From Infomercials to Industry Icon with Carl Daikeler

In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Carl Daikeler — visionary entrepreneur, CEO, and co-founder of The Beachbody Company (now BODi) — for an inspiring conversation about the evolution of fitness, entrepreneurship, and the power of community.This episode dives deep into Carl’s four-decade journey in health and wellness, from the early days of infomercials to building one of the most recognized fitness empires in the world. Carl reflects on the creation of game-changing programs like P90X, Insanity, and Shakeology, and shares his perspective on navigating the modern fitness landscape shaped by AI, technology, and shifting consumer habits.As a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, podcast host, and tech investor, Carl offers unique insights into creativity, leadership, and staying true to your mission in a fast-changing world. Whether you're a fitness professional, entrepreneur, or just passionate about personal growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Learn more about BODi: https://www.bodi.com/Follow Carl on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carldaikeler/Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daikeler-carl/00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout00:25 Meet Carl Daikeler: The Man Behind Beachbody01:10 The Birth of 8-Minute Abs02:16 Infomercial Landscape and Fitness Trends03:30 Creating Legitimate Fitness Programs04:49 The Rise of Celebrity Trainers08:34 The Success of P90X15:43 The Importance of Fitness and Overcoming Comfort21:08 Carl's Journey and Passion for Fitness28:30 Innovative Fitness Programs and Business Insights32:51 Autumn Calabrese's Impact on Fitness Programs33:45 The Success of 21 Day Fix35:00 The Rise of Sean T and Insanity39:12 Transition to Digital and the Pandemic Boom45:10 Rebranding from Beachbody to Body50:37 Challenges and Future of Fitness Industry01:03:48 The Role of AI in Fitness01:09:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Being STRONG is more than just how much weight you can lift. The Strong New York Podcast is dedicated to inspiring you to become your strongest self- in the gym, in business, in relationships and in life. Join Kenny as he sits down with his strong as fuck buddies and shoots the shit on what it takes to be strong willed, strong minded and physically strong. Season one features everyone from entrepreneurs and local business owners to doctors and industry leaders in the fitness and wellness space. With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself known as one of New York City’s top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. After transforming his life at 15 years old through fitness, Kenny made it his mission to transform the lives of those around him. Kenny has trained some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jon Bon Jovi, Liev Schreiber, and Frank Ocean, and has been tapped as a fitness expert sharing his training approach with Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Runner's World, SHAPE, Well+Good, among other publications. Kenny is the creator of STRONG New York, NYC's only Health and Fitness Expo. Strong New York is an immersive day of workouts, wellness experiences, panel discussions, and inspiring conversations with the best in-class wellness professionals, industry leaders, and change makers who are sharing their expertise on today's hottest wellness trends and first-hand experiences on how to optimize your overall health and life. You can find Kenny at The Strength Club, his private training and group strength training facility in the heart of Manhattan located on 28th and 5th Ave in New York City.