Ever wondered what it's really like to volunteer at the CrossFit Games?

In this episode of Savagely Scaled, Blake takes you behind the scenes of the 2026 CrossFit Games and shares what it's like to wear the black volunteer shirt. From the application process and early mornings to setting up events, working Fan Experience, touring the legendary Ranch, and meeting athletes from around the world, this episode gives you a perspective most fans never get to see.

Blake and Joyce also talk about:

• How to apply to volunteer for the CrossFit Games.

• What volunteers actually do each day.

• The incredible organization that goes into running the Games.

• Funny behind-the-scenes stories (including a few awkward athlete encounters!).

• The friendships built with volunteers from across the globe.

• Why volunteering gave Blake a whole new appreciation for the CrossFit community.

Whether you've dreamed of volunteering one day or just want to know what happens behind the cameras, this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and a reminder of why the CrossFit community is so special.

If you've ever volunteered at a CrossFit event, we'd love to hear your experience! Send us a message.

📩 Email: savagelyscaled1@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @savagelyscaled

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review, follow the podcast, and share it with a friend. Every share helps us continue bringing stories from the CrossFit community to athletes everywhere. We appreciate every single one of you—thanks for listening to Savagely Scaled!

Episode 94: Building Stronger Communities with Dave Rafuse

What makes someone stay at a gym? Is it the workouts... or the people?

This week on Savagely Scaled, Blake and Joyce sit down with Dave Rafuse, longtime affiliate owner, entrepreneur, and creator of the new Train With Us platform, to talk about one of the biggest challenges in fitness today: building genuine community in a digital world.

Dave shares his journey from the early days of CrossFit to owning a thriving affiliate with hundreds of members, becoming one of the first HYROX affiliates in Eastern Canada, and developing a platform designed to help gyms create stronger member connections both inside and outside the gym.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dave's CrossFit journey and how the sport has evolved.

• The explosive growth of HYROX and what it means for everyday athletes.

• Why community—not equipment—is what keeps members coming back.

• How coaches can improve member retention through meaningful relationships.

• Building friendships as adults through fitness.

• The role of "micro communities" within an affiliate.

• How the new Train With Us app helps gyms connect members, improve communication, and strengthen coaching relationships.

• Dave's vision for the future of fitness and why he believes community is the key to changing lives.

Whether you're a coach, affiliate owner, or someone who simply loves the community your gym has given you, this conversation is packed with insights on why connection is just as important as training.

A huge thank you to Dave Rafuse for joining us and sharing his passion for growing stronger communities.

📩 Have a guest suggestion, gym story, or episode idea? We'd love to hear from you!

Email: savagelyscaled1@gmail.com
Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @savagelyscaled

As always, thank you for listening and supporting Savagely Scaled.

Stay Savagely Scaled!

.In Episode 93 of Savagely Scaled, Blake and Joyce dive into a topic every athlete faces but doesn't always talk about enough: boundaries.

Whether you're a competitive CrossFitter, a busy parent trying to make class, or someone balancing work, family, and fitness, it's easy to feel like you have to say yes to everything. Extra workouts. Competitions. Social events. Coaching. Helping everyone else before helping yourself.

This episode explores why healthy boundaries aren't selfish—they're essential for staying consistent, avoiding burnout, and continuing to enjoy the sport we all love.

• Recognizing when your schedule is becoming too much

• The difference between discipline and burnout

• Setting boundaries with training, work, family, and social commitments

• Why recovery deserves just as much attention as your workouts

• Learning to say "no" without feeling guilty

• Protecting your mental health and energy

• Personal stories from Blake and Joyce about balancing CrossFit, coaching, family, work, and the podcast

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like fitness was becoming another obligation instead of something you love, this conversation is for you.

Thank you for being part of the Savagely Scaled community! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it helps us reach more athletes and continue sharing stories from the CrossFit community.

Have a topic you'd like us to cover? A funny gym story? A question for Blake and Joyce? We'd love to hear from you!

📩 Email us at savagelyscaled1@gmail.com

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Thank you for listening, and as always...

Stay Savage. Stay Scaled. We'll see you in the next episode!

Episode 93: Boundaries Like a Savage – Protecting Your Time, Energy & TrainingIn this episode, we discuss: