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The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast
Breaking a Fat Loss Plateau
In this short but powerful solo episode, Coach Mark Carroll dives deep into one of the most frustrating parts of any fat loss journey - plateaus. Why do they happen even when you're doing "everything right"? More importantly, how do you break through them?
Mark explains the science behind metabolic adaptation, why your calorie deficit may no longer be a deficit, and the two key levers you can pull: eating less or moving more. Using real-world examples, he helps you figure out which strategy works best for your current situation based on hunger levels, training performance, and lifestyle. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just working on your own goals, this episode gives you the practical tools to keep progressing when fat loss stalls.
- Why fat loss plateaus are normal and not a sign of failure
- How your maintenance calories change as you lose weight
- The science of metabolic adaptation and energy balance
- When to decrease calories vs. when to increase cardio
- How to decide based on your hunger, energy, and gym performance
- Why personalized strategy beats a one-size-fits-all approach
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š² Share the love:
Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.
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155. From PT to Australiaās #1 Fitness Education Company with Daine McDonald
01:08:07||Ep. 155From running $40 bootcamps in a park to leading Australiaās #1 and biggest fitness education company - Mark sits down with Clean Health founder Daine McDonald for a raw conversation about growth, setbacks, and what it actually takes to succeed in fitness and in life.This episode isnāt about business tactics - itās about the mindset and habits behind real progress. Daine and Mark talk through the moments that shaped their careers, the mistakes they made along the way, and the lessons anyone can apply whether your goal is fat loss, building muscle, or improving your life outside the gym.Youāll hear:How Daine went from a struggling young PT to one of the most respected coaches in the countryThe mindset shift that took him from āgoing through the motionsā to mastering his craftWhy constantly chasing new shiny ideas (in business or fitness) keeps you stuckWhy fundamentals always beat shortcutsHow Mark and Daine approach long-term progress, discipline, and staying consistentWhat AI and new tech really mean for the future of health and fitnessThe routines, habits, and decision-making frameworks that help them level up year after yearWhether youāre trying to get fitter, stay motivated, or build confidence in your own journey, this episode gives you the behind-the-scenes perspective most people never hear.
154. VRTO is here!
41:37||Ep. 154Introducing VRTO: The Next Evolution of Your Training & NutritionIn this episode, Mark and Lauren unveil VRTO - their brand-new joint fitness app designed to bring the best of both worlds into one powerful platform.They break down the features that make VRTO a true game changer, including:š„ Adaptive Training ProgramsPersonalised to your goal, experience level and weekly schedule3, 4, or 5-day optionsMove training days around to match real lifeāExpress Modeā for fast, effective sessions when youāre short on timeš½ļø Nutrition Your WayFull meal-plan creation with thousands of recipesFilters for preferences (veg, vegan, etc.), meal swaps and shopping listsBuilt-in macro tracking, barcode scanning and the flexibility to switch between meal plans and tracking whenever you wantš Smart Weekly Check-InsBiofeedback-driven adjustments for plateaus, progress and adherenceCoaching logic that helps you stay consistent and make the right changes at the right timeš§ One App, Everything You NeedTraining, nutrition, habits, cycle tracking and more - all in one place, designed to evolve with you through every season of life.If you want the first look at VRTO and access to exclusive founding-member pricing, join the waitlist via the link in Mark or Laurenās Instagram bio and follow @vrto.app.
153. Suffer With Purpose
23:01||Ep. 153In this episode, Coach Mark Carroll dives deep into the reality behind achieving big goals ā itās not always easy, and itās not meant to be. Using a fresh tattoo session as a metaphor, Mark unpacks what it means to suffer with purpose and why pushing through discomfort is where true results are found.Whether youāre on a fat loss journey, chasing a personal best, or building mental resilience, this episode is a reminder that hard days are part of the process ā and thatās exactly where your strength is built.What Youāll Hear:Why ādoing hard thingsā builds self-esteem and momentumThe truth about challenge: why results often come after the hardest momentsHow to navigate the tough days without giving upThe mindset shift from āitās too hardā to āIāve come so farāThe power of knowing your why when motivation fadesWhat it really means to suffer with purpose ā and why itās worth itEnjoyed the episode? Hereās how you can support the show:š© Subscribe:Never miss a new episode ā Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.š Leave a 5-Star Review:Your review helps us reach more people!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ā scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.On Spotify, tap the ā rating at the top of the show page (youāll need to listen to at least one episode first).š² Share the love:Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.š» Want more support with your training?Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Markās premium coaching programs. Donāt stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.
152. My Morning Routine.
35:06||Ep. 152In this raw and reflective episode, Coach Mark Carroll opens up about his personal journey with morning routines ā from dismissing them as overrated to discovering how they became the backbone of his physical and mental transformation.Mark shares his struggles during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the toll of inconsistent routines on his mental health, and how shifting to a structured, purpose-driven morning drastically changed his energy, mindset, and physique.Whether you're a skeptic of morning routines or someone searching for more structure in your day, this episode offers practical insights and vulnerable storytelling that just might inspire your own transformation.What Youāll Hear in This Episode:Why Mark once believed morning routines were overrated ā and what changed his mindThe impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on his physical and mental healthHow structure and simplicity became key to regaining control over his dayReal-life examples of how tiny changes (like pre-setting clothes or meal prep) made a big differenceWhy your ābest time of dayā matters when scheduling your biggest goalsThe connection between discipline, decision fatigue, and mental clarityHow Markās new morning routine helped him drop 14kg in 16 weeksThe importance of matching your daily schedule to your priorities and mental energyEnjoyed the episode? Hereās how you can support the show:š© Subscribe:Never miss a new episode ā Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.š Leave a 5-Star Review:Your review helps us reach more people!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ā scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.On Spotify, tap the ā rating at the top of the show page (youāll need to listen to at least one episode first).š² Share the love:Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.š» Want more support with your training?Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Markās premium coaching programs. Donāt stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.
151. Breakthrough with Elite Coaching
51:57||Ep. 151In this special episode of The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark is joined by Layla, one of the elite coaches from the CMC Premium team. From her roots in Kazakhstan to running a womenās gym in Canada, Layla shares her journey through competitive fitness, motherhood, and eventually becoming a key part of the CMC Premium coaching program. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about what makes great coaching, the power of personalized guidance, and why one-on-one coaching can be the real game-changer in your fitness journey.Whether you're a coach, competitor, or someone striving for better results in the gym, this episode breaks down the pillars of premium coaching ā from initial consultations to ongoing biofeedback ā and gives you a look behind the curtain at what it really takes to achieve lasting transformation.What Youāll Hear:Laylaās journey from athlete to top-tier coach (and how she met Mark online through a challenge)Her experience with postpartum recovery, returning to the stage, and earning her pro cardThe real reason CMC Premium was created and why personalized coaching matters more than everThe four pillars that define CMC Premiumās successWhy having a great coach isnāt just for athletes or pros ā itās for anyone ready to make real progressThe underrated power of being coached yourself before becoming a great coachHow CMC Premium goes beyond ājust a programā and focuses on communication, personality, and long-term strategyEnjoyed the episode? Hereās how you can support the show:š© Subscribe:Never miss a new episode ā Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.š Leave a 5-Star Review:Your review helps us reach more people!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ā scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.On Spotify, tap the ā rating at the top of the show page (youāll need to listen to at least one episode first).š² Share the love:Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.š» Want more support with your training?Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Markās premium coaching programs. Donāt stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.
150. Best Rep Ranges to Build Muscle
24:15||Ep. 150In this game-changing episode of The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark dives deep into one of the most common questions in strength training: what is the best rep range for building muscle? For years, 8ā12 reps has been treated as the gold standard, but is it really superior?Mark Carroll breaks down the latest science around hypertrophy and mechanical tension, debunks outdated gym myths, and explains how multiple rep ranges - from low to high can all be effective for muscle growth when applied correctly. This episode is a must-listen for lifters, coaches, and anyone frustrated by training plateaus.What Youāll Hear:Why the 8ā12 rep range isnāt the only path to hypertrophyThe science behind mechanical tension and how it drives muscle growthHow low, moderate, and high rep phases can all be used effectivelyHow Mark programs rep ranges to keep clients progressing and engagedWhy exercise selection should match your rep targetsTips on how to break through plateaus using strength phasesEnjoyed the episode? Hereās how you can support the show:š© Subscribe:Never miss a new episode ā Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.š Leave a 5-Star Review:Your review helps us reach more people!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ā scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.On Spotify, tap the ā rating at the top of the show page (youāll need to listen to at least one episode first).š² Share the love:Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.š» Want more support with your training?Visit www.coachmarkcarroll.com to learn more about Markās premium coaching programs. Donāt stay stuck - get expert guidance and start making real progress today.
148. What to do AFTER a fat loss transformation
47:57||Ep. 148In this heartfelt and insightful episode of The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Coach Mark is joined by his wife, fitness coach Lauren Simpson - or should we say, Lauren Carroll! Fresh off their surprise wedding in Hawaii, the couple dives into the results of their 12-week fat loss phase and shares whatās next in their fitness journey. They reflect on their transformations, mindset shifts, and the realities of balancing life, fitness, and parenthood. Whether you're a coach, client, or someone navigating your own health goals, you'll walk away with real-time strategies, inspiration, and the exact process Mark uses with clients to decide the next steps post-cut.š What Youāll Hear in This Episode:A life update: Mark & Laurenās secret wedding in HawaiiLauren's 12-week postpartum cut: mindset, results, and lessonsMark's wedding shred: goals, motivation, and physique transformationWhat happens after a fat loss phase ā the strategy session revealedWhy scale weight isnāt the full story of successHow to decide your next move: reverse diet, maintenance, or build?A behind-the-scenes look at how Mark creates post-cut plans with clientsReal talk on confidence, consistency, and realistic fat lossEnjoyed the episode? Hereās how you can support the show:š© Subscribe:Never miss a new episode ā Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.š Leave a 5-Star Review:Your review helps us reach more people!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ā scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.On Spotify, tap the ā rating at the top of the show page (youāll need to listen to at least one episode first).š² Share the love:Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.
147. Fitness Content Creation for Growth with Jack Hallows
59:15||Ep. 147In this episode of the Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark is joined by returning guest and friend, Jack Hallows a personal trainer turned social media powerhouse. Together, they dive into the realities of online coaching, the evolution of fitness content, and what it actually takes to grow an authentic and successful brand in today's hyper-saturated digital landscape.Jack shares his journey from gym floor PT to amassing over 280,000 followers online, breaking down what works on social media, how to stay true to your voice, and the importance of being a great coach before becoming a content creator. Expect raw honesty, laughs, practical advice, and a few well-placed F-bombs.If you're a coach trying to grow your business or navigate the minefield of fitness content online, this episode is a must-listen.What Youāll Hear in This EpisodeHow Jack went from 4.5k followers to 280k+ by staying consistent and true to his coaching valuesThe difference between being a coach who uses social media vs. a content creator pretending to be a coachWhy "entertaining" doesnāt always mean āeducationalā and how to balance bothThe 3 Eās of content: Education, Empowerment, and EntertainmentHow to reverse engineer your audience to create content that resonates (and converts)Why so much fitness content is BS and how to stand out without selling outThe power of social proof and authenticity in growing your businessJackās upcoming āCoaching Upgrade Seminarā for personal trainers and online coachesMarkās honest frustrations with social media and how they both navigate the content grindEnjoyed the episode? Hereās how you can support the show:š© Subscribe:Never miss a new episode ā Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Follow on Spotify.š Leave a 5-Star Review:Your review helps us reach more people!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ā scroll down, tap 5 stars, and write something you enjoyed.On Spotify, tap the ā rating at the top of the show page (youāll need to listen to at least one episode first).š² Share the love:Post a screenshot to your Instagram Story, tag @coachmarkcarroll, and let others know what you took away from the episode. Every share helps more people hear these messages.