Most coaches want to improve performance.
Dr. Mike T Nelson wants to improve outcomes that actually last.

In this episode of The Coaches Room Podcast, Dr. Nelson explains why real coaching starts with understanding the client’s life, not just their training metrics. We talk about the difference between eustress and distress, why HRV and recovery data should guide but not overwhelm, and how to build programs that create buy-in without relying on complexity.

This is a practical conversation for anyone working in performance, fitness, or rehab who wants to coach with more clarity and less noise. From protein intake to wearable tech, we explore what actually helps people change and how to meet them where they are without dumbing it down.

📌 In this episode:

• How to find the most leverageable coaching habits

• The difference between stress that helps and stress that harms

• Using HRV and data to inform smarter decisions

• Why simplicity builds more trust and better results

• What to change in your approach if clients are not sticking to the plan
  
  

Subscribe for weekly conversations that connect science, coaching, and real life.

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Mike T. Nelson

02:59 - The Importance of Coaching Leverage

06:02 - Transitioning from Engineering to Nutrition and Training

09:06 - Understanding Sleep and Its Practical Implications

12:11 - The Role of Technology in Health Tracking

15:05 - Integrating Data Tracking with Coaching

18:05 - Practical Strategies for Improving Sleep

20:58 - The Impact of Environment on Health

23:49 - Using Technology Effectively in Coaching

27:02 - Interpreting Data for Better Health Outcomes

30:16 - Overcoming Mental Barriers in Performance

33:38 - The Role of Technology in Recovery

36:43 - Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System

39:31 - Eustress vs. Distress in Training

43:53 - Adapting Training to Individual Needs

48:12 - Setting Goals and Assessing Progress

50:28 - The Influence of Music on Performance

Cardio for Meatheads:

https://miketnelson.com/cardio-for-meatheads/

Aerobic Work and Testing for Lifting Meatheads (PDF):

https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-24-mike-t-nelson/

Phys-Flex Open and Cold Immersion (PDF):

https://miketnelson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Phys-Flex-open-and-cold-water-immserion.pdf?

Flex Diet Certification:

https://miketnelson.com/episode-302-flex-diet-certification-now-open-solo-episode-with-dr-mike-t-nelson/

You can find most of his work here at this link:

https://miketnelson.com/episode-302-flex-diet-certification-now-open-solo-episode-with-dr-mike-t-nelson/

In this episode of The Coaches Room, Dr. Ken Kinakin shares insights from a career spent at the intersection of chiropractic care, sports performance, and injury prevention. He dives into the evolution of health and fitness education, the importance of integrating different disciplines, and how AI is changing the way we approach human performance.

From the role of magnesium in recovery to the real reason elite athletes stay healthy, this conversation is filled with practical insights and thoughtful reflections. Dr. Kinakin also explores the influence of music on creativity, the importance of asking better questions, and what coaches need to know to stay relevant in a constantly shifting landscape.

If you're a coach, trainer, or just serious about health and performance, this is one of those episodes that stays with you.

TIMESTAMP:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Ken Kinakin and SWIS

02:53 - The Evolution of Injury Prevention in Sports

06:01 - Integrating Health and Fitness Professionals

09:02 - The Role of Humility in High Performance

11:48 - Personal Journey and the Impact of Chiropractic

15:02 - The Importance of Understanding Injuries

17:57 - Exploring New Modalities and Techniques

21:01 - The Influence of Music and Curiosity on Learning

23:57 - The Future of Sports Performance and AI Integration

34:33 - Leveraging AI for Health Education

39:11 - The Intersection of Research and Practical Application

46:01 - Understanding Dysfunction in the Human Body

58:48 - The Role of Biochemistry in Performance

01:07:03 - Adrenal Health and Recovery Strategies

01:09:18 - Mastery in Simple Skills

01:10:21 - The Evolution of Medical Understanding

01:11:31 - Training Insights from Bodybuilding Legends

01:14:48 - The Science of Strength Training

01:18:02 - Bioenergetics and Its Impact

01:21:03 - Muscle Testing in Athletic Training

01:24:20 - The Future of Health and Wellness

01:27:33 - AI's Role in Health and Fitness

01:28:54 - Simple Steps to Better Health

01:33:20 - The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

In this conversation, former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss discusses the importance of navigating negative emotions to gain a competitive advantage. He emphasizes the role of practice and innovation in achieving success, contrasting ambition with perfectionism in performance. Voss also explores the concept of flow state as a key to enhancing performance and even healing, sharing insights from his experiences and observations in both negotiation and sports. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the concept of 'chatter', the internal dialogue we all experience, and how it influences our mindset and actions. They discuss the importance of maintaining a positive and actionable inner dialogue, the impact of surrounding oneself with greatness, and the significance of listening and empathy in conversations. The discussion also touches on navigating difficult conversations, embracing conflict for personal growth, and the journey of learning and adapting in both personal and professional contexts. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of building relationships through tactical empathy and the joy of creating meaningful ventures.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:01 - Curiosity and Intellectual Growth

06:11 - Navigating Negative Emotions

09:06 - The Power of Practice and Execution

12:04 - Closing the Gap in Sales Performance

14:58 - Ambition vs. Perfectionism in Performance

18:03 - Learning from Wins and Losses

20:59 - The Role of Emotion in Performance

24:09 - Flow State and Its Impact

26:47 - Creating a Positive Environment

29:47 - Harnessing Flow in Daily Work

37:30 - Mindfulness and Positive Chatter

43:02 - The Power of Mentorship and Environment

46:29 - The Importance of Listening and Connection

52:05 - Understanding Emotions and Empathy

01:00:12 - Tactical Empathy in Business and Life

01:06:42 - Building Relationships and Legacy

01:11:32 - Creating Joy and Fun in Business