In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with veteran coach Stephane Rochet to discuss his journey from collegiate strength coaching to becoming a key figure in CrossFit's growth. Stephane shares insights on building trust with athletes, learning from legends like Coach Bergener, and why CrossFit remains the gold standard for fitness. This episode is a must-listen for coaches and athletes looking to master the fundamentals and create lasting impact. --

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0:00 - Introduction

3:52 - Stephane's Coaching Journey Begins

4:51 - First Coaching Role at UCLA

7:16 - Firehose of Learning as a New Coach

8:11 - Teaching Athletes: Fake It Till You Make It

9:27 - Discovering Coach Bergener and Olympic Lifting

14:08 - Keeping Coaching Simple Yet Effective

19:45 - First Exposure to CrossFit

22:46 - From Coaching to Police Work

24:11 - Bringing CrossFit to Police Training

25:07 - Head Strength Coach at USD

27:42 - Implementing CrossFit Principles for Athletes

35:23 - Building Trust and Culture with Athletes

38:19 - The Role of Trust in Affiliate Coaching

41:12 - Changes in CrossFit From Then to Now

48:40 - Mastering the Basics as a Coach

53:34 - Stefan’s Hopes for CrossFit’s Future

56:46 - CrossFit Gyms as Beacons of Health and Community

Tanya Sammis, Owner of CrossFit Virilis, transformed her gym from 30 to 130 members by simplifying operations, downsizing her space, and focusing on creating an exceptional class experience. By prioritizing member retention and streamlining her offerings, Tanya built a thriving community in Cibolo, Texas, proving that less can truly be more. Her journey is an inspiring example of how focusing on the essentials can lead to explosive growth. --

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0:00 – Introduction

1:30 – The Journey From 30 to 130 Members

3:45 – Simplifying Gym Operations: The Key to Success

6:10 – Downsizing to Grow: Why Less is More

8:25 – Creating an Exceptional Class Experience

12:00 – Prioritizing Retention Over Expansion

15:20 – The Power of Community and Connection

18:40 – Streamlining Offerings for Member Success

22:10 – The Importance of Consistency in Coaching

25:30 – Empowering Your Team for Better Outcomes

30:00 – Lessons Learned From Mentorship and Growth

33:15 – The Role of Retention in Long-Term Gym Success

36:50 – Tanya’s “Keep Going” Philosophy

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with Burgener Strength Coach Cody Looney. Cody shares his journey from coaching kids’ soccer to becoming a CrossFit Affiliate Owner, military veteran, and weightlifting educator. He dives into the art of teaching Olympic lifts in CrossFit gyms, the importance of meeting athletes where they are, and how Burgener Strength is shaping the next generation of Coaches and athletes.

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With over 600 videos (and new ones daily) plus guided mentorship from L4 coaches, we’re here to help you grow. Are you ready to be more awesome?

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FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION

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0:00 Introduction

1:00 Cody’s First Coaching Experience

3:00 From Military Service to Fitness Coaching

6:00 Discovering CrossFit and the Olympic Lifts

9:00 Lessons from Burgener Strength

12:00 Teaching Olympic Lifts in CrossFit Gyms

16:00 Building a Culture of Coaching Excellence

20:00 Balancing Beginners and Advanced Lifters

25:00 Challenges and Solutions in Weightlifting Programs

30:00 The Impact of Team and Athlete Development

Jason Fernandez and Jason Ackerman sit down with Steph Grams from CrossFit Kaneohe to discuss her inspiring journey from gym member to thriving Affiliate Owner. Steph opens up about the challenges of buying a failing gym, navigating leadership, and building a close-knit community while staying true to her vision. Don't miss this episode full of valuable lessons on resilience and leadership.

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💻 CLICK HERE to learn more about Push Press Gym Software

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0:00 Introduction

1:10 Steph Grams - CrossFit Kaneohe

2:48 From Member to Owner

5:04 Challenges of Buying a Failing Gym

8:14 Facing Fears as a Business Owner

11:03 Competitors and Staying the Course

14:01 Leveraging Gym Software

17:27 Building a Strong Coaching Team

20:24 Transitioning to Gym Mayor Role

26:00 CrossFit for Families and Kids

30:08 Preparing for the Level 4 Exam

34:24 Running a Gym in Hawaii

36:43 Staying True to Your Vision

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, hosts Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with CrossFit OG and Seminar Staff veteran Mike Giardina. Mike shares his journey from the military to becoming a coach at CrossFit Atlanta, a Flowmaster on CrossFit Seminar Staff, and now a leader in CrossFit’s health initiatives. He dives into the importance of simplicity in coaching, the power of affiliate communities, and how the CrossFit Medical Society is bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare.

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With over 600 videos (and new ones daily) plus guided mentorship from L4 coaches, we’re here to help you grow. Are you ready to be more awesome?

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Download the FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION --

0:00 - Introduction

1:00 - Mike Giardina

3:03 - Early Days of CrossFit Coaching and Community

5:21 - First CrossFit Workout Experience

7:03 - Joining CrossFit Atlanta and Coaching Beginnings

10:22 - Becoming Seminar Staff: From Intern to Leader

14:46 - The Journey of Coaching Development

19:04 - Coaching New Athletes: Patience and Simplicity

22:43 - The Power of Simplicity in Coaching Cues

27:03 - Transitioning to Leadership in Coaching Education

34:07 - CrossFit Medical Society and Health Initiatives

37:28 - Tracking Health Markers: The Next Level of Fitness

40:49 - Connecting Health, Coaching, and Community

43:02 - Where to Learn More About CrossFit Medical Society

Randy and Chausse Lauer, owners of 3-46 Grit CrossFit, share their journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges. Chausse opens up about surviving a stroke and how it reshaped her approach to resilience, leadership, and community building. Together, they reflect on their strategies for budgeting, streamlining operations, and creating a thriving gym while staying deeply connected to their CrossFit community.

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0:00 - Intro

0:31 - Meet Randy and Chausse Lauer

4:26 - Transitioning to Full-Time Gym Ownership

6:51 - From Construction to CrossFit

8:19 - What Randy Did Well vs. Where He Struggled

10:52 - The Power of Budgeting

15:17 - Chausse’s Stroke Story

20:25 - Recovery and Resilience

21:35 - Balancing Member Wants with Business Needs

29:16 - Doing Less, Better

32:50 - Building Legacy Through Systems

37:20 - Why the Lauers Stick with Affiliate University

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Nicole Aucoin shares her journey from dietitian to nutrition coaching expert, revealing how coaches can transform lives by addressing the other 23 hours of the day. She dives into actionable strategies for creating sustainable nutrition programs, fostering accountability, and empowering clients to achieve long-term success. A must-watch for coaches ready to elevate their impact and integrate nutrition seamlessly into their gym.

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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HSN

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0:00 – Introduction

1:39 – Nicole’s Journey: From Dietitian to Nutrition Coach

3:48 – Early Coaching Challenges and Lessons Learned6:01 – Personal Story: How Cancer Inspired a Focus on Nutrition

9:25 – Nutrition in CrossFit: Paleo, Zone, and Finding What Works

12:20 – Starting Small: The Key to Sustainable Client Success

22:00 – Lessons from Early Mistakes in Nutrition Coaching

29:04 – How to Find and Empower the Right Nutrition Coach

35:31 – Expanding Healthy Steps Nutrition

Brad Marshall started his CrossFit gym in a two-car garage and successfully transitioned to taking over an established affiliate. Brad shares the challenges of scaling from a small, intimate community to a thriving commercial space, the importance of building culture, and lessons learned in creating a sustainable business. Tune in to hear how passion and strategic decisions turned a garage gym into a vibrant affiliate with over 80 members. --

Looking to boost revenue at your CrossFit Affiliate?

CLICK HERE to Grab the FREE “Raise Prices Without Pissing Off Your Members” Mini-Course

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CLICK HERE to learn more about Affiliate University

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CLICK HERE to learn more about Push Press Gym Software --

0:00 - Introduction

1:12 - Meet Brad Marshall: The Story Behind Greater Culture CrossFit

3:02 - Garage Beginnings: Building a Gym Community at Home

6:07 - The Garage Gym Setup: Growth, Challenges, and Creative Solutions

7:28 - Taking Over an Affiliate: Navigating the Transition Process

9:56 - Growing Membership: From 30 Members to Over 80 in 7 Months

13:00 - Establishing Culture: The Role of Communication and Connection

19:00 - Rebranding and Renovating: Creating a Fresh Start for Members

22:40 - Pricing Adjustments: Managing Member Expectations and Revenue

29:10 - Programming Changes: Shifting to a New Coaching Philosophy

35:10 - Building a Thriving Culture: Language, Leadership, and Community

39:03 - Reflecting on Growth: Lessons Learned from Garage to Affiliate

After suffering a life-threatening heart attack, Andy Hendel’s decades of fitness and commitment to CrossFit played a crucial role in his survival and recovery. From his time in the NFL to coaching on CrossFit Seminar Staff, Andy’s resilience and fitness prepared him to overcome the odds. His story is a powerful testament to how a lifestyle of health and movement can save lives.

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CLICK HERE TO LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠

-- CLICK HERE TO UNLOCK THE FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION --

0:00 - Introduction

0:40 - Meet Andy Hendel

3:00 - The Early Coaching Journey and Lessons Learned

7:10 - Discovering CrossFit and Starting an Affiliate

12:00 - Building CrossFit Charlotte: The Early Days

16:45 - Transitioning from Athlete to Coach

23:00 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Coaching

33:00 - The Day Everything Changed: Andy’s Heart Attack Story

39:15 - How Fitness and CrossFit Helped Andy Survive

43:00 - Recovery and Getting Back to the Gym

46:50 - Life Lessons and Advice After a Heart Attack

51:00 - Inspiring Others Through Resilience and Coaching

Thinking about buying an Ice Barrel for your gym? This video breaks down the pros, cons, and business impact of adding cold therapy to your gym's recovery services. Learn how to maximize the benefits for your members while deciding if it’s the right investment for your Affiliate.

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Looking to boost revenue at your CrossFit Affiliate? Grab the FREE “Raise Prices Without Pissing Off Your Members” Mini-Course --

CLICK HERE to learn more about Affiliate University

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CLICK HERE to learn more about Push Press Gym Software

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CLICK HERE to learn more about Ice Barrel and cold therapy

This episode of Behind the Knowledge dives into the inspiring journey of Coach Josh Melendez, from his early days as a novice CrossFit coach to earning a Level 4 credential and joining CrossFit Seminar Staff. Through resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of feedback and education, Josh shares valuable lessons on overcoming challenges, building trust, and becoming a leader in the coaching world.

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LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/theknowledge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION

https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/world-class-coach-evaluation

-- 0:00 - Introduction

0:55 - osh Melendez: Level 4 Coach and Seminar Staff

5:09 - First Coaching Experience: From Athlete to Leader

6:22 - The Impact of the CrossFit Level 1 Certification

8:18 - Becoming a Gym Owner: Transitioning from Coach to Business Leader

9:54 - Deep Dive into Coaching Education and Online Courses

11:02 - Key Takeaways from the CrossFit Level 2 Certification

13:19 - Restructuring Programming and Gaining Athlete Trust

17:02 - Continuous Learning: Online Courses, Certifications, and Mentorship

21:08 - The Road to the CrossFit Level 3 Credential

25:03 - Internship Challenges and Lessons with Seminar Staff

29:10 - Overcoming Feedback and Building Resilience

33:09 - Achieving the CrossFit Level 4 Credential

34:48 - Joining Seminar Staff: The Reward of Persistence

38:18 - Building a Culture of Development with Coaching Staff

42:26 - Final Reflections: The Power of Perseverance and Leading by Example