PREP COACH PODCAST

In this episode, the full crew is back—MT, MG & Scotty—recapping a massive few weeks of travel, posing workshops, and competition prep, plus diving into one of the biggest changes in natural bodybuilding testing to date: NBA’s rollout of Verifeye lie detection.

We break down how the system works, why it’s more accurate than traditional polygraph testing, and what it means for the future of the sport. We also cover the growing hype from recent workshops across the country, the NBA stance on keeping the pro stage sacred, and whether ICN WA’s national show will feature national-level judges and the head judge—a topic stirring some discussion across states.

We cover:
✅ Workshop Recap — Packed house, elite energy & rising talent
✅ SA Workshops — Strong numbers despite schedule conflicts, great new faces
✅ APS Sydney — 50+ athletes expected, logistical planning with Beck & Stew
✅ Queensland Mega Workshop — April 6 locked in, full show day experience incoming
✅ Why We Chose Verifeye — Lie detection explained, AI over polygraphs, athlete response
✅ No to Pro Qualifier Cards — Keeping the pro stage meaningful & exclusive
✅ Real Talk on Testing — Logistics, accuracy, AI learning & business impact
✅ Polys vs AI — Why we chose facial recognition testing over traditional polygraphs
✅ Pros Only — Why NBA doesn’t do pro qualifier cards like other federations
✅ Will ICN WA Have National Judges? — Thoughts on standardisation & head judge presence
✅ Starting Season A — IFBB shows kick off with TMJ athletes Ash & Poppy leading the charge
✅ Melbourne Pavilion — What to expect from the new venue & potential challenges
✅ Successful Reverses — What defines them, why every athlete’s “success” looks different

🔥 If you're coaching, competing, or just passionate about natural bodybuilding, this one is full of insights, testing transparency, athlete stories, and plenty of laughs.

HOSTS🎙

Michael Trimboli | Scott Morrell | Michael Galante

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LISTEN 🎧

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/prepcoachpodcast

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.

In this episode, we bring in Kole Cavanagh, head coach at Optimum Nutrition & Training and IFBB competitor, to tackle some big topics around the real value of contest prep, coaching development, and what truly builds a successful career in the fitness industry.

We dive into Kole’s journey—from his early days in the industry, to grinding through COVID lockdowns, to making his return to stage after an 8-year hiatus, and how it shaped his perspective as a coach.

We cover:
✅ Should PTs Compete — Does stepping on stage actually help grow your business
✅ Walking the Walk — Why experiencing prep firsthand makes you a better coach
✅ Coaching Philosophy — Leadership, empathy, and truly helping people grow
✅ Lessons from Prep — Building habits, resilience & performance under pressure
✅ Post-Show Learnings — How elite coaches translate prep experience into client results
✅ Building Your Book — Why word-of-mouth will always beat Instagram photos
✅ Real Talk on Prep — Sleep hacks, step count habits, hunger cues & the dark side of prep
✅ Physique vs Posing — What actually impacts stage placings most
✅ Posing Practice — Why you need to train like you're going on autopilot
✅ Cost of Competing — Breaking down expenses & smarter ways to budget
✅ Making Prep Fun — Mindset shifts, personal cues & embracing the grind
✅ Recovery Strategies — Cold plunges, sauna, massage & what really matters
✅ Should There Be a Best Poser or Inspiring Athlete Award — Behind-the-scenes at NBA

🔥 Whether you’re a coach, competitor or just passionate about this industry, this episode is packed with real talk, experience-driven lessons, and a few laughs along the way (including sponge roll secrets 👀).

HOSTS🎙

Michael Trimboli | Scott Morrell | Michael Galante

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LISTEN 🎧

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/prepcoachpodcast

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.

We’re joined by newly crowned IFBB Bikini Pro Kat Cavanagh, whose journey from last callouts to international stages is nothing short of inspirational. After five years of relentless work, countless shows, and multiple near-misses, Kat finally claimed her IFBB Pro status in Japan—and stepped on a Pro stage the very next day. This is a story of what it really takes to go from amateur to PRO. Kat’s journey proves that success in bodybuilding is built over time—not overnight.

We cover:
🏆 Winning Her IFBB Pro Card—The emotion, the journey, the moment that changed everything
✅ From Last Callouts to Champion—The lessons from early national shows
✅ The Role of Resilience—Why Kat never gave up after years of hard work
✅ Her First-Ever Gold Medal—After 5 years in the NPC, it finally came together
✅ Travel & Competing Overseas—Spain, Italy, Brazil, Japan, USA
✅ Pro Show Debut—From amateur to pro in 24 hours
✅ Navigating Prep While Traveling—How Kat handles food, gyms & routines abroad
✅ Coaching & Support Systems—The impact of her coach Richard & husband Jared
✅ Posing Coach Life—How she built Poser A&K into a powerhouse
✅ Teaching Elite Posing—Kat’s step-by-step method that produces champions
✅ Fit Model Division—What it is, who it’s for, and how it’s evolving
✅ Growth of the Australian Scene—More shows, more opportunities, more Pro potential
✅ What’s Next—Kat’s first full USA Pro Show Tour kicks off this year

🔥 If you're working toward your own Pro Card—or just want to know what separates good from great—this episode is packed with gold. Kat’s story will light a fire under every athlete chasing big goals.

HOSTS🎙

Michael Trimboli | Scott Morrell | Michael Galante

LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 👍

Thanks for watching!

LISTEN 🎧

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/prepcoachpodcast

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.

In this episode, we tackle some big questions around fertility and competition prep, the best approach to mini-cuts in the off-season, and how to manage strength loss when getting stage-lean. Plus, we break down how to approach a long competition season without burning out too soon.

We cover:
✅ Fertility & Prep—How competing affects menstrual cycles & fertility planning
✅ Egg Freezing vs. Competing—Should you prioritize one before the other?
✅ Getting Your Cycle Back—Why it’s crucial for long-term health & competing longevity
✅ The Role of Body Fat & Calories—How much weight & food increase is needed to restore hormonal balance?
✅ Mini-Cuts in Off-Season—When & why to use them for physique athletes
✅ How Much Weight Above Stage is Ideal?—Setting the right target in improvement season
✅ Pre-Prep Phases—Why starting 10kg from stage weight can make prep smoother
✅ Rate of Loss in Prep—How fast should weight come off in early vs. late prep?
✅ Strength Loss in Prep—Does losing strength mean losing muscle?
✅ Training Adjustments—How to tweak volume & intensity to preserve muscle
✅ Long Competition Seasons—How to structure conditioning for multiple shows
✅ Hitting Peak Condition at the Right Time—Should you be 100% stage-ready for the first show?

🔥 If you're serious about competing—or just want to learn how elite athletes manage their bodies year-round—this episode is loaded with insights.

We really appreciate all the questions!

HOSTS🎙

Michael Trimboli | Scott Morrell | Michael Galante

LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 👍

Thanks for watching!

LISTEN 🎧

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/prepcoachpodcast

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.

In this episode we deep dive into the mental and physical strategies needed to thrive in competition prep. From handling stage nerves to structuring a bulletproof mindset, we cover the biggest lessons competitors face when pushing to the next level. Plus, we discuss the ideal NBA fitness look, caffeine thresholds, and why backstage access is carefully managed.
We cover:
✅ The Power Pose Theory—how standing like Superman before a big moment can boost confidence & reduce nerves
✅ Handling stage fright & anxiety—practical strategies for staying calm & commanding presence
✅ Staying mentally strong in prep—the mindset shifts that help competitors push through the toughest phases
✅ Biggest lessons learned from competing—how prep forces you to be more efficient & eliminate distractions
✅ NBA Fitness Look Breakdown—is there a "perfect" look for fitness competitors, and how does it compare to IFBB Bikini?
✅ Competing at 50+—is age a disadvantage, or is it just another mindset barrier to break?
✅ Caffeine Consumption—how much is too much, and can you develop withdrawals?
✅ Post-Workout Hypoglycemia—why some competitors experience dizziness & fatigue after training
✅ Backstage Access Rules—why we limit access to athletes only and how it protects the competition experience
✅ Pre-Show Rituals—how simple cues like “Here we go” or body language hacks can improve confidence
✅ Why prep is about more than just winning—how your motivation (reward, ideology, coercion, or ego) shapes your journey
🔥 Whether you're a first-time competitor or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights, mental strategies, and expert advice to help you master your prep journey.

We really appreciate all the questions!

HOSTS🎙

Michael Trimboli | Scott Morrell | Michael Galante

LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 👍

Thanks for watching!

LISTEN 🎧

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/prepcoachpodcast

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.

In this episode, we break down the latest in bodybuilding, competition prep, and industry growth. From posing insights to managing fatigue, this one is packed with expert advice and behind-the-scenes stories.

We cover:

✅ Reflecting on Cherilyn's episode—posing insights & the evolution of the sport

✅ Industry growth—insane demand for NBA shows & new competitors

✅ The APS Bodybuilding Expo—athlete engagement & the future of expos

✅ SA Workshop Recap—first-time competitors, figure athlete potential & show predictions

✅ Before You Speak RTD Protein Coffee—new go-to pre-workout drink?

✅ How to handle fatigue in prep—caffeine, naps & prioritizing recovery

✅ The importance of sleep & strategic rest for better performance

✅ When to reduce training volume vs. pushing through

✅ Structuring training blocks—how long, when to change, and deload strategies

✅ Managing relationships during prep—setting expectations with family & friends

✅ Biggest struggles in prep—fatigue, training intensity & posing consistency

✅ NBA Stage Format Discussion—should competitors wait on stage or rotate differently?

✅ Favorite TV shows—Lioness, Cobra Kai, Suits & billionaires doing shady deals

✅ Kangaroo vs. Chicken Mince—best offseason & prep protein sources

✅ Unicorn-themed first birthdays—yes, we’re talking party hats too 🦄

We really appreciate all the questions!

HOSTS🎙

Michael Trimboli | Scott Morrell | Michael Galante

LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 👍

Thanks for watching!

LISTEN 🎧

Anchor - https://anchor.fm/prepcoachpodcast

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 recommendationsor 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.

In this episode we sit down with Cherilyn—business owner, gym owner, posing coach at The Posing Queens, and most importantly, a wife and mother. She shares her secrets to balancing family life, multiple businesses, and a passion for bodybuilding.

We dive into:
✅ The realities of juggling mum life with entrepreneurship
✅ Her start in bodybuilding and competing since 2012
✅ The evolution of posing and how it’s changed over the years
✅ Posing struggles—walking, mobility, lats, and fine-tuning presentation
✅ Her comeback plans and competing as a pro
✅ Grayden’s return to the stage after 6 years
✅ How she helped introduce Bikini Mamas to the sport
✅ Mind-muscle connection in posing—understanding body awareness
✅ The importance of posing coaching and working with different physiques
✅ The challenge of posing standardization across federations
✅ Why posing should be individualized—highlighting strengths & masking weaknesses
✅ The role of mobility & flexibility in posing perfection
✅ The differences between posing coaching styles—step-based vs. full routine
✅ The rise of posing coaches & industry demand
✅ Her advice for new posing coaches—what it takes to succeed
✅ How competition prep has evolved for women over the last decade
✅ Her past experience as a wedding coordinator and how it shaped her discipline
✅ The mental resilience of competing & overcoming adversity
✅ Her hilarious on-stage fall & recovery story 😅

🔥So grateful to have Cherilyn join the podcast!

HOSTS🎙Michael Trimboli | Scott Morrell | Michael GalanteLIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 👍Thanks for watching!LISTEN 🎧Anchor - https://anchor.fm/prepcoachpodcastSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ex8tkAzDHEBVZVK6Js5ANFOLLOW 👇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 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 recommendationsor 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.

We’re back with a jam-packed episode diving into everything from competition prep strategies to crazy gym stories and an exclusive look at the Drug Free Bodybuilding Alliance (DFBA) that’s about to change the game! 🌍💪

👇 Topics Covered in This Episode:

✅ First Workshop of the Season – Huge turnout, first-time competitors & what went down

✅ Upcoming Bali Retreat – The latest updates & why this year’s crew is next-level

✅ Drug Free Bodybuilding Alliance – How it's revolutionizing the sport & opening new doors for athletes

✅ How to Qualify for Nationals & International Shows – Everything you need to know

✅ Competing Internationally – How NBA athletes can now qualify for a Super Bowl of Natural Bodybuilding

✅ Judging Standards & Athlete Selection – What it takes to compete against the best in the world

✅ Training in Extreme Heat – Managing hydration, sodium loss & recovery

✅ How Many KGs Should You Lose in Prep? – Breaking down sustainable fat loss strategies

✅ The Right Approach to Reverse Dieting – How to transition out of a cut or prep without blowing up

✅ Do You Need Sleeping Pills in Prep? – Optimizing sleep, recovery & performance

✅ Superstitions & Competition Rituals – Do lucky jeans, meal containers & special routines actually help? 😂

✅ Rapid Fire Fun – Can you lick your elbow? Ever sent a text to the wrong person? 😆

✅ Crazy Muscle Cramp Story – What happens when you get your hydration totally wrong

We really appreciate all the questions!

Last week, we tackled the NPC/IFBB 3-year rule, but we got some new clarity—so we’re kicking off this episode by breaking it all down properly. We also dive into industry updates, competition prep insights, and some surprising listener questions that took us in unexpected directions. (Let’s just say, this one got interesting! 😂)

🔥 Here’s what we cover in this episode:

🔹NPC/IFBB Pro Rule Explained – No more confusion, we clarify exactly what it means.

🔹NBA Workshops & Season Kickoff – 30+ workshops coming up, why they’re a must-attend.

🔹Posing vs. Physique in Judging – How much does posing really matter?

🔹Prep Energy Levels – Why some people feel more energized in prep than off-season.

🔹Digestive Hacks – Why chewing your food properly can change everything.

🔹Silly & Serious Listener Q&A – From intra-workout carbs to some unexpected supplement discussions. 😆

💬 This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a few tangents that might just surprise you.

We really appreciate all the questions!

Our first podcast of the year is here, and it’s a special one! For the first time ever, we’re all in the same room, bringing a new energy to kick off 2025. After 120+ episodes online, this feels like a whole new chapter!

Here’s what we dive into this week:

🔥 Life Updates 🔥
From holiday downtime with family to exciting travel plans for the year (including weddings and graduations!), we reflect on how we recharged for what’s shaping up to be a massive 2025.

🔥 The Bodybuilding Industry🔥
We unpack all the major announcements and changes across federations—new divisions, expanded events, and what it means for athletes and coaches.

🔥 TMG Coahing Merger🔥
Learn how we’re building one of the largest, most innovative coaching teams in the world, mentoring new coaches, and setting new standards for quality and collaboration.

🔥 Genetics vs. Hard Work 🔥
Are you genetically gifted for the sport? What role does grit and consistency play in competing at the highest level? We break it all down.

🔥 Supplements and Tracking🔥
From creatine to coffee, we discuss why tracking everything matters during prep—and how small choices can have a big impact.

🔥 Game-Changing Innovations🔥
We’re teasing some exciting developments that will shake up the industry and set a new benchmark for natural bodybuilding. (Trust us, this is HUGE!)

🔥 2025 Preview🔥
We spotlight upcoming athletes, incredible physiques, and why this year could be one of the most competitive seasons in natural bodybuilding history.
We really appreciate all the questions!