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“There’s No Going Back. Things are Only Moving Forward.” – James Hobart on the Future of CrossFit (EP. 025)
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.
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“It’s About More Than You” — Adrian Conway on the Engine That Props Up the Sport of CrossFit (EP. 024)
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.
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This Rehab Has a Secret Weapon: CrossFit (EP. 023)
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.
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The Female Factor: What Your CrossFit Training Is Missing With Dr. Stacy Sims (EP. 021)
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
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The Story Behind CrossFit’s Celebrity Trainer (EP.020)
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
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