CORRECTION — SUICIDE RISK (40:44–41:38)

The discussion incorrectly suggests that people who talk about or threaten suicide are probably safe or less likely to act. Talking about suicide is a warning sign, not evidence of low risk. Take every mention seriously and seek help promptly. In the U.S., call or text 988; call 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency. Source: National Institute of Mental Health.

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About this conversation

Ian Koch recognized something in Jason Grubb's behavior before they had ever talked about his drinking. Jason thought Ian was joking. Ian wasn't.

Jason and Rick Stevenson sit down with Ian, a licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor and founder of Surfside in New Jersey. Their relationship began with Jason coaching Ian in CrossFit. Over time, Ian became the person Jason turned to for help with drinking, family life, and patterns he had learned to treat as normal.

Jason describes what his evenings actually looked like, why limiting himself to a couple of glasses of wine was harder than he wanted to admit, and how his competitive discipline coexisted with a drinking problem. He talks about the conversation with Gina that preceded his decision to stop, the extra contact with Ian during those first days, and his frustration when quitting did not immediately improve his recovery numbers.

Ian shares his own experience of sobriety since 2005 and explains why he started an adventure-based recovery program that includes surfing, climbing, and CrossFit. The conversation covers family patterns, accountability, the shame around asking for help, and where someone can start looking for support.

In this episode

* How Ian recognized a problem before Jason talked about his drinking

* Why success in CrossFit did not mean Jason had control of his alcohol use

* The difference between intending to have two glasses and actually stopping at two

* Gina's observation on New Year's morning and Jason's decision to stop

* The first days without alcohol: accountability, expectations, and recovery numbers

* Family patterns, shame, and the reluctance to ask for help

* Ian's recovery story and the start of Surfside

* How to reach out for yourself or someone you care about

Chapters

00:00 — The moment Ian saw the problem

01:45 — Meet Ian Koch and Surfside

03:50 — From coaching Ian to asking him for help

05:26 — Thirdzy sponsor message

06:10 — Ian's recovery story

08:55 — Why Ian started Surfside

11:42 — Why asking for mental-health help feels different

13:50 — Jason's drinking and the patterns underneath

18:08 — Gina joins the conversation

19:44 — Trying to limit the drinking

26:54 — New Year's and the decision to stop

28:42 — Accountability in the first days

29:14 — Why quitting didn't fix recovery numbers overnight

31:02 — The question of drinking again

34:02 — Watching how much everyone else drinks

36:40 — Family patterns, shame, and asking for help

40:41 — Suicide-risk discussion — see correction above

42:34 — When family members need support

44:01 — Ian's concerns about cannabis

47:55 — How to reach out for help

50:10 — Direct conversations and the relief of asking

52:40 — CrossFit and recovery

53:52 — Bolder Athlete sponsor message

Guest and support resources

Learn about Ian's program and contact the team at Surfside.

This episode shares personal experiences and does not replace individualized medical or mental health care. Take any talk of suicide seriously. In the U.S., call or text 988 for crisis support. See NIMH's suicide-prevention guidance.

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Training and more

* Bolder Athlete training

* 1:1 training and 12-week programs

* Instagram

* Jason's deals/partners

Stuff I Wish a CrossFit Judge Had Told Me

Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down with veteran CrossFit judge and former competitor Dave Hardie to explain what athletes can do before, during, and after a competition to avoid preventable no-reps and penalties.

Dave has judged at every level of the sport. He shares the lessons he wishes he had known while competing: stay out of the gray area, train movement standards before competition day, film qualifier videos so every rep can be judged, and communicate with the head judge before taking the floor.

They also discuss how experienced athletes respond to a no-rep without losing time, what makes an appeal useful instead of emotional, why signing the scorecard matters, and the growing shortage of experienced judges in CrossFit.

In this episode

* Why clearly valid reps beat living in the gray area

* How to train movement standards before competition day

* Video-submission mistakes that cost athletes reps

* Why your camera angle and judge choice matter

* What to communicate in the corral and on the competition floor

* How top athletes respond to a no-rep without wasting time

* What to include in a useful competition appeal

* Why CrossFit needs more experienced judges

* How to begin judging local and major events

Chapters

* 00:00 Meet Dave Hardie

* 05:09 Stay out of the gray area

* 09:41 Train to competition standards

* 11:55 Video-submission mistakes

* 15:05 Use a judge who actually judges

* 19:07 Review your video before submitting

* 22:43 What athletes need to know in person

* 27:03 How the best athletes handle no-reps

* 28:24 Watch the head judge

* 29:02 Sign the scorecard and leave the floor

* 31:14 How competition appeals work

* 37:09 CrossFit's judge shortage

* 39:12 Why judging is worth it

* 43:27 How to become a CrossFit judge

* 45:09 Does judging pay?

* 47:03 Where to find Dave

Sponsor

Better recovery starts with better sleep.

Thirdzy's Rest & Recovery Collagen helps you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed—without melatonin or sedatives.

Save 20% at thirdzy.com with code Jasonzzz.

Programs and links

* Bolder Athlete training

* 1:1 training and 12-week programs

* Instagram

* Jason's deals/partners

Dave Castro on Programming the 20th CrossFit Games—and What Comes Next

Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down with Dave Castro to discuss the challenge of programming the 20th CrossFit Games and where the competition could go next.

Dave explains why programming a full Games week is more than choosing individual workouts. Event order, recovery windows, venue limitations, staffing, and athlete flow all affect whether the competition works. He also shares what he learned from this year's schedule and the feedback he received afterward.

The conversation then turns to the Masters divisions: what Masters athletes represent for CrossFit, where the competition currently works, and what better integration could look like without creating a logistical mess.

In this episode

* Why the 20-event anniversary format was difficult to program

* How event order changes athlete recovery and safety

* What Dave learned from the biathlon, obstacle course, and throw events

* The logistical limits that shape Games programming

* How CrossFit HQ views the Masters divisions

* Field size, staffing, sponsor, and media constraints

* What Masters athletes demonstrate about long-term health and performance

* How future competitions could integrate divisions more effectively

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction

* 00:48 Dave Castro joins the podcast

* 02:18 Programming 20 events for the 20th Games

* 07:20 What worked and what Dave learned

* 08:40 Athlete feedback, logistics, and recovery windows

* 10:00 Event callbacks and the throw event

* 13:00 The biathlon and obstacle course

* 15:30 Masters competition and consistent separation

* 16:30 CrossFit HQ's view of the Masters divisions

* 19:50 Field size, volunteers, and athlete experience

* 23:30 What Dave values about Masters athletes

* 25:20 Sponsors, media, and the economics of competition

* 27:30 Future integration and venue options

* 29:30 Longevity and the larger CrossFit message

* 30:00 Closing

Watch on YouTube

Watch Episode 129 on YouTube

Sponsor

Better recovery starts with better sleep.

Thirdzy's Rest & Recovery Collagen helps you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed—without melatonin or sedatives.

Save 20% at Thirdzy.com with code Jasonzzz.

Programs and links

* Bolder Athlete training

* 1:1 training and 12-week programs

* Instagram

* Jason's deals/partners

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In this episode of the Masters in Motion Podcast, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson take a deep dive into XENOM, the new Decathlon of Fitness built around 10 standardized events completed over two days.

Rick is preparing to compete, so the conversation goes beyond a basic event preview. Jason and Rick examine the competition format, scoring system, athlete divisions, event logistics, and the challenge of preparing for strength, endurance, gymnastics, and high-intensity tests within one weekend.

They break down the first day of events, discuss unfamiliar equipment and movement combinations, and explore how athletes should manage pacing, recovery, and effort across multiple tests. Rick also shares his thoughts on the clean ladder, the challenge of lifting heavy after accumulated fatigue, and how training for a fixed-event competition differs from preparing for the unknown programming common in CrossFit.

XENOM uses a points-based scoring model inspired by the Olympic decathlon, creating a repeatable benchmark athletes can use to compare performances across events and competitions.

Whether you’re considering competing, following Rick’s journey, or curious about the future of multi-event fitness competitions, this episode provides a clear look at what XENOM is trying to build—and what athletes should expect.

Powered by Bolder Athlete — Training for Masters by Masters - get 3 weeks free here: bolderathlete.com

In this episode of the Masters in Motion Podcast, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson take a deep dive into XENOM, the new Decathlon of Fitness built around 10 standardized events completed over two days.

Rick is preparing to compete, so the conversation goes beyond a basic event preview. Jason and Rick examine the competition format, scoring system, athlete divisions, event logistics, and the challenge of preparing for strength, endurance, gymnastics, and high-intensity tests within one weekend.

They break down the first day of events, discuss unfamiliar equipment and movement combinations, and explore how athletes should manage pacing, recovery, and effort across multiple tests. Rick also shares his thoughts on the clean ladder, the challenge of lifting heavy after accumulated fatigue, and how training for a fixed-event competition differs from preparing for the unknown programming common in CrossFit.

XENOM uses a points-based scoring model inspired by the Olympic decathlon, creating a repeatable benchmark athletes can use to compare performances across events and competitions.

Whether you’re considering competing, following Rick’s journey, or curious about the future of multi-event fitness competitions, this episode provides a clear look at what XENOM is trying to build—and what athletes should expect.

Powered by Bolder Athlete — Training for Masters by Masters - get 3 weeks free here: bolderathlete.com

In this episode of Masters in Motion, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson break down the upcoming CrossFit online semifinals, sharing strategy, preparation tips, and key considerations for athletes heading into the next stage of competition.

They start with a recap of the Magic City Games, highlighting what went well, what stood out from the venue and execution, and why the judging and event flow set a strong standard for future Masters competitions. Jason and Rick also discuss the importance of continued communication with CrossFit HQ and how athlete feedback can help improve the structure and experience of future events.

From there, they dive into the newly released online semifinal workouts, including pacing strategies, movement considerations, judging standards, and how athletes should think about workout order and recovery. The conversation covers everything from lateral burpee box jump overs to a Jackie-style test, plus a unique deadlift ladder and clean workout that brings a very different challenge to the weekend.

Whether you’re competing, coaching, or following the Masters field, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for approaching semifinals with better planning, smarter pacing, and a clearer mindset.

Powered by Bolder Athlete — Training for Masters by Masters - get 3 weeks free here: bolderathlete.com

In this episode of Masters in Motion, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson break down the upcoming CrossFit online semifinals, sharing strategy, preparation tips, and key considerations for athletes heading into the next stage of competition.

They start with a recap of the Magic City Games, highlighting what went well, what stood out from the venue and execution, and why the judging and event flow set a strong standard for future Masters competitions. Jason and Rick also discuss the importance of continued communication with CrossFit HQ and how athlete feedback can help improve the structure and experience of future events.

From there, they dive into the newly released online semifinal workouts, including pacing strategies, movement considerations, judging standards, and how athletes should think about workout order and recovery. The conversation covers everything from lateral burpee box jump overs to a Jackie-style test, plus a unique deadlift ladder and clean workout that brings a very different challenge to the weekend.

Whether you’re competing, coaching, or following the Masters field, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for approaching semifinals with better planning, smarter pacing, and a clearer mindset.

💤 Powered by Thirdzy — Better recovery starts with better sleep.Thirdzy’s Rest & Recovery Collagen helps you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed — without melatonin or sedatives.👉 Save 20% at thirdzy.com with code Jasonzzz.

This episode is as real-time as it gets. Del Mar & In Affiliate Details

Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down and break down the CrossFit Semifinal workouts for Del Mar — as they’re being released. They also talk about the in-affiliate semi-finals and the details released today.

From analyzing event structure and strategy to reacting live to incomplete workout releases, this episode captures the chaos, excitement, and pressure that comes with high-level Masters competition.

They dive into:

The unknown elements of new equipment and programming

The grinder workouts that will separate the field

How pacing, fatigue management, and movement efficiency will decide outcomes

And why some of these workouts are going to hurt a LOT more than they look on paper

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how athletes prepare when workouts drop early — and how smart planning can be the difference between making the Games or going home.

If you're competing, coaching, or just following along… this is the episode you want before the weekend.

🔑 Key Takeaways

* Early workout release shifts the game toward strategy and preparation

* Unknown equipment introduces real unpredictability

* Event 1 will be a long aerobic grinder with a technical finish

* Event 2 is a sandbag separator — not a gymnastics workout

* Event 3 exposes posterior chain fatigue and pacing mistakes

* Event 4 is pure shoulder endurance — no shortcuts

* Judging clarity and setup are critical at this stage

* Small mistakes = huge penalties at semifinals level

* This field is tighter than ever — every rep matters

* Smart athletes will plan, not react competition looks increasingly professional and athlete-focused

🧠 Chapters

00:00 – Breaking News & Workout Release Chaos

02:05 – Semifinal Overview & Context

05:39 – Event 1: Unknown Machine + Double Unders

09:26 – Event 2: Sandbag Capacity Test

11:50 – Event 3: Heavy Barbell Breakdown

17:24 – Event 4: Shoulder Endurance & Handstand Walk

22:00 – Programming Philosophy & Strategy

27:57 – Athlete Mindset & Execution

35:09 – Real-Time Predictions & Concerns

42:44 – Final Thoughts Before Competition

💤 Powered by Thirdzy — Better recovery starts with better sleep.Thirdzy’s Rest & Recovery Collagen helps you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed — without melatonin or sedatives.👉 Save 20% at thirdzy.com with code Jasonzzz.

This episode is as real-time as it gets. Del Mar & In Affiliate Details

Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down and break down the CrossFit Semifinal workouts for Del Mar — as they’re being released. They also talk about the in-affiliate semi-finals and the details released today.

From analyzing event structure and strategy to reacting live to incomplete workout releases, this episode captures the chaos, excitement, and pressure that comes with high-level Masters competition.

They dive into:

The unknown elements of new equipment and programming

The grinder workouts that will separate the field

How pacing, fatigue management, and movement efficiency will decide outcomes

And why some of these workouts are going to hurt a LOT more than they look on paper

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how athletes prepare when workouts drop early — and how smart planning can be the difference between making the Games or going home.

If you're competing, coaching, or just following along… this is the episode you want before the weekend.

🔑 Key Takeaways

* Early workout release shifts the game toward strategy and preparation

* Unknown equipment introduces real unpredictability

* Event 1 will be a long aerobic grinder with a technical finish

* Event 2 is a sandbag separator — not a gymnastics workout

* Event 3 exposes posterior chain fatigue and pacing mistakes

* Event 4 is pure shoulder endurance — no shortcuts

* Judging clarity and setup are critical at this stage

* Small mistakes = huge penalties at semifinals level

* This field is tighter than ever — every rep matters

* Smart athletes will plan, not react competition looks increasingly professional and athlete-focused

🧠 Chapters

00:00 – Breaking News & Workout Release Chaos

02:05 – Semifinal Overview & Context

05:39 – Event 1: Unknown Machine + Double Unders

09:26 – Event 2: Sandbag Capacity Test

11:50 – Event 3: Heavy Barbell Breakdown

17:24 – Event 4: Shoulder Endurance & Handstand Walk

22:00 – Programming Philosophy & Strategy

27:57 – Athlete Mindset & Execution

35:09 – Real-Time Predictions & Concerns

42:44 – Final Thoughts Before Competition

💤 Powered by Thirdzy — Better recovery starts with better sleep.Thirdzy’s Rest & Recovery Collagen helps you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed — without melatonin or sedatives.👉 Save 20% at thirdzy.com with code Jasonzzz.

In this episode of Masters in Motion, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down with Micah Shoemaker, the driving force behind the Magic City Games, to unpack the upcoming Masters in-person semifinals and what they mean for athletes competing this season.

With the CrossFit season evolving, Masters athletes now have new pathways to qualify, and this conversation digs into exactly how those qualification processes work, what athletes should expect from the in-person semifinal experience, and why events like Magic City are becoming such an important part of the competitive landscape.

Micah shares his background in organizing large-scale CrossFit events and explains the thinking behind the Magic City Games — from athlete experience and competition flow to safety, logistics, and venue selection. The group also discusses the Birmingham Crossplex, weather expectations for May competition, and how event organizers are working to create a professional and fair environment for Masters athletes.

They also explore the broader future of Masters competition, including the balance between in-affiliate qualifiers, online formats, and in-person events, as well as the financial and logistical realities that go into running competitions at this level.

If you’re a Masters athlete aiming for semifinals — or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at how these competitions come together — this episode offers valuable insight into what lies ahead.

🔑 Key Takeaways

* Masters athletes now have dedicated in-person semifinal opportunities

* The Magic City Games is becoming a key event in the Masters competitive season

* Qualification pathways continue to evolve to improve fairness and access

* Event logistics are designed around athlete experience and safety

* The Birmingham Crossplex provides a professional venue for high-level competition

* Weather in Birmingham during May typically falls in the low-to-mid 80s

* In-affiliate and in-person competitions offer very different competitive dynamics

* Community engagement plays a major role in successful events

* Financial realities influence how qualifiers and semifinals are structured

* The future of Masters competition looks increasingly professional and athlete-focused

🧠 Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Masters in Motion02:58 – Quarterfinals Experience and Athlete Insights05:39 – Transitioning from Quarterfinals to Semifinals11:35 – Micah Shoemaker’s Background and the Magic City Games17:44 – Understanding the Structure of In-Person Semifinals23:50 – Magic City Games Details and Expectations26:10 – Creating a Safe and Competitive Environment27:33 – Exploring the Birmingham Crossplex Venue29:11 – Competition Logistics and Event Planning30:12 – Weather Expectations for May Competition31:15 – In-Affiliate Semifinals Overview32:10 – In-Person vs Online Competition Perspectives35:08 – The Importance of Community Support38:07 – Upcoming Qualifiers and Events39:36 – Financial Realities of Running Qualifiers43:25 – What This Season Means for the Future of Masters Competition

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