Podcast
Core & Commerce
Hosted by Perry Howell · EN
Core & Commerce® is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. New episodes weekly.
If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Hand on Heart: The Work When No One’s Watching, Living Your Truth & Reinvention with Sally Obermeder
Apr 1400:51:13Tap to summarizeIn this defining episode marking the Season 1A finale of Core & Commerce, Perry Howell is joined by Sally Obermeder for a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and what it takes to begin again. Sally shares the reality behind her unconventional path into television—from leaving a successful career in finance to spending years working unpaid, refining her craft, and backing herself long before the opportunity arrived. It’s a candid look at the discipline and belief required to pursue something without a clear roadmap. At the height of her career, everything changed. Just days before giving birth, Sally was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer—an experience that reshaped her perspective on life, identity, and what it truly means to be strong. What follows is an honest reflection on navigating uncertainty, holding onto hope, and living through the question: “Is this the last time?” Together, Perry and Sally explore: - The courage to pursue a path without validation - The importance of preparation before opportunity arrives - The reality of resilience, both during and after adversity - Rebuilding a life and career with intention - Why no one can step into the ring for you From her early days in television to building a purpose-driven wellness business, Sally’s story is a testament to evolving in real time and staying deeply human through it all. A meaningful close to Season 1A—and a reminder that often, the most important work happens long before anyone is watching. Chapters 00:00 Trailer 01:33 Episode Intro 03:07 Manifestation Meets Action 04:15 Media Trends and Podcasting Today 06:01 Early Ambition 09:22 Finding Pop Culture Lane 11:24 Pivot From Finance 15:32 Early Grind in TV 17:21 Ready When Luck Knocks Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Follow Sally Obermeder: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallyobermeder/ Explore SWIISH: Web: https://www.swiish.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swiish/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/swiish-wellness-unlocked/id1827844661 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCukj0DLc8sFTufeqtqUVKIA
Transcribe →Non-Toxic Masculinity: Trauma, Healing & Creating Spaces That Inspire with Rawson Kirkhope
Mar 3100:54:20Tap to summarizeIn this deeply powerful episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Rawson Kirkhope, founder of VRTUS Gym and a leading voice in men’s mental health and domestic violence advocacy. From the outside, Rawson embodies strength—ex-military, business owner, and leader of one of Bondi’s most sought-after fitness communities. But beneath the surface lies a story marked by profound childhood trauma, growing up in an environment of severe domestic violence that culminated in a life-altering, near-fatal incident involving his mother. In this raw and honest conversation, Rawson opens up about living with complex PTSD, navigating hypervigilance, and the long road toward healing. He shares how vulnerability—once something he suppressed—became his greatest strength, allowing him to reclaim his narrative and redefine what masculinity truly means. Together, Perry and Rawson explore: - The lasting impact of childhood trauma and breaking cycles of violence - The realities of PTSD and learning to live alongside triggers - Why vulnerability is a cornerstone of real strength - How Rawson built VRTUS into more than a gym—a thriving, values-driven community - The role of storytelling in healing and helping others feel less alone This episode is both confronting and deeply inspiring—a reminder that true resilience isn’t about what you carry silently, but what you’re willing to face, share, and transform. If you or someone you know is navigating trauma, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and a powerful sense of connection. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:22 Vulnerability and Anxiety 02:57 Living With Complex PTSD 05:38 Childhood in Violence 08:58 Triggers and Hypervigilance 10:37 Facing Fears and Healing 11:48 Night of the Shooting 17:48 Aftermath and Testifying 22:09 Military and Seeking Validation 25:37 Finding Peace and Purpose 26:43 Sharing the Story Publicly 30:05 Community Heals Trauma 31:00 Posting Your Story First 32:28 Reclaiming Your Narrative 33:21 Blue Nail Advocacy 36:38 Building Virtus Bondi 43:18 Scaling Beyond A Gym 46:09 Why Bondi Feels Like Home 48:54 Rapid Fire Bondi Myths 52:06 Legacy And Next Year Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Follow Rawson Kirkhope: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawsonkirkhope/ Explore VRTUS: Web: https://vrtus.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vrtusbondi/ Explore Polished Man: Web: https://polishedman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polishedman/
Transcribe →Grounded: The Rise of Stax. from Humble Beginnings to Cult Status with Matilda Robertson
Mar 2300:50:01Tap to summarizeFrom packing orders in a spare room to building one of Australia’s most cult-loved activewear brands, this episode of Core and Commerce goes behind the scenes of Stax. with co-founder and Director of PR, Matilda Robertson. A brand personally favorited by host Perry Howell’s pilates and wellness community, this highly requested episode delivers. Before viral drops, celebrity co-signs from Jennifer Lopez, and sold-out seamless collections, Stax. was scrappy—think storage units without electricity, Wi-Fi borrowed from the pavement, and photoshoots with bedsheets pinned to walls. Matilda didn’t inherit a polished business; she built it alongside her husband from the ground up, learning in real time how to navigate risk, resilience, and the realities of working with your life partner. In this episode, Matilda shares the unfiltered journey—from dropping out of school and working in beauty therapy to accidentally pioneering influencer marketing in Australia. She opens up about balancing structure with instinct, handling customer feedback at scale, and why inclusivity isn’t a marketing strategy at Stax.—it’s a non-negotiable. We also dive into: - The early hustle that turned community into currency - Building a brand that makes women feel confident—at any size - The highs (hello, J.Lo) and the hard lessons behind rapid growth - Why scaling back can sometimes be the smartest move forward And how Matilda and her husband make business and marriage work This is a conversation about more than activewear—it’s about intuition, grit, and creating a brand people genuinely feel part of. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a modern consumer brand—or how to trust your path when it doesn’t look like anyone else’s—this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Stax 01:31 Matilda Origins 04:33 Safe Jobs to Risk 06:35 Beauty to Confidence 08:43 Body Image Culture 12:25 Community Feedback Loop 16:06 Scrappy Startup Days 21:14 Influencer Playbook 23:27 JLo Paparazzi Lesson 25:37 Celebrity Spotting Wins 26:21 Pause Before You Post 27:50 Inclusivity In Every Size 30:56 Retail Expansion Reality Check 34:14 Marriage As Co-Founders 39:45 Leading As Good Cop Bad Cop 41:07 Rapid Fire Favorites 44:28 Health Habits And Treats 46:18 Mantras And Unsexy Work 47:51 Legacy And Next Year Vision Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Follow Matilda Robertson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matilda_murray_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matildamurray__ Explore Stax.: Web: https://stax.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staxofficial_/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staxofficial_
Transcribe →Legacy: Reimagining Family Business & Bottling the Bondi Lifestyle with Briony Oayda
Mar 1600:39:35Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to inherit a legacy—and then boldly redefine it? In this episode of Core & Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down in Bondi with Briony Oayda, owner and managing director of Bondi Active, the premium Australian label turning the Bondi lifestyle into wearable wellness. Briony grew up around the iconic Between the Flags stores founded by her father—but rather than simply stepping into the family business, she chose to build her own perspective first. After years in consulting at PwC and working on the launch of HBO Max in the U.S., she returned to Sydney during COVID to help steer the business through one of its most uncertain periods. From relaunching Bondi Active with performance-driven design and sustainable fabrics to opening new retail spaces and preparing for international expansion, Briony shares how she’s blending heritage with a modern brand vision. In this conversation with Perry, she opens up about: - Growing up inside a family retail business in Bondi - Why she left to build her own career before returning - The realities of taking over a business during COVID - The future of activewear and the rise of elevated leisurewear - Building a brand rooted in community, movement, and wellness At its heart, this episode is about legacy and leadership—how to honour what came before while creating something entirely your own. Chapters 00:00 Core and Commerce Intro 01:12 Meet Briony and Bondi Active 01:52 Childhood and Independence 04:08 Growing Up in the Business 06:00 Lessons from Mom and Dad 09:46 Between the Flags Origin 11:46 Reimagining Bondi Active 14:03 Athleisure and Swim Trends 16:45 Sustainability and Quality 18:27 Consulting to HBO Max 20:40 LA vs Bondi Lifestyle 21:24 Bondi vs LA Mornings 22:04 Bringing Lessons Home 23:06 Taking Over in COVID 24:16 Legacy Meets Innovation 25:53 Resilience and Mentorship 27:22 Bold Storefront Strategy 29:12 Future of Physical Retail 30:27 Popups and Brand Community 32:32 Brand Why and Bondi Life 34:07 Rapid Fire Retail Stories 37:34 Legacy and Global Expansion 38:54 Next Year Vision Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Explore Bondi Active: Web: https://https://bondiactive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bondiactive
Transcribe →Tested: Destigmatizing Sexual Healthcare & Rewriting Women’s Health with Grace Toombs
Mar 700:55:19Tap to summarizeWomen’s healthcare has long been underserved, under-researched, and surrounded by stigma — especially when it comes to sexual health. In this episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Grace Toombs, founder of June Health, a company reshaping how women access sexual healthcare: accessible, shame-free, and on their own terms. Grace began her career studying medicine at UNSW before pivoting into international public health. But after seeing how slowly research translated into real change, she realized something critical: women couldn’t afford to keep waiting for the system to catch up. So she built something better. In this conversation, Grace shares the story behind June Health, the systemic gaps in women’s healthcare, and why prevention — not just treatment — is the key to meaningful change. This episode explores: - Why women’s sexual health has been historically neglected - The stigma that still surrounds testing and reproductive care - The bold pivot from medicine to building a health startup - Why prevention is the lever for real healthcare change - How founders can disrupt outdated systems - What the future of women-centered healthcare could look like If you care about women’s health, healthcare innovation, or building mission-driven companies, this conversation is not one to miss. Chapters [00:00] Introduction to Grace Toombs and June Health [01:36] Grace's early passion for medicine and growing up around healthcare [02:54] The challenging path: nursing school before medical school [05:00] Discovering endometriosis: symptoms, diagnosis, and the emotional journey [09:45] The cervical screening that changed everything [11:39] The healthcare gap: why June Health was born [15:39] June Health's consumer experience and innovative approach [19:33] Customer stories that fuel the mission [23:03] Navigating pushback from the traditional medical system [24:52] Founder-led positioning: blessing and curse [26:41] Hot topics in women's healthcare: IUD pain and anesthesia [29:54] The pharmacy gaslighting: generic vs. brand medications [33:20] Destigmatizing sexual health and STI testing [38:59] How to integrate sexual health into dating and relationships [44:27] Fertility concerns and having difficult conversations [48:31] The rise of STIs and why condom use is declining [52:13] Healthcare recommendations by life stage and testing protocols [54:51] The future of June Health: from first period to menopause Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Follow June Health: Web: https://heyjune.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjunehealth/?hl=en Follow Grace Toombs: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracetoombs/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gracietoombs
Transcribe →Unstoppable: Scaling Success and Rewiring Mindset with Jess Williamson
Feb 2800:47:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with award-winning mindset and business mentor Jess Williamson—TEDx speaker, author, and serial entrepreneur who has scaled five businesses across e-commerce, agency, travel, and personal brand, exiting and selling internationally along the way. From launching a global bikini brand at 22 with $15K in savings to hitting rock bottom with negative $2 in her bank account, Jess shares the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship—the burnout, the bold decisions, and the mindset shifts that made sustainable success possible. Together, Perry and Jess unpack: - Why most women undercharge—and how to confidently raise your prices - The subconscious beliefs that quietly cap income and growth - How to challenge “paper walls” and move faster toward what you want - Scaling without sacrificing your health, relationships, or identity If you’re navigating growth, craving more freedom, or ready to own your value at the next level, this conversation is for you. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Jess's First Business at Age 5 4:25 Challenging the Norm in School and Corporate 11:00 Building a Global Bikini Empire 16:44 Rock Bottom: The Negative $2 Moment 25:14 From Corporate to Coaching Women 34:05 The 10x Pricing Challenge 41:40 Rapid Fire Questions 45:28 Looking Ahead to 2026 Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Follow Jess Williamson: Web: https://www.jessicawilliamson.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.williamson8/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jess.williamson Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XypRsRBMUmy5gZrFwYN19 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jess.williamson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jess.williamson8 Purchase Her Book: https://www.jessicawilliamson.com.au/unstoppable-success-book
Transcribe →Attached: Modern Love, Conscious Communication & the Creative Process with Nick Slater
Feb 1200:51:18Tap to summarizeIn this reflective and energizing episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with content creator, actor, and relationship coach Nick Slater for a conversation at the intersection of modern love, creativity, and self-awareness. Best known for his viral relationship skits and emotionally intelligent storytelling, Nick opens up about the journey behind the content—from early breaks in theme park commercials in Queensland to landing a breakout role on a CW series in Toronto. He shares what people don’t see behind the scenes of acting and content creation: the rejection, the reinvention, the positioning, and the resilience required to build a personal brand in an ever-evolving industry. Together, Perry and Nick explore the parallels between entrepreneurship and entertainment, unpacking imposter syndrome, identity shifts, and the courage it takes to put yourself forward—especially in cultures that don’t always celebrate ambition. They dive into the nuances of modern dating, attachment styles, and the myth of the “perfect” relationship, offering grounded insight into how emotional regulation, communication, and self-awareness shape lasting connection. The conversation moves from tall poppy syndrome and masculinity in Australia to the paradox of choice in dating apps, journaling as a tool for growth, and why love is ultimately less about fireworks—and more about intention. With humor, honesty, and a refreshing depth, this episode is both a masterclass in modern relationships and a reminder that the most meaningful growth—personally or professionally—happens when you’re willing to do the inner work. Whether you’re navigating dating in your thirties, building a creative career, or learning how to show up more consciously in your relationships, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective on becoming who you are—on and off camera. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Core and Commerce 00:17 Meet Nick Slater: Content Creator and Storyteller 01:22 Nick's Creative Journey and Early Influences 04:28 The Realities of Acting and Rejection 08:13 Balancing Content Creation and Personal Life 14:24 Nick's Transition from Acting to Content Creation 18:55 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in the Acting World 22:50 Exploring Attachment Styles and Relationships 26:31 Understanding Attachment Styles 27:19 Managing Conflict in Relationships 28:14 Communicating with Different Attachment Styles 29:33 Cultural Differences in Male Mental Health 31:17 The Tall Poppy Syndrome in Australia 34:34 Navigating the End of the Honeymoon Phase 39:10 Modern Dating Challenges 46:47 Rapid Fire Relationship Advice 49:22 Future Goals and Reflections Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Follow Nick Slater: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickslater Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick.slater/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlMyuSOMfLv9WTjSy8th4
Transcribe →Scaling Studios: Sustainable Growth in Pilates with Laura Bullock
Feb 500:43:04Tap to summarizeIn this thoughtful episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Laura Bullock, founder of Mode Pilates, for an honest conversation unpacking some of the most pressing—and most debated—topics in the Pilates industry today. From building a single studio to scaling a multi-location business, Laura shares her journey from dancer to marketer to studio owner, and the realities of growing a boutique wellness brand without losing its soul. Drawing on Perry’s experience as founder of Pilates Gang, the conversation naturally weaves together two perspectives from inside the Pilates space—offering rare insight into what it actually takes to succeed long-term. Together, they explore the cultural rise of Pilates, the business mechanics behind boutique studios, and the tension between accessibility, exclusivity, and sustainability. The episode digs into everything from bootstrapping and expansion, to burnout, leadership, community-building, and the impact of platforms like ClassPass on small studios. With candid reflections on motherhood, ambition, and mindful movement, this episode cuts through the noise of trends and aesthetics to get to the heart of what makes a Pilates business—and practice—truly sustainable. Whether you’re a studio owner, instructor, founder, or devoted client, this conversation offers grounded insight into the future of Pilates and what it takes to build something that lasts. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Core and Commerce 00:33 Meet Laura Bullock: From Dancer to Pilates Queen 01:04 Laura's Journey: From Marketing to Pilates 03:22 The Passion for Pilates 06:00 Building the First Studio 08:04 Community and Growth 10:55 Challenges and Surprises in Business 14:22 The Mode Pilates Experience 18:47 ClassPass Controversy 23:10 Supporting Local Pilates Studios 23:51 Pilates Trends and Influences 25:27 Pilates Accessibility Debate 27:02 Benefits of a Sustained Pilates Practice 28:08 Quick Hits and Hot Takes 32:24 Balancing Business and Motherhood 40:46 Looking Ahead to 2026 Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Explore Mode Pilates: Web: https://www.modepilates.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mode.pilates/
Transcribe →In Motion: Community and the Rise of Sydney Run Club with Emilio Khatis
Jan 2900:51:44Tap to summarizeIn this high-energy episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Emilio Khatis for his podcast debut—founder of Sydney Run Club. What started as five friends, now co-founders, running together has grown into a global phenomenon, over 55,000 members, brand partnerships with Powerade, Lululemon, JBL, and surprise drop-ins from the world’s biggest names. Emilio shares the unfiltered story behind building one of the most magnetic wellness communities in the world—from rainy mornings where no one showed up, to cultivating a culture that no money can buy. The conversation explores the real mechanics of community-led growth, why consistency beats perfection, and how creating belonging has become the most powerful business strategy of all. For the first time publicly, Emilio opens up about a life-altering cancer diagnosis in his early twenties, how mental resilience became his greatest asset, and why giving back to vulnerable communities reshaped his purpose as a founder. From entrepreneurship at an early age to leading thousands at sunrise in Bondi, this episode is the blueprint of intention-driven leadership. Tune in for insights on building hype through community, why run clubs are becoming the new third space, the psychology of showing up, and what it really takes to turn movement into a global brand. Whether you’re building a business, craving deeper connection, or looking for motivation to get out of bed at 5:30 AM—this episode will move you. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sydney Run Club 00:14 Meet Emilio Khatis: Founder of Sydney Run Club 01:00 Acknowledging Recent Tragedies in Bondi 02:13 Emilio's Early Life and Love for Sports 06:17 Entrepreneurial Spirit from a Young Age 08:16 First Job and Lessons Learned 15:39 Overcoming a Major Health Challenge 23:39 Founding and Growing Sydney Run Club 27:17 Joining a Run Club: First Day Experience 27:41 Building a Welcoming Community 30:00 Overcoming Challenges and Growing the Club 34:13 Monetizing the Community 36:51 Celebrity Collaborations and Media Stunts 40:04 Running Tips and Trends 44:27 Advice for Aspiring Founders 49:45 Future Plans for Sydney Run Club Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Connect with Emilio Khatis: Web: https://www.fistup.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliokhatis/?hl=en Join The Sydney Run Club: Instagram: https://www.thesydneyrunclub.com.au/ Web: https://www.instagram.com/thesydneyrunclub/?hl=en
Transcribe →Unplugged: Move More, Scroll Less with Tech Founder Lino Benninga
Jan 2200:40:24Tap to summarizeIn this energizing episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Lino Benninga—founder of Social Limits, the app that's helping thousands reclaim their mornings by blocking social media until they move their bodies. In under five months, Social Limits hit 15,000 downloads, reached users in over 100 countries, and cracked Apple's Top 50 productivity apps, all built around one simple idea: move more, scroll less. With over six years of experience in enterprise tech and AI, Lino brings a unique perspective to the intersection of technology, movement, and mental health. This conversation dives deep into the psychology of habit formation, the neuroscience of morning routines, and why replacing one habit with another is the key to lasting change. Lino shares candid insights about the founder journey—from facing 16 rejections from Apple before launching, to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of building a startup, to learning that validation and more validation is the foundation of any successful business. From the importance of sitting with boredom to understanding why men need softer spaces for connection, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to build healthier digital habits or launch their own venture. Tune in for honest conversations about dopamine addiction, the power of morning rituals, building in public, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is just get outside and walk. Whether you're drowning in screen time, building your first startup, or simply looking to create more intentional mornings, this episode is your wake-up call. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: Perry introduces Lino Benninga and Social Limits 1:05 - Growing up in Barcelona: movement, tech, and building blocks 4:23 - The Tech-Business Bridge: Why understanding both worlds matters for founders 8:11 - Soft Skills & Sales: Learning to communicate, handle rejection, and thicken your skin 11:09 - The Spark: 15 years on your phone 12:17 - Morning Routines & Dopamine: The neuroscience behind why the first hour matters 14:02 - Validation, Validation, Validation: Building the simplest version and testing relentlessly 16:48 - The Nicotine Analogy: How replacing habits (not just removing them) creates lasting change 20:41 - Scaling Globally: country expansion, cultural differences, and the Australian market 22:05 - Onboarding Psychology 25:26 - Preventing Founder Burnout 32:33 - Men & Mental Health: Creating softer spaces for connection through movement 36:11 - Powering Through Rejection 37:15 - The Founder Rollercoaster: Why the middle is the hardest and your "why" matters most 39:00 - What's Next for Social Limits: Partnerships, B2B wellness plans, and 2026 vision Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward. If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e Connect with Lino Benninga and Social Limits: Web: https://www.social-limits.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sociallimits/?hl=en LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/linobenninga
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