

Coach Em Up Podcast
Tim Riley
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 59min
Training Celebrities & High Profile Clients with ERIC RAKOFSKY | Ep. 74
Check out Eric on instagram! @ericrakofsky1Head over to https://VALD.com to request a demo!Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at https://Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at https://Squatwedgiez.comIn this episode of Coach 'Em Up, Tim Riley sits down with Eric Rakofsky, a high-profile trainer who works with celebrities and business executives. Eric shares his journey from boxing in Brooklyn to building a successful training business in Austin, focusing on relationship-building over high-volume client turnover.Eric breaks down his unique retainer model, the realities of training high-profile clients, and the importance of emotional intelligence in coaching. He emphasizes that success in the fitness industry requires patience, genuine care for clients, and creating value beyond just technical expertise.Don't forget to like and subscribe! It helps us out a lot and it costs you nothing!

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 19min
How to Get 100k Followers Overnight with DYLAN SHANNON | Ep. 73
Look for Dylan on socials! @dylan_shannon @_dylanshannonHead over to https://VALD.com to request a demo!Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at https://Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at https://Squatwedgiez.comTim Riley and Zack Zillner welcome Dylan Shannon to the Coach 'Em Up Podcast. Dylan shares his incredible journey from 450 followers to now almost 200K in just 15 months, crediting this very podcast as his inspiration. They dive deep into Dylan's background in rugby and strength training, his career progression, and the development of his PowerJacked training methodology. The conversation tackles overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of consistent content creation, and how embracing authenticity has led to partnerships with major fitness companies.This episode is packed with actionable advice for coaches and content creators at any stage, emphasizing that perfect is the enemy of good and that the greatest opportunities come to those who start before they feel ready.Don't forget to subscribe! Dylan subscribed, and look what happened to him! It could happen to you too...

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 16min
Behind the Scenes of Pro Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu with JIMMY HOUSE | Ep. 72
Check out Jimmy on Youtube and Instagram! @JIMMY_HOUSE @coachjimmyhouseHead over to https://VALD.com to request a demo!Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at https://Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at https://Squatwedgiez.comTim Riley sits down with Jimmy House, a multifaceted athlete and coach who's mastered wrestling, powerlifting, jiu-jitsu, bodybuilding, and now professional wrestling. Jimmy shares his impressive journey from amateur wrestler to powerlifting champion (815lb deadlift!) to BJJ black belt training, all while building a successful coaching business.Jimmy provides invaluable insights on combat sports training, the mechanics of skill acquisition, and the surprising difficulty of professional wrestling compared to other athletic disciplines. They discuss the true essentials of effective training: progressive overload, fundamentals, and proper recovery - rather than flashy "combat-specific" exercises promoted by influencers.Learn how Jimmy coaches world-class grapplers and wrestlers, his approach to injury rehabilitation without surgery, and why personalization is the key to effective coaching at any level.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 28min
Fitness Brand Identity & Content Strategy with TATUM BRANDT | Ep. 71
Check out Tatum on socials! @tatumbrandt @brandcreative.coHead over to https://VALD.com to request a demo!Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comTim Riley hosts Tatum Brandt, founder of Brandt Creative, to discuss effective brand strategy for fitness professionals. Tatum breaks down the fundamentals of personal branding, social media growth, and how to authentically connect with your audience. Discover actionable strategies to develop your brand personality, create engaging content, and scale your products while staying true to your values. Tatum shares her expertise from working with fitness industry clients and her own journey growing her social media presence. This is one you won't want to miss!If you've made it this far in the description and haven't subscribed yet, just go ahead and click the button. Leave a like while you're at it.

Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 24min
Building Texas Football's Elite Athletes & Culture with CORY CASTRO | Ep. 70
Look for Cory on Instagram! @strength_coach_castroHead over to VALD.com to request a demo!Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comCheck out Cory's assisted nordics - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKCp45ntvf6/In this episode of Coach 'Em Up, Tim Riley sits down with Cory Castro, a strength coach at the University of Texas' football program, to discuss his journey, philosophy, and insights on coaching elite athletes.Cory shares his path from internships to coaching quarterbacks at Texas, including lessons learned and characteristics of top performers. They dive into the importance of building genuine relationships with athletes, creating a competitive training environment, and maintaining personal accountability. Don't miss Corey's take on training philosophy evolution, balancing career and family, and the definition of mental toughness that has helped shape his coaching approach.While you're here, drop a like and subscribe to the channel! It helps us out a ton and it's totally free! And leave a comment to let us know who you'd like to see on the podcast next!

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 28min
Blending Neuroscience with Rehab and Training - DR KATIE DABROWSKI | Ep. 69
Check out Katie on socials! @ktdabrowski @oldbullathleticsMiami Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comThis week's Coach 'Em Up episode features renowned Physical Therapist and Coach Dr. Katie Dabrowski, who shares the scoop on blending neuroscience, psychology, and strength training for optimal client experiences.Dr. Katie shares her journey from collegiate rowing to becoming a successful PT and business owner at Old Bull Athletics. She discusses how her unique background in neuroscience, psychology, and physical therapy has shaped her coaching approach, emphasizing positive environments and psychological resilience for clients.The episode explores the collaborative relationship between physical therapists and strength coaches, creating better client experiences, and maintaining personal well-being while building a successful practice. Katie also offers insights into her training philosophy of becoming "confusingly jacked at every decade." It's a fun listen!Don't forget to subscribe! It's free and makes us very happy indeed! Plus, Katie said that for every subscriber the podcast gets, an athlete instantly heals their soft tissue injury, so get to it!

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 38min
NFL Combine Prep and Navigating the S&C Industry with SCOTT SALWASSER | Ep. 68
Check out Scott on socials! @realcoachsalCode "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comThe Coach Em Up Conference is complete! Thank you to everyone who attended - it was a blast! At least I hope it was, I'm writing this before it happened.Welcome to the newest Coach 'Em Up episode, with Tim Riley and guest Scott Salwasser, a strength & conditioning expert currently at working at Exos.Scott shares his journey from being a sports-obsessed kid to becoming a respected S&C coach, with stops at the Oakland Raiders, Sacramento State, Texas Tech, and more. Discover the critical differences between private sector coaching versus team settings, and why your career values should dictate your path.Learn what truly separates elite athletes from average performers, get an inside look at running NFL combine prep programs, and hear Scott's evolution in training philosophy, including his approach to Olympic lifts and new industry technology.Don't forget to subscribe! It helps us out a lot and it's totally free!

5 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 20min
BLAINE MCCONNELL Q&A on Sprinting, Programming, Athleticism, and more! | Ep. 67
Blaine McConnell, a performance coach renowned for speed development and his Unit Combine program, shares insights into athletic training. He discusses his revolutionary training methods that led him to a jaw-dropping 4.2 40-yard dash. The conversation includes fun ideas for a Gymtathlon competition and myths about sprint times. Blaine humorously recounts impressive feats like dunking a medicine ball while tackling various training topics, from Olympic lifts to adapting workouts in hot conditions. Expect plenty of laughs and real-world advice for athletes!

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
CRU MAHONEY talks Taking Control of Your Life + REAL Hybrid Athletes | Ep. 66
Check out Cru! @crumahoney Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comIn this episode of Coach 'Em Up, Tim Riley sits down with life coach Cru Mahoney to discuss consistency, mental fortitude, and showing up as the person you want to be. Cru shares his 2,500+ day running streak and unconventional approach to dealing with physical pain - simply caring less about it. They explore the transformative power of showing up daily regardless of how you feel, building genuine communities, and developing emotional endurance.Cru provides insights on the true meaning of being a hybrid athlete, criticizing how some fitness trends prioritize work capacity over skill development. The conversation also tackles the challenges of having an online platform, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and practical advice for building confidence through consistent action and effective communication.Did you enjoy this episode? Leave and like and subscribe so you won't miss part 2 with Cru!

May 27, 2025 • 1h 16min
KELLY MATTHEWS Q&A on Content Creation, Athleticism, AND Aesthetics | Ep. 65
Connect with Kelly on Youtube and Instagram! @kellylmatthews Code "coachemup10" for 10% off EVERYTHING at Eleiko.com/coachemupGet a free trial with TrainHeroic ➡️ https://bit.ly/coachemuppodcastCode “coachemup15” for 15% at Squatwedgiez.comKelly Matthews returns to the Coach 'Em Up Podcast for a deep dive into her fitness journey, content creation strategies, and industry insights with hosts Tim Riley and Zack Zillner. Kelly shares her transition from in-person training to full-time content creation, including her exciting capsule collection with Honoractive. The conversation explores the balance between athletic and aesthetic training approaches, building authentic connections with audiences, and navigating the pressures of the fitness content industry. Highlights include discussions on programming philosophy, the "Pilates Princess" trend, cycle syncing misconceptions, and practical advice for growing a coaching brand. Kelly also shares her unique perspective on nutrition habits and the importance of building a community rather than just a following.Don't forget to like and subscribe! Kelly said if this video gets 500 likes she'll give Tim an extra compliment this month, so please consider! It takes no time at all and it's free!