The CrossFit Podcast

CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman describes the current health crisis as “The Mess.” With the addition of CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Courses specifically for health-care providers, “we’re making an impact,” Glassman says. Dr. Douglas Michaelsen attended his MD L1 last weekend in Aromas, California. As an avid CrossFitter and a health-care provider, Dr. Michaelsen understands “The Mess” and he wants to help. Learn more about "The Mess" here: • Greg Glassman: The World's Most Vexing Problem • CrossFit Podcast Ep. 18.41: Greg Glassman and "The Mess" Sign up for the Email of the Day here! The CrossFit Podcast is also available on: iTunes Google Play YouTube

Regan Doele boldly posted “We Cure Type 2 Diabetes” on a sign outside his affiliate, Octane CrossFit, in Phoenix, Arizona. CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman is on a mission to enlist doctors, medical professionals and affiliate owners who understand “The Mess." Doele and Octane CrossFit caught Coach Glassman's attention. CrossFit affiliates have and will continue to cure Type 2 Diabetes.

CrossFit transformed Eric Conklin’s life in more ways than he could have imagined. He was obese, diabetic, anxious and depressed. Two years ago Eric changed his lifestyle. He started moving and eating clean. He attributes the support of his MW CrossFit family for guiding him on his transformation journey. He has lost over 150 lb., and his doctor claims that he's cured of his Type 2 diabetes.

Ronnie Teasdale is back on the show. The crew covers a variety of topics, including coffee enemas, the Polaris Slingshot, drinking urine, practicing celibacy and more. Don’t miss the fun.

Fibromyalgia plagued Olivia Vollmar with migraines and back and joint pain. On top of the physical pain, Vollmar admits that she was also dealing with mental issues relating to depression and body image. “CrossFit saved my life,” she says.

Bryce Bennett is a member of the U.S. Ski Team. His specialty is downhill skiing, where you need sound technique, speed and physical fitness to be successful. Bennett began working out in the gym as part of his training for the U.S. Ski Team, but the training regimens with the team eventually led to injury. After developing a bulging disc, he decided to look into other options. A friend brought him into Park City CrossFit in Utah, and the rest is history. “I got absolutely smashed by a soccer mom,” Bennett says about his first CrossFit experience. At that point, he knew CrossFit training was something he needed to pursue. He started training in his hometown gym, CrossFit Blizzard, in Truckee, California. “This is how you train for any sport in the entire world,” he says.

Nicole Aucoin, founder of Healthy Steps Nutrition and author of “Nourish: Grow Your Nutrition Business From the Ground Up,” is on the show. Aucoin is a former hospital dietitian and decided that she needed a new outlet for helping people eat well. “I wanted to teach people to live to eat instead of eat to live,” she says. For more information on how to implement her nutrition program for yourself or at your affiliate, visit her website: https://growyournutritionbusiness.com/

You may recognize her from our CrossFit Journal feature, “Famished, Force-Fed, 450 Pounds—and Finally Fit.” Athena Perez once weighed 450 lb. and admits that she was terrified to walk into a CrossFit gym. After overcoming her fear, she has since lost over 200 lb. Now Perez says she feels completely comfortable at her box, CrossFit Lakeville. Read more about Athena's inspiring journey on her blog, "Bean There."

Max Andruschenko is Ukrainian. He is married with seven children. He also owns CrossFit Bamyan in Afghanistan.

Peter Egyed joins the show to discuss his journey with CrossFit, from his early days as a Games athlete to his more recent experiences as owner of a thriving affiliate: CrossFit Fury in Goodyear, Arizona. For about a decade, Egyed and CrossFit Fury have been dedicated to making a healthy lifestyle accessible to the Goodyear community. Moving forward, Egyed is working with local businesses to build a more robust community by developing partnerships with an urban farm, a youth fitness and tutoring space, and more. Greg Glassman describes Egyed as “an unsung hero of the community.”

CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman describes the current health crisis as “The Mess.” With the addition of CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Courses specifically for health-care providers, “we’re making an impact,” Glassman says. Dr. Tom Siskron, IV, and Dr. Ken Sanders have attended the CrossFit M.D. L1 course, and they are on a mission to meld the medical world with the CrossFit world. Dr. Siskron manages CrossFit Medicus One, the first virtual CrossFit box dedicated to reversing chronic disease.

Amy West is a CrossFit athlete and a resident M.D. in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Harvard/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. As a physiatrist, West treats a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. West has noticed many parallels between the CrossFit methodology and the treatment options she recommends to her patients. In 2017, she presented a talk, “CrossFit Grand Rounds,” to physicians at Harvard Medical School/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Watch her presentation here.

Greg Amundson started CrossFit at the original box in Santa Cruz, California in 2001 during the birth of the CrossFit movement. He joins the show today to discuss the early days as well as his recent book release, “The Warrior and The Monk: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Potential And Finding True Happiness.”

Craig Howard has been an affiliate owner for over a decade. Diablo CrossFit in Pleasanton, California is one of the earliest affiliates. Along with running a successful gym, Howard was also the 2013 CrossFit Games champ in the Masters Men (50-54) division. His passion for fitness and competition has clearly made an impact on the community.

Dr. Sean Rockett is back on the show. This time he is joined by his wife, Dr. Ronda Rockett, owner of CrossFit Launchpad. CrossFit Launchpad is one of the first CrossFit Health affiliates. “My mission,” Ronda says, “is being able to attract and help people with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and take a look at their labs, instill a CrossFit lifestyle, which includes the nutrition, sleep, positive mindset, and of course, the fitness piece.” As a former primary care physician, Ronda feels strongly that the CrossFit methodology can help prevent chronic disease.

Brooke Ence is back on the podcast, this time to talk about recovering from a neck injury, describe her approach to training for Regionals, and explain how she makes sure she’s balancing work and life. Balancing is less important, she says, when you’re “doing something that you love so much that you don’t feel like you need a break from it.” These days, Ence is doing what she loves at the gym, on social media and on the big screen.

Tia Wright is training for her seventh CrossFit Regional competition. Finishing the Open in third place in the West Region, she has high hopes to finally make it to the big show.

CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman sits down with the podcast crew to share stories, talk about the current health crisis and explain what CrossFit and CrossFit physicians are doing to fix it. “We’ve got corruption. We’ve got death … and that is the public health scene,” Glassman explains. “There is no doctor that isn’t seeing the problem, seeing the mess, and the mess is the unprecedented incidences in rates of disease with an utterly ineffective and extraordinarily expensive response.” Topics for the day also include CrossFit’s success in its court battle with the NSCA, Glassman’s reflections on writing for the Journal in the early days of CrossFit, and lucky socks.

Zionna Hanson, the founder of the nonprofit organization Barbells for Boobs, shows Matt how to perform a breast self-exam. "Z," as she is more commonly known, and Barbells for Boobs are leading the way in promoting breast cancer awareness, prevention and fundraising. For more information on how to get involved or donate, visit: https://www.barbellsforboobs.org/.

Todd Ellis made it a mission to integrate CrossFit into schools. With the help of the CrossFit Foundation, Ellis has begun this challenging journey. CrossFit PGK is a non-profit affiliate within Franklin Pierce School District, working toward restoring physical education and community function.

A positive, supportive CrossFit community clears the path to recovery. Founder Scott Strode and Chris Diggett of The Phoenix are on the podcast to talk about how their free sober and active community is changing the lives of so many. The Phoenix, with Per Ignem CrossFit, is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe space for individuals who have suffered from substance abuse. For more information on how to participate or donate, visit: https://thephoenix.org/.

John Glaude has an incredible weight-loss story. His vlog, “Obese to Beast,” tracks how he transformed from being morbidly obese to fit and happy. It has helped motivate many others to transform their lives as well.

Ron Britt was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York as a healthy, active kid. In his early thirties he found himself going down the wrong path toward diabetes and obesity. He decided to make a change for himself and for his kids. Britt’s doctor prescribed medication for hypertension. He threw the prescription in the trash and eventually found a CrossFit box. CrossFit NYC and coach Erica Celini helped Britt take control of his health through fitness and nutrition.

CrossFit HQ liaison for @crossfit_italia and Seminar Staff member Matteo Pozzati is on the show. Sevan Matossian describes Pozzati's influence on the growth of CrossFit in Italy: “You are the park ranger for Italy, for the affiliates there—600 of them.” “The main goal is making them feel supported,” Pozzati says. Notable mentions: Dave Castro, Nicole Carroll, Greg Glassman, Chuck Carswell, Karl Steadman, Todd Widman, Jami Tikkanen, Sam Briggs, Tia-Claire Toomey, Kara Saunders (Webb), http://www.crossfitvenezia.com, CrossFit Venezia.

Marcus McClain is the CrossFit HQ liaison for Germany. As an affiliate owner and CrossFit Level 1 Seminar Staff member, McClain helps manage and develop the CrossFit community in Germany. Notable mentions: United States Army paratrooper, CrossFit KH, Afghanistan, Iraq, post-traumatic stress disorder, Chuck Carswell, Karl Steadman, Todd Widman, Dave Castro, Nicole Carroll, Greg Glassman, Eva Claire Synkowski, Reebok CrossFit Nürnberg, Nicole Gordon, Jami Tikkanen.

Another CrossFit HQ liaison is on the show! Natalia Díez connects CrossFit affiliates all over Spain. She is a member of the CrossFit Level 1 Seminar Staff and manages the @crossfitespana Instagram account.

Ricardinho Prudente is the CrossFit HQ liaison for the country of Brazil. He is also part of the CrossFit Seminar Staff. “Why CrossFit?” Sevan asks. Notable mentions: Greg Glassman, Daniel Chaffey, Stephane Rochet, Zach Forrest, Miranda Oldroyd, Nuno Costa, CrossFit Invictus, Punk CrossFit, Chuck Carswell, Lisa Ray, Dave Castro, Nicole Carroll, Cherie Chan, Austin Malleolo, Ben Bergeron.

Daniel Chaffey is the owner of Reebok CrossFit Louvre in Paris, France. As the French liaison for CrossFit HQ, Chaffey is the leading force in connecting CrossFit’s mission with the 421 affiliates in France. Notable mentions: Jimi Letchford, Dave Castro, Nicole Carroll, Greg Glassman, EvaClaire Synkowski, affiliation, affiliate owner, France, Austin Malleolo, Reebok CrossFit Louvre, Sajan translation services.

Troy Peterson is a veteran. He opens up on today’s podcast to tell his truths about addiction, depression and anxiety. Peterson believes he has been given a second chance at a happy life. CrossFit has played a major role in his progress, and he is looking forward to paying it forward. “The more truth that I speak, the better I feel, and the better I feel, the more people I can help,” he says. Notable mentions:Greg Glassman, weight loss, transformation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, recovery, sexual assault, child abuse.

Justin Gehrt used to weigh 405 pounds. Now, at 195 pounds, he is excited to tell his story and be a positive example of how CrossFit can change your life. Notable mentions: Kai Rainey, Gary Roberts, “Killing the Fat Man” series, Kirkland CrossFit, Greg Glassman, weight loss, transformation.

“We believe that the animals deserve the utmost respect because they’re the ones making the ultimate sacrifice,” says Randy Strauss, the co-president and CEO of Strauss Meats. The Strauss family provides the very best meats, which Randy says is because of "our commitment to the welfare of the animals we raise, the sustainability of our planet, and the health of our families.” Strauss Meats aims to educate consumers about the benefits of eating healthy, grass-fed proteins. The Strausses are drawn to CrossFit because they share a commitment to creating healthy communities focused on making smart lifestyle choices. Notable mentions: Randy Strauss, Jerry Bussen, ethical agriculture, Greg Glassman, Strauss Meats, “Obesity: The Post Mortem,” Dave Castro, Rogue Fitness, Bill and Caity Henniger, Concept 2.

Brooks Laich has played in the National Hockey League since he was 20, spending time with the Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs along the way. Now, at the age of 34, he is transitioning away from hockey and finding a new passion: CrossFit. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Brooks Laich, Julianne Hough, “Dancing With the Stars,” “Defining Brooks Laich,” Brick CrossFit, nutrition, Zone Diet, ketogenic diet.

n her teenage years, Alexandria Tolton suffered from a serious eating disorder. She believes that CrossFit has helped her overcome bulimia and understand how to live a healthy life. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Alexandria Tolton, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Greg Glassman, eating disorder, bulimia, anorexia, nutrition, Windsor CrossFit.

You might recognize them from the CrossFit Journal feature, “Our Why: Fighting Diabetes for Family.” Dani and Travis Raine tell their story of weight loss and reversing diabetes. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Dani Raine, Travis Raine, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Greg Glassman, Kai Rainey, “Our Why: Fighting Diabetes for Family.”

Gary Roberts is a producer and editor for CrossFit HQ. He also starred in CrossFit’s original series, “Killing the Fat Man.” Today he joins the podcast crew once again to discuss the upcoming release of “Killing the Fat Man: Season 2.”

Jason Ackerman is back on the show. Today he talks about best processes and practices for an affiliate owner. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Jason Ackerman, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Ronnie Teasdale, Leif Edmundson, Pat Sherwood, Chris Cooper, “Two-Brain Business,” Emily Abbott, Kirsten Pedri, Grandma Betty Anderson, David Osorio, Hollis Molloy, Wes Piatt, Dave Castro, David Tittle, Dr. Sean Rockett, Patrick Vellner, Kara Webb, Kara Saunders, Tia-Clair Toomey, Gregg Martino, Travis Bagent, Christian Lucero, Adrian Bozman.

Jason Ackerman is a Certified CrossFit Coach (C-L4) and member of the CrossFit Seminar Staff. He believes the way to a healthy and sustainable nutrition plan is flexible eating, and he is passionate about helping his clients have a positive relationship with food. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Jason Ackerman, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Ronnie Teasdale, Greg Glassman, Chris Cooper, The Zone Diet, David Osorio, Gary Roberts, Josh Murphy, Matt Bickel, Chris Spealler, “The Worlds Most Vexing Problem,” Nicole Carroll, “Jedi Knights,” Brian Chontosh, Roz Glanfield.

Ronnie Teasdale is a five-time, jorts-wearing Regional athlete. With CrossFit as his foundation, Teasdale now dabbles in a range of activities, including unicycling, tightrope walking, meditation, and even something called "Psychedelic Seduction." Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Ronnie Teasdale, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Cara Hipskind, CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course, Zach Forrest, Josh Everett, Stephane Rochet, Annie Sakamoto, Greg Glassman, Rob Wolf, Taoist philosophy, "Psychedelic Seduction," meditation, Ryan Fisher.

Liang Kong was the first Chinese coach to join the CrossFit Seminar Staff. CrossFit is rapidly gaining traction in China, the world’s most populous nation, with an average of one new affiliate opening each week. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Liang Kong, Dale Saran, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, CrossFit Seminar Staff, CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course, Vijay Raj, Erin Cafaro, Cherie Chan, Dave Castro, Nicole Carroll, Leah Polaski, Kevin Lim, Michael Dalton, Gary Roberts, Karianne Anthes, Karl Steadman.

Shiloh is 12 years old. He’s been doing CrossFit for 5 years, and he’s all in. Notable mentions: Shiloh Ellis, Mike Burgener, CrossFit Free, CrossFIt New England, Ben Bergeron, Katrin Davisdottor, “kettlebells4kids,” Chandler Walker, CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course.

Dr. Sean Rockett is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He’s also a member at CrossFit New England and part of the Games Medical Team. Rockett is experienced in treating injuries. As a CrossFit athlete, he’s also familiar with human movement and injury prevention. Check out his blog “321GOMD.com” for tips and tricks. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Dr. Sean Rockett, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Jonji Barber, Mat Fraser, Stephane Rochet, Ben Bergeron, Heather Bergeron, "321GoMD.com," Patrick Vellner, Kirsten Pedri, Hayley Matossian, Rich Froning, Dan Bailey, Katrín Davíðsdóttir, Dave Castro, Patrick Vellner, Ben Bergeron,

Karianne Anthes didn’t know how much CrossFit would change her life when she started training a group of women at a local park in Morristown, New Jersey. By 2008, she had opened her own affiliate, CrossFit Morristown. There, she serves a double role as passionate affiliate owner and coach. She is now a Certified CrossFit Coach (CF-L4), as well as Dave Castro’s whisperer during the Games. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Karianne Anthes, Paul Farmiga, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Dave Castro, Jon Gilson, Maggie Tincher, CrossFit Morristown, Tom Brady, Todd Widman, Greg Glassman, Hope for Kenya, Josh Bridges, Bill Anthes, David Osorio, "Behind the Scenes" series

Dan Bailey enters the “un-safe” room once again. Sevan and Matt provide 10 suggestions to make today’s guest better, including, “Stop missing the Games.” Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Dan Bailey, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Cara Hipskind, Hayley Matossian, Sam Dancer, Aaron Hoff, Matt Bickel, Nicole Peyton, Jason Khalipa, Miranda Oldroyd, CrossFit Video Contest, Worldwide: Diabetes Video Contest, Mexico: Concurso de video, Brazil: Competição de vídeos, Danny Broflex, Rogue Fitness, Kevin Daigle, RIch Froning, Hilary Froning, Bill Henniger, Caity Matter Henniger, Dave Castro, Scott Panchik.

Paul Farmiga had emergency open-heart surgery. He claims that CrossFit helped him through the procedure physically and mentally. Listen to his story and contact him for more details. If you want to learn more about Farmiga's story, send your questions through the form on his website (https://takeheart.today/contact/) or via email (farmiga@gmail.com). Notable mentions: Paul Farmiga, Karianne Anthes, Dr. Bob Spears, Greg Glassman, Guerrilla Fitness: Montclair, CrossFit Morristown, CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course.

Chris Spealler has competed in seven CrossFit Games as an individual. He’s not only a legend in the CrossFit world but also an affiliate owner, husband and father. He recently released his autobiography, “Speal: A David and Goliath Story.” Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Chris Spealler, Andréa Maria Cecil, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, CrossFit Video Contest, Josh Bridges, Mikko Salo, Rob Orlando, Kara Webb, Annie Thorisdottir, Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, Rich Froning, “Speal: A David and Goliath Story," Aaron Hoff, Dan Bailey, Heber Cannon, Noah Ohlsen, Katrin Davidsdottir, Ben Bergeron, Heather Bergeron, Dave Castro, Rob Forte, Mat Fraser, Jason Khalipa, Tahoe Throwdown: Rogue Vs. Again Faster, Pat Sherwood, Josh Bunch.

Noah Ohlsen finished one spot shy of the podium at the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games. He talks with the podcast crew about his journey into the Sport of Fitness and experiences as a Games athlete. Notable mentions: Sevan Motassian, Noah Ohlsen, Eric Maciel, Matt Bischel, Joann Leigh, Dave Castro, Brooke Wells, Andrew Gwinn, Brooke Ence, Patrick Vellner, Chris Spealler, Mat Fraser, Katrin Tanja Davidsdottir, Annie Thorisdottir, Sara Sigmundsdottir, Tyson Oldroyd, Emily Abbott, Sam Dancer, Marston Sawyers, Guido Trinidad, Ronnie Teasdale, Ben Smith, Rich Froning, Kenneth Leverich, Hillary Froning, Chuck Carswell, Jenni Orr, CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course.

Heber Cannon, Marston Sawyers and Mariah Moore are the creators of CrossFit’s most popular documentaries. The three filmmakers join the show and talk about the latest movie, “The Redeemed and the Dominant.” Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Mariah Moore, Marston Sawyers, Heber Cannon, Eric Maciel, Harvey Weinstein, Tyson Oldroyd, Quentin Tarantino, Connor Sparkman, Jenna Cannon, Torin Simpson, CrossFit Ohana, Nick Massie, “Cooking With Nick Massie: Meatza,” Ian Wittenber, “Froning: The Fittest Man in History - Official Trailer,” “Fittest On Earth 2015 - Official Trailer,” “Fittest On Earth: A Decade of Fitness – Official Trailer,” Rich Froning, Jason Khalipa, Scott Panchik, Katrín Davíðsdóttir, Mat Fraser, Dave Castro, Kevin Ogar, Carey Peterson, Sara Sigmundsdóttir, Ricky Garard, Tia-Clair Toomey, Kara Webb, Annie Thorisdottir.

Aaron Hoff is the owner of CrossFit Poipu and founder of the Keala Foundation. Hoff has been clean and sober for over 20 years. With CrossFit as his vehicle, Hoff is on a mission to deliver a safe and positive space for the youth of Hawaii. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Aaron Hoff, Matt Bickel, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Sam Dancer, CrossFit Poipu, Rory Zambard, CrossFit Kids, addiction, recovery, Greg Glassman, The Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run, Zach Forrest, CrossFit Kekaha, Keale Victorino, Lilly Thompson, Chris Cooper, Click here to GIVE - Campaign For Kekaha.

Matt Bickel is back on the show, joined by banana-hammock-wearing Sam Dancer. The new housemates discuss training, faith, and their health and fitness goals. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Sam Dancer, Matt Bickel, Matt Bischel, Eric Maciel, Nick Massie, Ice Age Meals, Paleo Nick, CrossFit Invictus, Cara Hipskind, Eugene Monroe, Dr. Bob Spears, Jennifer Nobis-Dancer, Chris Cooper, Mark Divine, Brooke Wells, Cody Mooney.

Chris Cooper, author of “Two-Brain Business,” is back on the show.

Mr. Vellner is back! Today we hear tales from the CrossFit Games and training, and thoughts on the future of the competition. Notable mentions: Sevan Matossian, Patrick Vellner, Tyson Oldroyd, Eric Maciel, Matt Bischel, Brent Fikowski, Emily Abbott, Mat Fraser, Scott Panchik, Rob Forte, Cody Mooney, Tim Paulson, Jason Carroll, Zeke Grove, Ben Smith, Spencer Panchik, Saxon Panchik, Alec Smith, Dane Smith, Logan Collins, Noah Ohlsen, Brooke Ence, James Fitzgerald, Jason Khalipa, Rich Froning, Graham Holmberg, Greg Glassman, Dave Castro, Emily Abbott, Ronnie Teasdale.