Podcast Summary: The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna – Episode Featuring Susan Powder

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction to The Book Lisp

In this episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna warmly welcome listeners to another insightful and engaging installment of their weekly book club podcast. The duo, both married and running the podcast from separate rooms to maintain a dynamic on-air presence, introduce their unique approach to book discussions, alternating monthly between Jon’s romance selections and Sarah’s psychological thrillers.

Guest Introduction: Susan Powder

The spotlight of this episode shines on Susan Powder, a renowned figure from the 1990s fitness industry. Susan is celebrated not just as a fitness icon but also as a resilient entrepreneur who defied industry norms. Jon and Sarah discuss her influential book, "Stop the Insanity: A Memoir by Susan Powder," which delves into her tumultuous journey through life, fitness, and personal transformation.

Susan Powder’s Journey and "Stop the Insanity"

Susan Powder recounts her early days in the fitness industry, detailing the inception and meteoric rise of her program, "Stop the Insanity." Originally a method to manage her weight postpartum and cope with personal challenges, her program quickly gained traction, leading to widespread recognition and a strong community following.

Susan Powder [03:25]: "Stop the Insanity was simply me talking to other women, not on a big stage in the grocery store."

Susan emphasizes the authenticity and simplicity of her approach, contrasting it with the often superficial and fad-driven fitness trends that followed.

Challenges in the Fitness Industry

The conversation delves into the obstacles Susan faced, particularly the resistance from a male-dominated industry that sought to limit her influence. She shares vivid anecdotes about boardroom battles and attempts to sabotage her burgeoning success.

Susan Powder [24:21]: "Everyone listening today already knows it happens tonight with the Arkansas Razorback game."

Susan describes an incident where executives doubted her methods and tried to undermine her credibility. Her unwavering stance and refusal to conform eventually earned her respect and solidified her position in the industry.

Susan Powder [25:18]: "Look at her. Look at her. She's smart, she can write, and she's actually got a personality. We're publishing her."

Her resilience and commitment to her philosophy not only helped her overcome these challenges but also paved the way for a loyal and supportive community of followers.

Building a Community through Inclusivity and Modification

A significant portion of the discussion highlights Susan’s innovative approach to fitness—emphasizing modifications to make workouts accessible to everyone, regardless of their fitness level. This inclusivity fostered a strong sense of community among her clients.

Susan Powder [34:26]: "If you think it's bad now in any of the fitness classes, boot camp classes, whatever. I'm telling you, the three largest fitness markets in the country, in the world in the 90s, were LA, NY, and Dallas."

Susan explains how her focus on modifications allowed individuals who felt intimidated by traditional fitness classes to participate and thrive, thereby building a diverse and supportive community.

Susan Powder [35:35]: "I taught that every day, seven days a week and cleaned the studio. And actually, that's another thing about women in the 90s especially."

Her dedication to teaching and providing a welcoming environment was instrumental in the success and longevity of her program.

Navigating Personal and Professional Turmoil

Susan opens up about her personal struggles, including her divorce, raising children as a single mother, and maintaining her mental and physical health amidst chaos. Her memoir serves as a raw and honest account of these experiences, offering inspiration and relatability to readers.

Susan Powder [20:49]: "I went back to Seattle, had a little one-year-old baby, had my adolescent sons, and I started teaching exercise in the basement of a school again."

The hosts commend Susan for her candidness and the motivational aspects of her story, highlighting how her perseverance and dedication to wellness have been pivotal in her life.

The Enduring Legacy of "Stop the Insanity"

Jon and Sarah reflect on the lasting impact of Susan’s work, noting that many of her principles remain relevant despite the evolution of the fitness industry. Susan underscores the timelessness of her methods, advocating for fundamental wellness practices over gimmicky trends.

Jon Ryan [29:28]: "If you live in a human body, I don't care who you are. I don't care what your eating history is. I don't care if you haven't moved in 50 years. I don't care if your knee is bunk."

Susan passionately reiterates the core message of her memoir, emphasizing that effective health and fitness strategies are accessible to everyone, regardless of their starting point.

Confronting Industry Sabotage and Maintaining Integrity

A pivotal moment in the episode covers Susan’s confrontation with industry sabotage. She narrates how certain individuals attempted to tarnish her reputation, only for her to stand firm and expose their malicious intent.

Susan Powder [48:34]: "Don't fuck with Susan Powder."

This segment showcases her tenacity and unyielding commitment to her principles, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable and authentic leader in the wellness space.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Jon and Sarah express their admiration for Susan’s unwavering authenticity and the profound lessons gleaned from her memoir. They encourage listeners to delve into "Stop the Insanity" to fully appreciate Susan’s journey and the valuable insights she imparts.

Sarah Colonna [57:05]: "The book list."

The hosts wrap up by reiterating the importance of Susan’s message and the enduring relevance of her approach to wellness, leaving listeners inspired and motivated to explore their own paths to health and happiness.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Colonna [02:48]: "We're living in the past. We're coming from the Past into the future."

• Susan Powder [16:22]: "Stupid is what."

• John Ryan [29:28]: "There are all these fad diets that are getting even worse than I thought they were during your time when you beat out all these other people."

• Susan Powder [50:34]: "Ridiculous."

• Susan Powder [53:18]: "If you live in a human body, you can change what you put in your mouth."

Final Remarks:

This episode of The Book Lisp offers a compelling narrative of resilience, authenticity, and the power of community. Susan Powder’s story serves as a testament to overcoming industry barriers and personal hardships, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique journeys towards wellness. By sharing her insights and experiences, Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna provide a platform for meaningful discussions that resonate with a diverse audience.

Listeners are encouraged to purchase "Stop the Insanity: A Memoir by Susan Powder" on Amazon to dive deeper into her transformative story and apply her timeless wellness principles to their own lives.

Follow Susan Powder:

• Instagram: @SusanPowder
• Book Purchase: Available on Amazon