Forging Fury Podcast

We're excited to bring you this bonus episode where we cornered Tommy Marquez into playing our version of "The Newlywed Game". Before our interview we reached out to his fiancé, Tiffany Meeks, and asked her a handful of relationship-specific questions that Tommy had to answer on the spot. Short, sweet, and funny -- we hope you enjoy! Special thanks to Tiffany for being such a good sport and making this episode a blast!

Today begins part one of our two-part, in-person interview with Sean Woodland and Tommy Marquez of the Talking Elite Fitness Podcast. Sean and Tommy graciously let us drop in and record at the Talking Elite Fitness Garage just outside the heart of CrossFit's ancestral home in Santa Cruz. Sean and Tommy run arguably the most listened-to podcast for the CrossFit community. We know you've probably heard them on other podcasts, so we worked hard to mine some never-before-heard stories in this interview. We hope you enjoy this conversation (as well as Part 2 coming next week) as much as we did.

For most of you, Annie needs no introduction. For the rest of you, keep reading. One of the original "Nasty Girls", Annie Sakamoto is an icon of the CrossFit world, and easily one of the most humble. She is currently the co-owner and founder of CrossFit Santa Cruz Central, located only a few steps from the world's first CrossFit gym. She's competed at the Games both individually and in team competition. And she packs a ridiculous amount of power in that 5'0" 120 lb. frame. Trust us when we say that Annie Sakamoto is even more delightful in person than she appears on camera. What an honor to meet an athlete and a coach who has inspired so many others! Enjoy!

Morgan Gregory is the Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coach with MLB's Cincinnati Reds organization. He's also been a part of Fury's competition team, the Bomb Squad. Morgan joins us to discuss his career journey to the Reds, why a refusal to say "no" to opportunities can open new doors, how he approaches strength and conditioning for fine-tuned athletes, and how learning he had diabetes put him at a crossroads where he had to decide whether or not he could continue to compete and push himself physically. This is a great interview from a great guy, both in and out of the gym.

Today we tackle the topic of becoming a stellar gym member. Sometimes, being a new member in a community can be daunting because we don't know the customs and behavior expectations of the place we've just joined. Or maybe some of us have been around for a long time and just need a refresher course to snap us out of our bad habits. Either way, we think you'll find a ton of good advice to help you become an ASSET to your gym community, and some helpful tips to help you avoid being...well..an ASS (love you, mean it). :) Anything you think we missed? Any further questions you have about gym customs? Pet peeves you need to get off your chest? Call our TalkBack line at 623.404.6688 and let us know what's on your mind!

So, we did a thing. Have you ever heard the saying, "There are three things never to discuss in public: politics, religion, and money?" Well, that timeless advice is -- from here on out -- going to be completely ignored on the Forging Fury Podcast. We added a new segment called, "How to Deal" where your favorite hosts banter back and forth on a hot topic unrelated to fitness and nutrition. Since the first forbidden topic is supposed to be politics, we decided to start at the top of the list. It's just how we roll. Regardless of your political viewpoints, we find value in discussing all the things in life and we hope you find this episode thought-provoking and even a little bit -- dare we say it -- fun to listen to. Love it or hate it, we're always interested in your thoughts. Chime in anytime on our Talkback Line at 623.404.6688.

Today's episode features Tim Kilmer, longtime listener and our very FIRST Forging Fury Spark participant. Tim and his wife Lauren joined CrossFit Fury a month ago, starting a journey to improve their health and change their family tree. We will be following up with Tim periodically and also tell you more about our Forging Fury Spark program in the coming weeks. Until then, take a listen and follow Tim on Instagram @resqcon to encourage him on his journey!

On this week’s episode we interview Andres Karlezi. Andres is one of Reilly’s best friends (he has a lot of those). Andres is from Santiago, Chile and was the Valedictorian of his university. We talk CrossFit, travels, and life. Vas a querer escuchar.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the crew of the Forging Fury Podcast! We are so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of your lives and we appreciate you listening! This episode features YOUR CALLS as we hear from listeners what traditions you and your family celebrate each year. We had a blast hearing from everyone! Whatever you're doing or wherever you're headed this Holiday season, we wish you joy, peace, and a time of forming lasting memories with family and friends. Love you, mean it! Reilly, Michael, & Spencer

This week Coach Reilly sat down with Eric “Huddie” Hudson and Rodrick Lopez from CrossFit Humanity in San Diego! The trio discussed what it takes to be a CrossFit coach, how to build lasting relationships with members, guiding athletes to their full potential, and taking a leap of faith to pursue their own passions! Take a listen and let us know: Would you wake up at 3 AM to train with your gym bestie?!

Today we sit down with a man who has truly taken the foundational fitness of CrossFit to all new heights -- literally. Matt has created a lifetime of adventures and challenges that test his fitness to the extreme. We won't list all the interesting things he's accomplished here -- you'll just have to listen for yourself -- but trust us when we say that his passion for new challenges is inspirational.

Brent Hodges joins the podcast to discuss his journey from little league to professional baseball and then back to little league as a coach and board member of the City of Goodyear Little League. We also dive into mindset, overcoming adversity, and the challenges of being a parent and/or coach knowing that little ones are looking to us to learn how to navigate the world around them.

In this episode we chat with Brittany Windom, Reilly's boss and the operational queen of CrossFit Fury. We dive into how being an Army brat taught her lessons on resilience and overcoming adversity, and what it was like for her to battle postpartum depression through the Stroller Strides program (and other fitness opportunities).

Today we interview the firstborn of the Faser Clan, Brody. Brody talks with us about all kids of things, but we focus specifically on his journey from CrossFit to competitive swimming. Definitely a fun episode featuring one of the best families at Fury. Enjoy!

Today we pay another visit to our friends at CrossFit Uru to learn more about The Barbell Saves Project, an Arizona-based non-profit designed to help people combat addictions through physical activity. We talk first with Lindsey Cantelme about the support that Arizona State University is bringing to the table, then we speak with Amber Cays and Kathleen Welcher, both former addicts and leaders/participants of the program. We can't wait for you to hear more about this great organization. To support what they are doing, get in connected at TheBarbellSaves.com (link in bio).

Reilly talks with long-time friend and coach Josh Jeffery about all things physical therapy and training related. Josh is the owner of Vertex Performance Training in South Carolina and is also one of the hosts of the Better Faster Podcast. This episode is jam-packed with knowledge drops and helpful information for athletes of every level.

"Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'." - Viktor Frankl

Today we drop in at CrossFit Uru and interview owner Rob Best. A native of Arizona, Rob built Uru after years of battling addiction and has recently created an innovative non-profit program -- The Barbell Saves Project -- that helps recovering addicts by using CrossFit workouts to help combat their addictions. CrossFit Uru is also the adopted home of college athletes from GCU CrossFit at nearby Grand Canyon University. An all-around great interview with a man making a big difference in his community.

Just a quick 8-Minute AMRAP where we discuss the CrossFit Open. Predictions. Tips. Concerns. It's all there. 3...2...1..GO!

In this episode, Michael and special guest host Heidi Gray travel to Salt Lake City, Utah to interview Erin & Michael Blevins. Erin and Michael have cultivated respected reputations as high-level athletes, coaches, nutritionists, podcasters, world travelers, and even as trainers to Hollywood stars. We dive into what it’s really like to train actors for a film, what it’s like training average people to eat right, and the mindset behind just about everything we do as humans. Oh, and we also talk about the classics — PopTarts and why Michael is too neurotic to exercise shirtless (ugh).