Takeaways:

• Vero's journey at Destination CrossFit began when a respected coworker introduced her to the community, sparking her interest in fitness.
• Initially intimidated by the environment, Vero found encouragement and support from fellow members, which helped her continue her CrossFit journey.
• Through prioritizing her fitness, Vero learned to balance her demanding job in the restaurant industry with her health goals.
• Vero emphasized the importance of nutrition, revealing that she learned to view food as fuel during her journey to improve her health.
• After overcoming significant back pain through rehabilitation, Vero returned to CrossFit stronger and more determined than ever to reach her fitness goals.
• Vero's commitment to her health has not only transformed her physically but has also enhanced her mental well-being and confidence in her personal and professional life.

Nikki Sharp is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CrossFit Level 3 Coach, and owner of Destination CrossFit in Walla Walla, WA. She has spent 20 years helping people build consistency, resilience, and mental strength.

And she has quit fitness more times than she can count.

In this honest, unscripted conversation, Erika Rootvik turns the tables and asks Nikki the questions she'd skip past if she were solo — about the quitting, the patterns, what she was actually carrying during those seasons, and what finally shifted.

This episode is for the person who looks fine on the outside but is quietly struggling to show up for themselves. The high performer who keeps restarting. The woman who knows what to do but can't seem to make herself do it.

Nikki makes the clinical case that fitness isn't optional — it's one of the most powerful mental health tools we have. And then she gets personal about what it took her to actually believe that.

💚 What you'll hear in this episode:

• Why Nikki kept quitting — and what was really going on underneath
• What 20 years of clinical work taught her about movement and mental health
• The CrossFit metaphors she actually uses in therapy sessions
• What she'd tell the version of herself who was quitting
• The minimum viable version of "actually doing the thing"

🎙️ Listen, subscribe, and share with one person who has quit and is ready to try again.

📍 Find Destination CrossFit: wwdcf.com 📱 Follow Nikki: @amitysharp #actuallydoingthings #getfitlivehappykeepgoing #crossfit #mentalhealth #podcast

Takeaways:

• Stephen Garnett emphasizes the significant influence of family fitness habits instilled during childhood.
• Engaging in regular physical activity serves as a vital form of therapy for both parents and children.
• The importance of modeling healthy behaviors for children to promote their lifelong fitness and well-being is paramount.
• Garnett discusses how homeschooling has allowed for deeper family connections and shared physical activities.
• Creating enjoyable and memorable family experiences through fitness fosters strong familial bonds and lasting memories.
• The journey of personal growth and fostering resilience in youth through sports is emphasized as essential for their development.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• CrossFit
• Northern Arizona University
• Whitman College
• YMCA
• OTT

Takeaways:

1. The podcast episode discusses recent experiences and insights gained from participating in a health integration summit with the CrossFit Medical Society.
2. One significant takeaway is the exploration of biomarkers and hormones, emphasizing their crucial roles in overall health and fitness.
3. Listeners are encouraged to engage in high-intensity exercise, as research suggests it is more beneficial for health than lower-intensity workouts.
4. The speakers reflect on their personal health journeys, highlighting the importance of regular blood work to monitor vital health markers and make informed lifestyle choices.
5. A key point made is about the necessity of understanding hormone health, particularly testosterone levels in women, as part of a comprehensive fitness regime.
6. The conversation reinforces the idea that physical fitness is a vital component of preventative care, contributing to long-term health and resilience against diseases.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. CrossFit Medical Society
2. High Rocks
3. CrossFit Counterculture
4. LabCorp
5. Walla Walla Clinic
6. Dr. Tom McCoy
7. DCF health
8. hsn

Nutrition isn’t just about what you eat — it’s about how you feel, how you think, and how you live.

In this episode of the Actually Doing Things Podcast, we unpack our personal histories with food, fitness, and fueling — and why nutrition deserves a thoughtful, trauma-informed, habit-based approach, especially in fitness spaces.

We start with our backgrounds in vegetarianism and flexible eating, sharing how family culture, texture aversions, ethics, and lived experience shaped our relationships with food. Rather than debating labels like “vegetarian” or “vegan,” we focus on what actually matters: feeling good after you eat and fueling yourself for the life you want.

From there, the conversation widens into how nutrition has been weaponized in modern culture, why it can be deeply triggering, and why we believe mental health is the true base of the health pyramid. Only then does nutrition make sense as support — not control.

We also introduce our upcoming habit-based nutrition program using Healthy Steps Nutrition (HSN). This approach looks beyond food alone and considers stress, support systems, sleep, self-care, fitness, and mindset — the other 23 hours of the day that actually shape our habits.

Along the way, we discuss:

1. Why mindfulness around food is helpful — and when it’s not
2. How CrossFit changed our relationship with fueling and body image
3. Why small, sustainable habits beat extreme overhauls
4. How nutrition affects kids’ energy, learning, and emotional regulation
5. Why one-size-fits-all approaches don’t work — in fitness or nutrition

This episode is for anyone who wants to improve their nutrition without shame, fear, or perfectionism — and who’s ready to build habits that support both physical and mental health.

What We Cover:

1. Personal experiences with vegetarianism and flexible eating
2. Ethical, psychological, and sensory factors that influence food choices
3. Why mental health comes before nutrition in our model of health
4. Trauma-informed language and coaching around food
5. Mindful eating vs. overthinking food
6. Fueling for fitness, parenting, work, and daily life
7. An overview of the Healthy Steps Nutrition (HSN) approach
8. Why habits, not willpower, drive long-term change

Key Takeaways:

1. Feeling good after you eat matters more than dietary labels
2. Nutrition is deeply connected to stress, mindset, and mental health
3. Sustainable habits start with awareness, not restriction
4. Fueling well supports performance, mood, and resilience
5. Small changes build momentum — you don’t need to do everything at once

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation

💬 Reflect on your own relationship with food and fueling

1. 📅 Stay tuned for our upcoming 28-Day Habit-Based Nutrition Challenge

Takeaways:

1. The podcast features a discourse on the intersection of health and fitness, particularly focusing on the role of CrossFit in enhancing physical well-being.
2. Jen, a nurse practitioner, elaborates on her experience with GLP1 medications and their efficacy in promoting weight loss and improving overall health.
3. In discussing women's health, particularly during perimenopause, Jen emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment and addressing hormonal imbalances for optimal health.
4. The episode highlights the significance of a holistic approach to health, integrating exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being in achieving long-term health goals.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. CrossFit
2. Skinsation
3. GLP1s
4. semiglutide
5. tirzepatide

Links referenced in this episode:

1. crossfit.com
2. skinsation.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. CrossFit
2. Skinsation
3. GLP1s
4. semiglutide
5. tirzepatide

Takeaways:

1. Dr. Karen Apple commenced her CrossFit journey in 2009 while stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
2. The transition to focusing on women's health has been a significant aspect of Dr. Apple's medical practice.
3. It is essential for women to understand that menopause does not have to be a period of suffering.
4. The importance of community in CrossFit has been emphasized as a vital support system during training and recovery.
5. Dr. Apple has found that consistent participation in workouts significantly aids in overcoming physical injuries.
6. Individualized approaches in both CrossFit training and naturopathic medicine are crucial for optimal health outcomes.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. CrossFit
2. Guantanamo Bay
3. Seattle
4. Walla Walla
5. Dr. Karen Apple
6. Dr. Stacy Sims
7. Rhonda Patrick
8. Dr. Michael Ross
9. Destination CrossFit

Takeaways:

1. The evolution of CrossFit for Steve has been profound, showcasing the transformative power of fitness over the years.
2. Steve's initial introduction to CrossFit stemmed from a workplace environment, illustrating how community can inspire personal growth.
3. The importance of perseverance is underscored by Steve's ability to push through challenging workouts, emphasizing mental fortitude.
4. Steve's journey in the wine industry reflects a parallel to his CrossFit experience, highlighting the significance of dedication in multiple life facets.
5. The podcast emphasizes the role of community support in CrossFit, demonstrating how shared experiences strengthen bonds among participants.
6. Reflecting on personal milestones in CrossFit, Steve notes that achieving personal records is a testament to enduring commitment and resilience.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Gramercy Cellars
2. Time and Direction
3. Ute CrossFit

• The profound nature of long-term friendships can significantly influence personal growth and resilience during life shifts.
• Navigating the complexities of overuse injuries requires a holistic understanding of body mechanics and personalized recovery strategies.
• Incorporating nutrition into fitness journeys can lead to substantial improvements in physical performance and overall well-being.
• The importance of adjusting training regimens according to individual needs cannot be overstated, particularly as one ages and experiences changes in their body.
• Maintaining a mindset focused on longevity rather than immediate performance can foster a more sustainable approach to fitness and health.
• Emphasizing self-compassion and kindness is crucial for both personal growth and effective coaching in the fitness industry.

Takeaways:

• Embarking on the journey of CrossFit was a formidable challenge, yet it became a significant source of personal strength and resilience for me.
• The supportive environment at Destination CrossFit fostered a sense of belonging, allowing me to overcome my fears of judgment and embrace my journey.
• Experiencing physical challenges in CrossFit not only transformed my body but also profoundly impacted my mental health and emotional well-being.
• I discovered that moving my body is a privilege, which has reshaped my perspective on fitness and self-love, empowering me to pursue my goals with vigor.

Erika Rootvik engages in a poignant dialogue with guest Zen Yacovelli, who shares her transformative journey through CrossFit—an expedition marked by self-discovery, resilience, and the unwavering support of a nurturing community. Zen reflects upon her initial hesitance to step into the world of fitness, plagued by fears of judgment and feelings of inadequacy. Inspired by her sister’s encouragement, she embarked on this path, only to unearth a profound sense of strength and empowerment that transcended the physical realm. The conversation intricately weaves through the emotional landscape of Zen's experiences, illuminating the pivotal role that perseverance and community play in overcoming life's adversities.

Throughout the episode, Zen articulates the myriad challenges she faced, from grappling with self-doubt to navigating the complexities of personal expectations. Her journey is not merely about achieving physical prowess but about cultivating mental resilience and emotional well-being. The gym environment, characterized by camaraderie and encouragement, serves as a crucible where Zen and others forge connections that uplift and inspire. Her anecdotes, including the exhilaration of conquering her first box jump, encapsulate the essence of personal victory over internal struggles, emphasizing the transformative potential inherent within each individual when they dare to confront their fears and embrace vulnerability.

As the discussion progresses, Zen emphasizes the shift in her mindset regarding movement and self-acceptance. No longer viewing her body through a lens of criticism, she has adopted a perspective that celebrates the joy of movement as a privilege. This redefined relationship with her physicality is emblematic of a broader message about self-love and the importance of fostering a supportive community. The episode culminates in a powerful affirmation of resilience—reminding listeners that amidst challenges, we possess the strength to rise, buoyed by the collective spirit of those around us, and that every step taken in the pursuit of wellness is a testament to our enduring capacity for growth and transformation.

Takeaways:

• Phil Oberg's journey in CrossFit began with curiosity and a friend's encouragement, leading to transformative fitness experiences.
• The welcoming atmosphere at Destination CrossFit invites individuals of all fitness levels to join and thrive in their community.
• Consistency in training, even when faced with challenges, has been pivotal in Phil's fitness journey and overall well-being.
• Listening to one's body and adjusting workouts accordingly is a crucial lesson learned throughout Phil's decade of training.
• The importance of community support in fitness cannot be overstated; personal connections enhance motivation and accountability.
• Nikki emphasizes the mental health benefits of engaging in fitness, highlighting its role as a stress reliever and source of refreshment.

Our guest shares why doing everything “right” doesn’t always guarantee the outcome you expect, what most people get wrong about the process, and the #1 lesson that applies to any long-term fitness goal: trust the process and don’t give up.

💡 You’ll learn:

Why one-size-fits-all training doesn’t work

How to navigate setbacks even when you’re following the plan

Why your long-term goals matter more than short-term results

Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, recovery, or just trying to stay consistent in your fitness journey—this episode will help you reframe what progress really means.

👉 Subscribe for more real conversations from our CrossFit community, and drop a comment: Do you think there should be universal training standards—or should it always be individualized?

In this episode, we dive into:

The debate around moms putting themselves first in fitness

Why self-care actually strengthens families and communities

The hard lesson of training through pain (and how to avoid it)

How to redefine intensity as you age and still keep your edge

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or affiliate owner, this conversation will challenge your thinking on what it means to prioritize health—and why it may be the most selfless thing you can do.

👉 Subscribe for more real conversations from our CrossFit community, and drop a comment: Do you think there should be universal training standards—or should it always be individualized?

If this episode challenged your perspective, share it with a coach, a parent, or anyone wrestling with the balance of family and fitness. And if you’ve had to make your own ‘selfish’ decision in fitness, drop it in the comments—we want to hear your story.

Together they unpack:

• 🏋️ The early days of the “shoebox” gym and what keeps people showing up a decade later
• 💪 The kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared suffering (and 5:30 a.m. workouts)
• ❤️ Scott’s powerful health journey through illness, surgery, and recovery—and why community was the lifeline
• 🧠 How fitness, aging, and mental health intersect (“Father Time is undefeated, but he’s influencable”)
• 🤝 Why you should stop looking for an accountability partner and be one
• 🦃 Family, legacy, and what it means to stay active together through every season

This is an honest talk about doing the hard things, finding connection, and redefining what strength looks like at every age.

🎧 Tune in, laugh a little, and remember—getting out of bed counts as a rep.

In this episode, we sit down with a physician and firefighter who faced the fear of public failure head-on. From racing in front of colleagues to discovering the liberating truth that “nobody cares” as much as you think, this conversation dives into ego, performance anxiety, and the lessons every athlete and coach can use.

We cover:

✅ The myth that “everyone’s watching” your performance

✅ Why “nobody cares” is actually the most freeing mindset

✅ The dangers of under-recovering (and how to fix it)

✅ Tools to measure recovery so your brain doesn’t lie to you

Whether you’re a habitual CrossFitter or athlete chasing big goals, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways to boost confidence, protect recovery, and tackle scary challenges with freedom.

👉 If this episode resonates, share it with a teammate or fellow coach who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that help affiliate owners and coaches grow inside and outside the gym.