Craic'n Coachin'

Donal

Craic’n Coachin’ is where performance, physique development, mindset and real life collide. No influencer nonsense. No surface-level motivation. Just real conversations about training, building your body, growing a business, mindset, discipline, and the lessons learned along the way; with a bit of Belfast craic thrown in. If you want to look better, perform better, think better and actually build something with your life, this is the podcast for you.

  1. 3d ago

    Richard Collins: Success Is An Event, Excellence Is a Process | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.29

    In this episode of the Kraken Coaching podcast, Emmet and Richard Collins discuss various aspects of coaching, particularly in bodybuilding. They explore Richard's journey, the importance of focusing on processes over outcomes, how to deal with setbacks, and the traits that make successful athletes, along with the significance of communication and marketing in coaching. The conversation delves into various aspects of bodybuilding, focusing on training methodologies, the significance of progressive overload, and the importance of off-season preparation. Richard shares insights from his experience as a coach and judge, emphasizing the need for quality training and realistic expectations for competitors. Takeaways Focus on the processEmbrace setbacks as learning opportunities Progressive overload is a mindsetQuality training trumps chasing numbers Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Bodybuilding03:00 Richard's Coaching Journey05:52 Process vs. Outcome in Bodybuilding11:10 Dealing with Setbacks15:01 Traits of Successful Athletes17:11 Communication in Coaching19:54 The Coach as a Conductor23:54 Marketing for Coaches27:08 Becoming the Person Who Achieves Goals30:00 Complacency in Elite Athletes33:02 Education vs. Care in Coaching34:57 Discipline vs. Motivation39:02 Rethinking Progressive Overload43:12 Balancing Quality and Intensity in Training48:40 The Role of Video Analysis in Training50:55 Insights from Judging Bodybuilding Competitions57:50 The Importance of the Off-Season01:07:30 Advice for First-Time Competitors

  2. 6d ago

    Developing Mental Resilience | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.28

    In this episode of the Craic'n Coachin Podcast, hosts Donal and Emmet engage in a casual catch-up, discussing their recent experiences, dietary changes, and insights into bodybuilding. They delve into topics such as the importance of maintaining effort during diet phases, the impact of food choices on digestion, and the recent PCA show incident, reflecting on the realities of bodybuilding and health. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of maintaining an active lifestyle while preparing for bodybuilding competitions, emphasizing the importance of routine, meal timing, and mental resilience during different phases of training. Takeaways Diet phase insightsImportance of maintaining effort Importance of routine in trainingMental resilience during prep Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Updates03:01 Diet Changes and Bodybuilding Insights05:48 The Importance of Client Communication08:59 Digestion and Food Choices11:56 Reflections on Bodybuilding Competitions15:08 Recent Events in the Bodybuilding Community18:00 Casual Conversations and Personal Anecdotes21:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans24:39 Balancing Activity and Routine27:14 Preparing for Competition29:59 Navigating Personal Commitments32:21 The Role of Cardio in Bodybuilding34:18 Maximizing Off-Season Gains38:00 Understanding Bodybuilding as an Extreme Sport41:05 The Importance of Maintenance Phases

  3. Oct 16

    Upskilling As A Coach & Athlete | Craic’n Coachin’ Ep.27

    The conversation revolves around the hosts' experiences with personal growth, coaching, and the importance of continuous learning in fitness and health. They discuss various methods of upskilling, including free resources, mentorships, and seminars, while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their journeys. The conversation delves into the importance of coaching, the value of being coached before becoming a coach, and the nuances of effective communication in coaching. It also discusses the significance of networking, continuous learning, and the challenges faced by coaches in their careers. Takeaways Continuous learning is essentialUtilize free resources effectively Value of being coached firstImportance of effective communication Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties03:03 Life Lessons from Cycling Adventures06:08 Fitness Updates and Personal Growth08:57 The Importance of Upskilling12:07 Learning from Seminars and Mentorships20:01 Exploring Free and Paid Resources for Growth26:58 Online Courses and Practical Applications28:32 The Importance of Coaching32:37 Effective Communication in Coaching34:03 Self-Awareness and Imposter Syndrome36:21 Navigating Nutrition and Muscle Building39:26 Networking and Continuous Learning43:15 Learning from Mistakes in Coaching46:04 The Journey of a Coach50:00 Finding Fulfillment in Coaching

  4. Oct 9

    Joe Brightman: Coaching, Bodybuilding, Fatherhood & 1Fit | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.26

    In this episode of the Crack and Coaching podcast, hosts Donal and Emmet engage with Joe Brightman, discussing his recent life changes, including moving back to the UK from Dubai, his transition away from competitive bodybuilding, and his new role with OneFit. The conversation explores themes of personal growth, the challenges of parenting, and the evolution of coaching in the fitness industry. In this conversation, Joe reflects on his transition away from bodybuilding, discussing the impact of fatherhood on his training and lifestyle choices. He emphasizes the importance of mental health and the risks associated with extreme bodybuilding practices, while also expressing gratitude for the positive experiences bodybuilding has brought him. The conversation explores the personal experiences and philosophies of bodybuilding, coaching, and content creation, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment and balance in life. Joe and Emmet discuss their approaches to coaching, the evolution of their content, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a changing industry. Takeaways Life transitions impact coachingOneFit enhances coaching efficiency Transitioning from bodybuildingMental health in bodybuilding Enjoyment is key in bodybuildingBalance between coaching and personal life Chapters 00:00 Navigating Life's Changes10:05 The OneFit Revolution19:56 Training Evolution and Efficiency26:45 The Shift from Bodybuilding to Balance32:16 Fatherhood and Its Impact on Training39:05 The Dark Side of Bodybuilding46:54 Risk vs. Reward in Bodybuilding53:31 The Joy of Bodybuilding58:14 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution01:03:53 Navigating Content Creation Challenges01:10:09 The Future of Coaching and Personal Growth

  5. Oct 6

    Ben Gardner: Pro Card Pursuits, Effective Coaching & Training Strategies | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.25

    In this episode of the Kraken Coaching Podcast, hosts Emmet and Donal engage with bodybuilder Ben Gardner, discussing his daily routine, nutrition, and experiences in the bodybuilding scene, including his recent achievements and future aspirations. The conversation delves into the importance of sleep, training strategies, and the emotional aspects of competing in bodybuilding. The conversation explores the transition from in-person coaching to online coaching, highlighting the benefits and challenges of each approach. It emphasizes the importance of client autonomy, communication, and the need for coaches to adapt their methods based on individual client needs and goals. The conversation explores Ben's journey in bodybuilding, his aspirations for the future, and the impact of coaching on his development. It delves into his experiences with competition, the importance of education in coaching, and his reflections on the bodybuilding community. Takeaways Importance of sleep in bodybuildingBalancing nutrition and training Online coaching offers flexibilityClient autonomy is crucial Transitioning from bodybuilding to functional sportsThe significance of effective coaching Chapters 00:00 Morning Routines and Nutrition Insights03:13 Off-Season Strategies and Coaching Changes11:05 The Journey to Pro Card and Competition Insights21:00 Social Media Presence and Coaching Philosophy28:04 Transitioning to Online Coaching28:31 The Value of Family Time31:25 Benefits of In-Person Coaching32:09 Training Execution and Client Interaction33:31 Importance of Training Analysis35:09 Accuracy in Training39:02 Logbooks and Client Accountability49:18 Coaching Philosophy and Client Relationships55:10 Versatility in Coaching Styles57:43 Ben's Introduction to Hyrox59:20 Future Aspirations Beyond Bodybuilding01:00:51 The Role of Education in Coaching01:03:15 Plans for a Personal Training Facility01:07:50 Influences and Inspirations in Bodybuilding01:18:39 The Impact of COVID on Bodybuilding Practices

  6. Sep 27

    Finn Healy: Injury Management, Competitive Plans, Bodybuilding Controversy | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.24

    The conversation covers topics such as Finn's injury, competition plans, and the impact of assistance on prep. It also delves into the relationship between NBFI and NBW, as well as the recent PCA Ireland show. The conversation provides insights into the challenges and strategies of bodybuilding competition preparation. The conversation covers various topics related to off-season bodybuilding, competition preparation, and the impact of off-plan meals on the prep. It also delves into the importance of trust in the coach and the experience of managing stress during the prep. The conversation covers the importance of meal timing and adherence during bodybuilding prep, the challenges and experiences of prep, and the competitive landscape of bodybuilding. Takeaways Injury impact on trainingCompetition plans and goalsEnhanced vs. natural prep challenges Off-season and competition preparationManaging off-plan meals during the prepThe importance of trust in the coachExperience and stress management during the prep Meal timing and adherence are crucial for psychological and physical well-being during bodybuilding prep.The challenges of prep and the competitive landscape of bodybuilding provide valuable insights into the sport. Chapters 00:00 Assisted vs. Natural Prep Challenges19:16 Off-Season and Competition Preparation21:14 Managing Off-Plan Meals During the Prep25:40 The Importance of Trust in the Coach33:13 Experience and Stress Management During the Prep45:25 Importance of Meal Timing and Adherence46:08 Challenges and Experiences of Prep54:03 Competitive Landscape of Bodybuilding

  7. Sep 23

    Steve Hall: Pro Cards, The Natural Ceiling & Training Creativity | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.23

    The conversation covers the birth and evolution of the Revive Stronger podcast, the journey of natural bodybuilding, the fulfillment of bodybuilding, and the discussion around pro card and competitive bodybuilding. The conversation delves into the complexities of the pro card system, competitive plans, off-season experiences, nitty-gritty details of posing and presentation, training creativity and experimentation, the bodybuilding community and support, and the journey to earning a pro card unexpectedly. The conversation covers Steve's journey to becoming a pro in natural bodybuilding, his experience competing at the pro level, the seriousness of natural bodybuilding in different countries, changing perspectives in bodybuilding, and the philosophy of self-belief. Takeaways Consistency in podcasting leads to successThe journey of natural bodybuilding and the fulfillment it brings The challenges and considerations of the pro card systemThe importance of community and support in bodybuilding Journey to becoming a pro in natural bodybuildingThe seriousness of natural bodybuilding in different countries Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Revive Stronger Podcast03:02 The Evolution of Revive Stronger Podcast11:02 The Journey of Natural Bodybuilding18:00 The Fulfillment of Bodybuilding23:59 Pro Card and Competitive Bodybuilding29:58 The Pro Card Dilemma31:14 Competitive Plans and Off-Season Experience32:08 The Nitty Gritty of Posing and Presentation37:20 Training Creativity and Experimentation45:37 Bodybuilding Community and Support48:31 Journey to Pro Card and Unexpected Victory53:41 The Journey to Becoming a Pro54:39 Competing at the Pro Level55:07 The Seriousness of Natural Bodybuilding57:26 Changing Perspectives in Bodybuilding01:12:47 The Philosophy of Self-Belief

  8. Sep 18

    "My Caffeine Tolerance Is High!" - I'm Sure It Is Buddy. | Craic'n Coachin' MiniPod Ep.5

    The podcast episode is a rapid-fire discussion about caffeine, covering its effects, benefits, and guidelines for use. It explores the impact of caffeine on sleep, the importance of a caffeine cut-off, and the benefits of caffeine for cognitive function and performance. The conversation also delves into the dark sides of caffeine and the availability of zero-calorie beverages. The conversation delves into the impact of caffeine on performance, appetite, and sleep, as well as the negative effects and experiences with pre-workout supplements. It also explores the potential for caffeine abuse and dependency, providing valuable insights and education on the topic. Takeaways Caffeine masks fatigueCaffeine has performance-enhancing benefits Caffeine tolerance builds quicklyCaffeine can suppress appetite and affect sleep Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caffeine02:10 The Effects of Caffeine04:57 Caffeine Half-Life and Sleep07:02 Caffeine Cut-Off and Tolerance08:50 Benefits of Caffeine14:03 Guidelines for Caffeine Use16:54 Zero-Calorie Beverages20:37 Caffeine Tolerance and Cut-off Points22:14 Performance Benefits and Dependency23:47 Caffeine and Appetite Suppression24:22 Negative Effects of Caffeine31:05 Pre-workout Experiences37:39 Caffeine Abuse and Dependency

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About

Craic’n Coachin’ is where performance, physique development, mindset and real life collide. No influencer nonsense. No surface-level motivation. Just real conversations about training, building your body, growing a business, mindset, discipline, and the lessons learned along the way; with a bit of Belfast craic thrown in. If you want to look better, perform better, think better and actually build something with your life, this is the podcast for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Donal
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Donal
  • Show Website
    Craic'n Coachin'