Claim OwnershipThe Silverback Media Podcast
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Dedicated to tell the stories of the "Everyday CrossFitters" around the world!
This is a project to help show the reality of the CrossFit methodology through the eyes and stories of people that show up to gyms around the world. The goal is to help someone realize that they too are capable of participating in CrossFit, and how it can improve their lives.
Want more behind the scenes content? Subscribe on Youtube: @Silver_Back_Media
Want to follow on Instagram? Follow @silver_back_media
This is a project to help show the reality of the CrossFit methodology through the eyes and stories of people that show up to gyms around the world. The goal is to help someone realize that they too are capable of participating in CrossFit, and how it can improve their lives.
Want more behind the scenes content? Subscribe on Youtube: @Silver_Back_Media
Want to follow on Instagram? Follow @silver_back_media
37 Episodes
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My guest this week is Geo Ortega, better known as the "Scaled Athlete" on Instagram!Geo is an Everyday CrossFitter in Virginia, and has been consistently doing CrossFit since the beginning of 2024, when he was challenged to try it and fell in love with it.In this episode, we talk through Geo's backstory before he found CrossFit. We go over:- What it was like for Geo to grow up splitting time between the US and the Philippines- How he worked to overcome the intimidation he felt walking into gyms when he was younger- What it is that Geo loves about CrossFit more than basketball or drag racing- The rough moments in Geo's life that forced him to refocus on his own health- How the "Magic of the CrossFit Open" was what sealed it for him to stick with CrossFitGeo is building his Scaled Athlete brand to help show more people that CrossFit, and fitness in general, are a welcoming space to seek out. Not just for elite athletes or competitors, but for the everyday person looking to improve their life.🔗 Connect with Geo:Instagram: @scaled.athlete Fresh Off the Barbell Website: *Use the link in his Instagram bio*🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia
This week's guest is a 3x Master's CrossFit Games athlete, and CF-L2 coach, Lon Allen!While Lon has qualified for the Games 3 times, and competed twice, his fitness story leading up to that point is a story of persevering through hardship and finding purpose in the failures along the way.We talk about Lon's physical background and how he got started in fitness in early adulthood after serving in the Navy, how that led to him completing multiple Ironman triathlons, and then finding CrossFit in his 40's after burnout from triathlon training.We go over what drew him into CrossFit initially as a member, and then the road to him deciding to go after the goal of competing at the CrossFit Games on the biggest stage. If you have a big goal that you're working towards and are feeling frustrated with the hurdles and bumps along the way, Lon's story is for you!🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia
In this week's episode, host Marco Mejia is joined by Saira Costo, an Everyday CrossFitter who is a member at CrossFit North Scottsdale in Phoenix, AZ. Saira was the winner of the 2025 Fall Nutrition Challenge that was run by Untapped Nutrition, so she joins to share her experience in the challenge, including her results, the major lessons and takeaways, and how learning to give herself grace along the way has helped her to gain consistency!Also joining us was Saira's nutrition coach from Untapped, Rocky DiPalma! Rocky shares the direction she worked with Saira on through the challenge, while also explaining how she approaches working with a wide variety of nutrition clients as well. You can also hear Rocky's own CrossFit story in Episodes 15 and 31 of the podcast as well!If you've been stuck with your nutrition, this episode will show you why hiring a coach can be so valuable!To find out more from the Untapped Nutrition team:Instagram: @untapped.nutrition Rocky: @coachrockyfit Website: https://www.cfnsaz.com/programs/nutrition🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-silverback-media-podcast/id1820661742Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50eSmu8iJlkakCIO0LADNZ
"This is the year I'm finally going to start exercising." "I'm finally going to start eating better."Do you find yourself getting stuck with the same resolution every year? Each new year, telling yourself the "New Year, New Me" story without it actually sticking? Then this episode is for you. With years of coaching experience, Kaitlyn Kenna Smith and Marco Mejia share their best guidance for making this the last year that you "hope" the changes stick, and actually make it happen.If you're serious and ready, get your notepads out and get ready to build those habits!This episode is a re-broadcast from "The Powerhouse Mentality Podcast" that is hosted by Kaitlyn. Make sure to subscribe/follow on there as we will be doing these Coach's Corner episodes regularly in the future.Connect with Kaitlyn:Instagram: @kaitlynkennafitness @thepowerhousementality @thepowerhousejournal Apple/Spotify: The Powerhouse Mentality PodcastConnect with Silverback Media:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @Silver_Back_Media
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Brad Schmidgall to talk about how CrossFit reshaped not just his fitness, but his approach to work, balance, and long-term sustainability in his career.Brad shares how his professional life was largely driven by intensity, output, and constant forward momentum — traits that served him well at work but eventually revealed limitations when applied without balance. Through CrossFit, he began to recognize the importance of recovery, consistency, and pacing, lessons that carried far beyond the gym.The conversation explores how training taught Brad to value sustainability over burnout, how learning to slow down actually improved performance, and why balance isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing the right things consistently. CrossFit became a framework for reassessing priorities, protecting energy, and showing up more fully in both career and life.Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_media
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with a group of experienced CrossFit coaches, Jennifer Libby, Rocky DiPalma, and Courtney Samudio (all previous guests on the Podcast) for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about how workouts are actually scaled in real classes — not just on the whiteboard, but in the moment, athlete by athlete.The coaches walk through common scenarios they see daily inside the gym: brand-new members, seasoned athletes managing injuries, older members prioritizing longevity, and athletes whose skills don’t yet match the intended stimulus. Rather than treating scaling as a downgrade, the conversation reframes it as a coaching tool used to preserve intent, safety, and progress.This episode pulls back the curtain on what coaches are thinking when they suggest modifications — and why the best scaling decisions often have nothing to do with ego or shortcuts, and everything to do with long-term development.Highlights from this episode:How coaches assess athletes in real timeThe difference between scaling and “making it easier”How stimulus drives smart scaling decisionsScaling for injuries without losing training valueAdjusting workouts for age, experience, and capacityWhy communication between coach and athlete mattersThis episode is especially valuable for athletes who’ve ever wondered why a coach suggested a certain modification — and for coaches refining how they explain scaling with confidence and clarity.To hear the stories of these incredible coaches, check them out on prior episodes of the Silverback Media Podcast:Jennifer Libby - Episode 1Rocky DiPalma - Episode 15Courtney Samudio - Episode 20🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia
Jennifer Jones joins Marco Mejia on the Silverback Media Podcast to share her experiences that led her to CrossFit including a cancer diagnosis and multiple surgeries. We hear how those events completely changed the way she views strength, fitness, and success over the long-term.This episode isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about adapting honestly. Jennifer talks about what drew her to CrossFit, the experiences that made it stick, and why in her own words she says that "CrossFit changed her life."👉 If you or someone you know is navigating fitness through illness or recovery, this episode offers an honest and grounded perspective.🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia
In this solo episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia shares a timely New Year’s message for CrossFit coaches and CrossFitters at every stage of their journey — from first-time gym drop-ins to long-time members resetting their goals.Marco addresses the pressure that often comes with the start of a new year: big resolutions, unrealistic expectations, and the urge to go “all in” overnight. Instead, he reframes January as an opportunity to focus on consistency, sustainability, and self-awareness, rather than perfection or comparison.This episode serves as a grounded reminder that CrossFit isn’t about flipping a switch on January 1st — it’s about building habits that last far beyond the calendar.🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia🧠 This episode is brought to you by Future Form:https://futureform.store/
Henry Huang joins Marco Mejia on the Silverback Media Podcast for an honest conversation about his journey through nearly every role CrossFit has to offer — athlete, coach, and affiliate owner.Henry shares why he believes CrossFit can be a "social anchor" for members in search of a community. The shared beliefs of CrossFitters around the world can serve members way beyond the benefits of health and fitness that they will gain!🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia🧠 This episode is brought to you by Future Form:https://futureform.store/
On this week’s episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, Marco Mejia is joined by Shaylee Williams, also known as the Unfiltered Fit Mom on Instagram.In this episode, Shaylee shares how she found, and fell in love with, Crossfit and how it has taught her to believe in herself. She also shares stories and opportunities that she have been opened to her through her content creation and building her page up to over 50k followers!We wrap up with Shaylee’s message to any of her followers, customers, or anyone that engages with her content in some way. It is a message you will want to hear and will have you excited to take on your next challenge!🔗 Connect with Shaylee:Instagram: @theunfilteredfitmomApparel: unfilteredclothingco.coom🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_media Youtube: @SilverbackMediaThis episode is brought to you by Future Form: https://futureform.store/
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Katie Nelson, a member of CrossFit North Scottsdale, to talk about her journey from growing up constantly on the move to finally finding a sense of belonging — and confidence — through CrossFit.Katie shares how skiing and self-directed fitness shaped her early years, how college group classes gave her her first taste of movement-based community, and why walking into a CrossFit gym for the first time was transformative. From navigating big box gyms to learning Olympic lifts, she opens up about what it really feels like to be new and committed to sticking with it anyway.Her story is down-to-earth, relatable, and full of moments that every everyday CrossFitter will recognize — from surprising PRs to the friendships that keep you coming back.Highlights from this episode:How growing up in multiple states — and countries — shaped Katie’s independenceHer first experiences with group fitness and how it shifted her view of exerciseWhy onboarding mattered and how it built her foundationThe importance of tracking progress and celebrating small wins, but not in the way you thinkWhat the CrossFit community has meant to her journeyKatie’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to be an athlete to start — you just have to walk through the door.🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaThis episode is brought to you by Future Form:https://futureform.store/
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of CrossFit: the idea that CrossFit is only for elite athletes. Marco walks through what scalability really means, why it’s the backbone of CrossFit methodology, and how anyone — at any age, any fitness level, and with any limitation — can participate safely and effectively.From weightlifting to conditioning to gymnastics, Marco explains how every movement has variations, modifications, and progressions built into the program design. This episode serves as a clear and empowering reminder that CrossFit isn't about what you can’t do — it’s about meeting you where you are and helping you grow from there.Highlights from this episode:What “infinitely scalable” actually means in CrossFitWhy CrossFit is truly accessible for all fitness levelsHow coaches adjust workouts for injuries, limitations, and experienceExamples of scaling across gymnastics, weightlifting, and conditioningWhy showing up matters more than performing Rx movementsWhether you’re a beginner, a returning athlete, or someone curious about CrossFit but nervous to start, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need to walk through the door.At the end, we also tackle questions from listeners sent in via Instagram!The CrossFit methodology has deep roots in education and safety. Explore these foundational training guides:🧭 Additional Resources📘 CrossFit Level 1 Training Guidehttps://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_English_Level1_TrainingGuide.pdf📗 CrossFit Level 2 Training Guidehttps://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_English_L2_TrainingGuide.pdf🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMedia🧠 This episode is brought to you by Future Form:https://futureform.store/
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia talks with David Phillips, a retired U.S. Navy veteran embarking on one of the most ambitious and inspiring endurance missions ever attempted; The Grand Explorer's Crown — also known as Project 327.David’s goal is to become the first documented person in history to complete this challenge combining the Triple Crown of U.S. Hiking, expeditions to both the North and South Poles, and ascents of the Seven Summits. His mission is deeply rooted in purpose: raising awareness for veteran support and reminding others that life after service can still be filled with passion, challenge, and meaning.Highlights from this episode:What Project 327 and the Grand Explorers Crown truly representThe mental and physical challenges of extreme expeditionsLessons from 25 years of service in the United States NavyHow adventure became David’s post-military missionWhy pushing the limits helps bring awareness to veteran causesDavid’s journey is fully self-driven and aimed at bringing awareness to the challenges veterans face after service.To learn more, follow his progress, and donate to the Disabled American Veterans organization, click here:🌎 https://www.grandexplorerscrown.com/Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: @SilverbackMediaThis episode is brought to you by Future Form: https://futureform.store
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Kaitlyn Kenna Smith, a CrossFitter, personal trainer, and online fitness coach based in Florida. Kaitlyn shares her incredible journey of overcoming darkness, rediscovering purpose, and using fitness as a vehicle for healing — both physically and emotionally.With over a decade in the coaching world, Kaitlyn opens up about what she’s learned from her own struggles, her experiences training others, and the mindset shifts that come from truly not giving up — no matter how hard life gets. Her message is raw, honest, and deeply human: keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible.Highlights from this episode:The story behind Kaitlyn’s “never quit” mindsetHow fitness became a form of therapy and self-discoveryLessons from 10+ years of personal training and coachingHow to stay grounded through challenges and self-doubtWhy persistence — not perfection — changes everythingThis episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark life gets, motion itself is victory. Whether you’re crawling, walking, or sprinting — just keep moving forward.To Get In Touch with Kaitlyn:Instagram: @kaitlynkennafitnessWebsite (Podcast, Coaching, and Merch): https://www.powerhousementality.com/This episode is brought to you by Future Form: https://futureform.store/
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Ryan Talley, an Everyday CrossFitter from CrossFit Apollo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ryan’s story breaks through one of the biggest misconceptions about CrossFit — that it’s only for elite athletes — and shows how the methodology truly meets people where they are.Growing up active in multiple sports, Ryan talks about what happened when life, work, and routine slowly took priority over fitness. His return to movement through CrossFit reminded him what it means to be part of a team, push limits, and enjoy the process again. From self-doubt to rediscovering consistency, this is a conversation that captures why so many people find their spark again inside a CrossFit gym.Highlights from this episode:Why CrossFit is for everyone — not just elite athletesRyan’s athletic background and transition into CrossFitHow the CrossFit community helped rebuild confidence and consistencyLessons from balancing fitness, work, and lifeRyan’s advice for anyone intimidated to startRyan’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that progress in CrossFit — and in life — isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, scaling when needed, and never losing sight of why you started.
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia talks with Stacy Grindell, a CrossFitter from CrossFit Extra Mile in St. Louis, Missouri, whose story perfectly embodies the idea that it’s never too late to start.Stacy began CrossFit at age 50, and what started as a step toward better health has become a complete lifestyle transformation. In this episode, she shares how she overcame self-doubt, discovered a supportive community, and found strength that she didn’t know she had.Her message is simple but powerful: fitness is for everyone, at any age. Whether you’re new to CrossFit or returning after years away, Stacy’s story will remind you that the hardest part is just walking through the door.Highlights from this episode:How Stacy found CrossFit later in life — and why she fell in love with itThe mental barriers she faced starting at 50Why community support matters more than perfectionHow CrossFit has changed her health, confidence, and outlookHer message to anyone who feels “too old” or “too late” to startStacy’s story is proof that strength, courage, and change aren’t limited by age — they’re defined by willingness.
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Courtney Samudio, a CrossFit Level 1 coach at CrossFit Fury in Phoenix, Arizona. Courtney opens up about her athletic background, her transition into coaching, and the perspective shifts that came after a serious injury — one that forced her to reexamine why she trains and what true fitness means.Courtney’s story is about more than competition. It’s about longevity, passion, and rediscovering purpose through community. She shares how she builds trust with her athletes, why empathy matters as much as programming, and what it means to “train for life.”Highlights from this episode:How Courtney went from a national champion in College Volleyball to CrossFit coachLessons learned from injury and recoveryThe importance of trust and connection in coachingHow to stay motivated when you can’t train at 100%Why “training for life” is the ultimate goalThis episode is a reminder that being an athlete isn’t just about physical strength — it’s about adaptability, humility, and finding joy in the process, no matter where you are in your journey.
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Mike Ward, a Level 2 CrossFit coach from CrossFit Fury in Phoenix, Arizona. With nearly 15 years in the CrossFit world, Mike has seen the evolution of the methodology from its early days to what it’s become today — and he shares how it continues to challenge and shape both his fitness and his mindset.This conversation blends years of experience with practical wisdom for anyone — whether you’re stepping into a box for the first time or coaching others to reach their potential.Highlights from this episode:How Mike discovered CrossFit and why it stuckLessons from 15 years as both an athlete and coachThe evolution of CrossFit culture and training methodsWhy “checking your ego at the door” matters for growthCoaching insights for building long-term consistency and communityMike’s story is a testament to how CrossFit can evolve with you — from a personal fitness pursuit into a lifelong practice of discipline, humility, and continuous improvement.If Mike’s experience resonated with you, Subscribe and share this with someone who needs that reminder to just start — no matter where they’re at.Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_media
In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Dave Fennell, whose journey from over 550 pounds to performing strict pull-ups became a featured story on CrossFit.com. Dave’s transformation is far more than a story about weight loss — it’s about confronting food addiction, rebuilding self-belief, and discovering how consistency and community can rewrite a life.Dave opens up about what it felt like to live inside a 600-pound body and how CrossFit gave him the structure and accountability to fight his way back. This conversation goes beyond fitness — it’s a story about perseverance, purpose, and proving that no starting point is too far gone.Highlights from this episode:The moment Dave realized something had to changeThe mindset shift from survival to growthWhat it meant to find real community and accountability in CrossFitHow small daily wins became the foundation for massive changeDave’s story is living proof that no matter how heavy the weight — physically or mentally — transformation is always possible with consistency, courage, and support.🔗 Related Link:The Differentiator Is CrossFit: David Fennell Goes From 550 Pounds to Strict Pull-Ups (CrossFit.com)
In this powerful episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, host Marco Mejia sits down with Craig Pierson, a long-time member of CrossFit North Scottsdale, to share a raw and inspiring story of redemption, resilience, and self-discovery.Craig opens up about his early years — a period marked by destructive choices and near tragedy — and how finding CrossFit helped him rebuild his life piece by piece. What started as a workout became a lifeline, giving him purpose, discipline, and the community he needed to turn everything around.Highlights from this episode:Craig’s deeply personal story of hitting rock bottom and finding redemptionHow fitness became a foundation for emotional and mental strengthThe role of community in rebuilding confidence and accountabilityWhy CrossFit is more than workouts — it’s a catalyst for lasting changeThis is one of those stories that reminds you why the Everyday CrossFitter matters — proof that the gym can be the place where people find themselves again.If Craig’s story hit home, don’t forget to follow and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media
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