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HYROX Toronto brought a deep field of Pro athletes and plenty of strong doubles teams. In this combined interview episode, Matt speaks with athletes across the weekend, from the Pro Women and Pro Men races to some of the top doubles teams. Singles interviews: Maddy EybergenVivian TafutoRachael WadeChelsea RibeiroLindsay BessegatoLaura SliapnicCourtney HayreBethany McChesneyFrédéric DubéRyan DouglasStirling PetersRyan Callahan Before the doubles interviews, Matt catches up with Alyssa McElheny, who was in Toronto supporting some of her teammates. Doubles interviews: Rachael Wade and Dr. Erika TvedtenChristina Matthews and Charlotte O’NeillQuinlan Hickey and Lindsay BessegatoImogen Cross and Elise McClinticIsaac Sanderson and Brendan NeelyJarrett Newby and Matt BaysingerKevin Gregory and Ryan CaseyStirling Peters and Chase StevensonJack Driscoll and Kelly MeredithCole Learn and Frédéric DubéRyan Reid and Shane McKenzie Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Listen on Apple or Spotifyw

Introducing Amanda Rizkalla: “Hungered” | Oprah’s Book Club from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! Hungered by Amanda Rizkalla: ⁠https://amzn.to/4hIE21v The 125th Oprah’s Book Club selection is the stunning debut novel Hungered by author Amanda Rizkalla. Written from the perspective of 12-year-old Sofia, Hungered gives a unique look inside the world of a family who is unhoused. Amanda shares how her personal experience of losing their housing and living in a car with her family as a child inspired her to write this poignant and beautiful story. Oprah and Amanda have a thoughtful discussion about how - despite the daily struggle to survive - the fictional Sofia and her family are still able to experience joy, humor and compassion. We hear from several readers including a young woman who says that Amanda’s novel resonated with her because she also experienced being unhoused as a child. 00:00:00 - Welcome Amanda Rizkalla, author of “Hungered” 00:02:10 - Amanda shares why she wrote the book 00:05:00 - The plot of Hungered 00:06:40 - Understanding being unhoused 00:12:40 - Growing up mixed race 00:18:15 - Amanda on choosing the mother’s career 00:22:20 - Theme of not belonging 00:26:15 - Amanda’s writing process 00:28:40 - The ending of the book #oprahsbookclub Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/oprahpodcast/⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/oprah/?hl=en⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Matt, Kevin, and Dave are back after HYROX Toronto, with Cheryl joining the conversation from home. They break down the weekend, including the Canadian-heavy podiums, the venue and spectator experience, judging, and what stood out on course. They also discuss LT Games, and why it is a strong event that needs better promotion. Then it is a deep dive into the HYROX Elite Town Hall: The plan for recurring Elite Series cities and separate grid racingWhy athletes were frustrated by the pre-submitted-question formatTicket access, Flex passes, and qualification loopholesRulebook clarity, judging consistency, and who should make the rulesAthlete kits, outside content teams, media accreditation, and sponsor conflicts They also talk about XENOM’s new Foundations division and one-day events, plus CrossFit’s new Open Doubles format. Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is also sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

F45 Deputy Director of Athletics, Johry Batt, joins Matt to discuss how the brand builds its workouts, the athletes featured on its in-studio screens, and the future of F45 Peak 500. How F45 selects its on-screen athletes from within its own communityWhat goes into programming more than 100 F45 workout formatsF45’s global footprint and studio growthThe history of F45 Playoffs and the evolution into Peak 500Plans for larger Peak 500 events open to the public in 2027 Then, Matt and Ser Bryan break down The Mad King, the new Game of Thrones stage play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, then revisit the full HBO series. Matt’s trip to Stratford-upon-Avon and what it was like seeing The Mad King liveHow the play handles Harrenhal, Robert’s Rebellion, Rhaegar and Lyanna, the Mad King, and the Tower of JoyThe set design, battle scenes, casting choices, and whether the four-hour runtime worksA Game of Thrones rewatch: the great early-season moments, character arcs, and details that pay off laterWhy the first 7 seasons hold up but the ending does not. Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is also sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

Matt B. Davis, Cheryl Snow, and Matt Kemp discuss: HYROX Major schedule, Elite 15 prize money, and kit rulesThe new Challenger 15PUMA’s Project Podium and athlete sponsorshipsMatt Kemp's first ATHX workout at Strong New YorkHYROX’s upcoming Elite Athlete Town HallDEKA World Championship ticket pricesToronto weekend and the LT Games Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is also sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

Willow Collins Breaking Gonzaga’s 3K school record at the timeRunning 15:50 in her first 5KFinding HYROX after collegeRacing in New York, at Worlds and in Salt Lake CityImproving burpee broad jumps and wall ballsHer goal of breaking 60 minutesRacing Women’s Doubles with Molly ChambersOlympic Trials ambitions in the marathon Follow Willow on Instagram: “Mo” Iqbal The original FitLab vision and why it made sense on paperWhy operational experience and discipline matter in fitness acquisitionsWhat happens when founders leave after their companies are acquiredThe role Nike’s partnership may have played in investor confidenceWhy FitLab’s use of merchant cash advances raised concernsWhat the fitness industry can learn from FitLab’s collapse Learn more about SweatWorks Aaron Travers Moving from Gaelic football and boxing into HYROXRunning a 56-minute HYROX while weighing more than 240 poundsA 16:28 track 5K and a 16:43 road 5K at 253 poundsWinning the ATHX events in Dublin and CopenhagenHis goal of winning the ATHX World ChampionshipsTraining with Chris Baines to improve his strength and mobilityHolding records in TRYKA and The Hybrid GamesSkiErg marathon record - 2:29:52 with no breaksWhy DEKA, Deadly Dozen and other fitness races may suit him next Follow Aaron Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is also sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

This week, Matt, Cheryl and Dave discuss Joanna Wietrzyk’s apology and withdrawal from HYROX Beijing, what a real return to racing could look like, and the misinformation that followed the incident. Cheryl recaps racing HYROX Salt Lake City with her son, including his first HYROX experience, the event’s crowd and finish-area issues, the new sled runners, and the U.S. debut of HYROX Youngstars. Also covered: HYROX co-founders Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste confirming their involvement with XENOM, why the CrossFit-focused competition has struggled to gain traction, and DEKA’s announcement of new two-person and four-person team racing in London. Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

Liz Plosser on HYROX Beijing, Reporting, and Sauna Culture Liz Plosser joins Matt to discuss her GQ story on the HYROX Beijing incident, why nobody stopped Joanna Wietrzyk during the race, and the responsibility judges and officials have in moments like that. They also discuss covering controversy in a niche sport, social-media backlash, misinformation around the false PUMA rumor, and reporting fairly while still having relationships within HYROX. Then Liz explains Aufguss, the German sauna ritual combining heat, music, essential oils, and towel work. They talk sauna and cold-plunge routines, recovery, wearable data, aging, and body image. Alyssa McElheny on HYROX Beijing, Sled Lanes, and Her Road to Hamburg HYROX World Champion Alyssa McElheny joins Matt from Beijing after starting her season in China. They discuss her Adidas trip, new COROS partnership, massive fan response in Beijing, and why she chose the race as an early-season test. Alyssa breaks down her difficult sled lane, the extra lap both she and Joanna Wietrzyk ran, travel and illness, racing Joanna, and what she learned ahead of the first HYROX Major in Hamburg. Join Liz Plosser Substack and follower her on Instagram. Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

Matt B. Davis, Cheryl Snow, Ugly Dave and Matt Kemp discuss the most global story in HYROX History. The global reaction to Joanna Wietrzyk’s Beijing race incident. Whether Hybrid Fitness Media was right to report the story. HYROX China’s statement and the lack of a clear protocol. Why judges could have intervened under existing rules. How the extra lap affected Joanna vs. Alyssa McElheny. The wider issue of inconsistent HYROX penalties and DQs. Why athletes may be reluctant to publicly challenge HYROX. New shortened sled lanes coming to future North American races. Why the revised sled layout allows more lanes and more athletes. ATHX announces its 2027 North American schedule and divisions. Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

We were live in Crystal Palace last weekend for the first ever Deadly Dozen World Champs. We spoke with a ton of podium finishers plus more in attendance. Gemma Rouse David Parkin Alexia Yannaros Jude Reynolds Hoyeon Yoo Rachel Hodgkinson Natalie Lawrence & Jana Lebenstedt Fabian Eisenlauer & Jennifer Nikolaus Tony Revell & Ciaran Parkinson Natalie Crompton & Rachel Hodgkinson Jude Reynolds & Chad Headford Tobias Kiefer & Lukas Zajons Tania Thies & Noelia Perez Tur Jason Curtis Ian Kay Bex Ward Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify Cover Photo by Ian Kay of UKHXR

HYROX founders Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste are back in control of the company. Matt, Cheryl, Dave, and Kevin discuss what the ownership change may mean for the future of HYROX, including Elite 15 prize money and why racers likely will not see immediate changes. Kevin shares his experience as a Core Head Judge at HYROX DC, including how the new judging program worked, the value of repeated shifts, and where the system still needs improvement. Matt also recaps the Deadly Dozen World Championships, from the event’s atmosphere and unique format to the judging questions the brand needs to address as it grows. Plus, Dave announces his January 30 HTX event at Farm Girl, including an Experience Division, paid judges, and individual athlete video. Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Listen on Apple or Spotify

Returning to Ayr, Scotland to capture HPX 2026. We interviewed the podium from all categories, plus a few others, and the man behind the race, Liam Walker. MixedCorey Cringan & Erin RumseyLucy Welsh & Gavin HogarthEmily Robertson & Dylan Thompson WomenEilidh Boyd & Emma DeardenNiamh McNally & Emily RobertsonShannan Brown & Nicole Murphy MenKristoffer McSherry & Graham HallidayJorg Gurney & Aaron BlainJoseph Strain & John Carlisle Check out some great photos from the event. Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Also by Stryd – Personalized Run Training. Powered by the Best Data. Experience the future of running with our most advanced power meter yet, combined with Adaptive Training. Listen on Apple or Spotify

Lars Rademaker joins Matt to talk HYROX racing, SkiErg and RowErg efficiency, and why going faster on the machines is not always the goal. Lars explains his approach to damper settings, recovering during the race, compromised running, and the techniques that can help athletes save energy for the second half. They also get into Squad Judge, the app Lars and his business partner built to assess wall-ball depth, and the larger issue of judging consistency in HYROX. We also hit on: Lars’ background as a six-time Dutch national champion in track and fieldWhy burpee broad jumps are such a demanding HYROX stationWhy damper settings are not gearsSkiErg technique, including how to use your lats and avoid burning out your quadsSolo versus doubles strategy on the SkiErg and RowErgWhy Lars believes athletes should start faster, then recover intelligentlyThe difference between compromised running and fatigued runningHow inconsistent no-reps can affect athlete results, rankings, and sponsorship opportunitiesWhy HYROX should explore technology-assisted wall-ball judging Follow Lars Check out Squat Judge: https://squatjudge.com Rowing Form Check: https://rowingformcheck.com Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Also by Stryd – Personalized Run Training. Powered by the Best Data. Experience the future of running with our most advanced power meter yet, combined with Adaptive Training. Listen on Apple or Spotify

Pete Saenz is the new USA Regional Director of Deadly Dozen USA. He and Deadly owner Jason RedBeard Curtis join us to talk all about the future of Deadly. Then the Mayor of Deka Town, Kevin Bubbles Gregory joins to talk DEKA Raleigh. Pete named Deadly Dozen's new regional director for the US, based in Laredo, Texas New affiliate program giving partner gyms 100% of ticket sales instead of the old 50/50 split Pete's largest gym event yet, over 300 participants on a professional soccer pitch Deadly Dozen's global footprint, already in 35 countries with expansion into Colombia, Malaysia, and Thailand Plans for Deadly Dozen's first major Texas track event in early 2027 Deadly Dozen World Champs preview, 2,500 athletes and 60 nationalities at Crystal Palace Kevin breaking down Deka Raleigh's turnout, venue, and vibe Judging and volunteer shortages plaguing Deka events again Deka's scheduling issues, elite waves dying down while doubles get overcrowded Janelle showing up unlisted to Raleigh and taking the podium Deka World Champs qualification standards changing back to top 30 Attendance numbers trending up across Deka's 2026 season city by city Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Also by Stryd – Personalized Run Training. Powered by the Best Data. Experience the future of running with our most advanced power meter yet, combined with Adaptive Training. Listen on Apple or Spotify

Nicky the Good’s rapid growth on Instagram. How he chooses the House of the Dragon moments to turn into songs. Why Criston Cole’s death became one of his biggest videos. The creative process behind his AI-assisted music. Writing lyrics, building hooks, and finding the right sound for each song. Why AI can assist the production without replacing the creator. Nicky’s nostalgia content and love of 80s and 90s movies. His path from Barstool wrestling contributor to X Games producer. Growing up with wrestling and attending multiple WrestleManias. Why wrestling remains his go-to form of entertainment. Rhaenyra’s leadership struggles and Daemon’s changing role. Why House of the Dragon has slowed down and what may be coming next. Matt talks with Nicky the Good, the creator behind the House of the Dragon parody songs that have taken over Instagram. Nicky explains how he identifies the one moment from each episode that people will be talking about, then turns it into a catchy song built around references, hooks, and the right musical style. They discuss the Criston Cole song, Sheepstealer, Otto Hightower, Rhaenyra, Hugh Hammer, and why the songs are more than simply asking AI to make music. They also get into Nicky’s background in wrestling, his time working with Barstool and the X Games, 80s and 90s nostalgia, content creation, and where House of the Dragon is headed. Find Nicky On Instagram Listen To Nicky On Spotify Today’s episode is sponsored by Metl. MetL™ stands for honesty and health. Every ingredient is listed clearly, no fillers, no hidden sugars, no gimmicks. It’s more than a beverage; it’s a movement redefining what it means to stay energized, for kids, parents, and future generations. Learn more at metldrink.com Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here. Also by Stryd – Personalized Run Training. Powered by the Best Data. Experience the future of running with our most advanced power meter yet, combined with Adaptive Training. Listen on Apple or Spotify