The Filter is Off Podcast

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 groups, and a controversial ban on professional photography by Hyrox in North America.

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 events like HyRox, Tryka and Deadly Dozen, in addition to triathlons and Iron Man events

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 look at our upcoming events (Tenerife, Trika, Budapest) with a focus on endurance, zone 2 work, pacing, practical sessions. We both look forward to a new season of improvement.

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 shares how he balances ambition with family life and why moving back to Scotland will help him regain routine and enjoyment in the sport.

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 importance of viewing quality customer service as a priority (free transfers and photos), the increasing use of technology in areas such as global leaderboards and in helping judging, mental resilience and stoicism, and how physical training supports mental health. Finally we look forward to the Deadly Sprint in Sheffield this October.

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 and share our thoughts on why most of the disqualification rules should be shelved. Finally details of a new, shorter midweek podcast. This will be 30-40 minutes of in-depth talks with athletes and specialists on a single chosen topic.

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 strategies, pacing guidelines, and how to practice movements and pacing in training to improve race day performance.

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 careful international expansion while protecting culture and quality.

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 excited to announce a new totally free opportunity for an age-group athlete to win a training package through preparation to race day.

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&A the episode covers practical coaching tips for age‑group athletes, mixed‑doubles strategy, how to structure easy vs. hard training, hydration and planning for people with busy lives, plus encouragement for older athletes aiming to improve. We hope you enjoy.

* 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, lingering in the start tunnel—and what they mean for everyday athletes. We also discuss training insights, mixed-doubles fairness and the need for a 50:50 trial at Elite level, the need for better age-group representation and Hyrox's customer service. We start the discussion on how representation of grass roots age-group athletes may develop and help inform the future of the sport.

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 machinations of his mixed-doubles race and the controversy that surrounded how the podium finally looked.

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 the controversial Hyrox cruise adventure will sink or swim.

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