

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

Feb 1, 2026 • 46min
E70: NFL Injuries & the Conspiracy Machine
In this episode of Paint the Edges, Mac and Thayer explore the world of conspiracy theories in a discussion about the claim linking the San Francisco 49ers' injury rates to electromagnetic waves from a nearby power plant. Along the way, they draw parallels to the rise and fall of Power Balance wristbands, using humor to unpack why questionable performance claims continue to gain traction. 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

Jan 25, 2026 • 54min
E69: From South Africa to Alabama
Mac and Thayer catch up on major life transitions; from Mac's chaotic return to South Africa to Thayer's move to Alabama and the familiar challenge of living out of boxes. Along the way, they unpack the culture and influence of their new environments, using these experiences as a lens to explore how community, context, and place shape our lives in college, fitness, and beyond. 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

Jan 18, 2026 • 44min
E68: How the Neutral Scapular Plane Improves Training
In this episode of Paint the Edges, Mac and Thayer dive into muscle function, the importance of starting positions in exercise, and common misconceptions around muscle development, especially the traps. They emphasize why understanding the neutral scapular plane is essential for effective training and how a clearer grasp of muscle function leads to better outcomes. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink how they approach setup, execution, and intent in their training. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ LAST CHANCE to sign up for this cohort of PSL1. Sign up now at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Jan 11, 2026 • 51min
E67: Rest Periods: The Most Overlooked Training Variable
Mac and Thayer dive into the often-overlooked role of rest periods in training and why they matter more than most people realize. They explore how rest intervals can be used as a diagnostic tool to manage fatigue, understand energy system demands, and balance intensity with recoverability. The conversation challenges coaches and athletes to be more intentional with rest in order to improve performance, sustainability, and overall training effectiveness. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ LAST CHANCE to register for this cohort of PSL1. Sign up now at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Jan 4, 2026 • 58min
E66: Keep The Goal The Goal
Mac and Thayer break down what it means to truly keep the goal the goal. They discuss the role of maintenance, surplus, and deficit phases in fat loss, how to budget fat loss without sacrificing performance, and why energy availability is critical for recovery and output. The conversation also touches on tools like METs calculators and reinforces why preserving muscle mass should remain the top priority during fat loss. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 enrolment is now live! Sign Up at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Dec 28, 2025 • 48min
E65: F#*% Off in 2025: Expectations, Noise, and Nonsense
Mac and Thayer reflect on the transition out of 2025, unpacking the expectations, disappointments, and trends best left behind. They explore why real coaching goes beyond information, highlighting the importance of experience, adaptability, and understanding human behavior to better connect with clients and drive meaningful progress. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 enrolment is now live! Sign Up at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Dec 21, 2025 • 47min
E64: Simplifying the Noise in Fitness
In this episode, Mac and Thayer reflect on recent experiences from tech frustrations to lessons learned over the past year while unpacking what real problem-solving in coaching actually looks like. They challenge the industry's obsession with complexity, emphasizing simplicity, context, and clear thinking as the path to better solutions. At its core, the conversation reinforces a key truth: effective coaching starts with understanding the person, not just the problem. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 enrolment is now live! Sign Up at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

Dec 14, 2025 • 59min
E63: Movement Education for Modern Coaches
Today on Paint The Edges, Eric Bugera discuss the Exercise Technique Lab he hosts for Pre-Script through The Collective. Eric and Thayer break down how coaches can sharpen their coaching eye in the digital age by understanding movement qualities, identifying compensations, and using exercise review as a powerful educational tool. Eric also dives into his blind technique reviews on social media and shares details on his mentorship opportunity for new trainers launching in 2026. IG: @Ericbugera Email: Eric@Egugera.com Website: www.EBUGERA.com https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 enrolment is now live! Sign Up at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide

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


