Surge is nearly complete and the Qualifier Cycle is up next. In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, Josh Boonstra and Jason Grubb go behind the scenes on how the upcoming Qualifier Cycle is built, why it’s structured the way it is, and how it sets athletes up for success as the CrossFit season ramps up. They unpack key training decisions, the role of interference, and how different tracks are designed to meet athletes where they are while still driving performance forward.

The conversation also dives into how to train through the CrossFit Open without derailing long-term progress, highlighting the balance between specificity, volume, intensity, and recovery. From gymnastics endurance and weightlifting batteries to capacity sessions and community challenges, this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s coming—and how to approach the season ahead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.Chapters:

🎙️ Introduction

🔄 Transitioning from Surge Cycle to Qualifier Cycle

⚙️ Understanding Interference in Training

🏁 Exploring Training Tracks: Elite vs. Compete

🔥 Training Through the Open

🎯 Specificity in Training

🤸 Building Gymnastics Endurance

📊 Managing Volume and Intensity

🛠️ Addressing Movement Inefficiencies

🔋 Battery Sessions Explained

😴 Importance of Recovery Protocols

🤝 New Community Challenges

In this deeply honest episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Andie Scelsi for a raw conversation about identity, survival, and rebuilding a life from the ground up. Andie shares her unique journey from earning a full-ride college swimming scholarship, struggling with a loss of identity, to her drug and alcohol addition, and becoming homeless before ultimately rebuilding her life. Motherhood sparked a profound shift—awakening a desire not just to survive, but to heal. Through recovery, coaching, and rediscovering competition as a master’s swimmer, Andie slowly rebuilt her sense of self. Her journey continued with CrossFit, where she found new challenges, community, and a renewed belief in her own strength.This episode is a powerful reminder that identity can be rebuilt, purpose can be rediscovered, and transformation is possible—even after losing everything. Andie’s story is one of courage, accountability, and hope for anyone navigating difficult circumstances in life. Chapters: 🌱 Introduction 🖤 Journey Through Addiction and Homelessness🔄 Reflections on Recovery and Personal Growth💪 Becoming a Mother and Rediscovering Fitness🏊‍♀️ Rediscovering Passion for Swimming🧠 The Shift in Competitive Mindset🏋️‍♀️ Exploring CrossFit and New Challenges🤝 The Power of Community

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Gerry Reyes, gym owner and the first-ever Bolder Athlete Affiliate, to explore what it means to build a gym—and an athlete—around intentional programming, community, and longevity.Gerry shares how his gym became an early adopter of Bolder Athlete affiliate programming, what immediately stood out about the structure and philosophy, and how it transformed both his coaching approach and training. From refining athlete development to creating a sustainable model for long-term health, Gerry explains why Bolder’s programming was a natural fit for his vision.The conversation also traces Gerry’s roots as a lifelong basketball player, detailing nearly 30 years on the court and how those experiences shaped his competitive mindset, coaching style, and eventual transition into CrossFit. Gerry opens up about the challenges of gym ownership—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—sharing how equipment rentals, adaptability, and strong relationships helped keep his community moving when doors were forced shut.Throughout the episode, Gerry emphasizes training for longevity, family, and health, offering insights for athletes and gym owners alike who want to balance performance with sustainability. This episode is a powerful look at leadership, evolution, and what it takes to build something that lasts.Chapters: 👋 Introduction 🏀 Gerry's Basketball Journey👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Coaching and Family in Sports🔄 Adapting During COVID-19🏋️ Gerry’s Journey to Bolder Athlete📊 Affiliate Programming Insights🎯 The Role of Training Zones💪 Bolder’s Impact on Competitive Fitness🔥 Aspirations for Upcoming Competitions🔮 Looking ahead to Bolder Athlete Programming

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Masters CrossFit Games athlete Louie McMaster to unpack the journey behind his pursuit of fitness. From his early days growing up in Ireland, training with makeshift equipment and working construction alongside his father, to raising two children, to opening his own gym, discovering CrossFit in 2013, and eventually competing on the CrossFit Games floor. Louie’s story is rooted in grit, passion, and persistence.This episode dives into:- How Louie built an elite physique through balance- His approach to nutrition, fueling performance without sacrificing enjoyment- The lessons CrossFit has taught him about longevity and sustainability- Navigating fatherhood, including raising a child with special needs- Becoming a Bolder Athlete and competing at the Legends Championship Be sure to check this one out as it's loaded with insight, humility, and competitive spirit.

In this special episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, hosts Josh Boonstra sits down with 6x Champ, Jason Grubb, to recap learnings from the Keystone Cycle and how they've shaped what's next - The Surge Cycle. This Surge Cycle is the direct pipeline to the CrossFit Open, built to ensure every athlete is confident and capable this Open season. They detail the strategy: a heightened focus on foundational strength, an increase in second-session intensity, and the integration of specialized open-style workouts. And they go deep on why trusting the programming (aka following the recipe) and adhering to intensity levels is the key to unlocking your best performance. Whether your considering your first CrossFit Open or have ambitions to move on to the the next stages, you don't want to miss this insightful conversation that's sure to get you excited what next - Surge. Chapters🎙️ Introduction🔑 Recap and adjustments of the Keystone Cycle🧑‍🍳 The Importance of Following the Recipe🔥 Understanding Workout Intensity and Volume🌊 Introducing the Surge Cycle🎯 Preparing for the Open🏆 Looking Ahead to Quarterfinals

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, Josh Boonstra sits down with Micah Shoemaker, founder of the Magic City Games and an influential force within the CrossFit community. Micah shares how fitness reshaped his life, his passion for the Masters fitness community, the birth of the Magic City Games, and his role in shaping the new Masters in-person semifinals. Together, they discuss the power of CrossFit in transforming mind and body, finding courage in others, and how we're all striving to make our mark - leaving the world better than we found it. Don't miss out on this honest, thought-provoking discussion.

Chapters:
🚀 The Journey to In-Person Semifinals
💪 Health and Fitness Journey
🔥 Passion for Masters Athletes
💡 Inspiration from Jason
🎉 Introducing Magic City Games
🏋️ In-Person vs. Online Competitions
✨ Empowering Responsibility and Hope

In this special episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with athletes Justin Brewer, Paul Delanoy, and Aaron Houchin for a deep, honest conversation about the grind behind competitive CrossFit. From injury recovery to chasing the CrossFit Games dream, the group opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way.They dive into Aaron’s recent injury, how setbacks shape an athlete’s mindset, and the importance of patience during recovery. The crew reflects on their personal journeys to the Games, sharing how nutrition, training structure, and mental resilience play pivotal roles in long-term progress.A major theme throughout the episode is the power of community—how training partners, coaches, and accountability can make the difference between stagnation and breakthrough. They also unpack the realities of off-season training, building a strong foundation, and preparing for upcoming Opens and Semifinals.Whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply love the process of self-improvement, this episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to grow, adapt, and keep pushing forward.🎙️ Introduction 🤕 Aaron's Injury and Its Impact🎯 Chasing the Games: Personal Journeys🏋️ Training Strategies and Experiences🧠 Mindset and Goals for the Off-Season🤝 Community and Accountability in Training📚 The Importance of Programming and Technique🚀 Preparing for the Open and Semifinals👀 In-Person Semifinals: Reactions and Expectations🔀 Exploring Event Options: In-Person vs Online💪 Navigating Recovery: Mental and Physical Challenges🥗 Nutrition Strategies: Balancing Performance and Lifestyle

👉 https://www.bolderathlete.com/ Ready to transform your fitness and redefine your limits? Bolder Athlete delivers expertly-crafted training designed to elevate your strength, endurance, and performance—no matter your current level.Our proven programming combines balanced intensity, targeted recovery, and sustainable progression, empowering you to achieve lasting results. With Bolder Athlete, you'll train smarter, recover better, and accomplish more than you ever thought possible.Join a passionate community committed to fitness, growth, and relentless improvement. Take the first step toward becoming stronger, healthier, and more confident in every aspect of your life.Become a Bolder Athlete today.

In this raw and vulnerable episode of The Bolder Athlete Podcast, Luke Ahlfield — a husband, father, teacher, strongman, and competitor— opens up about the deeper meaning behind his motivation to remain strong.

Fitness is more than a passion for he and his wife, it has purpose in keeping their family together, grounded, and resilient.Luke opens up about raising a daughter with special needs and how he and his wife push their own physical limits to ensure their daughter can participate in day to day experiences.

Luke discusses the how he navigates the pressure of the leaderboard, reinventing himself as an athlete during burnout, and how his experiences have provided perspective on success and purpose.Through vulnerability and honesty, he reminds us that strength isn’t just built in the gym—it’s forged in the everyday choices to keep showing up, to grow, and to make the most of the gifts we’ve been given.

This episode is a raw, heartfelt look at what it truly means to live boldly—with gratitude, grit, and a deep sense of purpose.

Chapters:

🎙️ Introduction

🧠 The Pressure of the Leaderboard

🔥 The Blessing and Curse of Being “All-In”

🌱 How Burnout Led to the Reinvention of His Fitness

💖 Raising a Daughter with Special Needs

In this inspiring episode of The Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Tim Sanchez, a dedicated athlete, educator, and recent MFC Champ. From his roots in Michigan, early days as an athlete and coach, to becoming a Superintendent, Tim’s story is a blend of discipline, balance, tremendous structure, and purpose.Tim opens up about his athletic beginnings, his journey into CrossFit, and the mindset that helped him win the MFC Championship in his first year in the 45–49 division. He shares how valuable fitness is to his mental health, how he's introduced CrossFit to his school community, and how family, education, and fitness intersect in his life.Listeners will walk away with practical fitness and nutrition tips, and motivation to lead with service and strength.⏱️ Episode Chapters: 🎧 – Welcome & Introduction🏋️ – Preparing for the MFC Championship🥇 – Reflections and lessons from MFC🏈 – Growing up in Michigan 🏫 – CrossFit in Schools⚖️ - Managing career, training, and family life🌄– New Beginnings in Bolder: ⏰– Structure, workouts, and discipline🥗 - Nutrition, meal prep, and consistency🧠 - The psychology of dieting and training💬 – Mental Health & Leadership

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with special guest, Zach Gibbon, a prominent figure in the CrossFit community and owner of CrossFit Mount Pleasant. They discuss Zach's journey from opening his first gym in New Jersey, navigating gym ownership during COVID, and relocating to South Carolina to reestablish his community. The conversation delves into Zach's impressive achievements in the CrossFit space, his 2025 CrossFit Games performance, his 4 consecutive wins at Fittest of the Coast and Zach's performance in the current FOTC qualifier. Zach also shares his strategy behind why he competes so frequently and how that helps his focus and motivation throughout the season. Chapters: 🎙️ Introduction and Background🏋️ Journey to CrossFit Ownership🤝 Community Building and Member Engagement🏆 Fittest of the Coast Competition, Evolution, & Qualifier🧠 Navigating Motivation and Mindset