Obé Fitness co-founder Mark Mullett steps into a new executive role as Dear Media adds fitness into its growing lifestyle empire

Podcast and media company Dear Media has acquired fitness platform Obé Fitness, adding a fitness and wellness-driven dimension to its existing footprint in commerce and lifestyle content, Variety first reported.

The deal sees former Creative Artists Agency agent and Obé Fitness co-founder Mark Mullett joining Dear Media as president of global entertainment and business development. Co-founder Ashley Mills will stay on for a six-month transition period before exiting to launch a new venture focused on the intersection of wellness and education.

Founded in 2018, the celeb-favorite streaming fitness platform raised $15 million in a Series A round in 2021, which included notable backers such as WW International Inc., actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, Cavu Venture Partners, Wheelhouse Entertainment and Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment.

The media company is known for a slate of popular shows in categories spanning beauty, health and wellness, parenting, relationships, and true crime, with headliners like “Khloé in Wonderland ” featuring Khloé Kardashian and “Let’s Be Honest” with Kristin Cavallari.

“We continue to expand our owned and operated channels to drive deeper engagement while growing our slate of talent and IP through the creation and acquisition of new programming,” Dear Media CEO and founder Michael Bosstick told Variety. “We’re excited to partner with our talent to create more brand extensions across commerce, long-form content, events, publishing, and whatever else our audience has an appetite for, always with an eye toward our 360-approach of engaging a host’s audience across every platform where their content can be consumed. I’m looking forward to working with Mark to leverage Obé’s tech infrastructure and world-class tech team to create even more opportunities for our shows and audiences to engage.”

Mullett said the acquisition brings together two forward-thinking brands with shared ambitions.

See Also

“Dear Media and Obé have always operated ahead of the curve, and we could not be more thrilled to build upon an architecture that will continue to serve our insatiable audience during such an exciting time in the media & entertainment industry’s evolution,” he told the publication.

The sides confirm that Obé will operate as a standalone platform under the Dear Media umbrella.

“What started as a bold vision to make joyful movement accessible grew into something far beyond what we imagined,” Mills said in a statement to Variety. “As I support a seamless transition to Dear Media over the next six months, I’m building my next venture—at the intersection of wellness and education.”

With Les Mills on board, Aviron is betting that the fusion of gaming and fitness can solve home exercise’s biggest challenge: staying engaged

Aviron, a maker of gamified, at-home workout machines, is dialing up the energy with a new Les Mills partnership designed to keep home-based workouts from going stale.

The collaboration brings more than 300 of Les Mills’ science-backed studio classes to Aviron’s gamified fitness platform, pushing the brand beyond its core rowing, running and riding content into a broader training ecosystem that now includes strength, cardio, mobility, dance and cinematic cycling experiences like Les Mills’ The Trip.

“Our partnership with Les Mills is a game-changer for Aviron,” Aviron founder and CEO Andy Hoang said. “We’re redefining home fitness by making it a sustainable habit, and we do that by creating an experience members genuinely look forward to every day. It’s about enjoying the journey, not just the end result, through entertaining workouts, world-class games, and constant variety. By integrating Les Mills’ incredible, science-backed classes, we’re adding even more ways to move, crafting a workout experience so engaging and diverse, you’ll want to show up daily and keep coming back for more.”

Classes are available across Aviron’s connected rowers, Fit Bike and Treadmill, while an upcoming mobile app update will let users stream Les Mills workouts on the go. To keep things fresh, Aviron confirms that it will update the Les Mills library quarterly with new classes designed to keep users engaged.

“Our research at Les Mills has always focused on what truly motivates people to exercise and how to make workouts both effective and enjoyable,” Les Mills head of research Bryce Hastings said. “We see the future of fitness as a blend of science and immersive entertainment. Through our partnership with Aviron, we’re excited to deliver our evidence-based programming in a dynamic new digital format that maximizes motivation and engagement.”

See Also

The Les Mills collaboration builds on Aviron’s broader mission to make fitness something users want to do rather than something that they feel they should do. Hoang, who launched the company in 2018, has long been focused on blending gaming into the connected fitness experience. Although Aviron offers traditional classes, scenic rides and even Netflix streaming, its core appeal lies in arcade-style video games designed to keep users locked in. For example, members can smash bricks in “Row Breaker,” battle pirates in “Row to Riches,” or put out fires in “Blaze Breakers” on its rowers.

“When you say the words ‘connected fitness,’ people think of classes. That’s synonymous with connected fitness,” Hoang told Athletech News late last year. “We’re doing it differently. Our unique value proposition is that we’re using gamification.”

Walking is easier than running, but it still comes along with plenty of benefits. Studies show just two minutes of walking around the block helps blood sugar levels rise and fall more gradually and stabilize insulin levels. A brief 10-minute walk could lower blood pressure, and my mood always perks up when I walk my two little fluffy dogs around the block and see their wagging tails and smiling faces.

When it comes to achieving weight loss, researchers found that walking can help promote weight loss, so it’s worth setting off on foot, even if you’re short on time. Recently, researchers wanted to explore whether incline walking or running is better for burning fat. Incline walking is harder than it looks, and you’ll definitely feel your muscles working, especially those larger leg muscles.

When I was undergoing physical therapy for three months, my physical therapist often had me walk on an incline treadmill at the start of my workout. There are plenty of proven benefits of incline walking, including increasing heart rate and strengthening knee joints. Incline walking challenges your musculoskeletal system. What about when it comes to burning fat? Let’s explore the latest research.

The study

In a study published in the International Journal of Exercise Science, researchers aimed to compare the metabolic responses of the 12-3-30 treadmill workout with self-paced treadmill running. The 12-3-30 workout involves walking on the treadmill with a 12% incline at 3mph for 30 minutes. Participants weren’t allowed to hold on to the handrails. Participants also had to go on runs and stop running when they burned the same amount of calories as their 12-3-30 workouts. In one week, participants had to perform one self-paced run and one 12-3-30 workout. A self-paced run is where you choose your own intensity and speed that feels more comfortable for you. 

The researchers measured whether participants obtained more energy from carbohydrates or fat during exercise. 

The results

Interestingly, the results showed the following:

• Running burned 33% of calories from fat, whereas incline walking burned 40% of calories from fat.
• Despite burning the same calories, it seems incline walking is 7% more effective for fat burning than running.
• Running resulted in a faster calorie burn, seven minutes faster than incline walking, to be precise. However, running relied more on using carbohydrates for fuel rather than fat.
• Fat was the preferred fuel source for lower-intensity incline walking.

Incline walking is a type of zone 2 training that effectively raises your heart rate to around 65-75% of your maximum heart rate. 

Concluding thoughts

It’s important to note that this is a small study, but it’s interesting to consider how low-intensity cardio can be more effective for burning fat and using fat as a fuel source. That being said, if you’re limited on time or you just really don’t want to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill, running outdoors might be the best choice. You’re more likely to stick to what you enjoy.

As the logistics world is changing fast, tech is at the center of it all in 2025. From warehouse robots to delivery drones, companies are stepping up their game to move things faster, safer, and with less waste.

More than 80% of logistics businesses are planning to digitize operations. That means fewer paper logs, more real-time tracking, smarter inventory systems, and better planning tools. Logistics software vendors, in turn, adopt the latest AI, IoT, and blockchain practices to make it happen.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the latest technology trends from Acropolium’s custom logistics solutions — one of the leading tech partners for supply chain businesses. 

1. Smarter Warehouses with Automation & Robots

In 2025, robots are picking, sorting, and moving items around automatically. These bots help speed up the process and reduce mistakes, while workers focus on more strategic tasks.

Think conveyor belts with eyes and hands, or robotic carts that follow paths across the warehouse floor. This automation helps companies deal with labor shortages and ramp up productivity, especially during busy seasons.

Moreover, many of these systems come with built-in AI tools that help predict demand so companies know what to stock up on and when.

2. AI Is Taking the Wheel

AI and ML are the logistics technology trends that dig through piles of data to uncover patterns and help companies make smarter decisions: which route will be fastest, where delays are likely, or when a truck might need maintenance.

Companies using AI have cut logistics costs by 15%, reduced overstock by 35%, and improved delivery times and service by over 60%.

3. Blockchain, Not Just for Crypto

In logistics, blockchain creates a digital paper trail that can’t be tampered with. Every product gets a digital ID, showing where it came from, who handled it, and what condition it’s in.

That’s useful for tracking things like food safety, verifying sustainability claims, or cutting down on fake goods. 

4. Real-Time Tracking with IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects containers, trucks, and pallets to the internet. Attach a sensor, and you can track location, temperature, humidity, or even vibrations in real-time.

It works great news for sensitive shipments like medicine or fresh food. For example, if a truck’s temperature rises too much, alerts go out instantly. You always know where your stuff is, and what shape it’s in. IoT is also used to spot vehicle issues early, so breakdowns don’t ruin delivery schedules.

5. Virtual and Augmented Reality Training

VR and AR are helping train warehouse staff faster and more safely. With a headset, a new worker can learn how to handle equipment or pack orders correctly without ever setting foot on the warehouse floor.

AR glasses can guide employees with on-screen instructions as they walk around. And for customers, AR can add transparency. Some companies are letting users see live tracking data through mobile apps with interactive maps or 3D views.

6. Big Data: Making Better Decisions

Every delivery, order, and inventory move creates data. In the past, this info was underused. Now, with big data tools, logistics teams can spot trends, forecast demand, and avoid slowdowns before they happen.

For example, shipping companies can use weather data to avoid storm delays, or analyze past orders to prep stock in the right regions before demand spikes.

As a result, you can have fewer delays, better stock control, and smarter planning.

7. Greener Logistics & Sustainability 

From electric delivery vans to route optimization that cuts down fuel use, companies are working hard to reduce their carbon footprints.

Warehouses are also getting makeovers with energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and smart HVAC systems.

Then there’s reverse logistics: recycling, refurbishing, or reusing returned products. It’s all about extending product life and cutting waste. More than two-thirds of consumers now say they prefer eco-friendly brands, so this trend isn’t going anywhere.

8. Drones and Driverless Deliveries

While self-driving trucks and delivery drones won’t replace drivers overnight, they’re already making an impact on short routes and in rural areas.

Drones, for example, are dropping off medicine and small packages where regular deliveries take too long or cost too much. As traffic systems get smarter and laws catch up, we’ll likely see these tools playing a bigger role in how goods move.

9. Digital Twins as the Supply Chain’s Crystal Ball

A digital twin is basically a virtual model of a physical object or process. In the logistics context, this could mean creating a digital copy of a warehouse or transport route to test “what-if” scenarios before making changes in real life.

Say you’re planning a new delivery route or changing warehouse layout — running simulations on a digital twin can show how it’ll affect time, cost, and efficiency before you spend a dime.

Conclusion

In 2025, logistics is all about working smarter, not harder. With AI, automation, sensors, and virtual models, companies are cutting costs, boosting speed, and reducing waste. And all of that results in more accurate deliveries, greener operations, and a better experience for everyone involved.

Whether it’s a warehouse robot or a flying drone, the future of logistics is here — with the power of technology, it changes the supply chain for the better.

This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.

New changes are underway for professional basketball star Kevin Durant on and off the court.

Durant is experiencing shifts within his expanding business portfolio. 

Durant is now an investor in the Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), having purchased a minority stake through Boardroom Sports Holdings, his investment arm established alongside his business partner, Rich Kleiman, according to Sports Illustrated. 

He signed the deal with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), PSG’s majority shareholder.

“QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our group,” QSI Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in a company press release. “We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.”

In the press release, Durant expressed excitement about the new deal, stating that Paris and the club hold a special place in his heart. 

“This club has big plans and I look forward to being part of the next phase of growth and exploring new investment opportunities with QSI,” he said.

Durant will advise “on Paris Saint-Germain’s multi-sport strategy, including potential plans in basketball.”

New opportunities are expected to come from this partnership across various commercial ventures, investments, and content initiatives. Durant will also assist with Paris Saint-Germain’s growth in the U.S. and internationally, as mentioned on Boardroom’s website.

On the court, the Phoenix Suns reportedly traded the 15-time All-Star to the Houston Rockets on Sunday, according to the NBA.

The news broke while Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest NYC, described as the world’s largest arena for sports and collectibles for enthusiasts, athletes, and collectors on its website. 

“Anything can happen at Fanatics Fest, like me getting traded, but being a part of the Houston Rockets, I’m looking forward to it,” Durant said in an interview with Sports Commentator Kay Adams.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — From smoking to living in the South, many people face a higher risk of a pulmonary embolism: a blood clot in the lungs.

Now with technology, new drugs, and specialized care, a local team is working for better outcomes.

Last year, Stephany Brown fulfilled a lifelong dream – taking a cruise.

“It was part of our 20th wedding anniversary,” Stephany remembers with a smile.

But she also remembers last year for surviving a pulmonary embolism.

After being startled at work, her fitness tracker said her heart was in overdrive, and couldn’t slow down.

She was also getting short of breath.

“My mother was adamant – ‘You need to hurry up and go to the hospital,’ ” she recalls.

At Temple University Hospital, tests quickly found the cause.

“There were blood clots in both lungs, and they were extremely big,” she notes.

“A blood clot that starts in the leg, breaks off, comes to the lung – It can affect anyone. It spares no one,” explains Dr. Parth Rali, a Temple Health thoracic surgeon.

Dr. Rali says P-E’s can come without warning, block blood flow and cause heart or lung damage.

A third of people with them die before getting a diagnosis and treatment.

To find lung clots faster, Dr. Rali’s team uses A-I software to read CT scans.

“If it detects the blood clot, it will put it at the top of the queue for the radiologist,” he explains.

“Instead of waiting for 5, 6 hours, you are getting reads in like 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes,” he says.

The P-E response team gets an alert, so they can start blood thinners faster and plan other treatments – such as a catheter that puts drugs right into the clot.

“I get it right on my phone. I don’t need to look for a computer,” he adds.

Dr. Rali is also testing A-I guided ultrasound even non-technicians can use.

“It will self-prompt you, saying go here, go here, go – next steps,” he says, adding, “How fast you act changes your trajectory, meaning that how well you’re going to do.”

Stephany took part in trials of a new clot-busting drug.

Because the clots shrank so fast, she thinks she got the drug, not a placebo.

Now, her family is back making plans.

“We’re gonna cruise in December again. I think we’re addicted to it now,” she says with a laugh.

She’s also back on her weight loss journey, losing 95 pounds so far.

Dr. Rali says long-term follow-ups with both specialists and primary care is essential to preventing future clots.