The CrossFit Podcast team is pulling back the curtain for this special episode. Get a look behind the scenes at what it took to restart the CrossFit Podcast, what we learned the hard way, and the top moments of the show in 2025.
Spend a little bit of your holiday season with us — Denise Thomas, Jocelyn Rylee, and Maggie Mullen. We hope this episode brings you some holiday cheer, ideas for what to binge next, and a bit of perspective on what matters most.
From all of us to you and your family — both CrossFit and nuclear — happy holidays, and please tell us how 12 Days of Christmas (or whatever WOD you’re hitting) goes.
Topics Covered
- Why CrossFit brought the podcast back and what changed in 2025.
- The turning point episode: Has CrossFit Lost Its Soul With James Hobart.
- Why we do this podcast – the most meaningful moments.
- Top five episodes worth revisiting from 2025.
Episodes Mentioned
- Top Five Episodes Worth Revisiting
- Big Impact
- Nick Wells and Gino Aviles (Redemption Road; Episode)
- Helen Taylor (Core City Kids; Episode)
- Scott and Gwenna Bradley (Underground PDX; Episode)
- Angie Manson (Elevate Addiction Services; Episode)
- Sara Wilkinson (Step Up Foundation; Episode)
- Other Mentions
Resources Mentioned
- Nikki Boyer
- “Brain Energy,” by Dr. Chris Palmer
- Brian Little, Ted Talk on Introversion and Extroversion
Community Highlight
CrossFit PolFed RAC exists because one officer, Pierre De Pelsemaeker-Godart, kept sharing something he cared about.
In 2010, when his team in the Brussels Federal Judicial Police moved into an unfinished government building, Pierre had just discovered CrossFit. With no gym, no equipment, and no dedicated space, he organized workouts wherever he could—outside in the park, inside the office, and eventually in an empty underground concrete room.
Pierre led his colleagues in building a training space from scratch using pallets, cardboard, and bodyweight movements. More officers joined because the workouts were simple, consistent, and open to anyone.
By 2014, a small sports room became their home base. They pooled money for second-hand equipment, competed in the CrossFit Open, and officially founded the nonprofit CrossFit PolFed RAC.
Years later, the affiliate is still active, serving dozens of members, because one person believed training together could change his workplace — and did the work to make it real.
Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here.
Share Your Thoughts: Email us [podcasts@crossfit.com].
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