Strength Chat

“The mountain doesn’t care.” This week I was joined by Jay Jones, Founder of Next Level 360 Performance, Level 3 Pre-Script coach, and US Marine. Jay speaks from experience, both coaching and competing, which makes this episode packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. In this episode we cover: ⛰️ Why “the mountain doesn’t care” 🎯 Working hard vs working with purpose 🏋️ Building a foundation for long-term performance 👉 Join the newsletter 👉 Support the show  Follow Jay: 👉 @sweetjones_1911 👉 @nextlevel_360performance Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

Transformations aren’t just before and after photos. This week I welcomed back to Strength Chat, Gareth Sapstead, strength and performance coach, published author, and someone pushing for a smarter approach to results. If you coach or train, this episode will change how you think about progress. We cover: 📸 Why progress photos aren’t the full story 🧠 Managing client expectations ⏳ Building long-term habits that actually last 👉 Join the newsletter 👉 Support the show  Follow Gareth: 👉 @thefitnessmaverick 👉 https://thefitnessmaverick.com/  Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

He’s back! This week I was joined again by Jerome Scherrer, one of the few coaches in the North of England to have worked with NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division I athletes. But this episode isn’t just about experience. It’s about what you do with what you learn, because knowledge alone doesn’t achieve results. Implementation does. In this episode we break down: 🌎Jerome’s experience interning in the US 🧠 The best way to learn, understand, and apply knowledge 🗣️ Why communication is one of the most important coaching skills If you’re consuming content but not seeing results, this will challenge how you approach learning. 👉 Join the newsletter Follow Jerome: 👉 @the_musclemechanics Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

“Hybrid training” is the buzzword at the minute, but most people either misunderstand it or implement it badly. This week I was joined again by Dan Reeve, a coach who’s been there, done it, and actually knows what works in the real world. Our last episode was an awesome chat, and this one didn’t disappoint either. If you’ve ever tried to combine strength and conditioning without burning out or spinning your wheels, this is for you.  In this episode we break down: 🏋️ What hybrid training actually is (and isn’t) ⚠️ The most common mistakes coaches make and how to fix them 🏃 The difference between cardio vs conditioning (and why it matters) If you’ve been guessing with your programming, this will sharpen things up fast. 👉 Join the newsletter Follow Dan: 👉 @coachdanreeve 👉 @reeveconditioninginstitute Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

This week it was an absolute pleasure to chat with Stu Locke, an elite powerlifting coach and owner of Kodiak Barbell. Listening to Stu’s story, it’s not just about strength, but about resilience. From serious injuries to a near-death experience, what he’s been through and how he’s responded, will change how you think about setbacks. If you’ve ever been injured, stuck, or frustrated with progress this one will hit.  In this episode we break down: ⚠️ The injuries and life-threatening challenges Stuart has overcome 🧠 How to build the mindset to keep moving forward ⏳ Why patience and realistic timeframes are everything in recovery  👉 Join the newsletterFollow Stu: 👉 @stu_kodiakbarbell Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

Just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean it’s the best way. This week I chatted with Sophia Nimphius, a Professor of Human Performance with 20+ years in elite sport. Sophia challenges outdated thinking and wants to push strength & conditioning forward, not by guessing, but by asking better questions. If you coach, train, or care about performance this episode will make you rethink a lot.  In this episode we break down: 🏋️ What strength and robustness actually mean 🧠 What robustness looks like in a real training environment 📊 Why we need to rethink how we test and measure performance If you’ve ever followed a method just because “that’s how it’s done”, this will challenge your thinking. 👉 Join the newsletterFollow Sophia:👉 @docsoph 👉 https://www.docsoph.com/  Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down. It means training smarter. This week I was joined by Susan Niebergall, personal trainer and strength coach who lives what she teaches. She’s proof that strength training isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about quality of life, confidence, and longevity. And more importantly, the results you think are “for other people”, aren’t.  In this episode we break down: 💪 Why strength training becomes more important as you age 🚫 What actually holds people back from getting started 🔥 Susan’s journey, challenges, setbacks, and wins If you’ve ever thought “it’s too late” or “that’s not for me”, this will change your perspective.👉 Join the newsletterFollow Susan: 👉 @susanniebergallfitness 👉 https://susanniebergallfitness.com/  Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

What does it actually take to last 10+ years in professional rugby? This week I sat down with Ross Harrison, former Sale Sharks prop with 300+ professional appearances. After a decade playing at the top level, Ross is now transitioning into coaching while balancing family life which gave us a great chance to reflect on what really drives success both on and off the pitch. If you’re an athlete, coach, or just someone trying to train better for the long run, there’s plenty to take from this one.  In this episode we cover: 🏉 The similarities and differences in training during and after professional rugby 🥗 Why nutrition plays such a huge role in performance and recovery 🧠 Key lessons Ross learned from 10 years at the top level 👉 Join the newsletterFollow Ross: 👉 @rossharrisonfr Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

If you’re a rugby player trying to get stronger, faster, and more dominant on the pitch, this episode is for you! This week I sat down with Joel Harries, a strength & conditioning coach whose knowledge comes from real success and real mistakes during his rugby career. Now he’s helping players avoid the common mistakes that once held him back.  In this episode we break down: 🏉 The most common mistakes rugby players make (and how to avoid them)  📈 How to add direction and structure to your training  🥗 Why nutrition isn’t optional if you want to perform If you’ve been training hard but not seeing it transfer to the pitch, this conversation will shift your thinking. Join the weekly email list 👉 https://mailchi.mp/c596e11d086b/vqfx9t7rgl  Follow Joel: 👉 @joelharries.strengthsolution 👉 https://coaching.strengthsolution.co.uk/work-with-us  Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

This week I was joined by Stephane Cazeault, Founder of KILO Education. If you care about programming, this episode is absolute gold. Stephane brings serious depth when it comes to detail, structure, and delivering a high standard of service. No guesswork. No flashy trends. Just systems that hold up over time. And that’s exactly what we unpacked. In this episode we break down: 📊 What periodisation really means (and how to apply it properly) 🔁 How to build a programming system you can repeat with confidence ⚠️ The most common mistakes coaches make, and how to avoid them If you’ve ever felt like you’re “writing workouts” instead of building a system, this will sharpen your thinking immediately. Join the newsletter 👉 https://mailchi.mp/c596e11d086b/vqfx9t7rglFollow Stephane: 👉 @stephane.cazeault 👉 @kiloeducation 👉 https://trainkilo.com/  Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Ross Leppala, Reactive Training Systems coach and 2x Masters Powerlifting World Champion. As lifters get stronger physically, what often holds them back isn’t their body, it’s their mind. The good news is that, just like strength, mindset can be trained. And that’s exactly what we unpacked in this episode. In this conversation, we break down: 🧠 Are your limits real or self-imposed? 🔥 The impact of confidence on performance 📈 Why progress requires stepping outside your comfort zone If you’re stuck at a plateau, second guessing attempts or playing it safe in training, this one will be helpful for you. Want more insights like this every week?👉 Join the newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/c596e11d086b/vqfx9t7rgl  Follow Ross: 👉 @ross.leppala 👉 @intentionalathlete_podcast Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

This week I was joined by Kyle McKee, strength & powerlifting coach and Pre-Script Level 3 coach. There’s no shortage of “quick fixes” in training. Tweaks. Hacks. Adjustments. Shortcuts. Promises of faster results. But most of them don’t last. In this conversation, Kyle and I talk about something far more powerful: How to make success inevitable, without constantly changing your programme.  In this episode we break down: 🔥 Trying harder vs. changing your programme  🏋️ How to get more out of the training you’re already doing  📈 How to build a system where progress becomes unavoidable If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing a lot but not moving forward, this episode will challenge how you think about progress. Join the Built By Strength Community - https://mailchi.mp/c596e11d086b/vqfx9t7rgl Follow Kyle: 👉 @_kylemckee Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

This week I was joined by Julia Hlaing, a pelvic health physio with experience competing in bodybuilding, weightlifting, CrossFit and powerlifting. When it comes to training before, during, and after pregnancy, there’s a huge amount of misinformation that creates fear, confusion, and unnecessary limitations. Julia is doing the opposite, breaking myths, sharing evidence-based practice, and helping women (and coaches) feel confident, not cautious. What makes this episode even better, is Julia is actually pregnant herself in this episode.   In this episode, we cover: 🤰 The most common myths around training & pregnancy  🏋️ What best practice actually looks like pre, during, and post pregnancy  🗣️ The role of the coach and why language & communication matter so much  If you coach women or train through pregnancy yourself, this episode is essential listening. If this episode helped shift your thinking, the newsletter is where it continues - https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength Follow Julia: 👉 @pelvicstrong 👉 @pbphysio_olympicpark Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brandon Schultze, a strength coach, Pre-Script educator, and someone who’s worked across both general population and professional sport. What stands out most about Brandon isn’t just what he knows, it’s how curious he’s been willing to stay. That curiosity has led him to: • seek more knowledge • sharpen his coaching language • and produce real results with both the coaches he mentors and the athletes he supports And that’s exactly what we explored in this conversation. In this episode, we chatted about: 🧠 Why so many coaches avoid curiosity 📈 The positive impact curiosity has on learning and result🗣️ How communication & language can elevate (or limit) your coaching If you coach people, this episode will challenge how you think, speak and ask questions. If this topic resonates, the newsletter is where it continues. 👉 Sign up to the newsletter via the link - https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strengthFollow Brandon: 👉 @brandon.schultze Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

We’re back for the first episode of 2026 and we kicked off this week with Dr. Matt Casturo, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Founder of The Movement System. Matt has a great skill of: 👉 taking complex performance topics 👉 stripping away the fluff 👉 and making them clear, practical and usable for coaches and athletes. If you’ve ever asked “Am I actually training for performance… or just getting strong?”, this episode is for you. What we break down in this episode: 🏋️‍♂️ The difference between being strong in the gym vs strong in your sport 🧠 How to make better programming decisions (without overthinking it) 📊 What information you actually need to improve athletic performance If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love the newsletter. Each week I share: ✅ Coaching insights ✅ Training principles that actually work ✅ Lessons pulled directly from podcast conversations 👉 Sign up to the newsletterFollow Matt: 👉 @themovementsystem 👉 https://www.themovementsystem.com/  Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 

This week I was joined once again by Josh Bryant, strength coach, author and Co-Founder of Jailhouse Strong. Every time Josh is on, you walk away with something you can actually use in your training. With so much knowledge and experience helping lifters and athletes get brutally strong, this chat was packed with gold. We dug into:  🔥 What is “the zone” and how to get there  🧠 How mindset drives performance and longevity  🏋️‍♂️ Why work capacity is your secret weapon for long term progress Follow Josh: 👉 @jailhousestrong 👉 https://joshstrength.com/  Follow me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly training & coaching tips straight to your inbox?Join my newsletter for real, practical advice to help you:✅ Train smarter✅ Coach better✅ Cut through the BS👉 Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength

This week I was joined once again by Tom Sheppard, strength coach, author, educator and every time he’s on, you can guarantee you’ll learn something new. Our last episode was one of the most popular I’ve shared and this one dives even deeper. We tackled a topic that sits at the core of every great training program, the one thing that can make or break progress: effort and intent. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about how you apply that effort and whether your intent matches your goals. We covered:  🔥 What effort and intent actually mean in training  🎯 How they directly impact your results and consistency  🧠 How to tell the difference between training with effort and intentConnect with Tom: 👉@tom_kaizen Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

He’s back for the hat trick!  This week I was joined once again by Sean McInroy after two very popular previous episodes.  Every time Sean joins Strength Chat, the episodes have been awesome. Why? Because everything he shares is immediately actionable. You walk away with ideas you can apply in your next training session. This chat was no different. We got into:  🏋️‍♂️ Beyond the bar, what else changes as you progress  🌍 The variables outside of training that make or break results  🧠 The difference between difficulty and effectiveness Connect with Sean: 👉@sean.mcinroy 👉@apexstrengthsociety Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

It was awesome this week to be joined by Eric Bugera, a strength coach, Pre-Script educator, and fitness writer with over 11 years of experience in the game.  In the world of fitness and strength and conditioning, there’s this idea that if something isn’t “optimal,” it must be wrong. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Eric and I dove into what actually works when coaching real people, not perfect scenarios. Because sometimes, the “less optimal” choice is the one that gets real results. We discussed:  ❓ What to do when your coaching solution doesn’t work  ⚙️ Why the less optimal approach can often be more effective  📈 How to actually maintain progress once a goal is achieved Connect with Eric: 👉 @ericbugera Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

In this week's Strength Chat, I was joined by Tom Swales, physiotherapist, strength coach, and founder of COMPHYSIO+ Performance Wellness, as well as the creator of the Advanced Movement Therapist Certification. Human movement can easily get overcomplicated, especially when pain, injuries, or mobility issues are involved. But Tom is changing that. He’s built a repeatable system that strips away the noise, helping clients and athletes move better, feel stronger, and perform at their best, without overthinking it. We discussed:  🧠 Why people struggle with body awareness in movement  🏋️ How to actually improve movement quality  🔎 Why zooming out often reveals the real issue Connect with Tom: 👉 @swales.tom 👉 https://www.amtcertified.ca/  Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength

This week I was joined by Nick Ridpath, performance coach and educator, for a deep dive into something every coach thinks about, exercise selection.  Anyone can add exercises to a program. But choosing the right ones that support progress, reveal weaknesses, and actually move the needle? That’s an entirely different level of coaching. We covered:  🗺️ How to create a roadmap with exercise selection  🔍 How exercise choice can reveal strengths & weaknesses  🏆 Whether there’s a hierarchy of exercises (and what that means for programming) Connect with Nick: 👉 @nickridpath_ Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

This week I was joined once again by Jason Tremblay, Founder of The Strength Guys and someone who’s made a huge impact on how I approach coaching and programming. Jason has now been on the podcast five times, and for good reason. His insight into strength training, athlete development, and data-driven programming is world class. There’s been a lot of talk lately about higher volume training as a way to build stronger lifters. But for Jason and The Strength Guys, this isn’t a new concept. It’s something they’ve been refining for years, producing national and international champions in the process. In this episode, with a few tangents thrown in, we covered:  💪 Why the conversation around higher volume is back again  🔁 How to create a repeatable system for success  📊 Managing lifter fatigue and performance Connect with Jason: 👉 @jasontsg 👉 @thestrengthguys Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength

The last time I chatted with this guest, way back in the popular Episode 163, it struck a chord with a lot of listeners.  It was great then to be joined once again this week by William Wayland, a sports performance consultant and strength & conditioning coach. In a world where everyone’s chasing “more”, whether that be more training, more results, more grind, William challenges that mindset with a simple question: What would happen if we slowed things down? We talked about:  🐢 What the Athletic Slow Life principles are  🤝 How to get athletes to buy in to slowing down  🎯 How this approach can change goal setting and progress Connect with William: 👉 @coachwwayland Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with Nat Galloway, a British Army veteran, strength coach, and competitive powerlifter. 💪I’ve followed Nat’s articles for Master Athletic Performance for a while now, so it was awesome to finally sit down and go deeper into some of those ideas around training, mindset, and building consistency.Because let’s be honest, motivation comes and goes. What keeps you progressing is the system you build and the environment you create.We discussed:⚙️ How to build a system so you can train even when motivation dips🏋️‍♂️ How your environment affects consistency and results🧠 How to manage anxiety and overwhelm in the gymConnect with Nat: 👉 @coach_nat_galloway Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

This week I sat down with Dr. Adam Sawyers, a strength coach, gym owner, powerlifter, and doctor who’s on a mission to bring people back to what really works: the basics.With so much information and noise out there, it’s easy to overcomplicate training. But when you look at the results Adam gets with his clients, it’s clear that doing the fundamentals really well beats chasing the next trend every time.We chatted about:🏋️‍♂️ What doing the basics better actually looks like🧠 Why so many people struggle with the fundamentals💪 How to become a healthy powerlifter…plus a few tangents along the way 😅Connect with Adam: 👉 @dradamsawyers Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

This week’s Strength Chat was a special one. I was joined by two international powerlifters and an absolute athlete–coach dream team: Carole O’Neil and Pia Marangoni.With Pia a performance nutritionist and Carole an athlete pushing to level up, this really was a perfect match. Carole balances work, travel, and training, yet still finds a way to perform on the platform thanks to a smart, tailored approach from Pia.This wasn’t just about setting macros or handing over a meal plan. It was about creating a strategy that fits real life and drives real results.We covered:🤝 The athlete–coach relationship between Carole & Pia🥗 The challenges of building a sustainable nutrition plan⚡ How nutrition has positively impacted Carole’s performance on the platform…plus a few fun tangents along the way 😅Connect with Carole: 👉 @caroleoneil Connect with Pia: 👉 @pia_marangoni 👉 @fiercelyfuelednutrition Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with Andy McCloy — Owner & Founder of BCI Sports Performance & Fitness, where he’s coached thousands of athletes, with hundreds reaching the elite level in their sport.When Andy speaks, you listen. His results and track record speak for themselves.In a world where many coaches want quick results and shortcuts, Andy reminds us that the art of coaching, experience, patience, and raising standards, is what truly makes the difference.We dug into:🎯 The art of coaching beyond programming🧠 How to build real experience as a coach🏋️ Creating a coaching-first mindset as a gym owner…plus a few Strength Chat tangents along the way 😅Connect with Andy: 👉 @andymccloy_bci 👉 @bci_sports_performance Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

This week I was joined by Pauric O’Rourke, strength coach with KILO Strength Society and someone who knows how to cut through the fluff to focus on what actually works.There’s no shortage of fads and gimmicks in fitness. But when you strip it all back, the goal is simple: help clients get stronger, healthier, and more consistent.That’s exactly what we dove into in this chat.We covered:✅ The real difference between coaching beginners vs advanced clients❓ If we know what works, why do fads & gimmicks keep coming back?🎯 The pros and cons of specificity in programming…plus a few classic Strength Chat tangents 😅Connect with Pauric: 👉 @pauric.orourke 👉 @kiloeducation Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength 

This week’s episode was a special one as it was my first in-person Strength Chat recorded here in Thailand!I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jack Thomas, Founder & CEO of BASE, Co-Founder of The Fit Guide, and host of the Fitness Business Asia Podcast & Five-Star Fitness podcast.From the start, it was clear how passionate Jack is about raising the standard in fitness when it comes to service, systems, and scalability. If you’re a coach, gym owner, or just someone interested in what makes the best gyms in the world stand out, this episode is for you.We covered:🏆 What separates gold-standard gyms from the rest🛠️ Why systems are essential for long-term success📈 How to scale your business without losing quality…plus a few fun tangents along the way 😅Connect with Jack: 👉 Jack Thomas - LinkedIn 👉 @jacktbase Connect with me:  👉 @coach_cuthbert 👉 @strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength 

This week I was joined by Veronica Zuccala — strength & conditioning coach and educator with Pre-Script.You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from training like one. The principles that make athletes strong, fast, and resilient also apply to everyday gym goers. And when you apply them the right way, progress skyrockets.We got into:✅ Why “athlete-style” training works for the general population🎮 The role of games in athletic development (yes, fun matters!)🔥 Why effort is the ultimate non-negotiableThis one’s a mix of education, insight, and a couple of fun tangents along the way 😅Connect with Veronica: 👉@veronicazuccala Connect with me:  👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with James Thayer — educator, coach, and host of his own podcast, Paint the Edges.From the start, it was clear we share the same philosophy: every exercise in a program should have a purpose. It’s not just about filling space on the page — it’s about building something that actually works, and fits into the bigger picture.If you’ve ever wondered how top coaches make smart programming decisions, or how to cut through the latest training “hacks” and fads, this one’s for you.We covered:✅ The thought process behind exercise selection✅ When (and why) to swap out an exercise✅ How to handle trends & fads without losing sight of the basics…plus a few tangents to keep things fun 😅Connect with James: 👉@thayer2513 👉Pain The Edges Podcast Connect with me:  👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want weekly tips to help you train smarter, coach better & cut through the BS?  Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength  

This week, I was joined by a returning guest — award-winning coach Reiss Silva, who’s worked with world champions and even Guinness World Record holders.The last time Reiss was on (Ep. 195 back in December 2021), the episode was packed with insights. This time? He’s bringing even more experience, knowledge, and success to the table — and the conversation didn’t disappoint.If you’re a coach, athlete, or just curious about what it takes to perform and lead at the very top, you’ll get a lot from this one.We covered:✅ How to deal with pressure as a coach in elite sport🧠 Helping athletes develop an unshakable mindset💻 The challenges & benefits of moving into online coaching…plus a few classic Strength Chat tangents 😄Connect with : 👉@reiss_silva11 Connect with me:  👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 📬 Want training & coaching tips straight to your inbox?Sign up for my blog — https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength

This week I was joined by Joe Hoye — founder of Hoye Fit, creator of the Detox Method, and the man behind the Midlife Makeover, the largest summit for women over 40.You’ve probably heard it before:👉 “Once you hit a certain age, it’s harder to lose weight or get strong.”But is that actually true?Joe’s results (and approach) say otherwise.He’s helped thousands of clients get strong, feel confident, and take control of their health — without crash diets, 6-hour gym sessions, or nonsense ‘quick fixes.’In this episode, we chat about:✅ The real challenges of fat loss as we age (and how to overcome them)✅ What we can control as we get older — and what we can’t✅ Why “secret tips to success” might not be so secret after all…plus a few tangents, of course 😄Follow Joe:👉 @joe.bestlife Follow me:👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

If you’re a coach, athlete, or just serious about training, this one’s worth a listen.This week on Strength Chat, I was joined by Angelo Gingerelli – strength & conditioning coach at Seton Hall University, published author, and someone who’s helped thousands of student athletes reach elite levels of performance.With so many variables that can influence success or failure, Angelo has created a repeatable blueprint for developing athletes who thrive — not just in college, but long after.We got into:✅ What it actually takes to build a successful student athlete🏋️‍♂️ How to create a consistent, winning environment🎓 What happens after the college days end…plus a few classic Strength Chat tangents 😅Follow Angelo📲 @mr5throundFollow me for more episodes:📲 @coach_cuthbert🎧 @strength_chat📬 Want weekly coaching & training tips direct to your inbox?Sign up to my blog for real advice and zero fluff.👉 https://mailchi.mp/ea9ee2b51d7c/built-by-strength

This one’s a banger. I sat down with Jordan Jiunta – chiropractor, CrossFit Games regional athlete, national-level weightlifter, and Co-Founder of Pre-Script – for a deep dive into coaching, training, and how to keep getting better. I’ve been following Jordan and Pre-Script for a while, and their work has levelled up my coaching big time. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or just love lifting, there’s gold in this episode for you. We covered:  ✅ How to communicate better as a coach  ✅ The best assessment you can use with clients (and when to use it)  ✅ How to choose the right path for your training or your clients  …and some top-tier tangents 😅 Hit the link in my bio and enjoy the chat 💬 Connect with Jordan & Pre-Script: 👉 @redwhiteandjordan 👉 https://www.pre-script.com/   Connect with me:  👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 🆕NEW BLOG 👉 How to Eat What You Want When You Want 

This week on Strength Chat I was joined by online coach, speaker and podcaster, Jared Hamilton. Most people at one point or another will have used the phrase, I know what to do, it’s just doing it, when it comes to nutrition. However, it’s not always just about the food you eat. To really nail your nutrition and have long lasting results, you need to look beyond the food you’re eating and look at your thoughts, beliefs and habits around food. That’s what Jared does a great job of doing with the clients he works with and the content he puts out there.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered: How people's thoughts, feelings and beliefs around food are formed Do these change as we get older How to change your mindset around food Follow Jared via the following links:  👉 @realjaredhamilton 👉 https://hamiltontrained.com/  Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links: 👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

For this week's Strength Chat episode, it was great to be joined by the Co-Founder or MADabolic, Brandon Cullen. With so many different fitness plans, fads and voices vying for people's attention, it can be hard not to stick to your guns and becoming the best at what you do. Brandon, however, has done exactly this by creating MADabolic, The Strength Gym. In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered: The MADabolic system and why it works Shifting the mindset in the fitness industry to knowing why strength is important Maintaining coaching standards on the gym floor Follow Brandon via the following links:  👉 @madabolic 👉 https://madabolic.com/  Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links: 👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

In this week's episode it was awesome to be joined by Sheffield 2025 champion, Kjell Bakkelund.  In powerlifting, Kjell has been there and done it across both Raw and Equipped lifting having won World and European titles. With all this experience and success, it was great to chat with Kjell about competing at Sheffield for the first time and putting on such a dominant display to win, as well as his build up to Sheffield.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered: His experience at Sheffield How he has had such long-term success in both equipped and raw lifting His goals for the future Follow Kjell via the following links:  👉 @kjellbrell  Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links: 👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

For this week's Strength Chat it was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with a strength and conditioning coach with over 20 years' experience, spending the last 10 years as the lead strength and conditioning coach with England Rugby Union, Tom Tombleson.  It was great to chat with Tom who has spent so much time at the elite level of sport and get a great insight on what happens off the pitch to make the athlete he works with perform the very best they can. An awesome chat and some great content and information up and coming coaches can learn from.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered: The difference between club and international level Creating a successful environment  How manage athletes on tour and throughout a tournament. Follow Tom via the following links:  👉 @tomtombleson 👉 @ttor_performance 👉 https://www.ttorperformance.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYb4ScDRnZEx7jgaZywjdQtKKzHj70CskByD-CPwAJiYbsE3MI8Q28lkTs_aem_ePeZdZMjw4HY4xhT4pd-jA  Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links: 👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

It was awesome to have a returning guest for this week's Strength Chat, your 2025 Sheffield and back-to-back champion, Agata Sitko. It’s safe to say that Agata has delivered some pretty epic performances on the platform and has cemented her place in history being the first person to win back-to-back Sheffield's. This was made all the more interesting as post competition she wasn’t 100% happy with her win, but what she intends to do going forward sounds very cool! In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered: Agatas review of Sheffield 2025 Chasing optimal  Agatas plans for the future Follow Agata via the following links:  👉 @ja.gata_sitko Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links: 👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

It was awesome to be joined in this week's episode by strength coach and Chiropractor, Dr. Brandon Parker. Even though the benefits of exercise and training are well known, there is still a fear of lifting heavier, getting injured or returning from an injury. From speaking with Brandon, it was great to see how he’s trying to reduce this fear and help his clients become more confident and have more trust with their bodies.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  Where does the fear of strength training come from  What’s the cost of not performing strength training  Communicating with clients around injuries Follow Brandon via the following links:  👉 @dr.brandon.parker 👉 Brandon Parker - YouTube Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links: 👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

In this week's Strength Chat I had the pleasure of chatting with a gym owner and coach, having worked with over 3,000+ clients from elite level athletes to regular gym goers, Luka Hocevar. To be able to chat with someone of Lukas knowledge and experience was awesome. He’s been there and done it and has the success stories to prove it. The content and information Luka shares you can see his passion for coaching and you can’t help but learn from him.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  What separates good versus great coaches  The importance of acting as a coach  The continuous chase to develop to be a better coach Follow Luka via the following links:  👉 @lukahocevar 👉 https://lukahocevar.com/  Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links: 👉@coach_cuthbert 👉@strength_chat 👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

It was an absolute pleasure to be joined in this week's Strength Chat by a coach, researcher and writer, Tony Montgomery.  Having listened to Tony on other podcasts it was great to get the opportunity to speak with him myself. He has spoken so well about coaching and how to get the best out of clients and athletes, as well as explaining the reasoning behind why he uses the methods he does.   In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  The importance of understanding and using psychology as a coach  Doing difficult things with a purpose  The softer skills of coaching  Follow Tony via the following links:   👉 @tonymontgomeryjr  👉 https://youtube.com/@tonymontgomeryjr?si=0Kij6yW6dFvFKihG   Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

In this week's episode I got the opportunity to speak with the Founder and CEO of Physmodo, Andrew Menter.   When it comes to human movement, injury and rehabilitation they can be complex topics to understand. However, with the work that Andrew is doing through Physmodo he is working hard to make these topics more accessible and user friendly for coaches and trainers to help see results with their clients and athletes.   In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  The creation of Physmodo  How Physmodo can be used by trainers and coaches with their clients and athletes  The results so far from users of Physmodo  Follow Physmodo via the following links:   👉 @physmodo  👉 https://physmodo.com/   Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

In this week's Strength Chat I was joined by the creator of Autism Fitness, Eric Chessen.   We all know the physical and mental benefits the gym can have on people, however, there are still some populations where the gym environment isn’t able to meet their needs. This is where Eric has worked hard to create and adapt gym spaces for people with Autism.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  How Eric created Autism Fitness  The common mistakes he sees from other gyms and coaches when working with people with Autism  Programming and communication when working with someone with Autism  Follow Eric via the following links:   👉 @theautismfitness  👉 https://www.autismfitness.com/Home   Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

In this week's episode I was joined by Personal Trainer, gym owner, businessman and published author, Vince Gabriele.  It was great to speak with someone of Vince's knowledge and experience as he provides great insights into what it takes to become successful, without sugar coating the fact that it isn’t always going to be easy.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  His journey from personal trainer to gym owner  The common struggles he sees with personal trainers running a business  How do you create success?  Follow Vince via the following links:   👉 @vgabriele71  👉 https://vincegabriele.com/   Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

It was an absolute pleasure to have this guy as a guest on Strength Chat. This week I was joined by a Bodybuilder, Personal Trainer and Online Coach who has finished in the top 3 in his last 10 shows, Andrew Briggs.  With a lot of people talking about following the bodybuilding lifestyle, it’s very different to actually doing it. Andrew has been there and kept doing it. It was a great chat, going beyond what people see on social media and what it actually takes to be a bodybuilder.   In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  Life balance as a bodybuilder  The challenges that come with being a bodybuilder  Lessons learnt from competing in bodybuilder  Follow Andrew via the following links:   👉 @the_action_man_pt  Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

In this week's episode I was joined by the Founder and CEO of ASENSEI, Steven Webster.  Steven has been a game-changer in the fitness industry, leading the charge in revolutionizing coaching through his cutting-edge platform that merges motion capture, coaching intelligence, and movement recognition.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  How Steven used his coaching experience to progress in the business world  The story of ASENSEI  The role technology can play on coaching  Follow Steven via the following links:   👉 Steven Webster   👉 https://asensei.com/pages/asensei-rowing   Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

This week I spoke with a returning guest after an awesome last chat in Episode 288. In this episode I was joined the one and only Dean Hammond.   Deans' passion for coaching and helping his athletes and clients get results is infectious and you can’t help but learn when you speak with him. I share a lot of thoughts and philosophies with him and respect how he is trying to hold the fitness industry to a higher standard.   In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  The Catalyst Project and how it’s more than just a programme  What is an expert generalist  Why certain words and phrases have become popular in the fitness industry, but not necessarily helpful  Follow Dean via the following links:   👉 @coach_dean_hammond  👉 https://thecatalystproject.co.uk/   Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast 

It was an absolute pleasure to be joined in this week's Strength Chat by a powerlifting legend and coach, Isabella von Weissenberg.  Isabella has competed at the very top of powerlifting where she broke records and won titles. However, she also took time away from powerlifting which can be difficult for a sport that can demand so much.  It was great to chat with Isabella about her mindset and her journey in and out of powerlifting.  In this chat, as well as a lot more topics and tangents, we covered:  Stepping away from powerlifting and her change in mindset  Lessons learned from competing at the elite level of powerlifting  How her training has changed now she is looking to compete again  Follow Isabella via the following links:   👉 @isabellavonweissenberg  Follow Coach Cuthbert via the following links:  👉@coach_cuthbert  👉@strength_chat  👉 Strength Chat Podcast