Episode Details

Dating apps are broken. Here’s how one CEO is fixing them, one HYROX blind date at a time. 

This week, Kenny sits down with Rob Long, co-founder and CEO of Surf Dating, the official dating app of HYROX. They cover why swiping keeps you stuck, why your profile should be the most honest thing on your phone, and how blind dates in the HYROX start tunnel turned into the best content in fitness.

In this episode:

• Why “I’m not on apps” is a lie (60%+ of relationships now start digitally)
• Why Surf bet against AI matchmaking
• Landing the HYROX deal after bigger dating apps passed
• 9,000 applicants for 10 blind-date spots in New York
• Fitness as identity, community and the cure for loneliness
• What’s next: Rio, London, Brisbane and maybe Comic-Con

Chapters: 
00:00 Why You're Using Dating Apps Wrong
00:41 Rob Long on Tinder, Grindr & Surf Dating
07:50 Dating App Privacy: Is Location Sharing Safe?
10:58 How HYROX Helps Singles Meet in Real Life
18:44 The Biggest Dating Profile Mistake: Chasing Likes
21:52 How Surf Dating Partnered With HYROX
28:50 HYROX Blind Dates: 9,000 Applicants for 10 Spots
36:08 Dating Profile Tips & Real Success Stories
39:28 AI Matchmaking vs. Real-Life Connection
46:04 CEO Leadership: Trusting Your Team & Letting Go
49:48 Dealing With Online Hate & Criticism
54:00 Interest-Based Dating: Finding Shared Hobbies
59:22 Why Friendship, Loneliness & Community Matter
61:05 Modern Dating Pressure: Marriage & Social Media
65:52 HYROX Love Stories & The Future of Surf Dating

Connect with SURF Dating
Instagram: @surfdating

Connect with Kenny and Strong New York: 
Instagram: @kennysantucci
Instagram: @strongnewyork

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Instagram: @strongnewyorkpod

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This episode is sponsored by:
🔥 Celsius — the energy drink that fuels every Strong New York workout. Follow @celsiusofficial on Instagram for all the new flavors.
🩸 Marek Health — optimize your hormones, recovery, and performance at marekhealth.com. Use code KENNY for 10% off Diagnostics, Supplements, and Guided Optimization.
🤝 Founders Club — a trusted circle of 2,500+ builders across North America who share resources, open doors, and raise the bar for entrepreneurship. Learn more at FoundersClubOfficial.com