Physical Preparation Podcast · Mike Robertson

10 Years of Lessons About Training, Podcasting and Life (Episode 500!)

·1 hr 5 min·5 clips

Mike Robertson explains why he avoids the 'cool kids lunch table' to find hidden gems in fitness.

Host Mike Robertson celebrates the 500th episode of the Physical Preparation Podcast, reflecting on a decade of content creation. This solo episode details his podcasting journey, shares listener statistics, and outlines lessons learned. Robertson is a veteran strength coach and the founder of Robertson Training Systems. The show debuted on June 18, 2015, with US Women's National Team player Lori Lindsay as the first guest. Robertson initially aimed for 50 or 100 episodes, renewing his commitment every 50 shows as his interest grew. He intentionally sought a mix of well-known industry figures and hidden gems, like coach Steve Barrett, to avoid creating a "cool kids lunch table" dynamic. Recent episodes have focused on specific niches, such as Erica Mulholland on training teenage female soccer players or Christina Chu discussing supplements. The most downloaded episode of all time features Dr. Stuart McGill, an expert on back health. Other popular episodes include conversations with Buddy Morris, Dan John, and Bill Hartman, alongside Robertson's solo shows like "20 Tips for Young Coaches." The podcast has reached over 2.635 million downloads across 197 countries. A key statistic reveals 92% of listeners consume at least 75% of each episode, indicating high engagement. Robertson did not have sponsors for the first 350 episodes, wanting to ensure any partnerships aligned perfectly with his brand's values. He now endorses Hawkin Dynamics force plates and the TrainHeroic software, tools he personally uses in his coaching practice. The production process evolved from Robertson doing everything himself—editing in GarageBand—to outsourcing, though he had a negative experience with a company that quoted different rates to his colleagues. He now uses Riverside.fm for recording and relies heavily on producer Paul Routon. A memorable early episode featured John Welbourn, who shared stories from his nine-year NFL career, including a playoff game Robertson attended. The tone is casual, reflective, and conversational, as if sharing lessons with a friend. Robertson's style is educational yet personal, blending industry insights with behind-the-scenes anecdotes about his business and family life. Fitness professionals, coaches, and podcasters will appreciate the candid look at building a long-term show and the practical advice on content creation. Listeners seeking highly specific training discussions or narrative-driven episodes might find this meta-conversation less engaging.

As heard by us

A reflective 500th episode that treats longevity like a coaching lesson, not a victory lap.

Mike Robertson looks back on 10 years of training, life, and podcasting, and he does it with a plainspoken tone that suits the milestone. He says upfront that he had been putting the episode off, and the reason he gives for not wanting the show to feel like a "cool kids lunch…

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Why you'd press play

You want a candid 500th episode that sounds like a coach thinking out loud about the long haul.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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