necessity of remaining a lifelong student, and why you can never truly clone your mentor. We also dive into the realities of modern bodies—including how to tackle the "forward head posture" epidemic using a "Body Jenga" approach—and how to build a studio business that honors your boundaries and sanity in a busy world. Whether you are a seasoned movement teacher or a devoted student, this conversation will inspire you to lean into your own curiosity and view the studio as your personal lab. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: Navigating Industry Noise: Why Pilates is an endlessly adaptable practice and how to analyze, rather than criticize, new fitness trends. The Kathy Grant Influence: Blossom breaks down the three core pillars of teaching: Radical Transparency, Doing the Work, and Remaining a Student. Finding Your Autonomous Voice: Why the best client relationships are collaborative physical puzzles, and why trying to perfectly mimic your mentor will ultimately hold you back. Modern Bodies & "Body Jenga": Addressing tech-neck, queuing from the head down, and why grounding your clients before they leave the studio is essential. Business Boundaries: How to structure your business around your actual capacity and protect the studio as a neutral sanctuary in heavy socio-political times.
S2 · E7
July 21 · 1 hr 3 min
Self-Compassion is a Superpower with Angeru Zorita
Is the normative path crumbling for you? Are you tired of the endless pressure to over-optimize every single aspect of your life and training? In this episode of Emergence, Laura sits down with Aingeru Zorita—a former high-fashion photographer who spent 15 years shooting for iconic brands like Nike and Oscar de la Renta before radically pivoting his life. Today, Aingeru is a formidable ultra-runner who has conquered the Sahara Desert and co-founded the Southbound 400 Endurance Relay, as well as a dedicated life coach helping creatives and athletes build lives that deeply align with their true selves. Laura and Aingeru explore the physical and emotional extremes of ultra-running, how to strip away your ego to find ultimate freedom, and why self-compassion will always take you further than self-loathing. Whether you're an athlete pushing your physical limits or a creative navigating a major life transition, Aingeru’s story is a masterclass in leaning into intuition, taking courageous action, and giving yourself permission to change your mind. Key Takeaways: The Liberating Power of Insignificance: How running 50+ miles through desolate landscapes diminishes the ego and eases the paralysis of self-doubt. Embracing Non-Linear Paths: Why transitioning from music, to top-tier photography, to life coaching proves that success comes from following curiosity, not a rigid trajectory. Redefining Motivation: Moving away from the "suffer-fest" mentality to find out what genuinely resonates with your specific personality and values. Mindfulness Without Optimization Fatigue: How to practice meditation and presence without turning it into just another stressful task on your daily checklist. Self-Compassion as a Superpower: Why high-achievers need to drop the harsh self-critique and how self-acceptance acts as a holistic, energizing fuel for peak performance.
S2 · E6
June 30 · 58 min
Beyond the Repertoire: The Gritty Reality of Building a Pilates Career with Katie Yip Season
We all want the shortcut to mastery. But what if the only way up is through 10,000 hours of unglamorous, gritty work? On the newest episode of Emergence, ⁠Katie ⁠and I strip away the glossy facade of the fitness industry to talk about what it actually takes to build a lasting practice. We’re digging into why abandoning the desire for instant gratification is your biggest asset, and how treating each body with the Scientific Method (observation, hypothesis, testing) changes everything about how you teach. We also cover: ▪️ Why true mentorship means hoping your students eventually outgrow you ▪️ Escaping competition by being unapologetically yourself ▪️ How studio culture dictates success—and why the "abundance mindset" at⁠ Paradigm ⁠eliminates toxic hoarding ▪️ Motherhood as a forcing function for physical empathy and unlearning If you’re ready to stop competing and start mastering your craft, this one is for you. Please rate, review and share <3
June 23 · 51 min
The Coach Becomes the Student: Michael Autore's Journey Through Cancer and Healing
What happens when the person used to holding everyone else up suddenly needs to be carried? In this episode of Emergence, we sit down with Michael Autore to explore a profound role reversal. As a coach and service provider, Michael was always the pillar of strength for his clients—until a sudden cancer diagnosis forced him to step back and learn the hardest lesson of all: how to receive. Michael opens up about his journey through chemotherapy, alchemizing physical adversity into mental strength, and the massive physiological impact of shifting his internal monologue. But this isn't just a story about surviving illness. It’s a masterclass in professional longevity, redefining empathy in the studio, and building the kind of business infrastructure that keeps your livelihood safe when life hits you hard. Whether you are a coach, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own health journey, this episode is a wake-up call to stop waiting for a crisis to prioritize your well-being. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Coach as the Student: Why allowing others to support you isn't a weakness, but a vital part of the human ecosystem. Alchemizing Adversity: How changing your somatic talk (from "my body is broken" to "I am healing") directly impacts your biology and nervous system. Coaching Mechanics & "Dynamic Dosaging": How to use a "slow-drip" intake to uncover a client's unseen life stressors, and why a "win" in the studio isn't always a personal record. Supporting a Friend in Crisis: Why being a "pocket of normalcy"—and keeping up the funny memes—is often exactly what someone navigating trauma actually needs. The 12-Month Mentor Rule: Why the most practical business advice comes from someone exactly 9 to 12 months ahead of you, not an industry titan. Building the Infrastructure Early: How Michael’s prior pivot to a remote model saved his business during chemo, and why you need scalable systems before you need them. Key Takeaways from Michael: "Why did it take cancer for me to see what I'm actually capable of and clean up my nutrition? Don't allow life to hit you in the face for you to make that jump." "I'm gonna see you at the top, but you gotta be healthy when you get there. You have to create time for your health."
June 9 · 51 min
Stripping back the aesthetic of the wellness industry with Ashlea Mckee
Emergence Episode: From Dance to Healing, Authentic Teaching, and the Power of Pilates with Ashlea From suffering a severe spinal injury at age 18 to becoming a leading Pilates voice with over 200,000 followers, Ashlea’s journey is a testament to the healing power of mindful movement. In this episode of Emergence, Laura sits down with Ashley McKee—classical Pilates instructor and founder of Elan Wellbeing. While Ashley’s aesthetic and movement may look effortless to her 200,000+ followers, this conversation strips back the layers to reveal the grit, hustle, and reality behind building a successful wellness brand. Ashley opens up about her journey from suffering a severe spinal stress fracture as a young professional dancer in Sydney to finding healing and her life's passion on the Pilates reformer. Together, Laura and Ashley explore the transition from the grueling perfectionism of the dance world to the comforting, practice-based mindset of Pilates. They also dive into the unglamorous realities of freelancing, how to navigate the rigidity of the classical Pilates world to find your unique teaching voice, and the power of taking your time to master your craft. Whether you're an aspiring instructor, a movement enthusiast, or someone trying to find balance in a freelance career, this episode is packed with grounded advice and inspiration. The Pivot from Dance: How a devastating stress fracture shifted Ashlea's mindset from physical discipline and perfectionism to rehabilitation and healing. The Value of "Slow" Education: Why rushing your certification is a mistake, and why Ashlea treats her 600-hour classical training like a university degree. Authenticity in the Digital Age: The strategy behind building a 200k+ community—stripping back the layers and proving that people connect with who you are, not just high-production videos. The Reality of Freelancing: The unglamorous side of wearing multiple hats (marketer, accountant, planner) and the essential need to schedule downtime to prevent burnout. Classical Roots, Modern Voice: Finding the sweet spot between honoring classical Pilates and adding flow, breath, and mobility for the modern body. Looking Ahead: Ashlea's upcoming launch of the Elan Wellbeing hub, her exciting partnership with The Newman Hotel in London, and her mission to bring respect back to Mat Pilates. "People are not going to really remember the class plan or what you taught them, but they're going to remember how you made them feel." — Ashlea "There is something so healing about understanding that Pilates is a practice and perfection will never be achieved." — Laura Don't forget to follow, rate, and subscribe to Emergence! If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help others find the show. Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠https://lauragunder.substack.com⁠
S2 · E3
May 26 · 1 hr 5 min
Chasing the Feeling: From Elite Football to the Himalayas with Jordan Fairclough
Redefining High Performance, Neurochemistry, and Radical Autonomy with Jordan Fairclough In this episode, Jordan Fairclough joins Laura to dismantle the traditional, rigid definition of "winning at all costs" and replaces it with a sustainable framework built on longevity, presence, and internal mastery. Inside the episode: The "Suitcase Test": Why true performance is about lifelong physical autonomy, not just elite athletic markers. The Human Edge: Why somatic intelligence and mastering your internal mind-body connection is your greatest asset in an AI-driven world. Hebb’s Law & Mental Rehearsal: The neuroscience behind how our thoughts and visualizations literally rewire our neural pathways. The D.O.S.E. Framework: Breaking down why dopamine is actually released during the pursuit of the work, not the final achievement. Alchemizing Discomfort: Lessons on vulnerability, modern masculinity, and finding alignment from a grueling run across India. "We get the most dopamine when we're actually doing the work. The work is the joy. The work is the fun part." Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠https://lauragunder.substack.com⁠
S2 · E2
May 12 · 1 hr 2 min
Silicon Valley to the Studio: Alana Wilbur’s Masterclass on Business Longevity
In this episode of The Emergence Podcast, we sit down with Alana Wilber, founder of BOA Pilates, to discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a movement educator by following your joy and trusting your intuition. Alana shares her candid journey from navigating tech sales in San Francisco to intentionally building a solo studio and a robust online infrastructure. We unpack the realities of the classical versus contemporary Pilates debate, why mastering the fundamentals is non-negotiable for client safety, and how to push past the fear of putting your work out there. If you're looking to create longevity in your teaching practice and build a business that genuinely aligns with your gut and authentic self, this conversation is for you. Key Topics Covered: The Strategic Exit: How Alana used her departure from the corporate tech world to secretly fund her Pilates career. The "House of Cards" Mistake: Why skipping the fundamentals is the biggest trap for new instructors looking to be creative. The "One Box" Method: Her simple, no-stress mindset trick for launching a solo studio without getting overwhelmed. Digital Longevity: The genius strategy Alana uses to build an online library and essentially "get paid to work out." Stop Trying to "Fix" People: Why playing physical therapist is hurting your practice—and what true empathetic teaching actually looks like. Follow us on: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/⁠ Substack: ⁠https://lauragunder.substack.com⁠ Alana Wilbur : https://www.instagram.com/alana.moves/
S2 · E2
April 28 · 1 hr 1 min
The Human Behind the Teacher: Empathy, Energy, and Burnout with Max Lobato
Max Lobato on Studio Energy, Burnout, and Ditching the "Instagram Pilates" Performance Teaching movement is a massive energy exchange. This week on Emergence, we strip away the rigidity of the fitness industry to talk about the human behind the teacher with London-based classical Pilates instructor Max Lobato. We get into the reality of 12-hour teaching days, navigating the intense energy of highly scheduled clients, and why constantly filming your self-practice is killing your flow state. If you’re feeling the friction of the industry, looking to build more sustainability into your career, or just struggling to find joy in your own movement, this one is for you. Key Topics Covered: Reading the Room: How to manage "spicy" studio energy and confidently pivot a session when a client needs a nervous system reset. Training vs. Practicing: Why separating your flow state from your mechanical study is crucial for career longevity. Avoiding the Rut: Tangible ways to rotate apparatus and keep your solo practice from flatlining. The Antidote to Burnout: Why mastering the fundamentals—and actively living a life outside the studio—ultimately makes you a better teacher. What strategies do you use to protect your energy on those heavy teaching days? Let me know what you thought of the episode! Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/ Substack: https://lauragunder.substack.com Max Lobatto : https://www.instagram.com/maxpilates5/
S2 · E1
April 15 · 6 min
The Emergence Podcast Season 2
Welcome back to the Emergence Podcast! We are officially kicking off Season 2, and if the current fitness landscape feels like the "Wild West" to you, you aren't alone. In this season premiere, host Laura Gunder—ex-professional ballerina turned NYC classical Pilates instructor—sets the stage for a year focused on the human side of being a fitness professional. For years, Laura navigated the industry’s lack of a roadmap, battling the "hustle" culture that leads to burnout, health struggles, and financial instability. Now, she’s sharing the systems and mindset shifts needed to make this career not just successful, but sustainable. The Season 2 Roadmap: What to expect from our bi-weekly guest interviews. The New Resource Center: Introducing the Emergence Substack, a written companion to the podcast designed for readers and deep-divers who want tangible takeaways from every episode. The "Selfish" Approach to Service: Why protecting your own energy, health, and "financial fitness" is the only way to truly show up for your clients. Breaking the Isolation: Why building a community of instructors is the best defense against a chaotic industry. Whether you’re struggling with the 40-hour-a-week hustle or looking for a sense of grounding in your practice, this season is dedicated to you. No polish, no pretense—just real talk about the ripple effect of being a healthy, supported teacher. Connect with the Community: Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@emergencepodand resource guides. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencepod/ Feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out with topics or questions you want addressed this season. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you're finding value in these conversations!
S1 · E35
Dec 18, 2025 · 9 min
The Walk: Kira Lamb Recap | The Emergence Podcast
Laura reflects on her conversation with Kira Lamb this week, exploring the concept of reverence in movement practice and teaching. She discusses the importance of respecting your craft enough to embrace struggle, curiosity, and the discomfort of not knowing, recognizing that mastery takes years of trial and error. Laura reminds listeners that sustaining yourself as a practitioner requires adaptability and the willingness to juggle multiple paths, all while giving yourself grace through the difficulty. She challenges the culture of instant gratification and emphasizes that building resilience and self-confidence comes from working through the hard things, ultimately allowing us to show up better for ourselves and our clients.
S1 · E34
Dec 9, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 18: Kira Lamb | The Emergence Podcast
In this week's episode, Laura welcomes New York-based Pilates instructor Kira Lamb for a conversation about building a sustainable teaching practice rooted in classical methodology. Kira shares her journey from ballet dancer to creating the viral Contrology Freak Challenge, and offers practical wisdom on navigating the early years of teaching without burning out. The conversation explores the distinction between Pilates as a workout versus Pilates as a method, and how to create a practice that attracts like-minded clients. With 23 years of teaching experience, Kira emphasizes the power of repetition, teaching fundamentals deeply, and the necessity of adaptability as an entrepreneur in the fitness landscape.
S1 · E33
Nov 25, 2025 · 9 min
The Walk: Erica Almodovar Recap | The Emergence Podcast
In this week's episode of The Walk, Laura reflects on her conversation with Erica Almodovar, exploring the ongoing journey of becoming a skilled Pilates teacher. Laura discusses embracing struggle as part of the learning process, reminding listeners that certification is just the beginning and true mastery comes through years of practice and embodiment. She addresses the business side of teaching, emphasizing fair pricing, professional boundaries, and continuous investment in one's own education. As the holiday season approaches, Laura offers a gentle reminder to practice self-care while showing up authentically for clients and yourself.
S1 · E32
Nov 18, 2025 · 50 min
Ep. 17: Erica Almodovar | The Emergence Podcast
In this episode, Laura sits down with renowned classical Pilates instructor Erica Almodovar, who shares her journey from managing health clubs to studying directly under Romana Kryzanowska and becoming an international teacher trainer. Erica reflects on her nearly 30 years in the industry, the invaluable lessons from observing Romana's teaching, and her commitment to passing on the classical method exactly as she learned it. The conversation explores challenges facing Pilates today—from quick certification programs to the importance of embodiment and continuous practice—as well as Erica's approach to teacher training, client retention, and building a sustainable business rooted in the integrity of Joseph Pilates' original work. Erica also discusses navigating stress in modern clients, protecting your body as an instructor, and her vision for mentoring the next generation of classical Pilates teachers.
S1 · E31
Nov 11, 2025 · 11 min
The Walk: Emilio Lara Recap | The Emergence Podcast
On this week's episode of The Walk, Laura shares a candid reflection on the importance of slowing down and resisting the urge to constantly push for more. Drawing on her conversation with Emilio Lara about humility and sustainable success, she discusses her own tendency to become controlling during uncertain times and emphasizes that ambitious fitness professionals must balance their drive for growth with genuine self-care. Laura encourages listeners to practice gratitude for what they've already built, recognize when pushing harder creates more harm than progress, and remember that preserving their physical and mental health is essential to serving clients and maintaining longevity in the industry.
S1 · E30
Nov 4, 2025 · 51 min
Ep. 16: Emilio Lara | The Emergence Podcast
On this week's episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura chats with Emilio Lara, a coach, trainer, and multi-hyphenate creative based in Mexico City. They dive into a focused conversation around movement and discipline and how that translates into his way of life—across fitness and creativity. Emilio shares stories from his journey, from being an active kid inspired by his older brother's transformation, to discovering his passion for fitness at sixteen with those "killer chest workouts" by the side of his bed. He opens up about how discipline on the soccer field shaped him, his inspiring approach to coaching, and his philosophy of being the coach he wished he always had. They talk about what truly motivates him—the pride his clients take in their own transformations—and the hard lesson of learning to rest, listen to his body, and let go of the guilt that comes with taking time off.
S1 · E29
Oct 28, 2025 · 15 min
The Walk: Emma Baker Recap | The Emergence Podcast
On the Walk this week, Laura discusses key insights from her conversation with first-year instructor Emma Baker, emphasizing the importance of bringing one's full life experience into teaching rather than fitting a narrow definition of fitness professional. She explores practical strategies, including focusing on "needle-moving" micro-actions over overwhelming macro goals, creating grounding spaces to combat decision fatigue, and maintaining mindfulness during challenging sessions. Laura addresses anxiety around client turnover, advocating for building a financial safety net and trusting that quality work attracts clients. She challenges listeners to radically reassess their values and boundaries, asking what kind of coach they truly want to be and what lifestyle will help them show up with energy and authenticity rather than burnout.
S1 · E28
Oct 21, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 15: Emma Baker | The Emergence Podcast
In this episode of The Emergence Podcast, Laura sits down with Emma Baker, a New York-based personal trainer who made the leap from ballet dancer and corporate writer to fitness professional just a year and a half ago. Emma shares the realities of being a new trainer in New York City, from managing the physical and mental demands of running between studios to navigating the identity shift that comes with a major career change. The conversation explores how Emma's background in ballet and powerlifting shaped her coaching philosophy, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while building a client base, and the importance of staying grounded and present with clients in a fast-paced industry. Emma opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to set boundaries, and discovering that the best coaching comes from honoring her unique blend of movement influences—from strength training to yoga and dance—rather than fitting into a single mold.
S1 · E27
Oct 14, 2025 · 11 min
The Walk: Stephanie Krempa Recap | The Emergence Podcast
Laura reflects on last week's conversation with Stephanie Krempa and gets candid about her own struggles with burnout and overextension. Drawing from Stephanie's holistic approach to wellness, she opens up about pushing past her boundaries despite knowing better—a tendency many ambitious, Type-A personalities share. Laura emphasizes the importance of listening to your body's cues before reaching a breaking point, sharing her personal health setbacks as a cautionary tale. She encourages listeners to build sustainable systems that allow space for rest and self-care, reminding everyone that slowing down isn't weakness—it's essential maintenance for long-term health and success.

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