The Mecka Cast

David and Dylan dive into the difference between training for performance and exercising or working out for health. They touch on how easy it is to blur these lines, how you can toe the line with both, and how to build awareness for each so you can get the most out of your time in the gym.

Mentions: Music by Matthew May @biolayne @activeliferx The Shop (Talk Show - HBO, YouTube) Recommendations: Dylan: Follow @biolayne on Instagram David: Listen to Chris Williamson's podcast "Modern Wisdom"

David and Dylan discuss what it means to be an expert by questioning what characteristics and habits experts have. The ability to take action, practice humility, and build trust with clients are just a few of the topics that come up!

Mentions: Music by Matthew May @brianaganad @killian.hamilton @ericbugeral @hubermanlab @timferris Atomic Habits - James Clear WTF Gym Talk - Stuart Brauer The War of Art - Steven Pressfield Recomendations: Dylan: Follow @activeliferx and @activelifeprofessional on Instagram David: Listen to The Huberman Lab Podcast; How to Breathe Correctly for Optimal Health, Mood, Learning, & Performance. (February 20, 2023)

Dylan and David get to chat with Julie Shields. They talk about Julie's journey into Mecka Fitness, and let the conversation blossom into its own mind when they discuss her mantra "slow down". Julie explains and converses on how this mantra has given her a chance to become a better athlete, better parent, and better business owner.

Kristen Boyer sits down with Dylan and David to discuss all things yoga and where that fits into the fitness world at Mecka. They cover a range of topics but dive deep into seeing the body with different "eyes" (view points), competition in the yoga room, and how ultimately it's all about the things that carry over from our practice into our real life that make this journey worth it!

Ed Hurley Sr. joins the podcast to talk with David and Natalie. Ed brings a wealth of inspiration in this episode, covering topics like confidence, the transition from working out alone to working out in a group setting, and the bigger, broader picture of what community really means and is.

David, Dylan and Natalie sit down with gym member Meghan Canose and discuss her transition from competitive CrossFit training to 'regular' gym member as her life priorities change. Megan is a Registered Nurse with a masters in Science and Nursing. She specializes in Women's Health, she is a certified Breastfeeding Counselor, certified in Fetal Monitoring, and is a BirthFit Coach. She is currently in school to become a Women/s Health Nurse Practitioner. Along with talking about her personal training, Megan sheds light on training during and after pregnancy. This one is for all the mamas out there!

David and Dylan get together with Dr. Bren Bernquist and Dr. Shona Young of Next Level Spine and Sports. The 4 touch on a variety of topics, including the comparison and similarities between chiropractic and physical therapy, how lifestyle factors can determine what an individual needs to be healthy and happy, the benefits of having a whole team of doctors and coaches surrounding athletes to help their individuality, and the importance of changing intensities to your growth and health.

In this special uncut episode, Dylan, David, and Natalie recall memories of their mothers and share their stories about losing them. Tears, laughter, and growth all become topics of discussion. We hope you enjoy this vulnerable conversation, and if it serves any purpose to any of you, it was worth it.

David and Dylan sit down with Carrie Lehman and Melissa Bywalski to discuss the evolution of the Bootcamp program and how their programming has changed as their confidence has grown as coaches.

Listen as they share their biggest life take aways from building something from the ground up, and conquering fear.

David and Dylan chat with Mecka Fitness and CFMTL member Alyshia Aretz. The three discuss the massive amounts of adaptation that happens through switching up different training focuses, working tons of different jobs, and like most episodes the effects of consistency. Alyshia also shares her passion and advocacy for mental health as well as the effects nasal breathing had on her asthma.

David and Dylan sit down with Bob Kopicko, a member of Mecka Fitness and Crossfit Mt. Lebanon. In today's episode we get to chat about Bob's incredible journey back from a devastating injury, the effects of pulling the whole family into fitness and an active lifestyle, knowing what you really need to make progress, and the strength that comes from welcoming change.

David and Dylan get together with Eden Bloom to discuss the structure and organization that sports can bring to our lives, and dive DEEP into what it means to really coach athletes, ourselves, and staff.

David and Natalie get to talk with Suzy Ireland about coaching for athletes to become independent, the growth of nutrition coaching over the years, and how everyone has someone they are looking up to whether they realize it or not.

David, Dylan, and Carrie sit down with Josh "Nooner" Elliott to discuss the evolving landscape of CrossFit, fitness and how patience always pays off in the end.

Hosts David, Dylan, Natalie, Mike, and Carrie get together to discuss the journey they've all taken to work for Mecka Fitness, reveal some life lessons from fitness, and their the unexpected personal growth from life around the gym

Today we talk to Dylan Snyder, head coach at CrossFit Mt Lebanon and CrossFit 2908. We discuss his fitness journey, what brought him to Mecka and CFML, as well as what kinds of programs and services he can provide for members. 

Today we talk to Devin Harvey, a member at CrossFit Mt Lebanon. We discuss his fitness journey, how his career both positively and adversely affected his fitness, as well as how he has adapted his training through injuries. 

Today we talk to Josh Elliot, one of our new CrossFit instructors at CFML and CF 2908. We extensively discuss his fitness journey from baseball, jiujitsu, kettlebells and more. We discuss how he's changed his fitness to reflect his current goals and aspirations.

Today we talk to Jen Cadman and Mo Murphy, both members of CrossFit Mt Lebanon. We discuss their fitness journeys, what inspired Jen to become a Mecka instructor, and setting goals in fitness. 

Today we talk with Dr. Justin Scott and Dr. Aaron Palmieri of Next Level Spine and Sports Injury Center. We discuss their fitness and PT journeys, as well as what Next Level is and how they hope to help both athletes and everyday people. 

Today we talk with Meghan Canose, a member and competitive CrossFit athlete at CrossFit Mt Lebanon and Mecka Fitness. We discuss her transition from dance to running to CrossFit, how being a nurse has affected her training, and advice she can give based on her past experiences.

Today we talk to Dr. Bren Bergquist of Next Level Spine and Sports injury Center. We discuss his fitness journey, what lead him to be a sports chiropractor in the South Hills area, and much more!

Today we talk with Natalie Simpson, a member and coach at Mecka Fitness and both CrossFit Mt Lebanon and CrossFit 2908. We discuss her fitness journey, how she transitioned from a collegiate athlete to competitive CrossFitter, as well as some misconceptions about women who do CrossFit.

Today we talk with Seth Armstrong and Bret Luke, both of whom are members at Mecka Fitness and CrossFit Mt. Lebanon. We discuss their transition from collegiate sports to CrossFit and Bret talks about her journey to becoming a Mecka Fitness instructor. 

Today we talk with Lindsay Bihler, a member and coach at Mecka as well as a firefighter for the city of Pittsburgh. We discuss her active childhood and how CrossFit has helped her career.