The Filter is Off Podcast

In a packed hour we cover all things hybrid! Gwen & Myles share their individual paths from running, rowing, bodybuilding, ultras and cross‑training into hybrid events, and how they formed a successful mixed doubles pairing breaking the age group world record in their first race together. Our conversation compares personal experiences of Deadly Dozen and Hyrox formats, race strategy, supplemen...

We are joined by Gerry to gain a head judge's perspective on a range of issues. We look at the fallout from Beijing and the event's response, social media fallout, judging challenges, and the wider impact on both age group and elite athletes. We also the wider effect of the constant rule changes and whether a more simple approach would benefit competitors and judges alike.

In this episode the we recap a dramatic weekend, discussing our individual races and experiences at London Tryka & Hyrox Tenerife — plus we reflect on the positive vibes coming from Deadly Dozen Worlds. We also discuss wider issues in the race scene: event organisation differences, positive update on volunteer pay and rewards, debate whether Deadly Dozen prize money could be extended for age g...

We answer listeners questions and discuss training strategy, pacing and the value of recovery ahead of our first races of the season. Michael sharing practical taper tips and the need for carbonara and pizza! As the official brand supporter of the podcast we invite Jim from XEndurance to talk about the brand’s athlete community, product philosophy, and supporting age-group competitors across event...

We touch on the difficulties faced by adaptive athletes as Hyrox's model in this area evolves. Having set the ball rolling online we dive deeper with a full debate about Hyrox's volunteer policy, ticket pricing differences across countries, the shift to paid staffing/Office Angels, and the community reaction— We argue for better treatment and transparency from the organisers. On a lighter note we...

Simon Passmore joins the podcast to discuss his successful Hyrox journey, record-setting races, and the obsessive focus that drives his training. We talk about race-day anxiety, mental health, parenting, the challenges of training while living in Costa Rica. Plus we look at the benefits of community and how that is important in training environments. We also touch on the use of supplements. Simon...

In this episode we chat with Jay, founder of Deadly Dozen, about the race's origins, his military and fitness background, and how a simple, track‑based format is rapidly scaling into a global, community-driven event. We discuss the importance of judges, accessibility for athletes and the operational and financial challenges he has faced in growing an independent race brand. We discuss the importan...

A week off from guests gives us the chance to discuss sharing coaching successes, training adjustments (especially Zone 2 work), and the challenges of balancing family, work and racing. Also this week is giveaway week with tickets for Tryka London Excel up for grabs and update on the  group coaching programme). As the new season is gathering pace we discuss event pricing, the expense of spectating...

Aaron takes us through his Hyrox philosophy: prioritizing the process over outcomes, balancing intensity and recovery, and tailoring training for age‑group athletes. He explains why many people overdo high‑intensity work, how to use strength and strength‑endurance effectively, and why easy days should be very easy. The episode also gives practical race advice — warm‑up tips, station‑by‑station str...

Brian shares his personal journey and passion and commitment to create a community focused, totally inclusive hybrid event. Much more than a race Tryka is an occasion. Come as you are, leave as more!" The episode covers rapid growth of TRYKA (most recent Dublin event exceeded 10,000 athletes & 15000 fans), the emphasis on fans and juniors, affiliate support, coaching standards, and plans for c...

On this episode of The Filter Is Off we discuss the practical side of coaching and training, including when and how to use AI, the value of human coaches, and real-world Hyrox experiences and training priorities. Michael covers his training structure (14-day cycles, zone 2 work, strength vs endurance), plus the use of data and recovery strategies, we touch on the increasing use of peptides  and ex...

In a brief introduction we discuss the recent Dublin Tryka event including the ongoing effect of high humidity (heat, sled friction and technique). Then we welcome by popular demand Elite Hyrox Coach Chris Bayens as our first guest on the podcast. In an hour of discussion he covers a wide range of training and coaching matters specific to Hyrox athletes at all levels of ability. In a packed Q&...

* Producers edit: I explained the new lunge rules incorrectly. I did not mean to say you could put the bag on the floor, I meant to say putting the bag on the floor would now not lead to disqualification. Apologies, Mark. This episode gives the final update on Michael's race at the World's then dives into the new rule changes—burpee positioning, five-centimetre debates, disqualifications, timing,...

One week on from the Hyrox World Championships and in the first half of the show we recap the spectacle and sense of community of the first day, praise the event production, and break down how heat, humidity and tactical pacing shaped performances across elite and age-group races. We look at a couple of errors that may have shaped the Elite 15 results. In the last segment Michael goes through the...

The lads discuss their race-specific training and mental preparation for the Hyrox World Championships, sharing practical tips on sleds, pacing, and race simulations. They also debate judging, equipment consistency, entry-level options for the sport, and the need for drug testing and clearer rules—plus predictions and possible controversies ahead of Stockholm.

In this episode we nervously launch the The Filter is Off podcast! We introduce our sporting backgrounds, and explain our mission to hold hybrid event organisers accountable whilst always celebrating what they do well. We discuss an issue we that hope to promote tirelessly age-group advocacy for hyrox athletes. We chat on training and travel, sponsorship and supplements, plus our views on whether...

A brief 60 second trailer before our first pod is launched on Friday 12 June. if you would like more information - contact us on instagram @thefilterisoffpodcast  Michael & Mark