RED Episode 310 Fit Responder Founder Ted Stern

May 15, 2025·37 min·1 clip

I wanted to be a lawyer, but I saw cops handling a crazy fight at a party—and that changed everything.

Ted Stern, founder of FitResponder, joins Run Eat Drink podcast during Police Week to share his unconventional career path from pre-law student to 11-year sheriff's deputy to successful online fitness coach. After personal health struggles (250 lbs, high blood pressure), Ted transformed himself through sustainable nutrition and training, attracting clients at work who wanted his secrets. When an ankle injury sidelined him from law enforcement, he realized FitResponder could scale to impact thousands. He and wife Emily quit their badges to build a platform now serving 20,000+ with custom coaching, nutrition plans, and accountability—proving that niche, mission-driven fitness businesses can outpace traditional gyms.

As heard by us

A practical coaching segment centered on accountability, support, and real-world change.

Run Eat Drink frames coaching as a steady, practical form of support. The conversation favors daily check-ins, training, and nutrition over the stop-start rhythm of once- or twice-weekly meetings, and that focus keeps it grounded.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play for a real talk on online coaching, daily accountability, and fitness that can change how you feel and function.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Run Eat Drink Podcast