The Coaching Industry Is a Scam with Adam Schafer of Mind Pump

In this explosive episode of the True Transformation Podcast, Josiah Novak sits down with longtime friend and Mind Pump co-founder Adam Schafer for a no-BS conversation that goes way beyond fitness. From losing millions due to business complacency, to firing a high-paid CEO after a failed launch, Adam pulls the curtain back on what really goes on behind the scenes at one of the biggest fitness brands in the world. They also dive into Sal’s surprising shift from outspoken atheist to Bible-quoting Christian — and how faith is now shaping the future of their brand. Josiah and Adam break down the lies the coaching industry sells, why most “fitness business gurus” are just failed trainers in disguise, and what it actually takes to build a profitable, meaningful, long-lasting business. They don’t hold back — from calling out bullying alpha-bro marketers to discussing how retention and community (not funnels and hacks) are the future of coaching. Topics Covered: Why Mind Pump stopped growing (and what they did about it) The $3M mistake that almost cost them everything Religion, redemption, and Sal's wild transformation The broken world of high-ticket coaching Retention over acquisition: The new rules of client success What real leadership looks like in fitness and fatherhood If you’re tired of toxic hustle culture, fitness fakery, and business “experts” who’ve never built anything real — this is the episode for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices