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[CFMS SERIES] Dave Durante on Life After the Olympics (EP. 053)
This marks the seventh episode of a special CrossFit Podcast collaboration with the CrossFit Medical Society. Olympian and Power Monkey Fitness co-founder Dave Durante joins the CrossFit Podcast to talk about the transition from elite competition to lifelong fitness. After representing the U.S. in gymnastics at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Dave discovered CrossFit, and it changed his life. He shares how CrossFit helped him stay healthy and strong beyond his competitive years, the story behind Power Monkey Camp, and why gymnastics remains one of the best foundations for athleticism at any age. TOPICS INCLUDED Life after elite sport: finding purpose and health beyond competition How CrossFit reignited Dave’s passion for training The creation and evolution of Power Monkey Camp Building bridges between gymnastics and CrossFit The importance of play, curiosity, and community in adult fitness Why gymnastics is the ultimate foundation for all sports RESOURCES MENTIONED Power Monkey Fitness Power Monkey Camp CrossFit Gymnastics Courses “Weight of Gold” (HBO Documentary) Community Highlight After two decades studying cancer genetics, Dr. Jennifer Beebe-Dimmer wanted to give patients something they could act on today. That’s how the CAPABLE program was born, a free, 12-week, CrossFit-based intervention for cancer survivors. Coached by Level 1 trainers, participants train three times a week and complete pre- and post-testing for strength, conditioning, and biomarkers. Since 2019, more than 275 people have gone through the program, most of whom had never done anything like it before. The results speak for themselves: significant improvements in quality of life, body composition, sleep, and A1C, with cognitive function up next. Beebe-Dimmer calls CrossFit the “secret sauce,” not just for the workouts, but for the coaching and community that keep people coming back.“ When I look back at my career, this will be the most meaningful thing I’ve done.” Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here. Join us LIVE every Thursday at 10 a.m. If you love this podcast, please drop us a rating and review, and share it with everyone you love.
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Sara Wilkinson: “Grief Is Love With Nowhere to Go” (EP. 051)
You’ve probably heard of the workout CHAD1000X (1,000 weighted step-ups for time) and The Step Up Foundation – the organization using fitness to raise awareness for mental health and veteran suicide prevention. In this episode, we get to know the selfless leader behind both: Sara Wilkinson. After losing her husband, Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, to suicide in 2018, Sara turned grief into purpose, creating a global movement that’s brought thousands together each year to honor his legacy and support others who are struggling. She opens up about what it means to carry grief, how community heals, and the importance of looking people in the eye and asking, “How are you, really?” Topics Included The story behind Chad1000X and its growth into a global movement How Sara transformed grief into purpose through The Step Up Foundation Compassion, resilience, and the power of community in healing Suicide awareness, mental health, and the language we use around loss The realities of military life, brain injury (CTE), and post-service transition The importance of small acts of kindness and connection Resources Mentioned Chad 1000X The Step Up Foundation Home Base (Boston-based veteran brain clinic) Sound Off (mental health therapy platform for veterans) Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) Boston Frogman Swim 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Sara Wilkinson on Instagram Willpower and Resilience, Live Big Jocko Podcast Cleared Hot Podcast Community Highlight Cory and Sara Fulana don’t just run two gyms — they run on purpose. At Silk City CrossFit and CrossFit Hartford, service is part of the workout. Every month, they rally their community for something bigger — suicide awareness events with Uplift, women’s WODs supporting local female-owned businesses, Toys for Tots drives, marathon rows for the Boys and Girls Club, and Hero WODs that honor those who have served. Their question is always the same: How can we give back? Because for Cory and Sara, CrossFit isn’t just about fitness — it’s about using strength to serve others. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.
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[LIVE] The Latest From CrossFit’s CEO and A Top Affiliate Owner (EP. 052)
CrossFit CEO Don Faul and Affiliate Council Chair Zia Rohrbaugh join host James Hobart for a pulse check on what’s happening across the company and the community. They discuss the role of CrossFit HQ and CrossFit affiliates, the importance of the CrossFit brand for affiliates, and how to support international communities. Stay till the end to hear from special guests Troy Peterson of ValorFit and Mike Egan, as they preview their plans for Veterans Day. Support Mike in his effort to break a world record and raise money for ValorFit HERE. Let us know what you think --> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join us every Thursday at 10 am PT.
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[LIVE] Understanding the Return to Forging Elite Fitness® (EP. 048)
“Forging Elite Fitness®” has been part of the CrossFit brand since 2003. And now, it’s representing CrossFit front and center once again after a few years of lurking behind the scenes. But what does it really mean? And what doesn’t it mean? And why are we bringing it back? In this show, Denise Thomas is joined by Nicole Carroll, Craig Howard, and Jocelyn Rylee to unpack the phrase that debuted its revival tour this week in our new “Forging Elite Fitness” video and accompanying article. They’ll talk about where the misunderstanding often lies: Is it only about Games athletes? Is “elite” too aggressive? Or does it perfectly capture what CrossFit does for anyone who walks through the door, from grandparents to Games competitors? Let us know what you think --> [email protected] Follow us on YouTube to join us every Thursday at 10 am PT.
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The Story Behind the Viral @When_Nerds_Teach – Meet Dr. Fatty Acid (EP. 049)
Dr. Fatty Acid, the viral creator behind @When_Nerds_Teach, joins Denise Thomas for a refreshingly honest conversation about finding CrossFit, battling fatty liver disease, navigating Wegovy, and rediscovering strength. A lifelong teacher, she talks about humor, vulnerability, and learning to love movement for what it gives, not how it looks. Topics Included Discovering CrossFit as a total beginner and overcoming intimidation Balancing modern medicine (Wegovy) with lifestyle change Teaching, burnout, and how CrossFit helps with decision fatigue Managing body image, binge eating, and food anxiety Resources Mentioned Book: “Body Kindness" by Rebecca Scritchfield Documentary: “Clemente” about Roberto Clemente’s life and legacy CrossFit Tantrum (Dr. Fatty Acid’s affiliate) Community Highlight At just 16, Harrison Kennedy is already competing at the highest levels of CrossFit, but his story is about more than training. After facing mental health struggles, Harrison found purpose again at CrossFit Delta Fox in northern England, a gym partnered with The 180 Project, which helps people rebuild their lives after prison, addiction, or trauma. Now he’s giving back, coaching younger athletes and showing them the same thing CrossFit showed him: that community and hard work can change everything. Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here. Share Your Thoughts: Email us [[email protected]] or complete our survey here.
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