The CrossFit Podcast

Helen Taylor, CrossFit Level 2 Trainer and fourth degree black belt, is the founder of Core City CrossFit Kids, a nonprofit organization in Detroit, Michigan, dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged youth through fitness, mentorship, and community.In this episode, Helen talks with Denise Thomas about the realities of running a nonprofit in an under-resourced community, the challenges of earning trust, and what it takes to keep kids engaged both inside and outside the gym. She also shares how Core City CrossFit Kids has become more than just a fitness program — it’s a space where kids find consistency, support, and leadership opportunities they don’t get anywhere else.

Topics Included:

• Helen’s background in martial arts and transition to CrossFit
• The origins of Core City CrossFit Kids and the challenges of starting a nonprofit
• The role of fitness in addressing mental health, depression, and food insecurity
• Building trust with youth in underprivileged communities
• Collaborating with local schools, law enforcement, and community leaders

Resources Mentioned:

• Core City CrossFit Kids: https://www.instagram.com/corecitycrossfitkids
• Core City Documentary: find it at @corecityfilm or here; special thanks to Shadow Creek Films and Corban Aspegren for a great film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVyG_QdW0CY 
• Contact Helen: For donations, volunteering, or inquiries, email [email protected]

Community Highlight:

This week, we’re highlighting Jessie Dudley, a former elementary school teacher who now runs Organización de Amigos, a nonprofit breaking down financial barriers to sports and fitness for kids and teens. Jessie has opened two CrossFit affiliates in schools with another in the works, aiming to expand across Washington County, Oregon. She’s currently looking for CrossFit coaches for paid roles.

Learn more at www.organizaciondeamigos.com or follow @organizaciondeamigos.

Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here: https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ

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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=008

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In this episode, CrossFit CEO Don Faul shares how he handles the pressures of decision-making at CrossFit HQ and why he’s still chasing improvement every year. Along the way, Don reflects on the energy of the community, where the company is heading, and his years of CrossFit before becoming the CEO. Don opens up on topics that matter to the CrossFit community — like the future of CrossFit. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at his personal life — from being a dad and a CEO to trash talk at his 6 a.m. CrossFit class.

Topics Covered:

• The 2025 CrossFit Open 
• Decision-making as the CEO of CrossFit and managing community feedback
• Personal stories from his family life and military days
• The sale of CrossFit and state of the CrossFit brand

Resources Mentioned:

• Don’s appearance on The Jocko Podcast → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15Tw-jBFodc 
• Don’s competition dashboard → https://games.crossfit.com/athlete/767005 
• Kicking and Screaming, Will Ferrell as a soccer dad → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgLlssX0gBQ 
• March 2025 Affiliate Town Hall Recap (Affiliate Toolkit –  login required) → https://affiliate.crossfit.com/tools/home 

Community Highlight:

Brian Boucher and his wife, Gabby, opened MidState CrossFit in 2014 in Merced, California, with a goal to create a community so solid that it exists for decades to come. One of the ways Brian is making a lasting impact is through MidState CrossFit’s adaptive athlete program, which provides training for athletes with both mental and physical disabilities. His commitment to his members goes far beyond the norm — he’s known for handwriting birthday letters to all of his members. Brian’s leadership is rooted in connection, proving that CrossFit is about more than just fitness — it’s about creating a community where people build self-efficacy and find belonging.

Visit MidState CrossFit → https://www.midstatecrossfit.com/

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=007

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CrossFit legend Scott Panchik joins the show to discuss his journey as a Games athlete and a gym owner, breaking down the role of competition at all levels of CrossFit. From pushing his limits on the competition floor to helping everyday athletes redefine success at CrossFit Mentality, Scott shares invaluable insights on training, coaching, and mindset. 

Scott and host Denise Thomas dive into the evolution of competition, the fine line between healthy and unhealthy motivation, and how tracking progress in the gym can drive both physical and personal growth. 

Topics Covered: 

• Redefining Competition – How Scott’s perspective on competition has evolved from elite CrossFit athlete to coach and affiliate owner.
• Coaching for Long-Term Success – The role of mentorship, tracking progress, and fostering a culture of growth inside the affiliate.
• Embracing Failure as Growth – Why setbacks are essential in training and how to maintain a healthy, sustainable mindset in CrossFit.

Resources Mentioned: 

• CrossFit Mentality – Scott Panchik’s affiliate
• Scott as a Coach and Meeting Henry
• Henry’s Story Continues
• The CrossFit Open and Games

Community Highlight:

Andrew Rape is the owner of CrossFit Trussville in Alabama, where he has built a strong, resilient community. In May of last year, Andrew faced an unexpected challenge when a fire destroyed his gym. Rather than shutting down or pausing operations, he quickly found a temporary space at a local church and ensured that his members didn’t miss a single class. 

Andrew credits his ability to rebuild to the unwavering support of his gym community, his wife Candice, and his team. His leadership in the face of adversity exemplifies the spirit of CrossFit — perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others stay on track with their fitness.

Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here!

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In this episode, Denise Thomas sits down with Dr. Julie Foucher, a board-certified family physician, and former CrossFit Games athlete, to explore the intersection of medicine, fitness, and health — physical, mental, and emotional. Foucher discusses the limitations of conventional healthcare, the role of lifestyle in chronic disease prevention, and how CrossFit affiliates can serve as health hubs in their communities. She also shares insights on mindset, stress management, and practical steps for taking ownership of your health.

Topics Covered:

• The limitations of conventional healthcare and why the system isn’t designed for prevention.
• The role of lifestyle in preventing and reversing chronic disease.
• The connection between metabolic health, mental health, and stress resilience.
• Practical strategies for building a proactive, patient-centered approach to healthcare.
• The importance of community in long-term health and well-being.

Resources & Media Mentioned:

• What Is Fitness? (2002) – The foundational article defining CrossFit’s approach to fitness
• Pursuing Health Podcast – Hosted by Dr. Julie Foucher
• Biomarker Panels – CrossFit Medical Society
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – Featuring the “Morning Pages” journaling method
• The Work by Byron Katie – A framework for challenging negative thought patterns
• Enlifted Method by Mark England – Mindset and language tools for personal growth and coaching
• The Roseto Effect

Community Highlight:

This week, we’re featuring Heather Peters and Maggie Birdsell from Ashe CrossFit in North Carolina. As a nurse and a dietitian, respectively, they built a primary care facility inside their CrossFit gym, providing a model for integrating fitness and healthcare. After their gym was devastated by Hurricane Helene, they prioritized supporting their community — offering medical care and mobilizing members to assist in relief efforts.

To support Ashe CrossFit, visit their Instagram at @ashecrossfit.

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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In this episode, Denise Thomas sits down with Dave Castro to discuss the evolution of CrossFit from its early days to its current global impact. Dave shares stories from his 20-year journey, including:

• Early Beginnings: How he got involved in CrossFit around 2005 at the original HQ at CrossFit Santa Cruz, and his role in developing and scaling the early seminars into a global training business alongside Nicole Carroll.
• Standardizing Education: The process of shaping and standardizing CrossFit curriculum and training through seminars — detailing his experiences organizing, staffing, and refining the lecture format.
• Seminar Staff Development: Personal anecdotes on recruiting and mentoring Seminar Staff, the role of Flowmasters, and how consistent learning creates a lasting impact.
• The CrossFit Games and Open: Insights into the origins of the CrossFit Games and the evolution of the CrossFit Open.
• Personal Reflections: Understanding Dave as a leader in CrossFit, a media personality, and a husband/father.

Resources Mentioned:

• Register for the CrossFit Open: games.crossfit.com
• CrossFit Training Courses (Level 1 and Level 2)
• The First CrossFit Games (2007)

Community Highlight

This week’s community highlight features Rob Matthews, owner of CrossFit Pottstown in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Rob has been involved in CrossFit since 2003 and runs his gym as a nonprofit in an old National Guard armory. His rare business model — charging members on a sliding scale and funding programs through insurance and grants — supports recovery, at-risk youth, adaptive athletes, and military personnel.
Visit Pottstown Athletic Club for more information.

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