Welcome to the PAC Talk where we help you explore your capacity to move better, push further and achieve your limitless potential through fitness, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle. I’m your host Pieter Vodden, co-owner of PHAROS Athletic Club in Echo Park. Thanks for tuning in and Welcome To The PAC!”
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park.
Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the PAC Talk where we help you explore your capacity to move better, push further and achieve your limitless potential through fitness, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle. I’m your host Pieter Vodden, co-owner of PHAROS Athletic Club in Echo Park. Thanks for tuning in and Welcome To The PAC!”
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park.
Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this PAC Talk Mini, host Emylee Vodden shares a simple nightly ritual she practices with her kids — one that’s quietly reshaped how she approaches gratitude, leadership, and growth.
Each night before bed, she asks them:
“What was the best part of your day?”
Sometimes the answers come easily. Other times, she has to pull a little, dig deeper, and remind them — and herself — that gratitude is a practice, not a mood. It’s how we learn to look for light even on the hard days.
Emylee reflects on how this small act of reflection has grown into a larger philosophy at Pharos: to lead with light, to find joy in the process, and to systemize positivity in a world that constantly demands more.
✨ Try it tonight: Ask yourself — what was the best part of my day?
💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this PAC Talk Mini, Emylee Vodden shares a big update from the Pharos team: after nine years and more than 20 Limitless Challenges, she and Pieter have built something new— a digital school and 7-Day Results Accelerator designed to help you reset your focus, rebuild momentum, and create a roadmap for the season you’re in.
This isn’t about more information. It’s about catalyst—clarity, excitement, and accountability.
Whether you’re a 500 Club veteran or just trying to find your rhythm again before the holidays, this seven-day experience will help you reconnect to what drives you.
Take the free 3-minute quiz to get a personalized 90-day plan
Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator (Nov 10 – 16)
Reignite your motivation and head into the holidays without restriction, without burnout, and with joy.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Most of us default to one style of “help,” even when another would serve better. In this PAC Talk, we break down the difference between Push, Pull, and Hold—and give you a quick self-check to pick what you need today.
We’ll map common training/life scenarios to each mode, plus a 60-second quiz to decide your next move. Right help, right time. That’s the game.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of PAC Talk, host Pieter Vodden sits down with multiple CrossFit Games champion Leka Fineman about what comes after competition.
Leka opens up about:
Together, they explore the evolution of the fitness industry, the myths around menopause and performance, and how both men and women can train smarter, not harder, as they age.
📘 Download Leka’s Free Menopause Blueprint: lekafineman.com
Follow Leka on Instagram: @lekafineman
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Emylee shares her mom’s decade-long fight with trigeminal neuralgia and the lesson it forged: lead with light. Joy can coexist with pain—and sometimes you borrow someone else’s light until your own returns.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Not toxic gloss—action. Emylee defines “relentless positivity” as acting despite how you feel: micro-joys, gratitude, and forward motion when the marathon gets long. Name the hard, then move anyway.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Most of us get to 90%—then stall. Emylee riffs on remodel chaos, human nature, and why coaching, accountability, and a good crew carry you across the finish line. If you’re stuck, borrow a tribe and close the gap.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Emylee sits down with artist-entrepreneur Alex Camacho—the force behind Acid Queen Jewelry—for a real talk on fitness, mindset, and building a business that lasts. We cover her athlete-to-artist journey, how the Limitless Challenge reframed goals, why “80% done is 100% perfect,” and how to use AI as a tool (not a shortcut) to analyze data, calm emotions, and stay the course. We get into macros, petite body composition, pull-up milestones, meditation for money fear, and the parallels between training and entrepreneurship.
You’ll learn:
Routine goals vs outcome goals (and why that changes everything)
Using scans, wearables & photos without spiraling
Petite strength & aesthetics: precise tweaks that move the needle
Facing money fears with data + daily practice
Where AI helps (and where it doesn’t)
If this episode helped, hit Subscribe, drop your current routine goal in the comments, and share with a friend in their “80% done” season.
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
Connect with Alex
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve all missed alarms, overextended ourselves, or completely goofed up a plan. In this Pac Talk Mini, Emylee Vodden shares how a simple client message turned a potential scheduling disaster into a reminder of the power of planning, accountability, and community. Instead of stressing about mistakes, what if we built systems—and relationships—that anticipate needs before problems arise? This short mountain-drive reflection is about being proactive, reducing anxiety, and leaning on the right people in your corner.
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Pac Talk mini, Piet Vodden opens up about anxiety, stage fright, and the lessons his parents taught him about butterflies in the stomach. Instead of letting fear paralyze us, we can choose to use that nervous energy as fuel for action, courage, and growth. From high school performances to everyday challenges, Piet shares simple mindset shifts to reframe anxiety into empowerment.
If you’ve ever felt stuck by nerves or fear, this episode will remind you that sometimes all it takes is one small, brave step forward.
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Pac Talk, Emylee Vodden dives deep into how we talk to kids about food—and how those conversations shape their relationship with health for life. What starts as a heartbreaking moment with a five-year-old worried about “getting fat” turns into a powerful reflection on breaking generational cycles of diet culture, shame, and restriction. Emylee shares her framework for sustainable nutrition—fuel × joy × results—and explores how parents (and adults re-parenting their inner child) can create a healthier, more joyful relationship with food. Whether you’re raising kids or healing your own food story, this conversation offers a practical and compassionate path forward.
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
#NutritionBeyondThePlate #HealthyKids #FoodEducation #BreakTheCycle #StopDietCulture #SustainableNutrition #ParentingHealth #PositiveNutrition #KidsAndFood #PacTalkPodcast
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Piet Vodden breaks down what “coaching” really means in 2025—how we got from big-box machines to CrossFit’s barbell revolution, and now to the hybrid model that blends functional bodybuilding, conditioning, running clubs, and community. Piet explains why great coaching is a learned craft: commanding a room, progressing skills safely, creating energy, and delivering results without burning people out. Piet breaks down the lost art of group coaching, the difference between PT and group leadership, and why education, reps on the floor, and standards matter more than TikTok tips. If you’re a coach, gym owner, or member who thrives in coached sessions, this is your playbook—and an open invite to help raise the bar at Pharos.
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
#PacTalk #PieterVodden #FitnessPodcast #Sacrifice #HybridTraining #Bodybuilding #EnduranceTraining #Hyrox #MarathonTraining #LongevityFitness #StrengthAndConditioning #MuscleAfter40 #RecoveryMatters #GeneralPhysicalPreparedness
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Pac Talk, Emylee Vodden sits down with her longtime mentor Andrea Marcum—yoga teacher, retreat leader, and author of Close to Om. Andrea shares her 20+ years of experience in yoga and fitness, from running a grassroots LA studio to leading transformative retreats in Bali, Italy, Mexico, and beyond. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, resilience, and community in sustaining a long career in health and wellness.
Emylee and Andrea reflect on their own origin story, how a life-changing Bali retreat planted the seeds for Pharos Athletic Club, and why impact matters more than influence in today’s fitness world. They also dig into the importance of balancing strength training, yoga, and recovery—especially for women navigating perimenopause, bone density, and long-term vitality.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, fitness coach, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking sustainable health practices, this conversation is packed with wisdom on building a meaningful career and life rooted in movement, mentorship, and connection.
Connect with Andrea
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
#PacTalk #PieterVodden #FitnessPodcast #Sacrifice #HybridTraining #Bodybuilding #EnduranceTraining #Hyrox #MarathonTraining #LongevityFitness #StrengthAndConditioning #MuscleAfter40 #RecoveryMatters #GeneralPhysicalPreparedness
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this solo episode of Pac Talk, Pieter Vodden dives deep into the reality of sacrifice in fitness. What does it take to be great at one discipline—and what do you give up along the way? From bodybuilding to Hyrox, half marathons, endurance hikes, and strength training, Piet shares how he balances competing priorities while still preserving muscle, family time, and long-term health.
At 47, Piet has learned that the real key isn’t chasing perfection in one lane but building general physical preparedness (GPP)—a foundation of muscle, conditioning, and mobility that serves you for life. He covers:
Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR, training for Hyrox, or just trying to stay strong and healthy as you age, this episode will help you define what’s worth sacrificing—and what isn’t.
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
#PacTalk #PieterVodden #FitnessPodcast #Sacrifice #HybridTraining #Bodybuilding #EnduranceTraining #Hyrox #MarathonTraining #LongevityFitness #StrengthAndConditioning #MuscleAfter40 #RecoveryMatters #GeneralPhysicalPreparedness
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Procrastination isn’t a time‑management problem—it’s an emotion‑management one. In this solo episode, I unpack how shame fuels the procrastination loop and why “I’ll do it tomorrow” keeps us stuck. (This framing comes from researcher Tim Pychyl’s work showing procrastination is about regulating feelings, not calendars.)
I walk through a simple “Head, Heart, or Hands” check to pinpoint what’s really blocking action—overthinking (head), emotional resistance (heart), or missing tools/skills/environment (hands)—and how to respond to each.
Then we borrow from Anne‑Laure Le Cunff’s Tiny Experiments and make a short pact: a tiny, curiosity‑driven step (your “bare minimum habit”) that trades judgment for feedback and momentum.
By the end, you’ll have one micro‑action to break the cycle today—and a playbook to repeat tomorrow.
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of PAC Talk, Piet sits down with longtime friend and first-ever PAC coach, Shepherd Tate. From his early CrossFit days in Memphis to becoming Head Coach at Pharos Athletic Club, Shep shares the journey, lessons, and philosophy that shape his approach to programming, coaching, and community building. They dive into the evolution of PAC’s training model, the importance of progressive overload, injury recovery insights, and how the 30-60-90 plan keeps members engaged and improving. Plus, a preview of the upcoming Monster Meet and why PAC’s long-term programming stands apart from the quick-fix fitness trend.
Connect with Shepherd
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of PAC Talk, I sit down with fitness industry legend Paul Fetters to talk about a lifetime in bodybuilding, business, and the pursuit of sustainable health. From training at the iconic Gold’s Gym during bodybuilding’s golden era to pioneering personal training, launching semi-private training studios, and building a nationwide nutrition program, Paul shares the lessons that kept him thriving for decades. Hear stories of Arnold-era Venice Beach, competing in 44 bodybuilding shows, building businesses from scratch, and why sustainability—not extremes—is the key to lasting results. Packed with history, insight, and practical advice, this is a must-listen for gym owners, trainers, and anyone chasing long-term health.
Connect with Paul
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the final installment of our PAC Perspective Anchors series, Piet and Emylee dive into their favorite core value: Lead with Light — to be the best part of someone’s day.
Rooted in the origins of the Pharos lighthouse, this anchor is about showing up with intention, positivity, and human connection. It’s not just about reps and sets — it’s about smiling when people walk through the door, offering unexpected compliments, celebrating small wins, and being radically present.
Piet shares how the metaphor of a lighthouse shaped the vision for Pharos Athletic Club, while Emylee explores how positive reinforcement, consistency, and micro-moments of joy can uplift an entire community. Whether you're a coach, gym owner, or just trying to be a better human, this episode is a reminder to check in with your compass and spread light wherever you go.
Catch up on the full anchor series, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and swing by one of our five gym locations — we’d love to be the best part of your day.
Check out the Pillars series on our website
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of PAC Talk, we (Piet and Emylee) break down the second anchor of our PAC Perspective series: Move With Purpose—Anticipate the Need. This anchor is at the heart of everything we do at Pharos Athletic Club, from how we train to how we lead.
We talk about what it means to act with intention and develop intuition, how quality beats speed, and why humility and awareness are non-negotiables in our space. Whether you’re lifting, coaching, leading, or learning, this one’s for you. We dive into the ways our coaches and community create an experience that’s thoughtful, elevated, and deeply personal—where everyone shows up to be 1% better every day.
We also share stories from inside the gym and offer insights on reading the room, managing energy, and meeting people where they are—because moving with purpose doesn’t just build better athletes, it builds better humans.
Check out the Pillars series on our website
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the first episode of our PAC Perspective Anchors series on PAC Talk, hosted by Pieter Vodden and Emylee Covell. This episode breaks down the first core anchor that defines the culture at Pharos Athletic Club: "Show Up to Build Others."
From pandemic parking-lot workouts to creating an unshakable tribe of support, Piet and Emylee unpack what it means to lead by example, cultivate community, and build a gym culture rooted in effort, accountability, and human connection.
Whether you're a coach, gym member, or just someone seeking more meaning from your fitness experience, this episode dives into the values that drive sustainable transformation—and why showing up for others is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.
Check out the Pillars series on our website
Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.
If you are in Southern California come train with us
Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
