Savagely Scaled

Blake Walker and Joyce Santos

Savagely Scaled is where we, average CrossFitters talk about the history of the sport, community, events, workouts and of course the culture! We will also be speaking to our own personal goals and experiences with the sport. We hope this can help introduce the sport to some of you out there who have always been curious about Crossfit as well as a space for current Crossfit athletes to share in their love for the sport.

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode 75: Trusting the Process- Joyce's Road to the Northern California Classic

    In Episode 75, we sit down and take a deep dive into Joyce’s journey to the Northern California Classics (NCC) — from the initial spark that made her want to sign up, to the work, mindset shifts, and determination it took to earn her place on the competition floor. Joyce breaks down what the Northern California Classics is, why this competition stood out to her, and why she felt called to pursue it at this point in her CrossFit journey. We talk through the preparation process, the nerves that came with putting herself out there, and the mental battles that showed up alongside the physical ones. This wasn’t just about participation — it was about execution. During the qualifying stage, Joyce secured one event win and two Top 5 finishes, a testament to trusting the process, staying consistent, and believing in the work being done behind the scenes. Each workout brought lessons, confidence, and clarity about why she continues to chase growth in this sport. With the Northern California Classics taking place this May, this episode marks the beginning of a new chapter. We’re excited to bring you along for the rest of the journey — the training, the adjustments, the highs, the challenges, and everything that comes with preparing for a major competition. This is just the start, and we can’t wait to share what’s ahead. This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned if they were ready, wondered whether to sign up, or needed reassurance that progress isn’t always immediate — but it is always earned. Joyce’s story is a reminder that showing up, staying patient, and trusting the process can lead to some incredible moments. If this episode is your swig of pre-workout before a workout, a lift, or a big decision — welcome, you’re in the right place. Have an episode you want us to deep dive into?Interested in being featured on our Affiliate Segment and sharing your gym’s story? 📲 DM us on Instagram @savagelyscaled📧 Email us at savagelyscaled1@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs that extra push. Until we meet at the whiteboard again… 💥

    59 min
  2. FEB 3

    Episode 74: Sweat, Thrusters & Trauma: Our Best and Worst CrossFit Open Workouts

    The CrossFit Open is back — and we’re breaking down the best, worst, and most unforgettable Open workouts we’ve lived through over the years. In this episode of Savagely Scaled, Joyce and Blake dive into Open workouts they never want to see again, the ones they surprisingly loved, and why the Open still matters no matter where you fall on the leaderboard. From burpee box jump nightmares and thruster-heavy tests to workouts that brought PRs, puke buckets, and pure adrenaline, we’re reliving it all. We talk about: Our most dreaded Open workouts (and why they still haunt us) Favorite Open tests that played to our strengths How the Open challenges you mentally just as much as physically Why showing up is already a win RX vs scaled vs foundations — and why comparison kills the experience Friday Night Lights energy and the magic of community How the Open reveals what you should focus on for the rest of the year Whether this is your first Open or your tenth, this episode is a reminder that the Open isn’t just about scores — it’s about courage, growth, and doing hard things alongside people who have your back. ✨ Sign up. Show up. Celebrate the wins — big or small. If this episode is your pre-workout, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your gym crew. 📩 Want to be part of our Affiliate Segment or have a topic you want us to cover next?DM us on Instagram @savagelyscaled or email savagelyscaled1@gmail.com. Remember: Don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon — and keep sharing.Until we meet at the whiteboard again… BYE 👋

    46 min
  3. JAN 27

    Stack the Habit: January Goals, Creatine, Hydration & No Regerts

    It’s the first recording of the year for Savagely Scaled, and Blake + Joyce are coming in hot—with bloopers, chaos, and a full January goal check-in. Between holiday madness, getting sick, “no regerts” tamale season, and the reality of trying to function on way too little sleep, the girls break down what actually happened with their New Year goals… and what’s next. Blake’s January goal was trying creatine for the first time ever (Buff Chick’s lemon flavor), and she dives into how it’s felt so far—recovery, soreness, thirst, and that “solid” feeling in lifts… plus the very real reminder that cutting season is coming (aka: everyone starts smelling like fresh movie theater popcorn 🥲). Joyce’s January goal was hydration—taking her water intake from “I thought I was crushing it” to “okay wow, I guess I do need to drink more.” She shares what’s changed (skin, workouts, even chapped lips), the love/hate relationship with salty electrolytes, and the practical tools that helped her stay consistent. Then, they talk about what they’re doing differently this year: stackable goals—keeping the habits that worked and stacking the next goal on top instead of starting over every month. Blake’s adding consistent sleep as her February focus, and Joyce is stacking in skill work: toes-to-bar + mobility, with a realistic 5–10 minutes post-class plan (and accountability from Blake, of course). There’s also a hilarious detour into CrossFit age groups (hello, Masters 👀), what actually changes (or doesn’t), and why fitness matters long-term—like, “if I fall, I want to be able to get back up” kind of real. If you’re starting fresh, feeling behind, or trying to pick goals that actually stick, this one’s for you. If this podcast is your swig of pre-workout… take a swig!Follow, like, and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode—catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and more. Leave a review and hit those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ if you love what we’re building! Have an episode idea or want us to talk about something happening in your gym?DM us on Instagram @savagelyscaled or email savagelyscaled1@gmail.com — and don’t forget to comment on Spotify too. We LOVE hearing from you. Don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon and keep sharing…Until we meet at the whiteboard again… BYE!

    40 min
  4. JAN 20

    Affiliate Segment 8: Excel Health and Fitness

    In this episode of Savagely Scaled, we sit down with Danny, co-owner of CrossFit Excel in Manteca, California, for a deep dive into what it truly means to build a CrossFit affiliate rooted in education, longevity, and community. From the early garage-gym days of CrossFit to running a 250+ member gym with over 7,000 square feet of training space, Danny shares nearly two decades of experience in affiliate ownership. We talk coaching development, intentional programming, onboarding new athletes, and why CrossFit doesn’t have to mean “max effort every single day.” This episode is packed with insight for gym owners, coaches, and athletes alike — especially those who believe fitness should last a lifetime. What does it take to run a CrossFit affiliate for 17+ years and still love what you do? In this episode, we’re joined by Danny, co-owner of CrossFit Excel, to talk all things CrossFit — from the early days of following CrossFit.com workouts in a garage to building one of the most structured, education-driven gyms we’ve ever interviewed. Danny shares: How his background in education shaped the way CrossFit Excel coaches and runs classes Why 70% effort days matter just as much as send-it days The difference between high intensity vs. maximum intensity How CrossFit Excel onboards new athletes (including group on-ramps) What makes strong coaches, not just certified ones Programming philosophies for real-world members, not just competitors Building community through events, fundraisers, and inclusive programs for all ages Why scaling is not a weakness — it’s the key to consistency and longevity We also get into: Youth, kids, Silver (60+) programs Strength & conditioning contracts with fire departments and youth sports In-house competitions and community events Lessons learned from Olympic weightlifting and long-term training Whether you’re brand new to CrossFit, a seasoned athlete, a coach, or an affiliate owner, this episode is full of perspective, honesty, and practical takeaways. 🎧 Listen now and remember — CrossFit is about showing up, learning, and playing the long game.

    1h 8m
  5. JAN 13

    Episode 73: Hydration- Am I Doing This Right?

    You think you’ve got hydration dialed in… but do you really? In this episode of Savagely Scaled, Jocie and Blake dive headfirst into a topic every CrossFitter, barbell club athlete, and weekend warrior thinks they understand—hydration—and break down why it’s way more than just “drinking water.” We talk about: Why even 1–2% dehydration can crush your strength, endurance, recovery, and focus The real role of electrolytes (and why water alone sometimes isn’t enough) Common dehydration signs athletes ignore until it’s too late Over-hydration and hyponatremia (yes, that’s a real and dangerous thing) Arizona heat, dry winters, sauna sessions, river days, and why all of them matter Supplements that support hydration (electrolytes, creatine, magnesium, protein, omega-3s) How to actually tell if you’re hydrated (hint: your body is giving you clues) Blake also shares personal experiences with dehydration, fainting episodes, and how learning to hydrate properly changed everything—from training days to daily life. This episode is equal parts educational, real-life storytelling, and practical takeaways you can use immediately. We wrap it up with simple hydration tips, pre-workout hydration guidelines, and a January challenge to hold ourselves (and you) accountable—because hydration is a skill, just like double-unders or snatches. 💧 If this episode is your pre-workout, hit subscribe💧 Share it with the gym friend who’s always cramping mid-WOD💧 Leave us a review and tell us what hydration brands or strategies you swear by If you want deeper dives into nutrition, recovery, or supplements—or if you’re an affiliate who wants to be part of our Affiliate Segment—DM us on Instagram @savagelyscaled or email savagelyscaled1@gmail.com. Remember…Don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon, and keep sharing.Until we meet at the whiteboard again… BYE. 🏋️‍♀️💦

    40 min
  6. JAN 6

    Episode 72: The Year of the Savage

    Savagely Scaled is the podcast dedicated to scaling your life, your health, and your goals—without losing your edge. Hosted by Joyce and Blake, the show dives into real conversations around CrossFit, fitness, mindset, community, and personal growth. Whether you’re brand new to the gym, a seasoned athlete, or scaling life in general, Savagely Scaled reminds you that progress looks different for everyone—and that showing up still makes you a savage. This podcast is about real people, real struggles, and real wins. We celebrate scaling, honor consistency over perfection, and believe community is the true PR. The Year of the Savage | Savagely Scaled Year in Review In this special end-of-year episode, Joyce and Blake hit pause and look back on a year of growth, challenges, community, and lessons learned on Savagely Scaled. From unforgettable interviews and affiliate spotlights to personal reflections on training, mindset, and life outside the gym, this episode is all about honoring the journey—messy, scaled, and savage. They talk about: The workouts that best represent the Savagely Scaled philosophy Lessons learned from interviews with athletes, affiliates, and content creators Navigating burnout, self-doubt, and “survival mode” Why community matters more than PRs Goals, intentions, and what’s coming next for the podcast This episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always loud, scaling isn’t failing, and you’re never alone in your journey. Scaling is a strategy, not a setback Community is the reason most people stay Consistency beats perfection You can scale the gym—and scale life—at the same time Confidence is built through showing up, not having it all figured out Have an episode idea, a PR you want to shout out, or an affiliate we should visit?Want to be a guest or hear us deep dive into a topic? 📲 Follow & DM us on Instagram: @savagelyscaled📧 Email us: savagelyscaled1@gmail.com And remember:✨ Don’t be a Karen. Be a Sharon. Keep sharing.🧠 Until we meet at the whiteboard again… Next message: I’ll generate a clean, on-brand podcast image for this episode (no people, strong savage vibes). 🎙️ Podcast Overview🎧 Episode Title📝 Episode Description🔥 Key Takeaways📣 Call to Action

    55 min
  7. 12/16/2025

    Episode 71: Holiday Madness, Staying on Track Without Losing the Joy

    After a brief hiatus, Joyce and Blake are back behind the mic just in time for the most demanding season of the year—the holidays. In this episode, we’re unpacking how to stay grounded in your fitness and nutrition goals while navigating travel, packed schedules, endless parties, and all the food traditions that make this season special. We talk honestly about the all-or-nothing mindset, why waiting for January 1st often backfires, and how to set realistic, sustainable expectations that won’t leave you feeling burned out or behind. From portion control and mindful indulgence to workouts on the road, family dynamics, and mental health boundaries, this conversation is about progress—not perfection. You’ll hear us cover: How to approach holiday eating without guilt or restriction Why “happy goals” matter more than rigid rules Navigating family pressure around food and workouts Travel-friendly movement and realistic workout expectations When rest is productive—and when consistency still matters How to protect your mental health while staying aligned with long-term goals The holidays don’t have to derail everything you’ve worked for. Slowing down doesn’t mean starting over—and enjoying the season doesn’t mean giving up on yourself. 🎄 Eat the food. Move your body. Set boundaries.🎄 Don’t wait for January—start where you are.🎄 Do what will make you proud when the season ends. Find us on Instagram: @SavagelyScaledEmail us: savagelyscaled1@gmail.com If you loved this episode, share it with someone who needs the reminder, leave us a review, and drop a 🎄 on our Instagram to let us know this one hit home. And remember—don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon and keep sharing. Have a topic you want us to go deeper on? Want a follow-up episode, mindset deep dive, or guest conversation? DM us or email us and tell us what you want to hear next—we build this show with you in mind. Until we meet at the whiteboard again—bye.

    55 min
  8. 12/08/2025

    Video 11: Routine, Giving Grace with the December Check-in

    In this month’s episode, we dive into the holiday chaos, the reality of falling out of routine, and the pressure (and freedom) that December brings. From High Rocks hype to ADHD brain spirals to food guilt during the holidays, we keep it raw, honest, and just chaotic enough to be us. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, off your game, or like you’re juggling 14 mental tabs—you’ll feel right at home in this episode. • Falling out of routine (again 😅)• High Rocks hype + trying new things• Holiday eating without the guilt• ADHD brain doing all the things but completing none of them• Giving ourselves grace while still chasing goals• How micro-goals help you build momentum• Fitness updates: handstands, CrossFit skills, weightlifting, and personal training thoughts• December as a “do your best” month• What we’re focusing on before the new year• Why your journey doesn’t need to be fast to be successful Joyce:– Get back into routine– Attend more High Rocks classes– Work on skill-specific training– Leave space for holiday enjoyment Blake:– Dial in macros (realistically, not perfectly)– Hydrate like a responsible adult– Maintain strength training consistency– Find balance during holiday eating– Prep mentally for April’s competition Thanks for hanging out with us for another monthly check-in. Whether your December is organized chaos, pure chaos, or you’re thriving (bless you), we’re grateful you’re here with us. Remember:✨ You’re allowed to enjoy your holiday season.✨ Progress doesn’t disappear because you take a break.✨ A slower pace is still a pace. We’ll see you in the next episode — and we can’t wait to grow, laugh, and savage our way into the new year with you. Instagram:🎙️ Podcast — @savagelyscaledpodcast Email (Collabs / Questions):📩 savagelyscaled1@gmail.com

    39 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Savagely Scaled is where we, average CrossFitters talk about the history of the sport, community, events, workouts and of course the culture! We will also be speaking to our own personal goals and experiences with the sport. We hope this can help introduce the sport to some of you out there who have always been curious about Crossfit as well as a space for current Crossfit athletes to share in their love for the sport.