Jocelyn Rylee – Page 3 – The CrossFit Podcast

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.

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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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Tag: Jocelyn Rylee

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

LIVE: CrossFit Is The Cure (EP. 028)