Renegade Performance Radio

Renegade Performance Radio

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Welcome to Renegade Performance Radio, where we talk about how to become a fitter, stronger, faster, well-rounded, and fulfilled athlete through the lessons and failures we have had over the past ten years on our journey as Crossfit Games athletes and coaches.

Zak Nothling & Callum Gifford


    • Jun 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 104 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Renegade Performance Radio

    Little Levers: Nutrition Habits That Stick (A few simple things to focus on even when life's busy, chaotic, or full of amazing food) | Ep. 103

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 11:21


    In this episode, Zak shares three simple but powerful nutrition habits that work even when life's chaotic, busy, or full of good food.If you're tired of starting over or feeling like you need a full overhaul to feel better in your body, this one's for you.

    Let the Barbell Teach You (Use the lifts as feedback tools, not just tests. Learn from the bar) | Ep. 102

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 13:18


    In this episode, Zak explores how shifting your mindset from “testing” to “learning” can unlock more progress in your lifts.If your barbell work feels stuck, inconsistent, or just frustrating, this one's about turning every rep into feedback, so you get stronger, smoother, and more confident under the bar.

    Reset, Don't Restart (How to stay consistent and build momentum — even when life throws you off) | Ep. 101

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 11:28


    In this episode, Zak unpacks the mindset shift that helps people stay consistent — even when life gets messy.If you're caught in the “I'll start again Monday” cycle, this one will help you break free and build momentum without needing a perfect week.

    You're Not Actually Stuck — You're Between Wins (How to stay the course when progress slows down) | Ep. 100

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 7:59


    In this episode, Zak breaks down the mindset shifts that keep you moving when progress stalls.If you've been training hard but feel like nothing's changing, this is your reminder to stay the course, because your next win might be closer than you think.

    You're Not Actually Stuck — You're Between Wins (How to stay the course when progress slows down) | Ep. 100

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 7:57


    In this episode, Zak breaks down the mindset shifts that keep you moving when progress stalls.If you've been training hard but feel like nothing's changing, this is your reminder to stay the course, because your next win might be closer than you think.

    Start by Training for Energy, Not Exhaustion (Why feeling better leads to looking better) | Ep. 99

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 11:40


    In this episode, Zak explains why feeling better in your workouts leads to looking better over time — and why underfuelling, not lack of effort, is often the biggest block to progress.If you're stuck in the tired-training, clean-eating, no-results loop, this one's for you.

    Let Go of Pressure (Why fun often returns when you stop trying to be perfect) | Ep. 98

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 16:41


    In this episode, Zak dives into why chasing perfect weeks and constant progress can actually drain your motivation — and what to do instead.If training feels like pressure instead of purpose, this one will help you reconnect with the reason you started.

    Pick One Skill and Commit – The Fastest Way to Break Through | Ep. 97

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 15:05


    In this episode, Zak shares the simple strategy that's helped everyday gym-goers and athletes break through plateaus: pick one skill — and commit to it.If you're feeling stuck despite training hard, this one shift in focus might be the game-changer you need.

    Why 2-Session Per Week Win Long-Term | Ep 96

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 12:50


    In this episode, Zak breaks down why training just twice a week consistently can be the smartest move when life gets hectic.He shares the mindset and strategies that have helped busy Renegade members stay on track, get results, and feel in control of their fitness again.

    Our process for training and nutrition when busy | Ep 95

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 17:16


    In this episode Callum and Zak take you through their thought process for when their lives are busy, to help them maintain momentum with their training and nutrition.

    5 Tactics To Stay Motivated When Results Are Slow | Ep 94

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 37:36


    In the latest episode of Renegade Performance Radio, Zak and Callum dive into a candid discussion about the often-overlooked reality that achieving significant goals usually takes longer than expected. They emphasize the importance of being purposeful and strategic in your approach, highlighting that success requires sustained effort and patience. Zak and Callum share insights on how to maintain motivation and stay in the game long enough to see the results you're working towards. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with the frustration of delayed progress and looking for strategies to keep pushing forward.

    We're Back, What We Have Been Going Through And How To Handle Adversity | Ep 93

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 43:29


    We're going to be transparent, life has been tough, but that doesn't mean that goals get put on hold its about figuring out how to adapt your strategy to match your situation.In this episode, Zak and Callum break down their process to continue to move forward in both business and training.  

    Running 30 Marathons in 30 days with Zeak Kelly | Ep 92

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 42:53


    We sit down with Zeak Kelly, a 31-year-old builder and newfound marathon runner who has taken on the monumental challenge of running a marathon every day for the entire month of April. Zeak is not just running for physical endurance but to spark conversations and raise crucial funds for Lifeline Aotearoa, aiming to bring suicide prevention into the spotlight. Discover how a challenge for Movember transformed his life, pushing him from a mental health struggle to finding solace and strength in the long runs. Zeak will share his journey from CrossFit enthusiast to a marathon runner, the deep personal reasons behind his commitment, and how he manages this grueling physical feat while continuing to work full-time. We'll delve into the importance of discussing mental health openly, especially among men, and how community and personal support play roles in his daily marathons. Tune in to hear how Zeak's story is inspiring others to check in with their loved ones and the impact this can have on breaking the stigma around mental health.

    The Harriet Roberts Episode - The life cycle of a CrossFit Games Athlete | Ep 91

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 84:43


    Renegade Performance Radio host Zak Nothling interviews Harriet Roberts, a four-time CrossFit Games athlete. From her humble beginnings to competing worldwide, Harriet shares her journey of perseverance, the emotional highs and lows of competition, and life after being a full-time athlete.In this episode, you'll hear about Harriet's challenges of competing at an elite level, including dealing with injuries, and her insights on finding fulfilment beyond the leaderboard.Whether you're an athlete, a CrossFit enthusiast, or simply drawn to stories of determination and resilience, Harriet's story offers a compelling look at what it takes to be a champion, both in and out of the gym.

    Should you stop trying to be positive? | Ep 90

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2024 18:11


    Today, I have a transformative mental strategy that promises to elevate your performance in CrossFit and life: Neutral Thinking. This concept isn't just another motivational spiel; it's a game-changer grounded in realism and the gritty experiences of athletes and high-performers worldwide.

    Open show 24.3 - Tips and strategy | Ep 89

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 14:32


    Listen to the Renegade team breakdown 24.3

    Open Show 24.2 | Ep 88

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 14:50


    Listen to the team breakdown their strategy on the 24.2 open workout.See you on the leaderboard.

    What equipment do you really need? | Ep 86

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 17:57


    In this episode, Callum and Zak break down what equipment you actually need for CrossFit and when and how you should use it.

    CrossFit Open 24.1 Breakdown, Strategy, Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 12:22


    24.1 Workout breakdown, strategy, tips and recommendations with Callum, Gemma, Gabi and Tom.

    When should you go up a division in comps? | Ep 85

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 12:03


    You've probably heard (or even said) this at a competition: "They're too good for this division!" Whether it's someone breezing through RX movements or someone whose performance is way beyond the scaled category, we've all seen it. But when is it really time to step up your game and move to the next division?

    To Scale Or Go Rx? | Ep 84

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 16:26


    Ever find yourself staring at the whiteboard, wondering whether to push for that RX or play it smart and scale? It's the CrossFit conundrum that gets alot of us. Today, we're diving deep into the when, why, and how of scaling workouts to keep you progressing, without sacrificing the essence of what makes CrossFit thrilling.

    How to get the most out of your training and make real progress? | Ep 83

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2024 15:20


    Want to get the most out of your training and make real progress towards your goals?Whether you're hitting the gym to get fit, compete, or just improve your overall health, being coachable is your secret weapon. It's not just about showing up; it's about how you show up and engage with your coach and the advice given

    Callum's Approach To Training As A Masters Athlete | Ep 82

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 26:18


    In the latest episode of Renegade Performance Radio, we dive into the world of CrossFit master's athlete GWizzy (Cullum Gifford).At 41, Callum's approach to training and life has shifted big time. Smart training, solid rest, eating right, and balancing life.

    Why You Can Do A Skill One Day Then Lose It The Next | Ep 81

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2024 13:55


    Have you ever experienced the frustration of Inconsistency with your skills or strength?It's a tale as old as time in the gym: you start the week strong, nailing those bar muscle-ups, chest-to-bars, or hitting a new clean PR. But as the week wears on, those skills and strengths seem to evaporate into thin air. Listen to find out why and what you can do about it 

    Should Competitors Follow The Same Program As Grandma? | Ep 80

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 26:59


    Today we are talking 'Same Program, Different Goals'How can a competitor follow the same programme as someone who wants to be fit and healthy in the same environment?

    Improve Your Gymnastics By Losing Weight Or Getting Stronger? | Ep 79

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 13:04


    Gymnastics in CrossFit: To Lose Weight or Get Stronger?In CrossFit, the pursuit of gymnastic skills  presents a unique dilemma: Is it more advantageous to shed weight to make those pull-ups feel like a breeze, or should you focus on building sheer strength to master the gymnastic elements?On our podcast ‘Renegade Performance Radio' we dived into this topic with the goal of giving you some guidance on what you should do based on where you are at in your journey and what you ultimately want to achieve.

    4 levels of Nutrition | Ep 78

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 29:35


    In CrossFit, your nutrition can either be your secret weapon or your Achilles' heel.At Renegade Performance, we've seen it all—from athletes who underestimate the power of diet to those who obsess over every calorie.The truth is that there are different stages you will pass through on your journey.Each stage is defined by the outcome you want and then the way you act/live.The major problem lies when someone wants something - but isn't willing to act in a way that will allow them to achieve it.  We refer to this as Cognitive dissonance. In this podcast, we look at the different levels.

    Stop Comparing Yourself, Or Maybe You Should Be Comparing Yourself... | Ep 77

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 28:09


    In today's quick lesson from Renegade Performance Radio, we're tackling a nuanced subject that every CrossFitter grapples with: the act of comparison.Most people would say comparison is a negative thing but we believe if used properly this can be both a motivational tool and a mental hurdle in your journey.Listen in as Zak and Callum break it down.

    You Need To Push Harder In Workouts | Ep 76

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 21:00


    How to push harder: Boosting Workout IntensityLiterally every week we have athletes tell us they need to “Push Harder”"I need to push myself more in workouts." To be honest, they are probably right, most people think they are working hard but very few actually areDoes this mean you should be vomiting after every workout..?No, not at all, but for most, understanding that you have more to give and how to access that will be the game changer for you progress.If you are not getting fitter and you are training regularly then it could be that you are not bringing the required intensity.But how do you push harder? Listen to find out.

    Should You Be Focusing On Lifting Technique Or Strength | Ep 75

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 13:57


    In CrossFit, there's a decision every athlete faces at some point: should you build your strength or refine your weightlifting technique?This choice is pivotal in shaping your training journey.In this episode, Zak & Callum explore this topic in depth. 

    How to have more willpower | EP 74

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 30:02


    Either you have it or you don't right…Can it be developed or are you born with it?In a podcast Callum and Zak dived deep into all things will power.Ever feel like you're giving it your all but still falling short of your goals?We believe a major reason lies in how you access willpower. This superpower can be the difference between almost making it and truly achieving your goals.

    The smartest way to lose weight when doing CrossFit | EP 73

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 17:20


    In this Podcast @Zak_Renegade and Callum discuss their recommendations about the smartest way to approach fat loss.

    How To Have Your Best CrossFit Open Ever | Ep 72

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 15:06


    In today's episode @Zak_Renegade and Callum talk about their thoughts on how to approach your training over the next few months to have your best open experience ever. 

    Dont go to sleep on your goals in the last 2 months of the year | Ep 71

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 31:52


    In this Podcast @Zak_Renegade and Callum discuss their recommendations about how to approach the last two months of the year to ensure you don't undo all your hard work.

    How to lift significantly more without doing a strength cycle | Ep 70

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 34:01


    In this podcast, I (@Zak_Renegade) chat with the new Renegade On Site Osteopath about his journey from triathlete to being one of the strongest weightlifters in NZ to being a health practitioner.We talk about recommendations for approaching injuries and improving your performance by improving the positions you can get in while doing CrossFit. This is a great chat for anyone looking to move better and get to the next level with their training.

    Should you use technology to help you know when to take a rest day? | Ep 69

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 13:10


    Do you need help taking a rest day? Are you someone who potentially overstrains? In this podcast, Zak and Callum discuss whether or not wearable devices such as whoop are worth the money or just a waste...

    Dont Make These Mistakes On Comp Week | Ep 68

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 38:21


    In this podcast Zak & Callum discuss the mistakes that people commonly make and how they recommend you prepare in the 3 core areas - training, nutrition and mindset.

    Overcoming the Fear of Underperformance in CrossFit Competitions | Ep 67

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 22:04


    Today, we're diving deep into a concern many athletes face: the fear of not being adequately prepared for a competition. Whether you're new to the CrossFit scene or a seasoned competitor, these fears can creep in. 

    Why You Might Be Struggling with Your CrossFit Progress (And How to Overcome It) | Ep 66

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2023 31:54


    If you've been training hard but feeling like you're stuck in a rut, you're not alone. Many athletes experience plateaus, Let's explore some possible culprits and how you can overcome them.

    Digital Detox: Finding Calm Amidst the Screen Chaos | Ep 65

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 19:44


    In today's episode, Zak & Callum talk you through their tactics for creating digital separation.Tech is going to be part of our lives forever so having some tactics around it is going to help you find balance in a hope that it helps protect your mental health.Please leave us a review if you find our podcasts helpful. 

    5 reasons Why your rubbish sleep is messing your life up & 3 simple ways to fix it | Ep 64

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 24:33


    The majority of us could all benefit from more sleep and better quality sleep.  But do you know why your sleep is affecting you? In this episode Zak & Callum talk through sleep for mental health and how to improve it.

    The Art of Stress Management: From Overwhelm to Optimal Performance | Ep 63

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 14:06


    **The Art of Stress Management: From Overwhelm to Optimal Performance**Everyone experiences stress, but not everyone knows how to handle it. Learning stress management techniques can help you deal with stressful situations more effectively.In this episode, @Zak_renegade takes you through his 3 favourite tactics.

    Rediscover Your Inner Child: The Surprising Benefits of Play | Ep 62

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 10:13


    **The Power of Play in Adulthood: Why You Need Fun For Mental Health**  In this episode of Renegade Performance Radio, @Zak_Renegade takes you on a nostalgic journey back to our carefree childhood days, highlighting the transformative power of play for adults. Delving into the often overlooked importance of unbridled fun in our busy lives, we explore how play not only reduces stress through the release of endorphins but also stimulates the mind, enhancing creativity, promoting social connections, and offering a much-needed break from the mundanity of everyday routines.

    3 ways to manage negative self talk to be happier and perform better | 061

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2023 19:12


    As part of mental health awareness week, we are bringing you 6 ways over 6 days to improve your mindset and mental health. Today @Zak_Renegade is talking about managing your mind. Please leave a review and share this podcast with anyone who you think would benefit.

    Why you Keep Failing to Achieve Your Goals | 060

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 17:02


    The fouth and final part of our Mindset series takes us through the success cycle. @zakrenegade talks us through this cycle and how to acknowledge self-sabotaging behaviours in order to get on the path to success. 

    This Will Change your Life | 059

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 24:41


    Continuing on with our mindset series, today @zakrenegade runs us through an exercise to do with identity and how we can model off an individual we look up to in order to model their behaviours and change our identity to instil some good habits. 

    The Secret to Unlocking Unlimited Motivation | 058

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 20:30


    Today we are back with the second episode in our Mindset series with @zakrenegade. Zak takes us through the '5 Why's' exercise which we believe is one of the most powerful exercises to help you get on the right path to achieving your goals. 

    Torian Pro Day 1 Jack's Pack Recap | 057

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 15:03


    @Zak_Renegade comes to you live from the Torain pro giving you a recap and update on 'Jack's Pack's'  progress after day 1 on their journey to attempt to qualify for the CrossFit games. 

    The First Step to Greatness | 056

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 14:03


    Today we are jumping into a series with @zakrenegade about mindset. Starting off, Zak talks to us about how we can create a vision for ourselves in order to start us moving towards something great. 

    Tegan Mitai on her Journey back to an Elite Athlete Postpartum | 055

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 17:38


    In today's episode, @teganmitai sits down with @zakrenegade to discuss her journey to date as a Crossfit Games Athlete and now mother before she heads off to the Torian Pro next week. They discuss her experience with training during pregnancy and postpartum and the advice she would give to new and expecting mothers as they navigate this for themselves.

    Breaking False Beliefs Ep 1: The Fear of Failure | 054

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 11:24


    Today, @zakrenegade kicks off a new segment for Renegade Performance Radio he's calling Breaking False Beliefs. For this first segment, he's touching on a common fear that hinder's athletes journeys to becoming great which is the fear of failure. Zak talks about why this is an irrational fear and how we can overcome this to be great. 

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