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CrossFit, Gangs, and Grace: The Mission Behind Underground PDX (EP.016)
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) Hope Center PDX CrossFit Grit 346 Steve’s Club (now FYR) 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 Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here
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Salty B!tch: Adrian Bozman and His CrossFit Legacy (EP. 015)
Episode DescriptionCrossFit 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 IncludedBoz’s journey from personal trainer to Seminar Staff to competition directorThe evolution of training: traditional personal training vs. coaching CrossFitHow Boz approached programming the Games How Boz’s relationship with training has settled in over time Resources MentionedBoz and Pat Sherwood’s podcast: Varied, Not RandomRo v. BozStreet Parking Garage Gym Video Dotcom 404Community 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 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
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“Fitness doesn’t look like one thing” with Cristina Anderson (EP. 014)
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 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
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The Base of the Pyramid: Jocelyn Rylee on Nutrition (EP. 013)
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, 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 (New Course, led by Jocelyn) → 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 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
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What Most People Get Wrong About CrossFit With a Former D1 Strength and Conditioning Coach (EP. 012)
Stephane Rochet (CF-L3) is a former D1 collegiate strength and conditioning coach at top-tier athletic programs, a former CrossFit Seminar Staff Flowmaster, and currently serves as CrossFit HQ’s Senior Content Writer. With more than two decades of experience, few people are more qualified to drop the hammer on the most common misconceptions about CrossFit. In this episode, Stephane joins Denise to break down what CrossFit actually is — and what it isn’t. Together, Stephane and Denise tackle myths around intensity, scaling, technique, injury, aging, and burnout. Stephane shares how he implemented CrossFit in a collegiate S&C setting, why technique always comes before intensity, and how to reset when training stops feeling right. Whether you're brand new or 10 years in, this conversation will help you better understand the program — and stay in it for life. Myths Debunked: CrossFit is too intense — and not sustainable You have to redline every day to get results CrossFit athletes don’t care about form or techniqueCrossFit isn’t appropriate for older adults Injured athletes have no place in the gym Burnout means it’s time to quit Resources Mentioned: CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 Courses: https://www.crossfit.com/education/about Stephane Rochet’s articles on CrossFit.com e.g., “Don’t Be Normal: Do CrossFit” Coaching GPP in CrossFit (Conversation with Joe Alexander on the CrossFit Training YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lof6v82gQOQ The Technique article: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/technique “Garage Gym” article from the CrossFit Journal: https://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/cfjissue1_Sep02.pdf Chris Masterjohn’s article on preserving muscle while dieting: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/keep-muscle-lose-fat The CrossFit charter: mechanics → consistency → intensity: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/mechanics-consistency-intensity-part-1-what-does-it-mean Classic programming model: 3-on/1-off Community Highlight: Kelly Kim — a 10-year affiliate owner and the first female member of CrossFit Seminar Staff in South Korea — was nominated for this feature by a fellow Korean affiliate owner. Why? Over the past year, she’s visited more than 60 affiliates across the country and has sent out 200 pairs of training shoes to support local owners. Her generosity and love for the CrossFit community runs deep. If you’re in Asia, you’ve probably seen her around — whether reporting from competitions or showing up in a box near you. Right now, she’s still on the road, helping affiliate owners learn how to use social media more effectively. 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=012
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