CAP 260 | Rich Froning on CrossFit, Coaching, and Community | 22 May 2025
Release Date: 05/22/2025
CAP 282: From CrossFit to Coaching: Lessons Learned | 22 January 2026
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan and Conquer Help dive into the evolution of coaching in the fitness industry, reflecting on their experiences from the early days of CrossFit to the present. They discuss the importance of understanding each modality in its purest form, emphasizing that a solid foundation in singular sports can enhance coaching effectiveness in mixed-modal training. The conversation also touches on the significance of a growth mindset for coaches, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation to better serve their athletes. They explore the concept of...
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CAP 281: Breaking Down 2026 Fitness Trends - with Tyler Cooke | 15 January 2026
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of community and respect in fitness, the balance between open gym culture and group classes, and the future of training trends. They explore the role of technology and AI in fitness, the significance of individualized programs, and the impact of attitude on gym culture. The conversation also touches on morning routines and the rise of jujitsu as a popular form of training. Takeaways The main goal of a gym is to help people get healthier. Balancing open gym culture with community is essential. Respect between different training...
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CAP 280: Understanding your Gym’s Avatar & The Future of Affiliate Programming
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the current state of affiliate programming in the fitness industry. They explore how the rise of standardized programming from major companies may be stifling creativity and individuality in gym programming. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the specific needs and demographics of gym members, referred to as the 'avatar', and how tailored programming can lead to better outcomes for clients. They also highlight the significance of simplicity in program design, arguing that effective...
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CAP 279: Nuance in Stimulus-Driven Scaling with Tyler Cooke
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Jason Leydon, Tyler Cooke, and Ryan Bucciantini discuss various topics related to CrossFit, coaching strategies, and the future of fitness competitions. They delve into the reasons behind athlete dropouts from competitions, the importance of effective coaching, and the challenges of scaling workouts for different skill levels. The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to be prepared and to understand the intended stimulus of workouts to better serve their athletes. They also touch on the significance of communication and trust...
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CAP 278: From Off-Season to Competition: A Training Journey with Tyler Cooke
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Alley podcast, hosts Tyler Cooke, Jason Leydon, and Ryan Bucciantini engage in a lively discussion about the transition from off-season training to competition preparation. They explore the mental and physical challenges athletes face when ramping up their training intensity, the importance of building a strong foundation, and effective programming strategies for long-term success. The conversation also touches on nutrition, recovery, and the mindset needed to thrive in competitive environments. Takeaways Transitioning from off-season to competition requires...
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CAP 277: The Art of Coaching: Insights and Anecdotes with Tyler Cooke | 20 November 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, hosts Jason Leydon, Tyler Cooke, and Ryan Bucciantini engage in a candid discussion about the coaching profession, the importance of professionalism, and the dynamics between athletes and coaches. They share personal anecdotes, rants about job applications, and insights into the challenges faced by coaches and athletes alike. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, effective communication, and the art of coaching in high-pressure environments, ultimately highlighting the significance of preparation and mindset in achieving...
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CAP 276: Unlocking Athlete Potential with Tyler Cooke | 13 November 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon welcome Tyler Cooke, a CrossFit athlete and coach. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of pacing strategies in workouts, the role of coaching in athlete development, and the need for structured rest and recovery. They also discuss the phenomenon of 'cuckolding' in a humorous context, and how it relates to their previous discussions. The episode emphasizes the significance of learning from training experiences, particularly when athletes 'blow up' during workouts, and the...
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CAP 275 - Avoiding the Pitfalls of Randomized Training | 6 November 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
Summary In this episode, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the importance of structured programming in training, contrasting systems versus chaos. They explore the role of variance in exercise selection and the need for individualized program design. The conversation highlights the significance of having a game plan, understanding the timeline of training seasons, and the pitfalls of constantly varied programming without purpose. They emphasize the value of mentorship and the challenges of online programming in the fitness industry. Takeaways Structured programming is...
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CAP 274 - Mastering Progressive Overload in Training - 30 Oct 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the concept of progressive overload in training, particularly within the context of CrossFit. They explore how progressive overload extends beyond simply adding weight to exercises, emphasizing the importance of various training stimuli and the need for coaches to understand their athletes' goals. The conversation also touches on the significance of managing variability in training programs and the necessity of a structured approach to achieve desired adaptations. The episode concludes with an...
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CAP 273: From Strip Clubs to Coaching: A Wild Ride | 16 Oct 2025
Conquer Athlete Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, hosts Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon engage in a lively discussion that ranges from sports rants and personal anecdotes to coaching philosophies and food preferences. They explore the challenges of individualizing coaching in group settings, the importance of understanding athlete needs, and the significance of creating an authentic coaching environment. The conversation is peppered with humor, personal stories, and insights into the world of fitness and coaching. Takeaways Hitting a baseball is considered one of the hardest tasks in...
info_outline- Rich Froning reflects on the importance of community in sports.
- Coaching youth sports has taught valuable lessons about fundamentals.
- The state of CrossFit is currently fractured and lacks a central rallying point.
- Youth sports should focus on teaching kids to love the game, not just winning.
- Rich emphasizes the need for connection between athletes and the community.
- The CrossFit Games have lost some of their community feel since moving to Madison.
- Rich believes that the methodology of CrossFit is strong but needs better leadership.
- The Sanctional model provided more opportunities for athletes to compete.
- Rich suggests that the future of CrossFit depends on community involvement and leadership.
- There is a need for a collaborative approach to improve the CrossFit brand. The online qualifier for the CrossFit Games is not ideal.
- In-person qualifiers foster community involvement.
- Leadership in CrossFit requires a perfect scenario.
- Rich Froning believes in the importance of a rallying point for CrossFit.
- Mental toughness is crucial for athletes.
- Faith and identity shape competitive performance.
- Team dynamics enhance competition success.
- Youth sports build foundational skills for athletes.
- Athletes need to learn how to handle competition pressure.
- Rich emphasizes the importance of looking good and being fit.
- Rich Froning on Coaching and Community
- The Evolution of Youth Sports Coaching
- CrossFit's Current State and Future
- Building Community in Sports with Rich Froning
- Lessons from Coaching Youth Sports
- "I got you brother."
- "It's not about me, right?"
- "I wish I would have played football now."
- "It feels like a power vacuum."
- "You can't replace the community."
- "We can all be better under that one name."
- "It just looks like a money grab."
- "The community was so involved."
- "It connects the athletes to the community."
- "You should just do it."
- "I liked winning and hated losing."