College admissions - the high-stakes game that dominates the lives of high school students and their families. In this episode, my guest is my spouse Susan Rhee @susanrhee as we unpack how our two children successfully navigated their way to Duke University, despite both facing deferrals in the early decision round.

Susan shares the rollercoaster of emotions we experienced as parents - from the crushing disappointment of initial deferrals to the eventual triumph of acceptance. Together, we candidly discuss the strategies that worked for our family: did it help when our kids did test prep early after freshman year? How important was developing consistent personal narratives through extracurriculars? We also discuss the importance of attending a school that provided individualized attention and leadership opportunities.

We also take a behind-the-scenes look at actual Duke applications. Through FERPA, our daughter obtained her college application review, revealing how admissions officers numerically score different aspects of applications and what factors truly matter in the selection process. This insider perspective demystifies how elite universities streamline the evaluation process of the thousands of qualified applicants they receive annually.

Beyond tactics, we explore the psychological dimensions of college admissions - how to support your child when they don't get into their dream school, why resilience matters more than acceptance letters, and the importance of having backup schools students genuinely love. The conversation serves as both practical guide and emotional support for families navigating this challenging journey.

Whether you're a parent of a high school student or someone fascinated by the complex world of elite college admissions, this episode offers honest insights about what works, what doesn't, and why the college your child attends is ultimately just the first paragraph of the foreword of their life story. Have you been through the college admissions process? We'd love to hear your experiences and strategies!

#CollegeAdmissions #DukeUniversity #CollegeBound #Parenting #EducationJourney #CollegeTips #HigherEducation #CollegePrep #ParentingTeens #CollegeApplication #BotoxAndBurpees #podcast

The way we've been taught to treat athletic injuries could be completely wrong. In this eye-opening conversation with certified athletic trainer Kayla Andrews @kay__wellness, we challenge the decades-old RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) that has dominated injury management since 1978.

Kayla reveals why immediate, extensive icing might actually impede your body's natural healing processes and how complete rest can lead to longer recovery times and poorer outcomes. Instead, she introduces modern recovery frameworks like MEAT, PEACE, and LOVE that emphasize appropriate early movement, controlled loading, and allowing the inflammatory response to do its critical work in tissue repair.

What's particularly fascinating is how counterintuitive some of this advice feels. We've been conditioned to think that an injury means stopping all activity, icing constantly, and taking anti-inflammatories around the clock. Yet Kayla explains why this approach may be robbing our bodies of the signals and resources they need to heal properly.

Through practical examples of ankle sprains, hamstring pulls, and shoulder injuries, we explore what "appropriate movement" really means - finding that sweet spot where discomfort is tolerable but movement is possible. Kayla also shares valuable insights about compression (never sleep with it!), the power of mindset in recovery, and why working your uninjured side can dramatically benefit your injured side.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone who occasionally tweaks something at the gym, this conversation will transform how you approach injury management. Listen now to learn why "movement is medicine" and how you can take a more active, effective role in your own recovery process.

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

Does yoga have a place in a CrossFit athlete's training regimen? In this eye-opening conversation with yoga instructor Kristen Fazio @kristenfazyoga, we explore the surprising synergy between these seemingly opposite disciplines.

Kristen, who brings an athletic approach to her yoga instruction, explains why mobility matters tremendously for CrossFit performance. Most athletes struggle with depth in squats, overhead positions, and various other foundational movements—not because they lack strength, but because they lack the necessary mobility in their joints. Through her years of teaching yoga to athletes, she's witnessed remarkable improvements in performance, recovery, and injury prevention.

The conversation reveals how yoga offers far more than just flexibility. We discuss how practicing balance poses develops crucial stabilizer muscles that protect joints during heavy lifts. We explore how controlled breathing techniques translate directly to maintaining composure during challenging workouts. And perhaps most surprisingly, we uncover how yoga's mindfulness aspects create mental resilience that carries from the mat to the competition floor.

"CrossFit training itself is not conducive to mobility," Fazio points out, highlighting why supplemental mobility work is essential for long-term athletic development.

For those intimidated by yoga's spiritual reputation or concerned about "not being flexible enough," Fazio offers practical advice on getting started, finding the right style of yoga for your needs, and integrating it effectively into a strength-focused schedule. Whether you're looking to improve performance, recover better between workouts, or ensure longevity in your fitness journey, this conversation will transform how you think about complementary training.

Ready to roll out your mat? Listen now and discover why some of the most competitive CrossFit athletes are turning to yoga as their secret performance enhancer.

#YogaForAthletes #CrossFitYoga #MindBodyConnection #MobilityTraining #YogaCommunity #YogaAndFitness

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

The secretive world of Wall Street recruitment has always fascinated outsiders – but few understand just how early the talent pipeline begins. Host Sam Rhee chats with his daughter, Sasha Rhee, about her journey and experiences in securing a summer internship at an investment banking firm. Sasha, a sophomore at Duke University, walks us through the intensive networking process, the technical preparation, and the strategic self-marketing needed to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates.

She also compares investment banking with asset management, discusses the rigorous interview process, and emphasizes the value of genuine interest and soft skills. The episode highlights the importance of making early career decisions and the challenges that come with them, providing a detailed look into the competitive world of investment banking from the perspective of a young aspirant.

Most tellingly, Sasha reflects that the grueling process serves as its own filter: "If you don't like recruiting, you're not going to make it in banking."

Whether you're considering a career in finance, parenting a college student, or simply curious about how Wall Street shapes its next generation, this conversation offers valuable insights into an often opaque world where career trajectories are determined remarkably early. Subscribe now to hear more thought-provoking discussions at the intersection of career, family, and personal growth.

#InvestmentBanking #FinanceCareers #CollegeToCareer #FinanceInternship #CareerAdvice #BankingJobs #FinanceCommunity #WallStreetLife #CareerGoals #BotoxAndBurpees

What happens when you miss your competitive goals despite giving your all? In the world of CrossFit, where success is measured in seconds and pounds, missing qualification cuts can feel devastating—especially when you made it the year before.

This raw, honest conversation with @crossfitbison athlete Kristen Torres @kristenan explores the emotional rollercoaster that follows disappointment in competitive fitness. We unpack the experience of watching leaderboard rankings drop from the top percentile to outside qualification as scores came in, the mental battle of deciding whether to redo workouts, and the surprising reactions when realizing dreams won't be fulfilled this season.

The CrossFit Open 2025 brought dramatic changes, cutting qualification percentages from 25% to just 2% for age groups, leaving many accomplished athletes on the outside looking in. We analyze each workout in detail—from the lung-burning burpee/lunge combinations to the technical gymnastics and heavy lifting challenges—examining where things went right and wrong in our execution.

Kristen shares powerful insights about finding balance between competitive drive and actually enjoying life, revealing her training schedule, recovery methods, and the mindset that allows her to find joy in every workout regardless of outcomes. Her approach to supporting friends who qualified instead of dwelling on personal disappointment offers a masterclass in sportsmanship and community values.

Whether you're a competitive athlete or someone who's faced setbacks in pursuit of important goals, this conversation will resonate deeply. How do you bounce back when your best isn't enough? How do you reframe disappointment into opportunity? Join us for this candid exploration of resilience in the face of missed goals and discover why the journey matters more than the destination.

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

Would you like to live 10, 15, or even 20 years longer just by taking a weekly pill? Join us as we dive into the buzzworthy world of rapamycin, a drug lauded by researchers as potentially the most powerful anti-aging treatment ever discovered.

Dr. Rhee shares his personal journey of considering rapamycin, offering an in-depth look at its history, how it works by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, and its promising results in extending lifespan in lab animals. Beyond just living longer, these animals stayed healthier, showing delays in age-related diseases including cancer. He also discusses the current evidence in human studies, potential benefits, and noteworthy side effects like mouth sores and metabolic changes.

Addressing the risks and practicalities of dosing, prescribing, and costs, Dr. Rhee reflects on why he is rapamycin-curious and the steps he might take if he began using it.

Whether you're new to the topic or deeply curious about longevity science, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of rapamycin's potential to help us stay youthful longer.

#Longevity #AntiAging #Rapamycin #HealthAndWellness #Biohacking #HealthyLiving #FitnessJourney #AgingGracefully #HealthyLifestyle #CrossFitLife #BotoxAndBurpees #health #movement

Join host Sam Rhee on this episode as he explores the surprising empathy skills of AI chatbots and what we can learn from them to become better listeners. Drawing from Jamil Zaki's insights, we discuss how chatbots like ChatGPT often outperform humans in making people feel heard and understood.

He explains how chatbots avoid common human mistakes by focusing on the other person, validating their feelings, and asking follow-up questions, rather than jumping to solutions or sharing personal anecdotes.

Sam also highlights the practical applications of these skills in both personal and professional settings, while acknowledging the limitations of AI empathy. Tune in for valuable tips on how to enhance your listening skills and create more meaningful connections.

#BotoxAndBurpees #health #movement #fitness #chatbots #empathy #AI #psychology #selfimprovement #mindfulness #compassion #active listening #humanconnection #listeningskills #emotionalsupport #professionaldevelopment

With six current company gyms, how can Station Athletics @stationathletics reach their goal of 120 gyms in 10 years?

Chris Hardenberg @c_hard_fit, the Head of Operations for Station Athletics shares his journey from being a high school wrestling coach and teacher to becoming a central figure in one of the largest CrossFit gym chains in the country.

We delve into Station Athletics' unique expansion strategy, managing multiple gym locations, and the vital importance of quick lead response for member retention. Chris opens up about the trials and tribulations faced, including navigating debt and the impact of COVID-19, and how they emerged stronger.

He also discusses the systematic approach to programming and the comprehensive support structure for coaches and members. With ambitious future goals, Chris outlines the growth mindset and strategies that could take Station Athletics to new heights. Whether you're a gym owner, manager, or fitness enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into running a successful fitness business.

• Chris discusses his introduction to CrossFit and the impact it had on his life

• Insights into the unique model of Station Athletics and its community focus

• The significance of responding quickly to leads for gym retention

• Navigating early challenges in Chris's journey and how they shaped him

• The method of programming used at Station Athletics aimed at inclusivity

• The importance of fostering a gym culture built on support and accountability

• Lessons learned from both successes and failures in business growth

• Future goals for member growth and expansion in the fitness industry

Join us for a riveting discussion on fitness, community building, and entrepreneurial spirit that inspires!

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

In this fun episode of Botox and Burpees, host Dr. Sam Rhee is joined by his daughter Sasha Rhee for an in-depth discussion on skincare.

They unravel the myriad of products Sasha orders from Amazon, showcasing Sasha's diverse skincare routine, influenced heavily by Korean beauty trends and TikTok recommendations.

Sasha reviews some of her favorite products, and highlights the importance of a multi-step skincare regimen, the role of different products like toners, moisturizers, and cleansers, and offers tips for maintaining healthy skin. Tune in to learn about the latest in skincare trends and product recommendations!

• Importance of understanding what’s in your skincare products

• The impact of TikTok on skincare trends and purchases

• Breakdown of the 10-step Korean skincare routine

• Essential products and their roles in maintaining good skin

• The significance of double cleansing for thorough skincare

• Addressing misconceptions about hydration and moisturizers

• Discussing the value of early eye care and preventive measures

#skincareproducts #skinhealth #skintips #skincareandbeauty #glowingskin #healthyskin #skincareroutine #dailyskincare #BotoxAndBurpees #clean #fitness #exercise #health #movement #personalizedfitness

Special guest Senior Writer for Morning Chalk Up and CrossFit Trainer at CrossFit Union Square @crossfitunionsquare in NYC, Teaganne Finn @tfinn94 shares her journey from journalism to CrossFit coaching, illuminating the power of community in personal transformation and the evolving dynamics within CrossFit HQ.

The conversation delves into the state of CrossFit as a company, the challenges affiliates face, and the evolving fitness landscape. Join us as we navigate the dual landscapes of CrossFit journalism, from engaging community stories to profiling elite athletes. Teaganne provides a behind-the-scenes look at the editorial process at Morning Chalk Up and how their acquisition by Bar Bend has fueled growth.

Looking ahead, Teaganne offers insightful predictions on the future of CrossFit, discussing the impact of leadership changes, the return of Dave Castro, and the challenges facing affiliates.

• Teaganne's transition from journalism to CrossFit coverage and coaching

• Resilience found in CrossFit’s community

• Coverage of both grassroots and elite athletes

• The importance of transparency from CrossFit HQ

• Highlights from upcoming competitions like Wodapalooza

• Future predictions for CrossFit’s evolution

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

Join us as we welcome Jessica Wende @jwbfitness3, a remarkable fitness and nutrition coach who’s a shining example of resilience and passion. From conquering childhood health challenges to achieving All-American status in the 100 meters and earning an esteemed Hall of Fame nomination, Jessica’s story is a testament to dedication and perseverance.

Her journey is filled with insights from two decades of educating students in New York City, culminating in her precision nutrition certification that has empowered both her and her clients.

Discover how personalized nutrition coaching can transform your fitness journey. We delve into practical strategies, client success stories, and the importance of balancing life and wellness effectively.

Jessica shares essential tips about balancing macronutrients, allowing for flexibility in your diet, and how food journaling can be a game-changer for those unaware of the nutritional value of their meals. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to enhance performance or someone eager to kick-start their health transformation, Jessica’s insights on personalized fitness plans are invaluable.

• Introduction to Jessica Wende and her fitness journey

• Insights on the significance of macronutrients for health

• Strategies for meal planning and sustaining healthy habits

• The importance of coaching for accountability and motivation

• Practical tips for busy parents and professionals

• Addressing misconceptions about weight loss drugs and nutrition

• Emphasis on setting realistic goals and prioritizing self-care

#jessicasfedupnutrition

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

What motivates someone to leave a thriving career and jump into the unknown world of entrepreneurship? After surviving multiple challenges, how do you grow LIFEAID into a company worth over $100 million? Aaron Hinde shares his transformative journey from chiropractor to co-founder of LifeAid, emphasizing resilience through personal loss and unwavering commitment to quality health beverages.

What makes LIFEAID different from the other companies in the cutthroat energy drink business? Aaron shares insights on product development, the connection to CrossFit, and the lessons learned from overcoming adversity. Would he ever sell LIFEAID? We discuss the beverage industry and how Aaron's core values impact his decision-making process.

In a no-holds-barred conversation, Aaron also discusses the challenges facing CrossFit, how can CrossFit as a business can turn itself around, and offers insights into the future of the fitness industry

This intensely personal and inspirational episode explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the evolving wellness landscape, and the importance of community support in recovery.

• Overview of Aaron's background and transition to LifeAid

• Early challenges in establishing the brand

• Role of direct marketing in LifeAid's success

• Commitment to clean ingredients and transparency

• Personal reflections on grief and community support

• Analysis of the current state of CrossFit and future potential

• Vision for LifeAid's growth while maintaining core values

@fitaid @aaronhinde #fitaid #entrepreneurship

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

In this episode of Botox and Burpees, host Dr. Sam Rhee welcomes Sasha Rhee, a long-time CrossFit athlete, to discuss the declining participation of young adults in CrossFit. Sasha shares her extensive journey in CrossFit, starting from age nine and continuing through her college years at Duke University.

The episode delves into why CrossFit might be losing its appeal among younger demographics, touching on social media influences, the intimidating learning curve, and the fitness preferences of today's youth.

They explore potential strategies for local affiliates and CrossFit HQ to attract younger individuals, emphasizing the importance of effective marketing and social media presence. The discussion also covers the feasibility of CrossFit-style workouts on college campuses and the challenges affiliated with maintaining quality affiliate experiences.

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

Ron Ananian @ronananian, famously known as the "Car Doctor," takes us on an exhilarating journey from being an auto mechanic to becoming a celebrated radio host with over five decades of experience. The episode is pulsating with Ron's passion for all things automotive and fitness, as he shares captivating stories from his nationally syndicated show that has almost a million downloads. We also delve into Ron's dedication to CrossFit and the life lessons he has learned about humility, perseverance, and the beauty of small steps in personal growth.

(Bonus tip: Ron shares which app he used to lose 25 pounds over the past several months!)

With over 50 years of automotive expertise and a nationally syndicated radio show (now back on WOR!), Ron recounts poignant interactions with listeners that illuminate the profound impact media can have. With an engaging narrative, he explores how podcasts are becoming the new talk radio, while traditional formats adapt to stay relevant.

Transitioning into personal territory, Ron reflects on his philosophy to embrace change and maintain a zest for life. His insights into the automotive industry's future—balancing electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and traditional gas-powered cars—provide an enlightening perspective on current challenges and opportunities.

This episode isn't just about cars and radio; it's a testament to adaptability and passion. Ron shares his personal preferences for simplicity amid the fast-paced automotive landscape, and how his love for a reliable Chevy Suburban symbolizes his approach to balance and security.

With anecdotes of overcoming fears, maintaining discipline, and the importance of having a Plan B, Ron's narrative is a vibrant reminder of the power of passion and adaptability in achieving long-term success. Whether you're an automotive enthusiast, a fitness buff, or someone looking for inspiration, Ron's journey offers valuable insights and motivation to start making changes, no matter your age or circumstance.

#TheCarDoctor #BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

Unlock the secrets to transforming your relationship with food in our conversation with inspirational nutrition coach Kelly Cavin @kellycavinnutrition. Kelly shares her personal journey from restrictive dieting to using nutrition as a powerful tool for performance enhancement.

Discover how understanding your body's maintenance number can revolutionize your approach to refueling and achieving your body composition goals. We also unpack the critical role of accountability, both from a coach and oneself, in making lasting changes, and address common misconceptions about nutrition coaching.

Kelly guides us through the fundamentals of establishing healthy nutrition habits that extend beyond quick fixes. Explore the initial steps she takes with new clients to understand their motivations and lifestyle, setting realistic goals that encourage progress without overwhelm.

Kelly emphasizes the joy of helping clients break free from disordered thinking and learn to savor life's moments without guilt. Learn how practical tools like MyFitnessPal can aid in tracking nutritional habits effectively, ensuring that the process is both manageable and motivating.

Busy professionals and parents will find a wealth of strategies to incorporate better nutrition and exercise into their packed schedules. From time-saving meal prep solutions to creative family meal planning,

Kelly offers practical tips to simplify the process while maintaining health goals. She highlights the importance of small, sustainable changes and how embracing a non-linear journey in nutrition can lead to consistent and lasting success. Join us as Kelly shares her insights on fostering foundational habits that support a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the power of gradual improvement over time. Get inspired to take control of your nutrition and make lasting changes.

#nutrition #BotoxAndBurpees @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

CrossFit has been a transformative journey for many, including our newest co-owners at CrossFit Bison, Adam Hawkinson and Michael Dasilva. Sam Rhee @botoxandburpeespodcast talks to them to find out who are they, and what are their future plans for the gym?

Strong community connections are integral to the ownership journey at CrossFit Bison, where they reflect on their paths and collective vision for the gym. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaged environment drives future growth and wellness for all members.

• Adam's military background shaping his fitness perspective

• Mike's long-term friendship with founder Dave Syvertsen @davesy85

• Investing in CrossFit Bison rooted in community trust

• Plans for adapting to evolving gym demographics

• Emphasis on wellness, longevity, and sustainable fitness practices

• Approachability and open communication as key values

#BotoxAndBurpees @crossfitbison @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness