In a series of trailers last week, CrossFit revealed that it is revamping and reloading The CrossFit Podcast, with a concentration on the community.
Hosted by Denise Thomas, an L-4 Seminar Staff member, Coach Development Manager at CrossFit, and self-proclaimed “CrossFit nerd,” this new podcast offers stories and interviews from a wide range of individuals associated with the brand and methodology.
- Thomas discovered the sport 17 years ago and wants to share stories about people changing the world and saving lives through CrossFit.
Nicole Carroll, CrossFit’s Chief Brand Officer, was also heavily involved in creating the podcast and was its first guest.
“We wanted to restart our podcast channel so we have the freedom to go deeper—where we can get to know and learn from the people out there who are using CrossFit to create health and change lives in lasting and profound ways,” Carroll explained in an email interview with the Morning Chalk Up.
- Carroll elaborated: “The conversations are primarily geared toward the CrossFit community. That said, because of Denise’s background as a veteran coach and Seminar Staff, she is naturally welcoming to someone curious about CrossFit, endeavoring to bring them along, no matter their experience [level].”
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The podcast will also venture beyond the direct CrossFit space to seek outside perspectives and insights.
- Carroll noted specifically, “guests from outside the community whose work in the academic or clinical space adds a valuable perspective to our discussions and collective understanding.”
In addition to Carroll in the inaugural episode, future editions will include conversations with Chuck Carswell, Helen Taylor, Scott Panchik, Julie Foucher, and others.
Finding the Theme of the Show
Carroll and Thomas knew they wanted a wide variety of athletes, coaches, owners, seminar staff members, executives at HQ, and subject matter experts outside the CrossFit community.
- “The way we think about it is that collectively, the knowledge and stories they share are a more complete reflection of CrossFit than focusing on one type of guest or one theme for the show,” Carroll said.
This podcast will go far beyond programming, Fran times, and competition highlights – these are CrossFit’s real story: the community.
Host With the Most
Though she’s typically a podcast guest, Thomas thoroughly enjoys the experience of playing host.
- “I’ve always been the guest, so learning how to do this has been very humbling,” she said. “I’m a podcast rookie, and I have so much respect for those who make it look so effortless […][The] hardest part is trying to do right by our CrossFit community. I love them! It’s a huge responsibility, and I don’t take it lightly.”
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Preparing for each episode has oddly echoed the experience of planning to coach a CrossFit class; it’s an experience that Thomas knows well.
- “The process is so interesting to me. Trying to figure out the best way to prepare so the guest can share their wisdom and the audience can steal some magic along the way is really fun,” she said. “It’s like lesson planning for a CrossFit class: Intent, prioritization, allocation, execution, evaluation, and then, improvement.”
Those tuning in will be able to “enjoy educational, inspiring, and entertaining conversations as well as be brought into a deeper understanding and appreciation for what CrossFit is about, who it is for, and what they can expect from walking into a CrossFit gym,” Carroll said.
And just as newer athletes are encouraged to set lofty goals to work towards, Thomas is dreaming big when asked about her ideal guest:
- “Can I say Jalen Hurts?! I find him to be so incredibly interesting and cryptic. I have so many questions,” she said. “In CrossFit, I would love to interview Dave Castro and Nicole Carroll together. Let’s get cozy and take a stroll down memory lane!”
Check out The CrossFit Podcast, starting February 11.
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Featured Image: CrossFit
