The Silverback Media Podcast

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

In this episode of the Silverback Media Podcast, Marco Mejia sits down with Matt Howell, an everyday CrossFitter with a passion for adventure that’s taken him from the gym to the slopes of Mount Everest. Matt opens up about the parallels between CrossFit training and preparing for high-altitude climbs, sharing stories of grit, mindset, and what it takes to push through the most extreme challenges.Highlights from this episode:How CrossFit built the foundation for Matt’s mountaineering pursuitsLessons from training and climbing at high altitudeThe mental side of pushing past fear and fatigueWhat CrossFitters can learn from mountaineers — and vice versaMatt’s story is proof that everyday athletes can take extraordinary paths. Whether you’re chasing PRs or life-changing adventures, this episode will fire you up to dream bigger.🔗 Connect with Silverback MediaInstagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media

We’re back for week 2 introducing you to the coaches fromUntapped Nutrition, and this week we talk to Rocky DiPalma! Rocky is a CrossFit Level 2 coach at CrossFit North Scottsdale, a NASM certified Nutrition Coach, and she also leads our Hyrox classes as well! In this episode, we go back through Rocky’s story including:-           What her initial motivation was to get into fitness as a young adult-           How her perspective shifted on health from beingfocused on the weight scale, to being focused on her health and wellness, which led her to CrossFit-           How her experiences in CrossFit led her to Coaching classes and Nutrition coaching Untapped Nutrition is the coaching group out of CrossFitNorth Scottsdale, and they are getting ready to launch their Fall Nutrition Challenge for 2025!  The deadline to sign up is September 30, so if you areinterested go to the Untapped Nutrition Instagram page (@untapped.nutrition) and fill out the link in the bio to register! 📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!

This week is part 1 of a 2-part series introducing you tothe coaches from Untapped Nutrition, and this week we’re starting with Rachal Davis! Rachal is a CrossFit Level 2 coach at CrossFit NorthScottsdale and a certified Nutrition Coach with Untapped Nutrition. In this episode, we go through Rachal’s backstory on how she got to this point in her career. We go through topics like:-           What types of activities Rachal got into as a kid (this one surprised me!)-           Rachal’s work journey before she found fitness, and how that developed into what she does today-           How she found CrossFit (or was brought to it by another CFNS coach) and how CrossFit changed her perspective on Fitness and CoachingUntapped Nutrition is the coaching group out of CrossFitNorth Scottsdale, and they are getting ready to launch their Fall Nutrition Challenge for 2025!  The deadline to sign up is September 30, so if you areinterested go to the Untapped Nutrition Instagram page (@untapped.nutrition) and fill out the link in the bio! Next week, we will have on the other half of the UntappedNutrition coaches for the challenge, so be ready to tune in to hear both stories!📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!

Joining me on the show this week is Nick Alcocer, owner ofMotionRx!Nick offers personalized Mobility solutions for his clientsranging from assisted stretching protocols to cupping/scraping, and nutrition guidance as well to give you the tools to get back to performing your best in andout of the gym!Nick’s client base includes a wide range of CrossFit gymmembers, so we sat down to talk about what he sees from the people that come to work with him, and his top tips for “pre-hab” work that CrossFit gym members can do to continue to take care of their bodies and move at the level they want.Along with that, we dive into Nick’s own backstoryincluding:-           His introduction to fitness and organized sportsat a young age-           How a significant health scare in his collegeyears set him on a path to regaining his health and fitness-           The path that led him to finding and joining aCrossFit gym-           How he used his experience in the gym to getinto the Mobility/Stretching field and open his own practiceIf you want to work with Nick, you can reach out to him onhis website, www.motionrxaz.com, or reach out to him on Instagram at @motionrxaz as well!📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!

This week’s guest is DJ Dykes!DJ joined me to share about Scottsdale Friday Night Lights, his Youth Flag Football league, that is starting in September in the Scottsdale, AZ,area.Along with that, we dive into DJ’s backstory including:-           His experience playing high-level Division 1College Football-           DJ’s struggle with addiction through, and after,college-           His path to sobriety and recovery, and how hecontinues to fight that battle to this day-           How he found CrossFit and how that has helped hisdevelopment, physically and mentallyIf you want to learn more about DJ’s Flag Football League,go to www.scottsdalefnl.com or follow them on Instagram at @scottsdalefnl to follow along!📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!

We are mixing it up this week! I have a surprise guest on the show who wants to quiz me on some CrossFit trivia!The trivia categories range all the way from CrossFit Gameshistory to some deep theory about the CrossFit methodology, so we cover a wide range of questions! As you can imagine, there were some deep tangents andrabbit holes along the way, so come along for the ride!Feel free to play along while you’re listening and see howmany questions you answer correctly too!📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!

My guest this week is Drew Woerther! Drew has been a member at CrossFit Xtra Mile in St. Louis, MO, since 2021, and in this episode, we getto unpack his background that led him to find CrossFit.In this episode, we talk about:-           Drew’s upbringing and how he initially beganfocusing on Fitness-           The cycles he went through between phases offitness-           How he eventually made his way into a CrossFitgym after the things he had heard about CrossFit before trying it himself-           The lessons Drew has learned in the CrossFit gymthat have benefited him in his life outside the gym📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!

On the show this week is Rachel D.! Rachel was a member at CrossFit North Scottsdale in Phoenix, AZ (she recently left for a big opportunity that you’ll need to listen to find out why).Rachel only recently found CrossFit, so we talk about:-           What she thought about CrossFit before trying it herself-           The final push that got her to actually try CrossFit(this one may surprise you)-           How CrossFit has helped her heal and the learningthe power of showing up-           We wrap up with Rachel sharing the opportunityshe will be pursuing next and how she plans to keep CrossFit in those plans!📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!

This week’s guest is the Hall Monitor / Mayor of the 6:30 AMclass at CrossFit Xtra Mile in St. Louis, MO, Jeff Cooper.Jeff is a model of what consistency in the CrossFit gym cando over a very long period of time, but he wasn’t always this way.He shares his journey of his lifestyle choices as a youngadult building a career and raising his family, then trying to get in shape “yo-yo” dieting from one weight loss challenge to the next, and then to the moment that changed it all for him and sent him on this 11 year transformation with CrossFitas the foundation.Jeff has taken his experience and knowledge and is usingthat to help others as a coach with Larger Than Life. If you want to work with Jeff, you can find him on iamlargerthanlife.com.📩 Connect with me:Instagram: @silver_back_mediaYoutube: Silverback Media🔗Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you!