Unbranded with Nick Ridpath

Nick Ridpath
  • 5.0 (3)
  • FITNESS

Unbranded with Nick Ridpath is a podcast about having real conversations with real coaches about training and performance. Nick works with general population clients, busy high-achieving professionals, and collegiate and professional athletes — D1, NFL, UFC — and shares the same evidence-based principles he uses with them, applied for coaches and people who take their training seriously. Practical insights that work, without the fluff.

Episodes

  1. E12: Programming vs. Reality: Why You Can’t Out-Program S****y Form and Laziness with Stu Locke

    1D AGO

    E12: Programming vs. Reality: Why You Can’t Out-Program S****y Form and Laziness with Stu Locke

    Stu Locke joins the show to call out the technical incompetence and sheer laziness currently plaguing the powerlifting community . We discuss the viability of intra-session gummy eating contrasted with the need for a strong aerobic base and high work capacity to thrive in any sport . We revisit the industrial-strength bulking protocols of college football—saturating the system with thousands of calories of bagels and mall Chinese food—and why surviving the Oklahoma Drill remains the only real litmus test for whether a client has the mental calluses to succeed . Stu breaks down why no "secret program" will ever fix your s****y form or lack of effort , why AI is a multiplicative tool for your brain rather than a replacement for it , and explains how the universal Training is Training hierarchy applies to any session that isn't just performative nonsense . Timestamps:03:47 – Filtering old-school S&C through a modern rehab lens. 09:17 – The math of muscle glycogen: Why you don't need gummies to bench . 11:57 – Why the length of a workout is usually determined by laziness. 18:39 – The "bagel and mall Chinese food" protocol for gaining 30lbs . 23:37 – Why the Oklahoma Drill is the ultimate success litmus test. 25:15 – How AI is actually improving the bottom tier of powerlifting programming . 32:08 – Why aerobic capacity is the foundation for chronic workload recovery . 40:04 – Why Stu eliminated the deadlift to get his speed back . 46:36 – Training is Training: The universal session template . 48:19 – Why powerlifters hunt for "secret programs" to hide bad technique . 51:47 – Managing posterior chain fatigue and the interference effect . 1:02:30 – The psychology of gruesome injuries and accepting your circumstances . Follow Stu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stu_kodiakbarbell/ https://kodiakbarbell.com/ Pre-Script Level 1 Questions: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Advisory Services for Coaches: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Online Coaching Application: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Spoken Nutrition (15% Off): https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_ (Use Code: NICKRIDPATH_)

    1h 1m
  2. E11: Functional Training Is a Scam with Angus Bradley

    APR 27

    E11: Functional Training Is a Scam with Angus Bradley

    Angus Bradley joins the show to tear down the trend of performative functional training and the S&C "vibes" that often replace actual results. We pull back the curtain on professional sports to reveal why the industry's elite level is often built more on networking and social skills than technical competence. Angus explains why young coaches should embrace the commercial gym environment to build a necessary body count of coaching reps and why the most valuable assessment is the one you perform the moment a client walks into the room. Finally, we dive into why the search for an optimal exercise is a trap and why research is best used to find a bandwidth of good enough for individualization. Timestamps:00:00 – Production Value vs. Having a Message 14:30 – Functional Training or Decorative B******t? 20:41 – The "Heartbreaking Reality" of Pro Sports 33:28 – Why Reps with Gen-Pop Matter for Coaching Athletes 40:13 – The Assessment Started When You Walked In 1:09:00 – Why Science Gives a "Bandwidth of Good Enough" Follow Angus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angusbradley92/ Pre-Script Level 1 Questions: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Advisory Services for Coaches: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Online Coaching Application: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Spoken Nutrition (15% Off): https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_ (Use Code: NICKRIDPATH_)

    1h 15m
  3. E10: Clinical LARPing vs. The Scared Coach: Navigating the Gray Area of Pain with Jordan Jiunta

    APR 20

    E10: Clinical LARPing vs. The Scared Coach: Navigating the Gray Area of Pain with Jordan Jiunta

    Jordan Jiunta joins the show to discuss the "Wild West" of online training and the professional skillset required to navigate complex clinical landscapes. We break down the "fragility narrative" and the common trend of practitioners using fear-mongering and structural buzzwords like "out of alignment" to mask incompetence or secure client retention. The conversation focuses on the actual value of a coach: the ability to move past "autopilot" programming and pivot when a client presents with pain or unexpected limitations. We also explore the professional strategy of using SOAP notes to collaborate with clinicians as a peer rather than a subordinate. Whether it is debunking the "online rehab" scam or defining real recovery, this episode is a deep dive into the higher-level responsibilities of the modern strength coach. PROFESSIONAL TAKEAWAYS: The Fragility Narrative: Why labeling a client as "too weak to train" is often a low-intelligence tactic to hide a lack of clinical reasoning.Scope and Liability: Understanding how your level of licensure dictates your professional liability and the importance of practicing within those legal boundaries.Imaging vs. Subjective Symptoms: Why practitioners must prioritize training the nervous system and subjective symptoms over a "bone-on-bone" or structural diagnosis found on an MRI.The SOAP Note Strategy: How to provide objective observations to clinicians to "Inception" their plan and build a productive professional collaboration.Recovery Reality: Why real recovery is built on sleep, nutrition, and load management rather than passive marketing gimmicks like compression boots or saunas.The Online Rehab Scam: Why true rehab requires a "fingers on the pulse" approach and why cookie-cutter templates often fail the standard of care. TIMESTAMPS: 0:32 - Letting it Rip: Why I Don't Do Podcast Intros 13:47 - The Wild West of Online Training and Professional Liability 26:03 - The "Too Weak to Train" Myth and Clinical Incompetence 34:09 - "Out of Alignment": Debunking Structural Buzzwords 39:48 - Imaging vs. Reality: Training Subjective Symptoms 47:40 - Autopilot vs. The Pivot: Defining the Coach's Value 49:23 - The Recovery Lie: Marketing, Placebos, and Real Load Management 52:00 - Why "Online Rehab" Programs are a Money Grab 57:05 - The SOAP Note Hack: How to Collaborate with Clinicians Follow Jiunta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redwiteandjordan/ Check out Pre-script: https://www.pre-script.com/ Pre-Script Level 1 Questions: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Advisory Services for Coaches: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Online Coaching Application: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Spoken Nutrition (15% Off): https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_ (Use Code: NICKRIDPATH_)

    1h 4m
  4. E9: The Specificity Trap: Building Niche Authority and Client Trust with Daniel (Skateboardstrength)

    APR 13

    E9: The Specificity Trap: Building Niche Authority and Client Trust with Daniel (Skateboardstrength)

    Daniel from Skateboardstrength joins us to discuss the transition from general fitness coaching to niche authority and the unique challenge of training a population that is historically "anti-gym". The conversation explores pain education for athletes hard-wired for self-destruction and why general strength is often the most "specific" tool for a skateboarder. Daniel breaks down why high-volume in-person coaching is the only real path to coaching confidence and the necessity of treating training as a professional career. This includes the strategic investment in specialized education and finding mentors to fill knowledge gaps rather than falling into the "floating head" social media content trap. Inside the Episode:The Niche Reality: Why Daniel continues to train high-end executives and "Gen Pop" clients alongside his global roster of athletes.Pain Education: Navigating "glory-based" injury management and educating athletes who treat severe physical trauma as a badge of honor.Career Longevity: Why taking the weight of responsibility for your clients and treating coaching as a service-industry profession builds a business that outlasts any algorithm.GPP Over Specificity: Why a non-specific approach to strength and conditioning is often exactly what a skater needs for durability and performance.The Professional Edge: The importance of continuous learning, paying for specialized courses, and surrounding yourself with experts to refine your own coaching model.Culture and Buy-In: How to respect the boundaries of a sub-culture while implementing high-level S&C principles to enhance athlete longevity.Timestamps:0:00 - The Challenge of Elevator Pitches and Podcast Intros8:58 - Cutting Your Teeth: Building Confidence Through High-Volume Coaching18:03 - The Responsibility of Care: How to Stand Out in the Service Industry26:49 - Romanticizing the Gym Floor: Real Coaching vs. Online Personas50:43 - Building Client Trust: Professionalism, Integrity, and Deep Relationships1:01:05 - Understanding Skateboard Injuries and the "Glory vs. Pain" Culture1:13:54 - Managing Soreness: Minimal Effective Dose and Building Athlete Buy-In1:21:57 - Specificity: Utilizing S&C Principles Without Losing the Culture1:25:55 - The Best Lift for Skateboarders (The Bulgarian Debate)1:36:38 - Skate Tech: Assessing Shoes, Cup Soles, and Board Feel Follow Daniel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skateboardstrength/ Advisory Services for Coaches: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Pre-Script Level 1 Inquiry: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Online Coaching Application: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Spoken Nutrition (15% Off): https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_ (Use Code: NICKRIDPATH_)

    1h 41m
  5. E8: The Spot Reduction Reality & Mastering Your Movement Mechanics with Kyle Baxter

    APR 6

    E8: The Spot Reduction Reality & Mastering Your Movement Mechanics with Kyle Baxter

    Kyle Baxter joins the show to discuss the intersection of biomechanics, pain science, and the controversial reality of targeted fat loss. We move past the "it’s a myth" narrative to explore the actual research and utility of Spot Reduction for lean individuals. We also break down why mastering movement mechanics and exercise execution always trump programming, and how to navigate the process of "unlearning" pain to maintain high-level performance. Inside the Episode: The Spot Reduction Reality: Why the research supports targeted fat loss and how to apply it.Unlearning Pain: Training pain-free and the relationship between movement quality and discomfort.Execution Over Programming: Why your value as a coach is in the mechanics, not the template.Cardio Implementation: Establishing a cardio base and the strategic implementation of high vs. low intensity during fat loss phases.ISA Archetypes: Practical application for Wide vs. Narrow ISA (Infrasternal Angle).The Professional Edge: Building coaching confidence, load management, and seminar delivery. If you’re ready to move past the surface level and build the skillset required for high-performance coaching, this conversation is your roadmap. Timestamps: 0:00 - Seminar Delivery: How to Actually Teach Principles 21:20 - Unlearning Pain: Movement Factors & Confidence 26:29 - Load Management & Building Coaching Confidence 32:35 - Cardio Prescriptions: Fat Loss vs. Movement Quality 49:15 - The Wide vs. Narrow ISA Archetype 56:48 - The Controversy of Spot Reduction (Is it real?) 01:04:06 - Why Execution & Mechanics Always Beat Your Program 01:09:29 - Physio, Chiro, or Exercise Phys? How to Choose 01:18:49 - Understanding Lateral Pelvic Tilt 01:30:20 - Biomechanics: Scapular Depression & Lateral Pelvic Tilt Follow Kyle Baxter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylebaxter_/ Advisory Services for Coaches: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Pre-Script Level 1 Inquiry: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Online Coaching Application: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Spoken Nutrition (15% Off): https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_ (Use Code: NICKRIDPATH_)

    1h 33m
  6. E7: The Elite Disconnect: What Coaches Miss About Pro Performance with Killian Hamilton

    MAR 30

    E7: The Elite Disconnect: What Coaches Miss About Pro Performance with Killian Hamilton

    Most coaches want to work with pro athletes, but few understand the psychological and physiological gap between "internet fitness" and the reality of the NFL Combine and Pro Days. In this episode, Killian Hamilton joins the show to strip away the fluff. We discuss why so many coaches are pursuing unnecessary practices and how media culture has created a massive disconnect between what actually drives performance and what gets "likes" on social media. We dive deep into the technical nuances of ACWR, the evolution of program design, and a balanced look at the utility of high-frequency training. Inside the Episode: The Reality of the Combine: Lessons from the trenches of pro-level preparation.Cutting the Fluff: Why coaches often focus on the "wrong things" and how to identify "unnecessary practices."High-Frequency Training: Understanding the utility and proper application of frequency for the 1%.The Ego Trap: Navigating media influence and the "internet culture" disconnect in high-performance.Relatability as a Tool: Why genuine care and common ground outperform any spreadsheet.Building a Career: The value of mentorship, humility, and why your attitude determines your trajectory more than your template. If you’re ready to stop chasing trends and start building the skillset required for the pro standard, this conversation is your roadmap. Connect with the Show:Follow Killian Hamilton: InstagramLevel Up Your Coaching: Advisory services for coachesMaster the Fundamentals: Ask about Pre-Script Level 1Online Coaching: Apply HereFuel Your Performance: Spoken Nutrition (Use code NICKRIDPATH_ for 15% off)

    1h 26m
  7. E6: Hybrid Training with Danai Sisouphanh

    MAR 23

    E6: Hybrid Training with Danai Sisouphanh

    The conversation covers a range of topics related to long-distance running, including the physiology of marathon running, transitioning into running and hybrid training, running for beginners, and long run progression. It also delves into the importance of aerobic-based strength training and the need for gradual progression in training to avoid injury and overexertion. The conversation covers a range of topics related to exercise selection for runners, the impact of coaching and mentorship on athletic performance, and the future of marathon running. It delves into the importance of plyometrics for novice runners and the value of coaching and mentorship in achieving athletic goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Marathon Achievement07:46 Transitioning into Running and Hybrid Training20:57 Running for Beginners and Training Progression27:53 Long Run Progression and Strength Training for Runners33:42 Exercise Selection for Runners https://www.instagram.com/danai.sc/ Ask me about Pre-Script Level 1: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Spoken Nutrition: 15% off your order! https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_  Online coaching: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Advisory services for coaches who want to level up their skillset and service: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj

    1h 6m
  8. E5: Performance Essentials with Coach James Macintosh

    MAR 16

    E5: Performance Essentials with Coach James Macintosh

    In this episode, Mac and Nick Ridpath explore a wide range of topics including nootropics, performance supplementation, training principles, and the impact of lifestyle factors on health and fitness. They share personal experiences, scientific insights, and practical applications for athletes and coaches. In this in-depth conversation, Nick Ridpath and Mac explore advanced training techniques, common bodybuilding mistakes, and innovative tools for coaches and athletes. They share practical insights on movement, exercise selection, and leveraging AI to enhance coaching efficiency. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ Ask me about Pre-Script Level 1: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Spoken Nutrition: 15% off your order! https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_  Online coaching: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Advisory services for coaches who want to level up their skillset and service: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj

    1h 40m
  9. E4: Coaching As A Career with Dr. Jordan Shallow

    MAR 9

    E4: Coaching As A Career with Dr. Jordan Shallow

    Jordan Shallow shares insights on the realities of high-level coaching, the importance of trust, the value of broad experience, and the mindset needed for success in the fitness industry. Discover practical advice on risk, relationships with money, and the craft of coaching from one of the best in the business. https://www.instagram.com/the_muscle_doc/ https://www.pre-script.com/ Ask me about Pre-Script Level 1: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Spoken Nutrition: 15% off your order! https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_  Online coaching: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Advisory services for coaches who want to level up their skillset and service: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj

    54 min
  10. E3: The NFL Offseason with Joey Slye

    MAR 2

    E3: The NFL Offseason with Joey Slye

    Nick Ridpath sits down with NFL kicker Joey Slye to unpack what it actually takes to perform at the highest level — from navigating the NFL offseason and training camps to managing injury, recovery, and the often-overlooked role of strength and conditioning. Joey shares his personal journey through the league, the current landscape of traditional S&C, and his firsthand experience working with Nick to challenge conventional approaches. Together they make the case for simplicity, communication, and proactive health management as the real drivers of long-term performance. https://www.instagram.com/joey_slye/ Ask me about Pre-Script Level 1: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Spoken Nutrition: 15% off your order! https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_  Online coaching: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Advisory services for coaches who want to level up their skillset and service: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj

    1h 37m
  11. E2: The Truth About Evidence Based Coaching with Eric Bugera

    FEB 23

    E2: The Truth About Evidence Based Coaching with Eric Bugera

    In this conversation, Eric Bugera joins us to explore the evolution of fitness content in the age of social media and the importance of evidence-based practices. Their personal experiences provide insights into navigating the complexities of fitness and the coaching business, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, authenticity in social media, and the evolving nature of fitness research. They discuss the challenges of short-form content, the value of long-term client relationships, and the often misleading nature of business coaching in fitness. The dialogue highlights the need for coaches to connect with their audience on a personal level and to navigate the misinformation prevalent in the industry. https://www.instagram.com/ericbugera/ Ask me about Pre-Script Level 1: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Spoken Nutrition: 15% off your order! https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_  Online coaching: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Advisory services for coaches who want to level up their skillset and service: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj

    1h 34m
  12. E1: Training Around Back Pain - Challenging The Norms of Chiropractic Care with Dr. Brandon Tran

    FEB 9

    E1: Training Around Back Pain - Challenging The Norms of Chiropractic Care with Dr. Brandon Tran

    In this conversation, Nick Ridpath and Dr. Brandon Tran explore the intersection of chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and strength training. They discuss the importance of challenging traditional rehab approaches, understanding pain, and the significance of patient education. Brandon shares his unique journey through healthcare, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to treatment that combines movement, strength, and education. The discussion also covers common mechanics and programming issues related to back pain, lifestyle factors impacting recovery, and essential green and red flags to consider when seeking care. The episode concludes with valuable advice for clinicians and patients alike, highlighting the importance of thinking outside the box in healthcare. www.envisionsportsrehab.com @that_shortasianguy @envisionsportsrehab Ask me about Pre-Script Level 1: https://calendly.com/nridpath-pre-script/pre-script-advisor-call Spoken Nutrition: 15% off your order! https://spokennutrition.com/NICKRIDPATH_  Online coaching: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj Advisory services for coaches who want to level up their skillset and service: https://stdddio.typeform.com/to/y4iPmFxj

    1h 10m
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Unbranded with Nick Ridpath is a podcast about having real conversations with real coaches about training and performance. Nick works with general population clients, busy high-achieving professionals, and collegiate and professional athletes — D1, NFL, UFC — and shares the same evidence-based principles he uses with them, applied for coaches and people who take their training seriously. Practical insights that work, without the fluff.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Ridpath
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nick Ridpath

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