Episodes

  • Ep 24.15 - Coping with Community Grief

    Ep 24.15 - Coping with Community Grief
    Aug 29 2024
    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, and the therapeutic role of their podcast. Join this heartfelt discussion to connect, understand, and support each other through difficult times.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Ep 24.14 - Discussing the tragic events of the 2024 CrossFit Games

    Ep 24.14 - Discussing the tragic events of the 2024 CrossFit Games
    Aug 13 2024
    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 humor and introspection, offering a thoughtful space for listeners to process complex emotions and ongoing challenges within the CrossFit community.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Ep 24.13 - Rob & Steph Mireles CrossFit Attain

    Ep 24.13 - Rob & Steph Mireles CrossFit Attain
    Aug 2 2024
    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 feedback. Don't miss this blend of personal anecdotes, expert advice, and a touch of humor, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in CrossFit and gym management.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Ep 24.12 - We're back! Newborns and New Beginnings

    Ep 24.12 - We're back! Newborns and New Beginnings
    Jul 22 2024
    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 for CrossFit's growth through targeted marketing and social media engagement. Niki also gives book recommendations for fantasy and smut enthusiasts. Tune in for a rich conversation that weaves through personal growth, parenthood, and the evolving CrossFit landscape.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Ep 24.11 - Keith Knapp & Dale King

    Ep 24.11 - Keith Knapp & Dale King
    Apr 26 2024
    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 environment. The conversation also touches on recent changes within CrossFit HQ's branding and media strategy, the significance of a movement versus a brand, and personal anecdotes from the hosts and guests on their experiences within the CrossFit community. Additionally, they cover the potential impacts of changes at CrossFit HQ on affiliate owners and the broader community. The episode also includes reflections on personal journeys, the value of CrossFit's methodology, and the importance of cultivating a proud and inclusive community around fitness.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ep 24.10 - Jay DeCoons, VP of Global Affiliates CrossFit

    Ep 24.10 - Jay DeCoons, VP of Global Affiliates CrossFit
    Apr 2 2024
    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 conversation shifts to Jay's role at CrossFit, focusing on affiliate support and growth, the power of the CrossFit brand, and the goal of expanding the CrossFit community. Jay shares insights into the challenges and strategies for sustaining successful affiliates, emphasizing the brand's value and the ongoing efforts to enhance affiliate resources and support systems. They also discuss the future of CrossFit, targeting 30 million participants worldwide, and the vital role affiliates play in achieving this goal. Jay reflects on his family's perception of his CrossFit involvement, underlining the impact of fitness on his children's lives.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ep 24.9 - Transforming CrossFit into Healthcare: Darina Dunne’s Pioneering Approach to Healthcare in Ireland

    Ep 24.9 - Transforming CrossFit into Healthcare: Darina Dunne’s Pioneering Approach to Healthcare in Ireland
    Mar 20 2024
    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 nation's health. The conversation also touches on the wider implications of gyms serving as modern community centers and CrossFit's role in challenging and shifting societal norms around fitness and social interaction.
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    53 mins
  • Ep 24.8 - The Value of Affiliation with guest Jenn Green

    Ep 24.8 - The Value of Affiliation with guest Jenn Green
    Feb 21 2024
    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 conversation, they emphasize the importance of understanding and nurturing the community ties within CrossFit, to overcome challenges and continuously cultivate fitness.
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    57 mins