

Talking Elite Fitness
Tommy Marquez & Sean Woodland
CrossFit Games Analysts Sean Woodland and Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil, bring you all the latest information, updates, and analysis on the sport of fitness, and the CrossFit community.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 4, 2025 • 57min
Unleash the Mayhem, Good Seats Available, and Age Groups are Go for Semifinals
Live competition is here! The first in-person semifinal is set to kickoff this weekend in Cookeville, Tennessee. Sean, Tommy, and Lauren preview the Mayhem Classic and tell you who they think might have the inside track in the battle the first two tickets to the CrossFit Games. Speaking of tickets, they're on sale for the Games in Albany. Are slow sales a sign of things to come for the sport in general or just an isolated problem? Age group athletes take on their in-affiliate semifinals this weekend and squats aren't on the menu...or are they? Plus, an update on the World Fitness Project season and a brilliant new name for knee sleeves.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 10min
Tia Takes on HYROX, Emma is a Brute, and Semifinals Judgement Calls
The greatest CrossFit athlete of all time is taking on a new challenge. Tia Toomey is turning her attention to HYROX. Sean, Tommy and Lauren discuss the move and tell you why they think she deserves to be considered one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Emma Lawson is hoping some Brute force will get her to the next level. The World Fitness Project's inaugural season is officially underway, you're gonna need more judges for the in affiliate semifinals, and live competition is right around the corner. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen to help you sleep better and your body to repair more efficiently.

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 38min
Open is Closed, Golden Girl wants CrossFit, and All Business with Chris Cooper
Chris Cooper, Founder of Two Brain Business, shares his expertise on transforming gym profit margins. He dives into the recent sale discussions of CrossFit and what implications a potential purchase by Olympian Shawn Johnson might bring. Chris emphasizes the need for gyms to adapt, focusing on community engagement and quality coaching. The conversation highlights the importance of evolving business strategies within the fitness industry to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
25.2 Review, Copyright Drama, and Wilson Pak and Jeremy Thiel talk Semifinals
Colten Mertens and Mirjam Von Rohr are owning the 2025 CrossFit Games Open. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about their performances, why they love the live announcements, and what stands out on the leaderboard after two weeks. The CrossFit Games and the World Fitness Project run into a copyright issue. Plus, two men who will be running in-person semifinals, Wilson Pak and Jeremy Thiel, sit down with Lauren to talk about the challenges of running and event within a competitive season, how they prepare to overcome them, and why this is a great opportunity for them to continue to grow their events. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen to improve you sleep and recovery.

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 29min
A Conversation with Max El-Hag, Reviewing 25.1, and Tia's Extra Effort
Max El-Hag, founder of Training Think Tank, shares why he stepped back from social media and aims to bridge divides in the CrossFit community. He discusses the impact of mental health on athletes and the crucial need for constructive dialogue in a polarized environment. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, in-person interactions, and a holistic approach to training. El-Hag also reflects on the changing dynamics within CrossFit, as participation rates fluctuate and athletes seek greater support and connection.

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 14min
A Conversation with Ben Bergeron, The Open is Here, and the CAC Speaks
The 2025 Open is here. Tommy and Lauren take a look a registration numbers heading into 25.1, update the list of athletes who are in, and the ones who are sitting out. The CrossFit Athlete Council has put out a statement, and it's managed to cause some confusion. Ben Bergeron is ending his gym's affiliation with CrossFit. He sits down with Tommy and Lauren to talk about why he made the decision, why it's the right one for his gym, and what the future holds for his business. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF and save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 1min
Pat and Jelle are Out, Is Tia taking up HYROX, and What we Know about the Sale of CrossFit
Two more athletes are sitting out the CrossFit Games season, and a long time affiliate is going out on it's own. Open registration continues to lag behind last year, but is a surge coming? Is a career change in the works for Tia Toomey? Sean, Tommy and Lauren discuss her recent pivot towards HYROX. Plus, there's a lot of talk about an upcoming sale of CrossFit. The crew talks about what they know, and what still needs to be determined. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF and save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen.

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 11min
Chandler Checks Out, Open Announcement Details, and can the WFP and the Games Coexist
Last week it was Annie Thorisdottir. This week it's Chandler Smith. Another top athlete takes a pass on the Open and the CrossFit Games season. Speaking of the Open, we have details on the live announcements for the first two workouts and The World Fitness Project continues to release details on their season with the release of a movements list. Plus, Sean, Tommy, and Lauren give their thoughts on whether or not the World Fitness Project and CrossFit Games can coexist in the long run. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen.

Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 26min
Annie's Out, WFP Rosters, and Special Guest James Sprague
Iceland Annie is sitting out the Open. Sean, Tommy, and Lauren discuss the Queen of CrossFit's decision to not sign up for the first time in her career. The rosters have been finalized for the inaugural season of the World Fitness Project. Can the new league rekindle interest in the sport? James Sprague talks with Tommy and Lauren about winning the CrossFit Games last year, what is motivating him this season, and what is ahead for him in 2025. Plus, Tommy does his civic duty at his local Costco. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/tef and save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen and improve your sleep and recovery.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 1min
Wodapalooza Review and Dave's Not Here, Man!
The first major competition of the season has come and gone as TYR Wodapalooza wrapped up this past weekend in Miami. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about the experience at the new venue, the broadcast, and the top stories from four days of competition. The World Fitness Project continues to put together an impressive roster of athletes for their first season. Find out the latest athletes who are signing on with the new league. Dave Castro dropped some news about the 2025 Open, and it looks like we will be seeing a lot less of him this time around. This episode is presented by Reebok. Check out the new Nano X5, the most comfortable, breathable and stable Nano yet! This episode is sponsored by Thirdzy. Go to thirdzy.com/TEF and instantly save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen.


