Bolder Athlete Podcast

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Greg, a former college football player and aspiring State Trooper, turned Secret Service agent and US Marshall. Greg shares how his journey through elite-level law enforcement has been shaped—and strengthened—by fitness, discipline, and community. This conversation dives deep into Greg's transition from athletics to law enforcement, the mental and physical demands of his career, and how CrossFit became both an outlet and an anchor. From balancing work and WODs, aspiring to compete at the CrossFit Games, and navigating life as a Secret Service agent at the White House. Greg offers a raw and real look at life behind the badge. Don't miss Greg's unique story. 🔑 Key Takeaways:🏈 Greg's law enforcement journey began in high school and evolved through college football. 👮‍♂️A chance to serve as a Secret Service agent opened new doors and challenges.🏋️ CrossFit became a key factor in Greg’s physical and mental resilience.🤕 Training around injury changed how Greg approaches longevity and performance.🤝 The Bolder community provides powerful support, motivation, and camaraderie.🎯 Greg dreams of competing at the CrossFit Games and continues to chase excellence.🕶️ Stories from the Secret Service reveal how fitness intersects with high-stakes security.💪 Law enforcement work demands both physical readiness and emotional balance.⚖️ Balancing work, training, and personal life is a constant—but essential—challenge.💙 Greg values how Bolder respects and uplifts its athletes

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/patmidg/

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Patrick Midgley, a former Shakespearean actor with 10 years of stage experience, who made the remarkable leap from center stage to the competition floor. Patrick shares his inspiring journey, reflecting on the similarities in preparing for both "stages." They dive into the power of the flow state, the role of support systems, and the craft behind smart CrossFit programming. Patrick also shares his experience from Fittest of the Coast, performing semifinals in Alabama with the Bolder team, and qualifying for the 2025 CrossFit Games.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or performing artist, this episode offers insight into passion, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence.Takeaways: 🎭 Patrick has a unique background as a Shakespearean actor.😬 The nerves before performing never truly go away.🔁 Repetition is key in both acting and athletics.🌊 Flow state is essential for peak performance.🏅 Qualifying for the Games.❤️‍🔥 Support from loved ones is crucial in an athlete's journey.🎬🏋️‍♂️ Patrick balances his passions for acting and athletics.🎨 Programming is an art that requires personal adaptation.🧗‍♂️ Bolder programming has helped Patrick improve his weaknesses.🙌 The semi-finals experience was enhanced by Bolder’s support.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/jbrew_82/

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down friend, and fellow athlete, Justin Brewer. Justin opens up about his journey to qualifying for the 2025 CrossFit Games for the first time —the mental battles, emotional highs and lows, overcoming disappointment, and rediscovering the joy in training. Justin story is raw, heartwarming, and will leave you inspired.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/mike_mccasland/

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Mike McCasland — former athlete and police officer, current military officer, and now a 2025 CrossFit Games qualifier. Mike opens up about his unexpected path from resisting military service to embracing discipline, growth, and purpose through service. Together, Josh and Mike explore the evolution of Bolder Athlete Programming from Mike's unique perspective as the 2nd athlete to join Bolder. Mike shares a vulnerable account his sacrifice and the impact on his family in pursuit of competing at the CrossFit Games, as well as his surprising perspective on achieving his goal.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/jboon14/

In this special episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, the tables turn as host Josh Boonstra is interviewed by friend and fellow athlete Aaron Houchin. What unfolds is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about resilience, self-reflection, and growth. Josh opens up about his first CrossFit workout, his drive to improve, proof points of Bolder programming, life shaping moments, fitness in the workplace, and so much more. His story is packed with hard-earned insights and heart. This is an episode you don't want to miss. Together, Josh and Aaron dive into:💥 Josh’s first CrossFit workout and what hooked him🧠 Overcoming fear and using motivation to fuel progress🤝 The life-changing impact of mentorship and community🏋️‍♂️ Balancing life, training, and personal growth🔥 Lessons from football, adversity, and overcoming bullying🎯 Reflections on the CrossFit Open, semi-finals, and the road to the GamesThis episode is more than a conversation—it's a reminder that growth comes from challenge, and with the right people and purpose, you can push past your limits and become bolder in every area of life.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/acarlson626/

In this inspiring episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Ashley Carlson to discuss her journey as an athlete and single mother and how she navigated personal challenges with the support of community and competition. Ashley opens up about overcoming a major injury, her recovery, setting an example for her son, and her aspirations to compete in the 2025 CrossFit Games. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, personal growth, parenting, and community-building.Key Takeaways:- Overcoming injuries and building resilience- The importance of community support in achieving personal goals- The balance between fitness and motherhood- Leading by example- Ashley's journey from gymnastics to CrossFit- What it takes to compete in the CrossFit Games

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/luisfpessoa/

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra interviews Luis Pessoa, a former professional soccer player turned CrossFit athlete. They discuss Luis's journey from soccer to CrossFit, the importance of community, and the sacrifices made along the way. Luis shares his experiences competing at the CrossFit Games and how Bolder Athlete has played a crucial role in his training and success. In this conversation, Josh and Luis delve into the pressures and expectations faced by competitive athletes, particularly in CrossFit. They discuss the mental challenges of self-perception, confidence, and the unique pressures of individual sports compared to team sports. They also discuss the importance of mental health, therapy, along with strategies for managing anxiety and resilience in training. They also touch on the integrity of competition and the implications of performance-enhancing drugs. Don't miss this one!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/27healthandwellness/

In this powerful episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Jamie Free, a seasoned nutritionist and coach, to discuss his transformative journey from being bullied as a child to becoming a respected figure in the health and fitness community. Jamie shares his personal story of overcoming adversity, including his struggles with disordered eating, and how these experiences shaped his career in nutrition and coaching. The conversation delves into the importance of community in both fitness and life, his parenting philosophies, and how vulnerability and transparency have helped him grow personally and professionally. From his work with elite athletes to his aspirations in the competitive CrossFit world, Jamie’s journey is one of resilience, motivation, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional excellence.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/kbewasko/

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra interviews Kristi Ewasko, a dedicated wife, mother, fitness coach, and competitive athlete. Kristi opens up about her journey from competitive gymnastics at Auburn University to discovering the power of CrossFit, highlighting the discipline, mental strength, and community support that has shaped her. She shares her experiences with training, the importance of self-belief, and how faith plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles. Kristi also reflects on her journey with Bolder programming and the lessons learned through competitive programming and competing in the Crossfit Open.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/erichinman

In this episode, we dive into the incredible transformation of Eric Hinman—from a young athlete with NBA dreams to a successful entrepreneur, Ironman competitor, and community builder.Eric shares how his Ironman journey redefined his approach to fitness, wellness, and life. We discuss the importance of micro habits, gratitude, and intentional living in creating long-term success. Eric also reflects on the power of community—especially in Boulder—and how surrounding yourself with the right people can lead to opportunities, growth, and fulfillment.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com