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. 5d ago

    Are You Ready For Prep Or Just Delusional? | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.22

    The conversation covers a range of topics including turning 30, birthday celebrations, travel plans, bodybuilding competitions, and the readiness for a competition prep. The hosts also discuss their dining experiences, upcoming trips, and the achievements of various individuals in bodybuilding competitions. The conversation covers the essential aspects of preparing for a bodybuilding competition, including the reasons for competing, the importance of earning the right to prep, and the readiness of one's life for a prep. It also emphasizes the significance of sleep, training, nutrition, and a healthy relationship with food in the preparation process. The conversation covers the psychological and environmental aspects of preparing for a bodybuilding competition, emphasizing the importance of routine, work-life balance, and stress management. It also delves into the impact of support systems, social events, and emotional maturity on the prep process. The role of social media, comparison, and the significance of a knowledgeable coach are highlighted as well. The conversation covers the importance of having a coach, building a support system, and preparing for the post-show phase in bodybuilding. It emphasizes the need for objectivity, mental and physical readiness, and financial planning. Takeaways Turning 30 is seen as a significant milestoneTravel plans and experiences are a key part of the conversationBodybuilding competitions and the readiness for competition prep are discussed in detail Competing for the right reasons is crucialEarning the right to prep involves building a strong foundation and readiness in various aspects of life Routine and work-life balance are crucial during the prep phase.The support system, emotional maturity, and stress management play a significant role in the success of the prep process. Coach SupportPost-Show Preparation Chapters 00:00 Turning 30 and Birthday Celebrations01:46 Dining Experiences and Celebrations04:07 Travel Plans and Experiences13:41 Bodybuilding Competitions and Readiness for Competition Prep19:39 Reasons for Competing30:41 Earning the Right to Prep44:09 Readiness of Life for a Prep49:16 Psychological Preparation and Routine50:02 Work-Life Balance and Stress Management51:24 Support Systems and Social Events01:03:04 The Role of Social Media and Comparison01:14:44 The Significance of a Knowledgeable Coach01:17:00 The Role of a Coach01:18:07 Building a Support System01:24:13 Physical Readiness and Financial Planning01:31:47 Post-Show Preparation

  2. Sep 7

    Is Your Gym Shite? - Your Guide On Picking The Right Gym | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.21

    The hosts discuss their recent experiences, challenges, and changes in their training routines, as well as their personal lives. They also touch on the topic of pets and the impact of gym environments on training experiences. The conversation covers the importance of gym environment, equipment, accessibility, and price in choosing the right gym. It also emphasizes the impact of training partners, the role of coaching, and the significance of a positive gym culture. The conversation covers various aspects of gym selection, including the importance of environment, pricing, accessibility, equipment, and gym rules. It also delves into the impact of gym culture on client retention and the value of gym memberships. The conversation delves into a detailed discussion about gym equipment, categorizing various brands and models into tiers based on their quality and performance. The hosts share their opinions on different equipment brands and their suitability for use in a gym environment. Takeaways Adapting to life changes and injuries requires a shift in training routines and priorities.The choice of gym can significantly impact the training experience and overall satisfaction. Gym environment, equipment, accessibility, and price are key factors in choosing the right gym.Training partners and coaching play a significant role in the gym experience.A positive gym culture and environment contribute to a more enjoyable and effective training experience. Gym selection is influenced by factors such as environment, pricing, accessibility, equipment, and gym rules.Gym culture and client retention are affected by the quality of the environment and the impact of gym rules.The value of gym memberships is influenced by the quality of equipment and the overall gym experience. Equipment TieringBrand Opinions Chapters 00:00 Life Changes and Training Challenges03:25 Balancing Training and Life Changes08:37 Focus on Muay Thai and Rehabilitation13:22 Introducing a New Pet and Gym Switching27:08 The Importance of Gym Environment32:07 Factors in Choosing the Right Gym38:08 The Impact of Training Partners and Coaching44:44 The Significance of Gym Culture58:25 The Impact of Gym Environment01:09:20 Client Retention and Gym Culture01:20:48 The Importance of Gym Equipment01:22:40 Equipment Tiering01:23:19 Brand Opinions

  3. Aug 23

    Bin Your Logbook | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.20

    The conversation covers various topics including weather, injury, training, and the use of logbooks for tracking progress. The hosts discuss the impact of weather on their training routines, the experience of dealing with injuries, and the importance of using logbooks to track training progress. The conversation delves into the importance of logging training progress, the impact of training intensity and adjustments during prep, and the role of the logbook in guiding training decisions. It also explores the need for data-driven training and the adaptation of exercises to suit changing body conditions during prep. Takeaways Weather impact on trainingManaging injuries and trainingThe use of logbooks for tracking progress Logging training progress is crucial for making informed decisions and adjustments during prep.Training intensity and exercise adaptation play a significant role in achieving optimal results during prep.The logbook serves as a valuable tool for managing training progress and making logical changes based on measured data. Chapters 00:00 Weather Impact on Training03:01 Managing Injuries and Training09:54 The Use of Logbooks for Tracking Progress36:10 The Importance of Logging Training Progress37:11 Training Intensity and Exercise Adaptation During Prep43:39 The Role of the Logbook in Guiding Training Decisions46:11 Data-Driven Training and Exercise Adaptation58:53 Adaptation of Exercises to Suit Changing Body Conditions During Prep

  4. Aug 17

    Nick Gloff: Hyrox, Training Potential & Doing Hard Shit | Craic'n Coachin' Eq.19

    The conversation delves into the transition from bodybuilding to hybrid athlete training, the impact of social media on fitness aspirations, the influence of PEDs, and the management of strength training during bodybuilding prep. It also explores the challenges of balancing strength training and fatigue during prep, and the distinction between athletes who need to pull back and those experiencing the suck of prep. The conversation covers the pitfalls of over-analyzing and pigeonholing oneself in bodybuilding, the impact of social media on bodybuilding culture, the importance of formal education in coaching, and the balance between social media presence and education for new coaches. The conversation delves into the impact of bodybuilding on individuals and the importance of finding fulfillment in one's pursuits. It also explores the evolution of training optimization and the potential pitfalls of excessive focus on specific training methods. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the balance between bodybuilding and other interests, as well as the resilience and adaptability required in the pursuit of personal and professional growth. Takeaways Transition from bodybuilding to hybrid athlete trainingImpact of social media on fitness aspirationsManagement of strength training during bodybuilding prep Avoid over-analyzing and pigeonholing in bodybuildingSocial media's impact on bodybuilding cultureThe importance of formal education in coachingBalancing social media presence and education for new coaches Training optimization pitfallsFinding fulfillment in pursuits Chapters 00:00 Balancing Strength Training and Fatigue During Prep37:34 The Pitfalls of Over-Analyzing and Pigeonholing47:22 The Impact of Social Media on Bodybuilding Culture01:01:32 The Importance of Formal Education in Coaching01:14:01 Balancing Social Media Presence and Education for New Coaches01:14:28 The Impact of Bodybuilding and Fulfillment01:15:28 Evolution of Training Optimization01:18:05 Pitfalls of Excessive Focus on Training Methods01:19:50 Balance Between Bodybuilding and Other Interests

  5. Aug 9

    Managing Your Surplus - BULKMAXXING! | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.18

    The conversation covers topics related to managing a surplus without hindering progress, the mindset and expectations behind bulking, the impact of surplus on muscle and fat gain, the importance of meal timing and food quality, and the benefits of a strategic and aggressive surplus for natural athletes. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of a gaining phase, including diet fatigue, long-term perspective, and the impact of previous gaining phases. It also delves into the nuances of nutrition, food quality, and food volume adjustments for a productive gaining phase. The conversation covers the topics of food volume, digestion, appetite management, training performance, and the impact of a gaining phase on future cutting phases. It also delves into the relationship between volume and intensity in training, as well as the importance of structure and balance in a gaining phase. Takeaways Surplus management is crucial for progress without hindering healthThe mindset and expectations behind bulking play a significant role in the success of the process Diet fatigue impacts hunger and excitement for food during a gaining phase.Long-term perspective and delayed gratification are essential for sustainable physique changes.Food quality and volume adjustments play a crucial role in a productive gaining phase. Food volume and digestion play a crucial role in appetite management during a gaining phase.Training performance should be the primary measure of progression during a gaining phase.The relationship between volume and intensity in training, as well as the importance of structure and balance in a gaining phase, are key considerations for successful muscle growth. Chapters 00:00 The Mindset and Expectations Behind Bulking07:18 The Impact of Surplus on Muscle and Fat Gain19:18 Meal Timing and Food Quality in Surplus Management27:22 The Benefits of a Strategic and Aggressive Surplus for Natural Athletes30:15 Challenges of Gaining Phase31:27 Impact of Previous Gaining Phases35:55 Nutrition Nuances for Gaining Phase57:11 Food Quality and Volume Adjustments01:00:13 Food Volume and Digestion01:02:26 Training Performance and Muscle Growth01:06:44 Volume and Intensity in Training01:07:21 Structure and Balance in a Gaining Phase01:11:26 Gaining Phase and Future Cutting Phases01:14:32 Nutrition and Exercise Selection01:17:27 Overall Recovery and Exercise Selection01:25:26 Advice for Starting a Gaining Phase

  6. Aug 7

    Traveling & Want To Make Gains? | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.17

    The conversation covers the topics of training while traveling, managing expectations, adapting to different environments, and the impact of equipment on training experience. It also explores the benefits of training with others and the importance of time management. The conversation emphasizes the value of maintaining training standards and the flexibility to adapt to different training environments. The conversation covers various aspects of nutrition and fitness while traveling, emphasizing the importance of preparation, goal alignment, and maintaining a balanced approach. It also delves into the challenges of recovery, alcohol intake, and snacking while on holiday. The hosts share their personal experiences and practical tips for managing nutrition and fitness during travel. Takeaways Training while traveling requires managing expectations and adapting to different environments.Equipment is a cherry on top, but effective training can be achieved with minimal equipment and time management.Training with others can bring intensity, new experiences, and opportunities for relationship building.Maintaining training standards and adapting to different environments are key to successful training while traveling. Preparation is key for maintaining nutrition and fitness while traveling.Goal alignment and a balanced approach are crucial for enjoying a holiday while staying on track with fitness and nutrition goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:19 Bringing Energy to the Podcast01:14 Discussing Trendy Social Media Posts05:43 Transition to Managing Training While Traveling06:17 Balancing Work and Holiday06:35 Enjoying Work and Time Management08:23 Managing Expectations and Goals09:08 Training Frequency and Adaptation14:29 Training with Limited Equipment17:29 Training Principles and Execution23:55 Training Intensity and Equipment27:02 Training with Others and Time Management34:26 Training Experience and Equipment37:27 Training with Others and New Experiences39:32 Nutrition and Fitness While Traveling40:11 Preparation and Goal Alignment41:14 Maintaining a Balanced Approach42:55 Challenges of Recovery and Alcohol Intake51:13 Snacking and Managing Nutrition on Holiday57:19 Returning from Holiday and Setting Goals

  7. Jul 27

    Should Bodybuilders Be Running? | Craic'n Coachin' Ep.16

    The conversation covers life in Australia, returning to routine, challenges due to a gym arson attack, fitness equipment and gym environment, competing in bodybuilding and Muay Thai, athletic achievements, and imposter syndrome. The discussion also delves into the experience of training and competing in different sports, as well as the impact of athletic achievements on confidence and imposter syndrome. The conversation covers a range of topics including pre-intermission banter, the debate on cardio modalities, load management and training nuances, and a recap of bodybuilding competition seasons. The conversation covers the topics of competition between athletes, the value of coaching, building client relationships, transitioning to a new coach, and the decision to change. It delves into the dynamics of competition, the importance of coaching, and the process of transitioning to a new coach. Takeaways Adapting to routine after returning from a breakChallenges faced due to gym arson attackThe impact of athletic achievements on confidence and imposter syndrome Cardio modality choice is context-dependent and individual-specific.Load management and skill development are crucial in cardio training for bodybuilders. Healthy competition drives progressLong-term coaching builds value Chapters 00:00 Life in Australia and Return to Routine03:09 Gym Arson Attack and Training Challenges05:51 Fitness Equipment and Gym Environment12:55 Competing in Bodybuilding and Muay Thai28:57 Athletic Achievements and Imposter Syndrome30:08 Pre-Intermission Banter37:01 The Cardio Modality Debate50:15 Load Management and Training Nuances59:20 Seasons of Bodybuilding and Competition Recap01:02:49 The Competition Begins01:03:48 The Value of Coaching01:04:14 Building Client Relationships01:14:29 Transitioning to a New Coach01:24:05 The Decision to Change

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.