Crying at the Gym

EPISODE 9 -- CRYING OVER THE BEAUTY OF FRIENDSHIP Making friends as an adult isn't easy -- but it's absolutely worth it. In this week's episode, Brooke and Lyze are keeping it light, fresh off of an especially silly evening with their gym friends. They explore the challenges of building new friendships after college (or grad school), the beauty of multigenerational friendships, and the red and green flags to look out for when decide what relationships to prioritize. They also dive into the places where friendships actually form and the value that friendship adds at each stage of life.

EPISODE 8 -- CRYING AND BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE: DECIDING WHEN TO WALK AWAY (PT 2) Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest (and bravest) choices someone can make. On this week's episode, Lyze shares her journey of surviving emotional and psychological abuse, the warning signs she got swept up in, and the breaking point that helped her walk away. Her story doesn't end there. Sometimes just making the decision to walk away is the first of many hard decisions. Lyze also provides insight on the support she received from her loved ones that actually helped and how she navigated this hard conversation with her partner. Brooke and Lyze unpack the cycle of abuse, why so many people in similar situations feel trapped, and how healing begins once you finally make the decision to walk away. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone -- and healing is possible. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for confidential support. International resources available at domesticshelters.org and hotpeachpages.net.

EPISODE 7 -- CRYING OVER UNUSED PTO: DECIDING WHEN TO WALK AWAY (PT 1)Buckle up, saddies! This one's a two-parter. In this series, Brooke and Lyze are tackling a question that's as personal as it is universal: when to walk away? Although this question pops up in about a million different contexts, this week, Brooke is opening up about her recent decision to walk away from her first practicing lawyer job. From her daily office cries (that she obviously carried into the gym) to her failed attempts at balancing the billable hour requirement with avoiding burnout, Brooke shares what made her finally reach her breaking point that made her walk away. If you're feeling trapped in a toxic work environment, are struggling with the pressure of being a young professional, or have simply ever cried at work, tune in to hear how Brooke learned to recognize the red flags, prioritize her mental health, and trust her gut when it came time to make a change. Part 2 will shift the lens from career to personal life, where Lyze will open up about her difficult -- but necessary -- decision to walk away from an abusive relationship.

EPISODE 6 -- CRYING OVER THE PHYSICAL TOLL OF STRESSClenching your jaw so tight at work you get headaches? Sunday scaries taking on a whole new level? Breaking out in hives during stressful situations? Lying awake at night with your heart racing? Fall deathly ill after spreading yourself a bit too thin? Same girl, same -- and that's because your body knows something is wrong before your mind is willing to admit it. In this episode, Brooke and Lyze dive into the physiological effect stress has on the body. They get raw and vulnerable this week, diving into their personal experiences with IVF treatments, toxic work environments, burnout, and the pressure of grad school as well as how the stress of each manifested in their bodies. From autoimmune disorders to stress headaches, tummy aches, fatigue, bronchitis, and hives, Brooke and Lyze discuss their best guesses at the science behind the physical toll stress has on the body and how their bodies have responded to stress at their lowest points. If you've ever experienced a mysterious pain that you can't quite link to an injury or ever wondered why stress leaves you feeling exhausted, inflamed, or stuck in survival mode, this episode will help you connect the dots between -- and hopefully improve -- your mind, body, and long-term health. After all, your body is a temple and deserves to be treated as such.

EPISODE 5 – CRYING OVER ENERGY VAMPIRES, BOUNDARIES, AND BALANCEFeeling drained? So deep in the trenches that people are kicking dirt over you? Dealing with someone who is sucking the absolute life out of you? Then, this conversation will help you recharge and spend your energy where it matters most. This week, Brooke and Lyze are diving into the concept of budgeting your energy – because she is valuable and deserves to be treated that way. After all, budgeting accordingly is the key to avoiding burnout and living a more balanced life. From knowing when to push forward to recognizing when to rest, Brooke and Lyze will help you learn how to manage your energy wisely, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.

EPISODE 4 -- CRYING WITH JOE SCHINNER OVER CROSSFIT AND BUILDING COMMUNITYIn this very special episode, Brooke and Lyze welcome their VERY FIRST GUEST: Joe Schinner, Owner of Crossfit Total Control West (aka the gym where their own friendship and the vision for this podcast started). Joe -- the only person they know capable of reversing negative self talk -- dives into how CrossFit creates a sense of community, the power of positivity, and why fitness spaces can become safe havens.From gym cries to CrossFit Total Control's annual bike and booze, Brooke, Lyze, and Joe explore the power of showing up, finding your people, and creating a culture of support inside -- and outside -- the gym. Joe shares his perspective as both a coach and community-builder, and Brooke and Lyze reflect on how their CrossFit circle has shaped their own lives.Don't worry, this episode is not just for the CrossFitters. Whether you're a CrossFit athlete simply searching for a stronger sense of belonging, or simply curious how fitness can spark genuine connections, this episode is packed with all the stories, laughs, and special secrets to help you find (or build) your community.

EPISODE 3 -- CRYING TO TAKE THE EDGE OFFWe all need something to take the edge off when life feels heavy. In this episode, Brooke and Lyze share the little rituals, guilty pleasures, and (sometimes unhealthy) habits that help us cope while we're in different depths of the trenches. From touching grass, manifesting, and journaling to pie-and-wine nights, self-help books, and podcasts, Brooke and Lyze break down all the things they really do to survive the hard days. After all, this is an unwellness podcast.

EPISODE 2 -- CRYING WHILE TRYING TO RECOVER FROM PEOPLE PLEASING If you’ve ever said “it’s fine” when it absolutely wasn’t or bend over backwards just to avoid conflict and keep everyone around you happy, this episode is for you. On this episode, Brooke and Lyze talk about the messy truth of people-pleasing: why we do it, how it drains us, and what happens when we start setting boundaries. From the guilt that comes with saying “no” to the fear of letting people down, we’re unpacking it all — without pretending we have it all figured out — because spoiler alert, we don't (well, at least Brooke doesn't). Whether you’re a recovering people-pleaser or deep in the thick of it, we share our own crash-outs, the hard truths we've learned in our recovery journey, and the little steps we’re taking toward self-worth, healthier relationships, and not abandoning ourselves for approval.

EPISODE 1 -- CRYING AT THE INTERSECTION OF BURNOUT AND PURPOSEFeeling lost or unsure about your life purpose? You're not alone. In the first episode of Crying at the Gym, Brooke and Lyze dive candidly into the pressure to "find your purpose," how our definitions of purpose have shifted, and why it's okay to not have it all figured out. We unpack the struggles of navigating burnout, identity, and expectations in your 20s and 30s -- especially when your life doesn't look the way you thought it would. From career confusion to emotional spirals mid-workout, we reflect on what it means to live with intention, even when the big picture is blurry.If you're questioning your path, craving meaning, or just need to feel a little less alone, this episode is for you.

EPISODE 0 -- WHO'S CRYING AT THE GYM? In this debut episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you into the chaos, connection, and catharsis that led to Crying at the Gym. We’re sharing how we met, the parallel journeys that brought us here, and the mutual burnout and disillusionment that sparked the idea for this podcast.We dive into our friendship origin story, our shared feelings of disillusionment with careers and adulthood, and our shared desire to create a space for honest, messy, and meaningful conversations. This is the start of something real. We're laying the foundation for the space we wish we had: a place to feel seen, to laugh through the mess, and to remind each other that we're not alone.Whether you're feeling emotionally fried, professionally lost, or just need a reminder that you're not the only one crying in public -- welcome. We’re so glad you’re here.