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From Rugby Pro to Business Owner | Jed Holloway Story ✅ From a small country town in Australia → professional rugby in just ONE year  ✅ What it’s really like stepping into pro sports at 18 years old  ✅ The reality of potential vs discipline (and the lessons learned the hard way)  ✅ Dealing with injury, pressure, and identity as an athlete  ✅ How trauma, loss, and avoidance can impact performance & life  ✅ The power of vulnerability and why talking about it changes everything  ✅ Meeting his wife in the U.S. and building a new life in America  ✅ Transitioning from pro athlete → business owner (and the struggles that come with it)  ✅ How elite sports mindset translates into business success  ✅ What former athletes MISS most after competition ends  ✅ Building a team culture in business like a locker room  ✅ Why isolation is dangerous—and how community changes everything This episode dives into the real journey behind the highlight reel—identity, struggle, growth, and what it means to compete in life after sport. 🎯 If you’re a former athlete, competitor, or someone trying to find purpose after a big transition… this one’s for you.

You're showing up. You're putting in the work. So why do you feel exhausted, stalled, and beat up? It's not about working harder — it's about training smarter with the right foundation. In this episode, Blake breaks down the 3 principles every former athlete needs to stop spinning their wheels and start training with real intention again. ✅ PURPOSE — Know your macro goal, your weekly training intent, and what every single session is actually for ✅ SYSTEMS — Understand your energy systems, build a real recovery system, and fuel like the athlete you are ✅ AUTONOMY — Develop the body awareness to gauge your workouts, scale intelligently, and stop letting ego run your training If you've been consistent but not progressing — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Comeback Athlete Podcast is for former athletes who are done feeling like a shell of who they used to be. 📲 Follow on Instagram: @comeback_athlete 🌐 Work with Blake: comeback-athlete.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: pod.link/1752557544

Chronic pain isn’t always a tissue problem. In many cases, the tissue has already healed… but the nervous system remains sensitized. In this episode, I sit down with physical therapist Jeremy Baber to discuss how chronic pain changes the brain, nervous system, and movement patterns — and how his Baber Method helps retrain the nervous system to restore normal function. This conversation will completely change how you think about pain, recovery, and performance. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why chronic pain often persists long after tissues have healed  ✅ How the brain and nervous system control pain perception  ✅ What happens when your nervous system becomes sensitized  ✅ Why traditional stretching and strengthening sometimes fail  ✅ The connection between the motor cortex, sensory cortex, and movement  ✅ How the Neural Activation Screen helps retrain the brain  ✅ How wearable bio-frequency patches stimulate and calm the nervous system  ✅ Why chronic pain sufferers are often “wired differently”  ✅ How to retrain your nervous system and restore normal function  ✅ What this means for athletes, active adults, and anyone stuck in pain Chronic pain is not just physical — it is neurological. The Baber Method provides a brain-based approach to retraining the nervous system and restoring proper communication between the brain and body. If you’ve been dealing with pain for months or years despite doing everything right, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more episodes on performance, recovery, and becoming a Comeback Athlete.

Are your symptoms really caused by hormone imbalances—or are lifestyle, stress, and nutrition the real culprits? In this episode, I sit down with Jill Thornton, hormone health expert and founder of Breakthrough by Jill, to break down what’s actually holding most people back from feeling, looking, and performing their best. 🟢 In this episode, we cover: How to tell the difference between true hormone dysfunction vs lifestyle/nutrition issuesCommon signs of cortisol, insulin, thyroid, and metabolic stressWhy so many people assume “hormones are broken” when the fix is simplerThe peptide boom — what’s legit, what’s overhyped, and what to consider before using themWhere the fitness industry gets it wrong with fat loss and hormone healthThe basics most people ignore that would dramatically improve their healthWhat to focus on this week to get real momentum without chasing quick fixes🟢 Who this episode is for: Former athletes feeling stuck despite “doing everything right”Busy adults confused by hormone talk onlineAnyone overwhelmed by conflicting fitness & health adviceCoaches looking to better understand hormones vs behavior🟢 Connect with Jill Thornton: Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/breakthroughbyjill/ Follow her for hormone education, metabolism insights, and practical health strategies🟢 Subscribe for more conversations on: Training like an athlete againSustainable fat loss & metabolismHormones, recovery, and long-term healthFitness that actually fits real life

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Lipson, a former CrossFit Games athlete, strength coach, and the founder of ThunderBro. Dave shares his journey from competing at the highest levels of CrossFit to creating a movement that bridges the gap between bodybuilding and functional fitness. ✅ Dave’s transition from CrossFit to founding ThunderBro  ✅ The origins and vision behind ThunderBro  ✅ How hypertrophy training complements functional fitness  ✅ Lessons learned as an athlete, coach, and entrepreneur  ✅ Advice for athletes looking to train smarter and build muscle Whether you’re a CrossFitter, bodybuilder, or just someone looking to train smarter, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. 👉 Learn more about ThunderBro and their programs: https://thunderbro.com

In this inspiring episode of the Comeback Athlete podcast, we sit down with Elijah Muhammad—athlete, coach, father, and leader—to unpack his incredible journey. Raised in a poor community in Columbus, Ohio, Elijah found his way to Tennessee Tech, where chance encounters with legends like Dan Bailey and Rich Froning led him into the world of CrossFit. From there, he climbed to the CrossFit Games, competing at the sport’s highest level. We go deep into topics that matter: ✅ How faith shaped his path and decisions ✅ The role of family in his drive for success ✅ Why fitness is a tool for personal and community transformation ✅ His mission today—teaching youth CrossFit classes to impact the next generation ✅ The importance of being present and intentional as a father If you’re an athlete, a parent, or someone chasing purpose in your own journey, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 📌 Connect with Elijah Muhammad: 🌐 https://ezmuhammad.com/ 📌 Let’s connect: 🎯 1:1 Coaching for Former Athletes → https://comeback-athlete.com 📺 Subscribe for more stories and training insights: [YouTube Link] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @comeback.athlete

In this episode of the Comeback Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Cheryl Brost, 3x CrossFit Games Champion and one of the most inspiring athletes in the sport. We talk about: ✅ Battling back from career-threatening injuries  ✅ What it takes to train like a champion in your 40s and beyond  ✅ The mindset shift needed to keep competing—and winning—through life’s ups and downs  ✅ Her legacy in CrossFit and what keeps her motivated today Whether you're a former athlete or just someone looking for a second wind in life, this episode will light a fire under you. 👉 Want to train like a champion again—without burning out or breaking down? Comeback Athlete offers personalized remote coaching for former athletes ready to look, feel, and perform like athletes again. 💪 Apply for 1:1 Coaching Today:  📩 comeback-athlete.com  📥 Or email us directly at: [email protected]

What does it mean to live a larger life? In this episode, I sit down with James Fitzgerald—founder of OPEX, CrossFit Games champion, and one of the deepest thinkers in the fitness world—to talk about the evolution of CrossFit and how fitness can (and should) serve a bigger purpose in our lives. We dive into: ✅ The early days and original vision of CrossFit ✅ Why James shifted away from the sport and toward individualized coaching ✅ The philosophy behind sustainable fitness and living with intention ✅ What it really means to pursue a “larger life” through movement ✅ Why fitness is a practice, not just a performance Whether you're a coach, former athlete, or someone rethinking your relationship with training, this episode will challenge and inspire you. 👉 Learn more about James at https://www.opexfit.com 🔥 Brought to you by Comeback Athlete We help former athletes look, feel, and perform like athletes again—with personalized training, nutrition, and coaching that fits real life. Learn more at https://comeback-athlete.com or follow us on IG @comeback_athlete

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Coach Mike Boyle—one of the most respected voices in strength & conditioning—to talk about the transition from sport to lifelong fitness. Whether you're a former athlete trying to find your rhythm again, or a coach guiding others through that shift, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom and hopeful perspective. We dive deep into:  ✅ Why training still matters when sport ends  ✅ The identity crisis many former athletes face  ✅ Common pitfalls ex-athletes fall into  ✅ How to train smarter, not just harder, in your 30s, 40s, and beyond  ✅ The biggest changes Mike has seen in the fitness industry  ✅ What he's hopeful for in the future of coaching and training ✅ Simple, sustainable practices to stay athletic for life Coach Boyle also shares powerful stories from his 40+ years coaching athletes at every level—and what he's learned about movement, mindset, and meaning long after the final whistle. 🌐 Learn more about Mike Boyle & MBSC: 👉 https://www.bodybyboyle.com/ 📘 Check out his books & certifications:  👉 New Functional Training for Sports 👉 Advances in Functional Training 👉 CFSC: https://www.certifiedfsc.com/ 💪 Comeback Athlete helps former athletes look, feel, and perform like athletes again. We build customized strength, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching programs to reignite your purpose, power, and performance. 📲 Learn more at: https://www.comeback-athlete.com  📩 Contact: [email protected]  📸 Follow us on IG: @comeback.athlete 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to:  ✅ Like  ✅ Subscribe  ✅ Drop a comment on your biggest takeaway!

What happens when the competition ends but your love for movement stays? In this powerful episode, Coach Blake sits down with Marcus Filly — former CrossFit Games athlete and founder of Functional Bodybuilding — to talk identity, purpose, and rediscovering the joy of training. ✅ What Marcus misses about CrossFit ✅ How it felt to leave the sport and lose a big part of his identity ✅ Why high-level athletes often feel lost after the “glory days” ✅ How he fell back in love with training — on his terms ✅ The birth of Functional Bodybuilding ✅ What former athletes can do to find passion in fitness again ✅ One mindset shift that changed everything for Marcus ✅ Encouragement for anyone in a season of reinvention If you’ve ever asked, “Who am I without the sport?” — this episode is for you. 🟥 SUBSCRIBE for more stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help former athletes train for life again. 🖤 Learn more about coaching: https://comeback-athlete.com 📲 Follow us on IG: @comeback.athlete | @marcusfilly 🎯 Apply for Coaching: [Insert Calendly or Leadform Link] #IdentityShift #RediscoverFitness #MarcusFilly #FunctionalBodybuilding #ComebackAthlete #FormerAthlete #AthleteMindset #Podcast

Is Vitality Just BS? With Michael Bann — Why Mobility Screens, Pain, and "Wellness" Need a Reality Check 📝 Episode Overview: In this unfiltered 60-minute conversation, Coach Blake sits down with veteran coach and educator Michael Bann to challenge mainstream fitness narratives around vitality, mobility, and pain. If you’re tired of gimmicks and want the truth about long-term health, this one’s for you. ✅ Who Michael Bann is and his 15+ years of experience in the fitness industry  ✅ Why many mobility and FMS assessments are just scalable sales tools  ✅ How the reality of pain and getting out of it is much more nuanced than people think  ✅ The problem with treating "vitality" like a product or checklist  ✅ What practical approaches to training and lifestyle actually support long-term health  ✅ Mindset shifts coaches and athletes need to move from fixing problems to building resilience

What happens when training becomes a burden instead of a blessing? In this episode, I sit down with coach Misbah Haque to talk about how to bring purpose, fun, and sustainability back into training—especially for burned-out CrossFit athletes who’ve lost their spark. We cover:  ✅ Early signs of burnout and athlete fatigue  ✅ Common struggles among ex-competitors and overtrained athletes  ✅ How to rebuild trust in your body and enjoy training again  ✅ Shifting from intensity to intentionality  ✅ Programming strategies that reduce pain and increase consistency  ✅ Emotional patterns in burned-out athletes (and how to coach through them)  ✅ The difference between training for competition vs longevity  ✅ What athletes really want once the scoreboard fades Whether you're a former competitor or coach, this episode will show you how to build—not burn—the athletes you work with (or yourself). 🎧 Listen On: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout | YouTube 🔗 Connect with Misbah: Instagram: @misbah.haq Website: misbahhaque.com 💬 Let’s Work Together: Apply for coaching → comeback-athlete.com/apply 🔖 Hashtags (YouTube & IG): #BuiltNotBurnt #ComebackAthlete #BurnoutRecovery #FormerAthlete #CrossFitCoach #PainFreeTraining #AthleteMindset #SustainableFitness #MisbahHaque #BlakeScheidtPodcast #RemoteCoaching

What happens when training becomes a burden instead of a blessing? In this episode, I sit down with coach Misbah Haque to talk about how to bring purpose, fun, and sustainability back into training—especially for burned-out CrossFit athletes who’ve lost their spark. We cover:  ✅ Early signs of burnout and athlete fatigue  ✅ Common struggles among ex-competitors and overtrained athletes  ✅ How to rebuild trust in your body and enjoy training again  ✅ Shifting from intensity to intentionality  ✅ Programming strategies that reduce pain and increase consistency  ✅ Emotional patterns in burned-out athletes (and how to coach through them)  ✅ The difference between training for competition vs longevity  ✅ What athletes really want once the scoreboard fades Whether you're a former competitor or coach, this episode will show you how to build—not burn—the athletes you work with (or yourself). 🎧 Listen On: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout | YouTube 🔗 Connect with Misbah: Instagram: @misbah.haq Website: misbahhaque.com 💬 Let’s Work Together: Apply for coaching → comeback-athlete.com/apply 🔖 Hashtags (YouTube & IG): #BuiltNotBurnt #ComebackAthlete #BurnoutRecovery #FormerAthlete #CrossFitCoach #PainFreeTraining #AthleteMindset #SustainableFitness #MisbahHaque #BlakeScheidtPodcast #RemoteCoaching

🎙️ 3 Killers of Testosterone & How to Get It Back Naturally Welcome to the Comeback Athlete Podcast — today we’re diving deep into the 3 biggest reasons your testosterone might be tanking… and how to naturally bring it back without pills, injections, or gimmicks. If you’ve been feeling tired, soft around the midsection, unmotivated, and not quite like yourself — this episode is for you. ✅ In this episode, we cover: • The Top 3 Testosterone Killers every man should avoid • How stress, poor sleep, and processed foods destroy your hormones • Why overtraining (yes, too much exercise) can make things worse • What aromatization is — and how fat turns your testosterone into estrogen • How blood sugar swings and alcohol crash your T levels • Common signs of low testosterone (even without lab tests) • Simple, proven strategies to rebuild testosterone naturally 💪 Natural Testosterone Boosters We Break Down: Resistance training done right High-fat, nutrient-dense meals Deep sleep strategies Lowering cortisol through lifestyle Key supplements (D3, magnesium, zinc, creatine) 🧠 This one’s easy to follow — even a 5th grader could get it. We break it down simply so you can take action today. 👇 Apply for Coaching: Ready to start your comeback and build a body that performs again? 📲 https://comeback-athlete.com 🔔 Like, Subscribe, and Share this with a friend who’s been feeling off and wants to get their edge back. #testosterone #menshealth #comebackathlete #hormones #naturaltestosterone #fitnessformen #athletelifestyle #stressrecovery #strengthtrainingtips

✅ Nick Cheesman’s coaching background ✅ His college soccer experience and how it shaped his coaching philosophy ✅ Competing in CrossFit and Hyrox ✅ The challenges and rewards of training for functional fitness competitions ✅ Preparing for fatherhood and its impact on his training philosophy ✅ How Nick’s coaching approach has evolved over time ✅ Helping former athletes reconnect with their peak performance