Puzzles, Programming, and the Games Behind the Games (Feat. Lisa Gaal)

WheelWOD's Director of Marketing and Technology, Lisa Gaal joins the podcast to unpack what it takes to grow adaptive CrossFit from the inside out. We talk about her path from running a full-time marketing firm to building systems, branding, and tech for events—plus the “why” that keeps a small, all-volunteer team moving. Lisa shares candid stories about professionalizing the sport (consistent branding, sponsor visibility, athlete profiles), what the new WheelWOD website will unlock (classification data, athlete pages, education), and how athletes can present themselves to attract partners without crossing trademark lines. We also dig into her personal journey—hearing loss, surgeries, grit—and how three weeks into foundational CrossFit training, she’s gaining fresh empathy for the work athletes do. If you’re curious about the workout clues, the culture, and the machine behind memorable competitions, this is a don't miss episode.Follow Lisa on Instagram: @lisa.gaalSend us Fan MailFollow the podcast on Instagram: @TheAdaptiveAthletePod