A Conversation with Max El-Hag, Reviewing 25.1, and Tia's Extra Effort

The virtual in-affiliate semifinals are done pending video review. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about the top storylines from this past weekend's online event. Katrin Davidsdottir will soon be adding the title of "mother" to her list of accomplishments. The World Fitness Project is set to debut this weekend in the wake of their announcement that Adidas has signed on as their official footwear partner for the season. The crew talks about what they need to see from the new fitness league in order to call the kickoff a success. This episode is presented by Kreatures of Habit. Head to kreaturesofhabit.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Meal One prepakaged oats loaded with 30 grams of protein per serving. This episode is sponsored by Thirdzy. Got to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen and improve how you sleep and recover each night.

Individual competition is back on this weeked with the in-affilliate virtual semifinals. Sean and Tommy talk about why they think the programming is a home run. CrossFit introduces a new Head of Safety, but what took so long? Four more athletes are heading to the CrossFit Games thanks to the Wodland Fest, and Cole Sager officially retires. Will Moorad joins the show to talk about the first WFP Tour Stop taking place in Indianapolis next week. Moorad talks about he challenges he faced while programming, why he had to take the rest of the schedule into account when coming up with the events, and why he wanted a taste of his own medicine. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen to improve how you recharge while you sleep.

The team online semifinal workouts have been released and one movement is grabbing a lot of attention. For the first time we have running in an online qualfier for the CrossFit Games. Sean, Tommy, and Lauren discuss the decision and why they think it's a risky move. Plus, the World Fitness Project continues to add sponsors and partners, and four more athletes earn a spot at the 2025 CrossFit Games. Josh Hicks joins the show to talk about his new role as the Director of Medical and Safety for the World Fitness Project, why he took on the roll, and how it compares to what he's done in the sport in the past. This episode is presented by Kreatures of Habit. Head to kreaturesofhabit.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on the healthiest overnight oats on the market packed with 30 grams of protein per serving.

Tia Toomey is planning on saying goodbye at the Torian Pro. But does that mean she's really done with CrossFit? Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about what might be ahead for the 7-time Fittest Woman on Earth and what legacy she leaves. The video reviews for the Age Group Semifinals are coming to a close. The crew talks about what they think went right, what went wrong, and what needs to be improved. This episode is presented by Kreatures of Habit. Go to kreaturesofhabit.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their overnight oats packed with 30 grams of protein in each serving. This episode is sponsored by Thirdzy. Go to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve your sleep and recover better.

The first in-person Games qualifier is in the books, and the crew at CrossFit Mayhem set the bar pretty high. Sean, Tommy, and Lauren take a look back at a fun weekend in Cookeville, and tell the other events the lessons they should learn from Rich Froning and company.  Speaking of qualifiers, the Age Group Online Semifinals are officially done and the review process has begun. Five-time Masters Champion Jason Grubb joins Lauren and Tommy to talk about his concerns with the review process, what the CrossFit Athlete Council has been able to do, and what he thinks needs to change as we get ready for the Individual Online Semifinals. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen.

Live competition is here! The first in-person semifinal is set to kickoff this weekend in Cookeville, Tennessee. Sean, Tommy, and Lauren preview the Mayhem Classic and tell you who they think might have the inside track in the battle the first two tickets to the CrossFit Games. Speaking of tickets, they're on sale for the Games in Albany. Are slow sales a sign of things to come for the sport in general or just an isolated problem? Age group athletes take on their in-affiliate semifinals this weekend and squats aren't on the menu...or are they? Plus, an update on the World Fitness Project season and a brilliant new name for knee sleeves.

The greatest CrossFit athlete of all time is taking on a new challenge. Tia Toomey is turning her attention to HYROX. Sean, Tommy and Lauren discuss the move and tell you why they think she deserves to be considered one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Emma Lawson is hoping some Brute force will get her to the next level. The World Fitness Project's inaugural season is officially underway, you're gonna need more judges for the in affiliate semifinals, and live competition is right around the corner. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen to help you sleep better and your body to repair more efficiently.

The 2025 CrossFit Open is officially closed. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about what they liked these past three weeks and take a look ahead as we move to the semifinals. The World Fitness Project continues to release details about their inaugural season and have a way in which they're looking to partner with gyms. A former Olympian is interested in purchasing CrossFit. The crew discusses what Shawn Johnson could potentially bring to the table that would help grow the methodology and the sport. And finally, Chris Cooper from Two Brain Business talks with Sean about the impending sale of CrossFit, why someone might be interested in purchasing the brand, what are the key events over the last ten years that led us to this point, and what he thinks new owners need to do on day one. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve your sleep and overnight recovery.

Colten Mertens and Mirjam Von Rohr are owning the 2025 CrossFit Games Open. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about their performances, why they love the live announcements, and what stands out on the leaderboard after two weeks. The CrossFit Games and the World Fitness Project run into a copyright issue. Plus, two men who will be running in-person semifinals, Wilson Pak and Jeremy Thiel, sit down with Lauren to talk about the challenges of running and event within a competitive season, how they prepare to overcome them, and why this is a great opportunity for them to continue to grow their events. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen to improve you sleep and recovery.

The first week of the Open is in the books. Sean, Tommy, and Lauren recap 25.1, take a look ahead at 25.2, and try and decipher Dave's latest hint. Max El-Hag from Training Think Tank joins the show to talk about why he took a break from social media, how he tries to find the middle ground in a polarized community, and how he's trying to facilitate civil discussions on controversial topics. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com/TEF to save 20% on their rest and recovery collagen and improve your overall sleep.