The CrossFit Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Fasting, Ozempic, and Food Addiction With Dr. Jason Fung (EP. 033) Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Jason Fung, MD, is a Canadian nephrologist and world-renowned expert in intermittent fasting and low-carb nutrition. He is the author of best-selling books including "The Obesity Code" and "The Diabetes Code," and co-founder of The Fasting Method, where he helps people use evidence-based nutrition strategies to prevent and reverse chronic disease. Dr. Jason Fung joins host Jocelyn Rylee on the CrossFit Podcast to unpack the myths and realities of fasting, obesity, and the role of hormones in nutrition. He explains why “starvation mode” is misunderstood, why calories alone don’t tell the full story, and how hunger — not willpower — is at the center of sustainable weightloss. The conversation covers fasting as a therapeutic tool, the risks and uses of drugs like Ozempic, the dangers of ultra-processed foods, and the influence of our environment on health. Fung also shares insights from his upcoming book, “The Hunger Code,” which explores the three types of hunger — homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned — and how to address each. Topics Covered Myth-busting “starvation mode” and fasting Calories vs. hormones Insulin, GLP-1, cortisol, and the hormonal drivers of fat storage Ozempic, risks, misuse, and ethical prescribing Ultra-processed foods and the rise of food addiction The role of environment and social influence in obesity Practical strategies: satiety, whole foods, fasting, and community Resources Mentioned Jason’s YouTube channel and website Jason Fung’s books: “The Obesity Code,” “The Diabetes Code,” “The Cancer Code,” “The PCOS Plan,” and upcoming “The Hunger Code” CrossFit Health lecture: “Fasting as a Therapeutic Option” (2019) New England Journal of Medicine study on social influence and obesity Community Highlight In 2023, Megan Mulvey walked into CrossFit PTC looking for a challenge. She had no idea she was preparing for the fight of her life. Just months later, she was diagnosed with leukemia. After 51 rounds of chemo, a bone-marrow transplant, and months in and out of the hospital, her doctors told her, “You were preparing your body, and you didn’t even know it.” As she put it, "CrossFit didn't just change my life; it saved it." When she returned to the gym, she’d lost her muscle — but not her spirit. Her community rallied with fundraisers, rides to treatment, and daily check-ins. Now, Megan’s paying it forward. She launched Box of Hope, a nonprofit supporting CrossFit athletes and families facing cancer. Their first effort helped a local family cover their mortgage and car payment while their daughter battles terminal brain cancer. “If I had to go through the worst,” Megan says, “I’ll make sure others don’t go through it alone.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [podcasts@crossfit.com] or complete our survey here.

Hanging Out With Rory McKernan and Angelo DiCicco (EP. 032) Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the CrossFit Podcast, host Denise Thomas sits down with Rory McKernan and Angelo DiCicco to talk about everything from their hopes for the CrossFit community to stories from their early days. Community Highlight Bob Moran has been a police officer in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, for 23 years. For much of that time, he was drinking … until Jan. 1, 2023. That was his last drink. He went cold turkey. One day at a time. And through it all, CrossFit was his anchor. His gym, RDT CrossFit, welcomed him back without judgment. Now 18 months sober, Bob is training consistently and leading from the front. He helps run Signal 30, a weekly fitness and mental wellness program for current and retired law enforcement. Every Sunday at 8 a.m., officers show up to move, connect, and reset. “I’m not afraid to share it,” Bob says. I was a f*ing drunk. And I want people to know that’s not the end of the line. There’s more past that.”⠀ Next up: earning his Level 1 Trainer credential and continuing to give back. Because he knows what’s at stake and what’s possible. Celebrate his soberversary workout on Jan. 2, 2026: 10 rounds for time of: 10-calorie bike10 back squats from floor (95/135)10 burpees over the bar Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast here or email us [podcasts@crossfit.com].

[LIVE] CrossFit: Community, Commitment or Cult? (EP. 031) Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s livestream, we’re unpacking why and how CrossFit’s community is different — to the point that some even call us a cult. Is it the culture or the community that makes us different? What’s the difference between them? What defines them? What does “community” even mean if everyone says they have it? Do you believe that walking into a CrossFit gym is palpably different from walking into any other brand of gym? What creates this? Why have we been called a cult? What are the social components of health and fitness? How important are they? What role does the methodology play in promoting and preserving the culture? Guest host Matt Souza is joined by Nicole Carroll and Jenn Pishko. Let us know what you think --> podcasts@crossfit.com Follow us on YouTube to join future livestreams.

CrossFit Legend Meets Literary Icon: Dave Castro x ‘Life of Pi’ Author Yann Martel (EP. 030) Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – Yann Martel, Author of “Life of Pi” Yann Martel is best known as the author of the modern classic “Life of Pi.” But he also happens to be a longtime member at CrossFit Brio in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In this conversation with host Jocelyn Rylee, Yann shares how CrossFit became part of his life more than 14 years ago, and why he still shows up to class five days a week. The two also discuss his writing process, the symbolism behind “Life of Pi," and how fiction and fitness both shape how we understand ourselves and the world. Surprise guest Dave Castro crashes the conversation midway through to meet the author and share why “Life of Pi” is one of his favorite books of all time. EPISODE TOPICS Yann’s first CrossFit workout (and why he loved it) How Dave and Yann first connected The symbolism behind “Life of Pi” (and what the ending means) How Yann structures his writing process How fiction makes us better thinkers RESOURCES MENTIONED “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck “Call of the Wild” and White Fang” by Jack London The Bible, Quran, and Book of Mormon (mentioned by Dave) Yann's upcoming book: “Son of Nobody” Community Highlight Shannon Schleifer has been bringing CrossFit to public schools in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the past decade. At Fremont Academy, she built a CrossFit elective where students learn to move with intention, and understand how it connects to what they’re studying in science class. The setup is simple: folding rigs, barbells, dumbbells. But the impact is huge. Her classes stay full, and kids are gaining confidence in what their bodies can do. Shannon retires this year, but she’s not done. Her goal is to expand CrossFit in public schools because for many kids, this is their only shot. 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.

[LIVE] The Age-Group CrossFit Games ARE CrossFit (EP. 029) Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Age-group athletes are the purest expression of what CrossFit stands for: proof that elite health has no age limit. From teenagers stepping onto the competition floor for the first time to 70+ athletes rewriting what aging looks like, age-group athletes are the tip of the spear — living examples that you can take ownership of your health at any stage of life and never hand it back to the system. Join host James Hobart with Adrian Conway, Chase Ingraham, and Scott Panchik as we celebrate the monsters in every division — the ones who prove, year after year, that the cure works in every decade. Surprise guest Carolyne Prevost jumps in part way through the conversation from the airport on her way to compete at the 2025 Age-Group CrossFit Games. Watch the 2025 Age-Group CrossFit Games. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

LIVE: CrossFit Is The Cure (EP. 028) Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

CrossFit’s new ad pulls no punches — but it’s only the starting point. In this livestream, Jocelyn Rylee sits down with Matt Souza, Jenn Pishko, and James Hobart to respond to the ad together, unpacking what it means in the context of CrossFit’s mission to make the world a healthier place. Whether someone is seeking to dominate their sport or improve their quality of life, CrossFit works. Our program can be scaled for anyone. But even in meeting people where they are, CrossFit requires hard work. “CrossFit is for anyone, but not for everyone.” We own this adage because it is in the challenge of CrossFit that people come to understand what they are capable of, where true potential is unlocked, not just in terms of belief in ourselves, but in terms of our health and fitness — our degree of capacity and vitality for life. “Tens of thousands of coaches around the world teach functional movement, nutrition, recovery, and resilience … They build relationships, and they track results. This is what real public health looks like.” [CrossFit Is the Cure] Let’s talk about what it all means. Buckle up. We’re Forging Elite Fitness. Community Highlight Elina Villemure was born in Bulgaria, adopted at 5, and grew up in Michigan chasing her brothers — on one leg above the knee, and one below. She found CrossFit through Forging Youth Resilience, and after surgery left her in a wheelchair, she assumed training was off the table — until her school counselor said otherwise. Her first Open? She did it from a wheelchair. Now, at 20, Elina runs the Adaptive Athlete Experience — a traveling seminar that helps gyms better serve athletes of all abilities. She’s already hosted more than a dozen events. “Whether or not I lose a leg or break a leg, I still have to adapt in the gym. The only difference is one is three months and the other is the rest of your life.” Follow her story. And if you own a gym, consider bringing her in. 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.

[LIVE] 2025 CrossFit Games: Top Moments and What It Means Going Forward (EP. 027) Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Catch up on this livestream from August 8th, 2025. The 2025 CrossFit Games delivered big moments — but more than that, they offered perspective. In this conversation, Denise Thomas, James Hobart, and Adrian Conway reflect on what stood out and what it means moving forward. The discussion goes beyond the leaderboard to focus on the connection between the Games and the larger CrossFit community — what we saw this year, how it resonated inside and outside the arena, and how we can build on it. This conversation explores what the Games can and should mean for CrossFit’s future — not just for elite sport, but for the everyday affiliate, the larger mission, and the community that makes it all work. Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here.

CrossFit and Food Neurosis: ‘There is a Point in Nutrition at Which You Can Be Done’ (EP. 026) Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

EC Synkowski joins Denise Thomas to talk about CrossFit, food, and how to cut through the confusion. EC is the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition and the creator of the 800g Challenge, but her insights go way beyond a single method. They cover why some of us slide into food neurosis, how to know when your diet is actually "done,” and the biggest mistakes people make when chasing health. EC also discusses the role of processed foods, challenges common rhetoric about carbs and seed oils, and breaks down her 10 principles of nutrition, which serve as the backbone of her Three Pillars Method. This is an episode about simplifying nutrition, ditching dogma, and learning to trust what works. Episode Topics Food neurosis and how to bounce back How to know when your nutrition is "done" The role of processed foods in modern health problems The power of simplicity and sustainability in diet design EC's Three Pillars Method and how it builds on CrossFit's foundation The 10 principles of nutrition Resources Mentioned The Consistency Project (EC’s podcast) OptimizeMe Nutrition The 800g Challenge Three Pillars Method App Street Parking podcast episode with EC Community Highlight Aaron Hoff is using CrossFit to change more than lives — he’s changing an entire island. Born and raised on Kauaʻi, Aaron knows the grip of addiction firsthand. By his early 20s, he was in active addiction and suicidal. But one Christmas Eve, he hit a turning point. He’s now 27 years sober. In 2013, he opened his first CrossFit gym. Today, through the Keala Foundation, he runs two affiliates focused on keeping kids out of the cycle he escaped. The gyms are free for youth. Each class starts and ends with a “word of the day” — like honesty or integrity — and a coach-led reflection. “Words are the tools that help you process trauma,” Aaron says. “If you don’t understand the language, you’re lost.” He reaches over 500 kids a year. Some stay for years. Some become coaches. 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 or email us at podcasts@crossfit.com.

“There’s No Going Back. Things are Only Moving Forward.” – James Hobart on the Future of CrossFit (EP. 025) Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

James Hobart has been part of CrossFit since the early days. He’s competed at the Games, demoed for CrossFit’s movement videos, worked on Seminar Staff, and spent nearly two decades watching the culture evolve. In this episode, he sits down with Denise Thomas to talk candidly about the state of CrossFit — and whether it’s lost its soul. From what it felt like to walk away from competition, to the mindset shift required to keep training into middle age, James opens up about what keeps him coming back to the gym and why he still believes in the methodology. They discuss the difference between nostalgia and stagnation, why CrossFit's messiness is part of the magic, and what it really means to "teach yourself out of a job. TOPICS COVERED Has CrossFit lost its soul? The evolution of CrossFit.com and community norms Competing as a masters athlete The shift from performance to purpose Letting go of dogma and embracing change Making peace with "CrossFit Grumpy" Why small goals matter more than big ones RESOURCES MENTIONED James Hobart's podcast: Podcast of the Day CrossFit Mafia in Erie, Colorado CrossFit.com Ruck Race League COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT Mark and Dana Harris are the founders of Equip Products — a company based in rural Illinois that’s making CrossFit more accessible for adaptive and neuro athletes around the world. It started with a conversation at the CrossFit Games. Kevin Ogar mentioned the need for better gear to train from his wheelchair, and that led to their first product: the lap mat.⠀Today, Equip offers nearly 150 tools that help athletes train safely and independently, regardless of ability. For Mark and Dana, this isn’t just business — it’s a way to make sure no one hears, “That’s it. You’re done.” Their message is simple: You’re not done. You’re just getting started. 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.

“It’s About More Than You” — Adrian Conway on the Engine That Props Up the Sport of CrossFit (EP. 024) Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Adrian Conway has competed at the highest level of CrossFit, coaches athletes of all levels, is a Seminar Staff member, and a CrossFit Games commentator. In this conversation with Denise Thomas, he explains the symbiotic relationship between the CrossFit Games and CrossFit affiliates. Adrian offers a perspective on how the sport has evolved and how the professionalism of the sport depends on the very athletes who participate in it. This episode is about the future of CrossFit, the spirit of the community, and bridging the gap between the sport and the affiliate. Topics Included Adrian's evolution from competitor to coach, and what he learned in that transition The cultural evolution of the CrossFit Games How competitors can help their own future by integrating with their affiliates How competitors could gain an advantage through an understanding of the methodology Resources Mentioned The CrossFit Games TTRU Fitness The Barbell Spin Community Highlight Carolyne Prevost is a three-time CrossFit Games athlete (four times after this year), a former pro hockey player, an 11-time national champion across four sports, and a full-time high school teacher in Sarnia, Canada. But what sets her apart isn’t just the accolades. It’s the impact. In 2018, Carolyne launched CrossFit GAGE — an affiliate inside her school — to teach students how to move well, take care of themselves, and build real confidence. She’s proof that being elite doesn’t mean being out of reach. It means showing up, coaching, and leading by example. 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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