
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

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)

Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 12min
E17: Building a Successful Coaching Career: Insights from Alex Gates
In this episode of Paint the Edges, hosts James Macintosh and James Thayer sit down with Alex Gates, a seasoned physique coach with extensive experience in personal training and exercise education. Together, they discuss the transition from in-person coaching to building a thriving online career, highlighting the evolving fitness industry, the value of mentorship, personal branding, and the discipline needed to excel—offering valuable insights for trainers at any stage of their career. Alex Gates https://www.instagram.com/alex_teamprocoach Co-Founder https://www.instagram.com/theicmeducation https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Class Starts MONDAY. Sign up now for Pre-Script® Level 1 https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide The Importance of Taking Action (00:02:59) Alex's Journey in Coaching (00:08:57) Reflections on Growth and Learning (00:11:56) The High Standards of the Fitness Industry (00:15:03) Navigating Career Choices in Fitness Education (00:17:11) The Value of Experience Over Goals (00:23:00) The Long Road to Mastery in Coaching (00:29:58) Reality Checks for New Coaches (00:35:39) Building a Strong Foundation in Coaching (00:40:56) First Impressions and Personal Branding (00:49:55) The Importance of Appearance in Personal Training (00:56:48) Training Intensity and Personal Experience (01:07:11)

Jan 19, 2025 • 43min
E16: The Rise and Fall of TikTok? Exploring Social Media’s Future
Join hosts Mac and Thayer as they dive into the controversies surrounding TikTok, including its potential ban in the U.S. and Australia. They examine national security concerns, the app’s influence on youth culture, mental health, and how a ban could reshape the social media landscape for content creators, influencers, and platforms like Meta. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Pre-Script® Level 1 Is Now Live For Registration. Class Starts January 27th! Learn more at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Social Media Regulations and Bans (00:2:00) The Impact of TikTok on Society (00:10:05) The Nature of TikTok Content (00:13:59) The TikTok Ban and National Security (00:22:05) Meta's Response to TikTok's Potential Ban (00:24:41) The Future of Social Media Platforms (00:26:35) The Role of Free Speech in Social Media (00:28:24) UFC's Unique Position in Media (00:32:36) The Economic Impact of TikTok's Ban (00:34:15) The Reality of TikTok Earnings (00:39:09)

Jan 12, 2025 • 53min
E15: Smart Investments: Building Skills, Auditing Success, and Planning for Growth
Thayer and Mac explore the importance of recognizing personal limitations, embracing coaching, and committing to continuous education in the fitness industry. They discuss treating your career as a business, navigating high-risk environments, and conducting business audits to drive growth and professional development. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 is now LIVE for registration. https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide The Rule of Three (00:02:50) Navigating High-Risk Environments (00:06:14) A Mindset Shift (00:09:01) Investing in Education (00:11:45) Learning Through Experience (00:17:49) The Role of Coaches in Your Career (00:24:08) Implementation and Reflection (00:32:05) Conducting a Business Audit (00:39:36) Creating a Structured Learning Plan (00:43:10)

Jan 5, 2025 • 48min
E14: Roundtable Reflections—Coaching, Consequences, and Growth
Mac and Thayer are joined by guests for a lively roundtable discussion that blends humor with practical insights on exercise selection, programming, and cognitive development. They explore the role of consequences in learning and decision-making. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptation and simplified approaches to coaching and programming. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ https://www.instagram.com/brandon.schultze/ https://www.instagram.com/jorgedehoyos_/ PSL1 is now LIVE for registration. https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Jeremy Clarkson's Farming Adventures (00:03:00) Learning and Cognitive Development (00:08:47) Consequences and Learning Through Punishment (00:11:58) Risk Aversion and Inaction in Learning (00:17:10) Consequences in Coaching (00:21:24) Lenses of Exercise (00:26:47) Newton's Third Law and Exercise Programming (00:29:40) Simplifying Strength Training Concepts (00:43:08)

Dec 29, 2024 • 1h 2min
E13: Shortcuts That Can F#*% off in 2024
In this episode of Paint the Edges, hosts James Macintosh and James Thayer take a no-nonsense look at fitness and nutrition trends they’re leaving behind in 2024. From the absurdity of dry scooping to the pitfalls of fasting and dirty bulking, they debunk shortcuts and highlight the importance of consistency, routine, and long-term strategies for sustainable results. Tune in for laughs, rants, and practical advice on ditching quick fixes and embracing real progress as we look towards 2025. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Pre-Script® Level 1 Is Now Live. https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Things to Leave Behind in 2024 (00:05:06) The Dry Scooping Debate (00:10:48) Understanding Fasting (00:27:50) The Myths of Dirty Bulking (00:30:46) Importance of Maintenance Calories (00:35:56) The Reality of Muscle Gain and Fat Loss (00:40:55) The Fallacy of Body Recomposition (00:45:45) Long-Term Dieting Strategies (00:51:49) Lengthened Ranges vs. Failure Training (00:56:37)

Dec 22, 2024 • 53min
E12: AI in Fitness: Opportunities, Challenges, and Adaptation
In this episode of Paint the Edges, hosts James Macintosh and James Thayer dive into the integration of AI technologies in the fitness industry, exploring how automation is shaping coaching, program development, and professional growth. They discuss the opportunities and limitations of AI, emphasizing the importance of balancing advanced tools with the human expertise and adaptability that remain vital in fitness coaching. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ PSL1 registration is now live. https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide AI in the Fitness Industry (00:06:01) The Role of AI in Program Development (00:11:46) Harnessing AI for Enhanced Learning (00:25:21) Identifying Limitations of AI in Coaching (00:28:12) The Role of Experience in Coaching (00:35:11) Real-World Applications of AI in Sports (00:39:28) Integrating AI Without Losing Human Touch (00:45:09)

Dec 15, 2024 • 56min
E:11 Self-Awareness and Success: The Human Element in Coaching
Join hosts Mac and Thayer as Ross shares his journey from military service to becoming a fitness coach, reflecting on personal growth through failures and the balance between career and family life. This insightful conversation explores the nuances of coaching, emphasizing camaraderie, the human element, and the art of meeting clients where they are. Tune in for Ross's wisdom on self-awareness, connection, and fostering meaningful progress in both life and coaching. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ https://www.instagram.com/coachrossnesbitt/ Pre-Script® Level 1 is Now LIVE Learn More: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Ross's Evolution in the Fitness Industry (00:03:03) Balancing Career and Family Life (00:08:59) Perspective on Life and Self-Awareness (00:14:51) The Importance of Comfortable Silence (00:29:44) The Role of Psychology in Coaching (00:37:09) Meeting Clients Where They Are (00:40:16)

Dec 8, 2024 • 51min
E10: Coaching Fundamentals: Principles, Mentorship, and Navigating Fitness Trends
In this episode, hosts James Mac and James Thayer dive into principle-based learning in coaching, exploring how foundational knowledge helps navigate fitness trends, tools, and marketing traps. They discuss the importance of mentorship, critical thinking, and movement principles in shaping a coach's identity and professional growth. Join Mac and Thayer as they unpack the balance between pursuing new opportunities and staying grounded in coaching fundamentals to deliver impactful client outcomes. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Pre-Script® Level 1 is now LIVE for registration. Learn more at https://www.pre-script.com/psl1 FREE Coach's Field Guide: https://www.pre-script.com/coachs-field-guide Evaluating Trends and Equipment in Fitness (00:08:57) Understanding Marketing vs. Principles (00:12:09) Investment in Education and Tools (00:15:00) Avoiding the Shiny Red Object (00:21:10) The Difference Between Being Told and Taught (00:24:03) The Value of Mentorship in Professional Growth (00:30:16) Understanding Movement: The Importance of Global Perspective (00:40:50) Principles Over Patterns: The Center of Mass Concept (00:45:49)

Dec 1, 2024 • 51min
E9: Unlocking Glute Growth: Movement, Mechanics, and Nutrition
Mac & Thayer explore common challenges in glute training, including difficulty feeling contractions and movement inefficiencies. This episode highlights the importance of structural assessments, dynamic movements, and nutrition in optimizing glute development. Learn how execution, practice, and understanding movement patterns can unlock glute growth potential. https://www.instagram.com/coachjamesmac/ https://www.instagram.com/thayer2513/ Join the 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 Quest for Glute Growth (00:06:10) Identifying Movement Issues (00:10:28) Structural Assessments and Gait Analysis (00:18:59) Movement and Force Absorption (00:23:59) Pelvic Positioning and Anterior Tilt (00:28:08) Static Posture vs. Dynamic Movement (00:34:34) Integrating Upper and Lower Body Movements (00:39:27) Pelvic Orientation and Internal Rotation (00:41:37) Eccentric Loading and Glute Activation (00:44:32) Nutrition and Structural Foundations for Growth (00:47:48)
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