The Positively Jacked Podcast

Half summer, half “back to it.” Long days and late sunsets… but also repeat office supply store runs for endless class lists and a calendar that’s suddenly filling up again. In this episode, we talk about building Structure Light™ — a version of routine that gives you just enough anchor to feel steady without losing the remainder of the summer you deserve.  We get into: Why August carries that “so...

Some finish lines you cross. Others you walk away from. In this episode, Coach Nate opens up about what really happened at Grandma’s Marathon—and why DNF doesn’t mean defeated. We get into the full picture: the 16-week training cycle, the unexpected breakdown on race day, and what it means to walk away with your head up, even when the race doesn’t go to plan. While this is a race recap, it’s also...

You hit a groove. The workouts are solid. The meals feel good. Life's… actually pretty okay. So… now what? This week, we’re talking about that weird-but-wonderful phase where you're not chasing a big goal — and why that might be exactly where you're supposed to be. We unpack what it means to maintain (without stagnating), how to build joy and intention into your routine, and why success isn’t alwa...

Letting Go of the Finish Line: Adjusting When the Plan Falls Apart What happens when the goal you set starts breaking you instead of building you? Coach Nate shares the honest story of marathon training gone sideways—and how letting go of the original plan (and ego) became the key to progress. This solo episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, frustrated, or ashamed when reality didn’t match t...

Everything’s shifting—and we’re right in the thick of it. In this episode, we catch up on life in motion: seasons changing, routines unraveling, and the friction that comes with trying to stay steady when nothing feels settled. Jes is staring down a chaotic summer schedule. Nate’s navigating a major life update. And both of us are rethinking how we approach work, training, and structure when the p...

This week, we’re breaking down the foods and habits that get unfairly labeled as “bad” — from sugar and salt to fruit, caffeine, and eating after 8pm. The internet loves a villain. But most of what gets demonized in health culture is way more about clickbait than context. We’re not here to defend everything, but we are here to ask better questions. Because when food gets moralized, nuance gets los...

This week, we’re flipping the format and putting each other in the hot seat with 20 questions. It’s part strategy, part storytelling, a little therapy, and part "how did we even end up here?" No prep, one pass each, and just enough structure to keep us (mostly) on track. We talk coaching, clarity, and the kind of real-life stuff that shapes how we train, eat, and think. If you like your...

In this solo episode, Nate breaks down some of the biggest fitness myths we’ve been hearing from clients lately — the ones still holding people back. From carbs and cardio to supplements and soreness, it’s a straight shot on how to cut through the noise, find the truth, and take real action. If you like your truth bombs fast, smart, and a little bit jacked, you’re in the right place. Bring a noteb...

We’re living in unpredictable times, and when things get tight, fitness and nutrition often feel like the place to cut first. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we’re talking about smart, strategic ways to stay strong, nourished, and consistent—without spending a fortune. These are real-life solutions that cost less than $100, not a full overhaul, and they’re designed to flex wit...

Fear doesn’t always show up loud—it sneaks in through hesitation, overthinking, and that gut-level dread that keeps you stuck. In this episode, Coach Nate unpacks how fear hides in your warm-up set, ghosts your motivation, and silently holds the pen on your fitness story. You’ll learn how fear shows up psychologically (think: perfectionism, performance anxiety, fear of failure and success), how it...

Are your boundaries helping you grow, or just keeping you safe?  In this episode, Jes and Nate break down why some boundaries fuel progress while others quietly hold you back. They explore the difference between fences and bunkers: flexible, breathable boundaries that let you evolve versus rigid, isolating ones that lock you in. You’ll hear how bunker mentality sneaks into fitness and life, whethe...

Spring break. Weddings. Vacations. Tailgates. The kind of events where the drinks are cold, the pours are heavy, and your fitness goals? Well, they’re suddenly on thin ice. In this solo episode, Coach Nate breaks down how alcohol actually impacts your fitness (spoiler: it’s not just about the calories) and why common rules like “only on weekends” or total avoidance often backfire. More importantly...

It’s been a minute… but we’re back! After a long hiatus, we’re catching you up on everything that’s been going on behind the scenes—why we took a break, what we’ve been up to, and the big moves we’ve made. In this episode, we’ll talk about what’s next for Positively Jacked, how we’re approaching training and coaching in this new chapter, and what you can expect from us moving forward. Plus, we’re...

After you start your fitness journey with a strong ‘why,’ it’s easy to feel unstoppable. But then—life happens. Work gets crazy, the kids have a million activities, urgent things pop up, and suddenly, that initial fire of motivation starts to flicker. In this episode of Positively Jacked , we’re taking a hard look at what happens after that strong start. We’ll explore the differences between intri...

As the seasons change, so do our schedules. Whether you’re a parent adjusting to kids going back to school, an adult heading back to the classroom, or just someone experiencing a shift in your routine, it can be challenging to stay on track with your health, nutrition, and fitness goals. In this episode of Positively Jacked, we dive into the reality of shifting schedules and offer actionable strat...

Welcome back to Positively Jacked with Nate and Jes. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s both on and off our usual path. While we’ve been eager to discuss the CrossFit Games all year, recent events in the CrossFit community have shifted our focus. With the 2024 CrossFit Games behind us, we’re addressing the tragic and untimely passing of Lazar Ðukić during the event—a moment that...

Is "good vibes only" the recipe for success? This week on Positively Jacked, we challenge the idea that positive thinking is always the answer. We'll explore alternative approaches to tackle problems and help you reach your goals. Have you ever felt stuck in a loop of trying to throw positive thinking toward everything that just doesn't seem to work? Maybe you tell yourself &quot...

Positively Jacked is BACK! Nate's returned from his honeymoon, the quarterfinals are in the rearview mirror, and we're bursting with topics to delve into. Join us as we explore Nate's European adventure for his first-time impressions and dive into an intriguing Facebook post that surfaced during his absence. Plus, we'll tackle a common question from our nutrition clients sparked by...

This episode of Positively Jacked unpacks the often-used term "growth mindset." We'll delve into its definition – the belief that our abilities are flexible and can continuously improve. We'll then explore its historical roots and how it applies across various domains, from conquering CrossFit challenges to everyday triumphs. Along the way, we'll debunk common myths and equip...

Gear up for laughter and feels! This episode takes it off-script as we reminisce about our OG CrossFit Open experiences (we've been at it since 2011, can you believe it?). We’ll look at: Hilarious (and maybe embarrassing) throwback stories Solid advice you can actually use in your next Open How to approach the Open, whether you're aiming for the next stage or just having a blast This episo...

Tired of vague goals that burn out fast? In this episode, we look at actionable strategies for honest, effective goal-setting. We'll share some cringe stories that show the power of setting realistic, achievable goals you can stick with. Drawing on James Clear's wisdom and looking beyond the surface of the SMART framework, we’ll look at how to label and structure your goals for a practical...

It’s taken us a couple weeks with sickness and influx of new clients, but we are BACK to react to the launch of Positively Jacked, and what feedback and psychological safety mean to us. In addition, we chat a little about the annual Elevate48 Challenge we run at CrossFit Fringe every year, and what you can look forward to hearing about from us next.  — Work with us by scheduling an Intro: ⁠www.cro...

Feeling overwhelmed by the sea of gym options and conflicting advice from influencers and coaches? In this episode, we delve into the essential questions to ask before committing, guide you in pinpointing your individual fitness goals, and shed light on the warning signs to be wary of. Get ready for a packed conversation as we share our experiences and insights from both sides of the coach and cli...

In this inaugural episode, we're giving you a taste of the "Positively Jacked" goodness to come. Get ready for: Our "aha" moments: We'll spill the beans on the personal experiences that shaped our approach to health and happiness. The "why" behind our "what": Dive into the core values that fuel our content and keep us (and hopefully you) pumped up ab...