The Fitness Hack That Combines Podcasts and Music for Better Workouts

March 3, 2026

Meet the Guests Behind the PodBeat App

On this episode of Nacho Fitness Coach, hosts Sarah and Caleigh welcome special guests Nathan and Joy Monteith, the creators of the PodBeat app — a tool designed to make workouts more engaging by combining podcasts with rhythmic beats.

If you’ve ever struggled to stay entertained during cardio, this episode explores a creative solution: listening to podcasts with workout beats layered underneath.

The result? A more motivating and immersive workout experience.

The Story Behind PodBeat

The inspiration for PodBeat came from a deeply personal experience.

Several years ago, Joy temporarily lost her eyesight due to complications from medication that caused early-onset cataracts. During her recovery, she still wanted to stay active — but traditional workout options became difficult.

To help, Nathan set up a treadmill at home so she could safely exercise.

While walking on the treadmill, Joy listened to podcasts and audiobooks to pass the time. But something was missing.

Music helped maintain rhythm and energy, while podcasts were more engaging mentally. The problem was that there wasn’t an easy way to combine both.

So Nathan experimented with playing a simple beat on a separate speaker while Joy listened to podcasts through headphones.

The combination worked surprisingly well.

That simple idea eventually evolved into PodBeat, an app that allows users to layer customizable beats over podcasts during workouts.

Why Workout Beats Improve Exercise Performance

Research has shown that rhythm and tempo can influence physical performance.

During workouts, our bodies naturally fall into a rhythmic pattern of exertion and recovery. By introducing beats per minute (BPM) that match exercise intensity, people can maintain better pacing and motivation.

PodBeat uses carefully designed beat loops to support this rhythm.

The beats are intentionally minimal so they enhance the podcast without distracting from it.

According to Nathan, adding too much musical complexity can interfere with listening comprehension. Instead, PodBeat focuses on subtle beats that help maintain momentum while still allowing listeners to focus on the conversation.

How PodBeat Creates Its Workout Beats

The beats inside the app are carefully crafted with help from DJs and music specialists.

Nathan explains that the process involves:

Recruiting DJs who specialize in specific genres
Designing minimal beat structures that complement spoken audio
Creating three-minute loop sequences that evolve and reset naturally
Matching rhythm patterns with common workout pacing

Each beat loop is designed to follow a natural pattern of energy — rising slightly, easing back, and repeating — mirroring how people naturally adjust effort during exercise.

New beats are released regularly to keep the experience fresh for users.

Fitness Motivation Hacks That Actually Work

The conversation also explores simple strategies that help people stay consistent with workouts.

Some of the most relatable fitness “hacks” discussed include:

1. Pair Workouts With Entertainment

Listening to podcasts, watching shows, or scrolling social media while exercising can make workouts feel easier.

If you were going to consume that content anyway, you might as well move while doing it.

2. Habit Stacking

One effective strategy mentioned is tying workouts to existing habits.

For example:

Only listening to a favorite podcast while exercising
Watching TV only while on a treadmill or rower

This builds a strong mental association between entertainment and movement.

3. Reward Systems

Sometimes the motivation is simple.

One example from the episode: finishing a workout and rewarding yourself with a favorite drink from a nearby café.

Small incentives can make consistency easier.

Finding a Workout You Actually Enjoy

Another key theme of the episode is the importance of finding a form of exercise you like.

Not everyone enjoys running.

Some prefer rowing, weight training, or fitness classes.

The best workout is the one you’ll actually do consistently.

As the hosts explain, fitness doesn’t have to be complicated or trendy — it just needs to be something you’re willing to stick with long-term.

The Real Goal: Making Fitness More Accessible

For Joy, the motivation behind PodBeat is simple.

If the app can help even one person stay active — especially someone facing challenges or disabilities — then it’s worth it.

What started as a solution for one difficult situation has now become a tool that helps people around the world make workouts more enjoyable.

And sometimes, the best innovations come from solving real-life problems.

Final Thoughts

The conversation with Nathan and Joy highlights an important reminder:

Staying active doesn’t require extreme routines or complicated programs.

Sometimes all it takes is:

A good podcast
A motivating rhythm
And a workout you actually enjoy.

By blending entertainment with exercise, tools like PodBeat help make fitness feel less like a chore — and more like something you look forward to.

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