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:

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.

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

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