Greater Culture Podcast

Do you find yourself with either a new or nagging injury? Are you trying to figure out how to workout and deal with the injury to improve it? Brad shares some of his tips and experiences around injuries and how to navigate them in the gym.

Whether you love them or hate them, wallballs are here to stay both in the CrossFit space and in the world of Hyrox. In this episode Brad breaks down the four keys to making your wall balls more efficient to rip off bigger sets, and make sure you're hitting the standard.

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast we meet members Byron and Anna. They discuss their fitness journeys, the importance of community in CrossFit, and how they balance family life with their fitness goals. They share personal stories of growth, challenges, and the supportive environment that keeps them motivated. The conversation highlights the evolution of fitness goals over time and the significance of encouraging newcomers to join the community.

What is the CrossFit and who is it for? In this brief at the board, Brad shares what the CrossFit Open is, who it is designed for, and why you may want to participate. He highlights that this event has been taking place every year since 2011, and how it can be a great measure of your fitness as well as community builder.

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, Brad interviews Adam B., a dedicated member of the community who shares his journey into fitness and health. Adam, a native of North Carolina, discusses his early life filled with sports and physical activity, which laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to fitness. He reflects on the challenges he faced as he transitioned into adulthood, balancing a demanding career and family life while trying to maintain his health. Adam emphasizes the importance of community support and how it has played a crucial role in his fitness journey, particularly through his involvement with CrossFit.

In this Brief at the Board, Brad shares the 3 keys to making your time on the rower more efficient. In order to get the most out of your effort on this machine, you're going to want to focus on the Start Position, the Drive, and the Recover. Check out how to maximize these three pieces to help with your rowing technique.

If you feel like you've been stuck or unable to see progress in your fitness, there is a good chance it is because you're not modifying your workouts to hit the intended mark for the day. Brad shares 4 areas you can modify a workout to make sure you're getting the most out of that session for the day.

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, we meet athlete and coach Ashley Frank, who shares her journey from gymnastics to CrossFit. Ashley discusses her early athletic background, the transition to CrossFit, the importance of community in fitness, and her approach to nutrition and lifestyle. She reflects on her coaching experiences, favorite movements, and the supportive environment at the gym, emphasizing the significance of camaraderie and personal growth in the fitness journey.

In this whiteboard brief Brad shares the 3 keys to being able to move well and improve your fitness over a lifetime.

In this episode of Meet the Member, we meet Laura Whipple, who shares her journey from Colombia to the United States, her military experience, and her evolution in health and fitness. Laura discusses the challenges of adapting to a new culture, her struggles with nutrition, and how CrossFit has become a significant part of her life. She emphasizes the importance of community in fitness and offers insights into her personal goals and achievements, encouraging others to embrace their fitness journeys.

In this episode of the Greater Culture podcast, we meet Cristof Enssslin, who shares his journey from Germany to the U.S. and his evolution in fitness. Cristof discusses his initial passion for triathlons, the challenges he faced transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle, and the wake-up call that prompted him to reclaim his health. He details his experience with a 100-day jump rope challenge, discovering CrossFit, and the importance of community and identity in his fitness journey. Cristof emphasizes the significance of finding a supportive environment and adopting a positive self-identity to achieve personal fitness goals.

In this episode of Brad’s Brief at the Board, he tackles the question of what is the goal of CrossFit. Why do we put ourselves through 60 minute classes, and work to improve our habits outside the gym?The short answer is to improve our health. Which simply means our fitness over a lifetime. We want to be capable at any age, and fitness gives us that opportunity.Check out the episode to see why it's more than just PR's and sweat marks on the floor that help us to improve our health.

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, host Brad interviews coach and member John Walker. They discuss his journey from Texas to North Carolina, his health and fitness background, and his evolution into coaching CrossFit. John shares insights on the importance of understanding the 'why' behind workouts, the challenges of coaching, and the connection he aims to create with athletes in his classes. He emphasizes the supportive environment of CrossFit affiliates and encourages newcomers to embrace their fitness journey without fear of failure.You can catch John coaching the 9am and 12pm classes throughout the week at Greater Culture!

In this brief, Brad gives an overview of how to improve your squats. It's a foundational movement to being a human, and something we work on every week in the gym. He shares the biggest tips to help improve your squat and help you to be effective in how you improve your squat.

Meet Norma. She has been doing CrossFit for over 5 years now, and continues to find a way to balance her health, fitness, work, and two teenage boys. In this conversation you'll hear how her family encouraged her to try it out, why she fell in love with fitness, and what her routine looks like now compared to when she first started.She highlights her favorite and least favorite movements, and what keeps her coming back class after class.

In the first Brad's Brief at the Board - Coach Brad shares what CrossFit is. These short form whiteboard inspired discussions will tackle questions and topics in CrossFit in 5 minutes or less. In this episode Brad covers what CrossFit is, and how Greater Culture CrossFit helps the members improve their fitness for life using the 3 key components of Constantly Varied, Functional Movements, and Relative High Intensity.

In this conversation, we meet Jamie. She has been a member of Greater Culture for over a year and shares the challenges and motivations of her health and fitness journey From competing in Rugby, to starting a family, to finding a new movement passion to help her feel strong and capable, she highlights how important having a goal and motivation are along the way.Big themes include the role family plays in health and fitness, particularly the impact of kids perceptions as they watch their parents model a healthy lifestyle.

In this conversation, Brad sits down with Jack and Anna who are staples at the morning classes at Greater Culture. They discuss the challenges of maintaining fitness and nutrition during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and the need for a balanced approach to health. Anna reflects on personal experiences that tested her faith and resilience, highlighting the connection between physical fitness and proper nutrition.They share their favorite movements in the gym, and the areas they are still working to develop.

This conversation is with Kyle and Cassidy who have been members at Greater Culture for a little over one year. They share their health and fitness journey and how the college years both helped and hurt their overall fitness. Kyle and Cassidy highlight what they were looking for in a gym community to help them make better decisions with the way they move and eat, and how they have progressed over the year in the gym. You get to learn what they love most about going to the gym, and the areas they are still working to improve, and why they keep coming back for more.

In this conversation, Holly discusses her journey at Greater Culture CrossFit, focusing on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of persistence. She shares personal experiences of achieving milestones that once seemed impossible, emphasizing that consistent effort can lead to significant progress and self-discovery. She highlights how the change in the gym has impacted life outside the gym especially with her daughter.

In this episode, Brad Marshall and Nickie McKenzie discuss the upcoming Fuquay Fitness Summit, an event designed to promote health and wellness in the local community. They share insights into the event's inception, structure, target audience, and the importance of local fitness professionals. The conversation highlights the significance of community support in fitness journeys and the excitement surrounding the event's venue and offerings.

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, Brad chats with Adam La Reau, co-founder of O2X Human Performance. Adam shares his journey from a competitive powerlifter to a Navy SEAL, discussing the importance of human performance training, the role of tradition in military training, and how passion drives success. The conversation dives into Adam's early experiences in sports, the significance of nutrition, and the challenges faced during SEAL training, ultimately highlighting the value of pursuing one's passion in life and work. Adam emphasizes the foundational principles of O2X, which focuses on human performance. They explore the significance of valuing people within organizations, the evolving trends in human performance training, and the need for proactive health and wellness strategies. Adam shares insights on the excitement of making an impact through innovation and the challenges of entrepreneurship compared to military training.You can connect to learn more about O2X at www.o2x.com.

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, Brad chats with Stephen Scrobe, a former law enforcement officer turned health and wellness coach. They discuss Stephen's journey from law enforcement to health coaching, emphasizing the importance of self-care, mental resilience, and the impact of shift work on health. Stephen shares his experiences with injuries, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the critical role of sleep in recovery and overall well-being. The conversation highlights the need for first responders to prioritize their health and wellness to better serve their communities. He shares insights on the evolution of training for tactical performance, the balance required in training, and the challenges faced during his transition from law enforcement to coaching. Scrobe highlights the significance of rediscovering one's purpose and motivation in both personal and professional realms, advocating for consistency and the value of mentorship in achieving long-term goals.You can follow Stephen on IG @stephenmpowersChapters00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness in Law Enforcement03:01 The Journey from Law Enforcement to Health Coaching05:57 The Importance of Self-Care for First Responders09:00 Navigating Personal Health in Law Enforcement11:56 The Impact of Shift Work on Health17:49 Finding Balance Between Work and Family23:49 The Role of Sleep in Health and Recovery26:48 Lifestyle Changes Over Supplements29:11 The Importance of Self-Reflection30:38 Training for Tactical Performance34:22 The Shift in Fitness Education39:09 Finding Balance in Training43:22 Transitioning from Law Enforcement48:41 Rediscovering Purpose and Motivation

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, Brad interviews Steven Colon, owner of Tao Training Facility and CrossFit Tao. They discuss Steven's journey from being a collegiate baseball player to discovering CrossFit and eventually transitioning into coaching. The conversation highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the evolution of training methodologies in fitness. Steven shares his journey from starting coaching morning classes for free, to personal training and group training at D1, to being offered the chance to buy CrossFit Tao. He discusses the challenges he faced, including working for free, navigating the COVID pandemic, and overcoming self-doubt. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of relationships, continuous growth, and adapting his mission and values as a gym owner. Coach Steven's competitive spirit and desire to prove doubters wrong have driven him to succeed in the fitness industry, and he reflects on the lessons learned over his seven years in business.You can follow his journey on IG @pap3rmad3_colon and @taotrainingcfChapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From Athlete to Coach14:56 Discovering CrossFit: A New Training Paradigm29:50 Transitioning to Coaching: Lessons Learned45:04 Building a Community: The Role of Support in Fitness29:50 Building Experience: The Path to Ownership33:03 Taking the Leap: Acquiring a Gym in Georgia36:03 Navigating Challenges: Surviving COVID and Growing the Business38:56 The Drive to Succeed: Overcoming Doubt and Competition42:14 Evolving Values: Shaping the Mission of Tau Training50:00 Reflections on Growth: Lessons Learned in Seven Years54:02 Connecting with the Community: The Importance of Relationships

In this conversation, Brannen Dorman is back on the podcast to chat all things Masters athletes. They discuss the mindset shift that occurs as athletes age, the importance of balancing training with life responsibilities, and the need for tailored programming that emphasizes recovery and movement efficiency.The conversation also explores the differences between chronological and training age, the challenges faced by experienced athletes, and the significance of strength training as one ages. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of education and communication between coaches and athletes to foster a positive training environment. Brannen shares various aspects of strength training, volume, recovery, and competition strategies specifically for masters athletes. They explore how individual athlete profiles influence training methods, the importance of managing volume and recovery, and effective strategies for approaching workouts and competitions. You can follow Brannen on IG @brannendorman and Redemption Athlete @redemptionathleteShow Chapters00:00 Introduction to Masters Athletes Coaching06:00 Setting Goals and Balancing Life11:56 Chronological vs. Training Age in Masters Athletes18:03 Movement Efficiency and Performance28:46 Understanding Strength Training for Athletes34:19 The Importance of Volume in Training40:50 Managing Aches and Pains in Training

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, we meet Max Isaak, coach, multi gym owner, business development specialist, and all around incredible guy. He discusses his early experiences with fitness, the transformative power of exercise, and the importance of community in achieving personal goals. The conversation also dives into Max's transition from teaching to coaching, his competitive experiences in CrossFit, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives him to create opportunities for others in the fitness space. He highlights the challenges of finding authenticity in coaching, the importance of gaining experience, and the pivotal moments that led him to open his own gym, CrossFit Tilt. Max emphasizes the significance of building a community, the role of curiosity in personal growth, and the value of relationships in the fitness industry. You can learn more about Max on IG @maxisaak or https://crossfittilt.com

This episode is a reflection of the 2025 CrossFit Open from an athlete's perspective and from an affiliate owner's perspective. It's one of the most fun times of the year for affiliates, and athletes get the opportunity to showcase what they have been working on. So how did the 2025 Open compare to previous Opens? Was it a complete test? Was it a fun Open? Listen to see what Brad thinks about the 3 weeks!

In this episode, Max El-Hag shares his journey from a childhood influenced by sport and fitness to a career in coaching athletes of all levels at Training Think Tank. He discusses the impact of his family background, the challenges he faced in sports, and his transition from a finance career to coaching. Max elaborates on his experiences with various coaches, the evolution of his training philosophy, and the founding of Training Think Tank, emphasizing the importance of professionalizing coaching in the fitness industry. In this conversation, Max reflects on the psychological aspects of coaching, the importance of self-discovery, and the evolution of his business vision. Max also addresses the challenges of building a brand in a competitive market and the need for cultural influence within the fitness community. You can find out more about Training Think Tank at trainingthinktank.com and follow them on IG @trainingthinktank along with Max @maxelhag.

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, Brad Marshall interviews Olympic weightlifting coach and owner of Catalyst Athletics, Greg Everett. They discuss Greg's unconventional journey into the sport, his focus on the process rather than outcomes, and how he developed a passion for weightlifting. Greg shares insights on the importance of exploration, the challenges of learning complex movements, and the evolution of his career from athlete to coach and author. In this conversation, Greg Everett discusses his journey from being an athlete to becoming a successful coach and author in the field of Olympic weightlifting. He shares insights on the the evolution of his coaching philosophy, and the importance of finding joy in helping athletes succeed. The discussion also touches on the balance between the scientific and artistic aspects of coaching. You can learn more about Greg and Catalyst Athletics at https://www.catalystathletics.com.

In this episode Brad interviews Rebecca Fuselier, a dedicated CrossFit athlete, coach, and owner of CrossFit Bolt. Rebecca shares her journey from gymnastics to CrossFit, detailing her early experiences, the challenges of transitioning sports, and the importance of mental resilience in competition. She discusses her passion for coaching, the challenges she faced as a young coach, and her vision for the future of her gym and personal brand. The conversation highlights the significance of community, personal growth, and the journey of finding one's purpose in fitness. She emphasizes the importance of community support, maintaining balance between coaching and competition, and the role of humor and creativity in her life. Rebecca also reflects on her social media presence and the impact of her brand, Big Becca, which encourages others to embrace their strength and make a positive impact in their lives.You can follow Rebecca on IG @rebeccafuselieror her website https://www.rebeccafuselier.com

In this episode host Brad Marshall interviews Kristin Bowen, a seasoned CrossFit coach with over 350 seminars under her belt. Kristin shares her journey from a competitive swimmer to a passionate coach, discussing the challenges of burnout, the importance of feedback, and the evolution of her coaching style. The conversation dives into the significance of motivation, the impact of early coaching experiences, and the necessity of resetting goals as one ages in the fitness world. She discusses the influences that shaped her coaching style, the challenges she faced in her early coaching years, and the rewarding nature of helping others achieve their fitness goals. Kristin emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, authenticity in leadership, and navigating the gray areas in coaching. She also highlights the significance of teaching leadership skills to others in the fitness community.You can follow KBo on IG @kbo17

In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast Brad chats with Greg Pyszcynski about his journey from childhood obesity to becoming a successful strength coach.Greg shares how he found community and purpose through sports, the importance of mentorship, and how he uses his experiences to empower others.The conversation dives into the significance of building confidence, the role of failure in success, and strategies for helping others achieve their goals through fitness and personal development.Greg and Brad discuss the importance of building confidence through consistent training, the impact of environment on personal growth, and the nuances of coaching different age groups. They explore the blend of scientific principles with emotional intelligence in coaching, the founding of Undenied Fitness, and the desire to create a legacy for future generations through impactful training and development.Follow Greg online @undenied_fitness

This conversation explores the concept of mental performance in CrossFit, emphasizing its importance in training and competition. The discussion covers the definition of mental performance, its components, and the skills necessary for athletes to succeed under pressure. Kyle, Mike, and Brad highlight the significance of confidence, preparation, and the distinction between training and competitive mindsets. They also address the need for self-awareness and the role of resilience in achieving optimal performance. This conversation dissects the intricacies of athlete training, focusing on the importance of mental performance, experiential learning, and the integration of mental training techniques. They discuss how guiding athletes through training progressions, allowing them to learn through experience, and addressing mental barriers can significantly enhance performance. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach that includes both physical training and mental conditioning, highlighting various techniques for arousal control and attention focus. The discussion also touches on the role of self-help and the importance of finding the right mental performance coach.

In this episode of Greater Culture Chats, Brad dives into the intricate relationship between beliefs and mindset. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our core beliefs, which shape our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately our actions. By exploring the origins of these beliefs and employing techniques like the 'five whys' exercise, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their behaviors and the convictions that drive them. The conversation highlights that meaningful change in mindset requires a deep understanding of oneself and the beliefs that guide daily actions.

In this episode Brad sits down with Christine Kolenbrander, a seasoned coach and elite athlete in the CrossFit community. Christine shares her journey from being a competitive gymnast to discovering her passion for fitness and nutrition. She discusses her struggles with food sensitivities, the importance of holistic nutrition, and how CrossFit played a pivotal role in her healing process. Christine also reflects on her transition from athlete to coach, the competitive spirit within CrossFit, and the community that supports personal growth and wellness. She shares her journey through the world of CrossFit, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced as an athlete and coach. From the humbling experience of intense workouts to the evolution of her relationship with training, Christine discusses the importance of character development through adversity. She reflects on her journey to the CrossFit Games, the lessons learned as an alternate, and the rewarding experience of coaching and gym ownership. Christine emphasizes the significance of understanding individual goals in fitness and the impact of CrossFit on her life and the lives of others. You can follow Christine on IG @christine.kole

In this episode of Greater Culture Chats, Brad Marshall introduces the concept of mindset and its significance in human performance. He emphasizes the importance of self-talk and the beliefs that shape our mindset. The episode explores practical techniques for self-reflection, including spending time alone, listening to one's thoughts, and journaling to better understand personal beliefs and mindset. The goal is to empower listeners to improve their overall health and wellness through a deeper understanding of their mindset.

In this episode Brad sits down with Anthony Davis, a CrossFit athlete, golfer, coach, and overall great guy. They discuss Anthony's journey from a young athlete involved in various sports to discovering CrossFit and eventually competing at highest levels of the sport. The conversation explores the impact of community, training, and mindset on Anthony's athletic development, as well as the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. Anthony shares insights into how his background in sports shaped his approach to fitness and competition, and how he navigated the pressures of performance and identity in the world of CrossFit. In this conversation, Anthony shares his journey through the world of CrossFit, discussing the evolution of his competitive mindset, the challenges of navigating setbacks and failures, and the importance of rediscovering passion in fitness. He emphasizes the role of community support and how fitness can be integrated into a lifestyle rather than just a competitive endeavor. You can connect with Anthony on IG @_anthonydavis34

From coach/teacher to full time gym owner. In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, we meet with Bethany Larson, a former college volleyball player turned CrossFit athlete and gym owner. Bethany shares her journey from discovering CrossFit to competing at the CrossFit Games, and eventually transitioning into coaching. She emphasizes the importance of community, fun, and personal growth in fitness, while also discussing the challenges of balancing a busy life with health and wellness. Bethany's passion for CrossFit shines through as she reflects on her experiences and the positive culture she fosters at her gym. In this conversation, Bethany Larson shares her journey of balancing motherhood with her passion for coaching and gym ownership. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of transforming a struggling gym into a thriving community hub, especially during the pandemic. Bethany emphasizes the importance of building relationships, investing in personal growth, and setting a positive example for her members. Her mission is to enhance the overall health and wellness of her community, moving beyond just fitness to encompass nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle changes. You can connect with Bethany and Thousand Lakes Fitness @bethanyann_2 and @thousandlakesfitness

Competing and Coaching at the highest level. In this episode of the Greater Culture Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Ruth, an accomplished athlete and coach, to explore his journey in fitness. Kyle shares his early experiences with various sports, his transition from swimming to CrossFit, and the intrinsic motivation that drives him. He discusses the importance of self-guided learning, the connection between training and performance, and the challenges he faced in adapting to the demands of CrossFit. Throughout the conversation, Kyle emphasizes the significance of enjoying the process of training and the role of autonomy in maintaining motivation. He discusses the balance between competition and health, the importance of integrating fitness with family life, and the nuances of understanding pain and recovery in training. You can follow and connect with Kyle on IG @kyleruth_ttt

How does an actress become a nutrition coach? In this episode we chat with nutrition coach Gab Bolin about her unique journey from being a professional actress to a nutrition coach. Gab shares her experiences with the pressures of maintaining an aesthetic in the acting industry, her struggles with eating disorders, and how she eventually found a passion for fitness and helping others with their relationship with food. The conversation dilves into the challenges of transitioning from acting to the restaurant industry, the impact of social environments on health choices, and the importance of compassion and baby steps in making lifestyle changes. Gab and Brad explore the intricate relationship between nutrition, emotional well-being, and coaching. They discuss how many individuals are unaware of their potential for improved health and fitness, emphasizing the emotional ties to food and the challenges of making lifestyle changes. The dialogue highlights the importance of personalized coaching that goes beyond physical training, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of health. They also tackle common misconceptions in nutrition, the significance of honesty in coaching, and the empowerment that comes from independence and resilience in one's health journey. You can connect with Gab on IG @gab.bolin

From engineering to a career in coaching CrossFit. In this episode we meet Tony Oxley, who shares his journey from discovering CrossFit in 2013 to becoming a full-time coach. Tony discusses his initial experiences with CrossFit, the transition from college sports to fitness, and the competitive spirit that fueled his passion. He reflects on the challenges of balancing a career in engineering with his love for coaching and fitness, ultimately leading to his decision to leave engineering behind and embrace a full-time coaching role. The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the fulfillment that comes from helping others achieve their fitness goals.

How long does it take to find what your passion and strengths encourage your to do for a career? This conversation is with Aliya Gard, owner of Gard Wellness Center and a chiropractor. Aliya shares her journey from being a ballet dancer to working in corporate America, and ultimately finding her passion in health and wellness through yoga and chiropractic care. She discusses the challenges she faced in her corporate job, her awakening through yoga, and her decision to pursue chiropractic school. Aliya also shares the philosophy of chiropractic care, the importance of personal growth, and the entrepreneurial journey of starting her own practice with her husband. She discusses the importance of company culture, marketing strategies, and maintaining personal health while navigating the challenges of running a small business. Aliya emphasizes the significance of commitment, taking leaps of faith, and the core values that guide her practice. You can find Gard Wellness Center at https://gardwellness.com or on social media @gardwellnesscenter

In this episode we chat with Jason Ackerman, affiliate owner, owner of Best Hour of Their Day, and someone who has been helping athletes and coaches develop for decades. Jason shares his journey from his first workout as a wrestling athlete, to grinding away as an entrepreneur, to finding CrossFit. He shares the highs and lows, and what he has learned along the way that has pushed him to find meaningful ways to impact the lives of others. You can follow Jason on IG @coachjasonackerman and @besthouroftheirday

In this episode we get to know Danielle Dunlap, a CrossFit Games athlete, nutrition coach, business owner, and mom. We discuss Danielle's journey into fitness, her transition from athlete to coach, and the importance of nutrition in achieving fitness goals. She shares her philosophy on coaching, the significance of building sustainable habits, and how she balances her family life with her coaching career. The conversation also dives into the founding of her business, Humble Hungry Athlete, and the process of onboarding new clients. Throughout the discussion, Danielle emphasizes the value of community, personal growth, and the core values that guide her work. You can connect with Danielle on IG @jackeddanielles and @humblehungryathlete

What happens when your goals shift over the years while doing CrossFit? Meet Blair Jacobs, who has been doing CrossFit for a number of years, and is a founding member at Greater Culture. In this conversation you'll hear what lead her to try out CrossFit, and what keeps her consistently coming to class even after years of being part of the CrossFit community. Blair helped to create the logo and color scheme for the Greater Culture brand, and is always helping us with shirt designs and projects!

What is it like to coach the best in the world? Matt Torres is the owner and head coach at Brute Strength and coaches some of the best athletes in the world including the male 1st and 2nd place finishers at the 2024 CrossFit Games. That is not where he started his coaching career, as he was a coach at a CrossFit affiliate and owned one for a number of years. In this conversation we dive into what are the biggest lessons learned of moving from beginner coach, to affiliate owner, to competitive CrossFit coach, to working with the best in the world. He emphasizes the importance of research and development in running a successful gym and the value of mentorship and having the right people around you. Matt emphasizes the need for effective communication, asking questions, and understanding individual athletes' needs and goals. You can follow Matt's @heycoachmatt on IG and Brute Strength @brute.strength. These are both great resources for coaching insights and ways to improve as an athlete and programmer.

What keeps someone coming back to CrossFit for over 10 years? This conversation is with Jess Swanson who has been doing CrossFit as her way to focus on her own health and wellness for over 10 years. While the motivations and goals have changed, the community, the confidence that comes with being strong, and the ability to destress for an hour each day at the gym are key components to longevity. Listen as she shares her journey of going from Division I soccer player, to business owner, and how CrossFit has been a mainstay for her along the way.

What does it look like to continue helping people improve their fitness, coaching, and businesses for over a decade? It most likely looks something like Fern. Jason Fernandez, also known as Fern, shares his journey of how he found CrossFit and turned it into a career. Fern became an avid learner and started diving into entrepreneurship and business strategy. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, learning from mistakes, and iterating quickly. He discusses his approach to business and coaching, emphasizing the importance of experience and understanding the why behind strategies. He highlights the need to meet people where they're at, and tailor coaching to their individual needs. You can follow Jason on IG @coach_jfern or by visiting www.besthouroftheirday.com

Emma has been doing CrossFit for over 3 years and found it through a boss who encouraged her to try it out. As someone who loves running and enjoyed group fitness classes, she has been hooked ever since. She has been with Greater Culture since moving to the new space, and always has her coffee mug ready to go with the 515am class. The hour of fitness each day has become a staple in her health and wellness plan and even led her to complete 75 hard as a way to see what other areas she is interested in improving. You can listen to what are some of her reasons for working out, along with what are her favorite and least favorite movements to see programmed in the gym.

How do you help fuel the best athletes in the world as well as the people who want to look and feel great in their everyday lives? Justin Romaire does just that as he works with some of the fittest people on the planet, and also serves everyday gym goers. He founded Consistency Breeds Growth Nutrition coaching as a way to help people understand and build habits that can support the goals they want to achieve through what they eat. He provides a system of reaching goals without needing to track macros and weight and measure everything you eat. In this episode we discuss what led him to start nutrition coaching and then start a company to help others. We discuss the value that can be experienced by working with a nutrition coach 1:1. You can learn more about CBG by checking out their instagram @cbg_online_nutrition or their website www.consistencybreedsgrowth.com.