Brute Strength Podcast

You're Probably Training Endurance Wrong (And How To Fix It) | Mark Cullen On Brute Training Podcast

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most CrossFit athletes are working hard on conditioning, but very few are training endurance the right way.In this episode of the Brute Training Podca...

CrossFit Science Explained: Power, Zone 2, and Why Heart Rate Lies | WOD Science

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PhD researcher and WOD Science creator Gommaar D'Hulst joins the Brute Training Podcast to break down what science actually tells us about CrossFi...

Ty Jenkins: From Teen Champ to Top 15 at the Games | Brute Training Podcast

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Games athlete Ty Jenkins joins the Brute Training Podcast to talk about his breakout rookie year, the nonstop comp schedule, managing pressure, and ho...

Fee Saghafi: Burnout, Faith, Injury, and Finding Joy Again | Brute Training Podcast

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Games athlete Fee Saghafi sits down with the Brute Training Podcast to talk about one of the longest seasons of her career, how she handled injury hea...

Hattie Kanyo: Balancing Pressure, Injury, and Joy | Brute Training Podcast

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two-time CrossFit Games athlete Hattie Kanyo joins the Brute Training Podcast to talk about the mindset behind longevity, overcoming injury, and learn...

Nick Mathew: The Season Grind, WFP Finals, and Coaching With Brute

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

CrossFit Games athlete Nick Mathew joins the Brute Training Podcast to talk about a nonstop season, juggling qualifiers, affiliate responsibilities, a...

Rogue Invitational Breakdown | Brute Training Podcast with Coach Matt & El

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brute’s newest host, George Rhigas, joins Coach Matt Torres and Coach El Senouvor to break down the Rogue Invitational events and share what they ex...

Rogue Invitational Breakdown | Brute Training Podcast with Coach Matt & El

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brute’s newest host, George Rhigas, joins Coach Matt Torres and Coach El Senouvor to break down the Rogue Invitational events and share what they ex...

Meet Brian Foley: The New Brute Coach & HYROX Expert Changing the Endurance Game

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Introducing the newest powerhouse to join the Brute Strength coaching crew: Brian Foley. With deep roots in CrossFit, bodybuilding, and endurance trai...

Injury Prevention Strategies for CrossFit Athletes with Nicole Torres

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Brute Podcast, Dex interviews Nicole Torres, a doctor of physical therapy and CrossFit coach. They discuss Nicole's journey...

Fee Saghafi: Owning Her Journey

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Brute Podcast, Dex Hopkins and Fee Saghafi discuss various themes surrounding the CrossFit community, competition, and personal...

Kelsey Kiel on What's Next

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brute Athlete Kelsey Kiel joins the podcast to talk about her journey in fitness, her new role leading Brute Body, and what makes this revamped pro...

Excitement and Confidence from Dallin and James ahead of the 2024 CrossFit Games

03 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Summary In this conversation, James Spraguer, and Dallin Pepper talk about their upcoming competition at the 2024 CrossFit Games. They also share advi...

Strength Secrets from Small Towns to Global Arenas

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How does a small-town weightlifting legend leave a lasting impact on the world of CrossFit and Olympic lifting? This week on the Brute Podcast, we’r...

Mastering Elite CrossFit Performance: Quarterfinals Analysis and the Future of Fitness Coaching

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the secrets behind top-tier CrossFit performance as CEO Matt Torres, CMO Micah Shoemaker, Head of Remote Coaching El Senouvor, join to dissect ...

Rebranding Brute: The Evolution of a Coaching Philosophy and Business Model

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosted by Wex Appeal Podcast Unlock the secrets behind the powerful rebrand of Brute as Wex Appeal sits down with the masterminds Matt Torres and Mica...

The End of Age Groups?

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to level up your understanding of the CrossFit Games? This episode of the Brute Strength Podcast will give you a fresh perspective on the hotly ...

“I Just Went to a Sermon” -on Legacy, Mortality, and Achieving Fulfillment

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself struggling to maintain your fitness and nutrition routines while traveling for competitions? Join us as we share our pers...

How to Quit Your Job: Breaking Free from the 9 to 5

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Renato is a content creator in the CrossFit space who's life changed when his son pleaded, "Daddy, please don't go to work." It was this powerful...

[NEVER RELEASED] Danielle Brandon, Dallin Pepper, Coach Matt Torres @ WZA

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Brandon, Dallin Pepper, and Coach Matt Torres join Micah at Wodapoloza to discuss the season and the new additions to the Brute Strength HQ ...

Dr. Nicole Torres: How to Start a Business, Sunning Your Butthole, and Working with Elite Athlete

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole Torres is a physcial therapist in Naples, FL who helps CrossFitters get out of pain. Most notably she's worked with Emma Cary with her back inj...

2 Decades in Fitness Industry + 205 Throwdown Big Announcement w/ Luan Nguyen

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Luan Nguyen has been in the fitness industry for over 2 decades. He currently owns and operates a gym in Birmingham, AL, Wheelhouse Academy. Prior to ...

What Motivates You w/ Coach El

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Coach El is one of the top coaches at the elite level of the sport of CrossFit.   Links: Connect with Micah Connect with El Resources: Start your...

Sam Smith: The Art of Relationships, Communication, & Seasons of Life

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 Sam Smith is currently the Head Coach at Crafted Coaching which provides 1:1 remote coaching. Sam initally appeared on the podcast on Epsiode 2...

5 Things I Learned in 2022

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today Micah talks about the different lessons he's learned in 2022 regarding business, life, and himself. Links: Connect with Micah Resources: Start y...

A Real Life Encounter w/ DEATH - Aaron Rouselle

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Aaron Rouselle is the founder of Pop’s Culture. He is a father, a coach, a cancer survivor, and a 2x transplant recipient. In 2015, he was fortunate...

Ellie Hiller

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ellie is a entrepreneur and CrossFit Semi-Final athlete. Ellie is a world class athlete notably taking 11th place worldwide in 22.1 and 9th place worl...

Todd Wise: The Science of Happiness and Coaching

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Todd Wise is the owner of CrossFit Currahee and The Pack. We dive into the science of happiness and how to become a professional coach and charge top ...

Z-Scoring: Are the Fittest Currently Being Crowned? w/ Tyler Watkins

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let me ask you a question: does it matter if you beat someone by 1 rep or 100 reps in a workout? Should the leaderboard "score" that the same way?Ther...

🚨 ARE SEMIFINALS OVER?!

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Micah and Will discuss the future of CrossFit. Will there be SemiFinals this year? Is Birmingham, Alabama a good move for the CrossFit Games? Links: C...

He Paid Over 6 Figures For *THIS* w/ Dr. Sean Pastuch

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Sean is the owner of Active Life. Active Life is the bridge between fitness and healthcare.  They educate fitness professionals and gym owner...

This *Switch* May Be The Key to Defeating Burnout

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How much work is required for it to be UNREASONABLE to believe that I wouldn't get results?   Links:  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR CAMP  C...

From Suicidal Thoughts to Building a Business w/ LRX CEO Ryan Husband

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan walks us through a conversation on his parent's porch that changed his life. Ryan was 19 and wanted to end his life. Out of some of these darkest...

Fair Wages, Undercutting, & Thirst Traps

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon, Alex, and Micah discuss the most avoided topics in the creative space of CrossFit. Links: Connect with Micah Connect with Brandon Connect wit...

Coach Matt Torres - [SECRETS REVEALED] BRUTE CAMP

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brute Strength is hosting a camp on Nov. 4-6 @ Brute HQ in Naples, FL, led by Coach Matt Torres and company. A limited number of spots are available,...

Brute HQ - Coach Dom

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Dom is one of the Brute HQ coaches responsible for coaching Danielle Brandon, Emma Cary, Dallin Pepper, James Sprague, and Olivia Sulek. Links: ...

Leveling Up, Overcoming Alcoholism w/ Brandon Kessler

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon is an affiliate owner, athlete, and one of the most sought after photographers in the sport of CrossFit.  Links: Connect with Micah Conne...

Have We Reached the Peak of the Sport Without Drugs?

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coach El joins the podcast again to discuss just how much harder the sport of CrossFit can get. How heavy can the weights become? How hard can the sk...

Drugs, 2022 CrossFit Games, and more w/ Jessica Schwartz

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica has an “OG” CrossFit story. Her first workout was “Fran” where shortly thereafter she fell in love with CrossFit. Once she learned she...

Master Your Mindset w/ Dawn Fletcher

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode we are joined by Dawn Fletcher from Driven Mind Training. We discuss why traditional mindset training doesn’t work in her exper...

Great Things Take Decades Not Days

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s easy to get frustrated with a lack of progress and results. Today, we discuss the utility of failure and the opportunity that can lie within it...

Danielle Brandon

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Brandon Energy (DBE) is a vibe all unto itself. DB has recently left Underdogs Training Camp in Vegas ahead of the 2022 NOBULL CrossFit Games...

Jake Marconi - Athlete, HWPO, & Mal O'Brien Training Partner

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Mat Fraser's HWPO program has taken off, Jake has become an integral part in the brand's success. While Jake trains day in and day out to make the ...

Behind the Scenes of Coaching CrossFit Games Athletes w/ Matt Torres

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Coach Matt Torres, Head Coach at Brute HQ in Naples, FL. Matt is responsible for coaching some of the top CrossFit athletes including:...

From a Part Time Side Hustle to a Multiple Six Figure Business w/ Thomas Cox

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Thomas got his start in arguably the most famous town known to CrossFit - Cookeville, TN. Some of his training partners included Rich Froning and Dan ...

Do You Have What it Takes to Make it to the CrossFit Games?

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport of fitness, El Senouvor. El has an impressive repertoire of CrossFit Games Athletes...

A Lesson From Missing the CrossFit Games by 1 Point w/ James Sprague

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

James Sprague and Micah sit down to discuss James’s journey at the Syndicate CrossFit Semi Final where James missed out on going to the CrossFit Gam...

How to Get the Most Out of the CrossFit Off Season

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today may be our most valuable episode yet, especially if you’re a CrossFitter trying to improve for this upcoming season. Micah is joined by elite ...

The Hard Thing about Hard Things

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you overcome will sh*t hits the fan? Links: Connect with Micah Resources: Start your journey as an elite-level CrossFit athlete today. Our 1-to...

Jacob Heppner - CrossFit Games Memories and Coaching, the Tactical Games

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, Jacob Heppner shares some of his funniest memories of his CrossFit Games career. We discuss his retirement from the sport, his n...

Slay the Dragon

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Would you rather be a fool for trying and failing or not trying at all? Links: Connect with Micah Resources: Start your journey as an elite-level Cros...

How to Love to Suffer, Battle Injury, & Forge a Champion Mindset w/ Ryan Sowder

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Sowder is a 2x CrossFit Games competitor -- 2019 as an individual and 2021 on a team. Links: Connect with Micah Connect with Ryan Resources: Star...

Is Pushing Movement Standards the New Cheating w/ Seth Jumped Ship

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Seth Page (Seth Jumped Ship) joins Micah to discuss the hot top of inconsistent judging standards during the CrossFit Quarterfinals. Why were certain ...

Is CrossFit Inclusive or Does It Play Favorites? w/ Snorri Baron

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Snorri Baron is an agent and manager to some of CrossFit's biggest names including Sara Sigmundsdóttir, Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson (BKG), Kelsey Kie...

The CrossFit Games Isn’t What You Think - Ryan Sowder & Zach Watts

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Micah sits down with CrossFit Games athletes Ryan Sowder and Zach Watts to discuss how they balance being professional athletes and everyday life. Lin...

Dr. Sean Pastuch: Active Life

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Sean is the owner of Active Life. Active Life is the bridge between fitness and healthcare.  They educate fitness professionals and gym owner...

Daniel Condon: Was the CrossFit Open a Flop + Quarterfinals

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel is an Australian native that found himself in a globo gym seeking more. That led Daniel to opening a CrossFit Affiliate: Gold Coast Fitness. Da...

Anthony Davis

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Davis first competed at the CrossFit Games in 2017 with Timberwolf CrossFit where they finished 8th place. He’s also set the record for the ...

😱 SURPRISE! Brute Strength's Newest Athlete Is...

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Micah and Brute Strength's newest athlete as they discuss strategy on how to tackle CrossFit Open Workout 22.3.   Links: Connect with Micah ...

Kelsey Kiel & Dex Hopkins: CrossFit Open 22.2 Strategy Guide

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

CrossFit Open 22.2 Strategy Guide and Breakdown

CrossFit Open 22.1 Strategy Guide

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Micah Shoemaker and Dex Hopkins as they discuss the strategy for CrossFit Open Workout 22.1. Links: Connect with Micah Connect with Dex Resources...

Brigham Nielsen - The Iron Games

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brigham is the director of the Iron Games in Cedar City Utah. Links: Connect with Micah Connect with Brigham The Iron Games Watch This Episode on YouT...

Dallin Pepper

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dallin Pepper is 3x Crossfit Games Teen Champion. After missing out on the 2021 CrossFit games by merely a few points, Pepper is hungrier than ever to...

Dani Horan - From a Dairy Farm to the CrossFit Games

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dani Horan is a true OG of the Sport of CrossFit. She is a 7x CrossFit Games competitor and the owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit.  Links: Conne...

Phil Toon

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Phil Toon first came onto the competitive landscape after securing a place in the last chance qualifier in the 2021 CrossFit Games season. Toon recent...

Optimizing Nutrition for Better Recovery & Performance w/ Valerie Wright, M.S., RN, LDN

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Valerie is a Registered Dietician and the owner of Adaptive RX Nutrition. Her company works with lifestyle clients and high level athletes (including ...

Jason Leydon

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jason is the Owner of CrossFit Milford and Conquer Athlete. Through his remote coaching business, Conquer Athlete, Jason has coached a multitude of Cr...

Dex Hopkins

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dex is a multi-time CrossFit Games athlete, husband, father, coach, and content creator. Links: Connect with Micah Connect with Dex Dex’s Spotify P...

F*CK GOALS - Why Your Goals Are Failing You

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s that time of the year again - the new year. Billions of marketing dollars are poured into the machine to do 1 thing: sell you on the idea that ...

Kels Kiel - From the USA Bobsled Team to the CrossFit Games

24 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kels is a 3x CrossFit Games team athlete and elite individual competitor.  She was a two-time all conference soccer athlete, and a member of the ...

Cooper Marsh: Managing the World’s Top-Level CrossFit Athletes

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cooper Marsh is a sports agent and co-owner of LAB management group that manages top-level athletes including CrossFit athletes: Danielle Brandon, Dal...

James FitzGerald

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

James FitzGerald (formerly OPT) was the first-ever men’s CrossFit Games Champion, winning the inaugural competition in 2007. He is the founder of OP...

Nemo: From the Olympics Trials to the CrossFit Games

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 Nemanja, a.k.a “Nemo,” swam for Richmond Hill Aquatic Club for six seasons and has been a competitor for 16+ years. To this date, he is a mu...

Ben Dziwulski - WODPrep

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re joined by Ben Dziwulski, founder and CEO of WODprep. If you’re looking for a good laugh, this episode is for you. Ben discusses his e...

Christine Kolenbrander

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re joined by Christine Kolenbrander. Christine has competed at the CrossFit Games twice on team CrossFit 417, and she helped the team to a ...

Mastering the Basics of Training, Recovery, and Relationships with Sean Hiller, DPT

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sean is a Doctor of  Physical Therapy and founder of Vulcan Performance that treats CrossFitters, powerlifters, weightlifters, etc. Sean competed...

Train with Dallin Pepper and Fee Saghafi

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by CrossFit Games’ athletes Dallin Pepper and Fee Saghafi to discuss the upcoming Brute Camp hosted by Scott Panchik’s CrossFit men...

Dawn Fletcher - The Mental Training You Didn’t Know You Needed

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode we are joined by Dawn Fletcher from Driven Mind Training. We discuss why traditional mindset training doesn’t work in her exper...

Consistently Inconsistent?

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered why you aren't consistent? Or why you struggle to execute on new things? Let me ask you a question. Are the things that occupy your atte...

How Hard Can the Sport of CrossFit Get w/ Coach El

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Coach El joins the podcast again to discuss just how much harder the sport of CrossFit can get. How heavy can the weights become? How hard can the ski...

Brian Friend: Ricky Garard's Return, Mat Fraser vs. Tia Toomey

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Description: Brian Friend is a CrossFit coach, data analyst, broadcast coordinator, writer, content creator and commentator. Recently Brian has served...

Coach Sam Smith: Competitive Sabotage

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Smith is currently the Head Coach at Big Dawgs, under the OPEX umbrella, which coaches competitive CrossFit athletes.   Sam was an All-A...

Matt Poulin: Doing Hard Things with a Purpose

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today Micah interviews Matt Poulin. Matt is new to the Brute team and is looking to improve upon his 13th place finish at the West Coast Classic this ...

Mindset & Beliefs: Why the Story You Believe is Holding You Back

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fee Saghafi - The Newest Brute Athlete

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re joined by our newest Brute Athlete - Fee Saghafi. Fee placed 7th at arguably the toughest Semi Final (MACC) in 2021 and is now looking t...

How to Prepare for the 2022 CrossFit Season

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today may be our most valuable episode yet, especially if you’re a CrossFitter trying to improve for this upcoming season. Micah is joined by elite ...

Emma Cary - "I Want This the Most"

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Emma Cary is not your average 17 year old. In fact, there is nothing average about Emma.  In her first year in the elite division, she placed 16t...

Pat Vellner

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today the 2nd Fittest Man on Earth joins us to talk about his performance at the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games, how athletes broke the programming, and e...

Danielle Brandon

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Brandon joins us today as we talk about the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games. Danielle’s story went viral as both of her training partners had to...

2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games Recap w/ Coach El

01 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Elite CrossFit coach, Coach El, joins Micah to breakdown the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games. Start your journey as an elite-level CrossFit athlete today. ...

2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games Day 1 w/ Dallin Pepper and James Sprague

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Micah is joined by CrossFit Games athletes Dallin Pepper and James Sprague to breakdown the action from day 1 of the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games.

Kara Saunders: 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kara Saunders, the 2nd Fittest on Earth in 2017, joins us right before she heads to Madison for the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games. Kara is a force to be ...

Angelo DiCicco: From a Career Ending Injury to the Competition Floor

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined by CrossFit Games athlete Angelo DiCicco. DiCicco is a Cookeville, TN native that started his career under the guidance of Rich Froning...

Why the Next Mat Fraser Will Be More Dominant

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today Micah is joined by elite CrossFit Coach, Coach El and Games Athlete Joey Tortora. If you have aspirations to make it to the Semi Finals and beyo...

LCQ, Drugs, And Near Death CrossFit Games’ Experiences

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Micah is joined by CrossFit Games athletes Dex Hopkins and Joey Totora. They discuss the Last Chance Qualifier, drugs in sport i...

James Sprague

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re joined by Mr. Personality himself - James Sprague. James is a 2x CrossFit Games athlete. Did we mention he’s only 19? Not only is Jame...

How to Build a Champion Mindset with Matt Torres

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we're joined by Matt Torres. We pick his brain on what it takes to become a champion in the sport of CrossFit (he’s built quit...

The Sport Is Changing: Discussing The West Coast Classic

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The boys are back in town! On this episode Micah is joined by CrossFit Games athletes Joey Tortora and Dex Hopkins to discuss all things West Coast Cl...

How Zach Watts Qualified for the Crossfit Games on 2 Hours of Training Per Day

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, we’re joined by athlete Zach Watts. Zach is no stranger to the CrossFit space as he’s competed at regionals a handful of tim...

The Ohio Brutes

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, we’re joined by our elite, up and coming team, The Ohio Brutes. After watching their dreams of qualifying for the CrossFit Gam...