The CrossFit Podcast

Dr. Rhonda Patrick is a leading researcher in nutrition, aging, and metabolic health. She’s known for translating complex science into practical tools for longevity and performance — and now, after a year of doing CrossFit, she has new insights to share. In this episode, Rhonda joins Denise to break down the cellular mechanisms behind high-intensity exercise, why lactate is more than a waste product, and how CrossFit helps train your brain, not just your body. They cover topics like VO2 max, mitochondrial repair, post-meal inflammation, aging muscles, and the science behind “exercise snacks.” Rhonda also shares her personal transformation from intimidated beginner to committed athlete — and why she believes CrossFit may be one of the most powerful tools for lifelong health.Topics Included * Why Rhonda started CrossFit — and how her perspective shifted after a year of training * What lactate actually is and why it’s a powerful signal for brain and muscle health * How high-intensity exercise triggers mitochondrial repair and neurogenesis * The relationship between sedentary behavior, inflammation, and cancer risk * The research behind exercise “snacks” and how to use them throughout your day * The benefits of CrossFit for aging adults, and Rhonda’s vision for senior fitness Resources Mentioned * Dr. Patrick’s website [https://www.foundmyfitness.com/]and podcast “Found My Fitness” * Dr. Martin Gibala podcast episode [https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/martin-gibala] * Rhonda at the CrossFit for Health Summit  [https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/dr-rhonda-patrick-health-summit-lecture-series-exercise-for-longevity] Community Highlight Kenny Kane has been coaching since 2005 and took over CrossFit Oak Park in 2015.When the Los Angeles wildfires hit, nearly a third of the gym’s members were displaced — and 20 lost their homes. In the middle of it all, priorities shifted. First: safety. Then, helping people meet basic needs. Running classes came second.What stood out most to Kenny wasn’t the hardship — it was the response. The Oak Park community came together fast. Members organized donations, raised money, and supported one another in every way possible. For years, Kenny poured everything into building that community. In return, they showed up tenfold.CrossFit Oak Park has always focused on helping people live well outside the gym. In a moment of crisis, that philosophy held strong.This is what the CrossFit community looks like. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ] Share Your Thoughts Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast---Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=006]

Scott and Gwenna Bradley are the heart and backbone of Underground PDX, a nonprofit CrossFit affiliate that serves kids and families in one of Oregon’s most high-risk communities. In this episode, they open up about trauma, healing, and the power of love and consistency.  Scott shares his personal story — from addiction and incarceration to ministry and coaching. Gwenna reflects on how structure, emotional regulation, and compassion allow them to reach kids dealing with poverty, violence, and instability. This isn’t just about workouts. It’s about showing up, building trust, and helping young people believe they matter. Topics Included * How Underground PDX began — and why Gwenna lets the kids choose their mentors. * What Scott’s personal journey through addiction, abuse, and recovery taught him about serving youth. * How Gwenna balances structure with compassion to reach kids labeled “too difficult.” * The emotional cost of building trust — and why a hug might matter more than a PR. * Why they’re now training the next generation of coaches from within their own block. Resources Mentioned * Underground PDX (https://undergroundpdx.org [https://undergroundpdx.org]) * Hope Center PDX [https://www.hopecenterpdx.org/] * CrossFit Grit 346 [https://www.346gritcrossfit.com/] * Steve’s Club (now FYR [https://forgingyouthresilience.org/]) Community Highlight:  Erin Rees has owned an affiliate before. But this one — CrossFit Comeback — is different. After hiding her own struggles with alcohol during her first run as a gym owner, Erin eventually hit a breaking point. With the support of her family and a treatment program, she got sober. And when she found her way back to CrossFit in 2022, it became part of her healing. Now, she’s giving that same lifeline to others. At CrossFit Comeback in Clinton, Mississippi, Erin and her husband run a free class specifically for individuals in recovery. They train for 30 minutes — then sit together and talk about recovery. Nine of those 25 participants have become full members. As Erin puts it: “It’s never too late for a comeback.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ] SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:  Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast---Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=006]

Episode Description CrossFit Competition Director Adrian “Boz” Bozman joins the show to reflect on the evolving landscape of the sport and its roots. With nearly 20 years in the CrossFit ecosystem — as an athlete, coach, judge, long-time Seminar Staff member, and even Games director — Boz brings a unique perspective on the methodology’s intent and its interpretation. Boz and Denise dig into CrossFit philosophy, the challenge of honoring tradition while pushing boundaries, and why discomfort is part of the job. Get to know the man whose fingerprints are all over CrossFit — including the “no-rep.” This conversation reveals what Boz looks for in coaches, how he views criticism, and what he hopes CrossFit never forgets. Topics Included * Boz’s journey from personal trainer to Seminar Staff to competition director * The evolution of training: traditional personal training vs. coaching CrossFit * How Boz approached programming the Games  * How Boz’s relationship with training has settled in over time  Resources Mentioned * Boz and Pat Sherwood’s podcast: Varied, Not Random [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrFxn8700Nz1O6mh2SJecrwqBRUyvIG9C] * Ro v. Boz [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnc2Js2FC_8] * Street Parking Garage Gym Video  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3YApqE1itg] * Dotcom 404 [https://www.crossfit.com/404] Community Highlight:  After losing his grandfather to suicide in 2013, Mark Moss stayed quiet, unsure how to help others facing the same darkness. Then he found CrossFit. And with it, a spark.⠀ In 2022, he launched UPLIFT — starting with T-shirt sales to raise awareness and funds for mental health support. Today, alongside Emma Skelley, Mark is partnering with local affiliates to offer free memberships to those struggling with mental health. They host an annual memorial workout each fall. And one day, they hope to take the program nationwide.⠀ This year’s T-shirts are available now. Go check it out, and when you see an UPLIFT T-shirt in the wild, give that human a high five.  Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ] → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ]  SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:  Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast—Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=015 [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast---Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=006]

Cristina Anderson’s journey from complete lack of self-belief to a Certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach and Seminar Staff member is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful episode, Cristina opens up to Denise about what it took to shift from self-doubt to service, and how she’s using her voice and experience to reshape what fitness looks and feels like. She shares the hard moments — from imposter syndrome to the childhood shame that fueled her transformation — and the triumphs, including finding her place on the red shirt team and rewriting the story for her daughters.  Topics Included * Overcoming imposter syndrome  * Redefining fitness and who gets to be an athlete * Breaking family cycles of shame and body image * The role of courage, mentorship, and motherhood in leadership Resources Mentioned * CrossFit Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 Courses * World-Class Fitness in 100 Words * Presidential Fitness Test (referenced from childhood) COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT Vilma Gray isn’t just a coach — she’s a force for real change in Ocala, Florida. A Level 3 trainer, GRID League athlete, and owner of CrossFit E-Fit since 2017, Vilma leads with heart and purpose. She builds true community, teaches members to own their health, and lives the CrossFit methodology every day. From cancer and stroke survivors to competitive athletes, Vilma’s work is changing lives — one class, one conversation, one person at a time. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ] → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ]  SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:  Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast—Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=014 [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast---Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=006]

Jocelyn Rylee is leading the charge to bring nutrition back to the center of the CrossFit conversation. A longtime affiliate owner, Seminar Staff trainer, and leader of the in-person CrossFit Nutrition Course [https://www.crossfit.com/nutrition-for-the-everyday-crossfit-athlete], Jocelyn blends science, education, and deep experience in her approach to food and fitness. In this episode, Denise and Jocelyn dig into the foundations of health, the evolution of nutrition in the CrossFit world, and the difference between eating for performance and eating for longevity. You’ll walk away rethinking your plate and your pantry. Topics Included * Why nutrition is foundational to the CrossFit methodology. * The Zone diet and the early culture of CrossFit nutrition. * The difference between performance eating and long-term health. * Why we need to cook again — and how it made us human. * Practical, simple and realistic steps to address nutrition. Resources Mentioned * Nutrition for the Every CrossFit Athlete [https://www.crossfit.com/nutrition-for-the-everyday-crossfit-athlete] (New Course, led by Jocelyn) → https://www.crossfit.com/nutrition-for-the-everyday-crossfit-athlete [https://www.crossfit.com/nutrition-for-the-everyday-crossfit-athlete]  * “What Is Fitness” by Greg Glassman (2002) * CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 Manuals * World-Class Fitness in 100 Words * “The Zone Diet” by Dr. Barry Sears * “Humans as Cookingvores” (Scientific paper referenced) COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT CrossFit Optimistic is owned by Mike Martinez in San Antonio, Texas. Years ago, Mike and his wife Angelina walked away from corporate jobs and big salaries in pursuit of something more meaningful. For Mike, an Army veteran still serving in the reserves, that meant giving back to the veteran community. In the early days, the gym focused heavily on charitable work and programs for wounded warriors and adaptive athletes. From training three adaptive athletes on their way to the Paralympics to hosting teams like the Korean Adaptive Sled Hockey Team, CrossFit Optimistic became a national haven for adaptive training.  Looking back, Mike says the hard times were worth it. He makes a modest living, gets to coach alongside his now-adult kids, and isn’t chasing more. When we asked what’s next, he smiled and said, “What do you do when your life exceeds your dreams?” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ] → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ]  SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:  Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast—Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=013 [https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast---Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=006]