Why Being More Than "The CrossFit Guy" Changed Everything

Why Being More Than "The CrossFit Guy" Changed Everything

In this episode, Anthony Ledesma shares how he built a name in the CrossFit media world while intentionally expanding beyond it. From photographing elite competitions to traveling the world, Anthony discusses why refusing to stay in one lane has opened new creative opportunities and helped him build a career that aligns with his passions. JT and Anthony dive into content creation, branding, networking, social media growth, photography, travel, and the realities of making a living as a creative. They discuss the evolution of the fitness industry, building meaningful relationships, staying adaptable, and why the best opportunities often come from simply showing up and consistently creating. In this episode, we discuss: - Growing beyond being known only for CrossFit content - Building a career through photography, videography, and content creation - Traveling the world while creating for brands and athletes - Networking and building genuine relationships in the fitness industry - Social media, personal branding, and creating opportunities - Balancing passion projects with sustainable business growth - Why versatility creates long-term creative success - Staying authentic while evolving as a creato Whether you're a photographer, videographer, entrepreneur, or someone looking to turn creativity into a career, Anthony shares practical insights on building a personal brand, expanding your skill set, and creating opportunities that last. Watch or listen to Capture the Reps Podcast every week Thursdays @11:00PM PST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JTHealy Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ngElayXWgbvV8tgJUR8QE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capture-the-reps-podcast/id1802393762 Follow us, stay updated and catch behind the scenes footage on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturetherepspodcast/

The Creative Advantage Nobody Talks About: Mentorship, Teams & Purpose

In this episode, Bruce Williams shares how a camera gifted by his father led to a career shooting CrossFit, leading media teams, and documenting life-changing moments through photography and videography. From building teams and mentoring young creatives to finding purpose through nonprofit storytelling, Bruce offers a refreshing perspective on what long-term success actually looks like in the fitness media space. In this episode, we discuss: • How Bruce turned a gym membership trade into a creative career • Why gatekeeping hurts creatives more than it helps • The value of building teams instead of trying to do everything yourself • What Bruce looks for when hiring photographers and videographers • How creatives can develop a unique style without copying others • Why nonprofit and adaptive athlete storytelling has become his most meaningful work If you're a fitness creative trying to build a sustainable career, find better opportunities, and create work that matters, this conversation is packed with lessons on growth, mentorship, networking, and finding purpose beyond the paycheck. Watch or listen to Capture the Reps Podcast every week Thursdays @11:00PM PST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JTHealy Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ngElayXWgbvV8tgJUR8QE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capture-the-reps-podcast/id1802393762 Follow us, stay updated and catch behind the scenes footage on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturetherepspodcast/

Why Waiting Until You're Ready Is Holding Your Career Back

In this episode, Chad Mueller shares his journey from a secure corporate career at Oracle to building a thriving creative business in the CrossFit and fitness industry. Chad discusses how years of side projects, networking, and intentional relationship-building eventually gave him the confidence to leave a six-figure job and pursue creative work full-time. JT and Chad dive into the realities of freelancing, building long-term client relationships, working with brands like Magic City and the World Fitness Project, and why being a generalist has become one of Chad’s biggest strengths. They also discuss leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, AI, sports broadcasting, and the importance of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear. The conversation explores what it takes to thrive in creative industries, how networking actually works, lessons learned from startup environments, and why celebrating progress is often harder than achieving it. In this episode, we discuss: - Leaving a corporate career to pursue creative work full-time - Building relationships and networking in the CrossFit space - Working with Magic City, World Fitness Project, and fitness brands - Sports broadcasting and what happens behind the scenes of live events - Leadership, communication, and managing creative teams - Using AI as a tool for creatives and entrepreneurs - Balancing risk, business ownership, and family life - Goal setting, manifestation, and building a life by design Whether you're a designer, videographer, entrepreneur, or creative professional looking to bet on yourself, Chad shares valuable lessons on building a sustainable career while staying adaptable in a rapidly changing industry. Watch or listen to Capture the Reps Podcast every week Thursdays @11:00PM PST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JTHealy Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ngElayXWgbvV8tgJUR8QE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capture-the-reps-podcast/id1802393762 Follow us, stay updated and catch behind the scenes footage on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturetherepspodcast/

Building a Career Without Waiting for Permission | Lauren Kalil on Sports Broadcasting, Branding & Betting on Yourself

In this episode, Lauren Kalil (https://www.instagram.com/laurenkalil/) shares her journey from local television news to becoming a respected freelance sports broadcaster, commentator, and media personality in the CrossFit and fitness space. Lauren opens up about leaving the security of traditional news, navigating burnout, building a personal brand, and learning to create opportunities through cold outreach and self-belief. JT and Lauren dive into the realities of freelancing, negotiating rates, dealing with rejection, and finding the confidence to pursue opportunities before feeling fully ready. Lauren also shares how she landed opportunities with Tactical Games and other sports broadcasts, why authenticity matters when building a personal brand, and how staying adaptable has helped her continue growing across multiple sports and media platforms. In this episode, we discuss: - Lauren’s transition from television news to freelance sports broadcasting - Why cold emails and self-advocacy changed her career - Handling rejection, rates, and the realities of freelance work - Building an authentic personal brand in media and sports - Learning new skills quickly and doing things before you feel ready - Tactical Games, expanding into new sports, and future broadcasting goals This conversation is packed with insight for creatives, broadcasters, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating career uncertainty while trying to build something meaningful on their own terms. Watch or listen to Capture the Reps Podcast every week Thursdays @11:00PM PST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JTHealy Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ngElayXWgbvV8tgJUR8QE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capture-the-reps-podcast/id1802393762 Follow us, stay updated and catch behind the scenes footage on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturetherepspodcast/

From Photojournalism to the CrossFit Games

In this episode, Sara Ines (https://www.instagram.com/saraineschew_cf/) shares her incredible journey from teenage party photographer in Guatemala to photojournalist, CrossFit media creative, and international sports photographer. Sara opens up about how photography became her second chance after life took an unexpected turn, and how CrossFit helped pull her out of depression while reigniting her passion for storytelling through a camera. JT and Sara dive deep into the realities of building a creative career from scratch, learning to handle rejection, adapting from journalism into commercial photography, and navigating the challenges of working internationally in the fitness space. They also discuss media teams, volunteering at major events, covering the CrossFit Games, and the mindset required to continuously improve as a creative. In this episode, we discuss: - How Sara went from photojournalism to CrossFit photography - Why rejection and cold outreach helped shape her career - The biggest differences between journalism and commercial photography - Covering events like Wodapalooza, semifinals, and the CrossFit Games - Learning photography and video through feedback, mentorship, and repetition - Sara’s long-term goal of photographing the Olympics This conversation is packed with insight for photographers, videographers, creatives, and anyone trying to build a meaningful career through persistence, storytelling, and taking chances on themselves. Watch or listen to Capture the Reps Podcast every week Thursdays @11:00PM PST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JTHealy Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ngElayXWgbvV8tgJUR8QE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capture-the-reps-podcast/id1802393762 Follow us, stay updated and catch behind the scenes footage on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturetherepspodcast/