Inside CrossFit: Dave Castro on Training, Games, and Building a Legacy (EP. 003)

In this episode, Denise Thomas sits down with Dave Castro to discuss the evolution of CrossFit from its early days to its current global impact. Dave shares stories from his 20-year journey, including:

• Early Beginnings: How he got involved in CrossFit around 2005 at the original HQ at CrossFit Santa Cruz, and his role in developing and scaling the early seminars into a global training business alongside Nicole Carroll.
• Standardizing Education: The process of shaping and standardizing CrossFit curriculum and training through seminars — detailing his experiences organizing, staffing, and refining the lecture format.
• Seminar Staff Development: Personal anecdotes on recruiting and mentoring Seminar Staff, the role of Flowmasters, and how consistent learning creates a lasting impact.
• The CrossFit Games and Open: Insights into the origins of the CrossFit Games and the evolution of the CrossFit Open.
• Personal Reflections: Understanding Dave as a leader in CrossFit, a media personality, and a husband/father.

Resources Mentioned:

• Register for the CrossFit Open: games.crossfit.com
• CrossFit Training Courses (Level 1 and Level 2)
• The First CrossFit Games (2007)

Community Highlight

This week’s community highlight features Rob Matthews, owner of CrossFit Pottstown in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Rob has been involved in CrossFit since 2003 and runs his gym as a nonprofit in an old National Guard armory. His rare business model — charging members on a sliding scale and funding programs through insurance and grants — supports recovery, at-risk youth, adaptive athletes, and military personnel.
Visit Pottstown Athletic Club for more information.

Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here!