CrossFit Games athlete Cole Anderson joins the pod to share what it’s like working with media from the athlete’s side and what fitness creatives can do to stand out for the right reasons. From building trust to communicating clearly, Cole breaks down how creators can earn access, tell better stories, and create long-term collaborations that feel authentic on both sides.

In this episode, we discuss:

- What athletes actually notice and appreciate from media teams

- How to build trust and rapport without overstepping boundaries

- The difference between authentic storytelling and forced content

- How to navigate behind-the-scenes access respectfully

- Common mistakes creatives make when working with athletes

- What keeps athletes coming back to the same creators over time

Through Cole’s perspective, this episode helps fitness creatives understand the athlete’s mindset and how genuine connection can turn into better work, stronger relationships, and mutual respect.

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