The Silverback Media Podcast

Henry Huang joins Marco Mejia on the Silverback Media Podcast for an honest conversation about his journey through nearly every role CrossFit has to offer — athlete, coach, and affiliate owner.

Henry shares why he believes CrossFit can be a "social anchor" for members in search of a community. The shared beliefs of CrossFitters around the world can serve members way beyond the benefits of health and fitness that they will gain!

🔗 Connect with Silverback Media

Instagram: @silver_back_media

Youtube: @SilverbackMedia

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On this week’s episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, Marco Mejia is joined by Shaylee Williams, also known as the Unfiltered Fit Mom on Instagram.

In this episode, Shaylee shares how she found, and fell in love with, Crossfit and how it has taught her to believe in herself.

She also shares stories and opportunities that she have been opened to her through her content creation and building her page up to over 50k followers!

We wrap up with Shaylee’s message to any of her followers, customers, or anyone that engages with her content in some way. It is a message you will want to hear and will have you excited to take on your next challenge!

🔗 Connect with Shaylee:

Instagram: @theunfilteredfitmom

Apparel: unfilteredclothingco.coom

🔗 Connect with Silverback Media

Instagram: @silver_back_media

Youtube: @SilverbackMedia

This episode is brought to you by Future Form: https://futureform.store/

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Katie Nelson, a member of CrossFit North Scottsdale, to talk about her journey from growing up constantly on the move to finally finding a sense of belonging — and confidence — through CrossFit.

Katie shares how skiing and self-directed fitness shaped her early years, how college group classes gave her her first taste of movement-based community, and why walking into a CrossFit gym for the first time was transformative. From navigating big box gyms to learning Olympic lifts, she opens up about what it really feels like to be new and committed to sticking with it anyway.

Her story is down-to-earth, relatable, and full of moments that every everyday CrossFitter will recognize — from surprising PRs to the friendships that keep you coming back.

Highlights from this episode:

• How growing up in multiple states — and countries — shaped Katie’s independence

• Her first experiences with group fitness and how it shifted her view of exercise

• Why onboarding mattered and how it built her foundation

• The importance of tracking progress and celebrating small wins, but not in the way you think

• What the CrossFit community has meant to her journey

Katie’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to be an athlete to start — you just have to walk through the door.

🔗 Connect with Silverback Media

Instagram: @silver_back_media

This episode is brought to you by Future Form:

https://futureform.store/

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of CrossFit: the idea that CrossFit is only for elite athletes. Marco walks through what scalability really means, why it’s the backbone of CrossFit methodology, and how anyone — at any age, any fitness level, and with any limitation — can participate safely and effectively.

From weightlifting to conditioning to gymnastics, Marco explains how every movement has variations, modifications, and progressions built into the program design. This episode serves as a clear and empowering reminder that CrossFit isn't about what you can’t do — it’s about meeting you where you are and helping you grow from there.

Highlights from this episode:

• What “infinitely scalable” actually means in CrossFit

• Why CrossFit is truly accessible for all fitness levels

• How coaches adjust workouts for injuries, limitations, and experience

• Examples of scaling across gymnastics, weightlifting, and conditioning

• Why showing up matters more than performing Rx movements

Whether you’re a beginner, a returning athlete, or someone curious about CrossFit but nervous to start, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need to walk through the door.

At the end, we also tackle questions from listeners sent in via Instagram!

The CrossFit methodology has deep roots in education and safety. Explore these foundational training guides:

🧭 Additional Resources

📘 CrossFit Level 1 Training Guide
https://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_English_Level1_TrainingGuide.pdf

📗 CrossFit Level 2 Training Guide
https://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_English_L2_TrainingGuide.pdf

🔗 Connect with Silverback Media

Instagram: @silver_back_media
Youtube: @SilverbackMedia

🧠 This episode is brought to you by Future Form:

https://futureform.store/

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia talks with David Phillips, a retired U.S. Navy veteran embarking on one of the most ambitious and inspiring endurance missions ever attempted; The Grand Explorer's Crown — also known as Project 327.

David’s goal is to become the first documented person in history to complete this challenge combining the Triple Crown of U.S. Hiking, expeditions to both the North and South Poles, and ascents of the Seven Summits. His mission is deeply rooted in purpose: raising awareness for veteran support and reminding others that life after service can still be filled with passion, challenge, and meaning.

Highlights from this episode:

• What Project 327 and the Grand Explorers Crown truly represent

• The mental and physical challenges of extreme expeditions

• Lessons from 25 years of service in the United States Navy

• How adventure became David’s post-military mission

• Why pushing the limits helps bring awareness to veteran causes

David’s journey is fully self-driven and aimed at bringing awareness to the challenges veterans face after service.
To learn more, follow his progress, and donate to the Disabled American Veterans organization, click here:

🌎 https://www.grandexplorerscrown.com/

Connect with Silverback Media

Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia

This episode is brought to you by Future Form: https://futureform.store

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Kaitlyn Kenna Smith, a CrossFitter, personal trainer, and online fitness coach based in Florida.

Kaitlyn shares her incredible journey of overcoming darkness, rediscovering purpose, and using fitness as a vehicle for healing — both physically and emotionally.

With over a decade in the coaching world, Kaitlyn opens up about what she’s learned from her own struggles, her experiences training others, and the mindset shifts that come from truly not giving up — no matter how hard life gets. Her message is raw, honest, and deeply human: keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible.

Highlights from this episode:

• The story behind Kaitlyn’s “never quit” mindset

• How fitness became a form of therapy and self-discovery

• Lessons from 10+ years of personal training and coaching

• How to stay grounded through challenges and self-doubt

• Why persistence — not perfection — changes everything

This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark life gets, motion itself is victory. Whether you’re crawling, walking, or sprinting — just keep moving forward.

To Get In Touch with Kaitlyn:Instagram: @kaitlynkennafitnessWebsite (Podcast, Coaching, and Merch): https://www.powerhousementality.com/This episode is brought to you by Future Form: https://futureform.store/

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Ryan Talley, an Everyday CrossFitter from CrossFit Apollo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ryan’s story breaks through one of the biggest misconceptions about CrossFit — that it’s only for elite athletes — and shows how the methodology truly meets people where they are.

Growing up active in multiple sports, Ryan talks about what happened when life, work, and routine slowly took priority over fitness. His return to movement through CrossFit reminded him what it means to be part of a team, push limits, and enjoy the process again. From self-doubt to rediscovering consistency, this is a conversation that captures why so many people find their spark again inside a CrossFit gym.

Highlights from this episode:

• Why CrossFit is for everyone — not just elite athletes

• Ryan’s athletic background and transition into CrossFit

• How the CrossFit community helped rebuild confidence and consistency

• Lessons from balancing fitness, work, and life

• Ryan’s advice for anyone intimidated to start

Ryan’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that progress in CrossFit — and in life — isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, scaling when needed, and never losing sight of why you started.

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia talks with Stacy Grindell, a CrossFitter from CrossFit Extra Mile in St. Louis, Missouri, whose story perfectly embodies the idea that it’s never too late to start.

Stacy began CrossFit at age 50, and what started as a step toward better health has become a complete lifestyle transformation. In this episode, she shares how she overcame self-doubt, discovered a supportive community, and found strength that she didn’t know she had.

Her message is simple but powerful: fitness is for everyone, at any age. Whether you’re new to CrossFit or returning after years away, Stacy’s story will remind you that the hardest part is just walking through the door.

Highlights from this episode:

• How Stacy found CrossFit later in life — and why she fell in love with it

• The mental barriers she faced starting at 50

• Why community support matters more than perfection

• How CrossFit has changed her health, confidence, and outlook

• Her message to anyone who feels “too old” or “too late” to start

Stacy’s story is proof that strength, courage, and change aren’t limited by age — they’re defined by willingness.

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Courtney Samudio, a CrossFit Level 1 coach at CrossFit Fury in Phoenix, Arizona. Courtney opens up about her athletic background, her transition into coaching, and the perspective shifts that came after a serious injury — one that forced her to reexamine why she trains and what true fitness means.

Courtney’s story is about more than competition. It’s about longevity, passion, and rediscovering purpose through community. She shares how she builds trust with her athletes, why empathy matters as much as programming, and what it means to “train for life.”

Highlights from this episode:

• How Courtney went from a national champion in College Volleyball to CrossFit coach

• Lessons learned from injury and recovery

• The importance of trust and connection in coaching

• How to stay motivated when you can’t train at 100%

• Why “training for life” is the ultimate goal

This episode is a reminder that being an athlete isn’t just about physical strength — it’s about adaptability, humility, and finding joy in the process, no matter where you are in your journey.

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Mike Ward, a Level 2 CrossFit coach from CrossFit Fury in Phoenix, Arizona. With nearly 15 years in the CrossFit world, Mike has seen the evolution of the methodology from its early days to what it’s become today — and he shares how it continues to challenge and shape both his fitness and his mindset.

This conversation blends years of experience with practical wisdom for anyone — whether you’re stepping into a box for the first time or coaching others to reach their potential.

Highlights from this episode:

• How Mike discovered CrossFit and why it stuck

• Lessons from 15 years as both an athlete and coach

• The evolution of CrossFit culture and training methods

• Why “checking your ego at the door” matters for growth

• Coaching insights for building long-term consistency and community

Mike’s story is a testament to how CrossFit can evolve with you — from a personal fitness pursuit into a lifelong practice of discipline, humility, and continuous improvement.

If Mike’s experience resonated with you, Subscribe and share this with someone who needs that reminder to just start — no matter where they’re at.Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_media