Published by Prep Coach Podcast
Giving you the Best Knowledge and Tools that you can Practically Apply to become a better Competitor and Coach 🏆 🎙Hosted by Michael Trimboli, Scott Morrell, & Michael Galante. #prepcoachpodcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts39 min
This week the boys recap another huge weekend of natural bodybuilding, celebrate the continued growth of Season B, and answer listener questions on coaching quality, contest prep strategy, natural bodybuilding rules, and what athletes should expect from their coach. We cover: ✅ Scotty's birthday celebrations and the WA workshop recap ✅ Why Season B has officially established itself as a permanent competition season ✅ The continued rise of Australian bodybuilding on the international stage ✅ Natural bodybuilding eligibility, previous PED use, HRT, peptides, and GLP-1 medications ✅ Whether it's better to reach stage condition early or diet hard right until show day ✅ Why maintaining condition with more food often produces a better physique ✅ How prep timelines, diet breaks, and recovery influence performance and muscle retention ✅ What athletes should expect from a quality coach and why service matters more than price ✅ The importance of truly individualised programming, exercise selection, and technique analysis ✅ Why competing isn't just about winning—and why every athlete deserves their place on stage ✅ Reflecting on their own competitive journeys and why all three hosts are planning a return to the stage 🎧 A great episode covering contest prep strategy, coaching standards, natural bodybuilding, and plenty of behind-the-scenes discussion from another busy competition weekend. LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ DisclaimerThe information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
28 min
This week the boys recap another fantastic weekend of natural bodybuilding before diving into one of the biggest coaching topics in the industry. From female hormone health and interpreting blood work to managing prep through perimenopause, recovery, and training volume, this episode is packed with practical coaching advice for athletes and coaches alike. We cover: ✅ Recapping the Sydney Winter Show, standout physiques, and the incredible community atmosphere ✅ Celebrating first-time competitors and the supportive culture of natural bodybuilding ✅ A special shout-out to an inspiring Gold Coast athlete overcoming an incredible journey to step on stage ✅ Why understanding female hormone health is essential for successful contest prep ✅ How to interpret blood work correctly and why context matters more than reference ranges ✅ Menstrual cycles, ovulation, and why having a period doesn't always mean hormone health is optimal ✅ Using blood work to guide prep decisions, recovery, and post-show health ✅ Coaching athletes through perimenopause and managing higher life stress ✅ Why longer prep timelines, diet breaks, and recovery phases often produce better physiques ✅ How to preserve hormone health while still achieving elite levels of conditioning ✅ Training volume vs training intensity—and why doing less can often produce more ✅ The importance of quality working sets, recovery, and progressive overload for long-term muscle growth 🎧 A must-listen episode for coaches and competitors looking to better understand female physiology, smarter contest prep, recovery, and evidence-based training. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
46 min
Back for another episode, the boys open with a quick catch-up from the weekend show before getting straight into bigger coaching conversations around industry standards, prep timelines, cardio, and the small decisions that can make a big difference across a season. This one moves from winter show reflections into practical discussion on what better coaching can look like and how athletes should think about planning, feedback and performance. We cover: ✅ Reflections from the first winter show, including crowd energy, athlete interviews and the overall atmosphere on the day ✅ Whether federations should play a role in improving coaching standards, and what a minimum level of coach education could look like ✅ Why bodybuilding still needs better safeguards around prep quality, planning and athlete care ✅ Common prep timeline mistakes, including starting too late, underestimating true stage condition, and not building in enough runway ✅ Why pre-prep phases, refeeds and better long-term structure can dramatically improve final conditioning ✅ The importance of adjusting based on the look, not just chasing a scale weight target ✅ Why building buffers into a prep matters when life stress, sickness, injury or fatigue hit at the wrong time ✅ Thoughts on bringing back “Rate My Physique” and using it to assess athletes against judging criteria ✅ Why high-energy side stage support can make a real difference to athlete confidence before they walk out ✅ Whether baking soda is actually useful for bodybuilding performance, and why the evidence seems more relevant to endurance-style efforts ✅ Why fasted cardio can be a practical tool when carbohydrate is better allocated toward training performance later in the day ✅ A detailed breakdown of using low-carb cardio to drive endurance adaptations, improve substrate use, and support performance in events like Hyrox and running ✅ MG’s obsession with the V squat, and why certain machines suit injury history, confidence and progression better than others 🎧 A big episode on coaching standards, smarter prep timelines, side stage energy, and the finer details of performance-based cardio. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
38 min
The boys are back and straight into bodybuilding chat, opening with training in freezing Melbourne conditions before moving into injury recovery, natural show standards, and practical competitor advice. From Chloe’s return after a long battle with nerve pain, to a detailed breakdown of the Melbourne NPC Naturals, this one blends athlete perspective with useful coaching takeaways for anyone preparing to compete. We cover: ✅ Chloe’s return to stage after months of back pain, nerve compression, rehab and uncertainty ✅ Why her latest look was one of her most balanced physiques yet ✅ A full recap of the Melbourne NPC Naturals and the overall quality of the line-ups ✅ Thoughts on bikini and fit model standards in a natural federation, and whether the rewarded look appears slightly dialled back in condition and muscle ✅ Why one show isn’t enough to fully define a federation standard, and why Nationals will give a clearer picture ✅ Feedback from Kaitlyn’s showing, including conditioning, fullness, tan and posing adjustments ✅ Whether anti-inflammatories can blunt hypertrophy and why they shouldn’t be used casually just to avoid soreness ✅ Exercises recently added back into training, including close-grip barbell pressing, Bulgarians and SLDL variations ✅ What to pack for an overseas show like Bali, including rice flour, protein, scales, hydration products and backup medication ✅ Why posing workshops are such an important part of prep, especially for confidence, stage simulation and learning to present under pressure ✅ Upcoming posing workshops and why the winter season deserves more support from competitors and spectators alike. 🎧 Melbourne show standards, injury comeback stories, anti-inflammatories, Bali prep tips, and why posing workshops matter more than most athletes realise. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
29 min
After a successful weekend in Adelaide for the IFBB Natural show, the boys recap a huge day of results, standout physiques, and why certain athletes were strategically placed in this season’s lineup. From Scotty’s own condition and stage presence, to Rebecca’s strong result ahead of Season C, this one moves from show-day reflections into practical coaching discussion around supplementation, pre-prep fat loss, and how athletes should actually choose a coach. We cover: ✅ A full Adelaide recap, including Wayne’s standout men’s physique look, posing flow and stage presence ✅ Rebecca’s bronze in novice and why this show made sense as a midway stop before Season C ✅ Thoughts on adding extra poses into a men’s physique walkout and where the line is strategically ✅ L-theanine, NAC and immunity support, plus how Scotty is using theanine with caffeine and before bed ✅ Why a pre-prep fat loss phase can make a huge difference before a full contest prep ✅ How much weight can realistically come off in a short pre-prep when food is still relatively high ✅ Whether coaches who have never competed can still coach prep athletes well ✅ Why having competed yourself can improve relatability, problem-solving and real-world prep support ✅ How to properly vet a coach beyond social media results alone ✅ Why athlete outcomes don’t always tell the full story unless you understand the full coaching process. 🎧 Adelaide results, supplementation, pre-prep strategy, and a big conversation around choosing the right coach. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
36 min
MG is back on the pod after being sick, and while he shuts down the “12 weeks out” rumours, the boys get stuck into a really good mix of training philosophy, gym culture, mindset and judging trends. They chat through the mobility and isometric work MG’s been using to stay strong without breaking down, Scotty finally reveals the details behind his new elite gym in Greensborough, and then it rolls into audience questions on motivation, bodybuilder identity, classic physique posing and where bikini judging is heading. We cover: ✅ Why MG is leaning harder into mobility, isometrics and “prehab” to keep strength high ✅ Scotty’s new elite gym reveal, including the vision, equipment, layout and membership plans ✅ The gym stereotypes each of the boys are most guilty of ✅ What they tell themselves when things don’t go their way ✅ Why motivation is unreliable, and why habit, routine and identity matter more ✅ Which athletes coached by each other they admire most and why ✅ Whether the front lat spread should become mandatory in classic physique ✅ The bikini trends they believe will keep being rewarded over the next few years ✅ Why bikini still isn’t a “tie-in competition” and why shape, balance and condition all matter ✅ Whether natural bodybuilding should use more guest posers at shows ✅ If they ever see themselves moving away from training like bodybuilders later in life 🎧 A really fun one that starts with elite gym talk and finishes with some great bodybuilding questions around mindset, posing and category trends. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
38 min
With MG joining remotely, this Q&A episode dives straight into bodybuilding topics — covering the final stretch of contest prep, how to think about total training volume, what actually counts as “junk” sets, and how coaches assess body fat gain through the improvement season. The boys also touch on men’s posing mobility, the value of natural guest posers, and whether they ever see themselves moving away from bodybuilding-style training. We cover: ✅ The biggest mistakes competitors make in the final four weeks of prep ✅ Why extra cardio, unplanned food changes and second-guessing the process can backfire late in prep ✅ How social media comparison can create unnecessary doubt close to show day ✅ Why not enjoying training late in prep can be completely normal ✅ How the boys think about total weekly volume and what “junk sets” really are ✅ Why volume needs to be individualised based on the athlete, recovery and physique goals ✅ How stimulus-to-fatigue affects exercise selection and set allocation ✅ Why simply adding more work is not always the answer for bringing up a body part ✅ How coaches assess acceptable body fat gain in the improvement season ✅ The difference between what the coach may be comfortable with vs what the athlete feels comfortable with ✅ When an earlier mini cut can help with adherence and motivation ✅ Mobility tips for men’s physique posing, especially thoracic rotation and extension ✅ Why natural guest posers can help elevate the sport ✅ Whether the boys ever see themselves not training like bodybuilders 🎧 A pure bodybuilding Q&A on final prep execution, smarter programming, offseason body comp, posing mobility and long-term training. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
45 min
This episode starts light with Monster flavours, rap recommendations and the usual banter, then quickly shifts into a really good discussion around what actually matters in bodybuilding beyond just looking shredded. The boys unpack whether the leanest athlete is always the best athlete, why social media can distort how competitors judge themselves, and how posing, shape, size and presentation all affect the final outcome. From there, they dive into the reality of getting started in bodybuilding, the culture around shows and gyms, the realities of owning a gym, and the coaches and athletes they respect most. They finish with a detailed answer on post-prep bloodwork, recovery, and why context matters when interpreting pathology in physique athletes. We cover: ✅ Whether the leanest athlete is always the best athlete on stage ✅ Why athletes often mistake extreme conditioning for automatic placings ✅ How social media can make competitors overestimate other athletes’ physiques ✅ Why posing, shape, fullness and presentation still matter alongside conditioning ✅ Advice for new athletes who feel intimidated getting started in bodybuilding ✅ Why most bodybuilding spaces are more welcoming than people expect ✅ The realities of owning a gym, from permits and costs to risk and workload ✅ Whether working in a gym first is the smartest way to test that goal ✅ The athletes and coaches the boys respect most in the industry ✅ How they keep learning, refine their eye, and improve as coaches over time ✅ A deep dive into post-prep bloodwork, muscle damage markers, recovery and context 🎧 A big one on judging physiques properly, navigating the industry, and reading post-prep bloods through the right lens. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
40 min
This episode quickly moves into a strong bodybuilding discussion, with reflections on the recent season, standout athletes and divisions, and how natural bodybuilding continues to evolve. The boys unpack the rising standard across categories like bikini and classic physique, discuss carb timing and insulin sensitivity, and answer listener questions around fit model crossover potential, supplement use, and how to better manage the post-comp phase when food focus is at its highest. We cover: ✅ Reflections on the recent run of shows and how smooth the season felt from an operations and athlete quality perspective ✅ Why bikini and classic physique continue to rise, and how the standard across divisions keeps improving ✅ Standout competitors, emotional pro card moments, and the presentation quality seen throughout the season ✅ Whether a natural bikini athlete could successfully cross over into fit model in an untested federation ✅ Thoughts on insulin sensitivity, carb timing, and why carbs are best used strategically around training ✅ Why Scott doesn’t currently see berberine as a must-have prep supplement ✅ How natural bodybuilding has changed in recent years, with more accessible entry-level divisions and stronger younger athletes coming through ✅ What athletes can do to better manage post-comp food noise, food focus, and the recovery phase after getting stage lean 🎧 Show season reflections, carb timing, fit model crossover and managing post-comp food noise. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition, supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk, and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
39 min
The boys open with some light family chat before shifting into show season mode and breaking down what’s happening behind the scenes with their current athletes. This episode leans heavily into the difference between categories, how peak week decisions are made, and why the right look is often more about control than pushing harder. We cover: ✅ Light-hearted opening chat around family life and the current season ✅ Scotty’s Adelaide athlete recap and why the first-show feedback confirmed they were on the right track ✅ How the judges described the physique as spot on overall, with just a little more fullness still needed ✅ Why fit model continues to stand out as a growing division for natural athletes ✅ MT’s athlete Maddi and the strategy behind keeping her at maintenance, using regular refeeds, and not digging harder than needed ✅ Why holding condition early has created a far more predictable and controlled lead-in for Maddi’s upcoming shows ✅ How small posing details in fit model can completely change the look without needing harder conditioning ✅ Scotty’s athlete Nerrida and how her figure prep is being managed very differently based on category demands and stage look ✅ The value of reducing fatigue, controlling output, and keeping digestion, sleep and stress in a good place during peak week ✅ Why the boys are excited to see how fit model and figure continue to evolve across the season ✅ Updates on a few standout athletes and why their current progress has everyone fired up 🎧 Peak week strategy, fit model nuance and real coaching conversations during the heart of show season. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
39 min
Kicking off with a funny chat about Normie, the boys then move into two very different rehab stories — Normie’s huge progress after bilateral hip replacements, and MT dealing with a frustrating lower back and nerve-related injury after a simple misstep in the garden. From there, the episode shifts into Scotty’s first athlete show recap for the season, with a detailed breakdown of peak week decisions, show day execution, pump-up intensity, and the kind of feedback you only get from being in the trenches with a competitor. We cover: ✅ Normie’s recovery after bilateral hip replacements and how much progress he’s made through consistent rehab ✅ MT’s recent back and nerve scare, including calf weakness, numbness, and the challenge of figuring out whether it’s muscular or disc-related ✅ Why extension feels better than flexion, and what that might mean in a rehab setting ✅ Scotty’s recap of his athlete’s first show of the season and the lessons taken from her peak week ✅ How he assessed scale weight, photos, fluid, sodium, fullness and stress across the final days ✅ Why reducing fatigue and watching inflammation markers mattered so much leading into the show ✅ The importance of accurate pump-up timing and intensity on show day ✅ How close they felt they were to nailing the look, and what they’d repeat or improve next time ✅ Why having multiple refeeds before a show can make peak week far more predictable ✅ Early thoughts on upcoming Season B athletes and what they’re excited to watch unfold 🎧 Rehab wins, injury frustrations, and a deep dive into peak week strategy from the first show of the season LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
42 min
With Scotty back on the couch, this episode opens with reflections on time away, Easter, and the kind of support, presence and consistency that good people bring into your life. From there, the conversation shifts into coaching standards, the warning signs athletes shouldn’t ignore, and why so many people still stay too long in coaching setups that are giving them very little back. The boys unpack what basic coaching care should actually look like, why duty of care matters so much, and how good coaching goes far beyond just handing out a plan. We cover: ✅ The biggest coaching red flags athletes should never ignore ✅ What a minimum coaching standard should actually look like ✅ Why poor communication, vague feedback and lack of care can do real long-term damage ✅ The responsibility coaches have when it comes to athlete health, education and decision-making ✅ Whether bad coaching comes from laziness, poor mentorship, lack of growth, or all three ✅ How Scotty’s coaching has evolved over time through reflection, maturity and learning from mistakes ✅ The value of mentorship, postgraduate study and being around great practitioners ✅ Why MT’s early systems, structure and planning helped shape his coaching from the start ✅ How coaching has changed over the last 10 years and why better access to information still means more noise to filter through ✅ Why coaches and athletes both need to get better at deciphering good advice from bad advice 🎧 A deep dive into coaching standards, mentorship, and how to tell good guidance from bad. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
55 min
Back in MG’s gym without Scotty again, this episode turns into a deeper chat around coaching standards, client service, and what athletes should actually expect when they hire a coach. The boys unpack everything from first inquiries and onboarding to weekly check-ins, form feedback, peak week communication, and where AI can help without replacing real coaching. We cover: ✅ What the first conversation with a coach should look like before anyone signs up ✅ Why a proper consult matters more than just sending pricing or a PDF of services ✅ What onboarding should include, from training and nutrition setup to long-term planning ✅ Why weekly check-ins should be proactive, structured and clearly explained ✅ The importance of voice or video responses so feedback feels genuine and personal ✅ Why form checks, posing feedback and exercise execution should still be part of the coaching process ✅ What athletes should expect during peak week, show day planning and day-to-day communication ✅ Where AI can be useful in coaching as a tool, but not as a replacement for real service 🎧 This one’s a big conversation on coaching standards, real client care, and the level of service athletes deserve. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
52 min
This week’s episode leans heavily into work stress, career direction, and what it actually takes to make a meaningful change when your current job no longer fits who you are. The boys unpack how people can manage work stress more effectively, how to stop feeding negativity around work, and why sometimes the answer is not quitting immediately, but changing your mindset, routines, and actions first. From there, they go deep on their own transitions out of corporate careers and into coaching, including the risks, the preparation, and the reality of starting from the ground up. We cover: ✅ Why work stress often gets worse when you only focus on what’s wrong and forget what still works ✅ Practical ways to manage work stress, including switching off properly, taking breaks, and creating distance from work outside work hours ✅ Why writing down what you still like about your job can change your perspective ✅ The value of taking actionable steps instead of sitting in frustration, whether that means a conversation, updating your resume, or exploring other options ✅ How giving 100% again for a short period can sometimes completely shift your experience at work ✅ MG and MT’s own career changes, from banking/corporate roles into coaching ✅ Why both of them made calculated transitions instead of impulsive leaps ✅ The importance of testing the market, building experience, and having systems in place before changing careers ✅ Why having a financial buffer matters before leaving a stable job ✅ The difference between loving bodybuilding and actually loving coaching ✅ Why coaching can be deeply fulfilling, but is also demanding, service-based, and not all about training plans and macros ✅ Advice for anyone thinking about becoming a coach, including learning from great people, getting hands-on experience, and building the right foundations first 🎧 Work stress, career pivots, coaching purpose and the smarter way to make a big life change. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
41 min
This week the boys kick things off with MG’s surprise update — he’s through to filming for a game show after making it through the final audition round. From there, the episode rolls into practical bodybuilding talk on high and low days, how long an off-season cut should last, switching coaches too often, and whether StairMaster is really worth the fatigue cost. We cover: ✅ MG’s game show audition, filming day, briefcase numbers and his lucky-number strategy ✅ Why he’s been breaking old superstitions and leaning away from fear-based rituals ✅ Rest day vs training day macros — when high/low days make sense and when they’re unnecessary ✅ Why refeeds are different from simply lowering food because output is lower ✅ Using higher food on harder training days vs digging a bit more on quieter rest days ✅ How long an off-season cut should ideally last, and why shorter is usually better ✅ Why staying in better body composition year-round makes prep easier and more productive ✅ The trade-off between pushing bodyweight up for growth and getting too fluffy in the off-season ✅ Whether changing coaches every prep helps or usually holds athletes back long term ✅ Why the improvement season is often the most valuable time to actually have a coach ✅ The benefit of long-term data, pre-preps and structured planning instead of prep-only coaching ✅ Thoughts on StairMaster for cardio and why it can create more leg fatigue than bike or elliptical options ✅ When StairMaster can still work if the athlete enjoys it and recovery isn’t affected 🎧 Game show auditions, smarter macro setups, better off-season decisions and cardio fatigue trade-offs. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
45 min
Back at home base after Bali, the boys recap the trip, recovery sessions, getting sick on the way home, and why the retreat seems to have reignited the fire for training. From post-Bali momentum and better routines to comparison in the improvement season, supplement basics, sleep structure and the biggest nutrition mistakes athletes still make in prep, this one covers a lot of ground. We cover: ✅ Post-Bali reflections — the new gym setup, recovery session, cold plunge, sauna and why the retreat worked so well ✅ MG’s update: baby nearly here, health in a great place, and why training motivation is back at an all-time high ✅ MT’s Bali bug aftermath, antibiotics, appetite crash and how quickly things can go downhill after travel ✅ How to handle comparison in the improvement season by filtering feedback through qualification, actionability and long-term relevance ✅ Basic daily supplements the boys would prioritise: vitamin D3, magnesium, fish oil, probiotics, plus why creatine is still king ✅ Iron deficiency, infusions vs supplementation, and how lifestyle, sleep and food quality affect blood markers more than people realise ✅ Favourite upper and lower compound lifts right now — from shoulder pressing and rows to SLDLs, V-squats and good mornings ✅ What athletes think matters in prep but actually doesn’t — and why sleep gets ignored while “sleep hacks” get overhyped ✅ Why your day really starts the night before: brain dumps, no-phone blocks, journaling, gratitude and protecting down-regulation ✅ Biggest nutrition mistakes in prep — inaccurate tracking, eyeballing “little things,” overusing sugar-free extras, and ignoring nutrient quality 🎧 Back from Bali talking recovery, routines, supplements, sleep and the prep mistakes that still hold athletes back. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
1 hr 8 min
Live from Bali with the retreat crew in the room, this one is part chaos, part community, part coaching deep-dive. Between giraffes, jelly beans and Waterbom stories, the boys reflect on how far the podcast has come, answer questions from the live audience, and dig into comparison, sickness, women’s health, gym accessories and whether competing again is actually on the cards. We cover: ✅ How the Prep Coach Podcast grew into something far bigger than expected — and why this community means so much ✅ The story of how MG, MT and Scotty met, and how TMG Physiques came to life ✅ Off-season comparison traps — genetics, density, social media, AI edits and why you can’t compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel ✅ Returning to training after Bali belly or a stomach bug — what to eat first, when to train again, and how to avoid resetting the whole process ✅ Why white rice, low fibre and easy-to-digest foods matter more than “perfect macros” when your gut is wrecked ✅ Why face-to-face coaching experience still matters for online coaches — movement quality, communication, psychology and practical programming ✅ Lying vs seated leg extensions and whether hip angle changes quad hypertrophy enough to matter in the real world ✅ Must-have gym accessories vs nice-to-have extras — straps, belts, sleeves, shoes, cuffs and more ✅ Whether the boys will compete again, what divisions/federations tempt them, and if they’d support their kids stepping on stage ✅ Coaching women through peri-menopause and menopause, and why you still need to nail basics before chasing quick-fix solutions ✅ The retreat so far — favourite moments, best sessions, and why the recovery work has been such a standout 🎧 A fun, live Bali episode covering community, coaching, comparison and everything in between. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
57 min
Kicking off our last episode before the Bali retreat, the boys go way deeper than macros and step counts. MG shares a big health win after years of battling haemochromatosis and scary blood markers, then opens up about panic attacks, anxiety, medication, and how all of this ties into bodybuilding, prep decisions, relationships and “being selfish” as an athlete. We cover: ✅ MG’s haemochromatosis update: iron, liver health, sleep & stress finally improving ✅ Why sleep and life load can wreck your bloodwork more than training or creatine ever will ✅ MG’s history of severe daily panic attacks, hiding them at work & finally getting help ✅ Therapy, medication & breathing tools: what actually helped vs what didn’t ✅ How prep can become an escape from life problems – and red flags you’re “revenge prepping” ✅ Breakups, job stress & using the stage to fill a void vs competing for the right reasons ✅ Where the line is between committed and straight-up selfish in prep ✅ Partners who don’t “get” bodybuilding, insecurity, jealousy & setting expectations early ✅ Handling guilt as a parent in prep while still being present at home ✅ Season B vs Season C 2027: how we think about timing, recovery and international shows ✅ Being honest when you’re not coping with the structure & how a good coach should respond 🎧 A heavier, more personal episode of the Prep Coach Podcast that might be the nudge someone needs to get support. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
35 min
MG’s limping into this one with a monster quad corky, but the boys still dive deep into the realities behind long-term bodybuilding life. From parents grinding through prep on broken sleep, to athletes mentally cooked from years of tracking, to figuring out whether you genuinely don’t suit an exercise or just haven’t built the skill (or mobility) yet, this episode zooms out into reflection, habits and what you’d actually change about the last six months if you could hit reset. We cover: ✅ How the boys really feel about more bodybuilding podcasts popping up in the natural space ✅ Why more mixed-gender voices & athlete-led shows are good for the sport ✅ Navigating friends/partners who want to prep but can’t nail basic habits ✅ Regret vs reflection – what would you actually change about the last 6 months? ✅ How to tell if you truly don’t suit an exercise… or you just suck at it (for now) ✅ Coaching and parenting through prep with broken, unpredictable sleep ✅ Loosening the reins when you’re mentally cooked from years of tracking 🎧 First poddy back talking other podcasts, broken sleep realities and when to back off tracking without losing progress. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.
41 min
MG is back and finally breaks down his 20g creatine experiment, how he fixed his gut tolerance, and why his focus and calm have levelled up. Scotty unpacks the science, we pull apart what actually matters in a pre-workout, and finish with practical cues to make your belt squats and RDLs hit the tissue you think they’re hitting. We cover: ✅ MG’s 20g creatine + L-theanine stack, and why his training and work blocks feel completely different now ✅ How creatine really works in the brain, why high doses are used in cognition studies, and what to watch with caffeine timing ✅ Using L-theanine and caffeine together for focus without the crash, plus why resensitising to caffeine can feel “limitless” ✅ Pre-workout ingredients 101: what actually deserves a spot (caffeine anhydrous, citrulline, creatine, electrolytes) vs label fluff ✅ Beta-alanine beyond the tingles: daily dosing, endurance vs physique benefits, and smarter use across the week ✅ Belt squat setup to bias quads: foot position, knee travel, torso angle and why hanging off the handles kills stimulus ✅ RDL depth, hamstrings vs adductors, and the simple no-bar ROM test to keep your back (and ego) safe ✅ V-squats, wedges, ankle mobility and common squat-technique traps that bleed quad stimulus 🎧 Creatine, focus, pre-workout design and quad-biased squats that actually do what you think they do. LISTEN 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5AN FOLLOW 👇 PREP COACH PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/prepcoachpodcast/ Michael Trimboli - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrimbolifit/ Scott Morrell - https://www.instagram.com/powerhouse_sc/ Michael Galante - https://www.instagram.com/coachmg_ont/ Disclaimer The information presented is for informational and entertainment purposesonly and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professionaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult yourphysician or health care practitioner before beginning any nutrition,supplementation or exercise program. Anyone on this podcast does not assume any liability for the information provided. Any application of the recommendations or use of the information contained herein is at your discretion and sole risk,and you specifically waive any right to make any claim against anyone on this podcast.