Talking Elite Fitness

The individual quarterfinals leaderboard is officially closed. Sean, Tommy and Lauren give an update on what's going on with penalties and how many total they expect to be handed out. The worldwide rankings have been updated and we know how many spots to the Games will be available at each semifinal. Plus, Mat Fraser stops by to talk all things HWPO and the crew looks at the floor plans for the upcoming team and age group quarterfinals.

Sean, Tommy and Lauren take a look back at the men's Quarterfinals. Oceania Correspondent Jeremy Austin joins the show to tell us who we should be watching from that regiona heading into Semifinals. Plus, we hear from Pat Vellner and Bjorgvin Karl Guomundsson after taking on the 5 tests this past weekend.

Sean, Tommy and Lauren recap the weekend of competition in the women's Quarterfinals and get the thoughts of Mal O'Brien, Emma Cary and Annie Thorsidottir following the five tests they faced. 

Talking Elite Fitness Oceania Correspondent Jeremy Austin sits down with 10-time CrossFit Games athlete Kara Saunders to talk about her pregnancy, if and when she plans on coming back to competition, how she originally found CrossFit and the advice she has for younger athletes who are starting to take up the sport.  

The Quarterfinals are upon us! Sean and Tommy break down the five tests that will determine who advances to the next stage of the season. Open winner Jeff Adler and his coach Caroline Lambray stop by to talk about their initial thoughts on the upcoming weekend.  Plus, experience the drama of March Madness as Tommy deals with a nerve-wracking finish to the Arizona versus Princeton game in real time.

Monster Michael Todd checks in from Atlanta after his first phyiscal therapy session.  He talks about what he and his doctor accomplished and how this recovery will affect his training for the left hand matches he has coming up.

Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil sit down with 9-time CrossFit Games athlete Cole Sager at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

The Open is closed! Brian Friend and Lauren Kalil join the show to help Sean and Tommy break down some of the notable performances and answer some big questions as we head into Quarterfinals. Plus, history is made at the Arnold Strongwoman Classic and why Tommy might get drafted by an NFL team.

The surgery is done, now the recovery begins. Monster Michael Todd updates on the procedure to repair is right biceps and what the timeline might look like for his return. Plus, Rebecca gets set to take on 23.3 in the CrossFit Open

Lauren Kalil sits down with the 10th fittest woman on Earth Alexis Raptis as she gears up for the 2023 CrossFit Games season.

We are into the final week of the Open. Sean and Tommy take a look back at the top performances from 23.2 A and B. They discuss the penalty that cost Scott Tetlow the win in 23.2 A and the huge weights that were thrown around in the 1-rep max thruster. Plus, Tommy talks about his experience at the NFL combine and why scouts may want to consider him as a late round draft pick.

Monster Michael Todd adds three more gold medals to his total, but it comes at a price. A torn right biceps knocks him out of most of last weekend's competition, but there is a silver lining. Plus, Rebecca Todd crosses another thing off her CrossFit to-do list.

Lauren Kalil sits down with the 6-time Fittest Woman on Earth to talk about her pregnancy, taking time off from competition, what fitness means to her right now and her role within the PRVN camp now that she is not training to compete.

The first test of is behind us while the second one is about to be revealed. Sean, Tommy and Lauren take a look back on the first week of the Open. They discuss Haley Adams' decision to sit out the season, the retirement of Kristi O'Connell and wha the fuss over Roman Khrennikov's rower is all about. Plus, a preview of the 23.2 matchup and how to properly consume corn on the cob.

Lena Richter and Eivind Ringaard are two of the four members of the CrossFit Oslo Navy blue team that finished 2nd last year at the CrossFit Games. They talk about their plans for 2023, how they feel about the team competition now that the Rich Froning Mayhem team is not in it anymore, their individual roles on their team and what they need to accomplish in 2023 in order for the season to be a success.

Monster Michael Todd updates us on his quest for 100 gold medals and tells us why he was unable to add to that total this past weekend. Plus, Rebecca Todd takes us through her first Open workout after tackling 23.1.

The 2023 CrossFit Games season is finally here, and to kick off the season we recorded our first studio show from our new studio. Sean's on the road and getting ready to call the 23.1 live announcment. Tommy is joined in the studio by Annie Sakamoto and special guests from the road. Lauren Kalil joins from CrossFit East Nashville where she's been with the PRVN fitness team. Brian breaks down his worldwide ranking system, and Sean gives us a vibe check from the Caja Magica in Madrid. 

The gold medal count is now at 16.  Monster Michael Todd brought home 8 more gold medals this past weekend, but it came at a price. He talks about what happened to his elbow and how he plans on managing it this week.  Plus, with Valentine's Day on the horizon, Michael and Rebecca have a gigantic cheat day planned.  Find out the details on the various treats they plan on consuming on Tuesday.

Brian Chontosh and Chriss Smith are two of the four members of the Shut up and Row team that completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.  The Talisker Whisky Challenge is a race where teams row their boats 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.  Team Shut up and Row wound up finishing the journey in 33 days, 17 hours and 38 minutes an they also raised close to 500-thousand dollars for the Big Fish Foundation.  It's a fantastic conversation and we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it.

Three guests in one episode! Lauren Kalil, the newest member of the TEF team, stops by to talk about how she got started covering the sport and why she thought it was a good idea to work with Sean and Tommy. CrossFit's Senior Manager of Competition Dave Eubanks goes through the worldwide ranking system and explains the process of determinining strength of field and awarding additional Games spots at each semifinal. Pat Vellner closes things out with his reaction to the ranking system and talks about what it's like to have his very own training shoe.

Monster Michael and Rebecca Todd are back to break down the CRAZY schedule that's ahead of them the next six weeks. Michael details every location and how many medals are up for grabs in his quest for 100 golds starting with this weekend's tournament in his home state of Arkansas where 8 medals will be on the line. Rebecca gives us a new update on her injury, her treatment plan, and what that means for her fitness journey moving forward. 

Jason Khalipa is the 2008 Fittest Man on Earth and also the owner of NC Fit headquartered in San Jose, California. He recently decided to reaffiliate his gym with CrossFit. Jason talks about that decision and why now was the right time to make it, why he decided to end his affiliation in the first place, what he thinks CrossFit needs to continue to do in order to help affiliates succeed and if we can expect to see him back on the competition floor anytime soon.

A major part of the 2023 Games season has been revealed. We now know how the worldwide ranking system will work. Sean and Tommy dive into all the details. With the Open right around the corner, it's time to take a look back at where we have been since 2011. Bill Grundler and Chase Ingraham from the "Get with the Programming" podcast join the show to talk about the things that stand out to them about the Open and what we as a community need to do to get back to where we were in 2018.

Monster Michael and Rebecca Todd are back in the United States after their trip to Europe. Michael gives us lesson in basic arm wrestling rules and tactics while Rebecca updates us on her injured knee. Plus, why waffles in Amsterdam are so good and things you don't want to happen after a cold plunge.

Paige Powers had one of her best years competing in 2022.  She finished second at the Atlas Games to earn her first career trip to the CrossFit Games as an individual.  Powers would finish 25th in Madison that included a 6th place finish in the Echo Press event.  She talks about her recent victory at Wodapalooza, the effect it had on her confidence, the lessons she learned from her experience at the CrossFit Games and what it's like being part of the CrossFit Mayhem crew.

The 2023 No Bull CrossFit Games season is starting in Madrid. The host site for the first Open announcement has been revealed. Tommy and Sean give a brief preview of the matchups and tell us why they're excited to get things kicked off. With the beginning of the Open right around the corner, it's time to select the top 10 biggest questions heading into the season.

Monster Michael Todd takes his quest for 100 gold medals across the Atlantic to Turkey for East vs. West 6.  Sean and Tommy talk to him about his training leading up to the competition, his match against Kydyrgali Ongarbaev and the lessons he learned from his experience in Europe. Plus, Rebecca Todd talks about how her training focus has shifted after suffering a setback in the form of a knee injury.

The Official Friend of the Show returns! Brian Friend joins Sean and Tommy to recap Wodapalooza.  Who impressed, who surpised and who has momentum heading into the 2023 Games Season? Plus, what happens when you try and hit a golf ball off a frozen lake.

After finishing on the podium in the Elite Individual Competition this weekend, Emma Cary and her coach Matt Torres of Brute Strength join Tommy at the Wodapalooza Podcast stage to talk about Emma's competition weekend, her journey back from a serious back injury, and the development of their athlete/coach relationship over the past few seasons. 

Live from the podcast stage at Wodapalooza 2023 in Miami, Tommy Marquez sits down with Shane Orr & Nic Johnston of PRVN fitness to discuss the history and future of the brand, changes in the off-season for their stable of athletes and coaches, and the recent news that Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr will be sitting out the 2023 season to give birth to her and Shane's first child. 

Guido Trinidad is one of the founders of Wodapalooza and was responsible for programming this year's event. He talks about how Wodapalooza got started, the things he and his team did to grow the event and his programming philosophy.

Pat Vellner is an 8-time CrossFit Games competitor, 2020 Rogue Invitational Champion and the 3-time defending Wodapalooza Champion. We talk to him about his experience at the CrossFit Games last year, coming up short in the final event of the 2022 Rogue Invitational, how the team of him, Brent Fikowski and Jeff Adler came together for Wodapalooza and what it would take for him to consider going team for the CrossFit Games.

The quest for 100 gold medals is underway! Monster Michael Todd updates us on his weekend competing in Bowling Green, Ohio. He was going for 8 gold medals. How close did he get? Plus, Rebecca Todd gets to workout at CrossFit East Nashville and goes full fangirl on one of the biggest names in the sport.

Monster Michael Todd has earned 23 World titles and 36 National titles in arm wrestling. His wife Rebecca is a 7-time National Women's Arm Wrestling champion. Both are CrossFit fanatics. This year Monster Michael Todd is attempting to win 100 gold medals around the world. Meanwhile, Rebecca will be visiting as many CrossFit gyms as she can as she looks to be able to do every movement as prescribed. We will be joining them on their journeys and checking in with them each week to track their progress. 

The final major offseason competition is right around the corner. Wodapalooza is just one week away. Sean and Tommy preview the men's and women's team competitions and tell you who you should be watching in Miami. Plus, Loud and Live's VP of Sport Dyland Malitsky joins the show to talk about what's new this year at Wodapalooza and what fans can expect from the four-day event.

It's time to hand out some awards! Sean and Tommy take a look back on the year that was and choose their top moments, stories, performances and atheltes from 2022. It's the First Annual Talkies - The Fittest Awards Show on Earth!

Instead of a holiday party, we decided to hold a Podium Picks party.  Four of our Patrons join the show for a special Holiday Movies draft. Just like your office party, this episode has a little bit of everything.  From cheesy Hallmark flicks to timeless classics to modern masterpieces, this episode promises to put smile on your face and get you in the holiday spirit.

Dave Durante is a former American artistic gymnast. He was the 2007 All-Around champion and one of three alternates to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Durante now helps run Power Monkey Fitness and teaches gymnastics to athletes of all levels at his Power Monkey camps. Dave talks about how he got involved in CrossFit, why gymnastics is so important for performance in sports and how close he thinks we are to the ceiling of what CrossFit athletes can do when it comes to gymnastics.

CrossFit surprised everyone with some surprise presents under the tree. The semfinals dates and locations have been announced and we have an equipment list for 2023. Sean and Tommy talk about the things that stood out to them and what kind of impact they will have on the season.  The guys also revisit the top questions they had heading into the offseason.  Which ones have been answered, which ones became more clear and which ones are still lingering?

If there is anyone who knows about making a bold fashion statement, it's Nick Mathew.  The man who is known for donning his signature crop top on the competition floor joins the show for the most stylish edition of Podium Picks we've ever done.  It's ok to have a bad draft, just as long as you look going doing it!

Nick Mathew made his first appearance at the CrossFit Games in August and wound-up finishing 14th overall.  He finished first in two events – the skill speed medley and the sandbag ladder. Mathew also finished 12th at the Rogue Invitational in October.  He talks about what it was like thinking he had missed out on qualifying for the Games only to then be told he was in after another athlete tested positive for PEDs at the Granite Games, what he learned from his experience at the CrossFit Games and how his signature crop top got started.

Masters champions were crowned this past weekend in Cookeville, Tennessee. Sean and Tommy recap the top performances and memorable finishes from the Legends Championship and discuss how it might one day have a role in the CrossFit Games season. Khan Porter is calling it a career after 2023.  The guys debate where he ranks when compared to the best male Australian CrossFit athletes of all time.

Five-time CrossFit Games athlete Amanda Barnhart is here for a sweet and savory edition of Podium Picks. The crew drafts their favorite snack foods this week. Take a listen, grab a plate, bowl or bag full of your favorite munchie and help us decide who put together the best list.  

Amanda Barnhart has competed at the CrossFit Games for the last five years. Her best finish is 7th place overall. She did that twice in 2019 and 2020. She talks about her recent decision to switch from CompTrain to HWPO, how she has changed as an athlete during her career, balancing her desire to compete with her desire to start a family and what her goals are for the coming season.

The Dubai Fitness Championship proved to be an exciting competition this past weekend with extremely close battles for podium spots on the men's and women's sides. Sean and Tommy talk about who surprised, who stood out and who we need to be watching heading into 2023. Plus, the Legends Championship is set to kick off this week in Cookeville. The guys tell you how to watch and why you need to show up online or in person if you want to see Masters athletes get more coverage.

Josh Pirtle is the man behind the CrossFit comedy and meme account Fluffy Duck on Instagram. He joins the crew for an emoji draft. This episode is sure to earn a red heart, a smiley face or even a rollling on the floor laughing emoji. Only one person can earn the win, so take a listen and help us decide who put together the best group of keyboard characters.