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Arielle Gallagher is back in the ring. When Arielle first joined CruciFit, she shared her testimony and the journey that brought her to Jesus. Now she returns to talk about what God has been doing since—and how He’s calling her to help others follow Him. In this episode, Arielle joins Aaron and Crystal for an honest conversation about discipleship, sharing your faith, and learning to trust God with the outcome. She explains why we’re called to be vessels, not reservoirs: receiving what God gives us and being willing to pour it into the lives of others. Drawing from her experience as a boxing coach, Arielle explores the importance of knowing who’s in your corner, speaking truth with discernment, and helping people take their next step without trying to do their reps for them. The conversation also touches on surrender, pride, vulnerability, Scripture, and the courage to reach out when someone is on your heart. God has brought you through something. Who might need to hear your story? Key topics From testimony to discipleshipBeing a vessel, not a reservoirSharing your faith and asking good questionsPlanting seeds and trusting God with the growthSpeaking truth with discernment and loveBoxing, coaching, and having someone in your cornerSurrendering control and prideVulnerability and letting others see God’s grace in your storyListening, praying, and reaching out to othersScripture, spiritual growth, and reflecting ChristKeywords CruciFit, CruciFit Podcast, Arielle Gallagher, Back Into the Ring, Christian podcast, Christian discipleship, sharing your faith, Great Commission, Christian testimony, faith in action, Christian evangelism, how to share your faith, vessel not a reservoir, spiritual growth, Christian boxing, faith and fitness, Christian community, prayer, surrender to God, discipleship and mentorship, speaking truth in love

Faith is easy to talk about when life feels steady. What happens when unexpected news brings you to your knees? This week, Aaron and Crystal share an honest conversation just days after Crystal’s youngest daughter received a type 1 diabetes diagnosis—the second of her three daughters to face it. There’s no neatly wrapped ending. Crystal is still processing the grief, the questions, and the daily realities of caring for her family. Through tears, prayer, and moments of unexpected peace, she shares what it looks like to keep turning toward Jesus while the pain is still fresh. Together, we wrestle with surrender, the limits of our control, and trusting God when the future looks different from what we imagined. We also reflect on the support of Christian community and the love that shows up through practical acts of care. If you’re walking through something you didn’t choose, we hope this conversation encourages you to bring it honestly to Christ. You don’t have to wait until you have the words—or until the tears stop—to come to Him. Key topics: • Trusting God through unexpected hardship • Parenting through a child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis • Grief, questions, and honest prayer • Surrendering control and expectations for the future • Experiencing peace while circumstances remain difficult • Receiving prayer and support from Christian community • Following Jesus in the middle of an unfinished story Lift heavy. Pray hard.

Does Jesus get your best - or what’s left after everything else? Guy Duplantier returns for his fourth appearance on CruciFit, joining Aaron and Crystal for an honest conversation about putting Jesus first in the middle of everyday life. Through stories from a month of bowhunting, we explore how good things - our passions, careers, success, and even ministry - can become idols. Guy shares his struggle with returning to something he loves without letting it take God’s place, and how scripture, prayer, and fellowship helped him find a new purpose within the hunt. We also get personal about people pleasing, pride, and wanting recognition. What happens when even the things we do for God become opportunities to seek approval for ourselves? From conversations at camp to the daily reps of building a relationship with Jesus, Episode 41 challenges us to examine what gets our best attention—and offers a simple place to start. KEY TOPICS • Putting Jesus first in everyday life • Recognizing idols in good things • Faith, ambition, and success • People pleasing and seeking God’s approval • Pride and recognition within ministry • Building a daily relationship through prayer and scripture • Obedience, surrender, and fear of backsliding • Christian brotherhood and fellowship on the mountain • Using your passions to serve God and others • Bowhunting, faith, and lessons beyond a successful hunt • Shadow reps: the unseen habits that strengthen your faith What’s one thing you could put down this week to spend time with Jesus? Subscribe to CruciFit for honest conversations about faith, discipline, and becoming who God has called you to be. Share this episode with someone who needs the challenge. #CruciFit #JesusFirst #ChristianPodcast

Train hard. Stay humble. Love people. In Episode 40, Aaron and Crystal sit down with Hannah Blair Jansen, CrossFit athlete and co-owner of Train HUMBL on Australia’s Gold Coast, for a warm conversation about faith, fitness, and the people who make life richer. Hannah shares her journey from professional ballet to CrossFit, the unexpected beginnings of owning a gym with her husband Theo, and their desire to build a place where people feel welcomed, encouraged, and loved. She reflects on how everyday kindness can open meaningful conversations about Jesus. After a serious knee injury at the Torian Pro, Hannah found herself learning a different kind of strength: patience, asking for help, and allowing others to care for her. Through meals, visits, and practical support, the community she helped build showed up for her—and a slower season created more room for prayer and Scripture. An honest, joyful conversation about staying humble, receiving love, and living your faith through the way you treat people. Key Topics: • Hannah’s journey from professional ballet to CrossFit • Building community at Train HUMBL • Sharing faith through kindness and everyday actions • Recovering from a serious knee injury at Torian Pro • Learning to ask for help and receive support • Making room for prayer, Scripture, and patience Subscribe to CruciFit for honest conversations about following Jesus, training hard, and living your faith. #CruciFit #ChristianPodcast #CrossFit

This week, Aaron and Crystal trade the guest interview for a conversation on the couch, answering questions sent in by CruciFit listeners. They begin with one of the hardest: If I believe God has forgiven me, why do I still feel guilty? Aaron shares a story from his past to explain the difference between justice, mercy, and grace. Together, they discuss why accepting forgiveness can take more than understanding it intellectually. They talk about repentance, bringing hidden shame into the light, forgiving yourself, and the daily practice of praying and returning to Scripture when your feelings haven’t caught up with what you believe. Crystal also shares a personal moment that makes their conversation about forgiving others more than a theoretical question. Then they move into the questions people often hesitate to ask out loud: Why believe in Jesus when other faiths hold their beliefs just as strongly? How can you tell whether you’re feeling God’s presence? What do you owe a partner spiritually? Why does Christianity treat sex as sacred? Does science leave room for God? They also discuss right and wrong, modesty, evil, and a few unexpected rapid-fire questions. Aaron and Crystal don’t claim to have every answer. They share what they currently understand from Scripture, where their own experiences have shaped them, and where they’re still learning. If you’re wrestling with grace, carrying a question about faith, or wondering whether you’re allowed to ask it, this conversation is for you. Have a question for a future couch episode? Send it to CruciFit or leave it in the comments. Key topics: grace versus mercy; guilt and forgiveness; faith and other religions; recognizing God’s presence; right and wrong; relationships, sex, and modesty; and whether science leaves room for God.

Are you running ahead of Jesus, or holding back when He’s asking you to move? Brandon Shook joins Aaron and Crystal to talk about what it means to follow Jesus at His pace. Brandon shares how he came to faith, why he stepped into ministry with college students, and what it has taught him about trust, patience, and obedience. They also discuss Sabbath as intentional rest, the difference between introducing someone to Jesus and walking with them as a disciple, and the importance of a community that stays with you as your faith grows. Key topicsMoving when Jesus leads—and slowing down when He doesBrandon’s faith story and his work with FusionSpiritual growth, repentance, and being shaped over timeSabbath, rest, and making room for GodFollowing Jesus with intention in everyday lifeWhy conversion is the beginning of discipleshipHelping college students find Christian communityRaising children who come to own their faith

Dash Wong was born into paradise - but raised through hell. After a childhood marked by addiction, abuse, homelessness and abandonment, Dash found belonging as a Navy Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman. Special operations gave him purpose, identity and brotherhood - but it couldn’t answer the deepest questions created by his past. Then a Christian teammate gave him a simple challenge: stop relying on what other people say about God and ask Jesus directly if He is real. In this episode, Dash shares his extraordinary journey through military service, supernatural encounters, cancer, losing his identity, surviving a devastating construction accident and learning to forgive the parents who weren’t there. This isn’t simply a story about everything Dash survived. It’s about the God who was present through all of it - and how our testimony should always point beyond us to the King we carry. KEY TAKEAWAYS • You don’t have to take someone else’s word for who Jesus is—ask Him yourself. • God’s silence doesn’t necessarily mean God’s absence. • Your career, accomplishments and titles are things you’ve done—not who you are. • Following Jesus doesn’t promise an easy life; it gives suffering purpose. • Forgiveness can still hurt while being necessary. • Your testimony isn’t meant to elevate you—it’s meant to carry people toward Jesus. • People often encounter the gospel through how Christians live before they hear what Christians say. • What feels like the end of your service may be preparation for a greater assignment. CHAPTERS 00:00 – A Bible carried through war 05:35 – What a Navy SWCC actually does 07:30 – Born in paradise, raised through hell 17:40 – Homelessness, foster care and abandonment 32:05 – “That’s my son” 43:55 – The zero-option mentality 55:55 – When military service becomes your identity 58:25 – “Ask Jesus if He’s real” 01:01:55 – The first lightning strike 01:05:50 – Confronting God over his suffering 01:09:20 – Finding peace for the first time 01:13:10 – Loss, hatred and becoming a weapon 01:17:20 – Cancer at peak physical condition 01:28:40 – Selling everything and hitting the road 01:30:40 – Breaking down in Aspen 01:36:15 – Christianity as an insurance policy 01:39:50 – The prodigal son changes everything 01:44:10 – A life worth living through hardship 01:46:15 – The donkey carrying the King 01:48:10 – A greater kind of service 01:55:30 – Choosing joy regardless of circumstances 01:57:55 – Becoming the fifth Gospel 02:06:20 – Reconciliation and the bitter cup of forgiveness 02:14:55 – PTSD, adrenaline and losing your identity 02:21:55 – Who are you without the title? 02:25:45 – There is still hope KEY TOPICS Christian testimony, Navy SWCC, special operations, childhood trauma, foster care, homelessness, spiritual warfare, encountering Jesus, faith and suffering, military transition, PTSD, identity, cancer survival, forgiveness, reconciliation, purpose, discipleship, Christian leadership and sharing the gospel. KEYWORDS Dash Wong, CruciFit Podcast, Christian testimony, Navy SWCC testimony, special operations veteran, military faith story, ask Jesus if He is real, finding Jesus, childhood trauma survivor, foster care testimony, veteran PTSD, military transition, identity after the military, Christian forgiveness, faith through suffering, cancer survivor testimony, spiritual warfare, prodigal son, Christian podcast, Christian men, faith and discipline CONTENT NOTE This episode includes discussion of childhood abuse, addiction, sexual violence, suicide, combat trauma and serious injury.

In this episode, we sit down with competitive CrossFit athlete Anna Meredith to talk about the quiet obedience that can change more lives than we ever realize. During one of the darkest periods of her life, a friend repeatedly invited Anna to church. Anna eventually said yes—and that invitation began a ripple that would later reach Ty Jenkins, Fee Saghafi and many others within the CrossFit community. Anna shares how her faith carried her through three consecutive years of family loss, moving 13 hours from home at just 18 and learning to separate her identity from her performance as an athlete. She also takes us inside the moment her heart unexpectedly stopped twice just days before competition. After receiving a pacemaker and being unable to lift even 20 pounds, Anna was forced to surrender the plan she had built and trust the one God was writing. Six weeks later, she returned to the competition floor—and somehow hit a new snatch PR. This episode is about interrupted plans, persistent faith and the extraordinary ripple created by one ordinary invitation. TAKEAWAYS • One invitation can influence far more people than we may ever see. • Sometimes showing up before we feel ready is the first step toward transformation. • Our performance may reveal areas for growth, but it does not define our identity. • We can make plans while still surrendering the outcome to God. • Hard seasons can deepen our faith when we choose to lean toward God instead of away. • Sharing our faith becomes easier through repetition and seeing its impact. • God can use interruptions to reshape our priorities, perspective and purpose. • The next generation is increasingly willing to speak boldly and unapologetically about Jesus. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome Anna Meredith 04:49 – Discovering CrossFit and competitive training 07:29 – Moving 13 hours from home at 18 10:11 – Learning to trust God’s plan 11:02 – Losing three family members in three years 13:38 – The friend who kept inviting Anna to church 15:39 – Keep showing up, even when it feels mechanical 18:04 – Anna’s decision to be baptized 22:31 – The ripple effect of one invitation 24:57 – Bringing faith into the CrossFit community 26:51 – Building confidence to talk about Jesus 28:32 – Sharing faith behind the competition floor 29:32 – Separating identity from performance 33:08 – The unexpected trip to the hospital 36:05 – Anna’s heart stops twice 36:46 – Receiving a pacemaker 37:51 – Wrestling with “Why me?” 38:55 – When God interrupts your plan 40:22 – Starting over with an empty barbell 41:31 – Returning to competition six weeks later 42:12 – An unexpected snatch PR 43:07 – Why Anna’s dad needed to be there 45:03 – Anna’s upcoming competition goals 47:12 – Helping athletes navigate grief and adversity 50:15 – Trusting God without immediate answers 51:20 – A generation speaking boldly about faith 55:43 – Young Christians gathering at Passion 01:03:38 – Who should join CruciFit next? 01:05:13 – Anna’s current favorite worship music

Episode SummaryThis episode, we sit down with Adam Everett, founder of the Ndure Project and Desert City Classic, for a conversation that lands right at the heart of CruciFit: faith isn’t meant to make us comfortable—it’s meant to transform us. We talk about why doing hard things matters, the power of shared suffering and community, and how physical challenges can prepare us to endure the trials life inevitably brings. Adam also opens up about burnout, doubt, marriage, and a season when everything looked successful from the outside while he felt completely empty on the inside. From faith and fitness to leadership, relationships and learning to stop carrying everything alone, this conversation is a reminder that the testing isn’t always something to escape. Sometimes, it’s exactly where God is building the endurance we’ll need for what comes next. Faith that isn’t tested can’t be trusted. Key TakeawaysFaith that isn’t tested can’t be trusted.Comfort can quietly become an idol—and hard doesn’t mean we’re on the wrong path.Physical challenges can train us to endure difficult seasons mentally, spiritually and emotionally.We weren’t designed to carry everything alone; community and shared suffering matter.Success on the outside doesn’t necessarily mean we’re healthy on the inside.Faith and fitness shouldn’t live in separate compartments—how we live matters as much as what we know.Strong leadership is less about forcing results and more about stewarding environments that produce fruit.Chapters00:00 — Welcome & Getting to Know Adam 08:00 — Rucking, Faith & Carrying Weight 16:45 — Building the Desert City Classic 20:00 — When Faith & Fitness Collide 30:00 — Brotherhood & the Ndure Project 39:00 — Why Hard Challenges Change Us 43:00 — Adam’s Journey to Faith & Ministry 51:30 — Fatherhood, Leadership & Becoming Better 53:00 — Burnout, Doubt & Feeling Far From God 58:50 — Faith That Isn’t Tested Can’t Be Trusted 1:02:00 — The Idol of Comfort 1:04:40 — The Power of Shared Suffering 1:07:00 — Leadership That Produces Fruit 1:08:00 — Why We Need Hard Things 1:13:00 — Final Thoughts & What Comes Next

In this episode, Ty Jenkins shares his inspiring journey of faith and CrossFit, highlighting how spiritual growth and athletic pursuit can intertwine. Discover how mentorship, overcoming doubts, and embracing God's plan can transform lives at any age. Ty Jenkins shares his journey of faith, athletic career, and how he integrates his beliefs into his sport and life. This episode offers insights into trusting God's plan, the importance of community, and living boldly for Christ. Takeaways Faith and fitness intersect in powerful waysMentors play a crucial role in shaping one's faith journey Personal experiences shape one's faith journeyContemporary Christian churches play a significant role in shaping faith experiencesMentorship and guidance are crucial in spiritual growthYounger generations have a powerful impact on the future of faithOpen-handed trust in God's plan leads to meaningful outcomes Faith and Sport: Ty Jenkins discusses the intersection of faith and sport, highlighting the challenges and rewards of being open about his faith in the public eye.Mentorship and Community: Ty emphasizes the importance of mentors and community in his journey, showcasing the impact of relationships on personal and spiritual growth. Chapters 00:00 Faith in the CrossFit Space03:00 The Role of Mentors in Faith10:58 The Impact of Testimony and Purpose22:58 The Journey of Faith and Fitness34:58 Personal Faith Journey36:38 Influence of Contemporary Christian Churches38:35 Mentorship and Guidance in Faith42:41 Impact of Younger Generations on Faith46:27 Open-Handed Trust in God's Plan01:05:23 CrossFit Career and Faith01:24:19 Favorite Worship Songs and Church Community01:26:40 Balancing Faith and Sport

No guests this week, just a dive into the sanctification process, the voice of God, the power of repentance, the daily practice of sanctification, and building a relationship with God. Join us as we discuss the themes of personal transformation and refinement over the first year of our faith journey, and the impact of prior lifestyle on new perspectives. Takeaways Sanctification is an ongoing process of spiritual refinement.Repentance and seeking advice are essential in the journey of faith.Building a relationship with God requires daily commitment and perseverance. Trusting God's planEmbracing personal transformation and faith journey Chapters 00:00 The Sanctification Process04:58 The Voice of God09:22 The Power of Repentance16:30 The Daily Practice of Sanctification27:37 Building a Relationship with God28:58 The Refinement Process31:28 Trusting God's Plan33:20 Emotional Regulation and Expression36:20 The Role of Chat GPT and Self-Reflection45:22 Seeking Good and Separating from Evil46:54 Personal Transformation and Faith Journey48:22 Impact of Prior Lifestyle and New Perspectives55:27 Active Christianity in the Western World

In this episode, we explore the cultural differences between Australia and the United States through personal stories and observations from a recent trip. From food and sports to safety and everyday life, discover what makes Australia unique and what Americans might find surprising. Join us as we explore the unique gym and church cultures in Australia, the impact of faith on community, and personal growth from travel experiences. Discover insights on humility, faith, and living intentionally. Takeaways Cultural DifferencesFood and Cuisine Cultural DifferencesTaxation and PricingWildlife EncountersGym CultureChurch Experience Cultural differences in religious practicesAppreciation for intentional living Chapters 00:00 Cultural Differences02:02 Food and Cuisine21:33 Cultural Differences22:22 Taxation and Pricing25:07 Wildlife Encounters26:38 Gym Culture38:03 Church Experience43:11 Cultural Observations44:11 Surprises and Insights47:46 Lessons Learned and Takeaways52:00 Reflections and Gratitude56:06 Transition to Conclusion

In this episode, Jeff Lucia shares his powerful journey from addiction and incarceration to faith, sobriety, and purpose. His story highlights the transformative power of God's grace, intentional living, and the importance of community and accountability. Takeaways Intentional LivingThe Power of Transformation Addiction RecoveryFaith and Redemption Faith overcomes fearGod's grace and forgivenessThe power of transformation through sobriety Chapters 00:00 The Power of Intentional Living06:06 The Journey of Transformation29:00 The Impact of Addiction32:30 From Prison to Redemption33:46 Alcohol and Addiction35:15 Finding Faith and Sobriety36:04 The Journey of Recovery58:30 Facing Demons of the Past01:04:59 Walking in God's Grace01:05:29 The Journey of Sobriety01:06:29 The Responsibility of Grace01:07:15 The Struggle with Shame01:08:10 Reputation and Redemption01:08:40 The Power of Willingness01:09:27 Walking in Faith01:12:19 Discovering God's Calling01:14:11 The Journey of Self-Sufficiency01:15:31 Trusting in God's Plan01:16:27 The Blessings of Obedience01:17:09 The Journey of Transformation01:16:57 The Power of Faith and Peace01:17:39 The Journey of Gratitude01:18:48 The Power of Faith and Surrender01:20:13 The Journey of Self-Discovery01:21:01 The Power of Faith and Trust01:22:00 The Journey of Faith and Calling01:23:21 The Power of Faith and Purpose01:24:40 The Journey of Faith and Energy01:25:27 The Power of Faith and Trust01:26:08 The Journey of Faith and Peace01:27:14 The Power of Faith and Gratitude01:28:20 The Journey of Faith and Trust01:29:19 The Power of Faith and Self-Sufficiency01:30:21 The Journey of Faith and Calling01:31:09 The Power of Faith and Contentment01:32:15 The Journey of Faith and Blessings01:33:10 The Power of Faith and Transformation01:34:35 The Journey of Faith and Redemption01:35:40 The Power of Faith and Gratitude

In this episode, we sat down with Zach Renner to hear the incredible story of how God completely changed the course of his life. We talked about the moments that woke him up to God's presence, the unexpected encounters that left no doubt in his mind, and how those experiences reshaped his faith forever. We also unpacked what it looks like to trust God when life doesn't make sense—walking through hardship, rebuilding faith after brokenness, resisting temptation, and learning to follow God's direction even when the path ahead isn't clear. Zach opened up about some of the highest highs and deepest lows he's ever experienced, including moments of overwhelming joy, undeniable encounters with God, and a heartbreaking loss that ultimately revealed a greater purpose. Throughout the conversation, we explored how God meets us in the middle of our struggles, why our testimonies matter, and how prayer and obedience can change everything. If you've ever wrestled with God, questioned His plan, or needed hope in the middle of difficult circumstances, this episode is for you. If you feel moved to donate to Meridian's daughters, please do so through their GoFundMe. The National Domestic Violence phone number is 1-800-799-SAFE or you can visit the website at TheHotline.org for support. Takeaways God's presence and guidanceThe impact of small actions and callings Faith and trust in GodFollowing God's guidance PresenceDivine Intervention God's presence in difficult timesThe power of prayer and obedience Chapters 00:00 A Journey of Faith02:51 Discovering God's Presence07:08 A Shift in Perception12:58 An Unexpected Experience22:00 A Moment of Certainty28:37 Awakened Athlete30:28 A Cry for Help33:20 Divine Intervention34:30 Rebuilding Faith39:47 Finding Purpose58:59 Navigating Temptation01:01:07 Overflowing with Joy01:04:04 A Divine Encounter01:26:31 A Heartbreaking Revelation01:41:17 Divine Intersections and Obedience01:42:16 The Reality of the Situation01:42:45 The Revelation from Zach's Dad01:46:10 The Wrestling with God01:50:22 The Impact of the Testimony01:55:00 The Call to Action

In this episode we caht with CrossFit Games representative, Fee Saghafi. Fee shares her inspiring journey of faith, her experience with CrossFit, and how her spiritual walk has transformed her life and athletic career. We explore the power of faith, authenticity in sharing beliefs, and the impact of community and church in personal growth. In this episode, Fee Saghafi and CruciFit Pod explore the intersection of faith, personal growth, and the transformative power of doubt and prayer. Takeaways Casual conversation eases guest interviewsPersonal testimony of faith and spiritual journeyImpact of a strong community in faith Relationship with Christ is about heart postureWorship can happen anywhere Faith and LeadershipSharing Faith Authentically Chapters 00:00 Behind the Scenes of Promotional Videos03:02 Connecting with the Community05:14 Spiritual Awakening and Testimony18:43 Finding a Church and Building Community30:00 Outpost Opportunities and Worship31:08 The Essence of Worship32:05 Finding the Right Church34:28 Doubt and Faith45:21 Answering the Call50:12 Baptism and Divine Messages57:22 Defending Loved Ones58:05 The Impact of Coaches58:45 The Power of Faith and Leadership59:16 The Courage to Share Faith01:00:16 The Role of Faith in Life01:01:12 The Cost of Faith01:02:11 The Journey of Faith01:03:43 The Fear of Sharing Faith01:04:22 The Honor of Sharing Faith01:05:18 The Joy of Answered Prayers01:06:14 The Courage to Pray for Others01:07:27 The Plan and Purpose of Faith01:08:11 The Excitement of Sharing Faith01:09:00 The Freedom to Share Faith01:10:29 The Honor of Sharing God's Word01:11:27 The Joy of Answered Prayers01:12:08 The Courage to Share Faith Boldly01:13:03 The Honor of Sharing God's Kingdom01:14:01 The Joy of Answered Prayers01:15:00 The Courage to Share Faith Authentically01:16:18 The Plan and Purpose of Faith01:17:09 The Joy of Answered Prayers01:18:09 The Honor of Sharing God's Kingdom01:19:07 The Courage to Share Faith Boldly01:20:05 The Joy of Answered Prayers01:21:36 The Plan and Purpose of Faith01:22:17 The Excitement of Sharing Faith01:23:03 The Freedom to Share Faith01:24:04 The Honor of Sharing God's Word01:25:13 The Joy of Answered Prayers01:26:26 The Courage to Share Faith Authentically01:27:52 The Plan and Purpose of Faith01:28:18 The Joy of Answered Prayers01:29:17 The Courage to Share Faith Boldly