The CrossFit Podcast

Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is an ICU doctor in Ottawa who spent the pandemic treating some of the sickest patients in Canada. In this conversation, he explains how his experience in the ICU during COVID changed the course of his life — and set him on a mission to keep people out of his ward.



In his episode, he talks candidly about what it’s like to deliver bad news to families, what we’re getting wrong about chronic illness, and how fitness and strength training save lives. Dr. K is also the author of the book "Prevention Over Prescription" and the host of a podcast by the same name. This episode is a rallying cry for coaches, affiliate owners, and anyone trying to improve the health of their community.



Topics Included



What an ICU doctor actually sees and does daily



Why COVID changed the way he views chronic illness



How strength training impacts patient outcomes



What most doctors get wrong about metabolic syndrome



The case for simple, empowering lifestyle interventions



Resources Mentioned



Book: “Prevention Over Prescription” by Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng



Podcast: “Prevention Over Prescription” (hosted by Dr. K)



2024 CrossFit Health Summit presentation



Jason Fung’s work on fasting and diabetes reversal



Dr. Chris Palmer’s research on mental health and metabolic health



CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course



Community Highlight:Mike and Katelyn run Chalkdust CrossFit in Powell, Ohio — a 10-year affiliate built from grit, loyalty, and a lot of long nights.When their old gym closed, they started over, training a few loyal members in the park before opening a space of their own. In the early days, they slept at the gym just to keep things afloat, coaching late into the night and first thing in the morning.



Now, Chalkdust is known for balance. Most members compete locally and move with sharp technique — but they also show up for “Self-Care Saturdays,” a weekly blend of yoga, breathwork, and reflection.That mix of intensity and recovery has become the heartbeat of their culture.



Mike and Katelyn keep it simple: they just want to help people “be more awesome.”



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Dr. Rhonda Patrick is a leading researcher in nutrition, aging, and metabolic health. She’s known for translating complex science into practical tools for longevity and performance — and now, after a year of doing CrossFit, she has new insights to share. In this episode, Rhonda joins Denise to break down the cellular mechanisms behind high-intensity exercise, why lactate is more than a waste product, and how CrossFit helps train your brain, not just your body.



They cover topics like VO2 max, mitochondrial repair, post-meal inflammation, aging muscles, and the science behind "exercise snacks." Rhonda also shares her personal transformation from intimidated beginner to committed athlete — and why she believes CrossFit may be one of the most powerful tools for lifelong health.Topics Included



Why Rhonda started CrossFit — and how her perspective shifted after a year of training



What lactate actually is and why it’s a powerful signal for brain and muscle health



How high-intensity exercise triggers mitochondrial repair and neurogenesis



The relationship between sedentary behavior, inflammation, and cancer risk



The research behind exercise “snacks” and how to use them throughout your day



The benefits of CrossFit for aging adults, and Rhonda’s vision for senior fitness



Resources Mentioned



Dr. Patrick’s website and podcast “Found My Fitness”

Dr. Martin Gibala podcast episode





Rhonda at the CrossFit for Health Summit 



Community Highlight



Kenny Kane has been coaching since 2005 and took over CrossFit Oak Park in 2015.When the Los Angeles wildfires hit, nearly a third of the gym’s members were displaced — and 20 lost their homes.



In the middle of it all, priorities shifted. First: safety. Then, helping people meet basic needs. Running classes came second.What stood out most to Kenny wasn’t the hardship — it was the response. The Oak Park community came together fast. Members organized donations, raised money, and supported one another in every way possible.



For years, Kenny poured everything into building that community. In return, they showed up tenfold.CrossFit Oak Park has always focused on helping people live well outside the gym. In a moment of crisis, that philosophy held strong.This is what the CrossFit community looks like.



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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.”



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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

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.



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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