Black Flag Radio

THANK YOU! A sincere thank you to our community, athletes, listeners all over. It is officially the end of an era. We are firing ourselves and closing up shop on Black Flag Radio. The last two and a half years cannot be expressed in words but we try our best to reflect on our community, ourselves, our guests, the podcast, the decision to refocus, changes, challenges, and opportunities that we have presented themselves. We are very proud of what we were able to accomplish with the show and immensely honored to share the mic with incredible athletes, coaches, authors, and experts from within Black Flag Athletics and abroad. We did it our way, we had the time our lives, and we hope you did too! 

Daire Fitzgerald of Sika Strength is an Olympic Weightlifting Coach who transitioned into competitive weightlifting after a severe Rugby injury. From his early teen days of Olympic Weightlifting for sports performance through to Undergraduate Studies in Exercise Science and  postgraduate studies in Sport Psychology Daire has become a highly knowledgeable and trusted coach. On this episode, we dig deep on why we train, on what motivates us, the process of training, intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, goal setting for long term success, highlighting small wins,  how to adjust to detours and reframe our goals, and the importance of having a life outside your sport, enjoy!

Suzy Sanchez, the current Director of Outreach & Scouting for USA Weightlifting, is our guest for this week's episode of Black Flag Radio. There is little that Suzy has not accomplished, a very decorated athlete, former Olympic Training Center resident, American Record Holder, club director, and National referee, she is now tasked with spearheading USAW efforts to continue to grow the sport of Olympic Weightlifting in a very unique environment. We discuss her path to her current role, how we can pivot as coaches, brainstorm ideas for continued growth and success of our teams, the variety of resources available to us and where to find them, as well as her special powers - enjoy!  

On episode 133 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio we get inside the mind of the creative genius behind Make WODs Great Again, John Wooley. Banking executive by day, he has taken MWGW and the associated podcast, Make PODs Great Again, from very humble beginnings to becoming two of the most popular channels in the functional fitness space. To coincide with the growth of his brand, John has been able to take his health and fitness to another level. Tune in to find out how John continues to thrive as meme lord, podcast host, and fitness enthusiast. 

Aimee Everett, coach and co-owner at Catalyst Athletics, is our guest for episode 132 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio. One of only 3 female International Coaches in USA Weightlifting, she has devoted almost 25 years to the sport of Olympic Weightlifting as an athlete and a coach. As we find out in this episode Aimee's goal is to help people become better in life and sport through mental work, strength, health and happiness—in and outside of the gym. On this episode we uncover her sixth sense when working with athletes; the power of intuition and self belief, the importance of having a personal connection, adaptability, ability to recognize emotions and communicate our feelings, showing our true strength, and always giving a little extra of yourself, enjoy!

Living what you love through a life of service has become the calling for this week's guest on Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio. On episode 131 we are joined by LeCharles Bentley of AMDG Sports. On the best NFL offensive linemen to play the game at this position, his career ended shortly due to injury. Ever since he has evolved to a fantastic teacher, uber successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. We discuss the value of connections, the importance of standing for something, continually paying it forward, finding fulfillment, taking steps back to take steps forward, having a clear vision and purpose, the realities of being an elite level football player, broadening your athletes horizons, and exemplifying your tribe - enjoy!

Episode 130 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio brings us back home. For this week's episode we have a very special co-host, Dave Ricci, and amazing guest, Dave's younger brother Scott Ricci. Scott was born with VATER syndrome, an extremely rare condition. What many might see as a disability, Scott has always seen it as an opportunity to develop as a person and an athlete. Find out what and how he shaped his mindset, what drives him everyday, and what the future holds for this already very accomplished young man, grab the tissues and enjoy!

Jocelyn Forest of Catalyst Athletics is our guest this week on episode 129 of Black Flag Athletics Radio. A brilliant Olympic Weightlifter, she has experienced success at every stage of her athletic career, from Softball, to CrossFit, to now the platform. We unravel the weightlifters journey; from being present and looking inward, living on the plateau, the highs and lows, loving the craft, tending to both mind and body, having discipline and creating a regiment that works for you, as well as training and motherhood. A fantastic conversation and insight from an elite athlete worthy of everyone's attention, enjoy!

This week we head to the Republic of Ireland! Episode 128 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio welcome Eoin Murphy of Sika Strength. Eoin is an Olympic Weightlifter who has competed at the European Championships multiple times as both a Junior and a Senior. He is a multiple time National Champion and National Record holder. We discuss his career and what currently drives him in his training, how we can up our game as athletes no matter the sport, what it takes and how hard you have to train to be the best at what you do, value of the growth mindset and self awareness, and what is the most important thing to become a great Olympic Weightlifter!

A couple of close friends of the Fam join us for episode 127 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio. This week we are joined by Dr. Matt Stevens and Dr. Ryan Summers of Pure Physio. We explore their growth and evolution during the pandemic, demonstrating value, filling the gap, staying ahead of the curve, developing coaches, and determining the future of the physical therapy profession. Can you have your cake and eat it too? Tune in to find out.

Another great conversation for episode 126 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio. This week we welcome Erin Vandendriessche of Root 18 CrossFit. We former diver, gymnast, and National Bar Champion shares her background and growth into an Elite level athlete. We explore Erin questioning herself, developing her mental approach and mindset, the road to the Games, her recent road to recovery, rebuilding as a better, stronger athlete, and what it will take to get back to the top, enjoy!

Welcome to Episode 125 of Black Flag Radio. This week's guest is the one and only Greg Everett of Catalyst Athletics. We discuss the factors that have led to the growth and success of Catalyst,  developing our coaching philosophy, as well as the value of purpose and intention as athletes and coaches. We also explore the definition of "Tough" (Greg's latest writing project), the practical steps and tools that can lead us to developing greater toughness, who actually needs and what would happen if no one came to save you. This is a no nonsense conversation that could potentially make us all better people, enjoy!

Episode 124 of Black Flag Radio is unlike any other. We welcome Nicole Fenix, the current Director of Faculty and Curriculum Development at the Cleveland School of Cannabis. A former D1 soccer standout at Xavier University, current elite soccer coach, marathon enthusiast, and educator of over 30 years, Nicole is now a very highly respected expert in the fields relating to the Endocannabinoid System, Medicinal Cannabis, CBD, hemp, and more. We explore the history and stigma related to medical marijuana and CBD, what we can do to protect ourselves as consumers, the benefits and any risk associated with their use, the appropriate methods of administration, impact on health as well as athletic performance, while also explaining the endocannabinoid system itself. With the growing popularity of these products, this is a conversation for everyone, and should not be missed!

From a closet size office to a state of the art health and wellness facility, Dr. Chad Teague of Code Chiro is a great success story. In episode 123 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio we dive into what has led to that success - from his business partner and wife to his approach with working with clients and athletes - and what he has learned from that growth. We also discuss the value of biomechanics and evaluating the quality of movement of both Pros and general population alike, creating and developing durable athletes, and changing the game, enjoy!

Episode 122 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio welcomes one of the fittest athletes on the planet, Feeroozeh Saghafi of CrossFit Mentality. We discuss Fee's athletic career and growth in the sport, from High School to the Games. We explore her approach, attitude, mindset, and other factors that have shaped her as a top level athlete. The conversation also reflects on understanding what we can control, goal setting, the significance of our environment, and the importance of continuing education, enjoy!

Welcoming an old friend to Black Flag Radio for Episode 121 of Black Flag Radio. We catch up with Mark Valenti of the Refined Savage Podcast and Blind Dog Gym to discuss our place in the fitness industry within the scope of the pandemic and what we can do to get our voice heard amid the chaos. We also cover the three pillars of BDG, what he prioritizes for his athletes, and the parameters of strength. The conversation isn't complete without touching on how we can evaluate which diet best suits us plus pointers on how to be less of an asshole, enjoy!

When you finally get at chance to discover and explore your identity, the possibilities are almost endless. On episode 120 of Black Flag Radio, we welcome our very own Laina Lamb and discuss not only starting new journeys but also breaking stereotypes and a few other topics never before talked about on the show. Tune in to find out how she overcame her internal resistance to change, created and cultivated new connections and relationships, and awakened her life, enjoy!

Welcome to a very very special recap episode of Black Flag Radio. This week we take a look back at our Top 5 episodes with our extended Black Flag Fam featuring Dani Speegle, Amanda Barnhart, Bethany Shadburne, Marcus Filly, and the dynamic duo of Dr. Cara Miller and Logan Gelbrich. Remember, our Maxing for Meals Challenge continues thru May 15th - let's continue doing our part to give back by raising funds and awareness for the Greater Cleveland Foodbank during the COVID-19 crisis.

In this week's episode of Black Flag Radio, our guest is Russell Koz. The former standout wrestler and multi-sport athlete opens up regarding the pitfalls of stress. We uncover the consequences of ignoring signs that can be detriment to both mental and physical health, how we was able to shift to a pattern of self awareness, and what how continues to work on his daily practice to develop as a an athlete, teammate, father and husband. Enjoy!

Cross country, marathons, long distance treks, running has been a part of Paige Nelson's life since childhood. On episode 117 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio, the crew get to know what got Paige running and what has kept her doing so for all these years. We also discuss the elusive runner's high, cross training and CrossFit for long distance enthusiasts to stay strong and healthy, as well as finer points of cooking your favorite dish, enjoy!