#461 Jack Hallows - Is Fitness Social Media Becoming More Narcissistic?

#461 Jack Hallows - Is Fitness Social Media Becoming More Narcissistic?

Author: Andrew Coates April 16, 2026 Duration: 58:47

Jack Hallows feels like a rare coach who blends entertaining and evidence-based social media without resorting to being polarizing or combative.


Jack returns to share his insight into:


“Stitching” other fitness professionals’ content

The rise of status-chasing and often narcissistic influencers

The incentives for influencers to chase status and even lie about core parts of their identity

The recent shift from “social media” to the interest-based algorithm and the TikTokification of platforms

Why social media isn’t the enemy and why he still sees a lot of potential for good

Can we curate what we get shown

How someone can “clean up their algorithm”

Red flags for influencers who seem too good to be true

Conditions where targeting another fitness professional may be justified

And much more insight into navigating the new social media landscape of fitness


Instagram: @jackhallowsfitness


CHAPTERS


03:30 Is Social Media Worse

08:15 Interest Based Algorithms

11:56 Echo Chambers And Responsibility

19:36 Cleaning Up Your Feed

25:09 Bean Soup Theory

28:29 Bad Faith Fitness Influencers

31:50 Addicted To Growth

32:24 Viral Spike Story

33:38 Coaching Over Clout

34:19 Marketing Grifters Exposed

35:58 Too Good To Be True

38:50 Jay Shetty Plagiarism

40:17 Finding Your Voice

43:51 Soundbites And Extremes

50:35 Stitching With Intent


SUPPORT THE SHOW


If this episode helped you better understand social media or how to navigate it, you can support the show by:


• Subscribing and checking out more episodes

• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)

• Sending it to someone building a platform or consuming fitness content


FOLLOW ANDREW COATES


Instagram: @andrewcoatesfitness

https://www.andrewcoatesfitness.com


PARTNERS AND RESOURCES


RP Strength App (use code COATESRP)

https://www.rpstrength.com/coates


Just Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)

https://justbitememeals.com


MacrosFirst – FREE Premium Trial

Download MacrosFirst and during setup select: ANDREW


KNKG Bags (15% off)

https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676


Versa Gripps

https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoates


TRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial

https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree


Reply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com

) and let them know Andrew sent you


Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
Podcast Episodes
#462 Annie Short - Hypermobility Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
Are you hypermobile? Do you coach people with hypermobility? Do you know someone with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? This episode is a deep dive for you.Annie Short is a strength coach and expert in hypermobility an…
#459 Dean Somerset - Personal Trainer Career Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:07
Author, personal trainer, and prolific fitness industry educator Dean Somerset returns as we film live in person (watch on YouTube or Spotify).Dean shares his experience with:Is it reasonable to expect to live completely…
#457 Cody McBroom - Will A.I. Save You?/How To Save Yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:29
Cody McBroom is a sports nutritionist, personal trainer, and founder of Tailored Coaching Method.Cody joins me to share his thoughts on:Will AI like ChatGPT help people get healthier, stronger, lose weight, or is it just…
#456 Jon Heck - Masterclass: Fat Loss Nutrition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:50
Jon Heck is a sought after strength and nutrition coach who’d previously worked for 9 years in Division 1 and NFL strength and conditioning.Jon joins me with lessons and expertise in:How to structure fat loss phasesWorki…
#455 Jason Brown - The Pressure To Be Successful In A Fitness Career [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:12
Jason Brown returns in a unique episode where he opens up about some of the behind the scenes pressure and challenge of being a fitness professional including:His struggles with being pulled in multiple directions betwee…