Black Flag Radio

The time has finally arrived, our 100th Episode! And guess what, Tom Rini has his own podcast too! On this very special episode of Black Flag Radio get a sneak peek to what you can expect from TR's show as he shares his journey as a business owner, fitness professional, and family man covering topics ranging from stress management, fitness, strength, conditioning, anti-aging, social components of fitness and wellness, longevity, life and more. What are you waiting for? Head over to your podcast app and subscribe to Tom Rini Radio.

We are hitting the slopes in episode 99 of Black Flag Radio. This week we are joined by Jessica Stewart and we go waist deep on things skiing, CrossFit, celebrations, holidays, dancing, and kicking the habit. Find out how Jess fell in love with "shredding" the "pow pow", what turned her into a real "ripper", where she gets her dance moves from, how to get her singing, and what's on the menu - pizza and fries anyone? Just kidding, enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving Fam! On this special holiday episode we are joined by the Director of the ever growing Black Flag Athletics Kids program, Coach Michelle Seghi. As a full time teacher, she knows very well what it takes to connect and get the most out of her students and young athletes. We dive into the importance of being active and exercise, putting in the effort in and outside and the classroom, putting yourself first so that you can deliver for others, and molding the future leaders of the world. Enjoy!

What did you want to be when you were young? Whom would you want as a dinner guest? What is you favorite fiction book? Who is the last person you sang to? These and many more big beautiful questions answered by our very own TR, Coco, Peter, and Pawel. We take an episode to step away from the daily grind and get to know the crew just a tad bit better. Enjoy!

Team dynamics, developing confidence, capturing the flag, costumes, and the beauty of conversation of episode 96 of Black Flag Radio. Coco, Peter, and Pawel gather around for a thoughtful discussion on how far we have come on the podcast, how we came together as a group under TR, and how we continue to grow in and outside of the community as a staff of mentors, leaders, and friends. Believe it or this one is actually pretty serious, for most of the time. Enjoy! 

Three sport athlete, a man of steel, and proper master, Rocco Gannelli joins us for episode 95 of Black Flag Radio. We trace his roots in sunny Avon, Ohio growing up in a blue collar family that preached hard work, effort, and professionalism. We also discuss the importance of always being ready and up for any occasion, cultivating the mindset to grow yourself physically and mentally, and the value of longevity in your approach to training, plus some fashion tips. Enjoy!

Joseph Johnson III, or as we all loving know him, "D Bo". The former three sport standout, now follows his passion for helping people and getting stronger. D Bo shares with us the key influence in his life that has helped him forge his path to the armed forces, his mantra on getting through hardship and long difficult nights helping those in need. We also uncover what got him into CrossFit, why he made the switch to Olympic Weightlifting, and what he hopes to accomplish in the sport. Enjoy!

Moving around the world, playing wide out for the Hoyas, washing cars, driving UPS truck, practicing law, running for public office, and now confronting cancer head on. Brian Darling is now facing his biggest challenge. He shares with us how with the help of mindset, nutrition, exercise, spirituality, and the Black Flag Fam he has been able to feel the best he has, and how this has provided an opportunity for him to evaluate the imbalances in his life. This is a must listen for everyone. 

Being diagnosed with depression and anxiety, becoming vulnerable, goal setting, and seizing your opportunity are just a few topics we cover on this week's episode of Black Flag Radio with our very own Olivia Gilmour. The former softball, volleyball, and hockey stand out opens up about her roots, her professional career, her studies in psychology and exercise science, her coaching journey, what we can offer as coaches, investment tips, and a few surprises, enjoy!

Christopher Lucak aka "OGC" is no stranger to taking leaps of faith. He changed his life twelve years ago by trying something completely new and intimidating. More recently, he stepped away from a very successful position he held for 13 years to undertake a very unique opportunity. Learn how he has developed confidence, his CrossFit story, his experience outside the gym, and how you too could potentially discover what you can be capable of and accomplish. Enjoy!

Optimal movement patterns, basic principles of squatting, the perfromance pyramid, and our athletic priorities are just a taste of all the fantastic topics we cover with Dr. Aaron Horschig of Squat University. We also get into the significance of prehab and rehab, the how and why of athlete screening, how we should be more like babies and we try to settle one of the greatest questions of all time, Tupac or Bigge? Enjoy!

The depths of the darkest of places can teach us the most valuable lessons and point is the right direction. This week's guest, Black Flag COMPETE athlete, Aaron Shopoff struggled with depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and associated ran with the wrong crowd. It was after getting arrested that he was faced with a very difficult choice. It is that choice that has made all the difference. We discuss catalysts for change, embracing fear, going for it, cultivating relationships, tattoos and fitnessing on this episode of Black Flag Radio.

Join Tom, Peter, and Pawel as they sit down with Luke Summers and Tex McQuilkin of Power Athlete on this very special episode of Black Flag Radio. Luke and Tex unravel the paths that brought them both to Power Athlete, and how they have translated hard work to become one of the premier resources on strength and conditioning education. We also discuss what it takes to find yourself, making the necessary connections, the Power Athlete principles, the Power Athlete methodology course, empowering your performance, and the League of Shadows. Enjoy!

From being diagnosed with lupus, to being the only female on her high school wrestling team, to becoming this year's runner up at the Ohio State Weightlifting Championships in her age group and weight class, the colossal 4'11 Darlena Szilvasy is a force to be reckoned with. On this episode of Black Flag Radio we get to learn about D$'s journey, her "wake up" calls, and about the amazing potential of our mind and body when set towards the right goals, no matter the odds. Join us and reflect the power of choice within us.

The member of the Black Flag Staff that has been fired more than anyone else, Peter Nelson II. From our original episode of Black Flag Radio, we take a look back and highlight how Pete continues to grow and develop. From training, nutrition, neuroscience, mindfulness, personal development, to CrossFit competition, these are just a few tidbits include in this "roast" episode of our Director of Programming.

Dancing can say a lot about a person, and Bob Yun loves to dance. On this episode of Black Flag Radio, we get to learn why this "young" gentlemen always breaks it down when the music comes on. We also get to learn what he has taken away from almost 50 years of cycling, what motivates him, how he achieves mindfulness, and what experiences far and wide have thought him. Bob also shares with us the very simple mantras that can have far reaching and everlasting impact. Tune in and enjoy!

Since 2015, Johanna Vakerics has lost over 90 pounds, a remarkable 40% of her starting bodyweight, and she did it her way. In this remarkable conversation on the latest episode of Black Flag Radio, find out what set Jo on her journey, the sustainable habits she created, and how she continues to strive. We also discuss the significance of reframing and creating a process what works for you, and that will enable you to have a healthier and fitter lifestyle. Enjoy!

Never give up! Barry Rice Jr. didn't and in just over a week he will marry the woman of his dreams, Ariel Samples. Along co-host Tom Rini, the man responsible for this union, we find out how this great duo got their start, why it didn't work out initially, and how they finally realized they are perfect for each other. We also learn how to properly remove eggs from the crate, why watching movie clips can be weird, and an insightful recap of the 2019 CrossFit Games. Love is in the air for episode 83 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio - Enjoy!

A competitive swimmer for close to 15 years, it was a challenge for Whitney Hickey to find her identity after college. In this fun and upbeat conversation we explore Whitney's Rochester roots, her swimming career, moving to Cleveland, and how her competitive spirit led her to find herself. We also get into her growth as a person, what to eat in Rochester, offer very valuable swimming tips, and the surprising backstory behind her family's "coat of arms". Enjoy!     

Personal chef, CrossFitter, cancer survivor, and a total badass. For episode 81 of Black Flag Athletics Black Flag Radio, we welcome Sabine Bellgardt. Along side co-host Tom Lazzaro, we are privileged to sit down and hear Sabine's story. She shares how she first come to Cleveland, leading a healthy and active lifestyle, and dealing with the most unexpected. We also discuss the impact that Black Flag has had on her growth and recovery, her favorite meal to cook, and how to choose the best chocolate.