WITSUP women in triathlon: Recent Episodes
WITSUP
The WITSUP, women in triathlon, podcast is a lot more than just swim, bike and run. It's all about getting to know the person behind the triathlete. What makes them tick. Who or what inspires them. What has driven them to be the person and the athlete they are today.
So imagine yourself joining me and your favourite triathlete for a chat over a coffee, or a wine if you prefer, and plenty of laughs.
It’s time to say goodbye to Witsup. The thing is, I don’t want to write “it’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye … “ because my heart has done so much heavy lifting the last few weeks, if not months, as I have come to the incredibly tough decision to close down WITSUP and move on.
I want to say that I’m finally in a space that it’s with a light and happy heart that I can close this chapter, be excited about the next one and truly celebrate all of the awesomeness that WITSUP has achieved over a decade.
From day one, WITSUP was a fight for improving the media landscape and the community for women in triathlon and sport, and we achieved so much in this space. But, for me, I now need to move on and find what lights my fire again.
We decided to give WITSUP a send off via a podcast, so if you want to join us for an emotional trip down memory lane, we asked some of our faves to help share some stories. Hot tip: Don’t edit your own finale podcast - it was brutal, but a beautiful thing. Thanks to Linsey Corbin, Belinda Granger, Mirinda Carfrae, Laura Siddall, Jordan Blanco, Meredith Kessler, Caroline Steffen, Rachel Joyce and Lizzy Blatchford.
So what’s next? I’m not entirely sure, but I know I’ll dive in with the passion and drive I had when we launched WITSUP. And stay tuned, maybe the podcast will be back but will just be slightly different. Who knows. But firstly, and most importantly, I’m going to change the batteries in Frankie’s toy that I’ve been telling her I’ll do for weeks, steal a few extra cuddles, and probably have a gin.
Thank you everyone so so much for all of your support over the years. It’s been a hell of a ride.
This is a very special podcast episode for me. Julie 'Dibs' Dibens is the guest that I have hounded for years to join me on the podcast, but she just isn't a fan of the limelight or talking about herself, so always evaded me. But finally, I wore her down. The white whale for the Witsup podcast, has been caught.
Dibs was one of the first athletes I became a super fan of. I loved her badass style of racing and her resilience. Then I met her, and I added smartass to the list of things I loved. Then when people started approaching her in Kona asking her if she was Stef from Witsup, my mind was blown! Apparently we're twins! (I think I won out in that scenario). I started as a fan of the athlete, Julie Dibens, and I'm now honoured to call Dibs a friend.
Dibs is now a brilliant coach, but it took her a while to settle into that role after her racing career ended earlier than she hoped due to injury. She was successful over middle and long distance racing, Xterra and was an Olympian - not many athletes have those bragging rights, and even though Dibs does, she doesn't brag. Except for when it comes to any time that she has toweled up Rinny.
She's a no bullshit kind of person, but with a heart of gold. This was most definitely a full circle kind of moment for me.
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
There are so many things to rate and love about Jacqui, from her bubbly personality, her commitment to embracing that suitcase life, her friendliness, she was a firefighter (top three badass and coolest jobs in my opinion), her success at on and off road triathlon, and she now finally loves dogs - until this moment, we didn't rate her, obviously, ha!
Jacqui and her husband, Ben, are the pin up triathletes for creating a traveling/racing lifestyle, and making it work for them. They've slept on many a stranger's couch and have lived off the smell of an oily rag in the past, but always found ways to give back to the community and their sponsors/partners. It's easy to love to Allens, and by the end of this episode, you'll see why.
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
In between TT comps, triathlons, thoughts of chasing Olympic goals (that's an exclusive for you) and dog walkies, Kim Morrison found some time to catch up with us, and we are stoked that she did.
We discover that the triathlon world can thank her Mum's love of reading as the reason Kim stepped into the world of swim, bike and run. Seems like a strange leap to go from reading a book to professional racing, but once you find out that the book was Chrissie Wellington's, A Life Without Limits, it all starts to make sense. However, we can't help but wonder, what if her Mum was reading Touching The Void by Joe Simpson, or, True Spirit by Jessica Watson - would we see her tackle an icy rock face, or exchange a TT bike for a life jacket instead?
We find out that Kim has been driven a lot by people telling her that she can't do something, and we know this feeling all too well. From taking up mathematics at uni, to her sporting endeavours, just try to tame this ball of energy, we dare you.
Loved getting to know Kim and her dogs a little better. A big take away from this chat is that if you're going to jump off the cliffs at the End of the World in Kona, take Rob, Susie Cheetham's husband with you, he's the master of ocean jewellery retrieval.
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
SUPPORT WITSUP - for as little as USD $5 a month become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Loved reconnecting with Danish superstar, Helle Frederiksen! It’s been too long since we’ve caught up with Helle and so much has happened between chats. As she’s moved on to the next chapter after professional triathlon we can tell she hasn’t slowed down one bit. We chat 40th birthday debauchery, becoming a coach, her new book, and most importantly, her new pup, Milo!
We’re inspired by her vulnerability as she shares the highs and lows of her triathlon career including moments that she had tried to forget. But when you're putting pen to paper to write your own story, memories resurface.
Helle's book, The Pursuit Of Victory - https://shop.ourkollektiv.com/
Quote highlights include:
“We think we can take everything on, but sometimes you have to be realistic.”
“There are so many stories to be told and so many vulnerable moments that I've been going through where I really expose myself and show what’s behind the scenes.”
“Sometimes life happens.”
“I realised I needed someone to lean on and keep me safe.”
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
SUPPORT WITSUP - for as little as USD $5 a month become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
We chat with the emerging Superstar Kat Matthews about her journey in sport from the British military and as a physio. She has taken the past year as an opportunity to grow in the sport with multiple breakthrough performances despite the pandemic.
We applaud her for speaking out about body image in sport. As one of the fastest runners on the long-distance triathlon circuit, she opens up about how even she at times isn’t immune to feeling that she doesn’t feel like a runner, because she doesn’t look a certain way. And the importance of trying to change this narrative amongst everyone.
Get to know the flying Kat and follow her through her already booming career as a professional triathlete.
Quotes highlights include:
“It’s very relevant to a lot of people. Whatever gender or size. You don’t feel like your aesthetics are good enough to label yourself as a runner. I wanted to raise my personal story and awareness.”
“If someone thinks they need to look a certain way, they’re striving for a goal that’s not authentically driven. It’s aesthetics driven.”
“I’m not driven by thinking that this is my career. I’m driven by getting better and performing. I genuinely just enjoy the motivation, inspiration and action cycle.”
“There’s not one right way. We need to adjust and adapt.”
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
SUPPORT WITSUP - for as little as USD $5 a month become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
We catch up with our favorite example of an athlete who on the racecourse is different than the person off the race course - Mary Beth Ellis, The Honey Badger. We reminisce on the glory days of racing, the transition into retirement from professional racing and motherhood.
When asked if she should have ever apologized to anyone post-race, she aptly answered, “I probably should have” and that’s exactly why we love her. We rate the spicy attitude of MBE, self-professed asshole on the race course. She truly doesn’t give a shit, and we kind of love it.
MBE is one of those athletes who became a close friend over the years, so much so, that we were roomies in Kona and Denmark, and back in 2016/17, we spent New Years Eve together. Great catching up again friend - miss you!
Quotes highlights include: “I definitely was an asshole on the racecourse. You get so myopic on the racecourse and the manners are out the window.”
“There wasn’t the same fire that I had earlier in my career.”
“Everyone has been so starved of that, it makes you appreciate being able to be with friends and family again."
“Before the internet, you’d have to read the magazines, but now it’s easier to speak directly to your fans.”
“In hindsight, I would have changed some things I did training wise, but really I wouldn’t change anything."
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
SUPPORT WITSUP - for as little as USD $5 a month become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
100 episodes, a "few" world championship wins, and two kids later, we caught up with the legend, Mirinda 'Rinny' Carfrae. As she’s balancing being a mum of two and getting back into the swing of training after giving birth to her second child, the fire in Rinny is burning as brightly as ever.
We can’t imagine celebrating 100 episodes of the Witsup podcast with anyone but Rinny. We look forward to whatever her next moves are, whatever they may be.
Fall in love with Rinny all over again, like we do each time we chat to her.
Quotes highlights include:
“I remind myself that I only can do what I can do.”
“I’m at peace if I don’t win. I really want to win, and perform at the highest level, but I'm okay with myself regardless.”
“I can’t help myself. Even when I'm retired, I’ll still tune in and see what’s going on. But now, it’s relevant to me. I have to compete against these girls!”
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
SUPPORT WITSUP - for as little as USD $5 a month become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Sophie Corbidge wears many hats and even goes by two last names. As a triathlete, she goes by Sophie Corbidge, but as a teacher and newlywed wife she’s Sophie Gwynn.
In her 20s, after months (if not years) of gradually feeling worse and worse, she was finally diagnosed with chronic fatigue. From an unbalanced metabolism, exhaustion, constant injury, and losing her menstrual cycle. We talk about embracing her menstrual cycle instead of dreading it, or even worse, not having a period at all. We’re inspired by her perspective and ability to balance the many roles of her life without guilt. Get to know Sophie’s personality and contagious laughter.
Quotes highlights include:
“Sport is selfish in its nature. I like helping people and relating to people. Changing the way you’re teaching to help individuals is really satisfying. You often get children with the same ability who solve problems very differently. I like getting the most out of people by learning how they learn.”
“Periods are good!”
“Even in the classroom, I like for the environment to be relaxed.”
“Ultimately if I can go to sleep at night knowing that I'm a good person, that ultimately is at the top of the list of what I am.”
Follow Sophie: https://www.instagram.com/sophiecorbidge/
Follow Dr Stacy Sims: https://www.instagram.com/drstacysims/
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
HERE IS HOW TOSUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
This is the conversation I didn't realise I had to have, but I'm so glad I've now met Dr Hayley Dickinson, BSc (Hons), PhD, who will now affectionately be called 'The Doc.'
The Doc, amongst many things, is a scientist who ran a research lab for over 15 years, focused on pregnancy and fetal growth and development, with the core objective of learning how to deliver happy and healthy mums and babies - at least that's what she thought she was doing.
She was in the midst of an extremely successful medical research career, but in 2018 after a shocking realisation, she walked away from it all.
We discuss her decision to leave that world, and the fallout from it - which gets very personal and confronting. The Doc's story is the perfect example of an internal struggle that was clearly taking a mental and emotional toll, which manifested in a physical one as well.
However, once The Doc started to make her way out of a pretty dark hole she found herself in, she began to ask different questions about the way nutrition information was communicated to women. It’s clear that optimal nutrition is critical for pregnancy success, so why isn’t this being achieved by most women?
So The Doc's new passion and focus is to combine her science background with the knowledge and wisdom of her team at Eat For You. To bring back what’s right, and marry it with what science tells us is true. To focus on the health of the people who are yet to be born, by changing the ways of the people who come before them.
The Doc is as raw and organic as the Eat For You Bars she's the founder of, and we encourage you all to have a taste of the episode.
EAT FOR YOU GIVE A BIT PROGRAM - code WITSUP10 https://eatforyou.com.au/
Use the code WITSUP10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Plus, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that for each box sold with this code, a bar is donated to a local community organisation who needs our support.
Follow Dr Hayley Dickinson: https://www.instagram.com/drhayley_phd/ Follow Eat For You: https://www.instagram.com/_eatforyou/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
HISTORY BREAKING ALERT! This weekend at Challenge Cancun, Sika Henry created history by becoming the first black American Professional Triathlete, so we thought it was the perfect time to hit up our archives and listen back to our chat with her last year.
As Sika committed to the goal of competing at the highest level of triathlon, she also realized the glaring lack of diversity in triathlon. We discuss the importance of representation in sport, and how triathlon would benefit from diversifying it’s professional field. We are incredibly inspired by her perseverance when the going gets rough and her ‘do anything until you reach your goal’ mindset. She even did a DIY 50k ultramarathon by using her driveway as an aid station ... in 3:45! What makes Sika tick and brought her back to triathlon after a crash? Listen in to find out.
“I didn’t realize how much of an impact it would have until my crash last year when I didn’t know if I would come back to the sport. I received so many messages from African-American kids encouraging me to keep going, and that’s probably why I didn’t quit last year.”
Follow Sika - www.instagram.com/sikahenry/
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
No one has their life more organised than Alicia Kaye. I mean, she is a professional organiser! All jokes aside, this is one of our favourite conversations on the Witsup podcast. Her psychology background made us feel like we had a session with a therapist, and we are so grateful of her time, openness, and all she’s given to the sport of triathlon.
Alicia has moved on from her professional athlete days, and you'd be forgiven if you didn't realise that she had retired - there was no song and dance or big announcement, she just quietly stepped off the race track. She tells us all about her decision to retire and her peace that she has since she’s left the sport.
We also talk about everything from managing finances to processing grief as an athlete and the reality of taking care of her aging parents.
Quote highlights include:
“When I was done, I was fully done.”
“The battle is finding out what’s next. I really encourage athletes, no matter where they are in their professional careers to be thinking about that.”
“Our work ethic as athletes is pretty amazing to do this as a career”
“My love language is labeling.”
“Being highly detail oriented was crucial to my success.”
“I loved the simplicity of sponsors who say, perform and I'll pay you.”
“There is a big world and a lot of life to live when you’re done, and you’re going to have to live with all the giving you gave to the sport.”
Follow Alicia: www.instagram.com/aliciakayetri Follow Try Organizing: @tryorganizing
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Jen Annett may be giggly, but she’s one of the toughest racers in the professional triathlon world. Her passion is apparent as she overcomes being diagnosed with Epilepsy while becoming one of the fastest triathletes in the world. We discuss her journey into the world of professional triathlon world after moving on from her days working at a bank. From breakthroughs to breakdowns, we unpack the ups and downs of her triathlon career so far. From chasing down the cheetah Liz Lyles to getting hit by a media moto in Kona, she’s experienced the highest highs to the lowest lows. We loved our chat and can’t wait to see her back on the race course.
Quote highlights include:
“When I'm out there racing. I’m not there for all the fluffiness. I’m there to put my head down and do my absolute best.” (6:10)
“Do tough and stubborn fall into the same category?” (7:08)
“At the end of the day Ironman is tough no matter what.” (9:58)
“Put your head down there’s always a little more to give.” (22:16)
“We all need something to smile about.”(53:02)
“If we’re enjoying life, that’s all that matters” (1:20.32)
Follow Jen: https://www.instagram.com/annett_jen/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Imogen Simmonds AKA IMO SIMMO isn’t only a slayer on the race course, but she can also cut a mean rug on the dance floor. Covid has restricted both racing and dancing, but you’d never know it based on IMO SIMMO’s positive demeanor. Coming from an active family, nature and outdoors has been an integral part of her life. It’s no surprise that she studied to work in structural geology and environmentalism. We have a long chat about ways that the triathlon world can decrease its impact on the environment that we all love to train in. We learned loads and had quite a few laughs along the way.
“There’s so much that the triathlon world can do to reduce our impact on the globe. There’s so many free giveaways that most people don’t even use. They just throw away."
Follow Imogen: https://www.instagram.com/imosimmonds/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Photo by Getty Images for Ironman
We catch up with two time world champ, three time Olympian, and British legend Helen Jenkins about where she’s at in life and sport following the chaos that was 2020. We are inspired by this athlete, mother, and all round incredible woman.
We chat all things from the pros and cons of social media to parenting in a pandemic. Plus, dealing with the pressure of being the gold medal favourite at the London Olympics in 2012, her reflections on that day and whether she will ever show her kids the race footage that she has never watched herself.
The journey of Helen Jenkins is nothing short of inspiring. She’s come back from having two children and a spinal fusion surgery to return to racing for the joy of it. But, for Helen, the joy of it still results in some extremely quick results.
“One of my biggest drivers is having my kids see me race.”
"It was never other peoples’ expectations because if I let all that get on top of me I never would have made it to the start line.”
Photo by Delly Carr | ITU Media
Follow Helen: https://www.instagram.com/heljinx/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
We chat with 4 x World Champion Leanda Cave about her new beginnings and challenges, oh and life in caravan as a kid. Instead of holding milestones in life to specific timelines, she’s letting life happen. As someone who believes that what you receive from the world is a result of what you put into it, we know that good things are heading Leanda’s way. Her 'Club Leanda Cave' was launched in Miami – designed to coach athletes to be their best with passion, community, experience, and friendships. Not only that, but she’s ‘training’ for Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii in November, and potentially chasing a fifth world title - and we think that might be an exclusive here on Witsup!
We are LC super fans, and will always be cheering for her – wherever life takes her.
Follow Leanda: https://www.instagram.com/leandacave/ Follow Club Leanda Cave: https://www.instagram.com/club_leanda_cave/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
After an emotional win for Jodie Stimpson at Challenge Miami, we went back into our archives because we wanted to help share why this win meant so much for Jodie, an athlete and person who wears her heart on her sleeve.
Jodie Stimpson wears her heart on her sleeve, and that's never been more palpable then when her Dad passed away earlier this year - the triathlon community felt her heart break. I was worried about bringing up some very raw emotions with our chat, but for Jodie, it's good for her to talk about the man who was her rock, and I discover just how much he has helped shape her into the person and the athlete that she is today.
We also chat and have a laugh about many other things in this episode, like her perfect execution of the worm during a Witsup interview, Disneyland adventures, and time spent in France.
Follow Jodie: https://www.instagram.com/jodiestimpson/
Photo by Professional Triathletes Organisation
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
We chat with Canadian Amélie Kretz about her family history and her journey through triathlon. Starting the sport at age eight, she’s been around the track a few times. With almost 20 years under her race belt, she not only an expert in triathlon, but she is also continuing her education and is toying with the idea of going to medical school.
As the pandemic stationed this globe trotter at home, Amélie spent less time on planes and more time at home with her family playing board games. She even built her own indoor pool when lockdown happened - but what's that pool doing now Amélie?
She is smart and talented, but, she somehow managed to dislocate her shoulder ... in the bread aisle of a grocery store in Florida. Amélie Klutz?
We left our chat with Amélie inspired by her tenacity and drive.
Catching up with Emma 'Jacko' Jackson, was like, well was literally catching up with an old friend. Straight up I felt like I needed to apologise for dropping the ball. Following on from that, we discussed what it's like to be forgotten in the media landscape when you're not performing due to injuries or illnesses.
We chat about how she got into the sport, how and if she's matured throughout her career, Olympic selection ordeals and appeals, the ripe old age of almost being 30 (I may or may not have told her to shut up), drooling on planes, and how exciting accounting and spreadsheets are.
Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/ejjacko91/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Karen Smyers is an icon in our sport, and just casually holds the record as the only woman to claim the Ironman World Championship and the World Short Course Championship titles in the same year.
Karen is the type of person who motivates and inspires without realising it. She's the epitome of getting shit done, excelling at it, and enjoying it along the way - she created the 3, 2, 1 taper after all!
I feel like we barely scratched the Smyers surface, but what we did scratch were stories of overcoming illnesses and freak accidents, lessons learnt - whether intentionally or unintentionally, and we both love a chat.
Follow Karen: https://www.instagram.com/karensmyers8926/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, otherwise known as the hometown of Dr. McDreamy and Ken Griffey Junior, we sat down with Kelsey Withrow for what felt like the seven hundredth time! She is officially the most patient guest we have ever had.
Although her website is written in bullet points, there is so much that fits in between the lines. From accidents and injuries, she has worked her way up the triathlon ranks despite all odds. She has overcome abusive coach relationships, eating disorders, and injury cycles that lasted for years to become stronger than she ever has. It’s so refreshing to talk to someone who doesn’t sugarcoat hardships, but openly and honestly works through them in order to grow.
We chat about new beginnings with the Real Triathlon Squad and a new coach. Triathlon is better for having Kelsey Withrow, and we’re better from our conversation.
Follow Kelsey: https://www.instagram.com/kelseywithrow1/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
“If I had that time over, I wouldn’t complain about having to ride the turbo because it’s raining outside.”
Great things come in three. Swim Bike Run. The Hanson brothers. The Lord of the Rings Books. And potentially, the number of gold medals that Lauren Parker will win at the Tokyo Olympics. Before her accident almost four years ago, she had already qualified for her professional license in 2016 and raced the Ironman circuit as an able-bodied athlete.
Her horrible bike accident that resulted in many injuries, the worst to her spinal cord changed many things, but it didn’t change the fire in Lauren Parker’s eyes for the sport of triathlon - the sport that saved and shattered her life. We chat about her journey through the sport, before and after her accident and her future goals in triathlon. Lauren allows herself to be vulnerable and open in our chat and what she goes through daily is eye opening.
We’re beyond inspired by Lauren’s tenacity and drive when the world can seem stacked against her. We’ll be cheering loudly for Lauren in the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics and know you will too after hearing her story.
Follow Lauren: www.instagram.com/laurenparker2127
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Lisa Roberts, what can’t she do? Runner, pro triathlete, tree enthusiast, pre-covid Sourdough expert, landscape architect, Star Wars superfan. Basically, she’s Wonder Woman, but the Wonder-woman from a galaxy far far away. She even knows how many claps fall into the Friends theme song. We love hearing more about the many adventures of Lisa Roberts and the many hats she wears. Retirement certainly isn’t slowing down this super-human!
Ps. You'll be seeing more of Lisa on the Witsup pages in the coming weeks as she puts pen to paper on some running articles.
We hope people get the title of this one
Follow Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/run_jedi_run/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Jess Learmonth was the most popular guest of 2020, so we asked her to kick off 2021 and return to the pod - which, despite not believing she was the most popular, was well chuffed to have another chat.
"I don't have much to talk about though, I haven't done anything since the last episode!" she exclaimed. But, unsurprisingly we managed to fill the time easily - mostly with laughing - which is exactly what we all need right now.
She shares her thoughts on the global pandemic, teaches us some new Jess-slang, and we find out just who exactly is, Our Jim.
Follow Jess: https://www.instagram.com/jllearmonth
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Nikki Bartlett seems to wake up every day like it's Christmas, and her enthusiasm for everything is contagious. She's always been full of energy and was one of those kids who could never sit still - you won't get an argument from her fiance, her parents or from her school teachers.
Through her teenage years and into her early twenties, that energy seemed to be focused on partying hard, but over time it shifted as she fell into the sport of rowing and realised she was not only talented, but had found something that she actually wanted to work hard for.
She's a cracker, and is the perfect injection of energy to see out 2020 on the Witsup Podcast.
Follow Nikki: https://www.instagram.com/nikkibartlett1/
SUPPORT WITSUP: Become a Witsup member - www.patreon.com/witsup
Off the back of Paula Findlay's big win at The PTO Championship, Challenge Daytona, we wanted to revisit our chat with her 12 months ago. This is a great opportunity to learn more about her roller coaster career and allow the enormity of her win in Daytona this year to sink in a little more.
Oh, and spoiler alert, her and Eric ended up getting a dog since our last chat. Hi Flynn!
You would never know it from this softly spoken and humble athlete, but Paula Findlay made a huge splash in triathlon at the age of 20 and had her country's hopes pinned to her back for the Olympic Games. But with all those hopes, comes all those pressures ...
It's a decade later and Paula is suddenly 30. I noticed during our chat that she kept mentioning that she was now 30, and couldn't help but feel that this was a significant milestone for her. We discuss being all grown up, the roller coaster ride she's been on, what dog she wants to get, her strongest personality trait and what she's learnt about herself in the past decade.
Follow Paula: https://www.instagram.com/paula_findlay
Photo by Professional Triathletes Organisation
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In our second installment of RAW, we welcome Susan Lacke, a triathlon and endurance sports journalist and author, and Kate Næss, consulting psychologist, speaker, and recently retired elite triathlete and Paralympian. We speak with these two women with different disabilities about where we are in accepting people with disabilities.
What can we do to be more inclusive for all people at all ability levels? Representation. They open up about struggles that they, and others in their community have in navigating spaces without representation.
We chat about society’s tendency to take people with disabilities and put them in a box and exploit them for the benefit of others without disabilities. Thanks to Susan and Kate for reminding us that vulnerability and strength aren’t independent from each other, but actually depend on each other. We learned so much from these two women and had a few laughs along the way.
We hope you enjoy this chat and learn a few things too.
FOLLOW SUSAN: https://twitter.com/SusanLacke
FOLLOW KATE: https://www.katedoughty.com/
SUSAN'S BOOKS: Life’s Too Short To Go So F*cking Slow - https://bit.ly/2I3zBkT Running Outside the Comfort Zone - https://bit.ly/37shYUJ
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
“You know the phrase, ‘this is a sinking ship’? Well, Els Visser knows what it’s like first hand to be in a sinking ship ... yes we’re serious. The positivity, perseverance, and bravery that Els showed is the energy that we all need in the year of 2020 that sometimes feels like a sinking ship.
We were absolutely floored to hear the heroic story of survival when a hole was torn in the bottom of her boat ... in the middle of the night ... in the middle of a storm ... in the middle of an ocean. Equally impressive is her ability to emotionally heal from the traumatic experience after the physical wounds had healed and earn her degree to become a doctor.
Not long afterwards, she decided to put her MD on pause to pursue the top level of professional triathlon. What did we learn from our chat about Els Visser? Don’t put her in a box!"
Els Visser TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWMT-7BS_i0
Follow Els: https://elsvisser.com/
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As Sika committed to the goal of competing at the highest level of triathlon, she also realized the glaring lack of diversity in triathlon. We discuss the importance of representation in sport, and how triathlon would benefit from diversifying it’s professional field. We are incredibly inspired by her perseverance when the going gets rough and her ‘do anything until you reach your goal’ mindset. She even did a DIY 50k ultramarathon by using her driveway as an aid station ... in 3:45! What makes Sika tick and brought her back to triathlon after a crash? Listen in to find out.
“I didn’t realize how much of an impact it would have until my crash last year when I didn’t know if I would come back to the sport. I received so many messages from African-American kids encouraging me to keep going, and that’s probably why I didn’t quit last year.”
Follow Sika - https://www.instagram.com/sikahenry/
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We chat with best friend stealer and puppy owner Meredith Hill about the pros and cons of balancing being a physiotherapist and professional triathlete.
What's the right balance of training as a professional and also working her brain muscles as a physio?
She also tells us about the time she had to emergency camp next to an active volcano, and answers the burning question, ‘what is your ideal football position in another athletic life?’
Sidebar - between the time we recorded and the time we published this episode, Meredith adopted another rescue pup!
Follow Meredith - https://www.instagram.com/meredith.a.hill/
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
What does legacy mean to Chrissie Wellington? We have an honest conversation about what her transition out of professional triathlon looked like, and what she’s up to these days. We chat about what a Kona-less October means, and what it’s like to watch the next generation of athletes progress the sport.
As she’s navigating the next chapter of her life, she explains how her experiences inspire her approach to motherhood, and how her daughter teaches her every day. Her eloquence through adversity is truly inspiring as many of us are enduring our own challenges that 2020 has presented.
Follow Chrissie - https://twitter.com/chrissiesmiles
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
(Image by Endurapix for Ironman)
Dr. Hannah Wells just never stops inspiring us. She talks to us about transitioning from getting her PhD to racing at the top of professional triathlon and how she’s not so keen to watch Silence of the Lambs (we highly recommend it though!)
We discuss how her hard work earning a PhD allows her to focus on triathlon, knowing she has a career to fall back on.
We have an honest conversation about her journey to now including the highs and lows that come with pushing your body to the limits. Get to know all sides of Hannah; the athlete, the Doctor, and all around incredible human being.
Follow Hannah - https://www.instagram.com/dr_hannah_wells/
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
“When there’s adversity, the real champions rise to the top and they find success.”
I chat with Lisa Bentley about her journey to becoming a pioneer in the sport of triathlon. Through the evolution of racing, she understands the importance of the mind regardless of generational changes in training and racing styles.
After our chat, it’s easy to see how she’s still so bloody passionate about triathlon. Lisa’s secret is understanding that sport doesn’t only make you fitter and faster, but it makes you better equipped to tackle problems and live a more successful and happy life. In the times of the COVID 19 pandemic, and as many of us are questioning ourselves as “triathletes,” Lisa reminds us that the training that we’ve done is making us mentally stronger to tackle the obstacles that 2020 has thrown our way.
Lisa was definitely the person that I needed to speak with that day, and I hope you might feel the same too.
Lisa's website: https://bit.ly/3iWx88h BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Given it's meant to be Kona week, it's the perfect time to dive into our archives to revive this chat with Julie Moss.
How do you begin to describe a podcast with a woman who not only help put triathlon on the map, but who has inspired so many people.
Julie Moss was not only one of the first women I heard about when I started to fall in love with triathlon (hit pause and watch this clip now if you haven't already: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKqFAPdjIA), but she was also the first person I heard interviewed on a podcast. So to have the opportunity to sit down with Julie and be the one interviewing her felt like things had come full circle.
Follow Julie: https://www.instagram.com/julie_moss_1982/ BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Amelia Rose Watkinson’s Cairns performance really just proved to the world what we already knew; she’s an emerging superstar on the triathlon course and in trivia. With complications of COVID, a shaky start to the race season, and uncertainties of the future of triathlon, ARW has been navigating rough waters. Despite it all, she managed to show that she isn’t ‘afraid of a little spice’ when she put together an absolutely stunning performance for her first iron-distance win. We chat about her story and the importance of afternoon tea and snacks. We had a great honest conversation with Amelia about her journey through the pro ranks and how she doesn't mind carrots in her cake but detests ABC (“already been chewed”) pens.
Follow Amelia - https://www.instagram.com/ameliarosewatkinson/ BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Colonel Yvonne Spencer is a mover, shaker, disrupter, and leader in basically anything and everything she does. Not only is she one of the few Black Female Colonels in the United States Air Force, she is a pioneer in the triathlon community with Fast Chix, and an absolute force of a human being.
We chat about her journey; the criticisms, learnings, and successes that has led her to where she is today. She is the absolute epitome of an effective leader who is just as inspired to guide others by example as achieving her own success.
We’re inspired after hearing the Colonel’s story, and we know you will be, too.
Follow Yvonne at Fast Chix - https://www.instagram.com/fastchix1_/ BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
From silk painting to ice skating, and a sporting history lesson about one of the most infamous ice skaters in the history of the sport.
This chat covers it all, but some of the standout moments are realisations that seem to be happening mid sentence for Emma. She really takes her time to digest and think about some of her answers, particularly when it comes to her mental approach to triathlon, plus, a potential cross road in her life and career.
No doubt about it though, Emma is one impressive woman with many a skill and talent, except for the fact that she can't swear in English.
Follow Emma - https://www.instagram.com/emmabilham
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Mel McQuaid is the expert juggler. She has had great success across many disciplines, from off road and on road racing, plus coaching.
At the age of 47, “it's been a good ride", but she follows up quickly with "so far!" She is showing no signs of slowing down - literally and figuratively - and even has the numbers to prove it.
TOP TIP: if you haven’t already seen it, search “last f%&kable day” on YouTube 👌
We uncovered that she's a bit of a trail blazer in the sport in areas you wouldn't necessarily think about and we discover that a lot of her passion for helping and encouraging women especially stems from a tough relationship with her mother.
Photo by ITU Media
Follow Mel - www.instagram.com/melradcoaching
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Gosh I loved catching up with Lisa. The first time I met her, I was actually quite nervous - she was after all (well still is), an Olympic medalist, and played a huge role in the greatest Olympic triathlon finish ever! But, she was so lovely, humble and welcoming. Catching up over this episode was greatness!
She got into the sport because of her Mum's mid-life crisis - that's her words - and a trip to Australia before she went to uni and became boring - that's her Mum's words.
One of her favourite quotes is "nothing builds confidence like doing the work," and I feel it sums her up perfectly.
Photo by Getty Images for Ironman
Follow Lisa - https://www.instagram.com/lisanorden1
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Amy Dixon, you achieved what not many can ... you rendered me speechless. I'm still gathering my thoughts as I write this.
Amy has lived five or six different lives in her lifetime and I'm not sure I've met anyone who has been thrown so many curveballs, but each time is more and more willing to step back into the batters box, and then (because I'm on a roll with this baseball metaphor), is more than likely going to knock it out of the park.
I learnt about some of the intricacies of racing in the blind divisions in para-triathlon, when Amy first realised that she had a condition that effected her vision, her heartbreaking childhood, her career as a sommelier - that's drinking wine for a living you know, and so much more.
Follow Amy - https://www.instagram.com/nosightnolimits/
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers Book - https://amzn.to/3aHjraL
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
There's just something about Grace that draws people towards her - she's bubbly, approachable, caring and cheeky.
Cheekiness is such a skill (perhaps an innate skill), and it's one of my favourite things about her.
But there's obviously a lot more to her than that. Who would have known that she really struggled with finding what made her happy to the point that she nearly quit the sport? Or, that she is currently studying criminology? Or, that while she comes across as bubbly to most, in the dating world, apparently she comes across as blunt?!
Follow Grace - https://www.instagram.com/gracemusgrove/
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
When I told Katie Zaferes that we don't talk too much about triathlon in our podcasts, she suggested that we may run out of things to discuss because she was pretty damn boring (her words) outside of triathlon.
I think we proved otherwise as we chat and chortle our way through this episode covering an array of topics from reading maps to terrible dance moves and all the things in between.
Please enjoy my wonderful chat with the woman who oozes happiness, Katie Zee!
Image by ITU Media
Follow Katie - https://www.instagram.com/kzaferes6
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Find out more about this lip-syncing, dog loving, craft making, nap taking, food loving, professional big kid, Fenella Langridge.
Straight up I find out that she's currently in Morzine, France, which is where I have spent many weeks over European summers with The Buzz Cycling and Triathlon crew, so at first I was jealous, but now I'm living vicariously through her.
Fenella is still relatively new to racing pro triathlon ... Watch this space!
Follow Fenella: https://www.instagram.com/fenella.alicia/
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Introducing our new series, RAW, where I get the opportunity to have discussions with people about topics that might be a little awkward or uncomfortable, but are discussions that should be had.
I have no issues in asking that “stupid” question, because I have an overwhelming thirst for learning and listening to stories.
RAW is about starting, or continuing, a conversation, but true to our Witsup podcast form, I also want to get to know the person behind these conversations as well.
Our first guest in this series is a woman who I will forever be a fan and a friend of, Doctor Shaunna Payne Gold. In her words she is a skilled educator, a fiery speaker, informative blogger, and passionate minister. She has stepped on to large stages and into small classrooms with her approachable style, self-deprecator humor, and high octane messages - I particularly love the last part of this sentence.
You will find out more about who Shaunna is and then we dive into the topic of diversity and inclusion, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
I feel we barely scratched the surface on this topic, but I like that this is a great way to start.
Follow Shaunna: https://www.instagram.com/doctorgoldspeaks https://www.goldenterprisesllc.com
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
Kate Næss' (nee Doughty) is one impressive individual. She always wanted to make it to the Paralympics, and thought she'd be there in the sport of Equestrian, turns out, she made it for triathlon!
There are many layers and many stories that make Kate who she is today. There have been some pivotal moments in her life that help to remind her to live in the moment when she can. Easier said than done.
She's a psychologist, a para-triathlete, a mum, a wife, a professional speaker, a friend, a daughter, and so much more.
Follow Kate: https://www.instagram.com/katedoughty01/
BOOK - The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse: https://bit.ly/3h4sncd
Smiling Mind App: https://bit.ly/3jbgcvZ
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
This is only the second time we've had a Supportive Dude on our podcast, and it fills me with glee to welcome Felix Walchshoefer, CEO of Challenge Roth.
This weekend I would have been at Challenge Roth (my second home) covering the event, and catching up with dear friends from across the globe. I've said it before, it's my favourite event, and a large reason why, is because of Felix.
In our chat we talk about the history of the event, and his experience from a volunteer as a kid to the CEO at such a young age after his father passed away.
I also find out that he wanted to be a pilot, that he forgot to eat the day before he competed in his own event, and we reminisce about the first time we met, when I punched him.
Follow Felix: https://www.instagram.com/felix_walchshoefer/
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
First up, Grace brought me a coffee, so she wins the award for the best guest. To be fair to the other guests, I haven't recorded an episode face to face in a while, but still, COFFEE!
Grace burst onto the triathlon scene when she put on a finish line performance in her debut pro race in 2018 that had the crowd screaming as she kept falling to her knees. She is still relatively new to the sport, so can come across a little shy, however, I've gotten to know her over the past couple of years, and have even let her dog-sit Henry, so she felt comfortable chatting away. She's full of energy and passion, and we talk long-distance relationships, LAN parties, racing her Dad, playing dentists (what?) and I teach her about one of the best action tv shows ever - ALIAS!
Follow Grace: www.instagram.com/gracethek
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
How does a kid who went to school where competitive sport was actively discouraged become one of the best triathletes in the world? GOOD GRIEF! That is just one of the many stories that have shaped Rachel 'Joycey' Joyce.
Other stories in this episode include, that time she fell off the trainer in our house, an introvert in Kona, concreting and being one of four siblings - GOOD GRIEF!
Follow Rachel: www.instagram.com/rachelsjoyce
BECOME A WITSUP PATRON MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
When Emma was three, she spent almost six months in hospital after a team of doctors mis-diagnosed her. That point in her life, although she didn't know it for a very long time, started a series of events and decisions that has turned her into the remarkable woman that she is today - including being the self-confessed crazy horse lady that she is.
Shout out to The Supa as well!
Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmajeffcoat/
BECOME A WITSUP PATRON MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
How to record a podcast when you have two small humans wanting your attention? Hide away in a closet in your bedroom and do your thing!
We chat kids, event directing, "phases" in our lives, driving to school on tractors, her profile in the sport, and, our favourite subject, dogs!
Follow Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jackiemhering/
BECOME A WITSUP MEMBER - www.patreon.com/witsup
This is part two of a mini series from Witsup and Inside Tri Show Podcasts, where we discuss body image, eating disorders and disordered eating in triathlon.
Listen to The Healthy Body, Part One - www.insidetrishow.com/listen
We can't thank our guests enough for sharing their stories, thoughts and insights. In part two you will hear from professional triathlete and coach, Jodie Cunnama, along with Specialist Dietician Renee McGregor.
In part one you heard professional triathletes, Cody Beals and Renee Kiley, plus age grouper, Felicity Joyce.
Find out more about our guests: Professional triathlete Renee Kiley (http://reneekiley.com/) , who triggered this whole series
3x World Champion, coach and mum of 3 Jodie Cunnama (https://www.cunnamacoaching.co.uk/)
Multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Champion Cody Beals (https://www.codybeals.com/)
Leading Sports and Eating Disorder Specialist Dietician Renee McGregor (https://reneemcgregor.com/)
Top age group athlete and coach Felicity Joyce (https://www.instagram.com/flickjoyce3/?hl=en)
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
Support The Inside Tri Show as well - www.patreon.com/insidetrishow
My immediate thoughts when I first met Emma Snowsill (now Emma Frodeno) - FANGIRL! She was the first elite triathlete I ever met and while I towered over this pocket rocket, I felt tiny in the aura that was Emma Snowsill.
These days I am lucky to call her a good friend and this chat was a great opportunity to share so many stories - from rhythmic gymnastics, Michael Jordan, parenting, Pretty Woman moments and more.
By the end of our chat, I learn more about Emma Frodeno, who, I will forever call Snowy.
Photo: Delly Carr
** INSIDE TRI SHOW - The Healthy Body part one - www.insidetrishow.com/listen
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
They broke the mould when they made Steph Corker. Steph has this uncanny way of drawing you in. It's her enthusiasm, her passion, her thoughtfulness, her conversations, and the way she views the world, that just makes you want to be around her.
We discuss so many things, from her friendship with her brother, some pivotal moments in her life, tv and movies (not really) building a career as an entrepreneur, and her love of swim, bike and run. But to steal one of her sayings, we essentially find out a little more about what makes Steph's heart beat.
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
Jodie Stimpson wears her heart on her sleeve, and that's never been more palpable then when her Dad passed away earlier this year - the triathlon community felt her heart break. I was worried about bringing up some very raw emotions with our chat, but for Jodie, it's good for her to talk about the man who was her rock, and I discover just how much he has helped shape her into the person and the athlete that she is today.
We also chat and have a laugh about many other things in this episode, like her perfect execution of the worm during a Witsup interview, Disneyland adventures, and time spent in France.
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
I had completely forgotten just how many stories Sarah Piampiano and I have together - from the first time we met when she rocked up at my door to stay with us, to being pulled over by the police in Austria while we were riding.
Between the laughs and the memories, things got very real when the topic of starting a family, retirement and an unknown future due to recent events came up in discussion.
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
On the count of three, what movie scene featuring an animal sticks in your mind the most ... One, two, three ... What did you say? Was it the same as Asa and I?
Pro triathlete, Dr Asa Lundstrom is the epitome of hard work. She has always compensated for her "lack of talent by working hard." And that seems to be the case across all aspects of her life. She mostly credits her Mum for her work ethic, however, it sometimes comes as a tough lesson when she reveals that she struggles with being satisfied.
Loved catching up with the very awesome, Asa, and surprised she found time to chat considering she is currently overdue to have a baby! Wishing her all the best for a safe delivery and welcoming her little mate to the world.
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
I asked Katee, the hormone nerd, to join me on our podcast, hoping that she might be able to help you out, particularly at this point in time when there is a lot of uncertainty, stress and anxiety. Years ago, I was not ok, and she helped me climb, at a leisurely pace, back out of it.
Her knowledge, expertise and personal experience in the world of wellness AND performance is incredible, but more than that, she has a unique skill of cutting through what I call the fluff, and speaking my language. I was pretty resistant to what she was saying to me, and I challenge her every time we talk, but this hormone nerd keeps finding ways to educate me. I guarantee that you could learn a thing or eleventy hundred things from Katee.
Bio: Katee Gray (Pedicini) founder of Holistic Endurance, is a Performance Coach, Sports Nutritionist and self confessed hormone nerd. Katee has a serious passion for optimising athletic and human potential utilising a sophisticated approach - integrating elements of wellness and performance for the every day athlete. Katee is the Author and Podcast host of ‘Healing The Grumpy Athlete’ and the insanely popular Rejuvenation Protocol, designed to guide you through embracing your hormones and achieving your athletic potential, holistically.
KATEE'S E-BOOK: https://bit.ly/3c4m2Lm DISCOUNT CODE: WITSUP
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
What does one do with a child who has an excessive amount of energy? You know the type who just can't sit still? Put the pen down, Emma! You let her run to burn off that energy ... and eventually that may end up leading to a running, duathlon and triathlon career. That's what happened with Emma Pallant at least anyway.
In between fidgeting with her pen, Emma and I talked about her recent engagement, how she'd like to be remembered or known as a 'doer,' how her Dad loves to win, and her amazing work building a running community in an orphanage.
Photo by Getty Images for Ironman Follow Emma - www.instagram.com/em_pallant/
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
It's amazing how a quick scroll through someone's Instagram feed can give you some good ammunition for an interview. Sorry Chelsea for bringing up the Tom Brady thing. I hope you're recovering ok?
Chelsea has a great story - from her dog getting a turkey stuck on his head, to her Maverick/Bruce Willis brother, and just when I thought her story couldn't get anymore interesting, she hit me with a response about her first triathlon win, that I don't think I've ever heard before.
Be a part of Witsup and support us by becoming a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
Kendall Macdowell is one of those humans who has this incredible ability to make you stop, think and reassess, and I am extremely lucky to be able to call her a close friend.
In a world right now that seems to be spinning out of control, she manages to find the calm, ask the why, and evolve. I always feel better after a conversation with Kendall, or after she squeezes me tight with one of her trademark Kendall hugs.
So, I wanted to give you all the opportunity to listen to a person I hold very dear to my heart, in the hopes that you too might walk away from our chat feeling a little better and with a little more hope. So here on the Witsup podcast platform, we are sending you a big virtual Kendall hug.
Do you love listening to our podcast? Support us and become a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
I've known Holly for a few years now, but have never really had the chance to get to know her very well. I thoroughly enjoyed our chat, her willingness to discuss anything and everything, and her openness to admit that she is still growing and learning.
Did you know that Holly was famous before she was even born? Did you know that she carbo loads on sweets? Did you know she's a triplet? Did you know that she is quite a shy person? I guarantee, you'll know Holly a lot better by the end of this chat.
Photo by Getty Images for Ironman
Do you love listening to our podcast? Support us and become a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
Panda snacks, tv inducing anxiety, tattoos, ice hockey, poli-sci majors, family, and giggles ... all the giggles.
It's hard to sum up my chat with Heather Jackson. I scribbled more notes than ever about Heather - I used more ink in my notebook than she has on her body!
A truly lovely and humble human, yet fierce competitor on the race track.
Do you love listening to our podcast? Support us and become a member so that we can keep bringing you great content - www.patreon.com/witsup
Dede Griesbauer is the new Ultraman Florida champion and record holder, all at a fresh age of 49! This woman is continuing to raise the bar for women in sport!
We unpacked so much in our extended chat, from her time as the Wolfette of Wall Street (sort of), her commentary role with Ironman, dogs, and oh so much more.
Thanks to Jordan Bryden fro the photo (www.instagram.com/jordanbryden
Want to support Witsup? Become a member here - www.patreon.com/witsup
What do you get when you cross a cyclist who has just won The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic - one of the toughest and oldest bike races in Australia - a couple of gin and tonics, and a microphone? A podcast with plenty of laughs and banter, the story of the epic dog rescue, but some great insights from my good mate, Matilda Raynolds, ex-pro triathlete, turned elite cyclist.
Matilda found that triathlon wasn't working for her, and fell in love with cycling, which has helped her find a lot of perspective over the past few years.
Oh, and I titled this one "Changes," because when I logged into iTunes, Justin Bieber's album with the same title popped up, and I thought it would be funny to title this episode the same. But, it also fits quite nicely. Let's see if we can match his downloads!
Want to support Witsup? Become a member here - https://www.patreon.com/witsup
I am just going to put it out there, Jess Learmonth is the most laid back and relaxed athlete I have ever met, and one of the funniest as well.
Once we got over all the technical issues we had, which of course, didn't bother her in the slightest, we had a great chat. From 'holding hands gate,' to accents, and Celine Dion.
Become a Witsup supporter/partron - www.patreon.com/witsup
They don't get more "no frills, no bullshit," than Carrie Lester. She embodies her coaching philosophy of 'keeping it simple,' and I love her for it.
She's authentic, funny, smart, and a brilliant athlete, who had the greatest year of her career in 2019. I always love catching up with Cazza, and it's not just because she loves a good red wine and good food.
If you are digging the content that we produce and want to support all that we do, please sign up to become a patron here --> www.patreon.com/Witsup
Typically, I write the intros to these podcast episodes, so this is hard to write about myself. I guess, have a listen if you want to find out more behind the person who launched Witsup - what makes her (me) tick.
It starts off all fun and games, but gets pretty real and open. I definitely learnt a bit about myself over my chat with the most awesome of people, Lucy Piper, so maybe there's a tidbit in there that resonates with you as well. I hope so. I don't want to have opened up for nothing! Sorry for the length of this one. Turns out, I like to chat!
If you like and want to support all that we do, please sign up to become a patron here --> https://www.patreon.com/Witsup
We grab some of our favourite highlights - funny, insightful, interesting - from our 2019 episodes. The line up includes Sarah True, Belinda Granger, Heather Wurtele, Linsey Corbin, Lucy Charles-Barclay, Meredith Kessler, Skye Moench, Paula Findlay, Ruth Astle, Radka Kahlefeldt and Rach McBride.
If you love what we do, help support us by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/Witsup
You would never know it from this softly spoken and humble athlete, but Paula Findlay made a huge splash in triathlon at the age of 20 and had her country's hopes pinned to her back for the Olympic Games. But with all those hopes, comes all those pressures ...
It's a decade later and Paula is suddenly 30. I noticed during our chat that she kept mentioning that she was now 30, and couldn't help but feel that this was a significant milestone for her. We discuss being all grown up, the roller coaster ride she's been on, what dog she wants to get, her strongest personality trait and what she's learnt about herself in the past decade.
Photo: Eric Lagerstrom
Linsey Corbin, The People's Champion! Well, that's what I've dubbed her, because, the people love her. It obviously helps having an insanely adorable dog as her side kick.
I think the underlying theme for this episode is "own your story." Linsey has learnt a lot about herself, particularly over the past couple of years that has seen her evolve as not only an athlete, but a person. This chat was a fascinating insight into confidence, perception, evolving and being true to yourself. I didn't know the conversation would go this way, but I am thrilled that it did.
We catch up with VERY recently turned pro, Ruth Astle just days before her first race as a professional at Ironman Western Australia.
Ruth didn't want to take her pro card until she won the overall age group race in Kona, and this year, she nailed it. We discuss the transition to pro racing, where her competitiveness comes from, how triathlon changed, or should we say helped mould her into the more confident person that she is today, how a broken collarbone didn't slow her down this year, and so much more. Good luck this weekend Ruth!
Skye Moench has had an incredible past 18months, and after a win at the Ironman European Champs in Frankfurt in July, she looked set to have a great debut at the Ironman World Champs in Kona.
However, an horrific bike accident, has left her sidelined (for now), and truth be told, lucky to be alive. She is however, on the mend, and while the accident was a big part of our chat, we spoke about many other things like, hands down, the most perfect way that she was proposed to, her career prior to becoming a professional triathlete, and how to pronounce her name.
This is our very first Witsup Experts edition, and I couldn't think of anyone better to kick it off than Strength and Conditioning expert, Amber Johnson from First Wave Fitness.
I ask her what her philosophies are with strength and conditioning in endurance sport and whether it should be a priority for triathletes.
There are some great moments littered throughout our chat, and she explains why she lives by the Gray Cook quote, "first move well, then move often," and why she often asks herself when working with athletes, "where is the athlete leaking power?"
There are plenty of take home messages (along with a few giggles) from our chat with this expert.
Not long after Heather (and Trev) announced their retirement, we hooked up for a chat, and a beer - even though we were on the opposite sides of globe to each other, a virtual cheers is better than nothing.
We obviously chat about her career, but go much further than that and delve into the world of deciduous trees, identity, the role of social media in professional sports over the years, and I encourage her to get her science geek on!
Join Stef and Nat as they take you through all the action and highlights from this year's 2019 Ironman World Championship. We've got live crosses to athletes on course, inspirational journeys, heartache and DQs, jellyfish and more.
This is not to be missed.
Rachel McBride, aka, Purple Tiger, is truly one of a kind. So much so, that we are giving her another nickname - the tattooed unicorn.
I don't want to give too much away in the description because you should listen and find out about the many, many layers that make up this unique soul.
She's a cat person, or more pointedly a feline person - her love of cats has no domesticated bounds. She comes from a tight knit family of overachievers. And her talents stem well past the world of swim, bike and run.
It was an absolute pleasure getting to know Rach even better, and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to have to tee up another time for a chat.
We took the opportunity to catch up with Lucy Charles-Barclay fresh from her impressive win at Challenge Roth.
But what else makes Lucy tick? How does she cope with her rise to triathlon fame? What was she like at school? And how smooth are her dance moves?
Enjoy our chat with Lucy over a German beer - PROST!
We loved having the opportunity to catch up with Radka Kahlefeldt, aka. Rads, in between getting ready for a race, and running around after her 14 month old, Ruby.
What would Rads' life look like if she didn't follow the path of pro triathlon? Tennis? Mid-wifery?
What's it like living on the other side of the world to her family, who, despite the distance, she is really close with?
And, of course, chatter about kids crept in, how could it not?
Hold onto your tri bars folks, this is a whirlwind of chatter, from days teaching sex education at a juvenile detention centre, to, river boat cruises and managing professional triathletes.
We know Belinda Granger very well, so the only preparation we did for this episode was to grab a bottle from the wine rack, and get Chef Bretty to cook up some delicious goodness ...
So much randomness found at the bottom of a good glass of red.
We recorded our chat with Tamsyn quite some time ago, and since then she's got engaged and I've had a baby. So any reference to boyfriend, should be thought of as fiance, and any reference to me being pregnant, should be thought of as 'now a mother.'
Fair to say that a lot of life has happened! But, that doesn't take away from our chat, which for the most part is timeless.
Tamsyn is definitely one of the bubblier athletes we've had the pleasure of chatting to, and we really enjoyed getting to know her better. Podcast includes Gossip Girl and Extras references, long distance relationships, injuries, and travel woes.
A Cookie Time cookie for anyone who can pronounce her name properly straight off the bat!
Register for Ironman Asia Pacific Championships, Cairns, or Ironman 70.3 Cairns - http://bit.ly/2YwWIrF
Meredith Kessler is a busy woman, but never one to disappoint. So she knocked on our hotel room door at 11pm after the Ironman New Zealand awards function, to sit down and record this episode with us.
Still reeling from her surprise on stage, Kessler fills us in on the emotional roller coster of a Kona roll down, and we compare notes on laid back husbands, team sports as kids, and dumbbell shaped uteruses (that one is all hers).
Enjoy our chat with Meredith Kessler, a fan favourite, who is open to discussing anything!
After a solid hiatus behind the mic, we are back, and we've started with an absolute cracker of an episode.
We caught up with Sarah True just days after the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, where we were both dealing with the Kona comedown.
Regardless though, our chat with Sarah is hilarious, ridiculous, raw, insightful - all of the descriptors! We discuss everything from coffee, life after triathlon, donkeys and even taxidermy. We don't really know where to start with this episode, we just know that by the time we finished, we knew we'd want to record a part two, with Sarah True.
How do you begin to describe a podcast with a woman who not only help put triathlon on the map, but who has inspired so many people within the sport, and many swim, bike, run civilians as well.
Julie Moss was not only one of the first women I heard about when I started to fall in love with triathlon (hit pause and watch this clip now if you haven't already: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKqFAPdjIA), but she was also the first person I heard interviewed on a podcast. So to have the opportunity to sit down with Julie and be the one interviewing her felt like things had come full circle.
Whoever you are, whatever you're up to, I guarantee you'll be inspired by Julie and her stories - of which there are many.
Crawl on my friends!
What happens when you catch up with a triathlete the day after an iron-distance? You spend the majority of a podcast talking about food!
I chatted and laughed a lot with Jocelyn McCauley the day after this year's Ironman New Zealand in March, and the conversation always seemed to come back to food. So much so, that she told me about a holiday her family invented called "Pie Day," and boy do I want a piece of that day!
We also chat about how her daughter thinks that all Mummies spend time on their bikes, and all Daddies spend time in front of the computer. That's her norm, and we love it! Plus we find out why she doesn't train or race on Sundays either.
Enjoy!
Aileen Reid met up with me in November last year while I was on the Gold Coast, and she brought me a coffee and food - so hands down, this was my favourite episode!
I could have chatted to Aileen for hours, not just because I love an Irish accent, but because she loves a tangent as much as I do, and she's got some great stories - like her unique proposal/wedding, what her siblings do, travel f**k ups, retirement and much much more.
Did you know that Kate Bevilaqua has been in triathlon for over 20 years?! And there's a fair chance that she's smiled her way through every one of those 20 years - as noted in this podcast thumbnail.
I've known Kate for years now, but I really enjoyed spending some time with her while we were at Ironman New Zealand, and finding out more about what makes her tick as an athlete, a coach, and a human being.
We discuss things from being the first female Physical Education teacher at an all boys school, to marrying Captain Awesome, and everything in between. Enjoy all of the laughs!
We are very excited to welcome coach, Danielle Stefano, to season four of the Witsup Podcast! Between you and us, you'll be seeing her appear on our website as a new contributor as well - bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight to your viewing pleasure.
Danielle is a high performance coach who now runs her own business ELOTIK PRO TRIATHLON - https://www.elotikprotriathlon.com
She comes from an impressive background as a Sports Scientist which has seen her working with a variety of sports, eg. Track and field, cycling, men's hockey, and also included the role as a physiologist for the Australian Swim Team.
She eventually took on the role as the Triathlon Head Coach at The Victorian Institute of Sport, but unfortunately was faced with a rough road ahead in this position. Danielle ruffled a few feathers when she earned this title, receiving a lot of backlash, threats and bullying, all from those who didn't feel she deserved the role. BUT, she stuck it out. We were a little gobsmacked with this part of her story, and Danielle doesn't want to dwell on it, but we both felt it was an important topic to discuss.
Onto more positive notes, Danielle now works for herself with elite triathletes, and is looking into improving junior development within the sport. Have a listen to her story, her insights and what she's learnt about herself over her years in elite sport.
We kick off Season 4 with Corinne Abraham, who we caught up with in Kona last year.
In amongst the nonsense chatter and laughter we cover topics such as injuries, the theatre, and end up singing Puff The Magic Dragon - go figure!
Enjoy these random insights from Corinne!
Camilla Pedersen - prepare to be inspired. In the first half of this episode we speak to Camilla about her 2013 bike accident that landed her in a coma for 19 days. She speaks about the physical and emotional side of her recovery which incredibly saw her return to racing, and also how she was a frustrating/naughty patient! (The first part of this episode was also recorded on FB live at the time).
In the second half, we try to take a lighter approach to our chat as the first 30mins is quite intense. So enjoy the laughs and the swearing in English and Danish.
NB. I spoke with Camilla in the lead up to the Ironman World Championship last year, so a couple of things have changed, but mostly, I was drinking a beer at the time of the interview, which I can't really do in the state that I'm in right now (6months pregnant)
This is an extremely special edition of the Witsup Podcast as we welcome our first Supportive Dude to the series.
Delly Carr. It's a name that's synonymous with the word, triathlon. For 30 years he's been behind the lens of some of your favourite swim, bike and run images, but he's also been by the side of young triathletes as they grew into world champions, sporting a wicked sense of humour and a cheeky grin along the way.
He's an internationally acclaimed sports photographer, not just in triathlon, a Nikon ambassador and was the AIPP Australian Sport Photographer Of The Year 2017, but more importantly, he is a close friend of mine and was one of the first people I confided in when I wanted to launch WITSUP. So we can thank him for his continual guidance.
Have a listen as we discuss his time within the sport, how much he sold his first photo for, other sports and photography projects he's been involved in, and we get quite emotional as we discuss a rough time he went through last year when he suffered a stroke, but how that life changing moment has impacted him in ways he would never have imagined. I loved this chat and learnt even more about the man behind the lens.
We love you Delly x
Ellie Salthouse is as radiant and stunning as ever - that intro will make more sense once you listen to this episode.
Getting to know Ellie was a bunch of fun as we cover topics such as her family, country music, injuries, dogs, getting embarrassed and all sorts of nonsense. But all wrapped up with a lot of laughter.
We spoke with Ellie just before the Noosa Triathlon late last year, so if you've already heard the first part of this podcast on FB Live back in November, skip to 14:30.
We caught up with LB (Lauren Brandon) late last year and thought that with Ironman Texas on this weekend, this was the opportune time to publish our chat with quite possibly one of the giggliest triathletes on the circuit. We chat tv shows, engagements, ceramics and so on.
Apologies for the static throughout parts of this episode.
We spoke with Mel Hauschildt in November last year as she was starting to finally come good again after a rough year or two with injuries and surgeries - have you heard her story?!?! Good thing we chat about it.
At the time we spoke she was preparing for Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney and Ironman Western Australia - both of which she won!
It appears that Mel is well and truly back in the Haus!
But on top of that we discussed a plethora of things from her involvement in Steeplechase being included for women in the Goodwill Games and beyond, plus a lot of chatter about chocolate.
Just over a week ago, Flora Duffy made history for her home country of Bermuda when she was the first female to win the country's first gold medal ever at a Commonwealth Games. The only other Gold medal at a Commonwealth Games for the country went to Clarence ‘Nicky’ Saunders who took gold in the men’s high jump in Auckland in 1990.
We caught up with with her just days after her gold medal performance, and while we typically shy away from more talk about swim, bike and run, it would have been remiss of us not to discuss the Commonwealth Games for at least a little bit of this episode.
Other topics of conversation include The Spice Girls, criminology and baby names.
Enjoy our chat with Flora as we uncover the mystery of The Bermuda Triangle, and the mystery of Flora Duffy.
We caught up with Non late last year and our chat was somewhat non-stop! In amongst chatter we found out that Non’s Mum was a British Gymnastic coach, but the apple fell far from THAT tree with Non! She is a domestic dunce, we found out that we have a mutual love of the board game Articulate and she is a wealth of Welsh information.
Image by Delly Carr | ITU Media
It's been a while between nonsense, so to kick things off for the year, we're starting with a cracker of a chat with Sarah Crowley! We originally caught up with Crowley just days before the Noosa Triathlon and a few weeks after her third place at the Ironman World Championship. In the first part of this chat we were also simultaneously recording live to Facebook, so if you've already seen/listened to that, skip to about 18:50mins for the new stuff. Oh the randomness is strong with this one.
Where do you start with someone who can rival me in the category of chattiness? The answer is, you don't start, you just dive straight in. Listen to the hilarity that ensues from our chat with Olympic Bronze Medalist, Vicky Holland - and we think that fact only comes up once in the entire show.
This podcast is WAY overdue as we actually spoke to Laura 'Sid' Siddall the day after her first iron-distance win at Ironman Australia! So for a change of pace, Sid and I enjoyed a well earned beer together chatting about her big day at Ironman Australia, followed by plethora of randomness - from home made gifts and school uniforms, to being part of the army and sloe berry gin. Enjoy!
Where do you start with Michelle Vesterby? There is so much singing and laughing in this podcast, the text written here can't do it justice, so just click 'play' and enjoy the hilarity from this multiple iron-distance champion ... And in Michelle's words, "keep smiling."
Join us for Charlotte's web ... of tangents - get it? Charlotte's web?
We are chatting with Scottish born, but Aussie triathlete, Charlotte McShane! I actually caught up with Charlotte during my time at the AIS a few months ago, so we were huddled up in my little dorm room discussing veganism, her blended accent, gymnastic party tricks, her engagement to Brendan Sexton and so much more ... A web of tangents indeed.
I need to preface this podcast by saying YOU MUST LOVE DOGS! A good 20 minutes or so is about our furry, four pawed friends.
During my recent stint in Europe and the UK I had the pleasure of staying at Ironman Brasil champion, Susie Cheetham's place just outside of Bath in the UK.
I love hanging out with athletes outside of races because you really get to know them well. Susie has a dry sense of humour and spent a good chunk of that weekend taking the piss out of me, and I couldn't respect her more for it.
She is super chilled, but leaves that on the sidelines when she hits the race track and we're looking forward to seeing her deliver in Kona.
WITSUP is excited to be on the ground at Challenge Roth again this year, and for the first time, we are bringing you a Witsup Challenge Roth Super Podcast featuring Laura Siddall, Yvonne Van Vlerken, Ruth Brennan Morrey, Daniela Ryf, Steph Corker, Heather Wurtele and Belinda Granger!
- We were set up in the Erdinger Beer Garden, so please excuse some of the background noise ... although we think it adds to the experience.
Ash is a badass competitor on the race course, and all kinds of lovely off it. We would gladly sip a brew* with Ash any day.
I actually spoke to Ash Gentle a few weeks ago while she was staying at the Australian Institute of Sport for a training camp which included some nutritional strategy testing - so we start our chat there, and follow that up with things like the influence her family has had on her, her inability to remember movie titles, references or quotes, and her dream of maybe one day owning a cafe.
- Speaking of brews, we mention Ash's boyfriend, Josh Amberger's small coffee roasting business that he co-owns with Dan Wilson. Here it is: www.skullduggerycoffee.com (not a paid endorsement - we just love coffee)
You all know this guest as the Warrior Princess. AKA. Xena. Yes, she is one of the most successful long distance triathletes in the world, but, I’m guessing that there’s plenty that you don’t know about Caroline ‘Xena’ Steffen. I bet you didn’t know that she used to do inline skating? OR, that she crashed a couple’s honeymoon in Sydney when she was younger. OR, that she loves a good mixed tape.
BREAKING NEWS! Our third guest is ... NOT PREGNANT! Annabel 'Bella' Luxford joins us for a glass of wine and a chat which goes on so many tangents, we don't even know where to start describing this episode. Topics include things like clumsiness, tree climbing, dentists, wombats and weather channel watching. It's fair to say, we had a great time chatting to this multiple half iron-distance champion.
Liz Blatchford is humble, but when she races, make no mistakes about it, she's hungry for the win! She's the three time Ironman Cairns champion, has finished third twice at the Ironman World Championship and is one of our favourite people on the planet.
We chat with Liz about her current state of play - which is the 25th week of pregnancy (although now 30 weeks at the time of publishing), where her competitive streak comes from, marine biology, and much more.
Find out more about the person we call the hippy trapped in the triathlete's body!
For our very first WITSUP women in triathlon podcast, we are joined by three time Ironman World Champion, Mirinda 'Rinny' Carfrae, and she has some exciting news for us!
We chat about many things including her latest news, her family, growing up on a farm in Queensland and the importance she has placed on trusting her gut instinct.