
Paint The Edges
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 6, 2025 • 47min
E27: Progressing Exercises with Purpose: Movement Quality & Programming Strategy
In this episode of Paint the Edges, hosts James Mac and James Thayer dive into the intricacies of exercise programming, breaking down the role of Pre-Script labs in the learning process, the significance of internal rotation in movement, and the complexities of skill development. They discuss how to strategically progress exercises while preserving movement quality and ensuring programming decisions align with the intended training outcomes. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 Registration 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 The Importance of Labs in Learning (00:04:00) Understanding Programming and Exercise Progression (00:09:51) The Role of Internal Rotation in Exercise (00:19:54) The Complexity of Programming and Skill Development (00:29:46)

Mar 30, 2025 • 58min
E26: Education, Experience, and Career Realities in the Fitness Industry
Mac and Thayer explore the value of formal education versus practical experience in the fitness industry. They discuss the costs and benefits of higher education in fields like exercise science, the realities of building a career in strength and conditioning, and the challenges of online coaching—especially in physique competitions. Tune in for insights on industry expectations, the importance of in-person experience, and the philosophical side of coaching. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 is NOW LIVE for registration. Sign Up Now At https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Introduction and Life on the Road (00:00:00) The Value of Formal vs Informal Education (00:09:56) Navigating Career Paths and Qualifications (00:19:59) Navigating Career Paths in Strength and Conditioning (00:24:02) The Reality of Online Coaching in Physique Competitions (00:27:50) The Importance of Time in Coaching (00:30:11) The Need for In-Person Experience (00:34:00) Understanding the Landscape of Bodybuilding Coaching (00:37:51) The Long-Term Commitment Required for Success (00:40:06) The Challenges of Competing in the Coaching Industry (00:46:00) The Reality of Being a Coach: Work-Life Balance (00:49:56) The Philosophical Side of Coaching and Life (00:54:07)

Mar 23, 2025 • 49min
E25: Hyrox Unpacked: The Business, Community, and Competition
Mac and Thayer break down the unique structure of Hyrox, a fitness competition blending running with workout stations, and its impact on the industry. They explore its business model, spectator appeal, and the training strategies athletes need to succeed in this evolving competitive fitness landscape. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 Opt-In List For An Exclusive Discount https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Exploring Hyrox: A New Fitness Experience (00:02:59) Business Insights from Hyrox Participation (00:06:11) Accessibility and Community in Fitness Competitions (00:09:04) The Atmosphere and Spectator Experience at Hyrox (00:11:58) Competition Structure and Categories (00:15:02) The Smart Business Model of Hyrox (00:18:09) Standardization in Competitive Fitness Events (00:23:13) Coaching Strategies for Hyrox Competitions (00:30:25) Technical Proficiency and Pacing in Hyrox (00:43:44)

Mar 16, 2025 • 43min
E24: Consistency in Style: The Quest for the Perfect Wardrobe
Mac and Thayer dive into organization, consistency, and personal branding, exploring workspace design, podcasting habits, and the evolution of personal style. From the quest for the perfect shirt to the humor in fashion choices, they reflect on uniformity, social dynamics, and the ‘Ugly Dog Friend’ theory in a conversation that blends insight with laughter. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 Opt-In List For An Exclusive Discount https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Tactical Placement and Organization (00:00:00) Designing the Perfect Workspace (00:03:08) Consistency in Podcasting and Coaching (00:05:57) The Journey to Simplified Wardrobe (00:09:00) The Quest for the Perfect Shirt (00:12:08) The Evolution of a Personal Brand (00:14:47) Final Thoughts on Consistency and Growth (00:18:11) The Uniformity of Clothing Choices (00:23:21) The Quest for the Perfect Wardrobe (00:26:01) Consistency in Personal Style (00:30:07) The Ugly Dog Friend Theory (00:34:20) Fashion Choices and Social Perceptions (00:39:24)

Mar 9, 2025 • 44min
E23: Lessons Learned (Part 2): From Insight to Application in Training & Performance
In this episode of Paint The Edges, Mac and Thayer reflect on the evolution of their coaching methodologies over the past year, highlighting the role of center of mass displacement in training. They discuss shifts in their approach to force production, the importance of long-term planning, and the adaptability of periodization. Through their conversation, they emphasize the value of coaching principles and how they can be applied across contexts, from rehabilitation to performance enhancement. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 Opt-In List For An Exclusive Discount https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Center of Mass Displacement in Coaching (00:01:25) Evolution of Force Production Approaches (00:12:44) Long-Term Planning in Coaching (00:22:01) Fluidity in Periodization and Phases (00:30:14) Restoration and Isometric Training (00:39:09)

Mar 2, 2025 • 47min
E22: Lessons Learned (Part 1): Integrating New Insights for Lasting Coaching Impact
Mac and Thayer explore the challenges of continuous learning in coaching, the power of mind mapping for retention, and how their past year of learning has shaped their approach. The conversation also highlights the importance of deceleration training for both athletes and general populations, emphasizing its role in movement quality and injury risk management. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 Opt-In List For An Exclusive Discount https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide The Habit of Multitasking & Overthinking Routines (00:01:15) Fear of Snakes & Australia’s ‘Death Island’ Reputation (00:05:08) The Missing Piece in Performance (00:29:20) Force Absorption & Why It’s Overlooked in Training (00:30:17) Deceleration for Athletes and General Population (00:34:45) Aging, Falls & How Training Can Prevent Injuries (00:41:08) The Bigger Picture: Making a Real Impact with Training (00:42:12)

Feb 23, 2025 • 52min
E21: Beyond Coaching: Navigating Relationships for Lasting Impact
In this episode, the discussion explores intricacies of coaching relationships, emphasizing self-awareness, trust, and open communication. They discuss how past experiences shape current dynamics and the coach’s role in fostering accountability and growth. The conversation highlights the importance of building trust and empowering clients. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 Opt-In List For An Exclusive Discount https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Office Setup and Personal Space (00:04:03) Pre-Workout Experiences and Stories (00:08:05) Alleged Mischief and Medical Contracts (00:11:51) Client Relationships and Coaching Mindset (00:18:53) Navigating Coaching Relationships (00:21:08) Self-Awareness in Coaching (00:24:44) Building Trust and Accountability (00:27:42) Recognizing Patterns in Coaching (00:30:52) Addressing Past Baggage (00:35:37) Modeling Behavior and Expectations (00:39:34) Fostering Open Communication (00:43:10) Empowerment Through Trust (00:50:32)

Feb 16, 2025 • 44min
E20: Fire in The Hole
Today's episode dives into the challenges of cheerleading, reflecting on the recent nationals experience. They discuss the demands of training outside traditional academic schedules, the role of athletic backgrounds, and the impact of gymnastics on success in the sport. The conversation also explores concussion risks, evolving safety protocols, and the potential cognitive benefits of creatine for athlete recovery and performance. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the PSL1 Opt-In List For An Exclusive Discount. Learn more at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Cheerleading Nationals Experience (00:04:02) Understanding Competition in Cheerleading (00:12:03) The Dynamics of Cheerleading and Athletic Backgrounds (00:17:59) The Impact of Gymnastics on Body Awareness and Injuries (00:21:27) Concussion Rates in Cheerleading and Dance (00:22:41) Strength and Conditioning in Non-Traditional Sports (00:24:41) Concussion Protocols in Athletics (00:26:55) Evolution of Concussion Awareness and Protocols (00:28:57) Advancements in Concussion Tracking Technology (00:32:34) Creatine's Role in Cognitive Performance and Recovery (00:35:37) The Case for Creatine as a Universal Supplement (00:41:48)

Feb 9, 2025 • 43min
E19: Coaching Reconnaissance: Anticipating and Solving Problems Before the Meeting
Mac and Thayer explore the significance of personal branding and networking in the coaching industry, emphasizing the value of thorough client research to build trust and enhance interactions. The conversation also covers effective client intake strategies, adaptability in training sessions, and the impact of coaching interventions. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ LAST CHANCE to sign up for PSL1. Learn More At https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide The Importance of Personal Branding (00:01:36) The Power of Reconnaissance in Networking (00:04:26) The Value of Thorough Client Intake (00:10:19) Creating Fluidity in Training Sessions (00:14:02) Intervention Strategies and Consequences (00:25:41) The Chess Game of Coaching (00:40:32)

Feb 2, 2025 • 48min
E18: Loyalty Lost: The Cost of Overlooking Your Best Clients
Mac and Thayer explore the intersection of personal identity and professional growth while highlighting the importance of client loyalty and relationships in business. Through humorous anecdotes—like a frustrating barbershop experience—they illustrate how small gestures and personal connections can make all the difference in retaining loyal clients. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ LAST CHANCE to register for PSL1. Learn more at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Education and Professional Development in Fitness (00:03:05) Home Renovation Woes and Personal Hygiene (00:06:11) Artistic Expression and Personal Identity (00:11:57) The Role of Trains in American Expansion (00:17:54) A Haircut Gone Wrong: A Personal Anecdote (00:18:07) Client Loyalty and Business Relationships (00:21:41) Understanding Client Value and Retention (00:25:39) Nurturing Client Relationships (00:30:51) The Importance of Personal Touch in Business (00:36:52) Building Loyalty Through Personal Connections (00:40:56)
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