Podcast - Academy Of Lions

In Freya's words, "experiencing the energy, the inevitable PRs, the badassery and incredible demonstration of community spirit is something every member should experience whether it's through competing or cheering.  Join Dhani & Freya as they discuss why The OPEN is so great and how you can take part in it in sooooo many cool ways. 

What happens if you're not saying "hell yeah!" to something, and how, from meditation circles to CrossFIt competitors, we all have tribes. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: * Giving up what you want but don't need. * Suffering through progress. * Caring about not caring.

On this episode of the Academy Podcast, Dhani talks to Niki Varbanov, son to Olympic Weightlifting greats Alex and Irena Varbanov. Niki holds records in the Ontario Senior, Junior, Juvenile, and Youth categories. His completion records are 107kg (236 lbs) snatch and 135kg (298 lbs). On this episode Niki and Dhani discuss: * Niki's training history. * The tradition of Bulgarian weightlifting. * Staying focused. * And Niki shares some advice for everyone.

On this episode of the Academy Podcast, Dhani talks to Patricia Allison about how life as a dancer prepared her for CrossFit & Olympic Weightlifting. They get deep into some good stuff on this one: * How Patrica fought her doubt, fear and resistance when first starting her journey at the Academy. * The new Dance program, "Tight Moves", and why you may want to try it * Our Staff Pics for Books, Movies & Bands

UPLOADED is back with Episode #3, Just in time for Holiday feasting and 2016 Resolutions. Nat & Dhani chew the fat, so to speak, helping you understand the reasons why some people thrive on certain diets while others don't. 

Why do we lose motivation and what happens when we do? On this episode of the Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks discuss one of the biggest sources of motivation loss - COMPARISON. Find out what happened when Brian started comparing himself to CrossFit Athletes in the Open and the Games and why he didn't come back to the Academy for months. In this episode Brian, and Dhani also discuss: * Why Brian left the Academy and what got him back. * How Brian's goals have changed to involve less comparison. * What is takes to do good, focused work.

On the 2nd Episode of UPLOADED, Nat & Dhani take you on a journey from your Gut to your Head & back again.  Most people are struggling to live more healthier and productive lives, but they're MISSING the root cause! 

On this episode Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks go back seven years to discuss how the Academy of Lions started.   The story is a long one (don't worry, Dhani tells an abridged version!) about having a goal and following through - no matter what In this episode Brian, and Dhani discuss: * Why Dhani turned his life around to start a CrossFit gym with his best friend. * How the Academy was forced to relocate not one but three times! * What it takes to stick with something when everything else seems against you.

The world is getting more & more interesting by the day. There's much to learn and even more to try. So, we're brining a brand new Podcast to your ears all about the wonderful world of self-improvement and personal awesomeness.  UPLOADED will be offer our community the most useful and actionable knowledge about health, fitness, sleep, mindfulness and lifestyle. Basically, it's about happiness and how to help you find it moment by moment, day by day.  Hosted by Academy Of Lions Founder Dhani Oks, and Holistic Nutrition Coach Nathalie Niddam.

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks discuss the age-old mantra, "mind over matter." But what does that really mean? And more importantly; How does this mantra apply to your daily life? Over the past few weeks Brian and Dhani put this philosophy to the test - Brian climbing mountains with The Peakbaggers and Dhani by running multiple marathons in a row. In this episode Brian, and Dhani discuss: * Training your mind. * Having a conversation with pain and your body. * Learning to accept rather than reject.

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks interviews Paul Oh. Paul is Academy's new performance coach and someone dedicated to helping athletes move and train as optimally as possible In this episode Brian, Dhani and Paul discuss: * Injuries and strength training * Indicators of performance blockages * The pain to performance continuum. 

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Dhani Oks interviews Brian Cauley about what he's been up to for the past year. Brian has been working on a web series called The Peakbaggers where he and a team will climb to the highest point in every Canadian province and territory. Brian and Dhani discuss how the project started and where things are now, including : * Following-through on goals * Working on the small-stuff every day * Facing your fears and moving forward * Challenging and adapting your workout routines.

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks discuss what it's like to own a CrossFit gym. First, Brian plays an interview recorded with CrossFit Orange Beach (that's in Alabama) co-owners/coaches Amanda Manjone and Brian Hamlin. After, Dhani reflects on what co-owning Academy of Lions has been like for him. Brian and Dhani also discuss the most surprising realizations and learnings, including: * CrossFit owners are often the ones working out the least * How co-owning a business can effect your relationship * Strategies to make time for yourself

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks listen to an interview done during one of the "Off the Grid" weekend retreats. The interview is between Dhani and land owner, free thinker, retreat centre operator Mike Bradley. 

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks sit down with Academy member and CrossFit L1 Coach Rachel Hill. Rachel Hill is a long-standing member of the Academy and a recovering alcoholic. In this episode Brian and Dhani talk to Rachel about how CrossFit has helped her difficult journey, how she stays focused, and how she's helping others with her story.

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks get back in to the swing of things. After 9 months working on other projects, the two co-hosts catch each-other and the audience up on their activites.

In this episode Brian and Dhani go over the workouts for the first week of a new cycle. This week focuses on lifting with tempo. This week is also a preparation week for Lions League 4. After a run-through of the workouts Brian and Dhani review each WOD and examine the reasoning behind the programming and what each movement means to your personal fitness. At the end we break-down the Mean 17 and the new levelling system. Also, stay-tuned for a discussion on  the PRs seen last week, why we're programming tempo work, and more.

On this episode of the Academy of Lions Podcast Brian Cauley and Dhani Oks  feature another #LionShare - stories from the gym. This story comes from  Lindsay Prajza, a CrossFitter who entered the Open in 2014 on the advice of a friend and learned a lot more about her abilities than she expected...

The story of how Kettlebell Instructor Shawn Mozen found his gymnastics coach.

In this episode Brian and Dhani go over the workouts for the sixth and last week of the current cycle. This week focuses on two rep maxes, full Olympic lifts, and revisiting some workouts from the third week of this cycle.