Bolder Athlete Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/danab_fithttps://www.instagram.com/jboon14In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Dana Bird — a devoted wife, mother, and healthcare professional, a seasoned athlete and certified badass. Dana opens up about her personal fitness journey, starting from swimming and dance in her youth, to overcoming significant health challenges that changed her approach to training, as well as her appreciation for her health and fitness. From battling sickness, to scaling workouts, to managing a demanding career and motherhood, Dana’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and gratitude. They dive into topics like the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, the value of establishing active habits early in life, staying active as we age, and Dana offers inspiration to anyone navigating life’s transitions — both in and out of the gym. Whether you're a Masters athlete, a parent trying to stay fit, or someone rediscovering their strength, this conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, one rep at a time.Chapters🏊‍♀️ Dana Byrd and Her Athletic Journey 🔁 Transitioning to CrossFit and the Bolder Community 🩺 Overcoming Health Challenges & Scaling Smartly 🎯 Preparing for MFC & Rebuilding Confidence 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family, Parenting, and Fitness Values at Home 🧓 Working in Memory Care: A Heartfelt Perspective 💔 The Emotional Weight of Caregiving 🌈 Gratitude in the Hard Moments 📓 Daily Rituals: The Gratitude Journal Practice 🏃‍♀️ Fitness and Longevity: The Real Connection This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

In the 20th episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, and I reflect on our experiences at the 2025 Age Group CrossFit Games. We discuss the intensity of games competition, strategies, and go behind the scenes on what takes place in the athlete warmup area. Our conversation delves into the emotional highs and lows of competing, the role of fear and anxiety, and the significance of community. Jason shares insights from his journey to winning his sixth championship, emphasizing the pressure of expectations and the joy of celebrating achievements with fellow Bolder athletes. I loved the strategy and transparency of this discussion with Jason and hope y’all enjoy it! Discussion topics: 🔥 The warm-up area is a unique environment filled with intense focus and anxiety. 🧠 Strategies for managing competition anxiety. 🎯 Competition experience helps navigate pressure. ⚡ Fear of failure can be a powerful motivator. 🧪 The benefits of testing workouts in advance. 🔍 Reflecting on past performances in preparation for the future. 🏆 Winning is not just about the title, but about the journey and legacy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

In this special episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, Legends unite, as host Josh Boonstra sits down with CrossFit Legend, Jason Grubb, and Legends Championship Co-Founder, Joe Linton. Together, they dive into the exciting new partnership between Bolder Athlete and the Legends Championship. They explore what the "Bolder Athlete Legends Championship" means for the masters community, diving into the shared vision of building more than just great programming, but an end-to-end experience for athletes, spectators, volunteers, and even kids. They share where the idea was born, how it evolved, and how the partnership became a reality. They discuss lessons learned, bold ideas for the future, and much more.This episode is packed with insight, energy, and inspiration. Don't miss this. Chapters: 🎙️ Welcome & IntroductionCovers the podcast kickoff, host intro, and the purpose of this episode.🤝 Announcing the Bolder Athlete Legends ChampionshipDetails the partnership launch and why it’s a milestone for the Masters community.💡 Why This Partnership MattersExplores the vision, significance, and alignment of values 🗣️ Behind the Scenes: Early Conversations & CommitmentsReflects on the initial discussions, investment, and commitment that shaped the collaboration.🏋️ Designing the Athlete ExperienceHighlights how workouts are crafted specifically for Masters and how programming is evolving.👥 The Power of CommunityFocuses on athletes, spectators, volunteers, and families — and how they’re all part of the experience.🚀 Future Vision & AspirationsShares long-term goals, future expansion, and exciting developments ahead for Legends.🛠️ From Concept to Competition: Organizing the EventExplores event planning, logistics, and building a truly holistic experience.🧪 Programming, Testing & QualifiersDiscusses the process of creating, testing, and refining qualifiers and championship events.❤️‍🔥 Celebrating Competition & ConnectionWraps up with reflections on the joy of competition, shared experiences, and the unique spirit of the Masters community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

In this powerful episode of The Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with David Borgstrand—a multi-year CrossFit Games qualifier, psychologist, and family therapist. David opens up about his journey living with ADHD, how exercise became a form of medicine, and how he intersects his faith, mental health and athletic performance.David speaks openly about drawing strength from his faith, from helping others, and how he lives an intentional lifestyle. Together, David and Josh discuss how living a life filled with adversity helps build rare resilience that's beneficial on the competition floor. Whether you're an athlete, a mental health advocate, or someone navigating your own growth journey, this episode is filled with insight, resilience, and heart.✅ Key Takeaways:🏋️‍♂️ David is multiple times CrossFit Games athlete.🧠 He works as a licensed family therapist and psychologist.⚡ He shares his personal experience with ADHD.🏃‍♂️ Exercise is not just training—it's a mental health tool.🔍 Understanding your symptoms is key to changing your behavior.💪 David finds strength, clarity, and purpose in sports and competition.🎯 He believes in living with intention and strong principles.🙏 His faith and close family ties are central to his life.🎽 He offers an inside look at the CrossFit Games experience.//// Unlock Your Boldest Potential with Bolder Athlete \\\\\\👉 https://www.bolderathlete.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Greg, a former college football player and aspiring State Trooper, turned Secret Service agent and US Marshall. Greg shares how his journey through elite-level law enforcement has been shaped—and strengthened—by fitness, discipline, and community. This conversation dives deep into Greg's transition from athletics to law enforcement, the mental and physical demands of his career, and how CrossFit became both an outlet and an anchor. From balancing work and WODs, aspiring to compete at the CrossFit Games, and navigating life as a Secret Service agent at the White House. Greg offers a raw and real look at life behind the badge. Don't miss Greg's unique story. 🔑 Key Takeaways:🏈 Greg's law enforcement journey began in high school and evolved through college football. 👮‍♂️A chance to serve as a Secret Service agent opened new doors and challenges.🏋️ CrossFit became a key factor in Greg’s physical and mental resilience.🤕 Training around injury changed how Greg approaches longevity and performance.🤝 The Bolder community provides powerful support, motivation, and camaraderie.🎯 Greg dreams of competing at the CrossFit Games and continues to chase excellence.🕶️ Stories from the Secret Service reveal how fitness intersects with high-stakes security.💪 Law enforcement work demands both physical readiness and emotional balance.⚖️ Balancing work, training, and personal life is a constant—but essential—challenge.💙 Greg values how Bolder respects and uplifts its athletes This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/jbrew_82/In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down friend, and fellow athlete, Justin Brewer. Justin opens up about his journey to qualifying for the 2025 CrossFit Games for the first time —the mental battles, emotional highs and lows, overcoming disappointment, and rediscovering the joy in training. Justin story is raw, heartwarming, and will leave you inspired. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/jboon14/In this special episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, the tables turn as host Josh Boonstra is interviewed by friend and fellow athlete Aaron Houchin. What unfolds is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about resilience, self-reflection, and growth. Josh opens up about his first CrossFit workout, his drive to improve, proof points of Bolder programming, life shaping moments, fitness in the workplace, and so much more. His story is packed with hard-earned insights and heart. This is an episode you don't want to miss. Together, Josh and Aaron dive into:💥 Josh’s first CrossFit workout and what hooked him🧠 Overcoming fear and using motivation to fuel progress🤝 The life-changing impact of mentorship and community🏋️‍♂️ Balancing life, training, and personal growth🔥 Lessons from football, adversity, and overcoming bullying🎯 Reflections on the CrossFit Open, semi-finals, and the road to the GamesThis episode is more than a conversation—it's a reminder that growth comes from challenge, and with the right people and purpose, you can push past your limits and become bolder in every area of life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/luisfpessoa/In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra interviews Luis Pessoa, a former professional soccer player turned CrossFit athlete. They discuss Luis's journey from soccer to CrossFit, the importance of community, and the sacrifices made along the way. Luis shares his experiences competing at the CrossFit Games and how Bolder Athlete has played a crucial role in his training and success. In this conversation, Josh and Luis delve into the pressures and expectations faced by competitive athletes, particularly in CrossFit. They discuss the mental challenges of self-perception, confidence, and the unique pressures of individual sports compared to team sports. They also discuss the importance of mental health, therapy, along with strategies for managing anxiety and resilience in training. They also touch on the integrity of competition and the implications of performance-enhancing drugs. Don't miss this one! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/kbewasko/In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra interviews Kristi Ewasko, a dedicated wife, mother, fitness coach, and competitive athlete. Kristi opens up about her journey from competitive gymnastics at Auburn University to discovering the power of CrossFit, highlighting the discipline, mental strength, and community support that has shaped her. She shares her experiences with training, the importance of self-belief, and how faith plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles. Kristi also reflects on her journey with Bolder programming and the lessons learned through competitive programming and competing in the Crossfit Open. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/dustbeckwith/Join Dustin Beckwith, a former world champion lumberjack athlete turned passionate CrossFit competitor, in an inspiring interview conducted by Josh Boostra. Dustin shares his remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. After experiencing a life-changing injury, he discovered CrossFit, leading to a profound shift in his health, fitness, and family life. In this engaging conversation, Dustin reveals lessons learned from breaking unhealthy habits, the emotional pride of watching his son compete at the CrossFit Games, and the significance of leading by example in fitness and life. Dive into Dustin's insights on staying motivated, building confidence through preparation, and fostering an active, healthy lifestyle for kids. Discover how community, resilience, and support can powerfully transform your journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/jasongrubb_fitness/What does it take to be a 5x CrossFit Games Masters Champion? In this episode of Bolder Athlete Interview Series, Josh Boonstra (@jboon14) sits down with Jason Grubb (@jasongrubb_fitness) for an unfiltered conversation about the psyche of a champion, the drive to be great, and using fear as fuel.Jason shares his journey from chaos to success, the relentless mindset required for greatness, and how he built Bolder Athlete from the ground up. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bolderathlete.substack.com