Talking Elite Fitness

CrossFit Games Analysts Sean Woodland and Tommy Marquez bring you all the latest information, updates, and analysis on the sport of fitness, and the CrossFit community.

Quarterfinals Recap with Tim Paulson 04/03/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40724675

What's the Deal with Quarterfinals and Can it be Fixed? 03/26/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40635390

What is XENOM and why should we be excited about it? 03/20/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40562660

A (Sore) 26.1 Recap And CrossFit Needs A New CEO 03/05/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40322925

Uncle Pat's Last Ride and a Conversation with Jayson Hopper 02/26/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40238300

A Conversation with Dallin Pepper 02/20/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40172480

Counting Down the Top 5 Open Announcements of All Time 02/13/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40105185

A Conversation with Lucy Campbell 02/05/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/40013415

A Conversation with Adrian Bozman 01/30/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39932085

A Billion for NOBULL and Rogue Runs it Back 01/22/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39844600

A Conversation with Will Moorad 01/15/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39753260

Our Top Questions Heading into 2026 01/08/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39667300

New Year, Same Owners and WFP Saves Its Best for Last 01/02/2026

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39588210

New Rules, New Partners and New Owners (Maybe) 12/11/2025

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39375610

One Big Family Again 12/04/2025

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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39264755

Sale Rumors and What's new for 2026 11/26/2025

Sale Rumors and What's new for 2026 The 2026 Games season will be upon us before we know it, and there are a few key changes being made. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about what they like and don't like about the adjusments to competition next year. Speaking of changes, things continue to shift with the 2025 WFP Finals in Copenhagen. Tommy gets us caught up on what has happened so far and what it means for the competition. Finally, rumors continue to swirl around an impending sale of CrossFit. Sean recaps the conversation he had with individuals from two organizations that are interested in buying the brand. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Check out their Black Friday sale starting Friday, November 28 and running through December 2nd. Use the code "TEF" to get free shipping while enjoying up to 50% off savings site wide. This episode is sponsored by Reebok. Head to Reebok.com on December 5th to buy the new Nano X5 Edge Training Shoes. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39186710

Signs of a Sale and What to Expect now that Tia's Expecting 11/20/2025

Signs of a Sale and What to Expect now that Tia's Expecting Is CrossFit closer to getting sold? Rumors continue to swirl around the community after an interview by Hybrid Fitness Media and a mysterious Reddit post. Sean and Tommy talk about the latest news surrounding a potential sale, what they think is legitimate and what they think doesn't necessarily add up. Tia Toomey is expecting her second child next year and things could really interesting on the women's side of the competition as a result. Plus, despite lineup changes for the WFP finals in Copenhagen, there is still plenty on the line in the final event of the inaugural 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. And starting Friday, November 28th through Tuesday, December 2nd, our "TEF" code will get you free shipping along with sitewide savings of up to 50%. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/39106305

Rogue Recap and Final Fantasy Scores 11/06/2025

Rogue Recap and Final Fantasy Scores The 2025 Rogue Invitational is officially behind us. Jeff Adler takes home his second Invitational championship while Laura Horvath earns her third title. Sean, Tommy and Lauren recap the weekend with their reviews of the entire event and their top takeaways from both the men's and women's divisions. Plus, the winner of the first ever Rogue Invitational fantasy fitness competition is revealed. 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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38934285

Semifinal Announcements & A Rogue Invitational Workout Preview 10/30/2025

Semifinal Announcements & A Rogue Invitational Workout Preview Nearly all of the 2026 CrossFit Games season has been announced after the dates and locations of the Semifinal qualifying events were announced along with a NEW twist of Masters athletes getting to compete in-person. Sean's in Scotland for the Rogue Invitational, and Tommy and Lauren breakdown the workouts that have been announced so far and give their best guess at some of the twists and elements that have yet to be revealed. 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 /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38840085

Dallin is down and The Games are Going Back to Cali 10/23/2025

Dallin is down and The Games are Going Back to Cali The CrossFit Games are returing to the West Coast for the first time in 10 years. The Fittest on Earth will be crowned in San José, California in 2026. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about the announcement, why they think it's a great move, what else might be in store for the event and what fans will need to keep in mind when visiting the Heart of the Silicon Valley. Plus, the Rogue Invitational gets going in a week and one of the top stars in the men's division is on the shelf. 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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38752085

The 2025 Rogue Invitational Fantasy Draft 10/16/2025

The 2025 Rogue Invitational Fantasy Draft It's time to draft teams for the 2025 Rogue Invitational. Sean, Tommy and Lauren pick a team of 8 individual athletes for some fantasy fitness. See who you think has the best collection of 4 men and 4 women, and have a say in what the "punishment" for the losers will be. Plus, the 2026 Open is heading overseas and a famous Dottir has a daughter. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 25% on their new Salted Chocolate Caramel flavored Rest and Recovery from now until Friday, October 17 at noon EST. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38601915

A Conversation with Pat Vellner 10/09/2025

A Conversation with Pat Vellner Uncle Pat is back. Fresh off leading Team North America to their second-straight TYR Cup Championship, Pat Vellner sits down with Tommy and Lauren to talk about his experience in Southern California, how he's managing the competitive season and how he's dealing with the fact that the end of his competitive career is quickly approaching. 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 your sleep and recovery. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38521110

A Conversation with Dylan Malitsky 10/04/2025

A Conversation with Dylan Malitsky Fresh off a successful, Wodapalooza SoCal, Managing Director of WZA Sports Dylan Malitsky joins Sean Woodland to talk about new owners, a new partnership with Gym Reapers, hosting an Open announcement in Miami and why the future is bright for the Wodapalooza brand. 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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38466040

TYR Cup Recap, The Open Heads to Miami and a Conversation with Jason Grubb 09/25/2025

TYR Cup Recap, The Open Heads to Miami and a Conversation with Jason Grubb CrossFit's version of All-Star Weekend is now behind us as Team North America repeats as TYR Cup champions. Sean and Tommy take a look back at the competition, give us their top moments and tell us how they'd love to see the event evolve in the coming years. The 2026 Open is heading to Miami. Also, the guys give their thoughts on CrossFit holding the 26.3 announcement at Wodapalooza next March and Tia Toomey skipping the Rogue Invitational. Plus, 6-time masters champion Jason Grubb joins the show to talk about his recent experience at the Age Group CrossFit Games, what drives him to be one of the best in the sport, what masters athletes most often get wrong about training and how much longer he plans on being a competitive athlete. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recover Collagen and improve your sleep and recovery. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38349070

2026 Seasons Greetings, HWPO for Justin Cotler and TYR Cup Preview 09/18/2025

2026 Seasons Greetings, HWPO for Justin Cotler and TYR Cup Preview It's only September and we already know major details about the 2026 Games season structure and schedule. Sean and Tommy talk about two key additions for next year and why they think this is a big win for CrossFit. Justin Cotler is no longer an Underdog. The longtime coach is joining Mat Fraser and crew at HWPO. How does this move affect the training camp landscape? We get back to live competition this coming weekend as TYR Wodapalooza SoCal takes center stage. The TYR Cup returns for the second straight year as Team North America looks to defend their title against Team World. Sean and Tommy go through the events and tell you why this is definitely a toss up. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38262905

A Conversation with Austin Malleolo 09/11/2025

A Conversation with Austin Malleolo Not many people have been involved with CrossFit longer than Austin Malleolo. He is a former CrossFit Games competitor and longtime member of the seminar staff. Recently, Austin decided to join the team at CrossFit Mayhem. He sits down with Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil to talk about his career in the space, why now was the time to make the move to CrossFit Mayhem, and the impact he hopes to have 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. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38176505

Can the CrossFit Games and The WFP coexist? Or should they cooperate? 09/04/2025

Can the CrossFit Games and The WFP coexist? Or should they cooperate? WFP Tour Stop 2 is officially over and we know who will be competing for the championship in Copenhagen. Sean, Tommy and Lauren recap the event in Mesa and look ahead to the finals over in Europe. Plus, what does an ideal "season" look like? Is there enough room and interest for both the WFP and CrossFit Games to coexist? Or should they find a way to cooperate? This episode is presented by Victory Grips. Head to victorygrips.com and use the code "TEF" to save 15% on any grip for any workout. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38082120

WFP in Arizona and The Games Head West 08/29/2025

WFP in Arizona and The Games Head West Live competition continues this weekend as the World Fitness Project takes center stage for Tour Stop 2 in Mesa, Arizon. Sean Woodland and Tommy Marquez talk about some key absences for both the men and women, what's on the line and how this event will affect what takes place at the finals in Copenhagen. It looks like the CrossFit Games are heading back to the west coast, but they may not wind up where everyone thinks. Sean shares his theory why the eventual landing spot may be further north than Carson, California. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen. This episode is sponsored by Victory Grips. Go to victorygrips.com and use the code "TEF" to save 15% on any grip for any workout. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/38017630

Recapping Day 1 at the Age Group CrossFit Games 08/22/2025

Recapping Day 1 at the Age Group CrossFit Games Sean Woodland and Tommy Marquez take the show on the road this week to Columbus, Ohio for the 2025 Age Group CrossFit Games. They recap the first day of competition, talk about what makes this competition so unique, who caught their eyes and what storylines they'll be following throughout the weekend. 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 the most out of your sleep. This episode is sponsored by Victory Grips. Go to victorygrips.com and use the code "TEF" to save 15% on hand protection ergonomically designed to keep you moving during your workout. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/37917425

Buy or Sell Review: What we Got Right...and Wrong about the CrossFit Games 08/14/2025

Buy or Sell Review: What we Got Right...and Wrong about the CrossFit Games What we think is going to happen and what actually happens is often extremely different. Such is the case with the 2025 CrossFit Games. Sean, Tommy and Lauren take a look back at their predictions leading into this year's competition. They were right on some, wrong on many, and downright awful on a few. Plus, CrossFit has a new ad campaign. Find out why the crew thinks it's a home run. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen. This episode is sponsored by Balance of Nature. Go to balanceofnature.com and use the code "TEF" to save 35% and receive a free tub of their Fiber and Spice supplement. /episode/index/show/talkingelitefitness/id/37813000

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