The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast

Coach Mark Carroll is joined by guest Lauren Simpson for a real-world breakdown of what it actually looks like to travel for three weeks through the US with a toddler, multiple cities, and serious fitness goals - without spiralling into “holiday mode” and coming home feeling like you need to start over.

They unpack the highs (Disneyland, courtside NBA), the lows (airport chaos, jet lag, no aircon back home), and the practical systems they used to stay consistent with training and nutrition while juggling parenthood and supporting each other’s goals.

If you travel and always fall off… or you think “it’s impossible to stay on track while away,” this episode will reset your expectations and give you a simple, realistic framework you can actually follow.

• Recap of our 3 weeks in the US travelling with a toddler (jet lag, airports, chaos)
• How I kept my training consistent while travelling and how Lauren adapted hers
• How we stayed on track with nutrition without tracking calories
• Why “holiday mode” doesn’t have to mean falling off completely
• How we supported each other’s goals while balancing parenthood and travel
• How the VRTO Express Workout feature helped us fit training into busy travel days

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In this episode of The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark shares the full behind-the-scenes story of why he and Lauren made the decision to leave behind two wildly successful fitness brands… and build VRTO from the ground up.

This isn’t just a “new app launch” episode.

It’s the real story of what happens when you bet everything on a bigger vision - when you spend years building something in silence, facing setbacks, delays, legal battles, pressure, and the mental toll of watching others grow while you feel stuck in limbo.

Mark breaks down exactly why VRTO exists, what makes it completely different from traditional fitness apps, and why he believes it will become the biggest game-changer in the industry - delivering elite coaching, elite results, and true personalisation at a fraction of the cost of 1:1 coaching.

He also reveals how VRTO combines Mark’s flexible dieting approach with Lauren’s famous meal plan structure-while taking both to a level that has never existed in a fitness app before.

• Why Mark and Lauren knew it was time to evolve beyond Coach Mark Carroll and Lauren Simpson Fitness
• The real reason they didn’t just “upgrade the old business” - and why a full rebrand was necessary
• How VRTO was built to deliver elite-level coaching without the $150–$200/week online coaching price tag
• What makes VRTO different from most influencer “apps” (and why most aren’t even real apps)
• How VRTO uses adaptive coaching logic to adjust training and nutrition based on YOUR results
• Why adherence is the real key to transformation and how VRTO was designed to maximise it
• How the app personalises programs based on your schedule, experience level, and training frequency
• Why VRTO includes multiple variations of every goal (3-day, 4-day, 5-day, beginner, advanced, specialty focus)
• The meal plan system Lauren fans have been waiting for - rebuilt to be more accurate, flexible, and customisable
• How VRTO allows users to swap meals while staying perfectly aligned with calories and macros
• The drag-and-drop weekly schedule feature that lets you train around real life, not forced calendar templates
• The mindset toll of building VRTO for 2.5 years - and why Mark says it felt like being “injured before the Olympics”

If you’ve ever wanted the results of high-level coaching… without the insane price tag…

Or you’ve felt overwhelmed by generic programs that don’t fit your lifestyle…

This episode will show you exactly why VRTO is different — and why it’s about to change the game.

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In this deeply personal year-end reflection, Coach Mark Carroll shares the entire journey of how he went from five years of depression, weight gain, and inconsistency… to getting in the best shape of his life at 37 years old.

This episode goes far beyond a transformation story- it’s about reclaiming identity, rebuilding confidence, and facing the psychological battles that come after the fat loss phase. Mark talks candidly about fear of regaining weight, the emotional toll of being out of shape, and the mindset shift required to not just lose 17kg - but maintain it.

• Why 2025 was the year Mark decided to fix himself, not just help others
• The full breakdown of how he lost 17kg (37+ lbs) in 6 months—without skipping a single day
• Staying dialed in during his wedding in Hawaii and another cut for a Bali trip
• The photo shoot that marked the leanest, most muscular version of himself—ever
• The surprising fear of reverse dieting after success (and how he handled it)
• Why most people regain weight—and the exact strategy he’s using to stay lean while building muscle
• His 12-month plan for 2026: leaner, stronger, and jacked—without rebounding

If you’ve ever fallen off, felt stuck, or feared starting again… this one is for you.

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From running $40 bootcamps in a park to leading Australia’s #1 and biggest fitness education company - Mark sits down with Clean Health founder Daine McDonald for a raw conversation about growth, setbacks, and what it actually takes to succeed in fitness and in life.

This episode isn’t about business tactics - it’s about the mindset and habits behind real progress. Daine and Mark talk through the moments that shaped their careers, the mistakes they made along the way, and the lessons anyone can apply whether your goal is fat loss, building muscle, or improving your life outside the gym.

You’ll hear:

• How Daine went from a struggling young PT to one of the most respected coaches in the country
• The mindset shift that took him from “going through the motions” to mastering his craft
• Why constantly chasing new shiny ideas (in business or fitness) keeps you stuck
• Why fundamentals always beat shortcuts
• How Mark and Daine approach long-term progress, discipline, and staying consistent
• What AI and new tech really mean for the future of health and fitness
• The routines, habits, and decision-making frameworks that help them level up year after year

Whether you’re trying to get fitter, stay motivated, or build confidence in your own journey, this episode gives you the behind-the-scenes perspective most people never hear.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mark and Lauren unveil VRTO - their brand-new joint fitness app designed to bring the best of both worlds into one powerful platform.

They break down the features that make VRTO a true game changer, including:

🔥 Adaptive Training Programs

Personalised to your goal, experience level and weekly schedule

3, 4, or 5-day options

Move training days around to match real life

“Express Mode” for fast, effective sessions when you’re short on time

🍽️ Nutrition Your Way

Full meal-plan creation with thousands of recipes

Filters for preferences (veg, vegan, etc.), meal swaps and shopping lists

Built-in macro tracking, barcode scanning and the flexibility to switch between meal plans and tracking whenever you want

📊 Smart Weekly Check-Ins

Biofeedback-driven adjustments for plateaus, progress and adherence

Coaching logic that helps you stay consistent and make the right changes at the right time

🧠 One App, Everything You Need

Training, nutrition, habits, cycle tracking and more - all in one place, designed to evolve with you through every season of life.

If you want the first look at VRTO and access to exclusive founding-member pricing, join the waitlist via the link in Mark or Lauren’s Instagram bio and follow @vrto.app.

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In this episode, Coach Mark Carroll dives deep into the reality behind achieving big goals — it’s not always easy, and it’s not meant to be. Using a fresh tattoo session as a metaphor, Mark unpacks what it means to suffer with purpose and why pushing through discomfort is where true results are found.

Whether you’re on a fat loss journey, chasing a personal best, or building mental resilience, this episode is a reminder that hard days are part of the process — and that’s exactly where your strength is built.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why “doing hard things” builds self-esteem and momentum
• The truth about challenge: why results often come after the hardest moments
• How to navigate the tough days without giving up
• The mindset shift from “it’s too hard” to “I’ve come so far”
• The power of knowing your why when motivation fades
• What it really means to suffer with purpose — and why it’s worth it

📩 Subscribe:

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🌟 Leave a 5-Star Review:

Your review helps us reach more people!

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.
• On Spotify, tap the ★ rating at the top of the show page (you’ll need to listen to at least one episode first).

📲 Share the love:

Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.

💻 Want more support with your training?

Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Mark’s premium coaching programs. Don’t stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw and reflective episode, Coach Mark Carroll opens up about his personal journey with morning routines — from dismissing them as overrated to discovering how they became the backbone of his physical and mental transformation.

Mark shares his struggles during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the toll of inconsistent routines on his mental health, and how shifting to a structured, purpose-driven morning drastically changed his energy, mindset, and physique.

Whether you're a skeptic of morning routines or someone searching for more structure in your day, this episode offers practical insights and vulnerable storytelling that just might inspire your own transformation.

• Why Mark once believed morning routines were overrated — and what changed his mind
• The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on his physical and mental health
• How structure and simplicity became key to regaining control over his day
• Real-life examples of how tiny changes (like pre-setting clothes or meal prep) made a big difference
• Why your “best time of day” matters when scheduling your biggest goals
• The connection between discipline, decision fatigue, and mental clarity
• How Mark’s new morning routine helped him drop 14kg in 16 weeks
• The importance of matching your daily schedule to your priorities and mental energy

📩 Subscribe:

Never miss a new episode — Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.

🌟 Leave a 5-Star Review:

Your review helps us reach more people!

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.
• On Spotify, tap the ★ rating at the top of the show page (you’ll need to listen to at least one episode first).

📲 Share the love:

Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.

💻 Want more support with your training?

Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Mark’s premium coaching programs. Don’t stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark is joined by Layla, one of the elite coaches from the CMC Premium team. From her roots in Kazakhstan to running a women’s gym in Canada, Layla shares her journey through competitive fitness, motherhood, and eventually becoming a key part of the CMC Premium coaching program. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about what makes great coaching, the power of personalized guidance, and why one-on-one coaching can be the real game-changer in your fitness journey.

Whether you're a coach, competitor, or someone striving for better results in the gym, this episode breaks down the pillars of premium coaching — from initial consultations to ongoing biofeedback — and gives you a look behind the curtain at what it really takes to achieve lasting transformation.

• Layla’s journey from athlete to top-tier coach (and how she met Mark online through a challenge)
• Her experience with postpartum recovery, returning to the stage, and earning her pro card
• The real reason CMC Premium was created and why personalized coaching matters more than ever
• The four pillars that define CMC Premium’s success
• Why having a great coach isn’t just for athletes or pros — it’s for anyone ready to make real progress
• The underrated power of being coached yourself before becoming a great coach
• How CMC Premium goes beyond “just a program” and focuses on communication, personality, and long-term strategy

📩 Subscribe:

Never miss a new episode — Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.

🌟 Leave a 5-Star Review:

Your review helps us reach more people!

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.
• On Spotify, tap the ★ rating at the top of the show page (you’ll need to listen to at least one episode first).

📲 Share the love:

Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.

💻 Want more support with your training?

Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Mark’s premium coaching programs. Don’t stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this game-changing episode of The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark dives deep into one of the most common questions in strength training: what is the best rep range for building muscle? For years, 8–12 reps has been treated as the gold standard, but is it really superior?

Mark Carroll breaks down the latest science around hypertrophy and mechanical tension, debunks outdated gym myths, and explains how multiple rep ranges - from low to high can all be effective for muscle growth when applied correctly. This episode is a must-listen for lifters, coaches, and anyone frustrated by training plateaus.

• Why the 8–12 rep range isn’t the only path to hypertrophy
• The science behind mechanical tension and how it drives muscle growth
• How low, moderate, and high rep phases can all be used effectively
• How Mark programs rep ranges to keep clients progressing and engaged
• Why exercise selection should match your rep targets
• Tips on how to break through plateaus using strength phases

📩 Subscribe:

Never miss a new episode — Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.

🌟 Leave a 5-Star Review:

Your review helps us reach more people!

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.
• On Spotify, tap the ★ rating at the top of the show page (you’ll need to listen to at least one episode first).

📲 Share the love:

Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.

💻 Want more support with your training?

Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Mark’s premium coaching programs. Don’t stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short but powerful solo episode, Coach Mark Carroll dives deep into one of the most frustrating parts of any fat loss journey - plateaus. Why do they happen even when you're doing "everything right"? More importantly, how do you break through them?

Mark explains the science behind metabolic adaptation, why your calorie deficit may no longer be a deficit, and the two key levers you can pull: eating less or moving more. Using real-world examples, he helps you figure out which strategy works best for your current situation based on hunger levels, training performance, and lifestyle. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just working on your own goals, this episode gives you the practical tools to keep progressing when fat loss stalls.

• Why fat loss plateaus are normal and not a sign of failure
• How your maintenance calories change as you lose weight
• The science of metabolic adaptation and energy balance
• When to decrease calories vs. when to increase cardio
• How to decide based on your hunger, energy, and gym performance
• Why personalized strategy beats a one-size-fits-all approach

📩 Subscribe:

Never miss a new episode — Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.

🌟 Leave a 5-Star Review:

Your review helps us reach more people!

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.
• On Spotify, tap the ★ rating at the top of the show page (you’ll need to listen to at least one episode first).

📲 Share the love:

Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.