Inspire + Move

Hosted by Allison Arruda

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Episodes

247

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

‘Inspire + Move’ with Alli Arruda is the perfect podcast for anyone looking to grow, connect, be inspired, or celebrate community. A multi-faceted podcast that brings you meaningful conversations, encourages your strength and resilience, and empowers you to think bigger, your host, Alli Arruda, takes you on an exploratory journey with each episode. No topic is off limits, which encourages the perfect combination of high vibes and deep reflection. Alli Arruda has done it all – from fashion school to corporate marketing, entrepreneurial adventures – the brick-and-mortar type – to being the founder of the ‘Inspire and Move’ brand, Alli’s life experience shows you that passion and resilience make anything possible. She understands and appreciates the peaks and valleys of life, and inspires listeners with her joyful presence and drive towards happiness. Join Alli twice each week for episodes that cover well…just about everything! It’s time to pour into your community and create everlasting connections…let’s up-level together! Leave each episode feeling inspired, encouraged to invest deeper into yourself, and motivated to kick start whatever adventure comes your way.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 13, 202615 min

Our First 1 Star Google Review and the Ask That Made it 5 Stars

What do you do when a one star Google review hits your small business? I'm sharing the story of our first ever one star rating at Benchmark Fitness, from the moment the alert came in, to the conversation that turned it into five stars! Whether you're brick and mortar like Matt and I, or a solopreneur with a service or product, your testimonials, reviews and client feedback matter, and this one felt like a teachable moment. For context, when we bought the gym in 2019 we inherited a really lousy Google rating, and I was toald by Google that those past reviews couldn't be removed. So I worked really hard for seven plus years to bring our rating up. Then one single rating, with no written review, knocked us down from a 4.9. I was so crushed! So tune in while I get into the situation and hear more about: Why giving yourself distance before you respond to a negative review helps you show up in the best possible way How having the conversation in person, instead of in writing, lets someone read your energy and your body language What it looks like to be direct and ask with clarity for exactly what you're looking for Why sharing openly, honestly and vulnerably before the ask can disarm a conversation that might feel slightly confrontational How leading with kindness and respect keeps it a "human to human interaction” Business is always teaching us something, and this one reminded me how much more confident I've become at "asking for what you want." I only asked for the review to be taken down, and I got an even better outcome. I'd love to hear what stood out to you, or how you handle customer feedback in your own business! Send me a DM on Instagram @AlliArruda and let me know! Looking for some quality 1:1 coaching, with me? I only have a few spots left! Click Here and let's uplevel your life! Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

October 6, 2026Episode 24721 min

Why We Stopped Believing in Work-Life Balance, On Purpose

Is work-life balance really achievable, or is it a myth we've all been sold? In this episode, Matt and I get into why we've stopped chasing balance altogether and started embracing what we call “work-life harmony” instead. We talk about the seasons of running a business, choosing your stress instead of resenting it, and why giving yourself permission to define your own "enough" might be the most important mindset shift you can make as an entrepreneur. We also share a few of our own behind-the-scenes moments (including one particularly memorable soap dispenser repair at Benchmark), why recognizing your own growth is so much harder than celebrating someone else's, and the sneaky way we all move our own goalposts without even noticing. Tune in to hear more about: Why "work-life balance" is a myth, and what work-life harmony looks like instead The different seasons of running a business: grind mode, maintenance mode, and everything in between Why giving yourself permission to choose your stress changes everything How to define your own "enough," whether that's a dollar amount or a feeling Why we all unintentionally move our own goalposts, and how to notice your own growth Why having people in your corner to celebrate your wins matters so much If you're a high-achieving entrepreneur craving real support and someone in your corner, it might be time to stop wearing every hat alone. High-achieving male entrepreneur? Matt's your guy @Matt_Arruda ! High-achieving female entrepreneur? I'm your girl @AlliArruda Send us a DM on Instagram and let's see if 1:1 coaching is the right fit for you. Want to get right to it and work together? I only have a few spots left! Click Here and let's uplevel your life! Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

September 29, 2026Episode 24632 min

How Do You Turn In-Person Connection Into Real Partnerships? with Kristina Bartold

I’m back with another collab episode with my friend Kristina Bartold, host of the podcast Community, and co-founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women. Join us for a conversation all about turning in-person connection into real partnerships and how to get event sponsors without leaping straight to the big ask. We dive into what it actually takes to build brand collaborations, pitch sponsorship, and create the kind of community-first experiences that make people want to say yes. Kristina shares how High Vibe Women grew out of a simple piece of advice she once received, and how that belief has shaped everything from her earliest dinners to sponsorship deals that have grown year over year. Tune in to hear more about: Why Kristina believes "friendship first, business second" has been the foundation of High Vibe Women's growth How to pitch brand partnerships, starting with a simple list of your dream brands and a genuine DM Why sponsorship asks are like "at bats," you earn the bigger number by building trust and social proof over time How to turn a brand's "no" into a win-win by asking, "What would work for you?" Why leading with "how can I be of value?" is the real key to landing repeat partners One of my favorite reminders from this conversation is that you do not have to nail the big ask right away. Whether it's a small dinner, a local event, or your very first sponsorship pitch, showing up with value and consistency compounds over time. I'd love to hear what stood out most to you from this convo! Send me a DM on Instagram @AlliArruda and let me know, and be sure to connect with Kristina @Kristina.Bartold too! Mentioned: • My Aligned Purpose Podcast (Nicole Crone) • The Small Business School Podcast (Staci Millard) Kristina's Links: High Vibe Women OCT 2026 https://www.highvibewomen.ca/october-2026-event Podcast - Community https://www.buzzsprout.com/2011831 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kristina.bartold/ Website https://thesocialsnippet.com/ High Vibe Women https://highvibewomen.ca/ Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

September 22, 2026Episode 24520 min

How Do You Find the Confidence to Raise Your Prices? with Nicole Crone

How do you find the confidence to raise your prices without losing sleep over it? That's exactly what I get into with Nicole Crone, co-host of My Aligned Purpose, on our very first collab together! Nicole is the co-founder of My Aligned Purpose with her business partner Kaila Pilecki, and together they've built a coaching business for women entrepreneurs that crossed a million dollars in revenue after making one of the scariest pivots of their business: moving forty-six one-on-one clients into a group coaching program. We get into the real, unfiltered story behind that pivot, the bathtub-crying moment, the WhatsApp chats, the clients who said yes at the start, and how it grew from there. I also share my own experience raising membership prices at Benchmark and why it feels so personal even when the business isn't named after you! Tune in to hear more about: Why Nicole and Kaila moved forty-six one-on-one clients into a group coaching program, and what it took to make it work The real, honest story behind raising your prices, and why it feels so personal Treating your business decisions like data, not failure, is the key to trying new things The mindset shift that turns "I'm doing pretty good" into a full “quantum leap” What it looks like to build a business partnership as a visionary and an integrator Why Nicole believes friendship, not competition, is the foundation of a strong business partnership Raising your prices is scary, but staying stuck is scarier. If this episode gave you the confidence you needed to make that leap, I'd love to hear about it! Send me a DM on Instagram @AlliArruda and let me know what stood out to you! Connect with Nicole: • Instagram: @myalignedpurpose // @nicolecrone__ • Podcast: My Aligned Purpose Podcast • Website: myalignedpurpose.com Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

September 15, 2026Episode 24415 min

Visibility Is a Currency: Are You Spending It?

Wondering how to be more visible online without feeling fake or forced? I'm back with a short but sweet solo episode on a topic you all know that I am SO passionate about: visibility. I'm taking you all the way back to when I started my Inspire + Move Instagram account, back when I used to crop my own face out of every photo! I share the whole story of going from faceless photos to fully stepping into being seen, plus a homework assignment I give my 1:1 clients to help them find their content pillars. We also get into why authenticity beats "slop" every time, how imposter syndrome and visibility always coexist, and why putting in the reps, whether that's Instagram stories or pull-ups, is the only way through it. Plus, I share a massive, terrifying opportunity I just said yes to! Tune in to hear more about: The real story behind my early, faceless Inspire + Move Instagram account A simple post-it note exercise to find your content pillars Why authenticity beats "slop," and being the same person online and in person Why visibility and imposter syndrome always show up together, and how to work through it Starting small: the exact path from Instagram stories to reels to going live My big, uncomfortable yes: keynote speaking in 2027! If this episode resonates, I'd love to hear what stood out most to you! Send me a DM on Instagram @AlliArruda . Want to work together? I only have a few spots left for 1:1 coaching with me!!! Click Here and let’s uplevel your life! Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

September 8, 2026Episode 24325 min

Showing Up Like the Leader Your Business Needs with Staci Millard (Part 2)

In part two of my chat with Staci Millard, host of The Small Business School Podcast, we dive into visibility, leadership, personal growth and what it really takes to show up well in business. We talk about how your season of business can shape the way you approach social media, growth and where your energy is best spent. We also get into the behind-the-scenes of building something new, managing imposter syndrome and becoming a stronger leader, while creating habits that help us show up as the best version of ourselves. Catch part 1 if you missed it here ! Tune in to hear more about: • Why visibility matters, but should still align with the season your business is in. • How Staci is navigating the uncomfortable process of building software and learning to hold belief in a bigger vision. • Why leadership starts with how you regulate yourself, communicate and show up for your team. • The self-development practices we both prioritize, from sleep and nervous system regulation to movement and mindset. • Why creating energy, confidence and consistency can have such a powerful ripple effect in business and life. Growth asks us to become a different version of ourselves along the way. Whether that means stepping into stronger leadership, sharing more of the journey, protecting our energy or simply believing in ourselves before everyone else can see the vision, the work starts with us. I’d love to hear what stood out most to you from this convo! Send me a DM on Instagram @AlliArruda and let me know! Instagram: @staci.millard /// @thriveaccounting Podcast: The Small Business School Podcast Thrive Accounting Website Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

September 1, 2026Episode 24222 min

Are You Making the Most of the Rooms You Invest In? with Staci Millard (Part 1)

In collaboration with The Small Business School Podcast, I’m joined by my friend, podcast host, fellow entrepreneur and business owner Staci Millard for a deep dive into business growth, meaningful relationships and what it really means to invest in the right rooms. We talk about how some of the most valuable opportunities in entrepreneurship come from connection, collaboration and being willing to show up ready to learn. We also get into the realities of making bold business decisions, listening to your intuition, evolving your brand and knowing when to stay focused on what you do best. Tune in to hear more about: • Why the relationships you build in the room can become more valuable than the event itself. • How to think about ROI when investing in masterminds, events and business communities. • Why taking action after receiving advice is your responsibility as an entrepreneur. • How we’ve learned to hold the vision through pricing changes, pivots and uncomfortable business decisions. • Why listening to your customers, reviewing the right data and focusing on what you do best can help you build a stronger brand. Not every opportunity has to produce an immediate sale to be valuable. Sometimes the real return is a relationship, a new perspective, an introduction or the confidence to make a move you’ve been avoiding. This is only part one of our chat and there is so much more to come! I’d love to hear what stood out to you! Shoot me a DM on @AlliArruda Staci's Links Instagram: @staci.millard /// @thriveaccounting Podcast: The Small Business School Podcast Thrive Accounting Website Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

August 27, 2026Episode 24129 min

Stop Living A Story Someone Else Handed You: Powerhouse Women 2026 Takeaways

Fresh off my third year attending Lindsay Marie’s Powerhouse Women event in Arizona, I’m sharing some of the biggest personal growth, entrepreneurship and mindset takeaways I brought home with me! This episode is all about getting uncomfortable, showing up more authentically, building the right relationships and giving yourself permission to keep evolving. There were so many powerful reminders throughout the weekend, especially around growth and creating a life and business that actually feel aligned. Tune in to hear more about: • Why comfort can quietly become a trap and how getting uncomfortable can help you grow. • What it means to rewrite your story instead of continuing to live inside an old version of yourself. • Why authenticity helps the right people, community and opportunities find you. • How challenging seasons, grief and change can become powerful catalysts for personal growth. • Why accountability, mentorship with people who support and celebrate you can make such a difference. One of my biggest reminders from this weekend was that we do not have to build, grow or navigate change alone. We can be grateful for where we’ve been, release what no longer fits and keep choosing the people, experiences and opportunities that support where we’re going next. If this inspires you to take one uncomfortable action, show up a little more fully as yourself and keep moving toward the life you truly want, I’d love to here from you! My IG inbox is always open @AlliArruda . Mentioned: Lindsey’s Instagram @lindseymarieofficial Powerhouse Women Instagram @powerhouse_women Powerhouse Women Website Liifehack Longevity https://liifehack.janeapp.com/ Instagram Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

August 24, 2026Episode 24025 min

What Does “Having It All” Look Like in Your 40s?

In this episode of Inspire + Move, Matt and sharing about how our definition of success has shifted in our 40s. What once felt important in our 20s and 30s, from status symbols to constantly pushing harder, has evolved into something that feels a lot more grounded, intentional and aligned. We’re talking about the idea of building a different kind of wealth portfolio, one that includes your health, relationships, time, community, financial future and the people you choose to surround yourself with. Tune in to hear more about: • How our definition of success has changed as we’ve gotten older. • Why quality, health, time and experiences have become more valuable than simply having more. • The importance of being intentional about where you invest your money, energy and attention. • How your environment and the people around you can either elevate or drain you. • Why prioritizing your physical health, mental well-being and long-term financial stability can completely shift how you experience success. We also get into the idea of auditing your own “wealth” portfolio, spelled W-E-L-L-T-H, and asking whether the way you are spending your time, energy and money actually supports the life you say you want. Success can look different in every season, but for us, it now feels a lot more like feeling strong, having meaningful relationships, creating experiences we love and building a life that supports us long term. If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean SO much to me if you could leave a 5-star rating or review on your favourite listening platform! Don’t be afraid to shoot me a DM if you did too @AlliArruda on Instagram! You can find Matt’s IG here @Matt_Arruda ! Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok

August 20, 2026Episode 23934 min

Could Doing Less Actually Improve Your Health? Recovery, Sleep + Longevity with Dr. Arshad Hack (Part 2)

I’m back with Dr. Arshad Hack of LiifeHack Longevity for part two of our conversation all about taking a more intentional approach to our health, performance and longevity. In this episode, we go even deeper into the habits, testing and everyday choices that can help us feel stronger, recover better and support the way we want to age. We talk about everything from VO2 max and zone two cardio to burnout, nervous system regulation, sleep and the routines Dr. Hack personally uses to stay on top of his own health. I also loved hearing more about how data can create positive feedback loops and help us actually see the impact of the work we’re putting in. Tune in to learn more on: • Why VO2 max is such an important marker for longevity and how zone two cardio can support cardiovascular health, endurance and visceral fat levels. • How testing and retesting things like VO2 max, strength, balance and range of motion can help us measure progress over time. • Why burnout is so common and the simple practices Dr. Hack recommends for calming the nervous system and creating more balance. • The importance of sleep and why prioritizing recovery can completely change your energy, mood, performance and overall health. • Dr. Hack’s own daily habits around nutrition, hydration, fasting, movement and the health data he personally pays attention to. One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that longevity is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about creating habits that actually work for your life, paying attention to how your body responds, and being willing to adjust when something is no longer serving you. This is your reminder that sometimes more is not better, whether it’s training, work, or the pressure we put on ourselves, recovery and balance matter just as much. So grateful to Dr. Hack for joining me for this chat and sharing so much knowledge with all of us. If this episode resonated, send it to someone who would love this conversation too! Dr. Hack’s Links: Instagram: @liifehacklongevity LiifeHack’s Link Tree Let's Connect! • INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS • Instagram • Private Coaching • BENCHMARK FITNESS • Website • Facebook • TikTok