LET’S TALK IMPACT WITH COSS MARTE @ CONBODY
ABOUT CONBODY
CONBODY (conbody.com) is a non-stop, bodyweight, prison-style, fitness method. We proudly hire formerly incarcerated individuals as our instructors. CONBODY is the first fitness method born in prison, founded by an inmate, managed and run by former inmates. Coss developed the CONBODY method while in solitary confinement. He lost 70 pounds in a 9×6 cell in 6 months using the non-stop, bodyweight method, he created. Coss then used the CONBODY method to help his fellow inmates lose over 1000 pounds while on the inside. Now CONBODY is the toughest most effective fitness program on the outside.
CONBODY’s mission is to de-stigmatize the formerly incarcerated community, ease their integration back into society, and change the systemic inequity of the criminal justice system. We provide wraparound reentry services for returning citizens. We work with organizations that share our mission to maximize our impact. CONBODY partners with engaged companies to provide fitness & CSR programs. Through the CONBODY FOUNDATION we have expanded upon the original concept of CONBODY in further pursuit of our mission. CONBODY has worked with over 100 formerly incarcerated professionals with a 0% recidivism rate..
ABOUT COSS MARTE
In 2009, Coss Marte was sent to jail as the leader of a multi-million dollar cocaine operation. He was also grossly overweight and warned by his physician that his current lifestyle, if left unchecked, would likely kill him. Faced with this grim prognosis, Coss started to get in shape using the tools he had—his prison cell and his own body weight. Within six months, he lost 70 pounds and replicated his successful formula of body weight exercises with 20 other people incarcerated alongside him. After he was released from prison, Coss launched ConBody a “prison style” bootcamp that hires formerly incarcerated individuals to teach fitness classes. Since the launch of his company he’s gained over 25,000+ clients , supported many folks coming home from prison, and has been featured in over 200 major media outlets such as NBC, CNN, The New York Times, TED Talks, and Men’s Fitness. Coss has also won major pitch competitions such as Pitch for Good by TOM’s shoes and the YPO shark tank competition, which combined raised $350,000.
ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Let’s Talk Impact is a podcast series that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Hosted by Justyna Kedra and produced by The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and WERULE, the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of changemakers. From government officials to activists and entrepreneurs, these guests share their insights on the evolving definition of impactful work and the motivations driving their efforts. By focusing on the stories behind the initiatives, Let’s Talk Impact aims to inspire and inform listeners about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she successfully finished their toughest major: Fashion Design. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
ABOUT IMPACT ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE:
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
ABOUT WERULE:
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Click to listen to episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DzexECmDSpP5kAw7871BD?si=bf1b346fb532497d
HOSTED BY: Justyna Kedra (@thisisjustyna) & Kosi Dunn
PRODUCED BY: Janusz Kedra
Questions about our events, podcast, blog or Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative? Email Justyna Kedra at justyna@newschool.edu