Hybrid Fitness Media

HYROX Chundering with Lauren Stockley. Plus Squeaky Toy Judging with Mark Day. Matt sits down with Mark Day and Lauren Stockley to discuss Elite 15 judging controversies and athlete experiences. Mark breaks down his viral videos on Rich Ryan's wall balls and movement standard inconsistencies, advocating for professional judging pathways. Lauren shares her devastating Phoenix DNF after throwing up on the rower, her Stockholm penalty, and balancing full-time teaching with Elite 15 racing. Guest Links: Mark Day | Lauren Stockley  Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG

• Elite 15 judging controversy from HYROX Phoenix • Wall ball depth calls and sled line penalties • Judge positioning and why some no reps are impossible to see • Why HYROX should back judges publicly and fix issues privately • Passport and birth certificate requirements for regional championships • Certified copy confusion for U.S. athletes • U.S. versus European passport culture • Spartan DEKA Discovery activations at race festivals • What worked and failed with Spartan Games • Mixed doubles judging and workload imbalance • Why sim times do not count as real race results This Monday Not So Live starts with the HYROX regional championship requirement that you prove you're actually from the region, and the big twist for Americans: it is not "show your license," it is "bring a passport or certified birth certificate." From there the episode bounces through passport culture differences, studio upgrades, and a surprisingly smart Spartan move, DEKA Discovery activations at Spartan festivals that funnel muddy OCR people into fitness racing. The second half is the real meat: Phoenix judging. Cheryl and Dave lay out why the Elite 15 backlash feels louder this time, from wall ball depth calls to sled line penalties that look impossible to judge from the assigned position. They argue HYROX is trying, but the sport is now too big and too high stakes for anonymous, inconsistent officiating. They want better judge positioning, clearer standards, more tech support, and more accountability. The episode closes with a side quest on mixed doubles and why it is hard to regulate at the elite level, plus Matt's ongoing crusade that sim times are not race results and will never impress him the way a real chipped race does. Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG  

Matt B. Davis and Cheryl Snow breakdown their HYROX Mixed Doubles and how they took off almost 5 minutes from last year's time with Coach Matt Kemp. Then we head into more interviews from the HYROX floor over the weekend in Phoenix with Mo Fuerste, Christian Totske, Faith In Pink, Kat Fahsbender, Amy Bevilacqua, Emilie Dahmen, Vicky McIntosh, Danielle Low, Lauren Rantala, Karyn Guidry, Kris Mendoza, Jack Goras, Jarrett Newby, Brendan King, and Lance High aka Losing with Lance. Finally Bryan Darling, Hedge Podcaster joins us for Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Ep 3 breakdown. Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG  

We caught up with so many athletes over the weekend in Phoenix. Here is Part One. For starters: Rich Ryan, Charlie Botterill, and Dylan Scott on Wednesday evening. Then a quick chat with Kate Hutchinson and Riho after their open doubles finish as they were first across the line on Thursday. Thursday Night - Elite 15 Singles Finish Line Joanna Wietrzyk Vivian Tafuto Linda Meier Lena Putters Emilie Dahmen Rich Ryan Sean Noble Cole Learn Dylan Scott Charlie Botterill Luke Greer Jon Wynn Beau Wills Alexander Roncevic Friday Night - Elite 15 Doubles Finish Line Morgan McKay and Kat Fahsbender Vivian Tafuto and Lauren Weeks Jess Pettrow Hunter McIntyre Ben and Harry Sutherland Ciaran Parkinson and Tony Revell Gustav Cordua and Sebastian Ifversen Jack Bauer Tom Franssens and Pieter Maes Rich Ryan and Pelayo Fernandez James Kelly Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG

Elite races and overall event takeaways from HYROX Phoenix Stadium venue pros and cons versus convention centers Live stream quality, graphics, and atmosphere Women's Elite race dominance and watchability Men's Elite race drama, late surges, and execution Judging standards, no-reps, penalties, and consistency issues Wall ball controversies and athlete–judge dynamics Doubles racing, records, and standout performances Tailgate activations, sponsor presence, and what actually worked Merch, branding choices, and the "plum/purple" qualification experiment Pro card confusion, wave assignments, and communication breakdowns Registration flow, warm-up logistics, and athlete experience inside a stadium U.S. expansion outlook and why stadiums may be the future DEKA crossover notes and early-season leaderboard credibility Support this channel - https://buymeacoffee.com/hfmedia

Ugly Dave Claxton hops on to talk all about the new 2026 DEKA FIT Rulebook. DEKA rulebook updates and why they surfaced now Dumbbells allowed in Zones 1 and 10 and what it actually changes Front rack versus shoulder carry strategy for lunges Clarified protest period and timing desk process Zone 10 weighted burpee standards with dumbbells Age group standards tied to end-of-season age Farmers carry line-crossing clarification and why calf taps are gone Sled push and pull rule clarification after Worlds Penalty updates including missed laps and removal of make-up laps DEKA Strong team burpee loophole and how it was closed Why most athletes won't notice these changes How and why DEKA updates its rulebook Early thoughts on the new HYROX elite points system Concerns about race volume, loopholes, and competitive balance Why auto qualifiers disappearing is a net positive Debate over same-country doubles teams Alternative ideas for majors, LCQs, and open qualification Then Bryan from House Darling comes on to talk Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, Episode 2. (Includes spoilers) Winter storms, shoveling ice, and being a "hedge knight" in real life Neighbors, tractors, backhoes, and modern-day smallfolk solidarity ChatGPT as Merlin and problem-solver for people who don't know shit about plumbing Frozen pipes, checklist thinking, and learning by doing instead of calling for help Back house problems, mini-split fixes, and leaving instructions before travel Using AI as a safe place to ask "dumb" questions Things that happened in hybrid fitness this week that never happened in OCR Dylan Scott signing with Nike Training and what it signals for hybrid racing Hybrid crossing into true mainstream brand territory The Hedge Knight Episode 2 reactions and structure Tournaments, jousts, melees, and confused race formats Legacy, lineage, and whether great knights come from hedges or castles Egg's identity becoming clearer and Dunk's motivation shifting Random HBO moments, tonal whiplash, and unnecessary body humor Targaryens on screen and power dynamics with smallfolk Why the show is still about legacy even at ground level Concerns about episode pacing and season length Rewatch culture, great movie years, and shared media shorthand Guest Links: Ugly Dave | Bryan Darling Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG

Phoenix HYROX week kickoff and event buildup Accidental HYROX NYC date leak and calendar implications Elite points system breakdown including strength of field, carry in (dormant) points, and tiebreakers Why majors matter more than local races under the new system Access and fairness concerns for newer elite athletes Doubles rule change backlash around the same nation requirement Phoenix Elite Men's field analysis and qualification scenarios Phoenix Elite Women's field analysis and podium contenders Impact of penalties on elite race outcomes Late night elite start times and global viewership issues Doubles elite storylines and prize money stakes Phoenix race schedule context and qualification pressure Guest Links: Ugly Dave | Cheryl Snow | Bryan Darling Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG    

Topics HYROX's new Elite 15 points system and why it replaces time-based qualification How points are earned, counted, and retroactively applied Why course variance made the old system unsustainable Strength of field and how tiebreakers will work What this means for Elite Singles and Elite Doubles athletes Increased racing demands and injury risk concerns North America vs Europe race access imbalance Summary Cheryl and Matt sit down with Kris Rugloski, the 2022 HYROX World Champion, to break down HYROX's newly announced Elite 15 points system. The new framework shifts qualification away from raw finishing times and toward race placement, consistency, and points earned across multiple events, with results retroactively counting back to last season. They discuss why the change was necessary, how strength of field and tiebreakers factor in, and what this means for athletes trying to qualify in regions with fewer races. Later in the episode, Kat Fahsbender shares her perspective on how the new system could reshape elite racing, scheduling, and long-term sustainability for athletes. This episode breaks down what matters, what's still unclear, and why this change represents one of the most significant competitive shifts HYROX has made to date. Guest Links: | Cheryl Snow | Kris Rugloski | Fahsy Fit Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG    

Topics  Garage gym setups and why home gyms win for hybrid athlete The HYROX Cruise pricing, capacity, and who it is really for bunq banking and whether race day perks are worth switching banks Surf dating and why fitness dating apps struggle to land Gambling partnerships and the risks for a growing sport OnlyFans sponsorship backlash and what the reaction revealed Audience fatigue, teaser culture, and brand trust When a fast growing brand should say no to partners Matt, Cheryl, and Dave dig into the HYROX Cruise rollout, bunq banking partnership, Surf dating app, and gambling sponsorships, questioning who these partnerships are actually for and whether they add value for athletes or simply create noise. The conversation expands into sponsorship fatigue, teaser culture, and the growing tension between growth and trust. The episode closes with a candid discussion about the backlash surrounding an OnlyFans sponsored HYROX athlete, how quickly audiences jump to moral judgments, and what it says about the state of the community. The core question remains whether HYROX is building a meaningful ecosystem or stretching the brand too far. Then Matt is joined by Bryan from House Darling to discuss the first episode of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Guest Links: Ugly Dave | Cheryl Snow | Bryan Darling Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG    

Cole Lindbergh has lived a life that sounds improbable. Amusement park folk hero, This American Life subject, air guitar champion, game show contestant, musician, podcaster, and relentless starter of creative projects. In this conversation, Cole and Matt trace how curiosity, saying yes, and embracing weirdness led to opportunities that rarely arrived on schedule, but arrived nonetheless. They talk about early brushes with attention, missed reality TV moments, and the discipline of building a long body of work without obsessing over numbers. Cole breaks down air guitar culture, what it takes to win, and how becoming Slappy Nutz unlocked a new creative chapter. The episode also explores loss, disappointment, patience, and the strange emotional aftermath of being eliminated from a major game show, before closing with Lindy Land and the belief that if something feels interesting, it is worth doing, even if you do not yet know where it leads. • Cole Lindberg's path from amusement park ringleader to air guitar champion • The This American Life story and how sudden attention reshaped his life • Fame opportunity and why some doors close before the right ones open • Air guitar culture competition and winning the US Championship as Slappy Nutz • The reality of game shows 99 to Beat early elimination and emotional whiplash • Building a body of work versus chasing downloads • Creative identity starting things and letting projects end • Lindy Land property projects barn restoration and long term vision • Patience appreciation and trusting what comes next • Friendship shared history and following what genuinely interests you Guest Links:  Cole Lindbergh Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG          

John Wooley returns to the show to unpack why fitness racing has taken off and why CrossFit never fully leaned into a format that was right in front of it. We talk about how HYROX filled a gap for everyday athletes who wanted measurable competition without complex gymnastics, why certain body types thrive in fitness racing, and why HYROX training has proven more sustainable for long term health and performance than traditional CrossFit cycles. The conversation also covers judging standards, pacing mistakes, the appeal of age group podiums, and how athletes actually get smarter race to race. We then zoom out to the bigger picture. The CrossFit sale, shrinking affiliate numbers, media missteps, and whether newer projects like World Fitness Project can survive in a crowded fitness economy. Less hype, more honesty, and a clear look at what is actually working right now in fitness racing. Guest Links: John Wooley Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG  

Matt and Cheryl break down the latest HYROX developments, including the new Elite 15 plum and black kits, what that does for sponsors trying to match colors, and why HYROX giving athletes 24 hours to respond to certain emails feels aggressive in a global sport. They get into doubles roll downs and reshuffled pairings, why doubles is harder to follow than singles, and the latest curveball: the HYROX cruise, its heavy marketing push, and the fine print that appears to limit participation to EU and UK permanent residents. The conversation also moves through a spoiler-heavy Pluribus discussion, the "agreeable AI" problem, and an unexpectedly useful detour into relationships, trust, and the idea of deposits and withdrawals. Topics include: HYROX Elite 15 kits and broadcast clarity Sponsor kit matching, hex codes, and enforcement The 24-hour email window and why roll downs carry real risk Doubles roll downs, partner swaps, and narrative challenges HYROX cruise details and residency restrictions Pluribus spoilers and agreeable AI The trust bank and the 5 to 1 ratio Guest Links:  Ugly Dave | Cheryl Snow | Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG  

Happy New Year. Let's try something new.

TOPICS • Holiday Not-So-Live catch-up with the crew • Backyard studio build progress and spending decisions • Home gym equipment tradeoffs and personal setups • World Fitness Project "Project One" workout breakdown • Online qualifiers, judging, and cheating in hybrid races • CrossFit "fittest on earth" tagline and fitness format comparisons • HYROX's pending points-based Elite 15 system • Wins vs depth of field vs Majors weighting debates • Athlete burnout and how much racing is too much • Fitness boom, content saturation, and whether hybrid races peak SUMMARY We close out the year with a wide-ranging Not-So-Live. I update where the backyard studio build stands and how I'm thinking about spending more on HVAC, plumbing, and peace of mind. We talk gear, home gyms, and why people wrestle with equipment decisions. Dave walks through the World Fitness Project "Project One" workout and why it felt heavy on running and lighter on strength. That leads into a broader chat about online qualifiers, community policing versus rules, and why judging online is almost harder than in person. We also debate CrossFit's "fittest on earth" slogan and how different formats test fitness differently. Then we get into HYROX: whether we're at peak HYROX, what the new points-based Elite 15 system might mean, how wins might stack against field depth and Majors, and whether requiring multiple races could push athlete burnout. Guest Links: Ugly Dave | Cheryl Snow | Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG  

I talked with Lauren Weeks about a viral clip that questioned a judging call and what actually happened on the floor. We broke down lunge standards, what judges are looking for, how yellow cards are communicated, and why some calls look different on video than they feel in the moment. We also got into judging consistency, human error, and why certain movements like burpees are still the hardest to officiate cleanly. Then I was joined by the two guys behind XTRON Live to talk about their race format and why they built it the way they did. We covered their virtual seasons that qualify athletes for a free live final, how they score and monitor results, the 20 percent rule that forces people to back up their numbers on race day, and why keeping the event accessible in any gym matters to them. We also talked about where they're hosting finals, upcoming seasons, and what they're building next with Gym Wars. Guest Links: Lauren Weeks | X-Tron Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG  

Topics • HYROX points system replacing time qualification • They sure are nice in Sweden • Race minimums, Majors, and access • Elite 15 media obligations and fines • Clarified penalties and appeals • DEKA Worlds corrections • Vancouver turnout and Worlds planning Summary This episode focuses on the implications of HYROX moving to a points-based qualification system, including how many races should count and whether the structure creates pay-to-play pressure. We also discusses Elite 15 media obligations, fines, clarified penalties, DEKA Worlds corrections, and pleasant surprises in Vanvouver. Guest Links: Ugly Dave | Cheryl Snow | Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG  

Topics • Anaheim weekend fatigue and the familiar Day 3 emotional swing • HYROX recovery zones and why unmanned spaces are a problem • Judging consistency, warnings vs. penalties, and the "foot on the line" issue • Wall balls: presentation vs. practicality, no-reps, and the box decision • Shoes off for wall balls and grip issues with newer balls • CrossFit criticism of HYROX and why it misses the point • Greyson Kilgore's medical incident and how the community responded • Recognizing danger signs vs. normal race pain • CNS load, cumulative racing, and when to pull the plug • Community, identity, and why HYROX hits differently • Anaheim course layout and spectator experience • Melbourne broadcast notes and on-air shoe marketing • Elite 15 qualification changes: what's confirmed vs. rumored • Doubles inclusion and January timing for details Summary Matt opens the show deep into Anaheim fatigue and the familiar HYROX arc where Day 3 feels brutal until racing resets everything. The conversation quickly turns to operational issues, including recovery zones, judging standards, and penalties, with frustration over unclear rules and inconsistent enforcement, particularly around wall balls and line calls. The episode centers on Greyson Kilgore's medical incident, with Greyson joining to explain what he felt during the race, how medical handled the situation, and why athletes need to distinguish between normal suffering and real warning signs. The discussion expands to cumulative load, ego, and the strength of the HYROX community, before wrapping with Anaheim course takeaways, Melbourne broadcast notes, and a clear split between what is confirmed and what remains rumored regarding Elite 15 qualification changes. Plus live from the Anaheim weekend, interviews with several Amazfit athletes, plus coaches and community voices: Julia Dorsey (pre-race) Brian Segher, Resolute Coffee Julia Dorsey with Kat Todorovic (post-race) Wade Critides with Greg O'Brien Brittany McCall and Leanna Girard Bethany Sachtleben (pre-race) Bethany Sachtleben with Christian Vitagliano (post-race) Molly Arena Aycan Kara Samantha Faddis Matt Tralli (pre-race) Matt Tralli (post-race) Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG    

TOPICS • Why Brian started TRYKA and what the hybrid space was missing • Dublin TRYKA race weekends and the Portugal finale • TRYKA 500, family divisions, and company participation • Free affiliates, supporting gym owners, and simple scoring • RAMs instead of wall balls and rotating workout plans • AI judging, split standards for pros vs open athletes • UK expansion and ticket-swap marketplace • Why TRYKA favors community over cash prizes • Samantha Faddis on HYROX, DEKA, Battle Bunker, and training as a parent • Where she can gain time in HYROX and how she approaches sleds and rowers • Hybrid garage training, parenting chaos, and Mom Life Rocks • Viral sled-turf reel, relatable content, and dealing with trolls • AI, backyards, and why the robots aren't ready yet SUMMARY Brian Lee joins Matt to talk about TRYKA, an Irish hybrid fitness race built to feel welcoming, local, and accessible without watering the challenge down. They dig into the race-weekend structure in Dublin, the Portugal finale, shorter TRYKA 500 options, free affiliates, company divisions, and why RAMs replaced wall balls. Brian also breaks down ticket demand, AI squat-depth judging, standards for pros vs open athletes, UK expansion, and why TRYKA is leaning toward charity-based rewards instead of cash prizes. In part two, Samantha "Smoose" Faddis comes on to discuss life as a hybrid athlete and parent. She talks HYROX Anaheim and Phoenix, whether DC is still in play, recovery challenges between races, and where she thinks she can still gain real time. Matt and Sam get into sled strategy, rower fatigue after burpees, home-garage training, and the day-to-day realities of raising two kids while trying to train seriously. They also cover the viral sled-turf reel that took off, how MomLifeRox came to life, and why relatable content beats perfect content. The episode closes with a quick detour into AI logos, backyard designs, and why the tech still isn't close to replacing real people. Guest Links: Brian Lee | TRYKA | Mom Life Rox Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG    

Dave clarifies a couple of items that came up during last night's call regarding the DEKA World Championships and judging.

Topics • When podiums should and should not change after the fact • Athlete responsibility to protest versus sport responsibility to enforce standards • Perception of favoritism toward "beloved elites" • Janelle's frustration with self-policing reps after the fact • Brooklyn's tank clip and the problem with "imaginary lines" in judging • Why DEKA needs a clearer tank rule: wheels to the tape versus bolts • Burpees, lunges, and movements that break judges • Cheryl's line: "the best way to kill a good idea is to underfund it" • Men's team mile penalty and why communication matters • Hunter's season debut in Melbourne • Cole Learn hype and the loaded women's field • Anaheim weekend plans Summary Dave joins the show after winning the DEKA Strong Ruck 45 plus world championship and the group breaks down everything that happened at DEKA Worlds. The crew debates when podiums should ever change after the fact, how much responsibility belongs to athletes versus the sport, and whether judging inconsistency is pushing people out of the system. Janelle explains why she should not have to review her own reps on video, walks through the Brooklyn tank clip, and makes the case that the current rules are nearly impossible to enforce in real time. They also hit the men's team mile penalty, the updated mile layout, and whether DEKA has underfunded its own growth. The show wraps with a short HYROX Melbourne preview and plans for Anaheim. Guest Links: Ugly Dave | Cheryl Snow | Janelle Teal Listen on Apple or Spotify Support us through The Cup Of Coffee Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG