The Power Monkey Podcast

Fresh off the week of the 2023 CrossFit Games, we have Dave, Mike, and our good friend Jason Leydon, owner of CF Milford and Conquer Athlete, here to chat about how the event went down. Specifically we get into conversations around what we did and did not like about the programming, as well as breaking down some of the technical aspects of the new movements introduced. Additionally, we highlight s...

The 2023 CrossFit Games begins THIS week, and we are excited to have the man behind all of the event programming on to chat. Adrian Bozman is one of our favorites, and not just because he is incredibly talented at what he does, but he is also one of the best humans that we know. We are grateful that he took the time just before flying to Madison to chat with us about the upcoming Games. Of course...

Rika Geyser has been a part of Power Monkey and our Camps from very early on. Her list of accomplishments is vast within the rowing and fitness world. She is an Olympian, having competed in Beijing in 2008, she is a CrossFit Games Athlete, and after having rowed at the University of Washington, she was named as part of the "All-Century Team" for womens rowing. Aside from Rika's impressive list of...

Justin is the head coach and founder of, Underdog Athletics. He is one of the most successful coaches in the competitive functional fitness world. In addition to coaching multiple teams and individuals to the CrossFit Games, including 3rd place finished Kari Pearce, Justin has won 2 championships in the GRID League, and is the Coach for the National Functional Fitness League. One of the things tha...

Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with one of our favorites, Kari Pearce. Kari is a former CrossFit Games athlete, finishing as high as 3rd at the Games. Kari recently retired from competition, join us as we dive into Kari's post-competition journey, how she's adapting to a new chapter in her life, and her valuable insights for younger athletes entering the world of CrossFit. Kari's IG:...

Eric Hinman is a serial entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, motivational speaker, and multi-time Kona Ironman. As an advocate for holistic well-being, Eric discusses the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As passionate as Eric is about his fitness endeavors, he is even more passionate about making sure that he isn't chasing the...

Today we welcome CrossFit Games multi time Masters Athlete Bruce Young on the podcast. Not only is Bruce and impressive athlete, but he is also an accomplished mental performance coach who definitely practices what he preaches. We have been lucky enough to have spent time with Bruce at our Power Monkey Camp and his attitude and approach to life and training is makes it clear how he has been so suc...

This week we welcome Jessi Smith onto the podcast. After 10+ years of training in the sport of CrossFit, Jessi has qualified for the Games. Whats most impressive about Jessi, is that not only has she successfully chased down one of her long standing goals, but she maintains the incredible perspective that competing is not the most important thing in this life. Instead, focusing on being a decent h...

The discussion on today's podcast revolves around the movement of The Squat Jerk and why there is value in working this variation into your training. ⁠ ⁠ Essentially a progression on the way to a close grip snatch, the squat jerk holds many benefits for the weightlifter and CrossFitter alike. ⁠ ⁠ Listen in as Power Monkey Head Weightlifting Coach Mike Cerbus discusses the nuances of one of the pre...

On this episode of the podcast, we welcome CrossFit Games Athlete, Alex Gazan. Alex most recently won the North America West Semifinal, securing her return to the CrossFit Games for her second appearance. Not only is Alex an incredible athlete, but she is an absolute sweetheart as well. We had the pleasure of working with her at our most recent Power Monkey Camp in Tennessee, and everyone, campers...

Sam Briggs, a renowned CrossFit athlete, has not only conquered the competitive landscape in her prime but has continued to excel in the Masters division. We delve into what that transition between divisions was like and the mindset required to adapt and thrive as an athlete while simultaneously dedicating herself to the demanding role of a firefighter. Sam offers a glimpse into the challenges, sa...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Zack Height, a remarkable individual who has embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning from competitive sports and CrossFit to a more holistic approach to fitness centered around hand balancing and mobility work. In this episode, we delve into Zack's compelling story, exploring his shift from traditional athletic pursuits to a profound focus...

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Brian Chontosh, a remarkable individual who exemplifies the qualities of leadership, compassion, and resilience. Join us as we explore Brian's incredible experiences, from his exceptional military career to his recent triumph in a grueling transatlantic rowing race. As a highly decorated Marine Corps officer, Brian Chontosh ha...

We are taking it back to another movement focused episode. This time, we are discussing one of the newest movements introduced at the CrossFit Games this past year: The Wall Facing Strict Handstand Push Up. We talk about good technique surrounding the movement as well as how to build a solid foundation here. Dave Durante also throws out there what he believes would be the ideal competition standar...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we sit down with CrossFit Games Athlete Arielle Loewen, an accomplished athlete and mother who shares her unique perspective on competition, training, and identity. Arielle shares how having a child has changed her approach to competition, highlighting the importance of balance and perspective in her training. As a former gymnast, she also draws on her...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we sit down with Grant McCartney, also known as "The Island Ninja". Grant is a professional athlete and one of the most popular competitors on the hit TV show "American Ninja Warrior." In this conversation, Grant talks about his career on the show, his journey to becoming "The Island Ninja," and the discipline and focus required to excel in this highly...

Welcome to this episode of the podcast, where we have a very special guest - Yuval Ayalon, better know in the world of hand balancing as: Yuval on Hands. Yuval has had a fascinating career trajectory, having transitioned from being a collegiate gymnast to a performer in the circus and eventually to a hand balancing coach. In this episode, we dive deep into his journey and explore his insights and...

On this weeks podcast we welcome CrossFit Games Athlete Emily Rolfe. Emily's athletic journey began in gymnastics, and she shares with us how her background in the sport has shaped her approach to training and competition. In this episode, we delve into the importance of mental toughness in sports and how Emily has honed her mental strength to overcome challenges both inside and outside the gym. A...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Jamie Simmonds, one of top CrossFit athletes since 2016. Jamie shares her journey from her early days as a gymnast and rugby player, to her decision to pursue CrossFit and her eventual move to the Middle East to continue competing. We discuss what it means to be a female athlete in sport, and how CrossFit is leading the way to level that p...

On this episode, we have two special guests: Kelly and Juliet Starrett, a power couple who are passionate about fitness and entrepreneurship. Kelly is a renowned physical therapist and author of the bestselling book "Becoming a Supple Leopard," while Juliet is a lawyer turned entrepreneur who co-founded San Francisco CrossFit and MobilityWOD. Together, Kelly and Juliet have been on a mission to re...

On today's episode we talk about the nuances surrounding the Press to Handstand. Higher level gymnastic movements are finding their way into competitive CrossFit settings, most recently having a version of the Press to Handstand at the 2022 CrossFit Games. Dave takes a moment to discuss some of the common challenges athletes have with attempting this movement, as well as some go to progressions an...

Kristin Holte is an 8 time CrossFit Games Athlete, who has had multiple top 5 finishes at the Games, as well as 4 top 3 finishes in the Open, including winning the World Wide Open outright in 2021. Her list of athletic accolades goes on, which we discuss briefly in this episode, but one of the more interesting aspects of what has come out of her storied career is he mental resiliency. Kristin just...

It's the final week of the Open and it's a burner! Chad Vaughn and Chris Hinshaw join Dave Durante to break down and strategize 23.3. Chris talks transitions and proper pacing on what's going to be a sprint of a workout for most athletes. Don't hold your breath! Breathing is your friend - especially on the double unders. Chad breaks down how to approach the snatches in regards to your max. Squat s...

Running in the Open!? Add that to burpees and thrusters and you've got a workout that any athlete is sure to LOOOOVE. This week's episode Dave Durante and Jordan Samuel welcome multi-time Games Athlete Margaux Alvarez on to react to 23.2A&B, and break down how best to approach both parts of this workout. ••••• Check out the release of the new, rebranded and improved Power Monkey Training App! DOWN...

The CrossFit Open is here! On this episode of the podcast we've got Dave Durante, Jason Leydon, and Jordan Samuel reacting to and giving their thoughts on 23.1. They break down this repeat workout not seen since 2014 and talk strategy of how to best approach this test of fitness. ••••• Check out the release of the new, rebranded and improved Power Monkey Training App! DOWNLOAD IT HERE! http://www....