From Member to GM with Austin

From Penn State swimmer to running Empire's day-to-day — Sammy sits down with GM and coach Austin for the story behind the scenes. Austin shares why he walked away from a traditional 9-to-5, how a random Wednesday drop-in class turned him into a member, then a coach, then GM, and what actually makes Empire's group programing work — from avoiding trend-chasing workouts to training every skill level in the same room without losing intensity. They also get into their working dynamic and what it takes to build something that's become a real part of Raleigh's fitness community.

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What is Empire Hour?

Empire Hour is the official podcast of Empire Training Academy in Raleigh, where training, mindset, and real talk come together. Hosted by the crew behind the gym, this show dives into everything from fitness and recovery to motivation and life outside the weight room. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just trying to level up, you’ll get unfiltered conversations, stories from inside the gym, and practical takeaways to keep you moving forward.