The CrossFit Podcast

Congrats on making it to the end of the 2026 CrossFit Quarterfinals, presented by Velites! Stay tuned for an update on the CrossFit Podcast over the coming weeks. — Jocelyn Rylee is leading the charge to bring nutrition back to the center of the CrossFit conversation. A longtime affiliate owner and Seminar Staff trainer, Jocelyn blends science, education, and deep experience in her approach to food and fitness.In this episode, Denise and Jocelyn dig into the foundations of health, the evolution of nutrition in the CrossFit world, and the difference between eating for performance and eating for longevity. You’ll walk away rethinking your plate and your pantry. Topics Included Why nutrition is foundational to the CrossFit methodology. The Zone diet and the early culture of CrossFit nutrition. The difference between performance eating and long-term health. Why we need to cook again — and how it made us human. Practical, simple, and realistic steps to address nutrition.

Congrats on making it to the end of the 2026 CrossFit Open, presented by Air National Guard!  Stay tuned for an update on the CrossFit Podcast over the coming weeks. Until then, enjoy this episode with of our community favorites, Nick Wells and Gino Aviles.  — Redemption Road CrossFit started inside Colorado’s prison system, where a small group of men turned CrossFit workouts into the first affiliate behind bars. Today, it’s a nonprofit changing prison culture through mentorship, accountability, and community — cutting recidivism to just 1.6% compared to the national average of 80%. This week, we welcome Redemption Road CrossFit’s founder Nick Wells and founding member Gino Aviles to the show. Nick and Gino share their journey, from addiction and life sentences to freedom, sobriety, and leadership, and show how CrossFit’s methodology can transform not just fitness, but lives. Topics Covered Personal journeys from addiction, incarceration, and transformation The origins of CrossFit in Colorado prisons Building Redemption Road: the first affiliate inside a correctional facility Overcoming stigma, violence, and systemic barriers through community fitness Partnerships with CrossFit HQ and the broader community Redemption Road’s measurable impact on recidivism and prison culture Resources Mentioned Redemption Road CrossFit – RF2.org CrossFit Journal coverage of Redemption Road: Community Behind Bars and CrossFit in Prison Morning Chalk Up articles on Redemption Road: Nick Wells and Mat Fraser Books used in coach candidate curriculum: Overcoming Gravity,” “Becoming a Supple Leopard, “100 Days of Technique

From now until the end of the 2026 CrossFit Open, presented by Air National Guard, we’re resharing the episodes you all loved the most. Catch a most-played episode every two weeks, right here in your podcast feed.  Good luck in the Open, and we’ll see you on the leaderboard. Dr. Rhonda Patrick is a leading researcher in nutrition, aging, and metabolic health. She’s known for translating complex science into practical tools for longevity and performance. Now, after a year of doing CrossFit, she has new insights to share. In this episode, Rhonda joins Denise to break down the cellular mechanisms behind high-intensity exercise, why lactate is more than a waste product, and how CrossFit helps train your brain, not just your body. They cover topics like VO2 max, mitochondrial repair, post-meal inflammation, aging muscles, and the science behind “exercise snacks.” Rhonda also shares her personal transformation from intimidated beginner to committed athlete and why she believes CrossFit may be one of the most powerful tools for lifelong health. Topics Included Why Rhonda started CrossFit — and how her perspective shifted after a year of training What lactate actually is and why it’s a powerful signal for brain and muscle health How high-intensity exercise triggers mitochondrial repair and neurogenesis The relationship between sedentary behavior, inflammation, and cancer risk The research behind exercise “snacks” and how to use them throughout your day The benefits of CrossFit for aging adults, and Rhonda’s vision for senior fitness Resources Mentioned Dr. Patrick’s website and podcast “Found My Fitness” Dr. Martin Gibala podcast episode Rhonda at the CrossFit for Health Summit

From now until the end of the 2026 CrossFit Open, presented by Air National Guard, we’re resharing the episodes you all loved the most. Catch a most-played episode every two weeks, right here in your podcast feed.  Good luck in the Open, and we’ll see you on the leaderboard. Sign up at games.crossfit.com. Dr. Stacy Sims is an exercise physiologist, nutrition scientist, TEDx speaker, and the bestselling author behind the viral phrase “Women are not small men.” In this episode, she joins Denise Thomas to unpack what we really need to know about women’s physiology — and how most training and nutrition advice completely ignores it. They get into the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, postmenopause, and how to train through it all. Stacy explains why women lose power during certain phases, how training affects the brain, and what female athletes should do differently when it comes to strength, conditioning, recovery, and stress. They also break down cold plunges, sauna use, and why CrossFit coaches and gym owners have an opportunity to lead the way in changing the narrative. Topics Included Biological differences in training, recovery, and metabolism Power, hormone shifts, and the menstrual cycle When and how to modify workouts Why fasting and cold plunges don’t affect men and women the same way How to feel and perform your best during perimenopause and postmenopause Raising the next generation of girls to understand their physiology for performance Resources Mentioned Dr. Stacy Sims’ TEDx Talk: Women Are Not Small Men Book: “Roar” by Stacy Sims Book: “Next Level” by Stacy Sims DrStacySims.com Proov or Oova (hormone-tracking tools) OsteoGains app

From now until the end of the 2026 CrossFit Open, presented by Air National Guard, we’re resharing the episodes you all loved the most. Catch a most-played episode every two weeks, right here in your podcast feed.  Good luck in the Open, and we’ll see you on the leaderboard. Sign up at games.crossfit.com.  —- Dr. Fatty Acid, the viral creator behind @When_Nerds_Teach, joins Denise Thomas for a refreshingly honest conversation about finding CrossFit, battling fatty liver disease, navigating Wegovy, and rediscovering strength. A lifelong teacher, she talks about humor, vulnerability, and learning to love movement for what it gives, not how it looks. Check out the latest content with Dr. Fatty Acid here.

We’re all in on prep for the 2026 CrossFit Open, presented by Air National Guard. In the meantime, enjoy some of our favorite episodes, dropped in this feed every two weeks. We’ll be back after the Open concludes with fresh content that explores the latest research on a variety of topics in health and fitness with subject matter experts. Don’t forget to register: games.crossfit.com and we’ll see you on the leaderboard!

Dr. Kelly Starrett joins the CrossFit Podcast to look back on the early days of CrossFit and ahead to what the next 20 years can become. From finding CrossFit through a grainy GIF in the early 2000s to opening one of the first affiliates in the world, Starrett reflects on the ideas that shaped the methodology and the lessons learned through decades of coaching athletes, Olympians, and everyday people. This conversation explores durability over time, why pain is not a failure but a request for change, and how movement quality, range of motion, and basic strength set the foundation for performance at every age. Starrett and host Jocelyn Rylee dig into the future of CrossFit, from longevity and conditioning to the irreplaceable value of affiliates as places built around coaching and community. This episode is an honest look at what CrossFit has always been about and what it can become if we apply what we have learned. Topics Covered The early days of CrossFit and the original affiliate culture Mobility, durability, and reframing pain in training Why youth athletes need movement literacy before specialization Training for sport versus training only for fitness The future of CrossFit and longevity-focused strength and conditioning Resources Mentioned The Ready State Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett Built to Move by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett 800-Gram Challenge Power Monkey Fitness The Anxious Generation Kelly on Social Instagram Facebook Tiktok X YouTube Community Highlight Kristin Savage grew up around autoimmune disease. By age 5, she was dealing with joint inflammation, and years later, she was formally diagnosed with lupus. She found CrossFit in 2012 and later trained and coached at CrossFit Gambit, where she was mentored by Kelly Jackson. Kristin earned her Level 1 and Level 2 Trainer credentials and now has aspirations to pursue her Level 4. After a severe flare-up forced her to reassess how she trained, Kristin shifted her focus to nutrition, recovery, and scaled training — learning to work in rhythm with her body instead of against it. Within a year, she qualified for Desert City. Today, Kristin coaches CrossFit in Las Vegas and spends much of her energy helping others navigate training and chronic illness — sharing what she’s learned through experience. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here.

CrossFit was born from curiosity, trial and error, and the willingness to test ideas in real time. In this conversation, host Jocelyn Rylee and senior content writer Stephane Rochet revisit the roots of that culture and explore why self-experimentation remains one of the most powerful tools for improving performance, health, and well-being. They reflect on the early days of nutrition inside CrossFit, the experiments that shaped their own training, and why results-driven thinking cuts through dogma. From zone ratios to carb backloading, fasting, fruit fasts, and the realities of changing needs across life stages, this episode highlights how paying attention, tracking outcomes, and staying open-minded can reshape your relationship with food and training. Topics Covered The origins of self experimentation within CrossFit culture How to define “what’s working” in training and nutrition Lessons learned from decades of nutrition experiments Adjusting habits across changing life stages Building life skills around food, tracking, and personal agency Resources Mentioned Barry Sears and the Zone Mark Bell Mike Burgener Jocko Willink Community HighlightAmy and Jim Gay have been part of CrossFit Adaptation for over a decade. Last year, they became the gym’s new owners and quickly faced a challenge. Located just outside D.C., many members were hit hard by recent federal job cuts. One by one, people were getting laid off and preparing to cancel their memberships. Amy and Jim didn’t flinch. They told them, “Just keep coming in.”Then a coach had an idea: start a sponsorship program. Now, members with the means can chip in — either once or monthly — to cover membership costs for others going through tough times. The response has been huge. When things got hard, the community didn’t shrink. It stepped up. Amy and Jim’s advice to other affiliate owners? Don’t treat your gym like a normal business. The real magic is in the details — staying close, listening, and showing up. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here.

This marks the tenth and final episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.  Dan Uyemura, founder and CEO of PushPress, has a rare vantage point: data from thousands of CrossFit affiliates around the world. In this conversation, he breaks down what separates thriving gyms from struggling ones, why engagement matters more than marketing, and how technology can amplify, not replace, the human experience at the heart of CrossFit. From the “golden rule” for new members to the psychology behind retention, Dan and host Jocelyn Rylee dig into how affiliate owners can build stronger communities, smarter systems, and more sustainable businesses. TOPICS INCLUDED The data behind retention: what predicts whether members stay The connection between engagement, referrals, and sales How to onboard new members without making them feel stupid Using technology (and AI) to support, not replace, community Community Highlight The FDNY Barbell Club doesn’t just fight fires. They train like their lives depend on it. Founded in 2019 by firefighter Rick Roman, the department’s official CrossFit team blends competition, camaraderie, and accountability inside a firehouse gym outfitted with ropes, rowers, and barbells. They push through classic CrossFit workouts, monthly throwdowns, and competitions from local events to the World Police and Fire Games, where Roman and his teammates recently landed on the podium. For them, every rep has a deeper purpose: staying ready. In full gear, firefighters carry 60 to 130 lb into life-or-death situations, and CrossFit builds the strength, stamina, and grit they need when the alarm bell rings. “You want to do it right, do it hard, and make sure everyone goes home.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]]

The CrossFit Podcast team is pulling back the curtain for this special episode. Get a look behind the scenes at what it took to restart the CrossFit Podcast, what we learned the hard way, and the top moments of the show in 2025.  Spend a little bit of your holiday season with us — Denise Thomas, Jocelyn Rylee, and Maggie Mullen. We hope this episode brings you some holiday cheer, ideas for what to binge next, and a bit of perspective on what matters most. From all of us to you and your family — both CrossFit and nuclear — happy holidays, and please tell us how 12 Days of Christmas (or whatever WOD you’re hitting) goes.  Topics Covered Why CrossFit brought the podcast back and what changed in 2025. The turning point episode: Has CrossFit Lost Its Soul With James Hobart. Why we do this podcast – the most meaningful moments. Top five episodes worth revisiting from 2025. Episodes Mentioned Top Five Episodes Worth Revisiting Dr. Chris Palmer Episode James Hobart Episode Dr. Fatty Acid Episode Dr. Allison Brager Episode Nicole Carroll Episode 1 Community and Culture Show Forging Elite Fitness The Standard Big Impact Nick Wells and Gino Aviles (Redemption Road; Episode) Helen Taylor (Core City Kids; Episode) Scott and Gwenna Bradley (Underground PDX; Episode) Angie Manson (Elevate Addiction Services; Episode) Sara Wilkinson (Step Up Foundation; Episode) Other Mentions Dr. Rhonda Patrick Episode Maggie Mullen Episode Resources Mentioned Nikki Boyer “Brain Energy,” by Dr. Chris Palmer Brian Little, Ted Talk on Introversion and Extroversion Community Highlight CrossFit PolFed RAC exists because one officer, Pierre De Pelsemaeker-Godart, kept sharing something he cared about. In 2010, when his team in the Brussels Federal Judicial Police moved into an unfinished government building, Pierre had just discovered CrossFit. With no gym, no equipment, and no dedicated space, he organized workouts wherever he could—outside in the park, inside the office, and eventually in an empty underground concrete room. Pierre led his colleagues in building a training space from scratch using pallets, cardboard, and bodyweight movements. More officers joined because the workouts were simple, consistent, and open to anyone. By 2014, a small sports room became their home base. They pooled money for second-hand equipment, competed in the CrossFit Open, and officially founded the nonprofit CrossFit PolFed RAC. Years later, the affiliate is still active, serving dozens of members, because one person believed training together could change his workplace — and did the work to make it real. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]].

In this episode, Denise Thomas sits down with Mark England, co-founder of Enlifted Coaching, to unpack the real meaning of “mindset,” not as a buzzword, but as the story you tell yourself. A former MMA fighter turned educator, Mark shares how injuries and failure led him to discover transformational wordsmithing: the process of changing your internal dialogue to change your life. He walks through practical tools that anyone, especially coaches and athletes, can use to rewrite limiting stories, calm their nervous system, and reclaim control through language and breath. This one’s part conversation, part masterclass. Grab a pen. TOPICS INCLUDED The link between words, breath, and awareness How victim mentality is formed and how to dismantle it The “soft talk” words that cause indecision and stress Real-time application: Denise and Mark’s live exercise on rewriting limiting beliefs RESOURCES MENTIONED Enlifted Coaching Mark England’s TED Talk Barbell Shrugged Podcast (Mark’s 2017 episode) Best Hour of Their Day Coaching Program CrossFit Paradiso (Venice, California) Community Highlight After two car accidents and a diagnosis of early-stage Parkinson’s, Becky Johnson refused to give up. Just days after spine surgery, she walked into CrossFit Loco Ocho — neck brace and all — to do her version of Murph. “Having a strong baseline of fitness prepares you for whatever life throws your way,” she says. “This is the sickness-wellness-fitness continuum in action. I got a devastating diagnosis, but I already had the antidote.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]].

This marks the ninth episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.  Italy once held one of the lowest obesity rates in the developed world, but that’s changing fast. CrossFit Country Manager and longtime affiliate owner Matteo Pozzati joins the show to talk about the cultural shift in Italy, the rise of chronic disease, and how CrossFit is stepping in to rebuild true health from the ground up. Matteo shares his journey from coaching in Venice to teaching hospital workers how to move safely, leading Italy’s affiliate community, and fighting to preserve CrossFit’s identity amid the noise of mainstream fitness. He and host Jocelyn Rylee discuss why elite coaching matters, how education is the bridge to better health, and what it’ll take to connect CrossFit affiliates and healthcare systems worldwide. Topics Covered The decline of the Mediterranean diet and rise of chronic disease in Italy Bringing CrossFit methodology into hospitals and health care education Building bridges between affiliates and medical professionals Preserving CrossFit’s identity and elite coaching standards Nutrition, culture, and the return to traditional food practices The global challenge of connecting CrossFit to health systems Community Highlight For nearly two decades, Erin Richter has been fighting for health on the front lines — and refusing to give up. She opened CrossFit Old School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 2008, staying there, as she put it, “because this was the area that needed it the most.” Today, her affiliate serves kids as young as 3 and adults in their 80s. She partners with addiction recovery centers, supports people with disabilities, and helps those told they’d never squat again find their strength. She’s built nonprofits, raised thousands for local causes, and worked with the state to bring CrossFit into public schools. Erin doesn’t chase PRs or the spotlight, just impact. In a city dubbed the “Obesity Capital of the U.S.,” she’s quietly changing lives every day. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]].

This marks the eighth episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.  CrossFit Podcast producer Maggie Mullen steps out from backstage for a raw, unfiltered conversation about body image, nutrition, and the culture of CrossFit. From her early days as a competitor and fueling to perform, to finding balance, Maggie opens up about food neurosis, body dysmorphia, and an alternative view of diet culture. This episode digs into the tension between discipline and obsession, aesthetics and health, and what it really means to chase your best self inside the gym and out. TOPICS INCLUDED How CrossFit reshaped Maggie’s relationship with food and body image Body positivity vs. fat shaming — and finding a “third way” The role of CrossFit in building self-awareness and resilience CrossFit as moving meditation and mental health therapy RESOURCES MENTIONED M2 Performance Nutrition Community Highlight Duncan Seawell is a clinical psychologist and the president of Forging Youth Resilience (FYR), a nonprofit helping gyms open their doors to kids who otherwise couldn’t access CrossFit. He launched a Steve’s Club chapter in Denver in 2015 and helped shape FYR into what it is today: a network of 20 active clubs reaching thousands of youth, from foster care to incarceration to kids just trying to find their place. FYR partners with schools, gyms, and foster homes to deliver trauma-informed CrossFit, covering coaching, transportation, and nutrition. But its heart is FYR Camp, a week-long mountain retreat where kids train, hike, and sit in nightly circles to share their stories. “It’s sort of a group therapy light context,” Duncan says. “One kid says, ‘I’ve been through this,’ and another says, ‘Me too.’ The power of that connection is amazing.” As Duncan puts it: “Kids are growing unhealthier in all kinds of ways — physical, mental, metabolic. The solution is prevention. Our job is to make sure no kid is kept out of a gym because of money.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]].

Dr. Nick (aka The Fittest Doc) joins Jocelyn Rylee to unpack how CrossFit shaped his approach to medicine. They dig into lifestyle versus pharmaceuticals, the role of identity in lasting change, and why doctors need to prioritize their own health. Topics Covered How CrossFit reshaped Dr. Nick’s discipline and medical practice Lifestyle-first vs. pharma-first approaches to chronic disease Performance as a predictor of future health Building credibility: Should doctors practice what they preach? The role of affiliates in bridging healthcare and community Resources Mentioned CrossFit for Health Summit Dr. Nick’s Website Community Highlight The Phoenix is built on one idea: recovery is stronger in community. Since 2006, they’ve reached nearly a million people impacted by substance use and mental health challenges — and CrossFit has become their most popular program. More than 100,000 people have found sobriety and support through Phoenix CrossFit classes, with 83% staying sober beyond the three-month mark. We spoke with Gavin Young, a Phoenix leader and longtime CrossFit athlete in recovery, who shared how daily progress in training — one more rep, one more pound, one more second — becomes a cornerstone in rebuilding lives. From Boston to Denver to Philadelphia, The Phoenix is proving what’s possible when fitness meets recovery: a resilient community built on hope, accountability, and shared struggle — one workout at a time. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]]

This marks the seventh episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.  Olympian and Power Monkey Fitness co-founder Dave Durante joins the CrossFit Podcast to talk about the transition from elite competition to lifelong fitness. After representing the U.S. in gymnastics at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Dave discovered CrossFit, and it changed his life. He shares how CrossFit helped him stay healthy and strong beyond his competitive years, the story behind Power Monkey Camp, and why gymnastics remains one of the best foundations for athleticism at any age. TOPICS INCLUDED Life after elite sport: finding purpose and health beyond competition How CrossFit reignited Dave’s passion for training The creation and evolution of Power Monkey Camp Building bridges between gymnastics and CrossFit The importance of play, curiosity, and community in adult fitness Why gymnastics is the ultimate foundation for all sports RESOURCES MENTIONED Power Monkey Fitness Power Monkey Camp CrossFit Gymnastics Courses “Weight of Gold” (HBO Documentary) Community Highlight After two decades studying cancer genetics, Dr. Jennifer Beebe-Dimmer wanted to give patients something they could act on today. That’s how the CAPABLE program was born, a free, 12-week, CrossFit-based intervention for cancer survivors. Coached by Level 1 trainers, participants train three times a week and complete pre- and post-testing for strength, conditioning, and biomarkers. Since 2019, more than 275 people have gone through the program, most of whom had never done anything like it before. The results speak for themselves: significant improvements in quality of life, body composition, sleep, and A1C, with cognitive function up next. Beebe-Dimmer calls CrossFit the “secret sauce,” not just for the workouts, but for the coaching and community that keep people coming back.“ When I look back at my career, this will be the most meaningful thing I’ve done.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here. Join us LIVE every Thursday at 10 a.m. If you love this podcast, please drop us a rating and review, and share it with everyone you love.

You’ve probably heard of the workout CHAD1000X (1,000 weighted step-ups for time) and The Step Up Foundation – the organization using fitness to raise awareness for mental health and veteran suicide prevention.  In this episode, we get to know the selfless leader behind both: Sara Wilkinson. After losing her husband, Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, to suicide in 2018, Sara turned grief into purpose, creating a global movement that’s brought thousands together each year to honor his legacy and support others who are struggling. She opens up about what it means to carry grief, how community heals, and the importance of looking people in the eye and asking, “How are you, really?” Topics Included The story behind Chad1000X and its growth into a global movement How Sara transformed grief into purpose through The Step Up Foundation Compassion, resilience, and the power of community in healing Suicide awareness, mental health, and the language we use around loss The realities of military life, brain injury (CTE), and post-service transition The importance of small acts of kindness and connection Resources Mentioned Chad 1000X The Step Up Foundation Home Base (Boston-based veteran brain clinic) Sound Off (mental health therapy platform for veterans) Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) Boston Frogman Swim 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Sara Wilkinson on Instagram Willpower and Resilience, Live Big Jocko Podcast Cleared Hot Podcast Community Highlight Cory and Sara Fulana don’t just run two gyms — they run on purpose. At Silk City CrossFit and CrossFit Hartford, service is part of the workout. Every month, they rally their community for something bigger — suicide awareness events with Uplift, women’s WODs supporting local female-owned businesses, Toys for Tots drives, marathon rows for the Boys and Girls Club, and Hero WODs that honor those who have served. Their question is always the same: How can we give back? Because for Cory and Sara, CrossFit isn’t just about fitness — it’s about using strength to serve others. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

CrossFit CEO Don Faul and Affiliate Council Chair Zia Rohrbaugh join host James Hobart for a pulse check on what’s happening across the company and the community. They discuss the role of CrossFit HQ and CrossFit affiliates, the importance of the CrossFit brand for affiliates, and how to support international communities. Stay till the end to hear from special guests Troy Peterson of ValorFit and Mike Egan, as they preview their plans for Veterans Day.  Support Mike in his effort to break a world record and raise money for ValorFit HERE. Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join us every Thursday at 10 am PT.

“Forging Elite Fitness®” has been part of the CrossFit brand since 2003. And now, it’s representing CrossFit front and center once again after a few years of lurking behind the scenes. But what does it really mean? And what doesn’t it mean? And why are we bringing it back?  In this show, Denise Thomas is joined by Nicole Carroll, Craig Howard, and Jocelyn Rylee to unpack the phrase that debuted its revival tour this week in our new “Forging Elite Fitness” video and accompanying article. They’ll talk about where the misunderstanding often lies: Is it only about Games athletes? Is “elite” too aggressive? Or does it perfectly capture what CrossFit does for anyone who walks through the door, from grandparents to Games competitors? Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join us every Thursday at 10 am PT.

Dr. Fatty Acid, the viral creator behind @When_Nerds_Teach, joins Denise Thomas for a refreshingly honest conversation about finding CrossFit, battling fatty liver disease, navigating Wegovy, and rediscovering strength. A lifelong teacher, she talks about humor, vulnerability, and learning to love movement for what it gives, not how it looks. Topics Included Discovering CrossFit as a total beginner and overcoming intimidation Balancing modern medicine (Wegovy) with lifestyle change Teaching, burnout, and how CrossFit helps with decision fatigue Managing body image, binge eating, and food anxiety Resources Mentioned Book: “Body Kindness” by Rebecca Scritchfield Documentary: “Clemente” about Roberto Clemente’s life and legacy CrossFit Tantrum (Dr. Fatty Acid’s affiliate) Community Highlight At just 16, Harrison Kennedy is already competing at the highest levels of CrossFit, but his story is about more than training. After facing mental health struggles, Harrison found purpose again at CrossFit Delta Fox in northern England, a gym partnered with The 180 Project, which helps people rebuild their lives after prison, addiction, or trauma. Now he’s giving back, coaching younger athletes and showing them the same thing CrossFit showed him: that community and hard work can change everything. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

James Hobart, Adrian Conway, and Craig Howard discuss competition within the fitness world. They share their perspectives on the role of rivals and how it impacts their community. The conversation explores both external competition and healthy rivalry among affiliates. Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join us every Thursday at 10 am PT.

This marks the sixth episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.  CrossFit affiliates are the force transforming how the healthcare system operates. Zia Rohrbaugh of CrossFit Counter Culture and Josh Plosker of Invictus Boston have turned their gyms into full-service “health homes,” offering blood panels, IV therapy, and access to Community Care health plans — all built around CrossFit’s foundational principles. In this conversation, Jocelyn Rylee explores how affiliates bring these systems to life, how members save money through HSA and FSA programs, and what it means for the future of CrossFit and community-based healthcare. TOPICS INCLUDED How affiliates are transforming into “health homes” Partnering with the CrossFit Medical Society Offering blood panels, IV therapy, and telemedicine in gyms How Community Care provides affordable health coverage Using HSA/FSA and TrueMed to make CrossFit memberships tax-free The future of CrossFit as a global healthcare model RESOURCES MENTIONED CrossFit Medical Society and Community Care TrueMed CrossFit Counter Culture Invictus Boston Community Highlight In 2011, Jaeho Woo discovered CrossFit as a college athlete in Seoul. What started as training for basketball became a lifelong passion — one that eventually took him to the most remote place on Earth. After serving in the Korean military and coaching CrossFit, Jaeho opened an affiliate in Seoul — then shipped 500 lb of equipment to Antarctica to found the first CrossFit affiliate on the continent. For 10 months, he’s coached his 18-person crew in a tiny gym surrounded by glaciers. When the endless dark set in and isolation hit hard, Jaeho kept showing up — knocking on doors, reminding his teammates: When you train together, you feel better, and you’re never alone. As he prepares to leave Antarctica, Jaeho’s message is simple: Isolation is real. Resilience comes from connection. Wherever you are, don’t go it alone. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

Are the CrossFit Games CrossFit?  How does the test for the Fittest on Earth fit into the grand scheme of CrossFit as a brand? Where are the pain points and synergies between the tip of the spear and the rest of the community? The sport expression of CrossFit is a vital one, but how is it best incorporated into the brand so it serves the entire CrossFit ecosystem?   James Hobart, Dave Castro, and special guest Seth Page discuss this relationship and where they see the Games contributing to or detracting from the CrossFit brand. Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join us every Thursday at 10 am PT.

This marks the fifth episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.  Calley Means is a former food and pharma lobbyist turned healthcare reform advocate. He co-authored “Good Energy” with his sister, Dr. Casey Means, and co-founded TrueMed, a company working to make root-cause health solutions like exercise and nutrition eligible for HSA/FSA dollars.  In this conversation, Calley explains why our healthcare model is built to manage disease instead of preventing it, how CrossFit and lifestyle interventions are effective, and what policies and cultural shifts could finally turn the tide against chronic illness. Topics Covered Why the U.S. healthcare system is built to manage, not prevent, disease The role of food policy, SNAP reform, and FDA guidelines in chronic illness Calley’s personal journey from industry lobbyist to health advocate The promise of functional medicine, biomarkers, and personalized care TrueMed and making fitness/food eligible for HSA/FSA healthcare dollars Resources Mentioned Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means and Calley Means Levels Health (continuous glucose monitoring) TrueMed (Calley’s company leveraging HSA/FSA dollars for root-cause health) SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) reforms FDA nutrition and food additive guidelines Community Highlight Nick Johnson founded CrossFit Liminal, a nonprofit affiliate outside Atlanta serving one of the most diverse refugee communities in the U.S. What started in his garage with five members from Syria and Nepal, has grown into programs for Afghan women, refugee youth training for free, and community events like “Ruck for Refugees.” As Nick puts it: “Trauma gets you out of your body. CrossFit gets you back in it.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

What does the ideal CrossFit experience look like? In this livestream, hosts James Hobart and Denise Thomas break down the non-negotiables of a great affiliate, as well as stylistic touches that make each gym unique. From the 60-minute class to the full journey, the conversation explores what members should expect, what owners and coaches must deliver, and how the best affiliates create environments where people thrive. Whether you’re a coach, owner, or member, this episode will leave you with a clear picture of what the “ideal member experience” really means in CrossFit. Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join future livestreams.

This marks the fourth episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society.  Redemption Road CrossFit started inside Colorado’s prison system, where a small group of men turned CrossFit workouts into the first affiliate behind bars. Today, it’s a nonprofit changing prison culture through mentorship, accountability, and community — cutting recidivism to just 1.6% compared to the national average of 80%. This week, we welcome Redemption Road CrossFit’s founder Nick Wells and founding member Gino Aviles to the show. Nick and Gino share their journey, from addiction and life sentences to freedom, sobriety, and leadership, and show how CrossFit’s methodology can transform not just fitness, but lives. Topics Covered Personal journeys from addiction, incarceration, and transformation The origins of CrossFit in Colorado prisons Building Redemption Road: the first affiliate inside a correctional facility Overcoming stigma, violence, and systemic barriers through community fitness Partnerships with CrossFit HQ and the broader community Redemption Road’s measurable impact on recidivism and prison culture Resources Mentioned Redemption Road CrossFit – RF2.org CrossFit Journal coverage of Redemption Road: Community Behind Bars and CrossFit in Prison Morning Chalk Up articles on Redemption Road: Nick Wells and Mat Fraser Books used in coach candidate curriculum: Overcoming Gravity,” “Becoming a Supple Leopard, “100 Days of Technique Community Highlight Troy Peterson founded ValorFit to connect veterans with CrossFit affiliates across the U.S. For him, it’s personal. After serving in Iraq and earning a Purple Heart, Troy came home battling addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. At 300+ pounds and dependent on pills and alcohol, his wife gave him an ultimatum. That’s when he walked into a CrossFit gym and asked for help. “I didn’t want to take the substances anymore because I wanted to go work out.” That shift changed everything. Today, ValorFit covers six months of affiliate memberships for veterans — over 4,000 so far. The only requirement? Show up three days a week. “Free breakfast on Veterans Day has never changed anyone’s life,” Troy said. “But showing up to the gym three days a week can.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

Programming is one of the most debated topics in CrossFit. On this livestream, James Hobart and Denise Thomas sit down with the guys behind both mainsite and CrossFit Affiliate Programming (CAP), Joe Alexander and Spencer Hendel. Together, they’ll dig into the philosophy and practice behind effective programming.  They’ll cover the charter of CrossFit.com, how CAP supports affiliates, what makes programming successful (and what doesn’t), and how intensity, volume, and movement selection come into play.  Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join future livestreams.

This marks the third episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society. In this episode, Jason Fernandez, longtime coach, Seminar Staff member, and co-founder of Best Hour of Their Day, and Matt Souza, 12-year affiliate owner of CrossFit Livermore, join host Jocelyn Rylee to dig into the overlooked fundamentals of hospitality, first impressions, and soft skills in CrossFit gyms. They share hard-earned lessons on onboarding, reducing friction, building community, and why trust is the ultimate currency. Understand the type of service top CrossFit affiliates provide and how that’s the road to reducing the intimidation factor.  Topics Covered Why hospitality is as important as coaching skills How first impressions shape member retention Onboarding systems that actually work Reducing friction inside and outside the gym Collaboration between affiliates and local businesses Building trust as the ultimate foundation of community 4. Resources Mentioned Level 1 and Level 2 Seminar Courses AffiliateCon [Oct 24-26, 2025, Dallas, TX] CrossFitLivermore.com (affiliate website example) Will Guidara’s book “Unreasonable Hospitality” Community Highlight David Needham seems to do it all: full-time firefighter, owner of two CrossFit affiliates, contributor to WheelWOD and the Adaptive CrossFit Games, and mentor to other affiliate owners on business growth. One of his biggest passions is serving on the Adaptive Athlete Foundation of Maryland, where he helps athletes secure life-changing prosthetics through insurance. Watching someone regain the ability to move and train is what drives him most. And when asked what CrossFit means to him, David’s answer is simple … and very firefighter:“Because of CrossFit, I can save people from burning buildings.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

This marks the second episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society. This week, we welcome Daniel Chaffey, a longtime leader in the CrossFit space. He owns CrossFit Louvre in Paris, one of Europe’s most established affiliates with over 3,100 members across three locations.  He also founded the major European competition, The French Throwdown, and Operating With Excellence, a workshop platform dedicated to helping affiliate owners build thriving businesses.  In this conversation, host Jocelyn Rylee dives into the essentials of CrossFit affiliates with Daniel: leadership, hospitality, and community. Chaffey, known for never mincing words, shares point-blank perspectives on everything from the future of CrossFit to the responsibility of affiliates in shaping that future.  Topics Covered The role of leadership in affiliate success and sustainability The difference between service and hospitality in gyms Building and maintaining community in CrossFit CrossFit’s role in health across generations Optimism, anxiety, and the future direction of CrossFit The importance of education and HQ’s role in supporting affiliates Resources Mentioned Jordan Peterson/Peterson Academy (leadership courses) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (applied to member experience) CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 Courses Affiliate gatherings/events (e.g., Banff, Canadian Affiliate Gathering) Community Highlight Saxon Panchik is having a full-circle moment. With six CrossFit Games appearances, he’s now putting more energy into giving back to the community that built him. His message: Get into an affiliate and be active. Uplift those around you. Keep each other accountable. “It is life-changing. We all have things we wish we knew when starting our fitness journey. Take a minute to share that with someone just beginning.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

Over the next few weeks, we’re rolling out something different: a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society. Why? Because the CFMS isn’t sitting quietly on the sidelines. They are in the fight to cure chronic disease and put affiliates in the driver’s seat as the true health homes of their communities. This is a grassroots health revolution, and everyone should be paying attention. The mission is simple: empower affiliates, coaches, and members with real tools to reclaim their health and step out of the sickness economy. No quick fixes. Just CrossFit. In this episode, Dr. Tom McCoy and Jenn Pishko, founders of the CrossFit Medical Society, join host Jocelyn Rylee to break down how affiliates can become the front line of community-based health care. Recorded live at the 2025 CrossFit Owners and Coaches Conference and the 2025 CrossFit Games, the conversation digs into physician burnout, the launch of CommunityCare, and why the affiliate model is poised to be the future of preventative health. Topics Covered Burnout rates in primary care and why doctors are leaving medicine How CrossFit affiliates can act as community health hubs Launch of the CrossFit Medical Society and its goals CommunityCare: a new model challenging U.S. health insurance Biomarkers, bone density, and measures of health in CrossFit Building trust between affiliates, coaches, and members Shifting from “sick care” to true preventative health Resources Mentioned CrossFit Medical Society CommunityCare program Biomarker Hub CEUs and CMEs Community Highlight Bobby Peters is the assistant superintendent of a rural California school district. He’s also an L2 trainer, a garage gym guy, and the founder of CrossFit Sierra Pacific, a nonprofit affiliate based in a public high school.⠀ It started small. A few local P.E. teachers got their L1s. Then came a weight-room renovation, a CrossFit course for students, and a 5 a.m. class open to any staff who wanted to move before the school day. But Bobby didn’t stop there. He helped launch a CrossFit program inside a juvenile incarceration facility. The setup is simple — bikes, sandbags, bodyweight movements — but the impact is massive. “These kids didn’t talk to each other at first,” Bobby says. “Now they cheer each other on. They fist bump. They give feedback. It’s completely different. ”Bobby’s building confidence, leadership, and the possibility of a different path. His vision is clear: help these kids earn their L1s and reenter the world with something real. He’s also pushing to get CrossFit recognized as a state-approved high school fitness curriculum — and he’s laying the groundwork to make it happen. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

Nutrition is one of the most debated topics in health and fitness — and it’s central to CrossFit’s methodology.  In this livestream, host James Hobart sits down with Jocelyn Rylee, Joe Alexander, and Jenn Pishko to talk nutrition. The conversation tackles CrossFit’s nutrition principles, how they apply in real life, and what the science actually says. With so many competing voices in the space, we cut through the noise to address strategies for everyday CrossFit athletes, elite athletes, and those battling chronic disease. Expect honest discussion on food quality vs. quantity, calories in vs. calories out, the 80/20 rule, food addiction, and more. Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join future livestreams.

We talk about “the standard” in CrossFit all the time — but what does it really mean? In this livestream, Denise Thomas sits down with Nicole Carroll, Chase Ingraham, and Adrian Conway to get real about what it takes to hold the standard in our gyms and on the competition floor. The crew digs into where the standard came from, why it matters, and what happens when we don’t uphold it. They’ll break down coaching, defining fitness, and the ultimate goals of health and performance longevity.  Expect a candid conversation about what “holding the standard” actually means, why it matters, and how we’re doing on hitting the goal.  Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join future livestreams.

Zach Long, DPT, better known as The Barbell Physio, joins Jocelyn Rylee to dig into the myths and realities around CrossFit injuries, mobility, programming, and long-term health. They unpack the latest research, expose scientific bias, and share practical strategies for athletes, coaches, and affiliate owners. Read Zach’s point-by-point refutation of misleading CrossFit research here. Zach brings his perspective as a physical therapist and longtime member of the CrossFit community to explain how to train through injury, why less is often more in mobility and programming, and how CrossFit has and continues to evolve. Topics Covered Is CrossFit dangerous? Injury data vs. public perception How mobility training should actually work Scientific integrity and fighting back against biased research Training through injury vs. taking time off Building medical-professional networks around affiliates Programming pitfalls: volume vs. intensity and coaching time Why complex skills (like the snatch) belong in CrossFit Older adults as a critical growth area for affiliates Zach’s advice for athletes, coaches, and the future of CrossFit Resources Mentioned Zach’s website: thebarbellphysio.com Zach on Instagram/Facebook: @thebarbellphysio CrossFit.com – Scientific Integrity Under Fire article Zach’s YouTube channel: The Barbell Physio Community Highlight Trevor Pogue started CrossFit in 2020 with no lifting background and no plans to stick around. But it flipped everything. He was working in medical research at the University of Florida, first in cancer, then anesthesiology, when he realized something: many of the problems hospitals treat could be prevented through lifestyle.⠀ In 2023, he bought CrossFit 1088, a small affiliate in Ocala, Florida that was about to shut down. The name comes from the gym’s youngest and oldest original members: 10 and 88. That spirit — CrossFit for everyone — is what Trevor is rebuilding.⠀ He took over with 32 members. A year later, they’re at 120 and growing.⠀ At their last anniversary party, Trevor watched 88-year-old Martha climb a massive water slide and fly down it while younger members stood by saying, “No way.”⠀ “That’s why we do CrossFit,” he said. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

We’re sitting down to have an honest, nuanced conversation about Ozempic (semaglutide), other GLP-1 drugs, and their role in lifestyle intervention and health. We want to understand who benefits, who profits, and what the implications are for individuals, coaches, and the broader CrossFit community.  The goal is not to provide all the answers or be the experts, but to create space for a thoughtful discussion around an important and highly visible issue, especially in light of GLP-1 provider Ro’s recent sponsored post featuring Serena Williams.  Host Denise Thomas is joined by Dr. Tom McCoy, Jocelyn Rylee, and Joe Alexander.  Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join future livestreams.

Jason Fung, MD, is a Canadian nephrologist and world-renowned expert in intermittent fasting and low-carb nutrition. He is the author of best-selling books including “The Obesity Code” and “The Diabetes Code,” and co-founder of The Fasting Method, where he helps people use evidence-based nutrition strategies to prevent and reverse chronic disease. Dr. Jason Fung joins host Jocelyn Rylee on the CrossFit Podcast to unpack the myths and realities of fasting, obesity, and the role of hormones in nutrition. He explains why “starvation mode” is misunderstood, why calories alone don’t tell the full story, and how hunger — not willpower — is at the center of sustainable weightloss. The conversation covers fasting as a therapeutic tool, the risks and uses of drugs like Ozempic, the dangers of ultra-processed foods, and the influence of our environment on health. Fung also shares insights from his upcoming book, “The Hunger Code,” which explores the three types of hunger — homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned — and how to address each. Topics Covered Myth-busting “starvation mode” and fasting Calories vs. hormones Insulin, GLP-1, cortisol, and the hormonal drivers of fat storage Ozempic, risks, misuse, and ethical prescribing Ultra-processed foods and the rise of food addiction The role of environment and social influence in obesity Practical strategies: satiety, whole foods, fasting, and community Resources Mentioned Jason’s YouTube channel and website Jason Fung’s books: “The Obesity Code,” “The Diabetes Code,” “The Cancer Code,” “The PCOS Plan,” and upcoming “The Hunger Code” CrossFit Health lecture: “Fasting as a Therapeutic Option” (2019) New England Journal of Medicine study on social influence and obesity Community Highlight In 2023, Megan Mulvey walked into CrossFit PTC looking for a challenge. She had no idea she was preparing for the fight of her life. Just months later, she was diagnosed with leukemia. After 51 rounds of chemo, a bone-marrow transplant, and months in and out of the hospital, her doctors told her, “You were preparing your body, and you didn’t even know it.” As she put it, “CrossFit didn’t just change my life; it saved it.” When she returned to the gym, she’d lost her muscle — but not her spirit. Her community rallied with fundraisers, rides to treatment, and daily check-ins. Now, Megan’s paying it forward. She launched Box of Hope, a nonprofit supporting CrossFit athletes and families facing cancer. Their first effort helped a local family cover their mortgage and car payment while their daughter battles terminal brain cancer. “If I had to go through the worst,” Megan says, “I’ll make sure others don’t go through it alone.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here.  Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.

In this episode of the CrossFit Podcast, host Denise Thomas sits down with Rory McKernan and Angelo DiCicco to talk about everything from their hopes for the CrossFit community to stories from their early days.  Community Highlight Bob Moran has been a police officer in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, for 23 years. For much of that time, he was drinking … until Jan. 1, 2023. That was his last drink. He went cold turkey. One day at a time. And through it all, CrossFit was his anchor. His gym, RDT CrossFit, welcomed him back without judgment. Now 18 months sober, Bob is training consistently and leading from the front. He helps run Signal 30, a weekly fitness and mental wellness program for current and retired law enforcement. Every Sunday at 8 a.m., officers show up to move, connect, and reset. “I’m not afraid to share it,” Bob says. I was a f*ing drunk. And I want people to know that’s not the end of the line. There’s more past that.”⠀ Next up: earning his Level 1 Trainer credential and continuing to give back. Because he knows what’s at stake and what’s possible. Celebrate his soberversary workout on Jan. 2, 2026: 10 rounds for time of: 10-calorie bike10 back squats from floor (95/135)10 burpees over the bar Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast here or email us [[email protected]].

On this week’s livestream, we’re unpacking why and how CrossFit’s community is different — to the point that some even call us a cult.  Is it the culture or the community that makes us different? What’s the difference between them? What defines them? What does “community” even mean if everyone says they have it? Do you believe that walking into a CrossFit gym is palpably different from walking into any other brand of gym? What creates this? Why have we been called a cult? What are the social components of health and fitness? How important are they? What role does the methodology play in promoting and preserving the culture? Guest host Matt Souza is joined by Nicole Carroll and Jenn Pishko.  Let us know what you think –> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join future livestreams.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – Yann Martel, Author of “Life of Pi” Yann Martel is best known as the author of the modern classic “Life of Pi.” But he also happens to be a longtime member at CrossFit Brio in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In this conversation with host Jocelyn Rylee, Yann shares how CrossFit became part of his life more than 14 years ago, and why he still shows up to class five days a week. The two also discuss his writing process, the symbolism behind “Life of Pi,” and how fiction and fitness both shape how we understand ourselves and the world. Surprise guest Dave Castro crashes the conversation midway through to meet the author and share why “Life of Pi” is one of his favorite books of all time. EPISODE TOPICS Yann’s first CrossFit workout (and why he loved it) How Dave and Yann first connected The symbolism behind “Life of Pi” (and what the ending means) How Yann structures his writing process How fiction makes us better thinkers RESOURCES MENTIONED “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck “Call of the Wild” and White Fang” by Jack London The Bible, Quran, and Book of Mormon (mentioned by Dave) Yann’s upcoming book: “Son of Nobody” Community Highlight Shannon Schleifer has been bringing CrossFit to public schools in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the past decade. At Fremont Academy, she built a CrossFit elective where students learn to move with intention, and understand how it connects to what they’re studying in science class. The setup is simple: folding rigs, barbells, dumbbells. But the impact is huge. Her classes stay full, and kids are gaining confidence in what their bodies can do. Shannon retires this year, but she’s not done. Her goal is to expand CrossFit in public schools because for many kids, this is their only shot. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

Age-group athletes are the purest expression of what CrossFit stands for: proof that elite health has no age limit. From teenagers stepping onto the competition floor for the first time to 70+ athletes rewriting what aging looks like, age-group athletes are the tip of the spear — living examples that you can take ownership of your health at any stage of life and never hand it back to the system. Join host James Hobart with Adrian Conway, Chase Ingraham, and Scott Panchik as we celebrate the monsters in every division — the ones who prove, year after year, that the cure works in every decade. Surprise guest Carolyne Prevost jumps in part way through the conversation from the airport on her way to compete at the 2025 Age-Group CrossFit Games. Watch the 2025 Age-Group CrossFit Games.  Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

CrossFit’s new ad pulls no punches — but it’s only the starting point. In this livestream, Jocelyn Rylee sits down with Matt Souza, Jenn Pishko, and James Hobart to respond to the ad together, unpacking what it means in the context of CrossFit’s mission to make the world a healthier place. Whether someone is seeking to dominate their sport or improve their quality of life, CrossFit works. Our program can be scaled for anyone. But even in meeting people where they are, CrossFit requires hard work. “CrossFit is for anyone, but not for everyone.” We own this adage because it is in the challenge of CrossFit that people come to understand what they are capable of, where true potential is unlocked, not just in terms of belief in ourselves, but in terms of our health and fitness — our degree of capacity and vitality for life. “Tens of thousands of coaches around the world teach functional movement, nutrition, recovery, and resilience … They build relationships, and they track results. This is what real public health looks like.” [CrossFit Is the Cure] Let’s talk about what it all means. Buckle up. We’re Forging Elite Fitness. Community Highlight Elina Villemure was born in Bulgaria, adopted at 5, and grew up in Michigan chasing her brothers — on one leg above the knee, and one below. She found CrossFit through Forging Youth Resilience, and after surgery left her in a wheelchair, she assumed training was off the table — until her school counselor said otherwise. Her first Open? She did it from a wheelchair. Now, at 20, Elina runs the Adaptive Athlete Experience — a traveling seminar that helps gyms better serve athletes of all abilities. She’s already hosted more than a dozen events. “Whether or not I lose a leg or break a leg, I still have to adapt in the gym. The only difference is one is three months and the other is the rest of your life.” Follow her story. And if you own a gym, consider bringing her in. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

Catch up on this livestream from August 8th, 2025. The 2025 CrossFit Games delivered big moments — but more than that, they offered perspective. In this conversation, Denise Thomas, James Hobart, and Adrian Conway reflect on what stood out and what it means moving forward. The discussion goes beyond the leaderboard to focus on the connection between the Games and the larger CrossFit community — what we saw this year, how it resonated inside and outside the arena, and how we can build on it. This conversation explores what the Games can and should mean for CrossFit’s future — not just for elite sport, but for the everyday affiliate, the larger mission, and the community that makes it all work. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

EC Synkowski joins Denise Thomas to talk about CrossFit, food, and how to cut through the confusion. EC is the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition and the creator of the 800g Challenge, but her insights go way beyond a single method. They cover why some of us slide into food neurosis, how to know when your diet is actually “done,” and the biggest mistakes people make when chasing health.  EC also discusses the role of processed foods, challenges common rhetoric about carbs and seed oils, and breaks down her 10 principles of nutrition, which serve as the backbone of her Three Pillars Method. This is an episode about simplifying nutrition, ditching dogma, and learning to trust what works. Episode Topics Food neurosis and how to bounce back How to know when your nutrition is “done” The role of processed foods in modern health problems The power of simplicity and sustainability in diet design EC’s Three Pillars Method and how it builds on CrossFit’s foundation The 10 principles of nutrition Resources Mentioned The Consistency Project (EC’s podcast) OptimizeMe Nutrition The 800g Challenge Three Pillars Method App Street Parking podcast episode with EC Community Highlight Aaron Hoff is using CrossFit to change more than lives — he’s changing an entire island. Born and raised on Kauaʻi, Aaron knows the grip of addiction firsthand. By his early 20s, he was in active addiction and suicidal. But one Christmas Eve, he hit a turning point. He’s now 27 years sober. In 2013, he opened his first CrossFit gym. Today, through the Keala Foundation, he runs two affiliates focused on keeping kids out of the cycle he escaped. The gyms are free for youth. Each class starts and ends with a “word of the day” — like honesty or integrity — and a coach-led reflection. “Words are the tools that help you process trauma,” Aaron says. “If you don’t understand the language, you’re lost.” He reaches over 500 kids a year. Some stay for years. Some become coaches. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here or email us at [email protected].

James Hobart has been part of CrossFit since the early days. He’s competed at the Games, demoed for CrossFit’s movement videos, worked on Seminar Staff, and spent nearly two decades watching the culture evolve. In this episode, he sits down with Denise Thomas to talk candidly about the state of CrossFit — and whether it’s lost its soul. From what it felt like to walk away from competition, to the mindset shift required to keep training into middle age, James opens up about what keeps him coming back to the gym and why he still believes in the methodology. They discuss the difference between nostalgia and stagnation, why CrossFit’s messiness is part of the magic, and what it really means to “teach yourself out of a job. TOPICS COVERED Has CrossFit lost its soul? The evolution of CrossFit.com and community norms Competing as a masters athlete The shift from performance to purpose Letting go of dogma and embracing change Making peace with “CrossFit Grumpy” Why small goals matter more than big ones RESOURCES MENTIONED James Hobart’s podcast: Podcast of the Day CrossFit Mafia in Erie, Colorado CrossFit.com Ruck Race League COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT Mark and Dana Harris are the founders of Equip Products — a company based in rural Illinois that’s making CrossFit more accessible for adaptive and neuro athletes around the world.  It started with a conversation at the CrossFit Games. Kevin Ogar mentioned the need for better gear to train from his wheelchair, and that led to their first product: the lap mat.⠀Today, Equip offers nearly 150 tools that help athletes train safely and independently, regardless of ability.  For Mark and Dana, this isn’t just business — it’s a way to make sure no one hears, “That’s it. You’re done.” Their message is simple: You’re not done. You’re just getting started. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

Adrian Conway has competed at the highest level of CrossFit, coaches athletes of all levels, is a Seminar Staff member, and a CrossFit Games commentator. In this conversation with Denise Thomas, he explains the symbiotic relationship between the CrossFit Games and CrossFit affiliates. Adrian offers a perspective on how the sport has evolved and how the professionalism of the sport depends on the very athletes who participate in it. This episode is about the future of CrossFit, the spirit of the community, and bridging the gap between the sport and the affiliate. Topics Included Adrian’s evolution from competitor to coach, and what he learned in that transition The cultural evolution of the CrossFit Games How competitors can help their own future by integrating with their affiliates How competitors could gain an advantage through an understanding of the methodology Resources Mentioned The CrossFit Games TTRU Fitness The Barbell Spin Community Highlight Carolyne Prevost is a three-time CrossFit Games athlete (four times after this year), a former pro hockey player, an 11-time national champion across four sports, and a full-time high school teacher in Sarnia, Canada. But what sets her apart isn’t just the accolades. It’s the impact. In 2018, Carolyne launched CrossFit GAGE — an affiliate inside her school — to teach students how to move well, take care of themselves, and build real confidence. She’s proof that being elite doesn’t mean being out of reach. It means showing up, coaching, and leading by example. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

Episode Description Angie Manson is the CEO of Elevate Addiction Services, a residential rehab program that integrates CrossFit into daily life. In this conversation with Denise Thomas, Angie opens up about her own recovery, what CrossFit gave her, and why every coach needs to understand addiction. Angie explains how EAS operates — from an on-site CrossFit affiliate to community classes to post-rehab support — and what she’s learned after helping thousands of people rebuild their lives. This episode is about fitness, but it’s also about humanity, hope, and second chances. Topics Included Angie’s story of addiction, recovery, and finding CrossFit How Elevate Addiction Services integrates CrossFit Why structure, challenge, and community matter in rehab The coach’s role in supporting people in recovery Building trust, habits, and a new identity How affiliates and coaches can get involved Resources Mentioned Elevate Addiction Services (Santa Cruz + Tahoe) CrossFit EAS (on-site affiliate) The Phoenix Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) RESOURCES FOR ADDICTION Elevate Addiction Services – https://elevaterehab.org/ Immediate Help SAMHSA National Helpline (U.S.): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information.https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline Treatment & Recovery Resources Substance Abuse Treatment Locator (SAMHSA):Find nearby treatment facilities for substance use and mental health issues.https://findtreatment.gov Shatterproof:A nonprofit focused on science-based addiction resources and stigma reduction.https://www.shatterproof.org Partnership to End Addiction:Offers support for families navigating a loved one’s substance use.https://drugfree.org Peer Support Communities Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):https://www.aa.org/find-aa Narcotics Anonymous (NA):https://www.na.org SMART Recovery:A secular, science-based alternative to 12-step programs.https://www.smartrecovery.org Community Highlight Tammi Saunders is the head coach at The Barbell Saves Project — a nonprofit CrossFit affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona, offering free classes to anyone in recovery. The only requirements: 48 hours sober and a commitment to keep showing up.⠀Every coach on staff, including Tammi, is in recovery. They run five community classes a day, plus sessions for sober-living homes and treatment centers. But fitness is just the beginning. What they’re building is trust, discipline, and integrity – under stress, in community.Tammi has helped develop seven Level 1 trainers through the program, many straight out of prison or early sobriety. She’s built a trauma-informed culture rooted in empathy and consent. She still remembers walking into a gym for the first time: smoking two packs a day, struggling with disordered eating, unsure what came next. Now she’s a Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer, trauma-informed, and a Masters Games athlete.“If I can become this version of myself,” she says, “anyone can.” This is what it looks like to hold the door open for the next person.Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

Dr. Stacy Sims is an exercise physiologist, nutrition scientist, TEDx speaker, and the bestselling author behind the viral phrase “Women are not small men.” In this episode, she joins Denise Thomas to unpack what we really need to know about women’s physiology — and how most training and nutrition advice completely ignores it. They get into the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, postmenopause, and how to train through it all. Stacy explains why women lose power during certain phases, how training affects the brain, and what female athletes should do differently when it comes to strength, conditioning, recovery, and stress. They also break down cold plunges, sauna use, and why CrossFit coaches and gym owners have an opportunity to lead the way in changing the narrative. Topics Included Biological differences in training, recovery, and metabolism Power, hormone shifts, and the menstrual cycle When and how to modify workouts Why fasting and cold plunges don’t affect men and women the same way How to feel and perform your best during perimenopause and postmenopause Raising the next generation of girls to understand their physiology for performance Resources Mentioned Dr. Stacy Sims’ TEDx Talk: Women Are Not Small Men Book: “Roar” by Stacy Sims Book: “Next Level” by Stacy Sims DrStacySims.com Proov or Oova (hormone-tracking tools) OsteoGains app Community Highlight Arielle Loewen is a household name in CrossFit — fierce on the floor, kind in every interaction. But behind the scenes, she’s also quietly mentoring the next generation.⠀Last year, she supported eight teenage CrossFit Games athletes, checking in weekly to discuss the mental aspects of elite competition. One even flew out to train with her in person. Arielle’s leadership comes from lived experience. In 2013, she couldn’t afford her first competition — someone else covered the entry fee. Now, she pays it forward. She designs and sells “Strong Mom” shirts to help other moms cover local competition costs. Her message is simple: “When you think you’re done, you’re not done.”Arielle’s a bright spot in the CrossFit community — and we’ll be cheering her on at the 2025 CrossFit Games. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here Share Your Thoughts Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here

Conor Murphy has worn many hats: Navy serviceman, CrossFit Games athlete, Seminar Staff trainer, and, now, head of Big Night Fitness and affiliate owner in Boston, Massachusetts. In this raw and real conversation with Denise Thomas, Conor opens up about the moments that nearly broke him — and how CrossFit gave him a second chance. From losing his shot at a military career, to training celebrities on tour buses, to building a space where community comes first, Conor reflects on the power of mentorship, growth through failure, and what it means to truly live your values. His message to aspiring coaches and owners? Focus on people, not optics. Do the work. Stay humble. Keep showing up.3.  Topics Included Military injury and finding direction through CrossFit Competing at the Games and becoming a Seminar Staff member Coaching celebrities vs. everyday athletes Building community at Big Night Fitness Lessons in leadership, ego, and growing up Launching an affiliate with purpose and perspective Resources Mentioned CrossFit PB (Pacific Beach) CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course CrossFit Seminar Staff WOD on the Waves Big Night Entertainment Group CrossFit TILT Community Highlight In 2023, Ernesto Reyes saw a gap: no CrossFit events in Mexico offered adaptive divisions. So he decided to change that.As the owner of CrossFit Cholula, Ernesto didn’t start with experience in adaptive training — just a love for competition and a drive to make the sport more inclusive. He visited a local rec center and invited adaptive athletes to try CrossFit. Over 20 showed up. A few kept training. That first competition changed everything. Now, he coaches more than 10 adaptive athletes regularly. And the mission has become clear: this is his calling.As his late father once said, “Maybe Ernesto found the meaning of life — helping people.”This year, his gym is launching Personas con Determinación, a fundraiser to support competition costs. Together, they’ll hike one of Mexico’s highest peaks to prove a point: accomplishment doesn’t require perfection — it requires determination. Follow the journey. Or join the climb. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here Share Your Thoughts Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here

Dr. Major Allison Brager is a neuroscientist, a two-time CrossFit Games athlete, and one of the military’s leading experts on sleep and circadian biology. In this episode, host Denise Thomas and co-host Jocelyn Rylee dig in to what happens in the body during sleep, how your chronotype affects your performance, and the importance of sleep for recovery. They also unpack strategic caffeine dosing, sleep myths, and the direct impact sleep has on your hormones, recovery, mood, and even long-term health risks. Whether you’re training hard or just trying to function better day-to-day, this conversation will change how you think about rest. Topics Included What actually happens when we sleep Chronotypes, circadian rhythms, and ideal training times Sleep banking, shift work, and real-world application How sleep affects hormones, mood, and injury risk The impact of caffeine, alcohol, and blue light Strategies for better sleep: environment, timing, and habits Resources Mentioned Dr. Brager’s book: “Meathead: Unraveling the Athletic Brain” Power Monkey Camp CrossFit Open Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire National Sleep Foundation Community Highlight Jeff Winchester is a middle school counselor just outside of San Diego, California. In 2024, he launched CrossFit La Presa — a nonprofit school affiliate created with full support from his district and school leadership. La Presa Middle School serves a largely underserved community, where many students face challenges outside the classroom. For Jeff, this program isn’t just about fitness — it’s about offering strength, structure, and connection to kids who need it most. The results are powerful: students are gaining confidence, teachers are rediscovering their health, and kids who once stayed on the sidelines are now trying out for sports. Jeff says launching CrossFit La Presa has been one of the most meaningful moments of his 15-year career in education.⠀ Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.