Best Hour of Their Day | Podcast

Jason Ackerman interviews Evan Slaughter, a CrossFit comedian who shares his inspiring journey from addiction and being 85 pounds overweight to becoming a fitness influencer. Evan discusses his physical transformation, the role of CrossFit, and how comedy has helped him inspire others on their fitness journeys. -- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools -- Unlock the Power of Your Fitness Business with PushPress https://www.pushpress.com/

Michael Cazayoux shares his journey from CrossFit Games Champion and co-founder of Brute Strength to becoming a leader in coaching and personal development through Soul Searching Adventures. Michael shares how he overcame personal struggles, from addiction to building successful businesses, and how his passion for coaching evolved from fitness to deep, transformational work. -- LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/theknowledge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/world-class-coach-evaluation -- Learn more about Soul Searching Adventures https://soulsearchingadventures.com/ -- 0:00 - Introduction 1:01 - Defining Coaching: Teaching vs. Coaching 2:15 - Introducing Michael Cazayoux: CrossFit Champion and Life Coach 5:00 - Wins and Struggles: Pat, Todd, and Mike Share 10:25 - Michael's Journey into Music and Creativity 15:00 - Overcoming the Challenges of Sales and Empathy 20:00 - Why Accountability is Key in Coaching 25:50 - Michael’s First Coaching Experience at Ute CrossFit 30:30 - Coaching at LSU: The High-Performance Athlete Experience 35:00 - The Shift from Brute Strength to Soul Searching Adventures 40:30 - The Power of Embracing Discomfort and Fear in Life 43:50 - The Impact of Pat’s Soul Searching Adventure with Michael 47:00 - Lessons Learned from Coaching Across Different Domains

In this episode of the "Best Hour of Their Day" podcast, Jason Ackerman and Jason Fernandez talk with Ryan Wheeler, the very first client to enroll in Affiliate University. Ryan shares the incredible success he’s seen since joining, from growing his gym membership to managing large classes and launching a successful scholarship program. He also discusses his future plans, including building a custom gym facility. -- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools -- Unlock the Power of Your Fitness Business with PushPress https://www.pushpress.com/ -- 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - The First Affiliate University Client: Ryan Wheeler 1:58 - Ryan’s Affiliate Growth and Initial Challenges 4:59 - Importance of Consistency and Showing Up 6:00 - Lessons on Time Management for Gym Owners 10:16 - The Scholarship Program Success Story 15:30 - Community Engagement Outside the Gym 17:20 - Membership Growth and Retention Rates 20:00 - Handling Large Class Sizes and Group Management 22:15 - Improving Systems and Using Data for Daily Operations 24:00 - The Power of Accountability and Delegation 29:00 - Streamlining Processes for Efficiency 33:00 - The Key to Success: Faster Action Steps 34:00 - Ryan’s New Building Project: Plans and Goals 41:00 - Attendance Metrics: Tracking Weekly Data 44:00 - Balancing Growth and Maintaining Class Quality 48:00 - Ryan’s Vision for the Future of His Affiliate

Craig Howard, owner of Diablo CrossFit, and Jason Ackerman tackle the controversial $4,500 CrossFit affiliate fee increase. With many affiliate owners questioning the value, Craig dives into the unique benefits of staying affiliated—but is it enough to justify the cost? Tune in to hear his surprising take and decide for yourself. -- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools -- Unlock the Power of Your Fitness Business with PushPress https://www.pushpress.com/ -- 0:00 Introduction 0:37 Craig Howard, Diablo CrossFit Owner 1:55 CrossFit Affiliate Council and the Affiliate Fee Increase 3:41 Craig's Journey as a CrossFit Athlete and Box Owner 6:35 The Financial Impact of the Affiliate Fee Increase 9:52 The Affiliate Council's Role in the Fee Discussion 11:02 Were Affiliates Ready for the $4,500 Rate? 13:10 Why Some Affiliates Struggle with Raising Rates 16:04 The Role of CrossFit Licensing vs. Franchise Models 20:23 The Power of the CrossFit Brand for Affiliate Growth 22:25 Why CrossFit’s Global Community is Priceless 25:16 How Google and CrossFit Branding Drive Business 27:47 The CrossFit Open: A Critical Retention Tool for Affiliates 30:47 Craig’s Advice for Affiliate Owners and the Support from HQ

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto talk with Gene Williams, a Level 3 CrossFit Coach and CrossFit Seminar Staff member. Gene shares his journey from starting a gym in his garage to becoming a respected Coach, focusing on the balance between technical expertise and building personal connections with athletes. He also discusses the importance of staff development, his challenges, and his growth within CrossFit's seminar team. -- LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/theknowledge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/world-class-coach-evaluation -- 00:00 - Introduction 00:51 - Recent Coaching Wins at CrossFit Foundry 02:23 - Momentum and Energy in the Gym 03:46 - Shifting from Technical to People Skills 05:46 - Evolution of Coaching Philosophy 09:20 - Art Projects and Gym Design 10:04 - Wins Outside of Coaching 12:28 - Staff Development and Challenges 16:07 - Coaching Development Strategies at CrossFit Foundry 26:00 - Evolution of On-Ramp Programs 38:10 - Path to CrossFit Seminar Staff 44:23 - Motivation and Continuous Growth as a Coach

Mike and Sara Jensen, owners of Compound CrossFit, talk about their decision to downsize their affiliate for long-term success. The Jensens share the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a smaller space, professionalizing their coaching staff, and creating a more inclusive community. Their story highlights how tough decisions can lead to personal and business growth. -- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools -- Unlock the Power of Your Fitness Business with PushPress https://www.pushpress.com/ -- 0:00 - Introduction 0:43 - Meeting Mike and Sarah Jensen of Compound CrossFit 2:18 - The Decision to Downsize and Its Impact 4:45 - Changing the Gym’s Culture and Community Support 7:05 - Moving to a New Location: Challenges and Benefits 11:02 - Planning for Growth and Professionalizing Coaching 14:45 - Member Reactions and Building a Stronger Community 19:23 - Personal Growth as Leaders Through the Transition 21:21 - Changes Since the Move and Future Plans 30:15 - Lessons Learned for Long-term Success

In this episode of the Best Hour of Their Day podcast, Jason Fernandez and Mike Giardina discuss how the new CrossFit Medical Society aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and CrossFit Affiliates, making gyms community health hubs. They explore how integrating healthcare professionals, personalized blood panel testing, and health coaches into Affiliates can help tackle chronic disease and improve long-term health outcomes. -- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools -- Unlock the Power of Your Fitness Business with PushPress https://www.pushpress.com/ -- 0:00 - Introduction 1:10 - Healthcare Fundamentals Course 2:21 - CrossFit in Healthcare 3:06 - Affiliates as Health Homes 4:01 - Physicians on CrossFit5:18 - Building a Health Coach Network 6:32 - Is Cash-Based Healthcare Costly? 9:05 - Costs vs Benefits in Health Programs 10:57 - Problems with Insurance Models 13:05 - Engaging Healthcare Providers 15:02 - CrossFit Medical Society Affiliates 19:06 - Why CrossFit and Healthcare Integration is Slow 22:07 - Interest in CrossFit Health 24:50 - Insurance-Reimbursed CrossFit Programs 27:08 - Challenges of Grant Funding 30:46 - Community and Health Success 35:10 - Muscle Mass and Longevity 42:00 - Reversing Diabetes with Virta Health 50:08 - Value of Regular Blood Panels 53:01 - Future of CrossFit Health in 2024

In this episode of Behind The Knowledge, Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with Kristin Bowen (CrossFit Level 4 Coach) to discuss her journey from graphic designer to elite coach. Kristen shares the challenges she faced, how she overcame self-doubt, and what it really takes to excel as a CrossFit coach. Tune in to hear her insights on mentorship, coaching development, and building confidence. LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/theknowledge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/world-class-coach-evaluation --

Alison and Jason Jakowski (Odin CrossFit) discuss how they grew their gym to over 400 members and a $1 million run rate by offering only CrossFit group classes, highlighting the importance of strong core values, maintaining community, and developing a professional coaching staff. -- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools -- Unlock the Power of Your Fitness Business with PushPress https://www.pushpress.com/ -- 0:00 - Introduction 0:39 - Starting Affiliate University and GSD Team 1:54 - Early Success at Odin CrossFit 2:42 - Growing to 400 Members with Pure CrossFit 3:09 - The Decision to Buy Odin CrossFit 5:01 - Overcoming Challenges to Build Gym Culture 6:13 - The Balance of Qualitative and Quantitative Leadership 8:53 - Doubling Down on Affiliate University Principles 10:12 - Implementing Changes from Affiliate University 12:22 - The Importance of PushPress Software for Gym Success 13:46 - Achieving a $1 Million Run Rate 15:00 - Odin CrossFit's Historic Building and Downtown Location 17:40 - Leaving a Day Job for Full-Time Gym Ownership 20:31 - Maintaining Community at a Large Gym 24:00 - Core Values: Humble, Healthy, Happy 29:02 - Coaching Gym Owners: Insights from Affiliate University 31:05 - What $1 Million in Revenue Means for Odin CrossFit 34:00 - Developing a Team and Integrating Coaches at Odin

Nicole Aucoin, founder of Healthy Steps Nutrition (HSN), is transforming gym culture through effective nutrition coaching. We explore how integrating nutrition programs can elevate member results, boost gym growth, and foster deeper community connections. Nicole shares insights on empowering coaches and owners to make a greater impact on health and wellness. --- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools --- 0:00 Introduction 1:35 How Bartending Skills Translate to Sales 5:00 Cheerleading at the University of Florida 6:19 Gym Accelerator Summit 9:48 Talking Nutrition at HSN 11:07 Dinner and Healthy Eating Choices 14:00 Leadership and Personal Growth 18:12 Event Planning and Execution 21:28 Building a Great Team & Culture 29:02 Connecting with Affiliate Owners 31:40 Managing Growth and Scaling a Business 35:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life 38:12 Branding and Marketing Strategies 42:00 Lessons in Perseverance and Success 46:12 The Power of Feedback and Continuous Improvement