The CrossFit Podcast

Epizódy

• Here’s HOW High Intensity Protects the Parkinson’s Brain 23.06.2026

  In this episode of the CrossFit Podcast, host Jocelyn Rylee sits down with Michelle Hespeler and Dr. Sule Tinaz of Yale School of Medicine to explore the science and lived experience behind high-intensity exercise for Parkinson’s disease. Hespeler was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 40. A former physical education teacher, she began experimenting with structured, high-effort training long before exercise was widely discussed as part of Parkinson’s care. Tinaz is a neuroscientist and movement disorders specialist whose research focuses on how exercise affects the brain itself. Together, they share results from a pilot study using MRI and PET imaging that showed increased dopaminergic signals after six months of high-intensity exercise. They unpack what those brain changes may mean, why effort matters more than perfection, and how exercise can improve movement, cognition, independence, and quality of life. Topics Covered High-intensity exercise as a disease-modifying strategy for Parkinson’s Brain imaging evidence of exercise-driven neuroprotection Why effort and self-efficacy change outcomes in chronic disease How exercise compares to medication in Parkinson’s treatment Early warning signs, prevention, and environmental risk factors Resources Mentioned Beat Parkinson’s Today Parkinson’s Foundation Community Highlight  Yvette Lepore has been fired for watching the CrossFit Games at work. She’s worked 60- to 80-hour weeks, missed Christmas with her family, burned out in corporate America, and come back from a serious medical emergency that forced her to step away from her career. Through all of it, she never missed a workout. Not because she was chasing PRs, but because it was the one place she felt steady when everything else wasn’t. Now she’s retired from corporate life, getting her Level 1, and stepping back onto the coaching floor so she can pay it forward. 
• THIS is why CrossFit Slows Aging With Dr. Jose Ostaiza (Hint: Epigenetics) 16.06.2026 1h 3min

  When CrossFit started, we didn’t need science to know it worked. We saw it in affiliates every day. People moved better, got stronger, and aged better. Now, the research is catching up. In this episode, physician, CrossFit Level 3 trainer, and researcher Jose Ostaiza explains how CrossFit changes the body at the molecular level through epigenetics, the science of how lifestyle influences gene expression. Ostaiza breaks down how high-intensity training rebuilds telomeres, supports mitochondrial health, reduces inflammation, and slows biological aging. By combining strength, cardio, and high-intensity work, CrossFit produces deeper and broader adaptations than single-mode fitness. This conversation offers a look inside the black box and explains why CrossFit is not just effective, but uniquely powerful for long-term health and longevity. Topics Covered Epigenetics and how lifestyle controls gene expression Why high-intensity training drives change at the DNA level Biological age versus chronological age Exercise, nutrition, stress, sleep, and social connection as longevity tools Bridging medicine, research, and the CrossFit affiliate Community Highlight Tony Espejo spent 21 years as a police officer in Omaha, Nebraska, after serving in the Marine Corps. When he came home, the neighborhood where he grew up was changing fast. Gang violence was taking over streets that once felt safe. Tony did not walk away. He remembered what kept him grounded as a kid. Sports. Accessible, affordable, and rooted in community. In 2004, he started a free soccer league for kids from rival neighborhoods. Six teams grew into more than a hundred. Over time, violence in South Omaha dropped. At the center of everything Tony built was CrossFit. It became the foundation for developing stronger, faster, more confident kids. Those who trained consistently stood taller — on the field and in life. In 2016, he opened Kinship CrossFit to give kids who did not connect with traditional sports, and their parents, a place to train together. Today, Tony is rebuilding his affiliate from the ground up. If you are a nonprofit affiliate working with kids, reach out. Tony would love to connect.
• The Truth About Caffeine for CrossFit Athletes 02.06.2026

  Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world, and it is deeply embedded in fitness culture. Coffee, pre-workout, and energy drinks are often treated as essential tools for training and performance. But what does the science actually say? In this episode of the CrossFit Podcast, host Jocelyn Rylee sits down with sleep scientist and active duty Army neuroscientist Dr. Allison Brager to examine the relationship between caffeine, sleep, recovery, and performance. Brager explains how caffeine works in the brain, why tolerance changes its effectiveness, and why the perceived boost athletes feel during workouts does not always translate into measurable performance gains. The conversation explores research on caffeine and CrossFit workouts, the role of sleep deprivation in caffeine effectiveness, and why energy drinks may carry neurological risks when used chronically. They also discuss strategic caffeine use for athletes, military personnel, and first responders who face sleep disruption. If you train hard, rely on caffeine, or want to improve performance without compromising recovery, this conversation will challenge what you think you know. Topics Covered How caffeine blocks adenosine and promotes alertness in the brain Research on caffeine and CrossFit workouts Why perceived effort improves with caffeine even when performance does not The neurological and mental health risks linked to heavy energy drink use Strategic caffeine dosing for athletes, military personnel, and shift workers Resources Mentioned Dr. Allison Brager The CrossFit Podcast with Dr. Brager on Sleep Community Highlight  Michael Atkinson grew up in Napa, California, the son of immigrants from Trinidad and Mexico, in a neighborhood where gangs often filled the gaps that opportunity didn’t. At 19, he was facing charges that could’ve meant life in prison. Instead, he was given one last option: complete a court-ordered recovery program or serve eight years. That program introduced him to CrossFit. After watching a regional event, the men in the program tried the workout themselves. It wrecked them … and hooked them. For Michael, it became the identity that replaced the one he was trying to leave behind. He wrote down two goals: become a competitor and become a coach. Years later, he bought the very affiliate where he once showed up asking for an internship — CrossFit Novato. Today, he coaches firefighters, local teams, and everyday adults, and offers scholarship memberships for people who need a second chance because he knows exactly what that can mean.
• Rucking, Psychedelics, and the Truth About Mental Fitness 26.05.2026

  Former Green Beret, longtime CrossFit coach, and licensed therapist Bill Anthes joins Jocelyn Rylee for a conversation that cuts straight to the heart of what it means to train the whole human. Drawing from military selection, years on Seminar Staff, clinical practice, psychedelic integration work, and the creation of the Ruck Race League, Bill explores the deep connection between physical stress, psychological patterns, and nervous-system awareness. He and Jocelyn dig into failure as a training tool, why monotonous work exposes truth, how coaches can hold space without overreaching, and what it means to listen to the body instead of overriding it.  Topics Covered Using physical stress to access deeper psychological insight Coaching beyond mechanics: listening, curiosity, and psychological tolerance Failure as an intentional training tool and catalyst for growth The rise of rucking as both sport and self-exploration Psychedelic preparation and integration through a whole-person lens Resources Mentioned Ruck Race League — ruckraceleague.com Between the Ears (Bill’s practice) — btwntheears.com The Immortality Key  Community Highlight Parker Fontecchio is a beacon of hope for the younger generation of CrossFit athletes. At 24 years old, he’s not only the head coach at CrossFit Tempe, but also dedicates his life to raising funds for veteran causes using his fitness. He’s carried 22 lb for 72 miles to raise awareness for veteran suicide, flipped a tire for 24 hours, rope-climbed the height of Everest, and most recently pulled a truck for 31 miles. Every challenge is powered by CrossFit and a mission to show what’s possible when you refuse to quit — especially for the veterans who often feel forgotten. “Every event might look individual, but there’s always a crowd around me — friends, family, my gym,” Parker says. That’s what makes CrossFit, CrossFit.”
• How to Use CrossFit to Support Trauma Recovery 19.05.2026 1h 5min

  What if trauma recovery is not just about talking, but about training? In this episode, host Jocelyn Rylee sits down with Dr. Stephanie Arel, whose work bridges religion and psychology. She holds a master’s degree in religion and psychiatry, and a Ph.D. in theology and trauma studies, along with clinical training and experience working at an eating disorder hospital. Drawing on her academic research, clinical work with trauma survivors, and personal journey as a CrossFit athlete, Arel explores how CrossFit’s methodology intersects with trauma recovery. Arel explains how trauma permanently alters the stress system and why trauma recovery must involve the body, not just the mind. They unpack big T and little T trauma, how triggers show up in the gym, and why high-intensity training can help recalibrate the nervous system when paired with agency, trust, and appropriate scaling. The conversation explores the parallels between EMDR therapy and constantly varied functional movements, the role of competence in reducing fear, and why community is essential for recovery. This is not about turning coaches into therapists. It is about becoming trauma-informed, understanding how stress and physiology interact, and recognizing the profound impact of intensity, skill development, and community inside a CrossFit affiliate. If you care about mental health, nervous system regulation, coaching, or the deeper effects of training, this conversation will change how you see your next workout. Topics Covered The difference between big T and little T trauma How trauma alters the stress response and nervous system Why high-intensity training can recalibrate arousal systems The role of agency, competence, and scaling in recovery Community, vulnerability, and trust inside a CrossFit affiliate Resources Mentioned Vana Growth “What Happened to You?” by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk Community Highlight Nick McCombs owns a nonprofit CrossFit affiliate — and nearly half his members train for free. In 2017, he and his wife, Whitney, opened Branded One CrossFit in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a simple promise: any disabled service member or first responder — with a 0-100% disability rating — can train at no cost. No catch. Just show up. Today, veterans with PTSD, athletes missing limbs, and first responders rebuilding their lives make up a huge part of the community. The gym is sustained by paid memberships, fundraising, and people who believe fitness should change lives — not just physiques. Nick doesn’t measure success by podium finishes. He measures it by watching someone walk again after a stroke. By seeing a man trade his walker for a run. By witnessing people reclaim strength, independence, and confidence.
• Why Over 99% of Diets Fail and What You Can Do About It 12.05.2026

  Dr. Jason Fung returns to the CrossFit Podcast to unpack the real driver behind weight gain and chronic hunger. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and his new book “The Hunger Code,” Fung challenges the “calorie in, calorie out” model and explains why it has failed so many people for so long. This conversation goes deeper than macros and meal plans. Fung breaks down the three types of hunger: homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned. He explains how ultra-processed foods, the modern food environment, and social conditioning override natural appetite regulation. He and host Jocelyn Rylee explore how insulin and other hormones shape body fat regulation, and why long-term success depends on restoring satiety rather than fighting willpower. Topics Covered Why calorie restriction fails long-term. The three types of hunger and how they drive overeating. How ultra-processed food hijacks appetite and satiety. Hormones and the body fat thermostat. Social environments and practical levers for change. Resources Mentioned Dr. Jason Fung Website YouTube Instagram X Facebook The Hunger Code by Dr. Jason Fung The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung\ Hunger by Roxane Gay Community Highlight  Travis Ponikiewski doesn’t train for the leaderboard. He trains because he has two little girls who think he’s invincible, and he plans on keeping it that way for a long time. When Travis was young, he lost his dad. Now that he’s a father himself, that experience quietly shapes everything. For him, fitness isn’t aesthetic. It’s responsibility. It’s making sure his daughters don’t grow up with missing memories. At home, that same steadiness shows up in how he supports his wife through mental health struggles. He wants her to feel strong again, on her terms. He cares less about how his girls look and more about what they’re capable of. Strong bodies. Healthy relationship with food. Confidence that doesn’t shrink to fit the world. He’s even working toward his Level 1 — not to collect a title, but to better serve the people around him.
• [Legacy Pick] Masterclass on CrossFit History With Legend Chuck Carswell 20.04.2026

  Stay tuned for an update on the CrossFit Podcast over the coming weeks. Until then, enjoy this episode with CrossFit legend Chuck Carswell. You can find Chuck starring in the latest content from CrossFit HQ, The CrossFit Effect. – Chuck Carswell has been part of CrossFit for nearly two decades, making an impact as a coach, mentor, and longtime member of CrossFit’s Seminar Staff. He’s one of the most experienced trainers in the world, having taught thousands of athletes and coaches through the CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate Courses. In this episode, Chuck sits down with Denise Thomas to share his journey — from playing in the NFL to discovering CrossFit, and dedicating his career to coaching and education. He reflects on the evolution of CrossFit’s training methodology, the lessons he’s learned from coaching at every level, and his philosophy of “Big Team, Little Me.” Topics Covered: Chuck’s early athletic career and time with the Miami Dolphins. His introduction to CrossFit and first experience with the workout Helen. The evolution of CrossFit’s trainer seminars and credentialing.  The impact CrossFit has had on the fitness industry.  Resources Mentioned: CrossFit Training and Certifications – Learn more about the Level 1 and Level 2 Courses: CrossFit Training What Is Fitness? (2002) – The foundational CrossFit Journal article defining CrossFit’s approach to fitness Chuck as a Dawg – Watch the play Denise references
• [Most Played] CrossFit’s Secret Advantage: We Prioritize Nutrition 06.04.2026 1h 56min

  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.
• [Staff Pick] You Need To Hear Their Story About CrossFit in Prisons 16.03.2026

  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
• [Most Played] Dr. Rhonda Patrick Shares The Science Behind Longevity 02.03.2026

  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 
• [Most Played] Female Physiology in CrossFit With Dr. Stacy Sims: What You Need to Know 16.02.2026

  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
• [Most Played] Everyone’s Favorite Addition to the CrossFit Family: Meet Dr. Fatty Acid 02.02.2026

  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.
• Quick Update from the CrossFit Podcast Team 19.01.2026

  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!
• The World Is Finally Ready for Us: Kelly Starrett on CrossFit’s Potential 12.01.2026

  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.
• What You Have Wrong About CrossFit’s Recommendations 05.01.2026 1h 4min

  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.
• [CFMS SERIES] AI, Community, and the Future of CrossFit Affiliates with Dan Uyemura 29.12.2025

  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 [podcasts@crossfit.com]
• Behind the Scenes of the CrossFit Podcast in 2025 22.12.2025

  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 [podcasts@crossfit.com].
• How to Get Out of Your Own Way with Mark England 15.12.2025

  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 [podcasts@crossfit.com].
• [CFMS SERIES] The Decline of Health in Italy and How to Stop It 08.12.2025

  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 [podcasts@crossfit.com].
• Rethinking Body Image and Nutrition in CrossFit 01.12.2025

  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 [podcasts@crossfit.com].