Chandler Smith (@blacksmifff) is making a name for himself in the fitness world while holding it down in the Army—except for one time he got his finger chopped off. (You bet that story is included in this episode!) But he's fine, and crushing it on the Misfit team at Wodapalooza.

What does it take to be an athlete with a brand? We talk about the way the game has changed, being competitive while working a day job, and how sometimes you just need to fail until something works. Chandler gives us a glimpse into the influence Army training has had on his fitness career, and tells us what's next for him.

It may not always love us back (injuries, bad judges, the new Games qualification format) but we've got a lot of appreciation for this sport and all the crazy people we get to do it with. Whether you're a failed athlete in another sport, or you peaked and needed a new outlet, or you're just a savage addicted to the pain cave, there's room for you.

Now get out there and kill it!

-Ryan

1:00 How the game has changed since Fisch's day (failed athletes and real jobs)

5:15 Chandler's training/school balance, transitioning from wrestling to CrossFit

8:00 Adapting to limitations (Tarzan and Jane)

9:30 Fisch's military aspirations and some backstory

14:30 How military training influences CrossFit, but also the toll on your body

20:00 Injury repair and maintenance

27:00 If you can't win the Games, build a brand

36:00 You may not be able to imagine your life trajectory yet, so just go do stuff

37:00 The things Ryan does to get a workout in

40:30 Chandler chopped his finger off, but it just stoked the fire

45:30 What's next? Don't hold your breath for a Army x CrossFit collaboration

47:00 We're all weirdos here. Some of us are born with it, some of us have worked really hard.

54:30 Where to find Chandler

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Show notes: http://www.shruggedcollective.com/rc-smith

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Shrugged Collective is a network of fitness, health and performance shows that help people achieve their physical and mental health goals. Usually in the gym, but outside as well. In 2012 they posted their first Barbell Shrugged podcast and have been putting out weekly free videos and podcasts ever since.

Along the way we've created successful online coaching programs including The Shrugged Strength Challenge, The Muscle Gain Challenge, FLIGHT, Barbell Shredded, and Barbell Bikini.

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