Real World Coaching Podcast

This week on the podcast we sat down with Trevor Jaffe, one of the most innovative powerlifting coaches in the world.Trevor has coached 11 different athletes to all-time world records, not by following conventional systems, but by building outside-the-box approaches that actually match the athlete in front of him.We got into: -Why unconventional training methods often produce the best long-term results-How to identify and overcome injury setups before they become chronic problems -The biggest mistakes lifters make when they only train inside one philosophy -Building an elite mindset that can handle setbacks, pressure, and longevity-What separates athletes who plateau from the ones who keep evolving.This was one of our favorite conversations in a long time because it wasn't just about strength sports. It was about adaptation, resilience, and learning how to think better as a coach and athlete. Available now on all platforms.Trevor's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jaffestrength/Field Notes:https://rangeofstrength.kit.com/fieldnotes

In this episode, we unpack the overuse of corrective exercise; when “fixing” movement becomes the entire program, and what that might be costing your athletes and clients.We also explore our recent ventures in natural stonelifting and the value of awkward, real-world strength. What happens when you step outside perfectly controlled environments and challenge the body in less predictable ways.Finally, we dive into the rise of AI-generated content in fitness, the flood of information that sounds right, looks polished, but often lacks depth, context, and real coaching insight.

In this episode, Kelly Starrett gives us a deeper dive into the evolution of mobility training and where it’s headed next. We discuss how mobility work first entered mainstream strength and conditioning, lessons learned along the way, and the pushback and misconceptions the field has faced. We also dive into the nuance of mobility training today and what the future may hold for athletes, coaches, and everyday movers.Drk Kelly's Links:https://linkin.bio/thereadystate/

In this episode of Real World Coaching, we share the highs and lows of our coaching journeys, highlighting both client horror stories and the victories that kept us going. From tough lessons learned to moments of triumph, we reflect on the challenges that shaped us and the growth that came from it all. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes of coaching, this one’s for you.Timestamp:0:25 Intro2:29 First Jacks Experience11:46 First Lucas Experience15:59 Second Jacks Experience16:56 How to communicate21:14 Second Lucas Experience31:12 First Jacks Success Experience36:10 First Lucas Success Experience

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Hayden Mitchel, PhD in Pedagogy, to explore a question that doesn’t get asked enough in the fitness industry: Are coaches actually teaching? We dive into the gap between coaching and teaching and why bridging that gap might be the key to helping clients reach a higher level of performance and long-term success. This conversation goes beyond sets and reps. It challenges coaches to think more critically about how they communicate, structure sessions, and develop clients over time. If you’re serious about elevating your impact, not just your programming, this episode will change how you see your role as a coach.Timestamps: 03:05 Hayden's Journey:From Player to Coach 09:55 The Intersection of Theory and Practice 14:58 Experiential Knowledge in Coaching 19:55 The Importance of Individualized Programming 24:56 Navigating the Coaching Mindset 29:59 Values and Behaviors in Coaching 35:03 The Role of Structure in Coaching 39:57 Deepening the Coaching Experience 45:04 Self-Reflection and Growth in Coaching 49:51 The Human Connection in Coaching 55:07 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode, we explore why coaches should intentionally take on “side quests” as part of their professional development. We break down how stepping outside your main role can sharpen skills, reveal blind spots, and accelerate growth when done with purpose. We also reflect on our own experiences with side quests and how to approach them intentionally so they actually translate into better coaching. Timestamp:00:33 Reflecting on Side Quests02:00 Defining Side Quests in Training04:41 Exploring Plyometrics and Sprinting09:40 Coaching Strategies for Plyometrics14:49 The Impact of CrossFit on Training Perspectives23:35 Endurance Training as a Side Quest1:35 The Journey of Hand Balancing42:35 Collaborative Side Quest: Old Time Lifts

In this episode, we’re joined by Nick Nilsson to explore how men in their 40s can become true mad scientists of muscle. We break down what’s actually happening to strength, muscle, and recovery with age, why training harder often stops working, and how to intelligently use heavy loads, volume, carries, and recovery to keep building instead of breaking down. A long-term playbook for staying strong for decades.More from Nick Nilsson;https://www.madscientistofmuscle.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nicknilsson1?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Timestamp:03:40 Nick's Unique Approach to Training 12:11 The Balance of Fun and Optimal Training18:13 Understanding Age-Related Muscle Loss23:20 Training Techniques for Longevity25:00 Exploring Explosive Training Methods29:25 Practical Advice for Older Athletes30:25 Balancing Volume and Intensity in Training35:00 The Power of Frequency in Muscle Growth44:35 Supporting Testosterone Levels Naturally50:50 The Role of Fasting in Fat Loss59:38 The Power of Heavy Loaded Carries01:10:55 Embracing Feedback and Experimentation01:15:00 The Importance of Enjoying the Process

In Two Coaches, One Playbook, we lay the foundation for everything this podcast stands for. We unpack our goals, vision, and mission, and why we believe coaches need more than recycled systems and surface level advice.