

Paint The Edges
Pre-Script
Paint The Edges is a podcast that challenges conventional thinking in fitness and performance. Hosted by industry veterans James Macintosh and James Thayer, each episode explores conversations beyond the mainstream, diving deep into the edges of performance, nutrition, business, and education. The show offers practical insights for coaches, athletes, and anyone passionate about human potential, inspiring listeners to think outside the box and push the limits of what's possible
Be sure to follow hosts James Macitosh @coachjamesmac and host James Thayer @thayer2513 on Instagram. For all things education, check out www.pre-script.com.
Be sure to follow hosts James Macitosh @coachjamesmac and host James Thayer @thayer2513 on Instagram. For all things education, check out www.pre-script.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2025 • 51min
E62: Better Coaching Starts With Better Question
Mac and Thayer break down the role of education in coaching and why good coaching starts with asking better questions. They explore the principles that drive effective programming, the value of expanding beyond a single training style, and how diversification builds more resilient athletes and clients. The conversation wraps with a simple reminder: in sport-specific training, performance is the proxy. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ LAST CHANCE to get our only course discount! https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Nov 30, 2025 • 46min
E61: Weightlifting Fails and Frustrations Explained
Mac and Thayer answer a listener's question about the frustrations of weightlifting, breaking down why technique and sequencing are essential for success. Along the way, they laugh at their own failed attempts to master the lifts, blending practical insight with plenty of self-inflicted humility. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 waitlist now for our only course discount! https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Nov 23, 2025 • 46min
E60: Roadmapping: The Coach's Guide to Intentional Training
In this episode, Mac and Thayer dive into the importance of intentionality in coaching and programming, exploring how clarity drives better outcomes. They break down the idea of roadmapping and how it parallels periodization while still allowing for flexibility and real-world context. The conversation underscores why every phase of training needs a clear purpose and how thoughtful planning leads to more effective coaching. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 waitlist now for our only course discount! https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Nov 16, 2025 • 53min
E59: The Core of Better Movement
In this episode of Paint the Edges, Mac and Thayer build on last week's discussion by diving deeper into the foundational principles that drive effective movement and coaching. They highlight the importance of pattern recognition, practical assessment, and understanding the core's true function, emphasizing that stacking the rib cage over the pelvis is essential for efficient movement. The conversation underscores why core training should prioritize function over endurance to create better movers and better outcomes. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 waitlist now for our only course discount! https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Nov 9, 2025 • 51min
E58: From Shoulder Health to Hip Function: Coaching the Basics
Mac and Thayer dive into the fundamentals of movement, connecting shoulder health with hip function and overall performance. They break down how scapular movement, glenohumeral rhythm, hip internal rotation, hip extension, and foot pressure form the foundation every coach should recognize in exercise. The conversation blends practical insights with strategies for improving movement patterns and enhancing client outcomes. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Our Only Course Discount. Join The PSL1 Waitlist Now. https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Nov 2, 2025 • 49min
E57: Coaching Under Pressure: Thinking Fast in Dubai
Mac and Thayer dive into the art of adaptive coaching. When quick decisions and creativity can make or break success. Mac shares a behind-the-scenes story from coaching in Dubai, revealing how flexibility, awareness, and fast thinking turned a challenging moment into a win for his client. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Last chance to register for PSL1. Sign up Now At https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Oct 26, 2025 • 50min
E56: Decoding Protein: Truth, Timing, and Training
Mac and Thayer decode the truth behind protein marketing and popular diet trends, revealing how small, informed choices can lead to meaningful results. Through real-world stories and evidence-based insight, they show how understanding nutrition, training, and timing can elevate both performance and everyday health. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration is now LIVE. Sign up Now At https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

36 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 51min
E55: Why Strength Curves Actually Matter
Dive into the fascinating world of strength curves and resistance profiles! Discover how these concepts can transform your training efficiency and improve performance. Learn to identify muscle positions for maximizing force, address imbalances with unilateral work, and strategically distribute workouts. Get practical programming tips with chest exercise variations that optimize muscular engagement. Embrace simplicity by reducing redundant exercises to enhance your training focus and effectiveness!

Oct 12, 2025 • 50min
E54: The Sensation Effect: How Awareness Shapes Performance and Rehab
In this episode of Paint the Edges, Mac and Thayer examine the consequences of action in exercise and rehabilitation, exploring how movement choices shape performance and recovery. They unpack the role of visual feedback and sensation in navigating movement, breaking down the principles of input and how understanding sensation can refine training, enhance correction, and improve overall movement quality. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration is now LIVE. Sign up Now At https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Road Rage (00:00:00) Pet Peeves and Consequences (00:06:02) Driving Rules and Real-Life Accountability (00:11:04) Punches in the Face and Learning Lessons (00:12:59) Consequences Aren't Always Negative (00:13:47) Exercise Selection as Consequence Management (00:14:54) Rehab Example: Balance Gone Wrong (00:17:10) The Role of Sight and Visual Input (00:20:50) Why Removing Glasses Makes Training Worse (00:28:48) Performance Is the Proxy (00:29:49) Rehab Facilities Ignoring Visual Feedback (00:31:52) Training Is Just Load-Managed Rehab (00:41:04) Visual Input as a Warm-Up Tool (00:42:47) Appropriate Use of Proprioception (00:45:23) Three Questions Every Coach Should Ask (00:49:18)

Oct 5, 2025 • 51min
E53: Small Details That Create Big Training Experiences
In this episode of Paint the Edges, Mac and Thayer explore how professionalism and genuine human connection shape the training experience. They highlight the impact of meaningful interactions, showing how small details and elevated standards can leave a lasting impact on clients and colleagues alike. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration is now LIVE. Sign up Now At https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Cold Open & Intro Chaos (00:00:00) Laptop vs Phone: Speed, Spelling, Autocorrect (00:00:45) South African Texting-While-Driving Confession (00:02:36) Roles on the Pod: Stoke the Fire (00:05:10) Intimidation, Profiling, and Perception (00:07:41) Coaching Optics in Affluent Gyms (00:09:52) Power Dynamics: Don't Tower Over Clients (00:15:36) Be the Ritz: Standards, Amenities, Professionalism (00:20:26) Branding, Consistency, and Building Real-World Network (00:38:04) Small Details Compound (00:50:07)


