We recently had the chance to connect with Dr, Megan Johnson McCullough and have shared our conversation below.
Dr, Megan , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am definitely walking a path with purpose. God has led me where I am mean to be. Helping others with their physical and mental health is my calling. I wandered until I was about 26 years old, until for the past 16 years owning my fitness studio. For the last 3 years I have also owned a mental health and addiction treatment center. NO path was clear at first, but I now have the green lights all in front of me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough, EdD, is the owner of Every BODY’s Fit (fitness studio) and Mindful BODY’s Recovery (substance abuse treatment center) in Oceanside, CA. She is a Doctor of Health and Human performance, an elite NASM Master Trainer, world champion natural bodybuilder, fitness model, and author of 11 books. She has a cell phone app called Fit PACE for people in addiction recovery using exercise in their treatment program. She holds an MA in Physical Education and Health Science and is on the Education Advisory Board for the Medical Fitness Network, is an Executive Certification Board Member for The National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association and has served on the Education Task Force for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Megan is a certified Group Exercise Instructor by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (Aqua, Cycle, Yoga, and Zumba). She is also a Corrective Exercise Specialist, Drug & Alcohol Recovery Fitness Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Senior Fitness Specialist, Wellness Coach and Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My dad was most influential in my work ethic. Rain or shine, sick or healthy, he said you always have to show up. That reliability and consistency have helped me become the business owner that I am. That “show up” mentality is so important for an entrepreneur. I own 2 businesses and I’m human, so I don’t always wake up and want to get up and go. Because I show up, I have great client retention and if I don’t work, I don’t get paid. Many will tell you I’m the hardest worker they know.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
For 2 years after buying my treatment center I could not talk about finances or even look at anything associated with banking. I was spending so much personal income to keep the business afloat. Now that my mental health has evolved and matured with the business doing much better, I do my own bookkeeping and know what money is coming in and going out.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Loyalty. I have a team that I consider my “Life team”. They are the loyal people who no matter what, help me, support me, and mentor me. They keep me on the right path and encourage all my endeavors. they also help me achieve them.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I am STRONG, but I do have emotions and feelings. When people comment or leave reviews that are horrible, it is hard not to get upset. I do know it is their own personal issues and not everyone will like me. I try hard to not let when these occur hurt me, but the lesson is hard to understand. When I aim to treat others how I want to be treated, I wish people could do better themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.everybodysfitoceanside.com and www.mindfulbodysrecovery.com
- Instagram: @dr.megan_everybodysfit
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-johnson-mccullough-1b603a80
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.johnson.374549
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.megan_everybodysfit
