PREP COACH PODCAST

Prep Coach Podcast

Giving you the Best Knowledge and Tools that you can Practically Apply to become a better Competitor and Coach 🏆 🎙Hosted by Michael Trimboli, Scott Morrell, & Michael Galante. #prepcoachpodcast

  1. 5d ago

    FINAL 4 WEEKS OF PREP | JUNK VOLUME | IMPROVEMENT SEASON BODY FAT | EP#180

    With MG joining remotely, this Q&A episode dives straight into bodybuilding topics — covering the final stretch of contest prep, how to think about total training volume, what actually counts as “junk” sets, and how coaches assess body fat gain through the improvement season. The boys also touch on men’s posing mobility, the value of natural guest posers, and whether they ever see themselves moving away from bodybuilding-style training. We cover:✅ The biggest mistakes competitors make in the final four weeks of prep✅ Why extra cardio, unplanned food changes and second-guessing the process can backfire late in prep✅ How social media comparison can create unnecessary doubt close to show day✅ Why not enjoying training late in prep can be completely normal✅ How the boys think about total weekly volume and what “junk sets” really are✅ Why volume needs to be individualised based on the athlete, recovery and physique goals✅ How stimulus-to-fatigue affects exercise selection and set allocation✅ Why simply adding more work is not always the answer for bringing up a body part✅ How coaches assess acceptable body fat gain in the improvement season✅ The difference between what the coach may be comfortable with vs what the athlete feels comfortable with✅ When an earlier mini cut can help with adherence and motivation✅ Mobility tips for men’s physique posing, especially thoracic rotation and extension✅ Why natural guest posers can help elevate the sport✅ Whether the boys ever see themselves not training like bodybuilders 🎧 A pure bodybuilding Q&A on final prep execution, smarter programming, offseason body comp, posing mobility and long-term training. LISTEN 🎧 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 purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician 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.

    38 min
  2. Jun 10

    LEANEST VS BEST | GYM OWNERSHIP | POST-COMP BLOODWORK | RESPECTED COACHES | EP#179

    This episode starts light with Monster flavours, rap recommendations and the usual banter, then quickly shifts into a really good discussion around what actually matters in bodybuilding beyond just looking shredded. The boys unpack whether the leanest athlete is always the best athlete, why social media can distort how competitors judge themselves, and how posing, shape, size and presentation all affect the final outcome. From there, they dive into the reality of getting started in bodybuilding, the culture around shows and gyms, the realities of owning a gym, and the coaches and athletes they respect most. They finish with a detailed answer on post-prep bloodwork, recovery, and why context matters when interpreting pathology in physique athletes. We cover: ✅ Whether the leanest athlete is always the best athlete on stage ✅ Why athletes often mistake extreme conditioning for automatic placings ✅ How social media can make competitors overestimate other athletes’ physiques ✅ Why posing, shape, fullness and presentation still matter alongside conditioning ✅ Advice for new athletes who feel intimidated getting started in bodybuilding ✅ Why most bodybuilding spaces are more welcoming than people expect ✅ The realities of owning a gym, from permits and costs to risk and workload ✅ Whether working in a gym first is the smartest way to test that goal ✅ The athletes and coaches the boys respect most in the industry ✅ How they keep learning, refine their eye, and improve as coaches over time ✅ A deep dive into post-prep bloodwork, muscle damage markers, recovery and context 🎧 A big one on judging physiques properly, navigating the industry, and reading post-prep bloods through the right lens. LISTEN 🎧 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 purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician 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.

    45 min
  3. Jun 3

    POST-COMP FOOD NOISE | CARB TIMING | INSULIN SENSITIVITY | BODYBUILDING TRENDS | EP#178

    This episode quickly moves into a strong bodybuilding discussion, with reflections on the recent season, standout athletes and divisions, and how natural bodybuilding continues to evolve. The boys unpack the rising standard across categories like bikini and classic physique, discuss carb timing and insulin sensitivity, and answer listener questions around fit model crossover potential, supplement use, and how to better manage the post-comp phase when food focus is at its highest. We cover: ✅ Reflections on the recent run of shows and how smooth the season felt from an operations and athlete quality perspective ✅ Why bikini and classic physique continue to rise, and how the standard across divisions keeps improving ✅ Standout competitors, emotional pro card moments, and the presentation quality seen throughout the season ✅ Whether a natural bikini athlete could successfully cross over into fit model in an untested federation ✅ Thoughts on insulin sensitivity, carb timing, and why carbs are best used strategically around training ✅ Why Scott doesn’t currently see berberine as a must-have prep supplement ✅ How natural bodybuilding has changed in recent years, with more accessible entry-level divisions and stronger younger athletes coming through ✅ What athletes can do to better manage post-comp food noise, food focus, and the recovery phase after getting stage lean 🎧 Show season reflections, carb timing, fit model crossover and managing post-comp food noise. LISTEN 🎧 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 purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any disease or condition. Consult your physician 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.

    40 min
  4. Apr 29

    PEAK WEEK ADJUSTMENTS & CARB LOADS | FIRST SHOW WINS | FIT MODEL FEEDBACK | EP#177

    The boys open with some light family chat before shifting into show season mode and breaking down what’s happening behind the scenes with their current athletes. This episode leans heavily into the difference between categories, how peak week decisions are made, and why the right look is often more about control than pushing harder. We cover: ✅ Light-hearted opening chat around family life and the current season ✅ Scotty’s Adelaide athlete recap and why the first-show feedback confirmed they were on the right track ✅ How the judges described the physique as spot on overall, with just a little more fullness still needed ✅ Why fit model continues to stand out as a growing division for natural athletes ✅ MT’s athlete Maddi and the strategy behind keeping her at maintenance, using regular refeeds, and not digging harder than needed ✅ Why holding condition early has created a far more predictable and controlled lead-in for Maddi’s upcoming shows ✅ How small posing details in fit model can completely change the look without needing harder conditioning ✅ Scotty’s athlete Nerrida and how her figure prep is being managed very differently based on category demands and stage look ✅ The value of reducing fatigue, controlling output, and keeping digestion, sleep and stress in a good place during peak week ✅ Why the boys are excited to see how fit model and figure continue to evolve across the season ✅ Updates on a few standout athletes and why their current progress has everyone fired up 🎧 Peak week strategy, fit model nuance and real coaching conversations during the heart of show season. LISTEN 🎧 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.

    39 min
  5. Apr 22

    COACH PEAK WEEK LESSONS | INJURY SCARES | SHOW DAY EXECUTION | FIRST SHOW FEEDBACK | EP#176

    Kicking off with a funny chat about Normie, the boys then move into two very different rehab stories — Normie’s huge progress after bilateral hip replacements, and MT dealing with a frustrating lower back and nerve-related injury after a simple misstep in the garden. From there, the episode shifts into Scotty’s first athlete show recap for the season, with a detailed breakdown of peak week decisions, show day execution, pump-up intensity, and the kind of feedback you only get from being in the trenches with a competitor. We cover: ✅ Normie’s recovery after bilateral hip replacements and how much progress he’s made through consistent rehab ✅ MT’s recent back and nerve scare, including calf weakness, numbness, and the challenge of figuring out whether it’s muscular or disc-related ✅ Why extension feels better than flexion, and what that might mean in a rehab setting ✅ Scotty’s recap of his athlete’s first show of the season and the lessons taken from her peak week ✅ How he assessed scale weight, photos, fluid, sodium, fullness and stress across the final days ✅ Why reducing fatigue and watching inflammation markers mattered so much leading into the show ✅ The importance of accurate pump-up timing and intensity on show day ✅ How close they felt they were to nailing the look, and what they’d repeat or improve next time ✅ Why having multiple refeeds before a show can make peak week far more predictable ✅ Early thoughts on upcoming Season B athletes and what they’re excited to watch unfold 🎧 Rehab wins, injury frustrations, and a deep dive into peak week strategy from the first show of the season LISTEN 🎧 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.

    39 min
  6. Apr 15

    COACHING RED FLAGS & STANDARDS | MENTORSHIP | DECIPHERING GOOD VS BAD ADVICE | EP#175

    With Scotty back on the couch, this episode opens with reflections on time away, Easter, and the kind of support, presence and consistency that good people bring into your life. From there, the conversation shifts into coaching standards, the warning signs athletes shouldn’t ignore, and why so many people still stay too long in coaching setups that are giving them very little back. The boys unpack what basic coaching care should actually look like, why duty of care matters so much, and how good coaching goes far beyond just handing out a plan. We cover:✅ The biggest coaching red flags athletes should never ignore✅ What a minimum coaching standard should actually look like✅ Why poor communication, vague feedback and lack of care can do real long-term damage✅ The responsibility coaches have when it comes to athlete health, education and decision-making✅ Whether bad coaching comes from laziness, poor mentorship, lack of growth, or all three✅ How Scotty’s coaching has evolved over time through reflection, maturity and learning from mistakes✅ The value of mentorship, postgraduate study and being around great practitioners✅ Why MT’s early systems, structure and planning helped shape his coaching from the start✅ How coaching has changed over the last 10 years and why better access to information still means more noise to filter through✅ Why coaches and athletes both need to get better at deciphering good advice from bad advice 🎧 A deep dive into coaching standards, mentorship, and how to tell good guidance from bad. LISTEN 🎧 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.

    42 min
  7. Apr 7

    COACHING STANDARDS, CHECK-INS & AI | WHAT ATHLETES SHOULD EXPECT FROM A COACH | EP#174

    Back in MG’s gym without Scotty again, this episode turns into a deeper chat around coaching standards, client service, and what athletes should actually expect when they hire a coach. The boys unpack everything from first inquiries and onboarding to weekly check-ins, form feedback, peak week communication, and where AI can help without replacing real coaching. We cover:✅ What the first conversation with a coach should look like before anyone signs up✅ Why a proper consult matters more than just sending pricing or a PDF of services✅ What onboarding should include, from training and nutrition setup to long-term planning✅ Why weekly check-ins should be proactive, structured and clearly explained✅ The importance of voice or video responses so feedback feels genuine and personal✅ Why form checks, posing feedback and exercise execution should still be part of the coaching process✅ What athletes should expect during peak week, show day planning and day-to-day communication✅ Where AI can be useful in coaching as a tool, but not as a replacement for real service 🎧 This one’s a big conversation on coaching standards, real client care, and the level of service athletes deserve. LISTEN 🎧 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.

    56 min
  8. Mar 31

    CAREER CHANGE INTO COACHING | WORK STRESS, PURPOSE & CALCULATED RISKS | EP#173

    This week’s episode leans heavily into work stress, career direction, and what it actually takes to make a meaningful change when your current job no longer fits who you are. The boys unpack how people can manage work stress more effectively, how to stop feeding negativity around work, and why sometimes the answer is not quitting immediately, but changing your mindset, routines, and actions first. From there, they go deep on their own transitions out of corporate careers and into coaching, including the risks, the preparation, and the reality of starting from the ground up. We cover: ✅ Why work stress often gets worse when you only focus on what’s wrong and forget what still works ✅ Practical ways to manage work stress, including switching off properly, taking breaks, and creating distance from work outside work hours ✅ Why writing down what you still like about your job can change your perspective ✅ The value of taking actionable steps instead of sitting in frustration, whether that means a conversation, updating your resume, or exploring other options ✅ How giving 100% again for a short period can sometimes completely shift your experience at work ✅ MG and MT’s own career changes, from banking/corporate roles into coaching ✅ Why both of them made calculated transitions instead of impulsive leaps ✅ The importance of testing the market, building experience, and having systems in place before changing careers ✅ Why having a financial buffer matters before leaving a stable job ✅ The difference between loving bodybuilding and actually loving coaching ✅ Why coaching can be deeply fulfilling, but is also demanding, service-based, and not all about training plans and macros ✅ Advice for anyone thinking about becoming a coach, including learning from great people, getting hands-on experience, and building the right foundations first 🎧 Work stress, career pivots, coaching purpose and the smarter way to make a big life change. LISTEN 🎧 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.

    52 min

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Giving you the Best Knowledge and Tools that you can Practically Apply to become a better Competitor and Coach 🏆 🎙Hosted by Michael Trimboli, Scott Morrell, & Michael Galante. #prepcoachpodcast

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