
Coach Em Up Podcast
Coach Em Up Podcast is here. Hosted by renown coaches Tim Riley and Zack Zillner, Coach Em Up traverses all things training, performance, gains, and growth. Guests include your favorite coaches, current and former pro athletes, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Everyone can learn something from someone else- and we wanna learn from the best.
Latest episodes

May 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
Strength Coach Q&A | Growing Clientele, In-season Programming, and more | Ep. 64
Check us out on instagram! @timrileytraining @zack_zillner The Coach Em Up Conference is sold out! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, and for those who missed out on a spot, we'll have more stuff in the near future! Stay tuned...Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comDon't worry everyone, Zack's stickin around!Tim Riley and Zack Zillner are back with a loaded Q&A episode of the Coach 'Em Up Podcast! Get the scoop on Zack's exciting move to the University of Miami as Director of Sports Performance for men's basketball, plus updates on the sold-out Coaching Up Conference 2025.They dive deep into training methodology, answering your questions about plyometric volume, adjusting training for starters vs bench players, and whether Olympic lifts are essential for athletes. They also share candid thoughts on movement systems like GOATA, key qualities that make great strength coaches, how to create genuine athlete buy-in versus compliance, and what a "Steroid Olympics" might look like.Remember to like and subscribe! We caught Zack crying in his car after the episode, and when we asked, he said the only thing that would make him feel better was if they channel had more subscribers, so please do us a favor. He's a very loud crier, and we'd prefer if he stopped.

May 13, 2025 • 1h 31min
REBECCA ROUSE on Sleep Optimization, Tactical Training, & Weightlifting | Ep. 63
Check out Rebecca on socials! @rebecca.rouse @mchnstrengthGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comThe Coach Em Up Conference is sold out! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, and for those who missed out on a spot, we'll have more stuff in the near future! Stay tuned... In this episode of the Coach 'Em Up Podcast, host Tim Riley sits down with fitness expert Rebecca Rouse. They dive into Rebecca's journey from gymnastics to weightlifting, her coaching philosophy, and the founding of MCHN Strength. Rebecca shares valuable insights on recovery, sleep optimization, and building a successful fitness business aligned with personal values.Rebecca discusses her unique approach to training tactical populations, her participation in the United Grid League, and how she overcame chronic health challenges. She offers practical advice for aspiring coaches and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of identifying your clients and taking action.Don't forget to like and subscribe! It helps us out a ton, and it's totally free! Plus, Tim said he would send his bathwater to one lucky subscriber, so don't miss out!

May 6, 2025 • 1h 30min
BEN SIMONS talks Max Velocity Mechanics, Training Elasticity, Bobsled, and More! | Ep. 62
Connect with Ben! @benthebounceThe Coach Em Up Conference is sold out! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, and for those who missed out on a spot, we'll have more stuff in the near future! Stay tuned...Get a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.com In this episode of Coach 'Em Up, Tim Riley interviews Ben "The Bounce" Simons, former Olympic bobsledder and elite performance coach. Ben shares his journey from track athlete to achieving 97mph in a bobsled, the intense Olympic training, and his coaching philosophy.Ben discusses athletic development, balancing evidence-based practices with experience, and individualized training. The conversation covers sprinting mechanics, stiffness vs. elasticity in athletes, and programming for both elite athletes and weekend warriors.Don't forget to like and subscribe! It helps us out a ton, and it's completely free!

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 30min
Why Traditional Physical Therapy Fails Athletes ft. QUENTIN WILLEY | Ep. 61
Look for Quentin on socials! @coach_q_physioGET YOUR TICKET TO THE COACH EM UP CONFERENCEhttps://coachemuppod.com/conference2025Get a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comIn this episode of Coach Em Up, Tim Riley sits down with Quentin "Q" Willey – physical therapist, strength coach, and former USA bobsledder – to talk all things performance, physical culture, and challenging outdated thinking in sports medicine. From childhood obsessions with movement to treating elite athletes, Q unpacks his journey and the mindset shifts that helped him thrive in athletics and coaching.They go deep on the failures of traditional PT, the myths that still plague the performance world, and how real change comes from putting power back in the athlete’s hands. If you're driven, health-conscious, and seeking truth in training, this conversation is a must.Consider subscribing to the channel! It help us bring on more awesome guests like Quentin in the future! And while you're at it, leave a like! I'm begging you! Please...

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 19min
DAVID GREY talks Simplifying Rehab, Movement, and Biomechanics | Ep. 60
David Grey, a sports rehab specialist from Ireland, shares his expertise in biomechanics and rehabilitation. The discussion addresses innovative strategies for treating patellar tendonitis in athletes, emphasizing personalized rehab plans. Grey dives into the significance of muscle co-contraction for stabilization and injury prevention, alongside insights on sprint mechanics and calf training. The conversation also touches on the evolution of fitness training, mentorship's impact, and the power of adaptive approaches within the athletic community.

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 27min
Bodybuilding vs. Performance & Training Chris Bumstead with JUSTIN KING | Ep. 59
Look for Justin on socials! @justinkingpro @builtbetter_az GET YOUR TICKET TO THE COACH EM UP CONFERENCEhttps://coachemuppod.com/conference2025Get a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comIn this episode of Coach Em Up, Tim Riley chops it up with performance coach Justin King — a guy who went from dreaming about abs to coaching Olympic gold medalists, NFL athletes, professional bodybuilders, and building his own brand, Built Better.Justin opens up about the early days: obsessively attending Charles Poliquin seminars at 17, scraping together money from his grandma to invest in world-class mentorship, and his route to success without ever getting a CSCS.They get into what really matters in the strength and conditioning world — results, obsession, and putting athletes first. Justin also shares game-changing insights on structural balance, hypertrophy myths, and his secret to counter chronic turf toe. If you’re a coach, athlete, or just someone hungry to learn and level up, this episode is loaded with perspective, laughs, and practical takeaways.You want to know something that's quick, easy, and free? Subscribing to the coach em up channel! It helps us out a ton, and you'll never miss an episode again. Leave a like while you're at it, and comment to let us know who we should have on next!

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 54min
Women Taking Up Space in Collegiate and Private S&C with JESSICA BURKE | Ep 58
Look for Jessica on socials! @coachjburke GET YOUR TICKET TO THE COACH EM UP CONFERENCEhttps://coachemuppod.com/conference2025Get a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastEleiko.com/coachemup for 10% off!Code “coachemup” for 20% at Legends.comCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comJoin host Tim Riley for his chat with Jessica Burke, a strength and conditioning coach who has successfully navigated the collegiate and private sectors. In this episode, Jessica shares her journey, insights into the fitness industry, and valuable advice for aspiring coaches. Jessica discusses the pros and cons of collegiate and private sector coaching, emphasizing the importance of autonomy, intellectual honesty, and taking up space as a woman in a male-dominated field. She shares personal experiences with social media's challenges, managing body image, and revising approaches to food. Embrace her advice for transitioning coaches and discover the similarities and differences among athletes in different sectors. Don't miss the engaging anecdotes and sponsor highlights featured in this episode. Engage with the content by liking, commenting, and subscribing for more episodes with awesome guests!

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 47min
DANE MILLER on Garage Strength, Training Olympians, & Bondarchuk's REAL Method | Ep. 57
Check out Dane's socials! @GarageStrength @ghostfacedmillah @randykpl69Get a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastEleiko.com/coachemup for 10% off!Code “coachemup” for 20% at Legends.comCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comJoin us in this enlightening episode of the Coach 'Em Up Podcast, where Tim Riley interviews renowned strength coach Dane Miller, the brain behind Garage Strength. From hitchhiking across Canada to training with Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk and crafting a unique gym culture, Dane shares his journey, insights, and wisdom on dynamic training systems and athlete-specific programs. His story is rich with lessons for aspiring coaches, highlighting the need for continuous learning, feedback adaptation, and a strong culture based on trust and accountability. Dive deeper into Dane's methods and his philosophy on modern coaching!Don't forget to take a minute to like the pod and subscribe to the channel! The bigger we grow, the more flexibility we have to bring guests like Dane on the podcast. We couldn't do this without you!

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 36min
AUSTIN JOCHUM talks Content Creation, Oly Lifting and Quick-Fix Fitness | Ep. 56
Look for Austin on Youtube and Instagram! @austinjochum @jochumstrength Get a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastEleiko.com/coachemup for 10% off!Code “coachemup” for 20% at Legends.comCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comWelcome to another exciting episode of the Coach 'Em Up Podcast with your hosts Tim Riley and Zack Zillner! In this episode, we delve into fascinating conversations with Austin Jochum about the dynamic world of content creation, training philosophies, and the natural evolution of his coaching journey. We kick-off with Tim's praise for Austin's venture into long-form content, discussing how this shift from short-form content champions authenticity and deep audience engagement. They explore the pitfalls of short-form content that often stymies creativity due to its repetitive formats and the resultant burnout among creators.Austin shares insights on how he navigates content creation, stressing the importance of starting without overthinking. He likens this to his foray into Olympic weightlifting, highlighting the invaluable learning derived from action and self-reflection. This philosophy, he notes, is applicable beyond content creation—extending into realms of sports and personal growth.Addressing the contentious marketing tactics in the fitness domain, Austin takes a strong stance against the deluge of quick-fix solutions that mislead, underscoring a need for reliability and honesty in coaching. The show critiques reliance on calculators for training predictions instead of focusing on individual athlete experiences and needs.The podcast also champions the integration of play and game-based scenarios in training. Austin passionately discusses how such methods better equip athletes for sports-specific problem-solving than rigid drills do. Through anecdotes from his athletes' preferences for games over traditional drills, Austin and the hosts advocate for a balance that fosters creativity alongside discipline.Austin recounts his personal coaching journey—a narrative steeped in evolution and the courage to defy established norms. His willingness to test different coaching modalities provides a blueprint for young coaches to embrace diverse influences for holistic professional growth.Let's continue learning and growing together! Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more insightful episodes!

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 38min
CHAD WESLEY SMITH on Juggernaut Training, Long Term Athleticism, and More | Ep. 55
Chad Wesley Smith, a renowned strength coach and powerlifter, discusses his journey from athlete to coach and the development of Juggernaut Training Systems. He emphasizes the need for adaptable training methods tailored to individual athletes, the distinction between activity and true accomplishment in sports, and the risks of early specialization. Smith shares insights on empowering young coaches and the evolving role of coaches in blending technical skills with strength training, all while keeping the conversation lighthearted and engaging.