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 metldrink.com
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