Best Hour of Their Day | Podcast

Jeremy and Julie, Owners of Desert Devil CrossFit, share how systemizing processes like onboarding and member touchpoints have transformed their gym. Learn how they’ve improved retention, fostered a supportive culture, and empowered members to thrive. -- Want to GROW YOUR CROSSFIT AFFILIATE? Click here! Want to LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING? Click here! -- CLICK HERE to learn more about ENLIFTED mindset training -- 👋 New here? We help CrossFit Coaches and Affiliate Owners make a bigger impact by focusing on what matters most: CrossFit group classes. 👉 For Affiliate Owners: Affiliate University - Learn how to build a thriving community without having to run ads or sell specialty classes. We teach you how to develop your staff and run your gym like a business. 📈 👉 For Coaches: The Knowledge - Take your skills and career to the next level. Understand the methodology, sharpen your on-the-floor skills, and earn your next credential

The key to great coaching isn’t perfection—it’s connection. In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, CrossFit coach Pat Oyston reveals how this lesson transformed his journey from overcoming depression to becoming a full-time coach. -- With over 600 videos (and new ones daily) plus guided mentorship from L4 coaches, we’re here to help you grow. 🏋️ Are you ready to LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING? 👉CLICK HERE to get started.⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- CLICK HERE TO GRAB THE FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION -- 0:00 - Struggling to Articulate Coaching Cues 1:03 - Pat Oyston 2:06 - Starting as a Swim Coach at 15 Years Old 5:12 - College Swimming, Injury, and Switching Careers 9:07 - A High School Coach's Life-Changing Impact 14:14 - The Challenges of Recovery After a Knee Injury 17:04 - Discovering CrossFit and Finding Purpose Again 23:35 - Lessons Learned from a Mismanaged Coaching Internship 24:48 - Joining a Supportive Gym Community at Rawson Creek 27:50 - Jason Ackerman’s Mentorship and Building Confidence 32:05 - Taking the CrossFit Level 2 and Learning to “Go Slow to Go Fast” 36:05 - Leaving a Management Role to Pursue Full-Time Coaching 39:15 - Making Coaching About the Athletes

Elie Zeitlin of CrossFit Coney Island shares how mastering delegation transformed his gym and life. Learn how he empowered his team, optimized operations, and built a thriving community in Brooklyn. -- 🚀 Looking to BOOST REVENUE at your CrossFit Affiliate? CLICK HERE to Grab the FREE “Raise Prices Without Pissing Off Your Members” Mini-Course -- 👉 CLICK HERE to learn more about Affiliate University & BOOK A FREE 1-ON-1 CALL -- 💻 CLICK HERE to learn more about Push Press Gym Software -- 0:00 Intro 1:42 The Power of Delegating 7:00 Managing Growth in a Small Space 10:50 The First Task Elie Delegated 15:04 Creating the Perfect Day 19:32 Taking Extended Time Away from the Gym 26:39 Overcoming the Challenges of Delegation 32:48 Feedback That Builds a Strong Team 37:12 Keeping Politics Out of the Gym 41:06 Redefining Success as a Gym Owner

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with veteran coach Stephane Rochet to discuss his journey from collegiate strength coaching to becoming a key figure in CrossFit's growth. Stephane shares insights on building trust with athletes, learning from legends like Coach Bergener, and why CrossFit remains the gold standard for fitness. This episode is a must-listen for coaches and athletes looking to master the fundamentals and create lasting impact. -- With over 600 videos (and new ones daily) plus guided mentorship from L4 coaches, we’re here to help you grow. Are you ready to be more awesome? Click HERE to get started. -- DOWNLOAD THE FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION -- 0:00 - Introduction 3:52 - Stephane's Coaching Journey Begins 4:51 - First Coaching Role at UCLA 7:16 - Firehose of Learning as a New Coach 8:11 - Teaching Athletes: Fake It Till You Make It 9:27 - Discovering Coach Bergener and Olympic Lifting 14:08 - Keeping Coaching Simple Yet Effective 19:45 - First Exposure to CrossFit 22:46 - From Coaching to Police Work 24:11 - Bringing CrossFit to Police Training 25:07 - Head Strength Coach at USD 27:42 - Implementing CrossFit Principles for Athletes 35:23 - Building Trust and Culture with Athletes 38:19 - The Role of Trust in Affiliate Coaching 41:12 - Changes in CrossFit From Then to Now 48:40 - Mastering the Basics as a Coach 53:34 - Stefan’s Hopes for CrossFit’s Future 56:46 - CrossFit Gyms as Beacons of Health and Community

Tanya Sammis, Owner of CrossFit Virilis, transformed her gym from 30 to 130 members by simplifying operations, downsizing her space, and focusing on creating an exceptional class experience. By prioritizing member retention and streamlining her offerings, Tanya built a thriving community in Cibolo, Texas, proving that less can truly be more. Her journey is an inspiring example of how focusing on the essentials can lead to explosive growth. -- 🚀 Looking to BOOST REVENUE at your CrossFit Affiliate? Grab the FREE “Raise Prices Without Pissing Off Your Members” Mini-Course -- 👉 CLICK HERE to learn more about Affiliate University & BOOK A FREE 1-ON-1 CALL -- 💻 Learn more about Push Press Gym Software -- 0:00 – Introduction 1:30 – The Journey From 30 to 130 Members 3:45 – Simplifying Gym Operations: The Key to Success 6:10 – Downsizing to Grow: Why Less is More 8:25 – Creating an Exceptional Class Experience 12:00 – Prioritizing Retention Over Expansion 15:20 – The Power of Community and Connection 18:40 – Streamlining Offerings for Member Success 22:10 – The Importance of Consistency in Coaching 25:30 – Empowering Your Team for Better Outcomes 30:00 – Lessons Learned From Mentorship and Growth 33:15 – The Role of Retention in Long-Term Gym Success 36:50 – Tanya’s “Keep Going” Philosophy

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with Burgener Strength Coach Cody Looney. Cody shares his journey from coaching kids’ soccer to becoming a CrossFit Affiliate Owner, military veteran, and weightlifting educator. He dives into the art of teaching Olympic lifts in CrossFit gyms, the importance of meeting athletes where they are, and how Burgener Strength is shaping the next generation of Coaches and athletes. -- With over 600 videos (and new ones daily) plus guided mentorship from L4 coaches, we’re here to help you grow. Are you ready to be more awesome? Click HERE to get started. -- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION -- 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Cody’s First Coaching Experience 3:00 From Military Service to Fitness Coaching 6:00 Discovering CrossFit and the Olympic Lifts 9:00 Lessons from Burgener Strength 12:00 Teaching Olympic Lifts in CrossFit Gyms 16:00 Building a Culture of Coaching Excellence 20:00 Balancing Beginners and Advanced Lifters 25:00 Challenges and Solutions in Weightlifting Programs 30:00 The Impact of Team and Athlete Development

Jason Fernandez and Jason Ackerman sit down with Steph Grams from CrossFit Kaneohe to discuss her inspiring journey from gym member to thriving Affiliate Owner. Steph opens up about the challenges of buying a failing gym, navigating leadership, and building a close-knit community while staying true to her vision. Don't miss this episode full of valuable lessons on resilience and leadership. -- 🚀 Looking to BOOST REVENUE at your CrossFit Affiliate? CLICK HERE to Grab the FREE “Raise Prices Without Pissing Off Your Members” Mini-Course -- 👉 CLICK HERE to learn more about Affiliate University & BOOK A FREE 1-ON-1 CALL -- 💻 CLICK HERE to learn more about Push Press Gym Software -- 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Steph Grams - CrossFit Kaneohe 2:48 From Member to Owner 5:04 Challenges of Buying a Failing Gym 8:14 Facing Fears as a Business Owner 11:03 Competitors and Staying the Course 14:01 Leveraging Gym Software 17:27 Building a Strong Coaching Team 20:24 Transitioning to Gym Mayor Role 26:00 CrossFit for Families and Kids 30:08 Preparing for the Level 4 Exam 34:24 Running a Gym in Hawaii 36:43 Staying True to Your Vision

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, hosts Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with CrossFit OG and Seminar Staff veteran Mike Giardina. Mike shares his journey from the military to becoming a coach at CrossFit Atlanta, a Flowmaster on CrossFit Seminar Staff, and now a leader in CrossFit’s health initiatives. He dives into the importance of simplicity in coaching, the power of affiliate communities, and how the CrossFit Medical Society is bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare. -- With over 600 videos (and new ones daily) plus guided mentorship from L4 coaches, we’re here to help you grow. Are you ready to be more awesome? CLICK HERE to get started. -- Download the FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION -- 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Mike Giardina 3:03 - Early Days of CrossFit Coaching and Community 5:21 - First CrossFit Workout Experience 7:03 - Joining CrossFit Atlanta and Coaching Beginnings 10:22 - Becoming Seminar Staff: From Intern to Leader 14:46 - The Journey of Coaching Development 19:04 - Coaching New Athletes: Patience and Simplicity 22:43 - The Power of Simplicity in Coaching Cues 27:03 - Transitioning to Leadership in Coaching Education 34:07 - CrossFit Medical Society and Health Initiatives 37:28 - Tracking Health Markers: The Next Level of Fitness 40:49 - Connecting Health, Coaching, and Community 43:02 - Where to Learn More About CrossFit Medical Society

Randy and Chausse Lauer, owners of 3-46 Grit CrossFit, share their journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges. Chausse opens up about surviving a stroke and how it reshaped her approach to resilience, leadership, and community building. Together, they reflect on their strategies for budgeting, streamlining operations, and creating a thriving gym while staying deeply connected to their CrossFit community. -- Looking to boost revenue at your CrossFit Affiliate? CLICK HERE Grab the FREE “Raise Prices Without Pissing Off Your Members” Mini-Course -- CLICK HERE to learn more about Affiliate University -- CLICK HERE to learn more about Push Press Gym Software -- 0:00 - Intro 0:31 - Meet Randy and Chausse Lauer 4:26 - Transitioning to Full-Time Gym Ownership 6:51 - From Construction to CrossFit 8:19 - What Randy Did Well vs. Where He Struggled 10:52 - The Power of Budgeting 15:17 - Chausse’s Stroke Story 20:25 - Recovery and Resilience 21:35 - Balancing Member Wants with Business Needs 29:16 - Doing Less, Better 32:50 - Building Legacy Through Systems 37:20 - Why the Lauers Stick with Affiliate University

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Nicole Aucoin shares her journey from dietitian to nutrition coaching expert, revealing how coaches can transform lives by addressing the other 23 hours of the day. She dives into actionable strategies for creating sustainable nutrition programs, fostering accountability, and empowering clients to achieve long-term success. A must-watch for coaches ready to elevate their impact and integrate nutrition seamlessly into their gym. -- CLICK HERE TO LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠ -- CLICK HERE TO GRAB THE FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HSN -- 0:00 – Introduction 1:39 – Nicole’s Journey: From Dietitian to Nutrition Coach 3:48 – Early Coaching Challenges and Lessons Learned6:01 – Personal Story: How Cancer Inspired a Focus on Nutrition 9:25 – Nutrition in CrossFit: Paleo, Zone, and Finding What Works 12:20 – Starting Small: The Key to Sustainable Client Success 22:00 – Lessons from Early Mistakes in Nutrition Coaching 29:04 – How to Find and Empower the Right Nutrition Coach 35:31 – Expanding Healthy Steps Nutrition