Linchpin Conversations

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Linchpin Conversations is a podcast covering health, fitness, personal development and random musings regarding life.

Pat Sherwood


    • Nov 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 635 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Linchpin Conversations podcast, hosted by Pat Sherwood, is truly a treasure trove of great CrossFit information for coaches and athletes alike. With his humility, kindness, and vast life experience, Pat provides invaluable insights and advice on functional fitness and more. One can't help but appreciate the wealth of knowledge shared in each episode. While it would be amazing to hear more appearances from Pat's wife Emily, a star athlete herself, the podcast still offers incredible value.

    One of the best aspects of The Linchpin Conversations podcast is Pat Sherwood himself. He is a gracious and humble host who possesses a vast knowledge of functional fitness. His years of experience shine through as he shares valuable information that may not be heard from many CrossFit coaches. The episodes are both entertaining and educational, making them a true gem for anyone interested in CrossFit or dedicated gym-goers. From specific lifts and movements to strategies for benchmark workouts, there is something for everyone to learn.

    A potential downside of this podcast is the lack of appearances from Emily Sherwood. As mentioned earlier, she is a star athlete herself and her perspective would undoubtedly add value to the discussions. However, this does not take away from the overall quality of the podcast. Pat Sherwood alone provides an abundance of insightful perspectives and invaluable information that cannot be bought. It truly feels like receiving free fitness coaching at the highest level.

    In conclusion, The Linchpin Conversations podcast with Pat Sherwood is a must-listen for anyone interested in CrossFit or dedicated to their gym routine. Pat's humility, kindness, and extensive life experience make him a shining star in the world of CrossFit. His ability to share knowledge on various aspects such as specific lifts, mindset, training strategies, and more sets this podcast apart from others in its field. Whether you're a coach or an athlete seeking to enhance your understanding and performance in functional fitness, this podcast is a goldmine of information. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and grow.



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    Latest episodes from Linchpin Conversations

    Race Cars & the Stock Market.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 43:33


    Ike is a husband & father of 3 children. He has spent many years of his life as an investor in the stock market. What he shares in this episode is NOT financial advice, it is just his personal experience & opinions. He also loves racing cars & has been a student, as well as an instructor. This is his story.

    What if you Never Kip Again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 29:38


    What if you Never Kip Again? Rearranging workouts when sick. Bar dips vs Ring Dips. Different style deadlift grips. Building Ring Muscle-up capacity.

    6 ft. 7 in. Tall, 53 years old & taking a GLP1.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 41:26


    Jeremy is a husband & father of 3. He has been big, tall & heavy for all of his life. When he stopped playing sports his weight started to become an issue. He decided to take a GLP1 to help him lose weight & improve some of his health markers. This is his story.

    The Secret to Long Term Fitness

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 58:23


    Training vs Testing. The gym owners dilemma. Life is busy…focus on food or fitness? Learning handstands. Fitness while traveling. (Links to another question) Working out in public. Favorite Ice Cream. Dangerous movement combos. Warm-up sets vs Working sets Midline work.

    Living the dream as a Dive Instructor.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 34:47


    Matt is a husband & father of two girls. He has been a fulltime dive instructor for over 25 years. This occupation has enabled him to travel the world seeking adventure & opportunity. He was born & raised in the U.K., but he has called the Philippines home since 2003. He currently owns a dive business & resort focused on scuba adventures. This is his story.

    Thumbs around the Pull-up Bar...Yes or No?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 46:25


    Our favorite workout style. The story behind "Linchpin". Reverse Hypers. 2026 Games Meet up? Struggling with Dips. Thumb wrapped around pull-up bar, yes or no? What has CF taught me that applies to life? Testing workouts. Extreme Scaling of workouts. Help! Air Squats destroy me!

    Not your typical Soccer Mom.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 44:13


    Steph is a wife & mother of 3. Her days are hectic. She works from home full time as an underwriter. When she is not occupied with that she is caring for her 3 kids & running them around to soccer practice & games. She found fitness later in life & has found a way to make it a daily habit. This is her story.

    Doctors, Dumbbells & Doomsday Prepping.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 35:52


    Linchpin Conversations…intro Manual Treadmills The Daily Videos Dumbbells for Heavy Days Doomsday Prepping. Finding a good doctor. Choosing an Air Runner. CrossFit Medical Society. Leaderboards. “Tactical Games”

    Helping Amputee Soldiers.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 42:14


    Dawn is an Occupational Therapist who currently works with Ukrainian soldiers who have lost arms and/or legs in the war. She helps them learn to use their new prosthetic limbs so they can function in the real world & perform life's tasks. This is her story.

    How to Increase your Deadlift.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 47:19


    Open Heart Surgery & Linchpin. What I wish I knew when I started CrossFit. Weight belts…necessary or not? Odd Objects & the Transverse Plane. Programming Games workouts. Pull-up rep schemes. How long does programming take? Increase your deadlift. Swapping around training days. Wall Walks.

    Former State Representative of Missouri

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 33:38


    Mike is a husband & father of two children. His life has been a combination of practicing law & serving in politics. He resides in Kansas City, Missouri where he has served the people of that state in various capacities. He talks us through politics as well as his fitness journey.

    McDonald's & Competitor Programming.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 37:37


    Hand maintenance. Power Clean stance. How to avoid McDonald's. Dealing with Tendonitis. Pregnancy & core work. Linchpin Test 13 origins. Competitor programming. Programming & AI.

    Navy Senior Chief builds Linchpin Army.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 35:34


    Ken is a Senior Chief currently on active duty in the Navy. He has served 16 years so far & is about to transition to a new duty station in Greece. He got exposed to CrossFit while on deployment & was shocked by how difficult the workout was for him to complete. This sparked his interest & he never looked back. He has been the catalyst for many other Sailors & Marines to join the Linchpin community. This is his story.

    HYROX, Back Squats & Cookies.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 35:56


    HYROX racing. Accessory work. Dumbbells & Sandbags. Intentionally “burning out” certain muscles? Distance Conversions for Air Runners. Respect the Heavy Days. Skip the warm-up or Cool down? What if you never Back Squatted again?

    Life as an EMT working 24 hour shifts.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 46:48


    Kevin is a husband & a father of a little girl. He spent many years of his life as a coach at various gyms. When he learned he was going to be a father he knew something in his life needed to change. He quit being a coach & became an EMT. This has been a great career transition for him, but his work schedule is demanding. He works two 24-hour shifts each week & still eats well & trains. This is his story.

    CrossFit Brand vs People's Perception.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 47:22


    CrossFit brand vs people's perceptions. How to train during your lunch break. VNR Jump Rope course. Rogue Invitational in Scotland. Linchpin & Soccer. Top CrossFit Journal articles. Tips for someone new to fitness. Switching training days around. Heavy day strategies. Linchpin workout options explained.

    Skinny Runner Adds 30 lbs of Muscle!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 34:09


    Dermot is a husband & a father of two boys. He lives in Ireland with his family & works for the government doing IT work. His commute to the office is 150 km! (93 miles) He does this commute 3 times a week. On those days he gets up & works out at 5:30am. He spent many years as a distance runner, but embraced CrossFit about 10 years ago. This is his story.

    Increase Your Strict Pull-ups

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 35:07


    Linchpin Test 13 The VNR 1.5 Mile Run program Front Rack position struggles. Choosing the right workout option. A Better Warm-up How to increase strict pull-ups When to do yoga.

    Busy Mom with no free times stays Fit.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 32:08


    Alainna leads a busy life. She is a wife & a mother of two little girls. Her occupation as a dental hygienist means she is caring for people all day long, & then has to go home & care for her family. She is committed to being strong & healthy for herself, as well as her family. She gets up early in the mornings to make sure her workouts happen. This is her story.

    stays busy moms free times
    Lifting or Cardio…pick only one!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 35:14


    Weightlifting Shoes. An unhealthy obsession with being healthy. Fitness Freedom. Lifting or Cardio…pick only one! Why are push-ups so hard? Mobility work into the accessory work? The best coach I ever had. Introducing a friend to fitness.

    Being a Single Mom & working on planes.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 43:12


    Darcy is a hard working, driven single mom with a teenage daughter. She spent many years of her life in difficult, physically demanding professions that historically were dominated by men, such as being an aviation mechanic. After years in that profession she transitioned to being a teacher. She finally has landed her dream job that blends the worlds of aviation & education. This is her story.

    Can you be Fit & Fluffy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 43:53


    How to push past your limits. Working around a busy schedule. Strategy vs Cheating. Can you be Fit & Fluffy? Maintaining hook grip. Banded Pull-ups Pacing longer workouts. Extra Lifting. 

    Gym Owner chooses Linchpin.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 38:52


    Connor is the owner of CrossFit Winnebago. He tried several different programming options for his gym before deciding that Linchpin was the best choice. This is his story.

    Help…I can't do a Pull-up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 50:35


    Tips to enhance recovery. Is walking 10k steps necessary? Grips Help…I can't do a Pull-up! When to use a weight vest. Strategy for “Death by” workouts. Golfer's elbow. Coming back from double knee surgery. Air bike with broken monitor Prepping for a Marathon Row

    Working out at the YMCA.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 35:44


    Melanie is a Data Systems Archival Analyst, a birth doula, a post partum doula, & an infant care specialist. Needless to day, she is a busy woman with a hectic schedule. She excels at being available to people during critical & pivotal times on their lives. This is her story. 

    What is "Wizard Pepper"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 35:53


    How & when to learn a new skill. Thoughts on the CrossFit brand. Linchpin Test 13. What is “Wizard Pepper”? Good substitutes for Deadlifts.

    The John Muir Trail & Veganism.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 37:02


    Craig is a husband & a father. He lives in Melbourne, Australia & grew up as a swimmer. Over the decades he let his fitness slip away & then decided to regain it. He has been living a vegan lifestyle for roughly 10 years. He loves hiking & has tackled the famous 211 mile John Muir trail. This is his story.

    Mickey Mouse & Dragon Boat Racing.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 26:50


    Tabitha grew up playing tennis & basketball. In college she did Dragon Boat racing & even represented the U.S. in Hong Kong. She also spent time doing long distance running before finally developing a love for CrossFit. When her gym in L.A. closed, she began working out at home & discovered Linchpin. This is her story.

    My Doctor told me Not to Squat Heavy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 64:08


    Unhealthy obsession with being healthy Are complex movements really necessary? Box jumps on heavy days. Competition vs longevity. Recovery strategies. No room to run. Does the order of workouts matter? (Comes up twice) Run a marathon with Linchpin? Help! My doctor told me not to squat heavy. “High Intensity” in real terms. Movement modifications. Linchpin & BJJ.

    Flying B-52 bombers & staying fit.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 46:37


    Scott is a husband & father of 3. He served a 20 year career in the Air Force flying aircraft such as the B-52, MC-12, E-11, E-4 & others. Plenty of time during his career was spent in harsh conditions away from his family. These days he is a civilian who flies for FedEx & enjoys being able to spend time with his family. This is his story.

    Working in Politics & staying fit.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 28:23


    Jean has been a Linchpin member for nearly 6 years. He was recently elected to the Halifax Regional Council in October 2024. He is doing his very best to leverage his communications background & fitness IQ to navigate his new role in politics. His work schedule is demanding & unpredictable, which makes fitness challenging. This is his story.

    1RM's after 40 years old.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2025 37:12


    How to get stronger with limited dumbbells. Rower vs Bike Erg vs Air Bike 1RM's after 40 years old. Linchpin & Rugby. Workout in AM, accessory work in PM. Modifying distances based on gender. Slam balls. What does being "Quad dominant" mean?

    F45 vs CrossFit.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 35:32


    Mark is a husband and a father who does Linchpin, while also coaching at an F45 gym. He has worked his entire life in the electro-mechanical technology field for various chemical industries. He shares insight into his occupational history as well as telling us the difference between F45 & CrossFit in his opinion.

    F45 vs CrossFit.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 35:32


    Mark is a husband and a father who does Linchpin, while also coaching at an F45 gym. He has worked his entire life in the electro-mechanical technology field for various chemical industries. He shares insight into his occupational history as well as telling us the difference between F45 & CrossFit in his opinion.

    Linchpin & Jiu-jitsu

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 37:02


    Linchpin & Jiu-jitsu Are all air bikes the same? Box Jumps “any style” Help me pick the right loading. How to incorporate more running. How to program workouts. Outfitting my dream gym. 1 Rep Maxes 

    Linchpin & Jiu-jitsu

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 37:02


    Linchpin & Jiu-jitsu Are all air bikes the same? Box Jumps "any style" Help me pick the right loading. How to incorporate more running. How to program workouts. Outfitting my dream gym. 1 Rep Maxes

    Helping students at the University of Central Florida.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 28:59


    Amber is a busy wife & mother of 2 kids. She has a demanding profession as the Director of Academic Success Coaching at the University of Central Florida. 70,000 students attend that school, making it one of the largest in the U.S. Amber discusses the current academic landscape & challenges facing students these days & how she still makes fitness a priority.

    Helping students at the University of Central Florida.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 28:59


    Amber is a busy wife & mother of 2 kids. She has a demanding profession as the Director of Academic Success Coaching at the University of Central Florida. 70,000 students attend that school, making it one of the largest in the U.S. Amber discusses the current academic landscape & challenges facing students these days & how she still makes fitness a priority.

    Do you "Cherry Pick" workouts?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 40:29


    Fixing unilateral strength imbalances. Cherry Picking workouts. Staying FAST as you age. Useful data for programming. How to do Linchpin forever? What is a "good base" of strict pull-ups? Nutrition while working night shift.

    Do you "Cherry Pick" workouts?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 40:29


    Fixing unilateral strength imbalances. Cherry Picking workouts. Staying FAST as you age. Useful data for programming. How to do Linchpin forever? What is a "good base" of strict pull-ups? Nutrition while working night shift.

    Marriage / Family Therapist, & busy mom.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 38:24


    Hailey is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working in Kansas City. She is also a mom of two little girls. She has a full, hectic life where free time is precious & limited. She discusses her occupation as well as how she has been able to keep fitness a part of her busy life.

    Is a "Cheat Day" necessary?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 46:20


    Is a "Cheat Day" necessary? Favorite workouts on vacation. Breath training. Body image issues for girls. Training in a commercial gym. Strangest place I've worked out. Pull-ups vs Chin-ups. Sled Pushes.

    Is a "Cheat Day" necessary?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 46:20


    Is a "Cheat Day" necessary? Favorite workouts on vacation. Breath training. Body image issues for girls. Training in a commercial gym. Strangest place I've worked out. Pull-ups vs Chin-ups. Sled Pushes.

    Spec Ops Physician Assistant & Linchpin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 28:10


    Dave is a husband, a father & has spent 22 years in the US Army. He has served in a variety of roles from commanding tanks to medicine. He has spent the later half of his career as a Physician Assistant in the Special Operations community. Needless to say, being physically prepared for unknown challenges is critical in his occupation. This is his story.

    Spec Ops Physician Assistant & Linchpin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 28:10


    Dave is a husband, a father & has spent 22 years in the US Army. He has served in a variety of roles from commanding tanks to medicine. He has spent the later half of his career as a Physician Assistant in the Special Operations community. Needless to say, being physically prepared for unknown challenges is critical in his occupation. This is his story.

    Burpees, Barbells, Pull-ups & more.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 47:41


    Burgener Warm-up & loading. Book recommendations. Training your kids. Does barbell spin matter? Movements we don't, but do anyway. Hormones, Women & Vitamins. 3 Tests of Fitness Pull-up grip. Burpee pacing Training for the Games vs Real Life. The order to learn gymnastics skills.

    Burpees, Barbells, Pull-ups & more.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 47:41


    Burgener Warm-up & loading. Book recommendations. Training your kids. Does barbell spin matter? Movements we don't, but do anyway. Hormones, Women & Vitamins. 3 Tests of Fitness Pull-up grip. Burpee pacing Training for the Games vs Real Life. The order to learn gymnastics skills.

    Pakistan to the U.K. to Linchpin.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 23:49


    Javerya is a wife & mother of 3 children. She grew up in Pakistan in a culture that did not really encourage women to engage in physical fitness. Because of this, she did not get into fitness until later in later life. A few years ago she moved to the U.K. with her husband, who got her invloved with Linchpin. This is her story.

    Pakistan to the U.K. to Linchpin.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 23:49


    Javerya is a wife & mother of 3 children. She grew up in Pakistan in a culture that did not really encourage women to engage in physical fitness. Because of this, she did not get into fitness until later in later life. A few years ago she moved to the U.K. with her husband, who got her invloved with Linchpin. This is her story.

    Progressive Overload & Strength.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 43:05


    Progressive Overload explained. Progressive Overload as it relates to CrossFit.

    Progressive Overload & Strength.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 43:05


    Progressive Overload explained. Progressive Overload as it relates to CrossFit.

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