In this episode, we explore the deep connection between self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective coaching. Jeb Stuart Johnston shares his journey through addiction, the power of internal family systems, and practical strategies rooted in behavioural science to help clients and coaches thrive.

Key Topics:

• Jeb's personal story of overcoming addiction and how it shapes his coaching approach

• The role of mental frameworks such as internal family systems and polyvagal theory

• Systematizing soft skills in coaching without losing the individual context

• The importance of vulnerability, curiosity, and creating safety in difficult conversations

• How to practice emotional sobriety and self-reflection as a coach and person

• The impact of moral absolutism and critical thinking in navigating divisive topics

• Strategies for mentors to foster trust and curiosity in clients and colleagues

• The significance of consistent effort over quick wins in building a successful practice

• Using humility and self-awareness to remain effective in a polarized world

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

01:21 - Jeb’s background: Addiction, challenges, and lessons learned

06:33 - Recognizing symptoms versus root causes in client struggles

08:14 - Systematizing behavioral skills using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

11:25 - The "inner conflict" model: understanding protective parts

12:45 - Internal family systems and the concept of the "genius" in our demons

14:09 - Polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation

16:03 - Self-trust, vulnerability, and authenticity in coaching

20:24 - The importance of dialectics: holding paradoxes and multiple truths

24:21 - Managing nervous system energy and emotional sobriety

29:09 - Building rapport and safety to foster honest communication

33:57 - Challenges faced by coaches and how to overcome self-trust barriers

37:48 - The role of confidence, trust, and simplicity in advice

39:34 - Helping clients with drowning mentalities — even at small skill levels

45:48 - Handling shame and self-hatred in behavior change

55:05 - Navigating divisive social and political views consciously

61:06 - Critical thinking and recognizing manipulative narratives

66:14 - Approaching difficult conversations with calm and curiosity

68:23 - The importance of collaboration and problem-solving orientation

74:31 - The truth about consistent effort and inevitable long-term results

77:23 - How to connect with Jeb for mentorship or coaching

In this episode of The Exercise Mechanic, hosts Ryan Taylor and Etienne Asselin delve into the complexities of knee biomechanics, focusing on the functional anatomy and biomechanical properties of the knee joint.

They discuss common misconceptions surrounding knee injuries, particularly the fear associated with exercises like leg extensions and deep squats. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the kinematic and kinetic properties of the knee, including the roles of the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints, and how these structures interact during movement.

They also explore and debunk training myths that often lead to fear-based training & rehabilitation decisions.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Knee Biomechanics

05:21 Understanding the Knee Complex

13:00 Kinematic Properties of the Tibiofemoral Joint

27:27 Exploring the Patellofemoral Joint

36:45 Debunking Myths: Deep Knee Flexion and ACL Injuries

01:00:37 The Role of Shear Forces in Joint Function

01:09:10 Conclusion: Embracing the Resilience of the Human Body

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, we explore the “12 Days of Mythmas”, debunking common fitness and nutrition myths. We discuss topics ranging from the mechanics of walking and running to the effectiveness of organic foods, the role of GLP-1 medications, and the misconceptions surrounding metabolism and rehabilitation. Each myth is examined in detail, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the truths behind these popular beliefs in the fitness community.

Here’s a list of the training myths that we covered:

1. Walking / running is a frontal plane movement
2. Exercise optimization is a waste of time, just keep it simple
3. Organic foods are healthier than non-organic
4. Peterson step downs train your VMO and a weak VMO is the driver of knee valgus
5. Glp-1’s aren’t necessary, just use discipline.
6. Anyone is capable of record-breaking achievements in any sport they choose.
7. You must press in the scapular plane to minimize injury risk at the shoulder (ex. Avoid excessive “hyper extension of the shoulder)
8. The carnivore diet is the best diet
9. You must use different rep ranges for different goals & muscle types (low reps for bulk, high reps for "tone”, and fast movements for fast twitch fibers)
10. Rehabilitation is fixing / altering of mechanical characteristics of the body
11. Anabolics do the work for you / make muscle gain easier.
12. Slow metabolisms are the reason why you’re not losing weight

In this episode, the hosts discuss the intricacies of structuring online and hybrid training programs. They explore how to define service offerings, understand client needs, and the importance of experience in coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in training packages, effective communication with clients, and the significance of a thorough intake process. Additionally, they touch on pricing strategies, the balance between client care and business needs, and the challenges of navigating social media as a coach. The episode concludes with insights on how to manage time effectively as an online coach and the importance of referring clients to other professionals when necessary.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Online Training Structure

02:29 Defining Your Service Offering

05:28 Understanding Client Needs and Niching Down

07:58 The Importance of Experience in Coaching

11:07 Iterating Your Service Model

13:53 Creating Flexible Training Packages

16:35 Balancing Client Care and Business Needs

19:15 Effective Communication with Online Clients

22:15 Intake and Assessment Process for Online Coaching

24:59 Referring Clients to Other Professionals

27:35 Pricing Strategies for Online Coaching

30:10 Structuring Your Day as an Online Coach

33:15 Navigating Social Media and Content Creation

35:53 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution and future of online training in the fitness industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the scalability of online coaching, the challenges of communication with clients, and the importance of collaboration with medical practitioners. The conversation also touches on the balance between workload and client care, and the potential benefits of hybrid coaching models that combine in-person and online training.

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Online Training

05:05 Scalability and Client Relationships

09:26 Communication Challenges in Online Coaching

13:32 Navigating Client Needs and Expectations

20:26 Collaboration with Medical Practitioners

27:02 Balancing Workload and Client Care

35:15 Hybrid Models in Coaching

The conversation delves into the importance of personalized training approaches in fitness, emphasizing that training should be tailored to individual goals rather than adhering strictly to external standards. The discussion highlights the concept of 'N of one' in personal training, advocating for a more individualized perspective in fitness methodologies.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Movement Prerequisites for Performance

00:41 The Importance of Client Communication in Training

In this episode of The Exercise Mechanic podcast, hosts Etienne Asselin, Ryan Taylor, and Brett Patterson engage in a Q&A session covering various topics related to exercise mechanics, muscle building, and training strategies. They discuss the importance of biomechanics in muscle development, the choice between machines and free weights, and share personal influences in their training careers. The conversation also delves into peaking strategies for bodybuilding and endurance sports, emphasizing the significance of preparation and consistency leading up to events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Q&A Session

01:08 The Role of Biomechanics in Muscle Building

10:15 Choosing Between Machines and Free Weights

19:23 Influences and Role Models in Training

30:42 Peaking Strategies in Sports

33:13 Common Mistakes in Peaking

38:34 Bodybuilding vs. Endurance Peaking

48:07 Enhanced vs. Non-Enhanced Athletes in Peaking

54:32 Psychological Aspects of Performance

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, we delve into the concept of dogma within the fitness industry, exploring its origins, implications, and the challenges it presents to critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

We discuss the dichotomy between science-based and anti-optimal approaches, the importance of education in fostering nuanced understanding, and the impact of social media on belief systems.

We also highlight the need for fitness professionals to navigate these complexities thoughtfully and to prioritize personal growth over rigid adherence to dogmatic beliefs.

Chapters00:00 Understanding Dogma in the Fitness Industry

19:29 The Science vs. Anti-Optimal Debate

25:32 Defining Science and Its Misinterpretations

30:56 The Importance of Education in Fitness

34:42 Finding Utility in Diverse Training Methods

36:44 Creating Personal Systems for Utility

38:09 Meal Prep and Consistency in Nutrition

40:10 The Role of Rigid Systems in Learning

42:05 The Responsibility of Educators in Communication

43:33 Navigating Nuance in Professional Development

45:19 The Ethics of Language in Education

47:13 The Pressure of Authority and Financial Stability

49:02 The Impact of Social Media on Perception

50:53 Values and Integrity in Professional Practice

52:37 The Conflict of Values in Content Creation

54:31 The Importance of Authentic Relationships

56:20 Conscious Consumption of Content

58:06 Curating Your Online Environment

01:00:06 Dopamine Detoxing and Emotional Well-being

01:03:08 Choosing Growth Over Being Right

In this episode of The Exercise Mechanic Podcast, Etienne and Ryan sit down with ultra-endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder Morgan McKay. From competing in World’s Toughest Mudder to conquering the Spartan Ultra in Iceland and setting a record for the fastest 10K carrying 100 lbs, Morgan’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and sheer mental toughness.

You’ll hear how Morgan went from a self-described “terrible cross-country runner” to one of the top names in obstacle course racing. She opens up about balancing motherhood, marriage, and training, and why community, teamwork, and planning have been keys to her success.

Whether you’re an endurance athlete, a fitness coach, or just someone fascinated by what it takes to push through the “pain cave,” this conversation will leave you inspired.

👉 If you enjoy the episode, be sure to share it with a friend, tag us on Instagram, and leave a review!

Chapters

00:00 – Kicking things off & intro to Morgan01:30 – The DNF at World’s Toughest Mudder & bouncing back to win in Iceland04:00 – What these 24-hour obstacle events actually look like07:30 – Facing fear: electrocution, cliff jumps & why she does it10:30 – The psychology of endurance athletes & her early struggles13:00 – The “mental switch” that changed everything16:30 – Balancing family, training, and being a mom22:00 – Setting an example for kids & building family fitness culture29:30 – Community, BeFit, and building teams for Spartan races34:00 – Loving the process vs. chasing the event42:00 – Why strength training sets her apart in endurance sports46:00 – Preparing for a 100K on short notice48:00 – Inside the “pain cave” & mental tricks to keep moving53:00 – Her Guinness World Record: fastest 10K with 100 lbs59:00 – Fueling strategies & the art of “endurance eating”01:05:00 – Rapid fire questions (books, food, lifts, hard truths for trainers)01:12:00 – Reflections on sales, business, and growth as a coach

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, the team discussed how to effectively structure diet plans tailored to clients' needs and goals.

The conversation covers various strategies, including harm reduction, pre-framing discomfort, and the significance of predictive versus reactive modelling in diet coaching. We also delve into macronutrient goals, tracking progress through lead and lag metrics, and the role of meal timing in performance.

If you're looking to improve your nutritional consulting, this isn't an episode to miss!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Diet Planning

02:41 Needs Analysis and Client Understanding

05:28 Food Journals and Initial Assessments

08:28 Managing Expectations and Client Priorities

10:57 Harm Reduction Strategies

13:49 Pre-framing Discomfort in Dieting

16:36 Predictive vs. Reactive Modeling in Dieting

19:26 Establishing Protein and Macronutrient Goals

22:13 Adjusting for Body Composition and Health

24:50 Lead and Lag Metrics for Progress Tracking

27:47 Rate of Loss and Client Coaching

30:41 Meal Timing and Nutrient Timing

33:11 Strategies for Lifestyle Clients

35:55 Intra-workout Nutrition and Performance

38:51 Positive Language in Client Communication