Hybrid Fitness Media

Matt talks with the Pro podiums, age group winners and a few surprise guests right after they finish at HYROX Tampa. Rich Ryan wins Pro Men despite a wrong turn in the Roxzone, Willow Collins adds another Pro Women win, and Elizabeth Jones takes 2nd in her first ever HYROX. Plus Paul Kaup’s age group win, Brittany McCall’s football past, and actor Patrick Wilson racing with his brother Mark of Fox 13 Tampa.

Rich Ryan, 1st Pro Men

Ryan Douglas, 2nd Pro Men

Gabe Piepergerdes, 3rd Pro Men

Colin Stiefer, 5th Pro Men

Paul Kaup, 1st in 55 to 59

Willow Collins, 1st Pro Women

Mackinly Kifer, 3rd Pro Women

Jaydan Velasquez, 5th Pro Women

Carolyn Watkins, 4th Pro Women

Nicole Coccia, 9th in 35 to 39

Brittany McCall, 3rd in 35 to 39

Lily Finger, 20th in 25 to 29

Actor Patrick Wilson and his brother Mark Wilson, from Fox 13 Tampa

Elizabeth Jones, 2nd Pro Women

Josh Ward, 4th Pro Men

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 https://metldrink.com/

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Matt and Cheryl go through their Tampa doubles race, where the runs were great and the stations, untrained, were not. That includes the burpee broad jump warning, a 7:14 on wall balls and the new no sitting on the bucket rule. The crew also covers spectator ticket sellouts, the HYROX cruise and Matt’s early no show numbers.

Dave launches HTX for January 30, with tickets on sale November 1. The crew then previews the Elite Series doubles in Hamburg and gets into the HYROX cease and desist against HYRESULT and ROXFIT.

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 https://metldrink.com/

Listen on Apple or Spotify

Support us through The Cup Of Coffee

Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG

• Marc Lou’s 10 year journey building 36 startups solo
• Earning over $1 million a year at 85% profit with zero employees
• Sponsor My Body, the auction that sold space on his HYROX race kit
• Raising $35K in 24 hours and over $112K total
• Why the story mattered more than the sponsors
• How AI is changing what one person can build
• Why he shares his revenue publicly and refuses to hire
• Living on $5K a month while earning $80K

SUMMARY:

Matt sits down with Marc Lou, the solo founder behind 36 startups who auctioned sponsorship spots on his body for a HYROX race and raised over $112K. Marc explains how the auction worked, why he won’t do it again, his two years of making zero dollars, and why he’d rather keep building alone than grow a company.

Guest Links: Marc Lou

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Follow Hybrid Fitness Media on IG

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 https://metldrink.com/

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Matt, Dave, and Chris Bayens discuss the latest HYROX news and preview Hamburg, the first Elite Series race of the season.

• The proposed HYROX cruise race
• The first Elite Town Hall and Elite Working Group
• Coach zones and athlete feedback
• Points, ties, strength of field, and Elite 15 qualification
• The new race withdrawal deadline
• Hamburg women’s race preview
• Hamburg men’s race preview

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 https://metldrink.com/

Listen on Apple or Spotify

Support HFM Through A Cup Of Coffee.

Calum Marsh joins Matt to discuss his new book, The Glass Box, an inside look at the rise of CrossFit and the people who built it.

Marsh spoke with Greg Glassman, Dave Castro, Lauren Jenai, Matt Fraser, and others while reporting the book. They discuss Glassman’s unconventional leadership, CrossFit’s growth without traditional investors, the Reebok deal, the warning signs that came before 2020, and the decisions that helped unravel the company’s media operation and public standing.

They also talk about why CrossFit and HYROX are fundamentally different, whether founder-led companies such as CrossFit, Spartan, GORUCK, and the UFC share a common pattern, and the workplace culture allegations that followed Glassman.

Topics include:

• Why Calum Marsh wrote The Glass Box
• Reporting the book and interviewing Greg Glassman
• CrossFit’s early growth and affiliate model
• The Reebok deal and CrossFit’s unusual business approach
• CrossFit versus HYROX
• Glassman, Dave Castro, and founder-led companies
• The warning signs before CrossFit’s 2020 crisis
• Media, social media, workplace culture, and Glassman’s exit

You can buy the book on Amazon.

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 https://metldrink.com/

Listen on Apple or Spotify

Support HFM Through A Cup Of Coffee.

Matt, Cheryl, and Dave are joined by Matt Kemp to discuss

• Hiller’s YouTube channel removal and what it means for creators
• ATHX Miami recap - format, judging, volunteers, and athlete experience
• HYROX Boston - sled conditions, course layout, and race-day experience
• Whether a premium HYROX race package is worth the extra cost
• The Beijing incident making Saturday Night Live
• HYROX ticket demand, Flex passes, and spring race availability

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 https://metldrink.com/

Listen on Apple or Spotify

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 Eybergen
• Vivian Tafuto
• Rachael Wade
• Chelsea Ribeiro
• Lindsay Bessegato
• Laura Sliapnic
• Courtney Hayre
• Bethany McChesney
• Frédéric Dubé
• Ryan Douglas
• Stirling Peters
• Ryan 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 Tvedten
• Christina Matthews and Charlotte O’Neill
• Quinlan Hickey and Lindsay Bessegato
• Imogen Cross and Elise McClintic
• Isaac Sanderson and Brendan Neely
• Jarrett Newby and Matt Baysinger
• Kevin Gregory and Ryan Casey
• Stirling Peters and Chase Stevenson
• Jack Driscoll and Kelly Meredith
• Cole Learn and Frédéric Dubé
• Ryan 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 Spotify.

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 racing
• Why athletes were frustrated by the pre-submitted-question format
• Ticket access, Flex passes, and qualification loopholes
• Rulebook clarity, judging consistency, and who should make the rules
• Athlete 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 https://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 community
• What goes into programming more than 100 F45 workout formats
• F45’s global footprint and studio growth
• The history of F45 Playoffs and the evolution into Peak 500
• Plans 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 live
• How the play handles Harrenhal, Robert’s Rebellion, Rhaegar and Lyanna, the Mad King, and the Tower of Joy
• The set design, battle scenes, casting choices, and whether the four-hour runtime works
• A Game of Thrones rewatch: the great early-season moments, character arcs, and details that pay off later
• Why 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 https://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 rules
• The new Challenger 15
• PUMA’s Project Podium and athlete sponsorships
• Matt Kemp's first ATHX workout at Strong New York
• HYROX’s upcoming Elite Athlete Town Hall
• DEKA World Championship ticket prices
• Toronto 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 https://metldrink.com/

Listen on Apple or Spotify

Willow Collins

• Breaking Gonzaga’s 3K school record at the time
• Running 15:50 in her first 5K
• Finding HYROX after college
• Racing in New York, at Worlds and in Salt Lake City
• Improving burpee broad jumps and wall balls
• Her goal of breaking 60 minutes
• Racing Women’s Doubles with Molly Chambers
• Olympic Trials ambitions in the marathon

Follow Willow on Instagram:

“Mo” Iqbal

• The original FitLab vision and why it made sense on paper
• Why operational experience and discipline matter in fitness acquisitions
• What happens when founders leave after their companies are acquired
• The role Nike’s partnership may have played in investor confidence
• Why FitLab’s use of merchant cash advances raised concerns
• What the fitness industry can learn from FitLab’s collapse

Learn more about SweatWorks

Aaron Travers

• Moving from Gaelic football and boxing into HYROX
• Running a 56-minute HYROX while weighing more than 240 pounds
• A 16:28 track 5K and a 16:43 road 5K at 253 pounds
• Winning the ATHX events in Dublin and Copenhagen
• His goal of winning the ATHX World Championships
• Training with Chris Baines to improve his strength and mobility
• Holding records in TRYKA and The Hybrid Games
• SkiErg marathon record - 2:29:52 with no breaks
• Why 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 https://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 https://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.

JoinLiz 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 https://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 https://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 https://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 https://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.

Mixed

• Corey Cringan & Erin Rumsey
• Lucy Welsh & Gavin Hogarth
• Emily Robertson & Dylan Thompson

Women

• Eilidh Boyd & Emma Dearden
• Niamh McNally & Emily Robertson
• Shannan Brown & Nicole Murphy

Men

• Kristoffer McSherry & Graham Halliday
• Jorg Gurney & Aaron Blain
• Joseph 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 https://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 field
• Why burpee broad jumps are such a demanding HYROX station
• Why damper settings are not gears
• SkiErg technique, including how to use your lats and avoid burning out your quads
• Solo versus doubles strategy on the SkiErg and RowErg
• Why Lars believes athletes should start faster, then recover intelligently
• The difference between compromised running and fatigued running
• How inconsistent no-reps can affect athlete results, rankings, and sponsorship opportunities
• Why HYROX should explore technology-assisted wall-ball judging

Follow Lars

Check out Squat Judge: https://www.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 https://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 https://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 https://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