Crossfit Grandview Podcast

This week we sit down with longtime member Josh Martenez for one of the more unique conversations we’ve had on the show. A former local brewery owner, Josh talks about shifting gears into running the household and taking the lead on raising his two young kids while his wife Carolyn works as a physician. Different perspective than we’ve had before—and Kate especially loved this one.We get into training next—Josh is a two-time Summer Shred runner who’s spent the last few years chasing strength, putting on size, and hitting some big PRs. Now he’s flipping the switch again and getting back into running shape.Super thoughtful, super sharp, and an easy conversation the whole way through. Next time we get him on… we’re blocking off a couple hours.

Two teams. One goal. Syndicate Crown in Knoxville.This week Brandon and Drake break down what it means to send two teams to Semifinals, how they’re approaching training leading into a live event, and how the season doesn’t stop—online qualifiers roll right in behind it.We dive into the engine behind it all—the L-2 program. Why it works, how it continues to develop high-level athletes (15 semifinalists this year), and what makes training in that environment different from anything else.If you’ve ever thought about leveling up—from All-Levels or another gym—this episode lays out exactly what that transition looks like and what it takes to be part of the crew.

Fresh off Quarterfinals, we sit down with Affiliate PT therapist and CrossFit Grandview Level 2 athlete Mattie Snoddy after getting the news—she’s officially heading to her first in-person Semifinal in her final year in the 40–44 division.We dive into what this competition season has looked like, and what it actually takes to perform at a high level in your 40s—from a full training week to the day-to-day balance behind the scenes. Mattie shares insight into how she’s built durability, stayed consistent, and continued to level up year after year.We also preview a new program coming from Affiliate PT focused on assessing athletes, identifying leaks in strength and efficiency, and helping you get healthier, stronger, and moving better.Mattie is one of our favorite repeat guests for a reason—she brings experience, perspective, and real substance every time she’s on. This one’s worth the listen.

We sat down with Chris Reinke — a longtime CrossFit Grandview member who’s been putting in work in a way that’s realistic, repeatable, and working.25 lbs down. More energy. Better habits.Chris talks about dialing back alcohol, moving every day (even the simple stuff), and finding consistency without going all in or burning out.In his 50s, balancing travel, social life, and training — he’s showing what it actually looks like to make fitness part of your life, not your whole life.This one hits home for a lot of people.

This week on the CrossFit Grandview Podcast we sit down with Kimberly Barr just before she heads off to Hawaii to marry longtime member Patrick Konieg. She’s officially been a member for just two years… but if you’ve been around, it feels like she’s been part of this place way longer. From coming to socials and Team Tuesdays back at the old Kinnear spot 5 years ago with Patrick, to finally jumping in with both feet—and never looking back.Since then, Kim’s taken off.Winning Summer Shred. Taking on every challenge we throw at her. And now, in just her second Open, she’s already a Quarterfinals qualifier.We talk strength training, progression, and what it actually looks like to completely transform yourself in 24 months.This is a good one.#CrossFitGrandview #CFGVPodcast #MemberSpotlight #Quarterfinals #CrossFitOpen #Transformation #SummerShred #BuiltNotGiven

We took the podcast on the road to Rincón, Puerto Rico and sat down with Cherese Matthews—co-owner of Rincón Fitness Center and one of the most inspiring stories we’ve had on the show.From moving from New Jersey to Puerto Rico to manage a gym… to having a deal fall through and starting over with beach workouts—Cherese’s journey is built on resilience. Alongside her wife Valentina, she’s grown Rincón Fitness into one of the best gyms around, with a vibe that just hits different.L3 Coach. 2016 Fittest in Puerto Rico. Gym owner. Community builder.This one’s real—about risk, setbacks, and what it actually takes to build something meaningful.

CrossFit Grandview Podcast #179 — Troy ClayIn this week’s episode we sit down with CrossFit competitor and Team CrossFit Grandview athlete Troy Clay.Troy shares stories from his time training in Cookeville, Tennessee with CrossFit Games Champion Rich Froning, and what it’s been like getting started working with reigning Games Champion James Sprague.We also dive into Troy’s background growing up, his landscaping business, and the parallels between building a trade and building a competitive athlete — something Brandon can relate to from his own days in the landscaping world before coaching.We also talk about why Troy drives nearly an hour multiple days a week to train at CrossFit Grandview, and what makes the environment, coaching, and community here special.Great conversation with a hard-working athlete and business owner.

In this week’s episode of the CrossFit Grandview Podcast we sit down with Bri Yelverton — a familiar face in both Power Hour and our CrossFit classes.Bri brings an incredible energy to any room she walks into, and that same positivity shows up in her training, work, and everyday life. In this episode we talk about her career, her love for travel, and what it’s like splitting time between Columbus and California.Bri is also a new mom, and we dive into how she balances motherhood with world travel, training, work, and everything else life throws her way. It’s a great conversation about staying active, pursuing big goals, and finding a way to make it all work.Another fun episode with one of the awesome members who help make the CrossFit Grandview community what it is.

There’s a difference between having a moment… and having a decade.Caroline Dardini is a 5x Regional and 3x Semifinal athlete who has quietly stayed in the arena with the best for years. This week she joins us to talk about:• The grind of the Regional era• Staying competitive through different seasons of life• Stepping back — and choosing to come back• Why teaming up with CrossFit Grandview feels differentWe get into her daily rhythm (10+ mile runs, early mornings, late nights, random Jeopardy sessions) and the mental framework that allows her to operate at a level most people simply won’t touch.Some athletes try hard.Some athletes are wired different.This episode gives you a front-row seat inside that wiring.One of my favorite conversations we’ve had on the podcast.Episode 177 is live now.

Kate and I are coming to you from Miami on Valentine’s Day for a real conversation about relationship health.In this episode, we share takeaways from a recent one-off “check-in” session with a relationship counselor — covering communication, feeling seen, and small habits that matter in a busy marriage with kids.If you’re partnered, parenting, or just interested in building healthier relationships, this one’s for you.Health is holistic — and being happy with your person is a huge part of it. So yeah… we’re working on it. #CrossFitGrandview #Podcast175 #ValentinesDayEdition #MarriageHealth #RelationshipGoals #HolisticHealth #StrongTogether #RealTalk

This week, I decided to put Coach Dave Ulmer on the hot seat.Over the last few months, members keep asking me: “How does Dave do that?”Running speed + agility cones like a cat at 43 years old and 200+ lbs… pulling mid-500s on deadlift… moving like an athlete who never left their prime.So instead of guessing, we hit record.In this episode, we unpack Dave’s full journey:Growing up building a wide athletic base through football, basketball, and lacrosse 4 years of structured strength & conditioning in high school 4 years of D1A football at Bucknell University 5 years of competitive CrossFit in the Regionals era, battling alongside guys like Dan Bailey, Rich Froning, and Graham Holmberg Now? Dave blends all of that experience together—while still experimenting, learning, and evolving. You’ll hear him talk about:• What you see in class every day (and why)• How his artistic brain shapes our Power Hour programming• His approach to staying well-rounded, athletic, and strong into his 40s• And how decades of consis

This week we’re sitting down with Miyako Shields, 2025 Hot For The Holidays World Champion.We talk about her 3–4 year journey with us, how making strength a priority helped her transform her body, and what it really looks like to buy into a gym community — training hard, jumping into competitions, building friendships, and showing up to the socials.Miyako is the definition of a model member, and this conversation is full of insight, laughs, and real takeaways.Episode 174 is live now — don’t miss it.#CrossFitGrandview #MemberSpotlight #PodcastLife #StrengthPays #CommunityFirst #HotForTheHolidays #ColumbusCrossFit #Consistency

This week we sit down with one of our youngest members, 18-year-old Ingrid Bidell — a freshman at OSU who’s found her stride in CrossFit after transitioning out of high school sports. We talk about building a life outside the classroom, how training has given her a new competitive outlet, and the role wearables like Whoop play in understanding recovery and performance. Ingrid also shares how working with Kate has helped her step outside her comfort zone, set meaningful goals, and build confidence heading into the CrossFit Open, Summer Shred, and even HYROX in 2026. This is a great listen for any young athlete learning how to channel their drive beyond traditional sports.

This week, Kate and I are coming to you from vacation for a laid-back but meaningful episode. Quick heads up on the audio—we tested out a new mic and a noise-canceling feature that gave things a bit of an echo/robotic feel. Still learning the A/V side of the game, so appreciate the grace there.In this episode we dive into positive thinking, gratitude, and what it looks like to stay active while traveling. We talk travel workout “secrets,” finding the right balance between training, food, and a few drinks, and how to create your own ideal mix of movement, rest, and enjoyment—without guilt.A little less polished, a little more real. Tune in.

This week we’re joined by longtime CrossFit Grandview member Vince Terek, with us since 2016 and a CrossFit L-1 coach and athlete since 2009.Vince shares what it looks like to evolve as an athlete over the years—from training hard in his 20s as a single guy to balancing fitness in his 40s with a career, travel, and life as a dad of three. Longevity, perspective, and showing up consistently through every season of life.If you’re navigating how to train well while balancing real life, this one hits home.

This week we’re joined by longtime member Andy Eggert, who’s been part of CrossFit Grandview since 2013. As a videographer, Andy helped define an era of this gym—creating videos that were truly ahead of their time and raised the standard for CrossFit affiliates everywhere. Those early projects played a huge role in the momentum that helped CrossFit Grandview grow into what it is today.The heart of this episode, though, is Andy’s story from February 2025. A life-altering stroke. Weeks in the hospital. Months of rehab. And a long road back.Andy is now back at work, back in the gym, and shares how perspective, gratitude, and a relentless positive outlook carried him through the biggest challenge of his life. This one hits deep.

This week we welcomed on Drew Jack, a CrossFit Grandview member since 2013 and one of the most consistently high-performing athletes in our gym. Year after year, Drew keeps showing up, building strength, sharpening skills, and finding his way near the top of the leaderboard—without ever chasing shortcuts.We dive into Drew’s fitness journey starting with gymnastics, moving into cheer, and eventually finding CrossFit with us in his 20s. Now approaching 40, Drew shares how he maintains a high level of performance while balancing life as a busy attorney, husband, and dad.Longevity. Consistency. Smart training. This episode is packed with perspective for anyone looking to train hard for the long haul.

The holidays don’t have to derail your fitness. This week, Kate and I sit down to talk about how to hold it all together during the busiest time of year — without guilt, extremes, or starting over in January.Then we zoom out and look ahead to what’s coming in 2026: • Early thoughts on the CrossFit Open • Our new HYROX affiliation for Grandview Barbell • How we’ll be integrating HYROX-style training into the gym while still doing CrossFit the right wayBig picture planning, honest conversations, and a lot of clarity on where we’re headed next.

This week on the CrossFit Grandview Podcast we’re sitting down with Abby Moser — and her story is a perfect example of trusting the process.A year ago Abby started with Kate through Body Biz. From there, the plan evolved into Grandview Barbell and Power Hour — her first real exposure to barbell training and structured strength work.The result?More muscle. More strength. A visible body transformation. And a mindset shift that carries far beyond the gym.And because this place is bigger than training alone, Abby also stepped up to organize our Alicia’s Closet Toy Drive, helping make Christmas happen for around 50 kids in our community.Training builds strength. Community builds impact.

This week we sit down with longtime CFGV member Saundra Watson, who’s been part of our community since 2013. Over the years, Saundra has trained in our CrossFit classes and spent time in personal training, using targeted strength work to support her passion for running and marathon racing.After a serious fall at home that resulted in an unhappy triad knee injury (ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus) — including 6 weeks of non-weight bearing — Saundra didn’t just return to training… she came back strong. Since then, she’s completed multiple marathons and is actively pursuing the Abbott World Marathon Majors, with Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City all on the list.This episode is a powerful reminder of what long-term coaching, smart strength training, and resilience can do — at any stage of life.