KETTLEBELLS & COCKTAILS

Latest Episodes:

NYT Author Calum Marsh - The Glass Box Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

John and Niki welcome New York Times writer and The Glass Box author Calum Marsh. The discuss Calum's new book The Glass Box (out October 27 via HarperOne), describing his 100+ interviews, extensive time speaking with Greg Glassman, and his approach to portraying complex, polarizing figures without offering definitive judgments, plus insights on CrossFit’s financial peak and decline after 2013. 00:00 Hyrox Recap and Soreness 00:43 Ninth Place Breakdown 01:47 Running Gains and Next Race 03:15 Carb Loading and Lean Life 04:33 Meet Calum Marsh 05:30 Calum Hyrox and Marathon Training 07:16 Wall Balls and Judging Drama 09:22 Hyrox Valuation and Growth 11:47 Why Hyrox Keeps People Coming Back 15:40 Sponsors and Media Machine 18:40 Hyrox vs CrossFit Ethos 21:30 Community Stories and Health Angle 22:26 Branding Versus Business 22:55 Book Pitch The Glass Box 24:38 Controversy And Complexity 27:40 Researching Greg Up Close 30:57 Charm And Objectivity 36:14 Neutral Narrative Approach 37:17 CrossFit Outgrows Greg 39:49 Bruce Edwards CEO Case 44:00 What Made The Cut 47:39 Financials And 2013 Peak 50:25 Part Two And Extra Stories 55:07 Wrap Up And Where To Buy

Cody Lanphere Jun 04, 2026

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John and Nikki welcome fitness creator Cody Lanphere to discuss his journey from farm-raised dancer who found CrossFit, to his meteoric rise in social media, to his future plans opening his first gym. Werkology. Cody is a breath of fresh air in the fitness space and brings excitement and fun into everything he does. Donate to his crowdfunded gym project here: https://gofund.me/58f46ca34 Follow Cody at: https://www.instagram.com/codylanphere/ https://www.tiktok.com/@codyblanphere

Murph Prep, The Glass Box, & CrossFit Smut Books May 14, 2026

Show notes

John & Niki get together to discuss what is new in their families, the CrossFit Community's upcoming Memorial Day tradition of "Murph", Bruce Edwards most recent appearance on The CrossFit Podcast, John discusses his views on getting to read an advance copy of "The Glass Box" by Calum Marsh, and Niki read some CrossFit smutty books...

CrossFit has a new CEO (again) Apr 29, 2026

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In this episode of Kettlebell & Cocktails with John & Niki, we dive into one of the biggest headlines in the CrossFit world: the hiring and announcement of new CEO Bruce Edwards. We break down what this leadership change could mean for the future of the brand, the community, and the direction of CrossFit as a whole. John also shares insights from a conversation he had with Edwards several weeks ago—including some candid advice he offered—and reflects on how that perspective shapes his outlook now. We also shift gears into training talk, with John opening up about the current challenges he’s facing in his Hyrox prep—the physical and mental grind, what’s not clicking, and how he’s working through it. With both John and Niki set to compete at HWPO Hyrox Boston, the pressure (and excitement) is building. It’s a mix of industry insight, real talk on training struggles, and a bit of life outside the gym—exactly what you’d expect from Kettlebell & Cocktails.

We're back! Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

John and Niki return to Kettlebells and Cocktails after a long break, catching up on life, the state of the world, and what’s changed since their last episode. Future episodes will be bi-weekly.

Ep 25.1 - 3X Hyrox Champion Lauren Weeks Jan 23, 2025

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In this episode of Kettlebells and Cocktails, hosts John and Nikki are joined by Lauren, a three-time Hyrox World Champion. The trio discusses their experiences with Hyrox races, highlighting the unique challenges and training methodologies compared to CrossFit. Lauren also shares her preparations for an upcoming 100K ultra marathon and offers insights into balancing rigorous training with motherhood. They touch upon the community and competitive aspects of Hyrox, the importance of movement standards, and the growing interest in fitness racing. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with tips, personal anecdotes, and the realities of elite fitness training

Ep 24.16 - Dani Speegle Oct 11, 2024

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Join us in an engaging episode as we catch up with Dani Speegle after a long break. We tackle the complexities of adult life, discussing everything from scheduling akin to planning dental appointments to embracing the joys of shopping for unique items. Dive into Dani's journey with CrossFit, as she shares her shift from competitive aspirations to personal satisfaction. The episode takes a delightful twist with in-depth discussions on popular fantasy and romance novels, delving into themes of character development and emotional empowerment. Enjoy personal anecdotes of travel to enchanting destinations like Italy and Boston, offering a blend of literary exploration and life reflections.

Ep 24.15 - Coping with Community Grief Aug 29, 2024

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In this episode of Kettlebells and Cocktails, hosts John and Niki navigate personal and collective emotions in the CrossFit community. They discuss the challenges of managing evening routines with children, coping with recent events, and addressing the financial burdens of end-of-life planning. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of tragedies, mixed community reactions, and the importance of support systems. Engaging with live comments, they explore athlete safety, collective guilt, and the therapeutic role of their podcast. Join this heartfelt discussion to connect, understand, and support each other through difficult times.

Ep 24.14 - Discussing the tragic events of the 2024 CrossFit Games Aug 13, 2024

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In this episode of Kettlebells and Cocktails, hosts John and Niki address the recent tragedy at the CrossFit Games, sharing their personal experiences with grief and its impact on the community. They discuss the importance of transparency and strategy in organizing events like the masters, teen, and adaptive games. The duo emphasizes the necessity of respectful dialogue and community support, encouraging viewers to contribute to a GoFundMe for a community member's family. This episode blends humor and introspection, offering a thoughtful space for listeners to process complex emotions and ongoing challenges within the CrossFit community.

Ep 24.13 - Rob & Steph Mireles CrossFit Attain Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Join hosts John and Niki on 'Kettlebells and Cocktails' as they dive into the complexities of opening and running a successful CrossFit affiliate. Special guests Rob and Steph Mireles share their journey with CrossFit Attain, discussing crucial topics such as professionalism, community building, coaching effectiveness, and maintaining high standards. The episode also explores the future of CrossFit affiliates, including performance improvement strategies and the significance of community feedback. Don't miss this blend of personal anecdotes, expert advice, and a touch of humor, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in CrossFit and gym management.

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