Assemble Performance Podcast

If you think performance training is only about racing and hitting PRs, you're leaving almost everything on the table. This episode breaks down why training for performance changes how you think, how you handle stress, and how you show up in every part of your life, whether you have a race on the calendar or not.

In this episode:

• Why most people operate from a mindset of lack and reactivity, and how performance training shifts yo...

You've read the articles. Too much cardio kills your gains. Lift heavy and your running falls apart. Pick one, or get on gear. It's mostly nonsense, and the people  building real strength and endurance at the same time are the proof. This episode unpacks where the "interference effect" actually came from, why it almost never applies to you, and the real reasons your progress has stalled.

In this episode:

• Where the "interfere...

You hit week five of a brutal training block, you're fried, and you freeze: should I deload? Then the guilt creeps in... taking it easy feels like throwing away everything you've built. 

Here's what nobody tells you: the deload was invented for single sport athletes. Run it the old way on a hybrid program and your progress stalls.

In this episode:

• Why deloads were never designed for hybrid, concurrent, or tactical athletes
• The...

You can hit your macros, stack your steps, train five days a week, and still binge every Saturday night. That's not a discipline problem, and Jared Hamilton has 15 years of coaching data to prove it. In this episode, we get into why high-achievers are often the worst at losing weight, the "be → do → have" order most people run backwards, and why working out can quietly become just another way to suppress what you're feeling.

Jar...

Most people in fitness are sprinting toward peptides, red light masks, and $200 lab panels while skipping the $15 food scale that would actually fix the problem. Aram Grigorian has been calling this out on Instagram for years, and in this conversation he gets specific about why "you can't optimize until you stabilize," what he charges his clients to not track when they don't need to, and why he keeps losing money on an event he ref...

In this episode I kick off 2026 by diving into the topic of risk-taking, especially through the lens of extreme sports. I share my personal experiences, including the journey of obtaining my skydiving license, to illustrate the importance of overcoming fear and embracing uncertainty. The episode also covers how these lessons apply to broader aspects of life, from training and coaching to everyday challenges.

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In this episode of the Assemble Performance Podcast, we chat with Justin McCartney about his preparation and experience running a 50K. Over the past six months, Justin and I worked closely to prepare him for this challenging race in Austin. We'll discuss his background as a coach, the mental and physical hurdles he faced during training, and the strategies that got him through the race. This episode is packed with insights for anyo...

In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on the deeper reasons behind my content creation and coaching. 

As I record this in my backyard, I discuss the importance of staying true to one's values, the essence of genuine connection, and why production quality isn't everything. Join me as I explore the significance of exercising, not just for fitness, but for feeling more aligned with oneself, nature, and others. I also t...

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FREE Hybrid Training Guide: https://assembleperformance.com/hybrid-training-guide

What Metrics Matter: https://youtu.be/cEefLCe91lE?si=QfvnN2ojJ_oOp7bq

Today, I am coming to you from the comfort of my home for a special Q&A episode. I answer questions submitted by our listeners about hybrid training, including ho...

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In todays episode, I dive into a trait that all successful people share: the ability to take action over simply gathering information. I discuss the concept of the 'illusion of knowing more' and how this can lead to analysis paralysis, preventing meaningful progress. By sharing my personal experiences and research-backed insights, I emphasize the imp...

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In todays episode, I discuss essential strategies for recovering from hybrid training. Whether you're new to hybrid training or a single sport athlete looking to enhance your recovery, this episode offers valuable insights.

I cover why recovery is crucial for strength and endurance adaptations, common pitfalls, and the importance of fo...

JOIN THE FORGED PRIORTY LIST: https://assembleperformance.com/forged-priority-list

Welcome to another episode of the Assemble Performance Podcast!

In this solo episode, I dive into how to progress in running as part of a hybrid training program. After reviewing the concept of progressive overload from previous episodes, I discuss the importance of balancing training stimulus and recovery to achieve optimal performance...

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RPE Guide: https://assembleperformance.com/rpe-rir-guide

Hybrid Training Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ4ik66_zc-1AIAhRdw65mOI5XcWTu9Dm

Welcome to another episode of the Assemble Performance Podcast! In this solo episode, we get into the specifics of progressing the strength component in hybrid training. We begin with a brief rec...

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Book a free consult call: https://calendly.com/assembleperfomance/coach-justin-consult

Welcome to another episode of the Assemble Performance Podcast! In this solo episode, I discuss the concept of progressive overload in exercise science. Keeping it at a higher level without getting too sciencey, I explain how progressive overload works, its importa...

Setup a free consult call: https://calendly.com/assembleperfomance/coach-justin-consult

Welcome to another episode of the Assemble Performance Podcast! In todays episode, I dive into my philosophy and methodology for writing hybrid training plans. Whether you're a potential or current client, an interested coach, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes process, this episode is for you.

I discuss the importance of ...

My Video On Endurance Training: https://youtu.be/zqga5N-xSsA
Related Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11986187/

Welcome to another episode of the Assemble Performance Podcast! In this solo episode, I dive deep into zone 2 training, an essential yet often misunderstood aspect of running. I discuss what zone 2 training is, why it’s important, and how to properly implement it into your training routine.&...

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https://calendly.com/assembleperfomance/coach-justin-consult

In this solo episode, I wrap up our 4 part miniseries on client onboarding by discussing the red flags I look for within the first few weeks of coaching. These 'red flags' include issues like poor communication, missing sessions, and having a perfectionist mindset, among others.

I go in-depth on each point, offering insights into how I add...

Book a free consult call: 
https://calendly.com/assembleperfomance/coach-justin-consult

In this episode, I continue my series on client onboarding by discussing the key traits and behaviors I'm looking for in the first few weeks to gauge whether a client will do well. 

I cover the importance of motivation, communication, vulnerability, celebrating wins, curiosity about the process, and being coachable. These factors help...