Choose Hard with Cody McBroom

Cody McBroom

Choose Hard is the podcast for those who coach, train, lead—and refuse to settle. Hosted by Cody McBroom—online fitness and nutrition coach with 15+ years of experience—this show is your unfiltered source for science-backed training insights, business-savvy coaching strategies, and values-driven leadership lessons. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or high-performer committed to leveling up, you’ll get actionable tools to build your body, grow your business, and lead with purpose. No fluff. No hacks. Just hard-earned growth.

  1. 2d ago

    #121 - 34 Life Lessons at 34: Hard-Won Wisdom From a Father, Husband, Coach & Entrepreneur

    In this episode, I turn 34 and share 34 real, unscripted life lessons I journaled over the past year — as a husband, father, coach, and entrepreneur building Tailored Coaching Method. No interview. No guest. Just me, my journal, and 34 insights I wrote down in real time — on ownership, boundaries, faith, discipline, relationships, and what it actually means to choose hard. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why "balance" is a myth — and what to pursue instead - Why boundaries create freedom, not restriction - Why high-agency people win, and how to build agency - Why complaints are just misreads of reality - Why elimination often leads to multiplication in business and life - Why respect matters more than being liked - Why your standards are only as real as your worst day This is my most personal episode yet — a birthday tradition of reflection, ownership, and faith. If you're a coach, entrepreneur, parent, or just someone trying to grow through hard seasons, this one's for you. 🎙️ Choose Hard Podcast — new episodes weekly on leadership, fitness business, and becoming who you're meant to be. #ChooseHard #LeadByExample #NoShortcuts GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ www.fatlosstransformation.com {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ https://tailoredcoachingmentorship.com/ {Mentorship w/ Cody} 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com

  2. Aug 11

    #120 - The 4 Pillars of Manhood: How to Win at Faith, Family, Business & Fitness w/ Cody Smith

    Most men are taught to choose ONE lane — be great at your job, or be a great dad, or stay in shape. Rarely all three. In this episode, I sit down with Cody Smith — owner of Virtuous Fitness in Silverdale, WA, BJJ black belt, Hyrox athlete, father of 3 boys, and leader of his own men's ministry — to break down how he refuses to pick just one. We unpack the Four Pillars of Manhood: Protector, Provider, Leader, and Lover — and why neglecting any one of them quietly breaks down everything else, even if your business or bank account looks fine. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the "provider-only" mindset is quietly wrecking marriages and families The Four Pillars framework for leading at home, in business, and in your body Why fitness is a leadership discipline, not just a physical goal — and the minimum effective dose that actually works (hint: it's simpler than you think) How to audit your circle when your standards start slipping Practical, daily non-negotiables for protecting your marriage — including how to handle conversations about your spouse with other people Why boundaries (like protecting family time from work calls) aren't restrictive — they're what make consistency possible If you're a coach, entrepreneur, husband, or father trying to figure out how to show up fully in every area of your life instead of sacrificing one for another — this episode is your blueprint. Connect with Cody Smith:https://www.instagram.com/coachcodysmith/ https://www.instagram.com/virtuousgymwa/ https://www.virtuousfit.com/ GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ www.fatlosstransformation.com {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ https://tailoredcoachingmentorship.com/ {Mentorship w/ Cody} 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com

    #120 - The 4 Pillars of Manhood: How to Win at Faith, Family, Business & Fitness w/ Cody Smith
  3. Aug 4

    #119 - Willpower Is a Myth: The Self-Formation Framework

    The Self-Formation Framework: The Complete System Behind Every Transformation We Coach Most people think transformation starts with a meal plan or a training split. It doesn't. It starts with who you're becoming — and that's a process, not an accident. In this episode, we break down the exact framework we take every TCM client through: Self-Formation — a four-pillar system that moves you from fleeting motivation to permanent identity change. We cover: - Self-Control (The Catalyst) — why willpower isn't a gas tank, what the research actually says about ego depletion, and how your environment (not your genetics) dictates your ability to resist temptation - Self-Discipline (The Pathway) — how discipline is a built skill, not a personality trait, and the "if-then" system that removes decision fatigue so you take action without waiting to feel motivated - Self-Belief (The Momentum) — the neuroscience behind confidence, why self-efficacy in one area of your life doesn't automatically transfer to another, and how to consciously extract and apply the traits that already make you great somewhere else - Self-Respect (The Foundation) — the pinnacle of the framework, and why loving yourself enough to hold a standard is a completely different thing than "body positivity" This isn't theory. It's the same sequence we use to take clients from inconsistent and stuck to disciplined, self-led, and finally in control of their own results — physically, mentally, and financially. If you've ever white-knuckled your way through a diet, relied on motivation that didn't show up, or hit a plateau in confidence you couldn't explain — this episode is the missing piece. GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ www.fatlosstransformation.com {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ https://tailoredcoachingmentorship.com/ {Mentorship w/ Cody} 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com

    #119 - Willpower Is a Myth: The Self-Formation Framework
  4. Jul 28

    #118 - The Truth About Peptides, Body Positivity & Bad Coaches ft. Aram Grigorian

    Most people entering the fitness industry today have zero qualifications — just a good physique and an Instagram following. In this episode of Choose Hard, Cody sits down with online coaching veteran Aram Grigorian (@4weeks2thebeach) to break down what's actually broken in fitness coaching, and what separates real professionals from the noise. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why most gyms hire coaches based on looks, not certifications — and why that hurts clients - Why online coaching often beats in-person training for fat loss and body composition - The truth about peptides: why the unregulated market is a red flag for anyone selling them - How "body positivity" gets weaponized to avoid honest conversations about health risks - Why simple, consistent programming beats complicated plans for 90% of clients - How to avoid mastermind scams and actually invest in your coaching career Aram Grigorian is a coach and industry veteran known for online body transformation coaching. Follow him at @4weeks2thebeach and check out his annual event for coaches, The Real Coaches’ Summit, which Cody will be speaking at, by heading to https://realcoachessummit.com/  If you're a coach trying to build a real career — not just a job — this episode is your reality check. No shortcuts, no fluff. Choose Hard. GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ www.fatlosstransformation.com {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ https://tailoredcoachingmentorship.com/ {Mentorship w/ Cody} 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com

    #118 - The Truth About Peptides, Body Positivity & Bad Coaches ft. Aram Grigorian
  5. Jul 22

    #117 - The Dark Side of the Peptide Craze: What the Peptide Peddlers Aren't Telling You

    Are peptides the ultimate shortcut to muscle growth, fat loss, and anti-aging, or are we in the middle of an unregulated human clinical trial? In this solo episode, we break down the hard science behind the 400% year-over-year spike in peptide interest and separate the biological facts from social media marketing hype. We dive deep into a critical reality check on popular compounds like BPC-157, TB-500, Ipamorelin, and Tesamorelin, exposing the limitations of relying strictly on animal trials and rat data for human performance. You will learn the 5 filter questions to ask before buying any peptide, including the logistics of sourcing, purity, and proper medical oversight. Finally, we uncover brand-new, shocking clinical data regarding GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro). We dissect recent NIH Fitbit wearable data showing a severe drop-off in spontaneous daily physical movement among GLP-1 users, alongside critical medical reviews detailing the hidden risks of accelerated lean muscle tissue wasting and bone mineral density loss. Before you consider spending hundreds of dollars a month on research chemicals, listen to this episode to discover why no compound can ever replace the non-negotiable fundamentals of progressive resistance training, protein intake, and deep recovery. LINKS TO ARTICLES & RESEARCH STUDIES USED: - BPC-157 Literature & Clinical Review: MDPI Pharmaceuticals Journal - TB-500 & BPC-157 Safety and Efficacy Profile: GlobalRPH Clinical Review - Ipamorelin Animal Trial (The "Rat Study Trap"): Journal of Endocrinology - Ipamorelin FDA Category 2 Status & Regulatory Review: DeltaPeptides Clinical Underpinnings / FDA Guidance - Tesamorelin Human Trial Data (Visceral Fat Reduction): National Institutes of Health (PMC) - Tesamorelin Clinical Side Effect Profile: Mayo Clinic Drugs & Supplements Profile - Fitbit Large-Scale Data Analysis (NIH 'All of Us' Program): ScienceDaily / Endocrine Society Data - GLP-1 Muscle Mass Preservation Data: American Diabetes Association / Powers Health Report - GLP-1 Prescribing Guidance & Muscle-Wasting Review: Ubie Health Clinical Update - GLP-1 Impact on Bone Mineral Density: National Institutes of Health (PMC) - Melanotan (MT-II) Rodent Adipose Tissue Study: PubMed / Journal of Endocrinology - Melanotan Unregulated Status & Public Health Warning: DermNet / FDA Public Health Alerts GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ www.fatlosstransformation.com {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ https://tailoredcoachingmentorship.com/ {Mentorship w/ Cody} 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com BPC-157 & TB-500 ResearchIpamorelin ResearchTesamorelin ResearchGLP-1 / Fitbit "Movement Drop" StudyGLP-1 Muscle & Bone Loss ResearchMelanotan Research

    #117 - The Dark Side of the Peptide Craze: What the Peptide Peddlers Aren't Telling You
  6. Jul 14

    #116 - Starting Over: How I'd Rebuild My Online Coaching Business from Scratch

    If everything disappeared tonight—if you woke up tomorrow with zero clients, zero audience, zero systems, and zero revenue—what would you actually do? In this solo episode of the Choose Hard Podcast, inspired by a great question from listener Karen Olsen, Cody McBroom lays out the exact chronological blueprint he would use to rebuild Tailored Coaching Method from the ground up if he had to start completely from scratch tomorrow. This isn't about chasing viral video moments or buying expensive software before you have a proof of concept. Armed with over a decade of industry experience, Cody details the tactical step-by-step actions required to sign your first clients, scale your pricing, and build a highly profitable online fitness business within 12 months. In this episode, we break down the 4-Quarter Rebuild Timeline: Quarter 1 (The Hustle & Validation Phase) Quarter 2 (The System & Authority Phase) Quarter 3 (The Automation & Content Scale Phase) Quarter 4 (The Delegation & Leverage Phase) Before you waste another month comparing yourself to massive fitness creators or overcomplicating your business backend, listen to this episode to discover how to dominate the fundamentals and build a business that lasts. The Chronological Rebuild Blueprint Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Client Acquisition & Delivery - Warm outreach, launch basic website, undercharge 1-2 clients to secure case studies, set up core coaching software Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Niche Content & Lead Tracking - Deploy a CRM strictly for lead tracking, transition to full pricing, niche your content, launch local collaborations. Phase 3 Months 7-9): Layering Automations & Media - Automate by "pain triggers," transition to long-form media (YouTube/Podcast), build lead magnets from client data. Phase 4 (Months 10-12): Scale, Delegate, & Audit - Launch 3x/week email marketing, hire an assistant, hyper-focus on time-blocking and audit all systems for scaling. --- ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ ⁠www.fatlosstransformation.com⁠ {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmentorship.com/⁠ {Mentorship w/ Cody} GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com BPC-157 & TB-500 ResearchIpamorelin ResearchTesamorelin ResearchGLP-1 / Fitbit "Movement Drop" StudyGLP-1 Muscle & Bone Loss ResearchMelanotan Research

    #116 - Starting Over: How I'd Rebuild My Online Coaching Business from Scratch
  7. Jul 7

    #115 - [Q&A] Calorie Audits, Better Check-Ins, & Scaling to 30+ Clients

    How do you find "hidden" calories when a client isn't losing weight? What's the best way to structure a 10-question client check-in flow without using a dead framework like the compliment sandwich? In this Q&A episode, we answer the toughest questions in online fitness coaching. Discover how to consolidate communication into a single app (like Trainerize or Everfit) to eliminate buyers' remorse in the first 30 days, how to scale past 30 clients using asynchronous Loom videos, and when to enforce strict boundaries to protect your time as a coach. Questions Answered: 🟨 "When a client reports a dangerously low caloric intake but isn’t losing a single pound, how do you audit their life to find the missing calories?" 🟨 "Can you break down exactly when and how you use specific psychological tools or frameworks with a client?" 🟨 "How do you structure check-in calls so they don’t feel like a corporate performance review or a bad grade? Is the classic 'compliment sandwich' framework dead?" 🟨 "What specific milestones need to happen in the first 30 days of a client’s journey to completely eliminate buyers' remorse and guarantee they stay long-term?" 🟨 "Are weekly 15-minute live calls actually feasible when you scale past 30 clients, or should they be completely replaced by Loom videos? How do you balance a client's preference for long video responses with your own sanity?" 🟨 "When is it appropriate to be flexible with a client, versus holding a strict line—like cancelling a call if they haven't completed their onboarding tasks?" GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ www.fatlosstransformation.com {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ https://tailoredcoachingmentorship.com/ {Mentorship w/ Cody} 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com

    #115 - [Q&A] Calorie Audits, Better Check-Ins, & Scaling to 30+ Clients
  8. Jun 30

    #114 - From D1 Football to Training Hollywood: John Damon on Elite Coaching For High Performers

    What does it actually take to coach the people who can't afford to fail — Hollywood talent, elite athletes, executives whose bodies and schedules are under constant pressure? In this episode of the Choose Hard Podcast, Cody McBroom sits down with John Damon — former Division I football player at Boston College, celebrity trainer, performance coach, and founder of The Cave — to break down the journey from athlete, to coach, to gym owner, to builder of one of the most talked-about private training spaces in the industry. John has spent his career inside rooms most coaches never get access to — The Sports Club/LA, Equinox, and now his own premium gym-design business — and this conversation goes deep into what actually separates good coaching from elite coaching. What's covered in this episode: ✅ The athlete-to-coach transition — What John's D1 football career at Boston College taught him that still shapes how he coaches today, and how that competitive background changed his relationship with discomfort and standards. ✅ From trainer to owner — What pushed John to stop just training people and start building gyms, brands, and businesses around performance. ✅ Coaching high performers and celebrities — How John broke into coaching talent and executives, and what high performers actually need from a coach that most trainers get completely wrong. ✅ Training under pressure — What changes when your client's body, schedule, and public reputation are all on the line at once. ✅ Why the environment matters as much as the training — John's philosophy on why the room, the equipment, and the culture around a client can matter just as much as the program itself — and how that thinking led him to build The Cave. ✅ What it takes to build a long career in this industry — John's advice for young trainers and entrepreneurs on what to obsess over, what to ignore, and what separates a good coach from a great one. If you're a coach trying to level up your standards, a gym owner thinking about environment and experience, or just someone who wants to hear how elite performance actually gets built — this episode is for you. GET 20% OFF ALL CHOOSE-HARD MERCH, USING CODE PODCAST20 AT CHECKOUT: https://choose-hard.shop/  📌 Follow Choose Hard on instagram @choosehardpodcast and grab Choose Hard Merch at www.choose-hard.com ❓ASK YOUR QUESTION FOR THE NEXT Q&A EPISODE: ⇨ question.choosehardpodcast.com ℹ️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONLINE COACHING PROGRAMS: ⇨ www.fatlosstransformation.com {1-On-1 Coaching} ⇨ https://www.tailored-coaching.com/mentorship-coaching {Mentorship w/ Cody} 📲 DOWNLOAD MY APP & START A TRAINING PLAN, FOR FREE: ⇨ www.thetailoredtrainer.com 🛒 PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE HARD HAT & JOURNAL: ⇨https://www.tailoredcoachingmethod.shop/collections/all  💊 JOCKOFUEL SUPPLEMENTS (Code CHOOSEHARD for 20% Off): https://jockofuel.com/discount/CHOOSEHARD 🎙️CLIENT CASE STUDIES & TRANSFORMATION STORIES: - SPOTIFY: ⁠https://bit.ly/tlrd-transformations-spotify⁠  - APPLE PODCASTS:⁠https://apple.co/3GPlDxG⁠  GET MORE FREE CONTENT AT THE LINKS BELOW: 📖 FREE ARTICLES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/blog⁠  💾 FREE GUIDES: ⁠https://tailoredcoachingmethod.com/guides⁠ IG -⁠https://www.instagram.com/codymcbroom⁠ YOUTUBE -⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/codymcbroom1⁠ INQUIRIES – ⁠info@tailoredcoachingmethod.com

    #114 - From D1 Football to Training Hollywood: John Damon on Elite Coaching For High Performers

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About

Choose Hard is the podcast for those who coach, train, lead—and refuse to settle. Hosted by Cody McBroom—online fitness and nutrition coach with 15+ years of experience—this show is your unfiltered source for science-backed training insights, business-savvy coaching strategies, and values-driven leadership lessons. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or high-performer committed to leveling up, you’ll get actionable tools to build your body, grow your business, and lead with purpose. No fluff. No hacks. Just hard-earned growth.