# Feedback on the evolution of the podcast **URL:** \ **Category:** Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast\ **Created:** [July 9, 2023, 8:56am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182 "2023-07-09T08:56:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![hpbieker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/hpbieker/32/99832_2.png) [@hpbieker](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/hpbieker)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 7:11am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/43 "2023-07-11T07:11:10Z")
TrainerRoad is a fantastic training tool and it is used and sold across the globe. In some of the podcasts they talk about specific races, and they are all in the US. It is not unnatural to focus on the home market. However, being an European myself it could be nice to hear from guests who have raced in Europe (or even Australia) as well. The terrain, distances, road types and culture of riding will be difference. In particular, the gravel races varies a lot between the regions. And with the current virtual setup it should be easy enough to invite in someone from other parts of the world. The ethnicity part sounds like an internal American political problem. I am sure they they ask guests based on who is actually participating in the sport. As a reference I think I have only seen two cycling YouTube channels run by African-Americans (and now one of them has moved to Europe). ---
**Author:** ![Bikes4Buns](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bikes4buns/32/12908_2.png) [@Bikes4Buns](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Bikes4Buns)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 7:39am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/44 "2023-07-11T07:39:38Z")
Not sure it’s correct to say that ‘the ethnicity part sounds like an internal American political problem’. Ethnic minorities are underrepresented in cycling across the world. I speak as a European. I don’t really see how it is any different to you, as a European, wanting to hear from guests with experience in Europe. It would be great if cycling as a whole was more diverse, the TR podcast seems like a good place to start. ---
**Author:** ![RCC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/rcc/32/1014_2.png) [@RCC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/RCC)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 7:49am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/45 "2023-07-11T07:49:44Z")
^^ This. But that’s just where I am on my journey after 6 years or so. I, as a listener/rider, have evolved; as has the podcast and the hosts’ lives. Nobody’s life is the same shape as it was 5 or 6 years ago and it’s very hard to keep the fun and freshness year after year. The podcast has done a great job to stay fun for so long - but, as this spontaneous forum thread has shown, it is possibly in need of a refresh. ---
**Author:** ![hpbieker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/hpbieker/32/99832_2.png) [@hpbieker](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/hpbieker)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 8:45am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/46 "2023-07-11T08:45:23Z")
Fair enough, they can absolutely do that. But I think having guests from other parts of the world is a part of being more diverse. The challenges when training and racing would be different because of climate, altitude etc. ---
**Author:** ![Abe\_Froman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e99b99/32.png) [@Abe\_Froman](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Abe_Froman)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 11:11am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/47 "2023-07-11T11:11:48Z")
For me, the biggest thing is the podcast lacks a purpose or direction. Before…it organically produced interesting material by having a collection of people that were essentially professional amateurs led by a coach, and we learned from their growth and mistakes. Now everyone has left or given up cycling or both. So if the podcast is going to become relevant again, they need to actively come up with a structure and goal of the show. ---
**Author:** ![Bikes4Buns](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bikes4buns/32/12908_2.png) [@Bikes4Buns](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Bikes4Buns)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 2:11pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/48 "2023-07-11T14:11:00Z")
Of course, I don’t believe they’re mutually exclusively ideas. In fact, largely the same … more diversity in perspectives. ---
**Author:** ![AlphaDogCycling](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/alphadogcycling/32/13863_2.png) [@AlphaDogCycling](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AlphaDogCycling)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/49 "2023-07-11T14:44:07Z")
If the podcast wants to be a marketing tool to use TR, then I would like to see more deep dive episodes on every day athletes use of TR: - How to “know” when you could move from LV + extra rides to MV - How to analyze your compliance - I get that TR is pushing Plan Builder for everyone, but for those of us who aren’t racing / training for an event, Pros / Cons of just picking training plans (mostly base / build) vs. Plan Builder. An open and honest discussion, not the current “Plan Builder is the greatest thing since sliced bread” response Honestly for me, TR podcast needs to cut down massively on pro athletes. There are MUCH better podcasts that dig into top level pros & their training, and the training that works for top-level athletes bears zero relationship to every day Joes & Janes training. Keegan Swenson might be a great guy, but he provides zero insight (at least for me) on why he does things in his training. Zip, zero insight. Instead of talking to Keegan, talk to Keegan’s coach about why the training is what it is, what’s changed, etc. That would be more interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Abe\_Froman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e99b99/32.png) [@Abe\_Froman](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Abe_Froman)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 3:32pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/51 "2023-07-11T15:32:48Z")
IMO, a great start for a refreshed podcast would just be keep it short, simple. 30 minutes, TR selects a single athlete with questions/concerns about their training, training plan, and how thing are going (or not). They analyze the data, compare/contrast vs other athletes in their program, identify differences, and give recommendations, maybe expanding on important/pertinent topics as they come up. ---
**Author:** ![shawrx](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/shawrx/32/83816_2.png) [@shawrx](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/shawrx)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 3:47pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/52 "2023-07-11T15:47:26Z")
Definitely my favorite phase of the podcast was when they were doing races and sort of documenting their progress along the way via the show. I started listening regularly when the original 3 were doing Cyclocross and sharing their experiences learning that discipline. At the time I was “retiring” from 10 years of doing triathlons and wasn’t sure if I was going to race at all anymore. Those podcasts 100% got me to give CX a try, then gravel, then MTB. 5ish years later I’m still doing CX, MTB, and gravel events on a regular basis each year and enjoying riding more than ever. ---
**Author:** ![maletero](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/maletero/32/59551_2.png) [@maletero](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/maletero)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 5:11pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/53 "2023-07-11T17:11:06Z")
That might be interesting, but that’s a different show. Heck, it might be time to retire the current version and do something new, but I think it would make a bit of a mess to start from scratch, keeping nothing but the podcast name. I’d prefer a “course correction” rather than a complete reinvention. ---
**Author:** ![jiffylush](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/jiffylush/32/128861_2.png) [@jiffylush](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/jiffylush)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 6:49pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/54 "2023-07-11T18:49:03Z")
I’m behind on podcasts due to the Tour, but am very excited about hearing the day to day on Single Track Six from Ivy and Jonathan. I like the coverage on events, talking about their goals and performances, training, prepping, things that went well, things that could have gone better etc. Having individuals competing with each other was great as well. ---
**Author:** ![bmcd70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@bmcd70](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bmcd70)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 7:03pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/55 "2023-07-11T19:03:17Z")
I chalk it up to diminishing returns. There’s only so much to discuss with a mass audience before it gets repetitive. I got a ton out of the first 50-100 hours, but my gains now are going to come from applying the knowledge I’ve gained, not hearing one more discussion about sweat tests or carbs per hour. ---
**Author:** ![webdev511](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/webdev511/32/135558_2.png) [@webdev511](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/webdev511)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 7:10pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/56 "2023-07-11T19:10:07Z")
I wouldn’t mind if they did some clip shows to revise what they said on earlier shows. “on Episode 98, we said this about hydration, but what we know now is that while it’s still mostly accurate, you should also consider these other things we’ve learned in the last 4 years.” ---
**Author:** ![mailman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mailman/32/101794_2.png) [@mailman](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mailman)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 7:47pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/57 "2023-07-11T19:47:52Z")
I somewhat disagree with what you’re saying, only in terms of the value of pro’s like Keegan etc. It’s hard to get candid insights on what’s happened inside the pointy end of a MTB race, or what it’s like navigating the field or course at World Cup level or some of the major races I’ll never get to do. Keegan being friends with Jonathan, seems to speak more freely. Hannah is pretty open too. There are other Pods that speak to pro’s, but it’s always a different vibe depending on who the host is. Like the Groadio lady I find to have a super weird take on things, but I can’t quite figure it out. Payson is good, but flips his take on things a lot. Very few Pro athletes actually talk about their training unless they’re training themselves. ---
**Author:** ![kelseyh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/kelseyh/32/177066_2.png) [@kelseyh](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/kelseyh)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/58 "2023-07-11T19:50:43Z")
> [@AlphaDogCycling](#): > > Instead of talking to Keegan, talk to Keegan’s coach about why the training is what it is, what’s changed, etc. I’m pretty sure they did have Jim Miller on at one point. FWIW, I think focusing on specific event build-up, prep, execution, learnings is the thing I miss most (I’m still largely happy with the podcast, and I think Jonathan and Ivy do a nice job as the consistent co-hosts). Whether this comes from Jonathan and Ivy talking about their own events (looking forward to the ST6 content!) or from guests they interview (not just pros, but honestly I like the input of the pros they have on, especially Hannah), I think this is something that could really add to what they offer. I always enjoyed the deep dives as a scientist who likes to geek out about those things, but I think the current hosts would do a really good job with the event prep content from hints we’ve gotten thus far, and I think it’s something they could really build on that would add value to the podcast. ---
**Author:** ![Brettn13](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/brettn13/32/78992_2.png) [@Brettn13](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Brettn13)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 8:10pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/59 "2023-07-11T20:10:47Z")
This is a great podcast idea, just might need a little bit of different branding from Ask A Cycling Coach, maybe call it Successful Athletes? ---
**Author:** ![Abe\_Froman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e99b99/32.png) [@Abe\_Froman](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Abe_Froman)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 8:47pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/60 "2023-07-11T20:47:12Z")
Don’t they already have something like that that they tried for a few times as a successful podcast? Really though, I’m thinking something more along the lines of “Unsuccessful Athletes” though 😂 ---
**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/61 "2023-07-11T20:57:15Z")
Pretty sure he made that comment “tongue in cheek” and with irony, but I could be wrong since it’s not entirely clear without an emoji or other indicator. - [Successful Athletes Podcast - TrainerRoad](https://www.trainerroad.com/successful-athletes-podcast) - This cast has 69 episodes and some decent coverage, but nothing new since Dec 2021. > [@Abe\_Froman](#): > > Unsuccessful Athletes - This and “The Struggling Athlete Podcast” have been mentioned / asked for more than once over the years. A longer form version of the recent “shred my training…” segments by Ivy & Jon are interesting and can be helpful. Too often, people think they are on target while being anything but. - Some of these were also done by Nate way back and I do think there is likely a reason to make these a regular segment if not break them into a separate cast for a more proper review, potentially with the athlete in question vs the 1-direction aspect that is more of a roast style, albeit one aimed to help the athlete and others making similar mistakes. ---
**Author:** ![Brettn13](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/brettn13/32/78992_2.png) [@Brettn13](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Brettn13)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 9:24pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/62 "2023-07-11T21:24:32Z")
You got it. I liked this podcast, but I can totally see how it is limiting as a format and probably wasn’t super popular. There are only so many ways to talk about training for X random event with Y training plan from an amateur athlete. At its best, it would move into a storytelling podcast where there are already a lot of good alternatives out there like the Adventure Stache. I think the “roast my training” similarly has a limitation unless they are able to get past the logistical headache of actually bringing in someone to participate in the podcast while they talk about it. Having an episode focused on Crushar with Keegan and someone who finished 3 hours behind him talking about planning, training, and race day moderated by Jonathan/Ivy would be much more interesting than trying to come up with a ton of ways to say they didn’t FTFP (follow the plan). ---
**Author:** ![kelseyh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/kelseyh/32/177066_2.png) [@kelseyh](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/kelseyh)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2023, 9:31pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182/63 "2023-07-11T21:31:12Z")
> [@Brettn13](#): > > Having an episode focused on Crushar with Keegan and someone who finished 3 hours behind him talking about planning, training, and race day moderated by Jonathan/Ivy would be much more interesting than trying to come up with a ton of ways to say they didn’t FTFP (follow the plan). Something like this would be really interesting. I like the idea of having a pro and an amateur going through their prep and execution for the same race. It doesn’t translate to all disciplines, but I think it’d still be interesting either way. [Previous page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182.md?page=2) [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/feedback-on-the-evolution-of-the-podcast/85182.md?page=4)