The Coaches Corner University Podcast

Today I sat down with Ryan Nosak, CEO and Head Coach for RyNo Strength. Ryan is the driving force behind RyNo Strength, a VIP personal training experience based in Chicago’s Lincoln Park that elevates both body and mind for busy professionals and ex-athletes. A defining moment in Ryan’s life came early: after losing his mother to cancer at age five, he turned to food for comfort, a path that led to serious health issues by junior high. Doctors pressured for immediate change. His discovery of strength training didn’t just reverse his health; it sparked a life‑changing transformation, fueling confidence, discipline, and self‑belief. Ryan then spent nearly a decade as a Division 1 strength and conditioning coach—then, in the tumultuous spring of 2020, he launched RyNo Strength on his own terms. Since then, he’s helped over 200 individuals reclaim their fitness, energy, and self‑worth through sustainable, science‑backed coaching and personalized strategy .Time Stamps:00:01 – Ryan’s coaching background and transition out of college athletics02:00 – Leaving DePaul during COVID to launch Rhino Strength04:21 – Mentality shift: high-performance athletes vs. general population05:18 – Bringing D1-level periodization and systems to everyday clients06:43 – “Every client is a professional athlete in their own life”07:23 – Impact: million-dollar 40-yard dash vs. teaching a mom to meal prep09:13 – Financial reality of college athletics vs. personal training freedom10:13 – Identity struggle: leaving behind the “college strength coach” title12:26 – Building freedom and presence as a husband and father17:22 – Early mistakes: “Swiss cheese schedule” and taking every client18:44 – Learning to set boundaries, block time, and respect family balance21:32 – Systems vs. personality: Starbucks consistency + mom & pop warmth25:05 – Coaching clients for long-term independence (“learn to train”)33:00 – Authenticity, vulnerability, and connecting through personal story41:02 – Social media as a business card, not the business itself48:31 – Friction in business: selling, content creation, and perfectionismFind RyanWebsite - https://rynostrength.com/Instagram - @ryan.nosak Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.nosak TikTok: @ryan.nosak Threads: ryan.nosak LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-nosak-a39b0392 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryno_strength__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

In this episode, I sit down with Performance Coach and Owner of THIRST (Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training), Brandon Smitley.Brandon is a world-renowned strength coach and athlete with over a decade of experience. He has worked with athletes of all ages and levels in various facilities and weight rooms nationwide.Brandon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health and Fitness from Purdue University and his Master’s in Physical Education and Coaching from Indiana State University. He has been honoured with Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University. Additionally, Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio.As a competitive powerlifter, Brandon holds the all-time world record squat in the 132-pound weight class with an incredible 567-pound squat. He also boasts a 330-pound bench press and a 510-pound deadlift in the same weight class, achieving a total of 1377 pounds, which ranks him 4th all-time.Brandon provides online coaching and programming to athletes worldwide. He has personally worked with over 200 athletes across the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. We discuss:Brandon's background in bodybuilding and powerlifting. Became one of the strongest people on the planet. The path of education and internship Creating THIRST Gym and the semi-private modelBalancing being a lifter at heart while owning a business. Combining in-person training with online coachingHe found fulfillment within the coaching relationship with all different types of clients. The drive behind supporting youth athlete development changed in the young athlete population and addressing those needs. How do you make sure you can fill it in with people? What are the next steps for growth? Using YouTube to build a personal brandLeveraging social mediaContinually seeking mentorshipBeing a father The bill always comes dueFind Brandon:Website: THIRSTgym.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsmitley/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bsmitley__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

Today I sat down with Jeremy Hartman, Owner/Operator of Hartman Performance Training. Jeremy is a licensed educator and high school strength & conditioning coach based in Indianapolis, Indiana. He founded Hartman Performance Training, where he works with athletes ranging from youth sports to elite competitive powerlifters. He’s a six‑time USAPL National Champion, represented Team USA internationally, and earned gold in the deadlift and bronze in the bench press at the 2008 IPF World Championships. Jeremy was named USA Powerlifting Coach of the Year in 2023. His athletes have broken eight IPF world records and more than sixty U.S. American records, and collectively earned over 20 national titles. Known for his effective communication and high athlete engagement, Jeremy blends motivational speaking with evidence‑based coaching. He’s a sought‑after presenter at events like the SWIS Symposium.  In 2024, Jeremy was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Strength and Conditioning at the prestigious SWIS Symposium in Canada. This recognition celebrates his lasting impact on the field and his ongoing role as a sought-after speaker at international events, where he continues to educate and mentor coaches and athletes alike.We discussionPaul and Jeremy catch upCoaching at high school nationalsIncreasing retention to work with clients long-termCreating a culture in person and translating that onlineBuilding community for engagementCoaching youth athletes for longevity in the sportRaising the floor vs chasing the ceilingDiscussing world games in ChinaJared Martin’s tragic story of loss and successControlling variables that add up over timeManaging the athlete's mindset under stress and adversityThe post-meet period and dealing with the emotional energy dumpLessons learned through coaching high-level athletesMaking sure you are continuing to make challenges within trainingHow do you divide attention among all athletesInvolving everyone in the processLevelling up the other coaches on the teamThe best way to grow the coaching toolboxHow to learn coaching soft skillsBeing very intentional with your timeSecond-guess decisions vs taking actionIn-person education in the current social media environmentWhat is Jeremy most excited about?What is the next level of growth for Jeremy?Networking with people to continue to learnFind JeremyWebsite - https://www.instagram.com/hartmanperformance/?hl=enInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hartmanperformance/?hl=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HartmanPerformanceTraining__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

Today I sat down with Alan Howard, Founder, The Path. Alan is a powerful and transformative coach who has an uncanny ability to cut through the bullshit and facade to see a man at his core. Before coaching, Alan built and sold two businesses, travelled the world for 6 years, and embarked on many adventures to deepen his self-understanding; living with an indigenous tribe, travelling to 20+ countries, and opting to live in a pitch dark room for several days to meet himself.Timestamps:00:01 – Alan’s background: building, selling, and walking away from businesses02:00 – 48 hours in darkness: self-love, visions, and identity03:35 – Why discomfort reveals who you really are06:00 – Self-love as defending your beliefs & building confidence07:44 – Paul’s “Who are you?” question and identity beyond roles12:00 – Transition from entrepreneur to coach & landing first clients17:11 – Coaching style: calling BS, trauma release, and tuning into authenticity19:01 – Fitness coaches as caricatures: staying connected to self & clients20:23 – Advice for coaches making 5–20k/month: fear as the compass23:32 – Amateurs vs. professionals: taking action without attachment26:00 – Alignment under pressure: holding vision even with financial risk28:14 – Redefining success: money vs. waking up loving your life32:18 – Your brand as the moat: no one can steal your story34:12 – Why we avoid “bad emotions” and how to sit with them53:47 – Beyond motivation & discipline: living in flow and trusting yourselfFind AlanWebsite - https://the-path.com/Instagram - alan__howardYouTube - @alan_howard__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

I’d like to welcome Jason Colley back to the podcast. The last time he was here, we recorded the episode entitled Finding Simplicity Within The Complexity. Jason is a Coach, Personal Trainer and Owner of Personal Trainer U, Jason Colley.With 15 years of unwavering commitment to the fitness industry, Jason brings an exceptional blend of academic expertise and real-world knowledge to every client he serves. Born and raised in Chicago, Jason’s journey toward becoming a premier personal trainer was not only driven by academic excellence but also by a passion for fitness. Jason has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Human Performance and Fitness from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. This academic foundation provided him with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the human body, biomechanics, corrective exercise, and injury prevention, which he seamlessly integrates into his training approach.The crown jewel of his career is PersonalTrainerU (PTU), a fitness institution where he serves as the Owner and Head Personal Trainer in Nashville. Here, his commitment to excellence shines through as he mentors curious minds, nurturing their growth and providing the best possible guidance to their clients and the future of personal training.We discussed:00:57 – Why Jason started speaking openly online04:02 – Critical thinking and filtering bad info05:27 – Balancing authenticity with presentation08:52 – Content struggles and YouTube long-form strategy11:06 – Surface-level vs. advanced education12:29 – Defining your ideal client13:41 – Content as marketing (prospects → leads → customers)15:01 – Educating clients without overwhelming them17:31 – Relatability, physique, and personal brand22:30 – Your personal brand as the moat around your business25:29 – Leaning into discomfort to improve communication29:40 – Why discomfort is essential for growth32:50 – Thinking ahead: building the coach you’ll be in 6–12 months37:06 – Case studies and mentorship for personal development39:40 – Passion vs. chasing dollars41:48 – Sharing your story as a responsibility45:58 – Cutting through training fads and staying grounded48:04 – Serving a specific audience with aligned values49:56 – Finding your through-line in content53:00 – Closing thoughts: truth, discomfort, and growthFind JasonWebsite: http://www.personaltraineru.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasoncolleyptu/__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

Today I sat down with Gary Mahabir, Owner of Mahabir Fitness and Sports LLC.  Gary has been an NSCA-CPT since 1995, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, living in New York City. Mahabir Fitness and Sports LLC is an online and in-person personal training service company specializing in helping aging men over 40 and busy corporate executives transform their bodies and lifestyle using appropriate and effective exercise programs and nutritional concepts. Gary owned and operated Knockout Performance, a kickboxing for fitness and personal training studio in Brooklyn from 2017 to 2020. He is also a Renzo Gracie NYC Muay Thai Instructor, a former Mr. Teenage Trinidad and Tobago 1990 bodybuilding champion. He is 55 and on a mission to show and teach other men that they do not have to accept the narrative that vitality and function must diminish with age.We discussedFrom starting training at 9 years old and being jacked at 55 years oldContrasting in-person and online trainingYour ability to communicate is the gateway to resultsUsing language to unlock the perception of hardshipTraining is a parallel for lifeEliminating aging words from his vocabularyIdentifying with age, physical decline, and injuryThe CEO mindset in the boardroom vs the gymGap in patience but motivation is highExercise as an anchor habitAlways having goals to work towardsZen Gary discusses ‘being” as a skillsetCreating relatability and showing the productObserving and listening vs speaking just to hear your voiceFind MahabirWebsite - mahabitfitness.comLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mahabir-b5900b9__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

Today I met with Jim Hallinan, who has been a teacher for 25 years, with a Master's in Exercise Science and Sport Nutrition. He has written a high school curriculum in Applied Nutrition and Kinesiology and implemented it at his school as an elective. He has been coaching online for nearly 10 years, focusing primarily on nutrition and lifestyle change, and more recently, has been running groups doing the inner work to help people discover their strengths, values, and overcome self-sabotage to live a more authentic life.We discussedPublic school teacher to online coachStarting a business without a plan and just actingGiving away value for freeThe mindset around taking actionFinding something you loveUnlocking a level of awareness over self within coachingThe journey of personal development in coachingSharing your storyBeing a product of your productWorking specifically with menEmotional regulation and coping strategies as a barrierEscapism and lacing presenceLanguage and choice of words with clientsCreating a safe space for vulnerability withou egoEmpathy and enabling….there is a differenceQuick hitsFinding yourself is the greatest gift you can giveFind JimWebsite: www.othersidelifestyle.comInstagram: jimmynutrition__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

Today, I sat down with Jenna Switzer. Jenna is a holistic sex coach who helps high-achieving humans build strength where it matters most: in confidence, connection, and pleasure. With a background in yoga, anatomy, and sexual wellness, she guides clients to deepen their mind-body connection and heal nervous system imbalances so intimacy becomes a superpower.We discussedHow does one become a sex coach?Parallel thinking in your practiceAllowing passion to guide vs a rulebookHow to develop trust in the coaching practiceCreating a safe space for clients within themselvesThe concept of vulnerability in communicationBlending the esoteric with the scienceGuilt and shame as a barrier to objectivityWhen your superpower becomes your achilles heelComplexity as a copeIs there a parallel between your ability to form relationships and your business model?Educating clients with the onboardingFind JennaWebsite - www.jennaswitzer.comInstagram - @jenna_switzer__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

Today I sat down with Andrew G Berry, who is a coach in the bodybuilding and fitness industry, working with NPC and IFBB athletes as well as general population clients. Having been involved in personal training and coaching for over 20 years, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and training to his clients. Andrew spent many years working with and under John Meadows of Mountaindog1 fame and credits a lot of his approach to the guidance and friendship he had with John. Andrew's proudest moment as a coach has been helping his wife, Rachae,l turn pro at the 2017 NPC Nationals and coaching her through her IFBB Pro bikini career. He resides in Tampa, Florida, with Rachael and their dachshund son, Percy.We discussed:Doing a few shows and then starting to help people for freeTurning personal training into a businessCoaches need to work for freeLearning from forums and message boardsLinking up with John MeadowsWorking under a brand while building your ownEgo, coaching and finding mentorsGoing to the source to get the full pictureEvidence based practice and critical thoughtWorking with clients and how to gather and give feedbackBodybuilding is a privilegeCan bodybuilding have a dark side?Bodybuilding as an anchor to life and creating structureThe evolution of bodybuilding over 3 decadesEthics in coachingGetting type cast as a coach through marketingIntegrity and respect in the coaching relationshipNo one cares, work harder… kindaFind AndrewWebsite - bodyberry.comInstagram - @berryswoleYoutube - UNWRACKEDPODCAST__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!

In this episode, we have something a little bit different. I am interviewed by one of my best friends, guest Mike de la Pava. I am usually the one behind the interview, but now you get a deeper look to learn about me as a man, a mentor, a coach, and an athlete.  We discuss:00:00 – Intro & why MDLP is hosting01:34 – Stoicism, emotional mastery & alignment06:01 – Precision, data & recovering from injury09:51 – Thoughts, feelings, actions & self-audit13:10 – Anti-fragility & rebuilding identity15:38 – Starting Coach’s Corner University (CCU)18:24 – Vision for CCU’s future mentorships21:00 – Leading in every area of life24:01 – Therapy, solitude & learning through failure31:06 – Victory vs Winning on the bodybuilding stage34:49 – Returning to athleticism after injury38:06 – Quad tear: hospital thoughts & recovery mindset44:06 – Struggles with being a burden48:10 – How Liv shows up as a partner and leaderTo find Mike:Instagram: @thebattleaxgymWebsite: www.battleaxegym.com__________Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance__________-🌟 Make More Money and Improve your Services as an Online Fitness Coach:www.coachescorneru.com💪 Use Training and Nutrition for Peak Performance:www. masterathletic.comWho am I and why should you listen to me?Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.RAISING THE BAR FOR ONLINE COACHING!