Unbranded with Nick Ridpath

This conversation details high-level glute mechanics and navigating common industry misconceptions. We discuss how anabolics frequently mask flawed lifting form in bodybuilding and why many trainers rely on high junk volume when coaching quality is low. Cory breaks down her personal shift away from heavy hip thrusts toward unilateral movements like B-stance RDLs and split squats to improve pelvic...

The conversation covers various topics including struggles with remote recording, life in Edmonton and Mexico City, weather and temperature comparisons, high school athletes and NIL deals, and athlete behavior and responsibility. The conversation delves into the impact of wearable devices, nutrition and training misconceptions, training approaches and misconceptions, the difference between trainin...

This week, we sit down with Kyle McKee of Kodiak Barbell to map out the reality of transitioning from the brutal grind of in-person corporate gym hours to building a fully remote online coaching business. Kyle pulls back the curtain on his formative years training at the legendary Boss Barbell Club, detailing the savage intensity of monolift training, the "no skinny champions" philosophy, and what...

This conversation covers a wide range of coaching and physiology topics, beginning with a look at blending old-school lifting mentalities with new-school adaptations through a modified barbell circuit system designed to fill programming gaps. We explore the business side of coach-to-coach advisory sessions, emphasizing the "math teacher equivalency" of showing your work and why coaches must adopt...

The conversation covers topics related to chiropractic practice, patient care, marketing strategy, and the impact of mindset on recovery. It delves into the challenges of traditional insurance-based care, the importance of personalized treatment, and the role of social media in marketing. The conversation also explores the non-linear nature of recovery and the significance of a positive mindset in...

The conversation covers a wide range of practical training and coaching topics, including appraising gym equipment, the application of ECM training, and the direct relationship between rehab and performance training. The discussion also highlights the overrated nature of range of motion in training. We delve deep into individual movement assessments, specifically focusing on the wide vs. narrow IS...

The conversation covers the importance of training basics, the role of metabolic flexibility in fat loss and muscle gain, the transition from fat loss to muscle gain, and the adjustment of caloric intake and training volume based on individual performance and goals. The conversation delves into the evolution of training principles and methods, the impact of pivotal moments in coaching careers, the...

Online fitness has largely turned into a high-ticket sales job, prioritizing business scalability and revenue over refining the actual craft of coaching. In this episode, Dominic Kuza M.S. (co-founder of Blueprint) joins us to deliver a much-needed reality check on modern coaching, highlighting why professional authority must be built entirely on coaching skill rather than social media virality or...

We have more sports science data than ever, yet injury rates continue to climb . Danny Foley (Rude Rock Strength) joins the show to discuss why most high-performance settings are currently "data rich but decision poor". We cut through the noise of expensive tech to talk about the reality of coaching in elite organizations, the ego-check required to grow, and why self-reflection in adversity is par...

Stu Locke joins the show to call out the technical incompetence and sheer laziness currently plaguing the powerlifting community . We discuss the viability of intra-session gummy eating contrasted with the need for a strong aerobic base and high work capacity to thrive in any sport . We revisit the industrial-strength bulking protocols of college football—saturating the system with thousands of ca...

Angus Bradley joins the show to tear down the trend of performative functional training and the S&C "vibes" that often replace actual results. We pull back the curtain on professional sports to reveal why the industry's elite level is often built more on networking and social skills than technical competence. Angus explains why young coaches should embrace the commercial gym environment to bui...

Jordan Jiunta joins the show to discuss the "Wild West" of online training and the professional skillset required to navigate complex clinical landscapes. We break down the "fragility narrative" and the common trend of practitioners using fear-mongering and structural buzzwords like "out of alignment" to mask incompetence or secure client retention. The conversation focuses on the actual value of...

Daniel from Skateboardstrength joins us to discuss the transition from general fitness coaching to niche authority and the unique challenge of training a population that is historically "anti-gym". The conversation explores pain education for athletes hard-wired for self-destruction and why general strength is often the most "specific" tool for a skateboarder. Daniel breaks down why high-volume in...

Kyle Baxter joins the show to discuss the intersection of biomechanics, pain science, and the controversial reality of targeted fat loss. We move past the "it’s a myth" narrative to explore the actual research and utility of Spot Reduction for lean individuals. We also break down why mastering movement mechanics and exercise execution always trump programming, and how to navigate the process of "u...

Most coaches want to work with pro athletes, but few understand the psychological and physiological gap between "internet fitness" and the reality of the NFL Combine and Pro Days . In this episode, Killian Hamilton joins the show to strip away the fluff. We discuss why so many coaches are pursuing unnecessary practices and how media culture has created a massive disconnect between what actually dr...

The conversation covers a range of topics related to long-distance running, including the physiology of marathon running, transitioning into running and hybrid training, running for beginners, and long run progression. It also delves into the importance of aerobic-based strength training and the need for gradual progression in training to avoid injury and overexertion. The conversation covers a ra...

In this episode, Mac and Nick Ridpath explore a wide range of topics including nootropics, performance supplementation, training principles, and the impact of lifestyle factors on health and fitness. They share personal experiences, scientific insights, and practical applications for athletes and coaches. In this in-depth conversation, Nick Ridpath and Mac explore advanced training techniques, com...

Jordan Shallow shares insights on the realities of high-level coaching, the importance of trust, the value of broad experience, and the mindset needed for success in the fitness industry. Discover practical advice on risk, relationships with money, and the craft of coaching from one of the best in the business. https://www.instagram.com/the_muscle_doc/ https://www.pre-script.com/ Ask me about Pre-...

Nick Ridpath sits down with NFL kicker Joey Slye to unpack what it actually takes to perform at the highest level — from navigating the NFL offseason and training camps to managing injury, recovery, and the often-overlooked role of strength and conditioning. Joey shares his personal journey through the league, the current landscape of traditional S&C, and his firsthand experience working with...

In this conversation, Eric Bugera joins us to explore the evolution of fitness content in the age of social media and the importance of evidence-based practices. Their personal experiences provide insights into navigating the complexities of fitness and the coaching business, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, authenticity in social media, and the evolving nature of fitness resear...

In this conversation, Nick Ridpath and Dr. Brandon Tran explore the intersection of chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and strength training. They discuss the importance of challenging traditional rehab approaches, understanding pain, and the significance of patient education. Brandon shares his unique journey through healthcare, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to treatment that combi...