An OCR, hybrid fitness, and endurance racing round table discussion show. Hosted by: Brakken Kraker, Jack Bauer, Kirk DeWidnt, and Rich Ryan
Brakken Kraker, Jack Bauer, Kirk DeWindt, and Rich Ryan
The Race Brain Podcast is a must-listen for any true fan of OCR and hybrid racing. With three hosts from two of the listener's favorite podcasts, along with the infamous Jack Bauer, this show brings together some of the top minds and personalities in the sports. Right from the start, Rich, Jack, Brakken, and Kirk have great chemistry and their banter keeps the overall tone light and fun. The hosts provide deeply nerdy and in-depth content, backed up by their extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Listeners will not only be entertained but also gain meaningful insight that is both informative and enjoyable.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the combination of personalities and expertise that each host brings to the table. Rich, as one of the top hybrid athletes on the planet, offers valuable insights into training strategies and performance optimization. Brakken's analytical mind provides a unique perspective on OCR, while Jack's stats knowledge adds an extra layer of depth to discussions. Kirk completes the team with his relatable personality and engaging energy. Together, they create a dynamic and entertaining show that keeps listeners engaged from one episode to another.
While there are many positives about The Race Brain Podcast, some listeners may feel that there is occasionally too much focus on ganging up on Jack Bauer. While breaks in banter can keep things lighthearted, it's important for all hosts to feel included and valued in discussions. However, this minor flaw doesn't overshadow the overall quality of the content or detract significantly from its enjoyment.
In conclusion, The Race Brain Podcast is a fantastic addition to the world of OCR podcasts. With its combination of knowledgeable hosts who bring their own unique perspectives and expertise to each episode, listeners are guaranteed an engaging experience packed with insightful discussions about athletes, races, and issues within the sport. Whether you're looking to learn more about OCR or simply enjoy banter-filled conversations among OCR enthusiasts, this podcast is a must-listen. The Race Brain Podcast has the potential to elevate the sport and keep fans entertained while expanding their love for this thrilling and challenging discipline.
We're back after a brief hiatus! In this episode, we catch up on everything happening in the world of Hyrox, OCR, and even Jack's championship performance at the Goofy Games. Is OCR dying? What's the future of Race Brain? We get into it all.00:08 - Welcome Back! Where We've Been01:22 - The Evolution of Race Brain & OCR's Decline07:36 - The Future of OCR & Spartan's Struggles15:55 - What's Next for Race Brain?22:32 - Jack's Goofy Games Recap
This week, the RB squad ranks the best "world championships," diving into controversies, competition quality, and what truly makes a championship stand out. [00:08] Welcome to the Episode"Ranking OCR World Championships begins." [05:36] Metal Games Drama"A controversial event with surprising outcomes." [11:33] Women's Race Controversy"A tied finish sparks debate in the OCR community." [26:08] Too Many Championships"Frustration over the overload of world titles." [39:00] Team Champs Debate"Analyzing the value of team championships in OCR." [51:00] OCRWC vs. FISO"FISO 3K stands out with better competition and depth." [52:15] Sprint vs. 14K"Comparing Spartan Sprint and FISO 14K pathways."
Join Rich Ryan, Bracken Crocker, and Jack Bauer on the Race Brain Podcast as they dive into the highly anticipated updated rankings for the greatest male obstacle course racing athletes of all time. This episode is packed with debates, blind comparisons, and in-depth discussions on the legends who shaped the sport. [0:00] Welcome & Overview [1:15] Top Spot Debate: Atkins vs. Call [5:00] John Albon's Legacy [10:00] Blind Comparisons Begin [20:00] Sergey Perelygin vs. Gregory Basilico [30:00] Hunter McIntyre's Career [40:00] Regional vs. Global Impact [50:00] Final Rankings & Closing Thoughts
In this episode, we dive deep into the Top Women's OCR Rankings of All Time! [00:00] Intro & Focus on Women's Rankings [02:15] Lindsay Webster's Dominance [20:30] Alyssa Petrova Climbs the Ranks [40:45] Career Longevity vs. Peak Performance [1:15:10] Vision for a GOAT Roundup Event Do you agree with our picks? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #OCR #HybridAthletes #PodcastHighlights
Follow HYROX Rundown presented by Race Brain to catch the Hybrid Racing Awards
In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Scott, the reigning DEKAFIT World Champion and HYROX North American Champion, to discuss his training philosophy, racing strategies, and what it takes to balance elite competition with life as a father and coach. Dylan shares his approach to hybrid fitness, why he believes fitness is fitness, and how he maintains his high-level performance across both DEKAFIT and HYROX events. We also dive into his mindset during races, how he compartmentalizes challenges, and why he's so passionate about growing the sport. If you've ever wondered what it takes to consistently compete at the highest level while staying grounded, this episode is for you. Chapters:0:00 – Introduction and Meet Dylan Scott8:20 – Winning the DEKAFIT World Championship: Reflections18:40 – Training Philosophy: Fitness is Fitness30:10 – Key Differences Between HYROX and DEKAFIT45:15 – Mindset and Compartmentalizing Challenges58:30 – Balancing Racing, Coaching, and Family Life1:15:00 – Future Goals and What's Next for Dylan Tune in for insights, stories, and lessons from one of the top hybrid athletes in the game. Don't miss it!
Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/racebrain The DEKAFIT World Championships brought out the best in hybrid racing, and we're here to break it all down. From the men's and women's elite performances to the surprising strategies, transitions, and chaotic finishes, this was a season finale to remember. We analyze the races, celebrate the champions, and dive into the details that defined this year's championship. Chapters:0:00 – Intro and Sponsors5:20 – Jack Bauer's Recap from the Field15:30 – Men's Elite Race: Key Performances and Dylan Scott's Win35:15 – Women's Elite Race: Lauren Weeks Sets a New World Record50:00 – Transition Chaos: Impact on Results and Suggestions for Improvement1:10:45 – Team Races: Controversial Finishes and Tactical Moves1:30:30 – Final Thoughts on DEKAFIT 2024 and What's Next Tune in to hear all the insights, controversies, and standout moments from this year's DEKAFIT finale. Don't miss it!
Join Pelayo, Menendez Fernandez, elite Hyrox competitor and coach, as he shares insights on achieving peak performance through mindset, training, and dedication. In this episode, Pelayo talks about his journey in Hyrox, his mental preparation for multiple high-level races, and his passion for anaerobic coffee brewing. Learn about his coaching business and how he merges Hyrox and triathlon training for ultimate results. Tune in for inspiration and motivation! 3:20 - Elite 15 Doubles & World Championship Goals 7:00 - The Power of Mindset in Racing 10:30 - Managing High-Intensity Races 14:15 - Coaching Insights Performance 18:00 - Triathlon & Hyrox: Merging Two Sports 21:30 - Coffee Talk: Anaerobic Espresso 24:00 - Wrapping Up: Coaching & Future Goals
In this episode, we recap the HYROX weekend with standout performances, dive into DEKAFIT World Championships predictions, and discuss the rise of global hybrid racing stars. Who will take the crown? [02:30] HYROX U.S. Highlights [12:00] HYROX Women's Field [18:00] International HYROX Events [26:00] Hunter McIntyre's Changing Legacy [34:00] DEKAFIT World Championships Draft – Men's Field [46:00] DEKAFIT Women's Field Draft [58:00] International Athletes in DEKAFIT
In today's episode, Maria shares her incredible journey, the mental challenges behind training for extreme sports, and how she found her true passion for performance-driven fitness.
In this episode, the RB Squad talks about the 14th Spartan Race World Championships. The deep field of men and women provided some great outcomes. Then they update their Power 11 rankings. Tune in for takes! 00:00 Intro 01:40 Men's Recap 24:15 Women's Recap 40:00 Race Brain Teaser 46:50 Power 11 Updates 01:05:40 World Obstacle Dubai Champs
In this episode Matt sits down with Camilla Massa to talk about the ups and downs in her athletic career as she pursues excellence in HYORX.
In this episode, the RB squad discusses the most recent US HYROX event in Dallas. Then, they turn their attention to the final world championships of the OCR season, Spartan Race Abu Dhabi Beast.
The RB Squad shares their initial thoughts on the second major of the 2024/25 season in Hong Kong
In the episode RB squad talks about the second major of the season in Hong Kong and review the performances in Chicago.
In this episode Matt brings on special guests Rich Ryan and Marcus Wallace. They talk about the upcoming race HYROX in Chicago. Then they switch gears to talk about the Rogue Invitational.
In this episode the RB squad talks about the 2024 WTM and their favorite moments all-time. Then they do a quick look at HYROX Chicago. 00:00 WTM recap 30:00 The WTM trajectory 50:00 Out favorite moments
This episode, Matt sits down with newcomer on the HYROX elite scene, Dawson Miller. Dawson is one of the most accomplished runners in the HYROX space, and Matt talks with him about how he has transformed his fitness for competitive HYROX.
Description In this epsuode the RB squad recaps the 2024 Spartan Trifecta WC, the legacy of WTM, and Hyrox Hamburg and Poznań 00:00 Landscape of HYROX Training 20:00 Spartan Trifecta Results 55:00 WTM 60:00 HYROX Hamburg / Poznań
In this episode of the #HyroxRaceBrainPodcast, host Matt Mason dives into performance analytics with Jon Holman, founder of #RocksOpt, the new data-driven tool taking the #Hyrox community by storm! Whether you're aiming for a personal best or a spot on the podium, this episode shows how Rocks Opt insights can help you train smarter, not harder. https://www.roxopt.com/ 00:00 - Introduction to Rocks Opt and how it predicts athletic potential 10:00 - Jon's journey from data science to developing a tool that breaks down every aspect of #HyroxTraining 20:00 - Step-by-step overview of a Rocks Opt report, helping athletes analyze their races 30:00 - Key insights: how to target specific stations for optimal gains and set realistic goals with predictive analytics 40:00 - Using #MachineLearning to customize strategies for athletes at all levels 50:00 - How Rocks Opt is reshaping #EnduranceSports and #RaceTraining for the future of Hyrox #RaceAnalytics #AthletePerformance #EnduranceTraining #Hyroxcommunity #DataDriven
In this episode, we dive into the latest in OCR! We cover Spartan World Championship changes, the rise of multiple events, and the controversy over trifecta races. Join us for insights, predictions, and lively debates on the future of OCR! 00:00 Changing of the Guard in OCR - New Hosts and Format 05:00 The Rise of Multiple World Championships in Spartan Racing 15:00 Trifecta Weekend Recap and Why Athletes Keep Coming Back 28:00 Controversy Over the New Super World Championship at Mammoth Lakes 45:00 Debating the Value and Number of OCR World Titles 1:00:00 How Prize Money Affects Athlete Participation and Legacy in OCR 1:15:00 Predictions on Top Athletes to Watch This Season #OCRUpdate #SpartanRace #WorldChampionship #OCRCommunity #TrifectaChallenge #ObstacleCourseRacing #AthleteInsights #SportsDebate #OCRPredictions #FutureOfOCR
Kate Davey joint Matt to talk about her progress in HYROX after her impressive performance at HYROX Amsterdam.
In this episode, the RB squad answers some questions that they are getting asked often. 00:00 Hyrox Incheon and Milan Results 20:00 Is HYROX growing too fast? 32:00 What would you do with a Million dollars to invest in the sport of OCR 40:00 How fast could a Hyrox doubles team go? 1:00:30 What should change of the structure of OCR to help the sport grow? RB on Patreon patreon.com/racebrain #hyrox #dekafit
This week, Marcus Wallace (aka Deebo) appears on the Race Brain Hyrox show. Marcus and Matt discuss his progression as a HYROX athlete after his 57:57 in Hyrox Toronto.
In this episode of Race Brain, the team discusses HYROX's acknowledgment of errors during the first major race in Amsterdam and breaks down the epic battles at the Spartan Race in Croatia. They explore key athlete performances, race controversies, and the intense competition across both events. Tune in for expert analysis, insights, and the latest updates from the world of hybrid racing.
The Race Brain HYROX show gives their immediate reactions to the first race in Amsterdam.
A new re-occurring Race Brain show will focus on HYROX and Hybrid Fitness Race. In this episode, the squad drafts teams for the first major of the season in Amsterdam.
In this episode, the RB squad recaps the OCRWC in Mammoth and then discusses the most competitive field we have seen in OCR this season.
In this episode, the Race Brain squad dives into their bold predictions for the upcoming OCR season. 03:00 New talent emerging from grassroots events08:00 Controversial rule changes shake up competitions13:00 Veteran athletes making a comeback27:00 The rise of team-based formats40:00 Shocking upsets in major races44:00 Predictions for the next world record52:50 Increased participation in youth categories1:00:30 OCR becoming a mainstream sportGive to USAOCRhttps://givebutter.com/2024EOYUSAOCRSupport RB on Patreonpatreon.com/racebrain
In this episode, the Race Brain squad projects their favorite storylines for the 24/25 HYROX season. 03:00 Less Roll Downs08:00 Wrong athletes make worlds13:00 Young athletes will blow up27:00 Someone will fail a drug test40:00 Major shake-up on the worlds podium44:00 No world records this years.52:50 Highest rolldown position at a major1:00:30 Hyrox will be bigger than Triathalon Give to USAOCRhttps://givebutter.com/2024EOYUSAOCRSupport RB on Patreonpatreon.com/racebrain
In this episode, the Race Brain squad reviews the Spartan Race PanAm champ's results in Washington State. They discuss Baylen Bean's ascendancy and Nicole Mericle's dominance and then turn their support to the upcoming USAOCR Championships and organization. Plus, they update the OCR Power 11. 00:00 State of the Sport for OCR18:30 USAOCR Fundraiser (link below)27:00 Spartan Race Seattle1:00:00 Power 11 Updates Give to USAOCRhttps://givebutter.com/2024EOYUSAOCR Support RB on Patreonpatreon.com/racebrain
In this episode, the RB squad talk about Jack's controversial victory in Ocala, Flordia, and the final field for the DEKA World Champs. They then update their OCR Power 11 Rankings after the Spartan Euro Champs. Finally, they draft the top athletes for the Spartan race PanAm Championships in Seatle, WA. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 02:45 Deka Ocala 32:45 Spartan Euro Champs Review and Power 11 Updates 47:47 Spartan Pan American Champs Preview #spartanrace #ocr #hyrox #dekafit #spartanrace
In this episode, the RB squad discusses the loaded field at the upcoming Spartan European championships in Austria. Then, they are joined by Dave Claxton, the newly appointed Head Judge of DEKAFIT. The four go over Dave's role and preview Deka in Ocala. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 04:35 Spartan Euro Champs 11:15 Women's Field 32:54 Men's Field 54:00 Dave Claxton! 55:00 Talking Rules 01:27:00 Deka Florida Preview
This week, the RB squad discusses the most recent FISO OCR World Championships in Costa Rica. Then, they update the OCR power rankings to reflect the sport's most recent performances. Finally, they touch on the new contenders in DEKAFIT PA and some penalties that were dished out. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 01:48 FISO WC 03:11 FISO Info 08:00 3k Results 19:28 15+/- 22:40 Controversy!! 35:30 Why does this always happen with OCR? 42:42 OCR Power Rankings 01:20:20 YouTuber takes over FISO 01:11:50 DEKAFIT PA 01:17:50 DEKA Penalties #spartanrace #ocr #hyrox #dekafit #spartanrace
In this episode, the RB squad chats about the most recent HYROX event in Brisbane and some of the crazy fast times, the second FISO OCR World Championships, and a stacked field for the upcoming DEKAFIT in Oaks, PA. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 03:05 HYROX Brisbane 10:34 Brisbane Course Layout 17:45 Brisbane Men 23:05 Men's athlete DQ'd 32:11 FISO OCR World Championship 01:02:40 FISO Women's Field 01:25:30 FISO Men's Field 01:42:40 DEKA PA #hyrox #spartanrace #hyroxtraining #dekafit #podcast
In this episode, the RB squad discusses topics such as whether we think HYROX could make the Olympics, what training trends we have noticed for HYROX, the impressive performances at the CrossFit Games, and our final chat about track and field. 00:00 Intro 04:00 Does OCR being in the pentathlon matter? 13:34 Could HYROX be in the Olympics? 27:48 Training Trends for HYROX 55:27 CrossFit Games 57:38 CrossFit 1600m 01:30:30 Track and Field - The Final Chat #hyrox #spartanrace #hyroxtraining #dekafit #podcast
In this episode, Jack does some serious homework to tell us how correcting HYROX times changes the elite 15 field. They discuss their observations around the Olympics regarding formatting and competition, and then they go hard on some track and field. 00:00 Intro 02:38 Jack's BUTT 07:55 Hyrox Times Shake-ups 09:00 Women's 20:20 Men's 52:33 What we've learned from the Olympics 01:24:10 Olympic Track Talk #hyrox #dekafit #athletics #podcast #spartanrace
In this episode, the RB squad talks about the pros and cons of the new Hyrox Major season and the World Championships qualifications. 00:00 Intro 03:24 Brakken's late takes 07:23 Quick Olympic Talks 15:44 Hyrox Qualification 24/25 System 19:08 Happy with stability 21:00 Two races minimum for time qualifiers 48:22 LCQ backfill for World Champs 58:00 Prize money bumped 59:15 Increase doping testing 01:04:44 Too many autos? 01:13:00 Season is too long 01:19:00 Hong Kong con 01:27:00 Current Elite 15 list #hyrox #spartanrace #dekafit
Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain
In this episode, the RB squad previews the upcoming events for Spartan Race Utah and DEKAFIT Ultra in Fort Wayne, IN. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 01:19 Spartan Utah USNS Preview 10:38 Men's Top Contenders 22:18 Women's Top Contenders 29:20 Hoka Tecton X 3 - Quick Look!! 32:27 First Ever Deka Ultra 36:25 Deka Ultra Men's Field 38:18 Deka Ultra Women's Field 45:04 How fast will they go? 57:27 What would we want an Ultra Hybrid to look like? 01:12:30 BK does Chad 01:26:20 DEKA Ultra Predictions #spartanrace #ocr #hyrox #dekafit
In this episode, the RB squad covers the recent Spartan Ultra World Championships in Morzine, France, and the allure of ultra racing. Then, they rank the current top ten athletes in OCR. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Spartan Ultra WC Recap 06:41 Spartan Ultra World Champs Results 08:55 Fantasy Results 16:20 The appeal of Ultra Racing 30:10 The possibility of a Spartan Super Championship 34:33 Should Spartan only hold championships outside of North America? 51:03 OCR Men's Power Rankings 01:09:00 OCR Women's Power Rankings 01:26:00 Other News #spartanrace #ocr #hyrox #dekafit
In this episode, the RB squads draft teams for the upcoming Spartan Race Ultra World Championship. Then they discuss the remainder of the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 05:51 Spartan Ultra World Champs Details 38:17 Spartan Ultra WC Draft 01:18:43 Track and Field!! #spartan #ocr #hyrox #dekafit
In this episode, the RB squads chat about the recent race in Concord, North Carolina, and spend a good chunk of time chatting about the Olympic Track and Field Olympic Trials. 00:00 Intro 02:45 DEKAFIT Concord NC04:30 Results 06:13 Deka Women's Recap17:13 Deka Doubles Chat 22:55 Deka Men's Recap 42:35 Ronco's 5k time 50:44 Spartan Weekend Results 57:39 Track and Field Olympic Trials Chat #hyrox #dekafit #spartanrace # trackandfield
In this episode, the RB squad chat about the OCR European Championships, some residual conversations from the HYROX World Championships, and the newest footwear we look forward to. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 09:20 OCR European Championships 17:35 15k Controversy 24:45 Should the Euro Champs be the World Champs? 31:15 How many more generations can OCR sustain. 46:43 Spartan Race Ultra Championships Teaser 57:52 Hyrox WC International Relay 01:03:13 Hyrox Drug Testing 01:26:20 Shoe talk!!!! #spartan #ocr #hyrox #dekafit
In this episode, the full RB squad discusses the event of the year, the Hyrox World Championships. The team goes over the results, their implications, and some rumors for next season. #hyrox #dekafit #spartanrace
Lauren Smith joins Rich and BK to review the 2024 Hyrox World Championships. The team discussed the big stories they are looking forward to and then draft fantasy teams. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Hyrox NYC Recap 22:00 Our top stories to watch at Hyrox World Champs 38:10 Hyrox Fantasy Draft #spartan #ocr #hyrox #dekafit
In this episode, the RB squad discusses ideas for making OCR a great sport once again. They discuss race organization, marketing, product development, and revenue generation. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain #spartan #ocr #hyrox #dekafit
In this episode the RB squad chat about the weekend races for Hyrox Anaheim and Spartan Race Big Bear. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 05:15 Rich's Hyrox Doubles Recap 20:40 Hyrox LCQ Anaheim Recap 30:30 LCQ Fantasy Review (Men's and Women's Results 40:05 Hyrox Women's Race Recap - Camilla Mass Impresses 49:27 Women's World Championships Finalized Field 56:35 Hyrox Men's Race Recap - Luke Storath Dominates 01:05:55 Men World Championships Finalized Field 01:14:09 European male athletes smash the US athletes 01:16:44 Spartan Race Big Bear 01:17:55 No More 3k at Spartan Seattle 01:28:18 Big Bear Fantasy Results 01:30:51 Spartan Race Women's Results 01:34:00 Hawk Call's historic performance 01:37:29 Spartan Race Men's results #hyrox #spartanrace #dekafit
In this episode, the RB squad discusses the rule changes at Deka, the loaded LCQ in Anaheim, and the second stop at the Spartan National series in Big Bear. Support RB on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 02:00 Dekafit Ruling Changes from Sacramento. 18:09 New Deka penalties for specific stations. 28:30 Deka Spain update 34:04 Rich and Pelayo to run Doubles - Split analysis 45:45 Hyrox Doha recap 1:08:23 Hyrox Anaheim LCQ Draft 1:58:30 Spartan Race Big Bear Draft #dekafit #hyrox #spartanrace
In this episode, the RB boys talk about the most recent results and controversies at DEKAFIT Sacramento. Support RB on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/racebrain 00:00 Intro 01:24 Jack's race recap 13:36 DEKAFIT Sac Men's results 22:00 DEKAFIT Sac Women's results 35:06 DEKA DQ's 39:30 Deka Rulebook Review 1:02:52 Should Deka Use Video Review? 1:10:50 Should there be specific penalties for each station? 1:18:35 Deka movement standard review 1:24:00 Was there a precedent? 1:35:35 What is the solution? 1:45:00 Nonsense #dekafit #hyrox #spartanrace
In this episode, the RB squad discusses the upcoming DEKAFIT race in Sacramento. They also discuss possible ways to determine a vacant spot for HYROX WC. Finally, the squad chats about the penalties determined by CrossFit during the 2024 quarterfinals. 00:00 Intro 03:10 DEKAFIT World Championship Dates & Venue Announced 15:26 DEKAFIT Sacramento Preview 35:20 Should DEKA change from 20 to 15 qualifiers for Worlds? 45:40 What would happen if a Hyrox athlete can't make the WC Elite 15? 55:05 Hyrox Relay B team 1:02:12 Hybrid Running Impressions 1:07:12 CrossFit Quarter finals Qualification Blunder #hyrox #dekafit #spartanerace