EP 28: Tough Talks: How Elite Coaches Handle Hard Client Conversations
Mon Feb 02 2026
Corinne returns to the Elite Trainer Academy after overwhelming positive feedback. This episode dives deep into the conversations most coaches avoid — the hard, awkward, uncomfortable ones. Kyle and Corinne break down how to set expectations, deal with communication drop-off, reframe motivation, and sell without being salesy. Whether you’re brand new or managing a full client roster, this episode will give you the communication tools that separate average trainers from elite ones.
If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.
00:00 Why Corinne is back by popular demand
01:27 The #1 hardest conversation every trainer must have
02:33 Managing unrealistic client expectations04:04 Why crash diets keep clients stuck in a loop
06:12 Building sustainable results without white-knuckling08:43 Selling = effective communication
10:14 Convincing clients emotionally (not just logically)
12:00 What to do when communication starts to fade
13:13 How to prevent clients from ghosting you
15:40 The power of effort-based wins vs results-based rewards
20:51 Why asking better questions changes client behavior
24:41 Uncomfortable talks are 90% of your job
Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle
Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano
Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin
Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam
Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug
Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy
YouTube: Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f
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Corinne returns to the Elite Trainer Academy after overwhelming positive feedback. This episode dives deep into the conversations most coaches avoid — the hard, awkward, uncomfortable ones. Kyle and Corinne break down how to set expectations, deal with communication drop-off, reframe motivation, and sell without being salesy. Whether you’re brand new or managing a full client roster, this episode will give you the communication tools that separate average trainers from elite ones. If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started. 00:00 Why Corinne is back by popular demand 01:27 The #1 hardest conversation every trainer must have 02:33 Managing unrealistic client expectations04:04 Why crash diets keep clients stuck in a loop 06:12 Building sustainable results without white-knuckling08:43 Selling = effective communication 10:14 Convincing clients emotionally (not just logically) 12:00 What to do when communication starts to fade 13:13 How to prevent clients from ghosting you 15:40 The power of effort-based wins vs results-based rewards 20:51 Why asking better questions changes client behavior 24:41 Uncomfortable talks are 90% of your job Instagram:Kyle Pullin - @mindpumpkyle Sal Distefano - @mindpumpdistefano Justin Andrews - @mindpumpjustin Adam Schafer - @mindpumpadam Doug Egge- @mindpumpdoug Mind Pump Fitness Coaching - @elitetraineracademy YouTube: Mind Pump Show - @MindPumpShow Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2iSdbEu9PFJ62bYvrj58?si=f66779f77fc7488f