Iron Operations

Kent Aitchison & Ami Tipper
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  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to Iron Operations, the podcast where high-level coaching meets the reality of business operations. Most people see the gym from the perspective of the whiteboard and the clock, we’re here to show you the side they don’t see. Hosted by Ami Tipper, marketing specialist and event logistics coordinator, and Kent Aitchison, 20-year veteran coach and owner of TCSC Kamloops, this show is a deep dive into what it actually takes to build a brand, a community, and a legacy that lasts. From the logistics of the CrossFit Open and the evolution of youth fitness standards to the "haymakers" of small business ownership and the systems that keep an affiliate profitable, we’re moving past the highlight reels to talk about the grit required to lead. Whether you’re a gym owner looking for tactical solutions, a coach leveling up your expertise, or an athlete curious about the "dark zone" of operations, Iron Ops is your behind-the-scenes pass to the work behind the work. New episodes monthly. Class is in session.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    The Psychology Behind Gamification in Sport

    Ever wonder why Apple Watch rings, Duolingo streaks, or Starbucks rewards are so insanely addictive? On this episode of Iron Operations, host Ami Tipper sits down with co-host Kent Aitchison to break down how to harness that exact same magic—gamification—to build habits, skyrocket member retention, and create an electric gym culture. Kent shares real-world lessons from his swim coaching days and gym ownership journey, pulling back the curtain on programs like his 2019 "Committed Club" and milestone awards. Whether you're an affiliate owner looking to level up member engagement or just trying to game your own daily habits, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement right away. Hit play and let's get into it! Connect with us on Instagram @TCSCKamloops and @CoachKentKamloops. If you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and leave us a five-star review! Hosted by Ami Tipper and Kent Aitchison, produced by Amirita Tipper Design Studios.

  2. Oct 12

    TCSC NextGen: Benchmarking Youth Fitness

    How do you build a youth fitness program that kids actually want to show up for? On this episode of Iron Operations, host Ami Tipper sits down with co-host Kent Aitchison to break down the philosophy and execution behind the TCSC NextGen program. If you are a gym owner, coach, or parent looking to inspire the next generation, this episode is a great resource in creating a program for youth athletic development. Kent pulls back the curtain on how to shift kids' training away from boring, repetitive drills and into an ecosystem driven by fun, structured testing, and deep community engagement. Together, Ami and Kent explore how smart gamification, age-appropriate physical benchmarks, and a culture of genuine inclusivity can transform your gym’s culture and retention. From designing youth-focused competitions and events to utilizing creative media strategies to keep kids hyped, this conversation covers the exact playbook you need to elevate your youth offerings. Press play and let’s get into the work behind the work! Connect with us on Instagram @TCSCKamloops or @CoachKentKamloops. If you are loving the show, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and leave us a five-star review! This episode is hosted by Ami Tipper and Kent Aitchison, and produced by Amirita Tipper Design Studios.

  3. Sep 13

    We're Back from the CrossFit Games

    How big is too big for the biggest stage in functional fitness? On this recap episode of Iron Operations, host Ami Tipper sits down with co-host Kent Aitchison to analyze their recent trip to the CrossFit Games, evaluating the overall spectator experience, venue scaling, and the operational logistics of top-tier fitness events. Together, Ami and Kent unpack the balance between indoor arena setups and outdoor tests, questioning whether massive stadium capacities enhance or dilute fan engagement. The duo breaks down athlete performances, examines the transparency of event scoring structures, and explores industry chatter surrounding potential international expansion. To wrap up, they share personal highlights from local drop-in workouts, highlighting how different affiliates execute community engagement on the road. Whether you are an affiliate owner, an event director, or a fan fascinated by the mechanics of sports administration, this episode delivers a candid, analytical look at the current state and future prospects of the sport. Connect with us on Instagram @CoachKentKamloops. If you are loving the show, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and leave us a five-star review! This episode is hosted by Ami Tipper and Kent Aitchison, and produced by Amirita Tipper Design Studios.

  4. Jul 23

    20 Years of the CrossFit Games: Pre-Games Chat

    Pack your bags—Iron Operations is heading to San Jose! On this special pre-show episode, hosts Ami Tipper and Kent Aitchison sit down to break down everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 CrossFit Games. Marking their third consecutive year attending together as spectators, Ami and Kent deliver a high-level preview of what to expect from this landmark 20th Anniversary event, and some thing they are looking forward to. Together, they unpack the workouts and programming released so far, talk about the experience at the SAP Center, and share their perspective on what makes the live Games experience so electric. The conversation also takes a nostalgic dive into the history of the sport as it returns to its California roots, including Kent's personal takeaways from his visit to the legendary CrossFit Ranch. Whether you are flying down to the arena floor or tuning into the live stream from home, this episode serves as an insider look to the biggest weekend in functional fitness. Let’s get into the pre-Games breakdown! Connect with us on Instagram @CoachKentKamloops. If you are loving the show, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and leave us a five-star review! This episode is hosted by Ami Tipper and Kent Aitchison, and produced by Amirita Tipper Design Studios.

  5. Jul 1

    Summer Swimming Blueprint: The Orcas

    This week, we are looking at leadership through a deeply personal lens as we revisit the foundations of team culture and competitive drive. Hosts Ami Tipper and Kent Aitchison are joined by long-time friend and elite coach, James Kwan, to unpack their shared history within the competitive summer swimming circuit of the early 2000s and 2010s. With Ami and James having trained as teammates under Kent’s coaching layout, this conversation leverages decades of personal history to explore the unique culture, structure, and legacy of the Orcas summer swim team. Beyond the nostalgia, this episode serves as a masterclass in modern athletic development and leadership. James shares his professional evolution from competitive athlete to high-level coach, detailing how he and Kent utilized gamification—innovative recognition structures and strategic incentives—to drive peak performance and athlete retention. Together, the trio delivers a candid critique of contemporary youth sports, analyzing why mainstream practices like the "net trophy system" often miss the mark, and how authentic tradition and community spirit fundamentally shift an athlete's trajectory. Whether you are looking to refine the culture within your own gym or want a strategic look at how early competitive environments shape elite leadership styles, this episode delivers actionable insights. Let's get into the conversation.

  6. Jun 25 ·  Bonus

    TCC 2026 Recap: Crash Course Version

    Fresh off an epic weekend in Kamloops, this special episode serves as the ultimate, fast-paced guide to the 2026 Tournament Capital Classic. After an initial Monday morning recording threw some unexpected technical audio hurdles our way, we went right back to the drawing board to cut a clean, razor-sharp version. The result? A lean, high-value 55-minute operational breakdown designed to give you the massive highlights without the heavy time investment. Think of this episode as your tactical shortcut. While our massive two-part series dives deep into the granular history and production logistics, this session flies at 30,000 feet. Hosts Ami Tipper and Kent Aitchison unpack the primary vision behind the competition, the overarching design of the events, and the crucial takeaways Kent wanted to make sure every gym owner and event organizer hears. Whether you use this as a standalone masterclass or as the perfect high-level prologue before diving into the deep-dive details of Parts 1 and 2, you will definitely want a notebook handy for this one. Let's get into the blueprint.

  7. Jun 16

    How to Master Hosting Competitions

    In this episode, Kent Aitchison shares insights on organizing CrossFit competitions, including event design on the recent TCSC Gauntlet, technology challenges, and youth engagement strategies. Discover practical tips for creating exciting, fair, and innovative fitness events. In this engaging interview, Kent Aitchison shares his high-impact approach to youth and adult fitness programs, emphasizing community, memorable experiences, and the importance of coaching quality. Discover how to build a thriving gym culture, create lasting memories, and develop effective coaching strategies.

  8. Jun 3

    2026 Open and Mastering Gym Culture

    In this episode, Kent Aitchison shares insights on CrossFit programming, the 2026 CrossFit Open, and strategies for gym culture and growth. With co-host, Ami Tipper, they explore workout design, athlete performance, and how to foster an inclusive, motivated community.

  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to Iron Operations, the podcast where high-level coaching meets the reality of business operations. Most people see the gym from the perspective of the whiteboard and the clock, we’re here to show you the side they don’t see. Hosted by Ami Tipper, marketing specialist and event logistics coordinator, and Kent Aitchison, 20-year veteran coach and owner of TCSC Kamloops, this show is a deep dive into what it actually takes to build a brand, a community, and a legacy that lasts. From the logistics of the CrossFit Open and the evolution of youth fitness standards to the "haymakers" of small business ownership and the systems that keep an affiliate profitable, we’re moving past the highlight reels to talk about the grit required to lead. Whether you’re a gym owner looking for tactical solutions, a coach leveling up your expertise, or an athlete curious about the "dark zone" of operations, Iron Ops is your behind-the-scenes pass to the work behind the work. New episodes monthly. Class is in session.

Information

  • Creator
    Kent Aitchison & Ami Tipper
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kent Aitchison & Ami Tipper
  • Show Website
    Iron Operations