Eric Karls on CrossFit Culture, Coaching, and Building Community | WOD Like the Pros Podcast

Eric Karls on CrossFit Culture, Coaching, and Building Community | WOD Like the Pros Podcast

In this episode of the WOD Like the Pros Podcast, I sit down with Eric Karls, owner of CrossFit Conductor, to talk about what makes a great CrossFit gym. We cover everything from the deceptively hard workouts (yes, wall balls!) to lesson planning, programming shifts, and how humor builds trust inside the gym. Eric shares how he balances being a coach and a business owner, why drop-ins should feel more mainstream, and how CrossFit gyms can work together instead of competing. We also get into nutrition, the importance of consistency, and the philosophy that keeps his community strong. Whether you’re a CrossFitter, a coach, or just curious about the culture behind the barbell, you’ll love this conversation. 📲 Follow CrossFit Conductor on Instagram: @crossfit_conductor [https://www.instagram.com/#]

From Gymnastics to Competitive CrossFit & Sales Success | Kat Shier Interview

In this episode, Kat joins us to share her inspiring path from growing up in Canton, Ohio and competing in gymnastics, to building a career in pharmaceutical sales, and now chasing competitive CrossFit goals in Lexington, KY. We cover:  -Growing up in Ohio & moving to Lexington  -Breaking into the competitive pharmaceutical sales world  -How gymnastics shaped her approach to training and discipline  -Transitioning from team sports to CrossFit — and deciding to go competitive  -Training schedule, rest days, and balancing volume with recovery  -Favorite workouts, strengths, and where she’s working to improve  -The mental side of performance — from gymnastics “twisties” to Open strategy  -Gear she loves (grips, ropes, and shoes) and why  -Nutrition shifts for performance and strength gains  -Upcoming competition goals like Wodapalooza and Fittest of the Coast  Whether you’re an athlete, a sales professional, or just curious about the mindset it takes to excel in multiple arenas, Kat’s story is full of insight, humor, and practical takeaways. 📲 Follow Kat on Instagram: @_kattdaddayy

Nutrition Truths Every CrossFitter Should Know (and Why You’re Probably Being Tricked at the Store)

In this episode, we sit down with Liz Katsadouros, a CrossFit coach and certified nutrition expert to talk all things food, fitness, and the psychological tricks brands use to sell you “healthy” products that... aren’t. From hidden calories in your coffee creamer to the deceptive power of “health halos” like “multigrain” and “organic,” this convo is part myth-busting, part mindset shift. We also dig into:  -Whether coffee is really bad for you (spoiler: it’s not)  -How to read a nutrition label like a pro Why most people don’t drink enough water  -The role of parenting in nutrition awareness  -The non-physical benefits of CrossFit  -Gear tips: belts, knee sleeves, and why owning your jump rope is a CrossFit milestone  Whether you’re new to fitness or years into your CrossFit journey, this conversation has something for you.

Why CrossFitters Get Injured — And How to Fix It: Cash-Based PT Inside a Gym

Ever wondered why some CrossFitters stay injury-free while others struggle with nagging pain? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Aulick from The Athlete House, a physical therapist who built a thriving cash-based PT practice literally inside a CrossFit gym. We cover everything from: -Why traditional physical therapy (via insurance) falls short for active people  -How CrossFit stigma in the medical world misses the mark -What the research really says about injury rates in CrossFit  -The most common injuries he sees — and how to actually fix them  -Rest, deloading, and why you might not be making progress even though you're training harder  -The underrated power of creatine, zone 2 cardio, and lifting heavy  -Advice for starting a PT practice and hiring your first employee  Dr. Aulick shares candid stories from his time at a prestigious sports PT residency, how he went mobile before building a brick-and-mortar clinic, and what it takes to truly keep active people active.  Learn more about his clinic: https://www.theathletehousept.com [https://www.theathletehousept.com]

Why This Veteran Swapped Money for Time—and Built a Life Off the Grid

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Johnson: a retired Marine, now a father, student, and CrossFit coach, to talk about what life looks like after military service. From building a homestead and raising 30+ chickens to finding meaning in physical health and journaling through fitness, we explore what it means to live with intention.