

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

Oct 11, 2026 • 53min
E106: When Attention Becomes the Goal
When does the pursuit of attention start to overshadow the reason you built the business in the first place? Mac and Thayer explore this conflict through the return of long-form content, strategic brand and product development, and how frameworks like SGM can turn an audience into something more meaningful than a metric. https://www.pre-script.com/programming https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join The PSL1 Waitlist For Our Only Course Discount! https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide FREE Hinge Webinar: https://www.pre-script.com/programming-deadlifts-hinge-variations-replay

Oct 4, 2026 • 50min
E105: More Than a Five-Star Review
In this episode, Mac and Thayer question what it really means to build a sustainable fitness business in a world where perception can matter as much as performance. They explore reviews, online presence, reputation, and the tension between building something that looks successful and building something that actually lasts. https://www.pre-script.com/programming https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration Is Live! Sign Up Now: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Sep 27, 2026 • 49min
E104: Sets and Reps Don't Think
In this episode, Mac and Thayer challenge the idea that good programming comes from simply following a formula. They explore the variables that shape program design, how training must adapt to the individual and the context, and why critical thinking and understanding underlying principles are what separate a program that looks good on paper from one that actually works. https://www.pre-script.com/programming https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration Is Live! Sign Up Now: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Sep 20, 2026 • 47min
E103: Stop Chasing Relevance
Mac and Thayer question what it really takes to build a lasting career in fitness. They explore the intersection of professionalism, personal values, branding, and self-awareness. This episode examines why chasing relevance can come at the expense of building something that is truly your own. https://www.pre-script.com/programming https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration Is Live! Sign Up Now: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Sep 13, 2026 • 1h 4min
E102: Culture Is the Program With Josh Horn
In this episode, Josh Horn joins Mac and Thayer to discuss training, leadership, and what it takes to build a strong coaching culture. They explore trainer development, communication, empathy, performance, and the value of delayed gratification when building better coaches, stronger teams, and long-term results. https://www.instagram.com/joshthehorn/ https://www.pre-script.com/programming https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration Is Live! Sign Up Now: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Sep 6, 2026 • 44min
E101: Your Last Session Matters
In this episode, Mac and Thayer dive into the nuances of training programming, exploring session-to-session communication, recovery, fatigue accumulation, and effective volume management. Drawing from their athletic backgrounds and coaching experience, they discuss practical strategies for optimizing hypertrophy, performance, and long-term progress. https://www.pre-script.com/programming https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 waitlist for our only course discount! https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Aug 30, 2026 • 46min
E100: 100 Episodes of Painting the Edges
Celebrating 100 episodes of Paint The Edges, Mac and Thayer reflect on the journey so far, the lessons learned, and the conversations that have shaped the podcast. They discuss the evolution of the fitness industry, the value of community, and why in-person coaching and meaningful human connection still matter in an increasingly digital world. https://www.pre-script.com/programming https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 waitlist for our only course discount! https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Aug 23, 2026 • 44min
E99: Pre-Script® Programming Principles Course Returns
Mac and Thayer announce the redesigned Pre-Script Programming Course and explore programming as long-term problem solving. They discuss intention-based phases, adaptable planning beyond fixed timelines, the role of physiology, and finding hidden bottlenecks. Real-world labs, athlete program breakdowns, and a cheer-team case study show why effective coaching goes far beyond selecting exercises.

Aug 16, 2026 • 45min
E98: The S-Tier Problem: Education, Social Media, and Engagement
In this episode, we explore the origins of the S-tier ranking system, the current state of education and its relevance to modern industries, and the declining quality of social media content. We also delve into the business side of university programs and why meaningful engagement matters more than superficial metrics. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration Is Live! Sign Up Now: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Aug 9, 2026 • 46min
E97: Teaching Beyond the Script
Education doesn't happen on slides, it happens in conversation. Mac and Thayer discuss why the most effective coaches and educators rely on curiosity, adaptability, and authentic connection to create learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration Is Live! Sign Up Now: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide


