Looking for a jolt of motivation, laughter, and authentic connection? In this uplifting episode of "Star Before You're Ready," Kelly brings together two of the most iconic members of the KBC community, Jen V. and Heather M., for an unscripted conversation about friendship, overcoming medical challenges, and what keeps them coming back to bootcamp year after year. These two powerhouse women share how fitness turned acquaintances into best friends and created a network of support both inside and outside the studio.
Listeners will hear heartwarming and hilarious stories—like getting “dragged” to early morning workouts, overcoming serious heart conditions, and returning from major setbacks stronger than ever. They open up about using data and consistency to track real transformation, grant themselves grace, and how community makes every rep, recovery, and celebration more meaningful.
Whether you’re new to group fitness or just trying to start a fitness routine, you’ll find actionable tips on building healthy habits, the importance of showing up, and why you should never compare your beginning to someone else’s journey.
This episode will have you reflecting on your own friendships, laughing out loud, and ready to say “yes” to your next challenge.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Kelly kicks off this episode of "Start Before You’re Ready" with an honest behind-the-scenes confession: it’s her third attempt at recording this week, but this time she gets real about connection, community, and why meaningful conversations matter. From Friday treats to the challenges her clients face—motivation, nutrition, sleep, stress, and pain—Kelly shares practical advice and stories from her community.
She highlights the power of checking in with others, progress over perfection, and the importance of small wins. The episode closes with a reminder to be present, ask better questions, and always start before you’re ready.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this inspiring episode, Kelly Young interviews Heather Whisenant a vibrant new member whose energy, gratitude, and goal-mindedness have quickly made her a standout. Heather shares her evolution—from overcoming back injuries and learning to celebrate small wins, to developing real strength and learning to love her arms.
Listeners follow Heather’s path as she adapts to new routines, pushes past physical and emotional challenges, and emphasizes the value of trying new things. The episode highlights practical nutrition hacks, sustainable fitness habits, and the mental shift that makes all the difference: showing up, staying curious, and never letting critic voices win.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this deeply moving episode, Kelly sits down with her friend, Barbara Gladieux, to share a conversation about love, loss, and the language of healing. After losing her husband, Ken, to suicide, Barbara turned her grief into advocacy—helping others navigate their own journeys through loss and raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Together, Kelly and Barbara discuss the power of words like “died by suicide,” the importance of community support, and the value of open, honest conversations about mental illness. Barbara also shares her experience founding a support group in Lynchburg, her children’s continued advocacy work, and how hope and connection can help carry us through unimaginable pain.
This episode reminds listeners that mental illness is an illness—not a choice—and that healing begins when we start talking.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this heartfelt episode, Kelly Young interviews her dear friend Kristen Kime, affectionately known as KK, who shares her inspiring journey through breast cancer. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the role of fitness and nutrition in recovery, and the significance of early detection through self-exams. KK's positive attitude and determination to maintain normalcy during her treatment serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope. The episode also emphasizes the need for awareness and support for breast cancer initiatives, encouraging listeners to engage with their communities and support one another.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this episode, Kelly Young sits down with Kathy Curtin — a mother of seven, one of the original boot campers, and the creative force behind What Kathy Creates. Kathy shares how fitness has shaped her approach to both motherhood and entrepreneurship, explaining how the strength, discipline, and confidence she’s built at bootcamp have fueled her creativity and growth in business.
Listeners will hear how Kathy developed her craft, mastered power tools, and continues to inspire others to embrace new challenges. The episode also explores the importance of community, the value of self-care for moms, and the joy of giving new life and purpose to forgotten furniture.
Follow Kathy on Instagram at @whatkccreates for a behind-the-scenes look at her projects and daily inspiration.
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Let’s connect!
IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Frank Pucher, a decades-long leader in fitness coaching and author of "Smart Money Moves," joins Kelly for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation. Frank shares lessons from his journey as an athlete, personal trainer, studio owner, and mentor, including what it takes to maintain longevity, balance, and joy in life. He introduces his "Core Four" philosophy, showing how small, intentional actions across relationships, health, career, and happiness can transform your year. The episode dives into the importance of accountability, why simple routines (not the latest fitness trends) really work, and debunks common myths about fitness, business, and aging. Frank closes with his signature advice: "Fear the change and do it anyway"—a motivating reminder to start before you feel ready and keep learning as you go.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
On this heartfelt episode of "Start Before You're Ready," Kelly sits down with Margery Pratt, a true pillar of the KBC community and a living example of aging beautifully and strong. Known for her consistent fitness journey since 2009, Margery shares her philosophies on family, work, community, and resilience.
Listeners will hear about her 29-year career as a much-loved high school teacher, her deep commitment to showing up for others, and how the KBC community helped her through profound loss. Margery discusses the importance of modeling physical activity for the next generation, maintaining a healthy approach to food, and what it means to find light even in life’s darkest moments. The conversation covers everything from fitness routines and nutrition habits to fashion, family, and the healing power of connection.
Don’t miss Margery’s wisdom on staying consistent, how her family values shaped her, and why showing up—even when it’s hard—is the secret to building strength, inside and out.
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Let’s connect!
IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Kelly Young marks the 50th episode by swapping roles with KBC team member Erica Collins—an instructor, long-time friend, and dedicated mom—who hosts this milestone conversation. Rather than a typical interview, Kelly answers candid questions sourced directly from her own team, they asked the best questions!
Topics Discussed
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Host Kelly Young sits down with her son, Dalton Young, as he prepares for the Professional Lacrosse League (PLL) championship game. Dalton, a University of Richmond grad and pro lacrosse player, shares his journey from tagging along in bootcamp parking lots to competing at the highest level in PLL. The episode dives into family influence, athlete recruiting, NCAA challenges, discipline from top coaches, the impact of dedicated teammates, and Dalton’s entrepreneurial pursuits. Discover how formative coaches and the unwavering support of teammates shaped Dalton’s approach to loyalty, leadership, and starting before you’re ready—through the eyes of this inspiring PLL athlete and his mom.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Kelly Young welcomes special guest Bob Kehoe for an inspiring, authentic conversation marking Bob’s remarkable three-year anniversary with KBC. Throughout the episode, listeners hear Kelly recount Bob’s confident and consistent approach to fitness, his knack for energizing others, and why instructors prize him in their classes. Bob shares the journey from his roots in Chicago to building a life and successful businesses in Northern Virginia.
Bob reflects on overcoming busy seasons, quitting exercise for nearly a decade, and the wake-up call from his doctor. He dives into lessons learned: prioritizing health, building routines that fit real life, and the powerful impact of community. The discussion covers workout variety, nutrition discoveries like the effects of sugar on inflammation, and practical successes and setbacks—including holiday weight gain and sustainable change as he ages.
Listeners also gain insight into Bob’s entrepreneurial side, strategies for creating meaningful business relationships, and advice he’s given to younger entrepreneurs about growing a company and leveraging connections. The episode wraps with tips for keeping gym culture strong, growing a fitness business without losing its welcoming, team-oriented vibe, and the importance of community, swag, and word-of-mouth to lasting success.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Kelly Young hosts Jenny Greenfield—the first ever KBC bootcamp participant and now a pivotal team member, celebrating community, consistency, and resilience in fitness through life’s evolving stages.
Key Discussion Points:
-Both Kelly and Jenny’s beginnings in group fitness, with a shared origin at Gold’s Gym and as moms of baby girls. The value of friendship and routine in sustaining fitness commitments.
-Jenny’s candid reflections on aging, turning 50, and feeling more confident and energetic than she did at 40. Overcoming health challenges and balancing family, career, and teaching fitness.
-The importance of consistency over perfection, especially for non-“fitness freaks,” with Jenny crediting her instructor role for creating accountability and routine.
-Insights into working full-time and teaching fitness—how group classes provide motivation amid tiredness, and how community sustains engagement.
-Jenny’s approach to planning classes, infusing creative tweaks into core movements, drawing on an athletic/dance background, and personalizing workouts based on regulars’ preferences.
/The power of small groups and fitness challenges (like Camp U and “Level Up”) for accountability and forming deeper friend connections—emphasizing community support through adversity, celebrations, and everyday struggles.
Jenny’s advice - Just show up, find what works, and let community carry you through hard and good times.
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Let’s connect!
IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on the daily habits and routines that help me feel my best. This is not a prescription or advice—just an honest look at what works for me after a lot of trial and error.
What’s Inside:
• Eating Routine: Why timing my meals and sticking to a regular eating schedule makes a big difference for my energy and mood.
• Go-To Foods: Some of the staple foods I rely on, and how they support my overall well-being.
• Supplement Strategy: How I’ve refined my supplement routine, and what I’ve learned about finding the right balance.
• Recovery Practices: The crucial role that recovery plays in health, with a focus on my favorite methods: yin yoga and sauna time.
A Note:
These are simply my personal practices. I’m sharing what helps me thrive—everyone is different!
Tune in to hear how these choices evolved over time, why they matter to me, and candid reflections on staying consistent through busy days.
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Let’s connect!
IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this episode, Kelly Young interviews Ken Hostetter, who shares his inspiring journey of personal transformation through fitness and wellness. Ken discusses his long-term commitment to health, the lessons learned from KBC, and the importance of nutrition and meal prep. He emphasizes the role of accountability in achieving fitness goals and the connection between health and wealth. Ken also reflects on the confidence gained through his fitness journey and offers practical advice for listeners looking to improve their health.
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Let’s connect!
IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Host Kelly Young welcomes fellow fitness leader Jill Rooks for a motivating and heartfelt conversation centered on intuition, energy, and the art of building supportive fitness communities.
Kelly and Jill reflect on their parallel paths as studio owners—Kelly at Inergy in Northern Virginia, and Jill at The Energy Lab in Southern California—and how trusting their own instincts while staying attuned to the evolving needs of their communities has shaped their journeys and purpose.
Jill opens up about the experience of personal loss and how it became a driving force behind her mission to create a welcoming, healing space for others. She shares practical advice on making meditation more approachable—encouraging listeners to think of it as simple, everyday pauses rather than something intimidating or formal.
Together, Kelly and Jill explore strategies for building resilient, compassionate communities that uplift and care for one another during life’s challenges.
Takeaways:
• The role of intuition in leadership and personal growth
• Transforming grief into purpose
• Meditation as an everyday mindful moment
• Creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and energized
• How to foster community resilience through connection and care
This inspiring episode highlights the strength found in following your inner guide, nurturing both energy and empathy, and intentionally shaping communities that support mind and body.
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Let’s connect!
IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this episode, Kelly Young sits down with Mia Durham, a dedicated and energetic rising senior who spent the summer gaining experience in the fitness world as part of her college practicum. Mia opens up about her journey into sports recreation management, sharing how her passion for fitness and genuine ability to connect with others have shaped her evolving career path. Throughout their conversation, Mia describes how this summer’s hands-on experiences have not only deepened her knowledge but also given her newfound confidence, helping her become less self-critical and more present.
Kelly and Mia explore the impact of community in fitness, reflecting on the unique sense of motivation and fun that comes with group workouts and supportive environments. Mia also discusses the personal growth she’s experienced, from learning the value of tracking body composition and understanding nutrition to discovering yoga and mindfulness practices. The episode highlights the significance of support systems, the lessons learned from stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and the joy found in both progress and process.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
In this episode, Debbie Wolin—award-winning high school counselor, devoted wife, and mom of three—shares how prioritizing her own health and wellness gives her the resilience and strength to be a better support for her family, her students, and her larger community. She has made fitness a non-negotiable part of her life, even through a very challenging year. Debbie shares how staying active has enhanced both her physical and mental health, reinforcing her belief that exercise is essential for well-being. Together, they discuss Debbie’s impactful career supporting students and families, the increasingly vital role of school counselors, and how mental health challenges among youth have become more prevalent. Debbie emphasizes the power of community—not only as a source of motivation in her fitness journey, but also as a vital support system when facing adversity. She reflects on the importance of consistency in fitness routines, good nutrition, and finding joy in movement. Debbie’s insights highlight how resilience is built through both personal determination and the encouragement found in a caring community, inspiring listeners to prioritize their own health and to reach out for help when needed.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Todd Durkin is a world-renowned coach, author, entrepreneur, and the host of the acclaimed Todd Durkin Impact Show podcast. Best known for training professional athletes, what truly sets Todd apart is his dedication to seeing greatness in everyone—not just champions. Whether he’s working with elite performers or everyday individuals, Todd brings passion, integrity, and genuine care to everything he does. His ability to overdeliver, paired with a humble and authentic approach, has impacted countless lives.
In this episode, Kelly welcomes her mentor and friend Todd Durkin, for an energetic conversation about their shared passion for fitness and leadership. With decades of combined experience in the industry, they reflect on the lessons learned and the wisdom gained along the way.
Todd unpacks his mantra “real talk” a guiding principle that has helped him navigate adversity and stay grounded. Both he and Kelly stress the importance of candor and honesty in building community and fostering meaningful personal growth.
Kelly highlights her favorite episodes from Todd’s podcast, ranging from high-performance routines to moving stories of resilience and vulnerability.
They also dive into the importance of being intentional about the people you surround yourself with – seeking those who challenge, elevate, and inspire you. It’s a philosophy they’ve both embraced in their fitness communities as well as their personal lives.
Through the inspiring stories and hard-earned insights, this episode is a reminder that the key to lasting fulfillment and success lies in the courage to start before you’re ready.
Connect with Todd
Special thanks to Todd Durkin for decades of mentorship, wisdom, and for serving as a lighthouse for champions at every level—including the Start Before You’re Ready community.
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
Jonathan Siebert is the embodiment of resilience and positivity. Born with Apert Syndrome—a rare condition that required him to undergo more than 27 surgeries since infancy—Jonathan has faced challenges most can only imagine. He has overcome physical and social obstacles and has also become a beacon of hope and encouragement for people everywhere.
His message is clear: adversity can be transformed into a source of strength. Jonathan often says, “God made me this way for a reason! He wanted me to inspire people around the world!” His story demonstrates that our differences can be our greatest assets.
In this episode, Jonathan shares:
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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. Elyse shares her honest journey of transformation as she approaches 40, redefining health and strength after motherhood. She opens up about the ups and downs of weight, fertility, and postpartum life, and how her mother’s health journey inspired her to make lasting changes for her family.
Encouraged by her neighbor Tina (from Episode #22), Elyse joins Kelly’s Bootcamp and discovers the power of community, the magic of her first class, and the emotional release that kept her coming back. She reveals the most important lesson she’s learned: you don’t have to do it all at once—just take one step.
Elyse talks about building strength, shifting her mindset after setbacks, and the advice that keeps her moving: “If it hurts, pick an alternative, but just keep moving.” Her tip for anyone starting out? Change one thing at a time, let it become routine, and keep going—even when it’s hard.
Tune in for an inspiring, relatable conversation about starting before you’re ready, finding your people, and building a joyful, sustainable approach to health—one step at a time.
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Let’s connect!
IG: @kellys_bootcamp
My website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/