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.

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20 episodes
Updated April 30

Episodes20

Newest first

April 30 · 1 hr 6 min
A Buttery Farewell...For Now
It's time to finish up where we started almost 8 years ago. Marston Sawyers and Heber Cannon, aka "The Buttery Bros" join Sean, Tommy and Lauren for a trip down memory lane as the crew says goodbye for now. Thanks to everyone who has listened and supported us for the last 8 years. We are extremely grateful for your support and look forward to seeing all of you at events around the world. Remember to take care of each other, be better and we will talk to you all again sometime.
April 28 · 27 min
Who is Bruce Edwards and why is he the perfect choice to be CrossFit's CEO?
The search is over. CrossFit officially named Bruce Edwards as their CEO. Sean and Tommy talk about their experience with Bruce, why he's the perfect choice and why they think he can be successful.
April 24 · 52 min
What we learned from the Mayhem Classic and what it Could Mean for the Future of the Sport
The first in-person semifinal is officially behind us. The 2026 Mayhem Classic sent the first 6 individuals to the CrossFit Games, but it also showed us a potential way forward for the sport of fitness. Sean and Tommy discuss the key learnings from the event, how they think it could shape things in the coming years and what moments stood out from the competiton.
April 16 · 43 min
No way, Jay and What's the Best System for Semis?
Thousands of reps were performed during Quarterfinals, but it's the one that wasn't done that is getting the most attention. Sean, Tommy and Lauren break down the penalty for Jay Crouch's missed overhead squat. Was it fair or was it over the top? Also, Semifinals start this weekend with the Mayhem Classic in Cookeville, TN. It's the system we have, but is there a better way to organize this crucial stage of the season? This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen so you can improve how you sleep and recover.
April 10 · 47 min
Previewing the Mayhem Classic with Rory McKernan
In-person competition is one week away as Semifinals get kicked off in Cookeville, Tennessee with the Mayhem Classic. Rory McKernan joins the show to preview the competition, talk about the things most people don't know about when it comes to putting on an event like this and what the future might hold for the Mayhem Classic. Plus, Ro takes time to pay tribute to Rob Orlando. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
April 3 · 40 min
Quarterfinals Recap with Tim Paulson
Quartefinals have come and gone and once again they were not without controversy. Our good friend and 7-time CrossFit Games athlete Tim Paulson of PRVN joins the show to recap the most recent stage of the 2026 season. He talks about how he and his athletes approached Quarterfinals, what he would like to see change with this stage of the season, what athletes in his camp stood out and whether or not he's optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the sport. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve the way you sleep and recover.
March 26 · 53 min
What's the Deal with Quarterfinals and Can it be Fixed?
It's another year of Quarterfinals and that means another year of issues. And once again the controversy centers around the video review process, or more accurately, the lack of one. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about the issues and what might be done to fix things moving forward. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
March 20 · 1 hr 7 min
What is XENOM and why should we be excited about it?
XENOM is the being billed as "The Decathalon of Fitness," but what exactly is it? CEO and Founder Keith Barlow joins the show to talk about the new competition, how it came about, what a competition weekend looks like and why CrossFitters should be excited about it. Plus, the crew recaps the 2026 Open and takes a look back and a rain-soaked Wodapalooza. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
March 5 · 53 min
A (Sore) 26.1 Recap And CrossFit Needs A New CEO
The first week of the CrossFit Games Open is officially behind us, Tommy and Lauren try to shake off the DOMS in their legs and recap the 26.2 workout and live announcement. Open registration numbers are finally in, but are they a win? Don Faul has officially stepped down as the CEO of CrossFit after a tumultuous four year tenure, where does the company go from here? This episode is presentd by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 25% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen from now until March 16.
February 26 · 58 min
Uncle Pat's Last Ride and a Conversation with Jayson Hopper
Pat Vellner is calling it a career. One of the most popular athletes in the sport has decided that 2026 will be his last season on the competition floor. Sean and Tommy discuss his legacy and tell us why they think he will continue to make an impact on the sport and the community. Jayson Hopper is getting set to take the first step in defending his championship as he is ready to throw down in the live announcement of 26.1. He talks with Sean and Tommy about winning the Games in 2025, what is was like walking on at Clemson and his interest in conspiracy theories. This episode is presentd by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 25% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen from now until March 16.
February 20 · 59 min
A Conversation with Dallin Pepper
Dallin Pepper has grown up competing in CrossFit. The former two-time teenage champion is hoping to duplicate that achievement as an individual. The last two years at the CrossFit Games, Pepper has not finished lower than 4th and was one spot away from standing atop the podium in 2024. This year, Pepper is hoping to complete the journey and be crowned Fittest Man on Earth. Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil talk with him about his goals for 2026, how his public persona has changed over the years and his unique friendship with Jayson Hopper. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
February 13 · 1 hr 1 min
Counting Down the Top 5 Open Announcements of All Time
It's time to take a trip down memory lane! Sean and Tommy rank their five favorite Open announcements from the last 13 years. From garage throwdowns to clashes of champions, they take a look back at the most memorable productions from the start of seasons gone by. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
February 5 · 1 hr 8 min
A Conversation with Lucy Campbell
Lucy Campbell is coming of one of the most improbable years in CrossFit Games history. After battling through a career-threatening wrist injury, Campbell finished in second place at the Games in 2025. Lucy joins Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil to talk about her incredible run towards the top of the sport and how she hopes to build on that momemtum in 2026. Plus, Open registration continues to trend in a positive direction, the idenities of the athletes who will be participating in 26.1 have been revealed, Pat Vellner has a minor heart procedure and the World Fitness Project signs more athletes to pro cards. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen so you can improve how you sleep and recover.
January 30 · 43 min
A Conversation with Adrian Bozman
CrossFit's Competition Director Adrian Bozman joins Sean and Tommy to talk about programming for the Open, the challenges of fitting an appropriate test into three weeks instead of five, the return of Quarterfinals, bringing the Games back to California and what he's looking forward to the most in 2026. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
January 22 · 49 min
A Billion for NOBULL and Rogue Runs it Back
Nearly three years ago, NOBULL was on the brink of bankruptcy. Now, they have been valued at $1 billion. The Rogue Invitational liked Aberdeen, Scotland so much that they are returning for a third year. Despite a majority of it's first round of invites getting turned down, the Mayhem Classic is still set to have a first-rate lineup. And speaking of lineups, the World Fitness Project announced their first round of pro card recipient's for the 2026 season. Sean and Tommy discuss all that and tell us why they have a love/hate relationship with the NFL postseason. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
January 15 · 49 min
A Conversation with Will Moorad
The World Fitness Project recently wrapped up it's inaugural season in Copenhagen. Less than a month later, Director of Sport Will Moorad already has his sights on 2026. He joins Tommy and Lauren to talk about what went right in 2025, what they want to improve for season number 2 and the possibility of getting all the different competitive outlets on the same page in the future. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve the way you sleep and recover.
January 8 · 1 hr 5 min
Our Top Questions Heading into 2026
A new year brings plenty of new questions. Sean, Tommy and Lauren unveil their list of things they'll be watching throughout the 2026 season. What will the second year of the WFP look like? Where will the Rogue Invitational be held? Will we have a repeat champion on the men's side at the CrossFit Games? Plus, semifinal competitions are sending out invites and starting their online qualifiers, teams are being revealed for WZA Miami and athletes are finding new training camps. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
January 2 · 58 min
New Year, Same Owners and WFP Saves Its Best for Last
A new year is upon us, but we are still waiting for a resolution on a sale of CrossFit. Is this ever going to happen? Sean, Tommy and Lauren recap the strange saga of Wade Diebner's ill-fated attempt to purchase the brand and where things might stand now. Plus, the World Fitness Project saved their best for last as they wrapped up their inaugural season in Copenhagen. Tommy gives us the first-hand view of how things went down, what the athletes thought about the three tour stops and what is in store for 2026. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve the way you sleep and recover.
Dec 11, 2025 · 59 min
New Rules, New Partners and New Owners (Maybe)
The new rulebook is here! CrossFit has released their rules and regulations for the 2026 Games season and there are some notable changes from this past year. Sean, Tommy and Lauren discuss what they like and what they don't as we head into next season. Rich Froning and Jason Khalipa are combining forces for the good of affiliates. And rumors continue to swirl regarding the sale of CrossFit. Sean tells us what he knows about the latest on an ownership change. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to Thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.
Dec 4, 2025 · 45 min
One Big Family Again
CrossFit is bringing the family back together! Masters, teenagers and adaptive athletes will all be competing in San Jose, California next year at the 2026 CrossFit Games. Sean, Tommy and Lauren discuss the move, what they love about it and what still needs to be figured out to make sure everyone has as good a time as possible. Plus, Sean has a scheduling idea for the WFP and Gym Reapers makes an acquisition. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen to improve how you sleep and recover.

Talking Elite Fitness

A Buttery Farewell...For Now

Who is Bruce Edwards and why is he the perfect choice to be CrossFit's CEO?

What we learned from the Mayhem Classic and what it Could Mean for the Future of the Sport

No way, Jay and What's the Best System for Semis?

Previewing the Mayhem Classic with Rory McKernan

Quarterfinals Recap with Tim Paulson

What's the Deal with Quarterfinals and Can it be Fixed?

What is XENOM and why should we be excited about it?

A (Sore) 26.1 Recap And CrossFit Needs A New CEO

Uncle Pat's Last Ride and a Conversation with Jayson Hopper

A Conversation with Dallin Pepper

Counting Down the Top 5 Open Announcements of All Time

A Conversation with Lucy Campbell

A Conversation with Adrian Bozman

A Billion for NOBULL and Rogue Runs it Back

A Conversation with Will Moorad

Our Top Questions Heading into 2026

New Year, Same Owners and WFP Saves Its Best for Last

New Rules, New Partners and New Owners (Maybe)

One Big Family Again