In this episode of Kettlebells and Cocktails, hosts John and Nikki are joined by Lauren, a three-time Hyrox World Champion. The trio discusses their experiences with Hyrox races, highlighting the unique challenges and training methodologies compared to CrossFit. Lauren also shares her preparations for an upcoming 100K ultra marathon and offers insights into balancing rigorous training with motherhood. They touch upon the community and competitive aspects of Hyrox, the importance of movement stan...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Join us in an engaging episode as we catch up with Dani Speegle after a long break. We tackle the complexities of adult life, discussing everything from scheduling akin to planning dental appointments to embracing the joys of shopping for unique items. Dive into Dani's journey with CrossFit, as she shares her shift from competitive aspirations to personal satisfaction. The episode takes a delightful twist with in-depth discussions on popular fantasy and romance novels, delving into themes of cha...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 45 min
In this episode of Kettlebells and Cocktails, hosts John and Niki navigate personal and collective emotions in the CrossFit community. They discuss the challenges of managing evening routines with children, coping with recent events, and addressing the financial burdens of end-of-life planning. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of tragedies, mixed community reactions, and the importance of support systems. Engaging with live comments, they explore athlete safety, collective guilt...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In this episode of Kettlebells and Cocktails, hosts John and Niki address the recent tragedy at the CrossFit Games, sharing their personal experiences with grief and its impact on the community. They discuss the importance of transparency and strategy in organizing events like the masters, teen, and adaptive games. The duo emphasizes the necessity of respectful dialogue and community support, encouraging viewers to contribute to a GoFundMe for a community member's family. This episode blends hum...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Join hosts John and Niki on 'Kettlebells and Cocktails' as they dive into the complexities of opening and running a successful CrossFit affiliate. Special guests Rob and Steph Mireles share their journey with CrossFit Attain, discussing crucial topics such as professionalism, community building, coaching effectiveness, and maintaining high standards. The episode also explores the future of CrossFit affiliates, including performance improvement strategies and the significance of community feedbac...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Join hosts John and Niki in this heartfelt episode of 'Kettlebells and Cocktails' as they reconnect after Niki's maternity leave. Niki shares her journey of balancing the demands of a newborn and running her own company, along with insights into postpartum recovery and parenting multiple children. The duo then shifts their focus to CrossFit, discussing Niki’s thoughts on being away from the CrossFit Games, the significance of effective communication within the CrossFit community, and strategies ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 14 min
CrossFit Community Insights: Kettlebells, Business, and Culture Shifts In this episode of 'Kettlebells and Cocktails', John and guests Keith Knapp & Dale King dive into various topics about the CrossFit community, affiliate ownership, and the shifting culture within CrossFit HQ. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of running CrossFit affiliates, including establishing gym etiquette, marketing strategies for new affiliates, and the importance of community and cleanliness in the gym envir...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In this episode of 'Kettlebells and Cocktails', host John is joined by special guest Jay DeCoons the Vice President of Global Affiliates at CrossFit. They discuss Jay's initial experiences with CrossFit and his first Open competition, highlighting the importance of scaling workouts and the sense of community within CrossFit affiliates. They delve into Jay's athletic background, which includes team sports, cycling, and triathlons, and how CrossFit has uniquely impacted his fitness journey. The co...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of 'Kettlebells and Cocktails', hosts John and Nikki delve into the innovative efforts in Ireland to integrate CrossFit into the healthcare system. Joined by guests Darina Dunne and Karl Dunne (no relation), they explore the inception and objectives of incorporating CrossFit programming as part of preventative healthcare in Ireland. They discuss the journey of advocating for government support and how CrossFit's community-driven model can serve as a powerful tool in improving the...
Mar 20, 2024•53 min
In this episode we have special guest Jen Green owner of CrossFit Greer and Senior Manager of U.S. Affiliate Operations at CrossFit HQ, discuss the pivotal role of affiliates in the CrossFit community. Jen elaborates on the value brought by affiliate reps through tools, resources, and a more personalized touch, assisting affiliates in becoming successful. We also touch upon CrossFit's ambitious marketing strategies aimed at advertising affiliates and attracting new members. Throughout the conver...
Feb 21, 2024•57 min
John and Niki welcome special guest Dale King, an OG in the CrossFit community. They discuss the changing landscape of CrossFit, from its handling under private equity to the challenges of affiliate ownership. Dale provides his thoughts on the future and expresses concerns over preserving the original ethos of CrossFit amidst changes. The conversation also explores customer service issues and the need for marketing initiatives to bolster affiliate relations. Jokes about Reddit trolls, questionab...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 10 min
In this open and in-depth conversation with CrossFit CEO, Don Faul, hosts John and Niki explore a range of important discussions related to the future of CrossFit. Don dives into the relationship and influence of private equity with CrossFit, a pivot towards a greater focus on health, and the key role of affiliates in the expansion of the CrossFit community. He also speaks on the focus and value of the brand, aspirations around the brand outreach, and his commitment to creating a strong internal...
Feb 08, 2024•58 min
In this episode, host John and Niki chat with one of their favorite guests Rob Kearney about his experiences with running a new CrossFit gym, CrossFit Iron Legacy. They discuss building a community, balancing coaching elite athletes with newcomers, and the approach towards CrossFit Open. Rob also shares his 'hot girl summer body' diet and his passion for coaching high-level athletes while maintaining a nurturing and diverse community environment. They also touch on topics like the importance of ...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Get ready for a power-packed "2 for 1" special on the latest episode of Kettlebells and Cocktails! This week, we bring you an exclusive live-from-Miami interview with none other than CrossFit Games Athlete Fee Saghafi. Join us as Fee spills the beans on all the exciting changes in her life since making the bold move from Ohio to the sunny vibes of Florida. Learn about her journey, challenges, and triumphs as she delves into her experience competing at the renowned Wodapalooza. But that's not all...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 39 min
In this episode, we sit down with Frank Foehrenback from the CF Affiliate Collective. Frank and his group are on a mission to reshape the future of CrossFit by organizing affiliates with the goal of purchasing CrossFit LLC from its current Private Equity Owners, Berkshire Partners. Join us as we dive into a spirited discussion about the direction they envision for the company under new affiliate ownership. In this engaging conversation, Frank shares his insights on why they believe the current l...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Get ready for another episode of "The Weekly Buzz," where Niki from the "Kettlebells & Cocktails" Podcast and Joe, the astute managing director of "The Morning Chalkup" newsletter, unravel the latest tales from the vibrant world of CrossFit. In this week's discussion: Wodapalooza Miami Unveiled: Brace yourself for the thrilling insights into Wodapalooza, kicking off in Miami! Niki and Joe dive deep into the competition, showcasing the fervor, standout performances, and everything that makes ...
Jan 09, 2024•20 min
In this episode, we explore the intricacies of CrossFit's unique ecosystem through its affiliate model. Join us as we unravel how each gym develops its distinct personality, fostering a tapestry of advantages and drawbacks. We dissect the macro and micro communities thriving within these boxes, highlighting the significance of adept owners in cultivating lasting, vibrant communities that enhance member experiences and sustain business growth. Our special guest this week is Ben Dziwulski, the vis...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Welcome to another exciting episode of "The Weekly Buzz"! Join hosts Joe and Niki as they delve into the electrifying world of CrossFit in this jam-packed episode. Get ready to explore the hype surrounding the upcoming CrossFit competition, Wodapalooza, set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami. Joe and Niki also tackle the controversy swirling around the payouts for the Masters competition, "Legends Championship," sparking debates and discussions within the CrossFit community. Whether you're a ...
Jan 03, 2024•19 min
In this episode, we discuss the evolution of CrossFit, exploring the changes and differences since it's inception with founder Greg Glassman and its transition to current ownership under Private Equity. Join us as we dissect the nuances and intricacies associated with this shift, unraveling the fears and uncertainties that accompany such a transformation. Our guest is Dr. Kelly Starrett, an authority in movement and fitness, renowned New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of "...
Jan 02, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Kettlebells and Cocktails"! Join us as we sit down with Frank and Greg, the dynamic duo behind Hero Barbell. In this captivating conversation, they unveil the trials and triumphs of being small business owners in the fitness industry. Discover how they're boldly challenging the giants of fitness equipment by crafting top-tier products at competitive prices. Frank and Greg share their inspiring journey, shedding light on the strategies, obstacles, and innov...
Dec 30, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Join us in this episode as we chat with the incredible Justine Luchini, the founder of Thirdzy—an all-natural sleep supplement. Justine brings her expertise to the table as we dive into the fascinating realm of fitness recovery. We explore how pregnancy has shaped and altered her training and recovery routines, offering unique insights into adapting fitness practices during this transformative phase of life. Get ready for an engaging conversation that delves into the nuances of training, recover...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In this special edition, we sit down with Dale King, the inspiring owner of PSKC CrossFit and Doc Spartan Products. Dale joins us to delve into his recently released documentary, "Small Town Strong." This powerful film unravels the gripping narrative of Dale's community in Portsmouth, Ohio, as they confront and combat an escalating opioid crisis. Tune in as Dale shares poignant insights, stories of resilience, and the impactful journey behind "Small Town Strong." Get ready for an eye-opening con...
Dec 24, 2023•1 hr
This week, John & Niki unpack the latest buzz in the CrossFit world, diving into the recently unveiled Semifinals locations for the CrossFit Games. Delving deeper, they analyze the insights gleaned from the Affiliate Town Hall led by Don Faul and senior leadership, shedding light on what transpired and offering opinion on the details. Intriguingly, a mysterious entity, "The CF Affiliate Collective," surfaces, seemingly positioned to challenge CrossFit's trajectory. Speculation arises regardi...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 13 min
In this exciting episode of "Kettlebells & Cocktails," we're thrilled to host a special guest, Scott Britton, the passionate individual behind Battle Cancer. Join us as we dive into Scott's incredible journey, from his recent move from the UK to vibrant Miami. He shares the behind-the-scenes insights of his transition and the unique experiences he's encountered along the way. Scott also takes us on an exhilarating preview of what Battle Cancer has in store for the upcoming Wodapalooza event ...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Welcome to a special collaborative episode of "The Weekly Buzz," a fusion of insights from "The Morning Chalkup" newsletter and the "Kettlebells & Cocktails" podcast! Join hosts Joe and Niki as they dive deep into the latest happenings within the vibrant CrossFit community. In this episode, we've got an exciting lineup of stories that you won't want to miss. Get the scoop on the thrilling action from the Down Under Championship and the incredible feats achieved at the Adaptive athlete compet...
Dec 04, 2023•18 min
In this compelling episode, we sit down with the remarkable Lauren Taylor, a former elite athlete turned Adaptive CrossFit Games competitor. Lauren's journey from collegiate sports to conquering obstacle course racing took a fateful turn in 2020 when a collision with a Mack truck left her battling debilitating challenges—headaches, dizziness, vertigo, and neck pain. Diagnosed with cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, traumatic brain injury, and acquired ataxia, Lauren's world shifted. But amidst a...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 6 min
On this Focus on Female episode, Niki sits down with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo - a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist specializing in Female Athletic Performance and Menopause Health. In this episode Niki and Dr. Carla tackle all the ins and outs of maintaining healthy physical activity while aging. With Dr. Carla's experience in the fitness industry, and nearly two decades of experience in women’s hormonal care, she takes a holistic approach to wellness and performance, meaning fitness and...
Nov 28, 2023•46 min
Welcome to a thrilling episode of "Kettlebells & Cocktails"! In this edition, we delve into the world of tactical athleticism with a special guest, Nick Thayer, the ingenious mind behind the renowned Tactical Games. Join us as we explore the origins and ethos behind The Tactical Games, a groundbreaking platform designed to assess the skills and preparedness of tactical athletes across diverse backgrounds. From military personnel to law enforcement officers, competition shooters, and passiona...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Join us for another riveting episode of "The Weekly Buzz," where Niki from the "Kettlebells & Cocktails" Podcast and Joe, the insightful managing director of "The Morning Chalkup" newsletter, unpack the latest stories from the vibrant world of CrossFit. In this week's installment: Elite Competitions Unveiled: Delve into the high-stakes action of elite competitions such as the Down Under Championship, the Dubai Fitness Championship, and the TYR Wodapalooza. Niki and Joe dissect the performanc...
Nov 20, 2023•16 min
Get ready for another action-packed episode of "The Weekly Buzz"! Join the dynamic duo, Niki from "Kettlebells & Cocktails" and Joe, the managing director of "The Morning Chalkup," as they bring you the latest from the CrossFit world. In this week's episode: 2024 CrossFit Games Season Announcements: Uncover the exciting developments and announcements shaping the landscape of the 2024 CrossFit Games season. What's in store for the athletes and fans? Tune in to find out! TYR Wodapalooza Update...
Nov 13, 2023•19 min
