I think just make it a central thing; a TrainerRoad Podcast Network. Its kinda sorta already happening with all the different podcasts TR sponsors already. I just think re-tool a bit and make them their own thing
The podcast as it is now is to illustrate the app and its usefulness. I think having a dedicated podcast team for various areas (tri, understanding the science, etc) but paid and more focused on developing them individually under a TR umbrella would be a good way to grow in the future.
Like some people want a more technically driven discussion of cycling topics. Then have a dedicated pocast that is only for deep dives and for lengthy technical discussions. Others want triathalon so have one focused on that more so.
Then the “Ask a coach” podcast could even be a lead every week where they ask what the others are doing and how they can apply it to people who may not be as focused. Preserve the banter but also kick off to people who want more technical stuff.
I dig it. To a degree, more segmented and grouped content would make sense. Might make it easier for people to find what they want and not have to sift (or skip) through larger segments of little or no interest.
I think there are benefits to offerings that capture more focus in some cases (like the Successful Athlete and Science one), while still offering a more loose and dynamic one that many also value.
Biggest thing the podcast has is a dedicated following and a really great central dynamic. That is really something and most podcasts struggle to get that.
My recent feel of podcasts lately is that everyone is getting stretched thin. Theres a lot they want to do but they have to balance it with what they have time for. It just suggests to me that they need a more dedicated team or breakdown to balance everything.
Like, “Chad’s deep dives” a podcast ONLY for very technical discussions. Then you pay for access to that and good summaries.
Like how fasttalk has built itself out from being a very good podcast into multiple other lines. I do think TR could take a cue from that in thinking about how to further develop the podcast ideas.
Another random thought is to get into streaming (i am showing my age). I’d watch the stream of TR having its users on to do a group ramp test etc. That’d be fun.
Final edit: final thought, I really think TR needs a separate podcast for beginners / people using the app for other objectives (health, lose weight, etc). Something that provides a much better intro for us who aren’t really here to be a competitive cyclist but dig how the plans can be used to hit our goals.
I like the casual chat, I like finding out what the hosts are up to, I’m a triathlete so have no issue with the swim chat.
I do like Nate’s tangents. If anything its the deep dives I don’t enjoy as much at least on the first time of listening because I have to go back, can’t concentrate on that during a run.
One aspect that has been mentioned, but maybe not fully realized is that this is all revolving around LIFE. Consider where this all started, where we are now and all that came between. There have been some MASSIVE changes in the lives of TR, the hosts, and all of us.
I do miss some aspects of those older episodes. I’ve been through the old catalog about 4 times via listening on commute. These days, I listen to each episode at least 2x, but I have stopped compiling them and listening on the road. Plenty is me and my personal shift in focus over these years, but some is the different dynamic of the cast.
Part of me missed the “old days”, but I also welcome what we’ve gained along the way. I have a mixed relationship with change, but recognize that nothing stays the same. Jon has shown real interest in feedback and trying to adjust the show to meet listener needs. His openness in the face of some downright harsh criticism is something I admire. Despite some biting critique, he still aims to make the cast as good as possible. That goes to the ethics of TR and their desire for constant improvement.
Tbh, this is why its such a gem of a podcast. Watching how things have changed has been really great.
That said, that does speak to the idea of maybe expanding into more podcasts to cover types people really want to discuss but the ACCP isn’t as focused on.
What’s the alternative? Endless discussion of type 2 muscle fibers, mitochondria, and POLARIZED VERSUS SWEET SPOT DEEP DIVEZZZZZzzzzzz every single week forever until the sun explodes and we all die?
I will say that it’d be cool if Chad could record one solid, comprehensive audio essay on the most common topics.
1- What physiological changes happen as a result of endurance training?
2- Does weight training help endurance activity? If so, how to do it?
3- What are the advantages and disadvantages of sweet spot and polarized? (volume vs intensity etc)
4- What are the key determinants in successfully improving fitness (Consistency, fueling, sleep, etc)
It seems like 70-80% of the deep dives revolve around one of those 4 things, the rest is a response to specific questions from listeners, which is cool by itself.
I usually listen to the podcast while doing a mix of household chores and stretching, so the length is a plus. I’ve actually gone back and listened to several again.
The appeal for me is the mix of personal stories and anecdotes that help motivate me and contextualize their training information (basically applying the info to real life situations, from injury and divorce to moving and big goals like nationals) and better understand how to apply the science to a real life, while also getting hard data (such as the recent strength training double feature) for specific actionable advice for my training.
If it were shorter would I still listen? Obviously. But would it be missing a key connection to real world scenarios? Definitely. And would it also miss razzing the hosts/hostesses and bar brawl stories? Yeah… and that would be a shame
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I much prefer the “talk show” stuff to getting into the weeds of amateur criterium tactics etc. They have great chemistry.
By far, my favorite episodes are where Nate talks about his upcoming events, strategies, equipment setup, etc., then hearing the post event analysis. I appreciate the self-deprecating non-pro perspective.
If I had my druthers, Nate would attend events across the country, maybe ORAMM or similar and share his experience/learnings.
I’d like more discussion of how their experience is changing as “ageing” athletes and some of the science of that… They are getting older - and so are we. How does that influence training, choosing events, etc.
I also like the personal/talk show aspect of the podcast and the fact that it is longer and can cover the entire length of a training session. My training/listening has lapsed a bit, so maybe I missed him, but I would love to see Pete back for an episode. I know that he is no longer a TR employee, but it seems to me that they could get him back occasionally.
Yeah–they need to split the podcast into two different shows—one for training and science, the other for other topics like racing, strategy, interviews with pros and stuff like that. Its about time they do that…
Just to show that you can’t please everyone, I think the very best episodes are more “talk show” where the chat is about the hosts racing and learnings/training/prep.
I like to know there’s research behind the deep dive info and recommendations for caffeine etc etc, but real world experience is also hugely valuable and often highly entertaining.
There used to be a series of crit analysis videos, plus chat about them in the main podcast, but for some reason they haven’t done them for a couple of years.
There’s a limited number of exercise research papers and an even more limited number of subjects, doesn’t take long until that list is exhausted and you repeat yourself. I doubt that there are thirty quality papers published every year on say, effective VO2max intervals, so there’s rarely any point revisiting the subject unless to link it to some specific topic, say Polarised Plans. TR aren’t alone in this - Dylan Johnson’s output relating to explaining exercise research has also slowed down as just one example.
Maybe a fresh approach is needed: Alex Gold is doing the LifeTime Grand Prix, why not use him as a study and go through the science behind his training for that. Everything from micro and macro training cycles to nutrition, specific workouts, recovery, etc.
