Humans Of Triathlon (h.o.t) Podcast

Mikael Eriksson, a Swedish-speaking Finn living in Lisbon, Portugal, began in the sport of Triathlon in 2015, right after graduating from university and working as an engineer at a medical startup. Having been a recreational runner for a few years, he encountered a chronic knee injury that made him cross train with swimming and biking. During the 9 month rehab, he'd fallen in love with Triathlon. In the short span of 4 years, Mikael has progressed rather quickly with great results in Sprint & Olympic distance National Champs and recently also winning his AG (25-29) at his very first go at the 70.3 distance. Along the way, with a background in physics, engineering, & science, he found that most of the content he was consuming had a lot of conjuncture to it, so he decided to create the kind of content he missed himself. This is when he began his website and newsletter 'Scientific Triathlon' (https://www.scientifictriathlon.com) and his (now popular) Triathlon Podcast 'That Triathlon Show'. Now, he has q

Following the theme of Valentines Day, we've got a "Trinamic" duo on the show this week - Danielle & Ray Gogarty. @danigogs & @ray_j_gogs grew up in Long Island, NY. They crossed paths with each other at University and became inseparable besties. After studying, they both went onto different career paths - Dani in higher education, and Ray in civil services. But they always stayed close & made time for each other; eventually supporting each other through first marriages & eventual divorces. Before their separations, they did their first Triathlon together and were hooked. They've now completed multiple races together from super-sprints to Ironmans. And ended up getting married in 2017; their second chance at love & life. A life in which they have not only collected some pretty nice hardware but also made lifelong friends while spreading positivity & having fun! - Show Notes: https://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-thegogs - Podcast Feedback Survey (Please take 5 minutes to leave

Our guest this week, Greg McDermott [@gregmcdermottcoach] puts the endure in endurance. He's tackled some of the longest and toughest challenges in his home country, Australia - including a 14,000km bike ride and the infamous Ultraman Australia (a 3-day event with a 10km swim, 420km bike ride & a double marathon of 84.4kms). But he wasn't always this endurance monster that we see today. His journey started only about 6 years ago in a time where he used food and alcohol to battle unhappiness and depression. It's been a rather fast journey from his start to where he is now. But, as you will hear in the podcast, he's learned a lot along the way and shares his experiences profoundly in this episode - filled with tons of messages. Now, as a coach, he believes anyone can have the kind of transformation he's had as long as you have a solid plan, the right goals, the desire, the accountability, and a strong team of people around you. - Show Notes: https://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-greg - Podcast Feed

Tune in this week to not 1, not  2 - but 4 guests! This episode shares the special bond of 4 girls from Slovakia; the 4 Bajkerky (@4bajkerky) - Sasa, Veri, Kika, & Tami: all of whom are quite different appearance/work/study/personality wise but their love for Sport and the enthusiasm for Triathlon brought them together. In this lighthearted conversation, this Slovak Girl Gang really demonstrates the power of Triathlon to forge friendships and build camaraderie and support in all areas of life. - Show Notes: https://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-4bajkerky - Podcast Feedback Survey: http://bit.ly/hotpodcastsurvey - Hosts: Swapneel Chouhan, Robin Mayall, & Carlos (Charles) Galan - Intro/Outro Music: Produced by Vasil Zguri at SoundPulse 

Growing up in Austin, TX, Scott Flathouse (@scottflathousephoto) was a high school runner & an avid cyclist. But after starting work full-time, his health started getting away from him. He decided to take control & get his health back on track. Soon after, a meniscus tear requiring knee surgery & a pleasant co-incidence led him to find Triathlon. After a few races, another setback in the form of plantar fasciitis stopped him from training. But he loved the energy of Triathlon & still wanted to be involved. This is where his interest in photography merged with his passion for Triathlon. He started capturing local events nearly every weekend & honing his photography skills. Now, his work is sought after by large companies & is even followed by thousands in the tri-community - well-known for his epic bike-leg shots made even better through his top-notch photo-editing skills. Scott has tremendous respect for all the competitors out there & has an understanding of the amount of work th

Born and raised in Corsica, a beautiful mountainous Mediterranean island southeast of France, Melodie was an active child who's single-mom supported and taught her to be a better person and stay active and healthy. Unfortunately, at the age of 7, Melodie was diagnosed with a serious kidney disease which, after a long search for answers, took multiple surgeries and months of recovery to overcome. But Melodie came out of that phase with a lot of ambition and positivity. - At the age of 18, she decided to take a big step and leave home and her mom to move to New York for her education. At the time, she didn't even know a word of English. However, this step into the unknown led her to be introduced to Triathlon in June of 2017. And she's already taken on multiple Olympic distances, some 70.3s and even a 140.6 - with her eyes on a couple more for 2019. In the process, she has also partnered and raised funds for the National Kidney Foundation to represent and inspire people in difficult situations to keep pushing

The first episode of 2019, and we couldn't think of anyone better to kick-start the new year with than Taren Gesell (aka 'Triathlon Taren') and his wife, Kim Gesell (aka 'No Triathlon Kim') (who's actually the first non-triathlete to come on the show)! Taren went from being 215lbs (98kg), drunk and unhappy as an investment adviser to 150lbs (68kg), an All-World Ironman triathlete, a coach, an inspiration to many, and living a life he never would've dreamed of - as one of the top Triathlon influencers in the world, right now - with nearly 100,000 followers across social media! This conversation is one of our more light-hearted ones, but Taren's journey is definitely a special one with tons of great messages. It was also interesting to hear Kim's perspective, as someone who doesn't race but is immersed into the Triathlon scene, on not only Taren's journey but also the Triathlon world, as a whole. They're doing a fantastic job for the tri-community through providing extensive resources for triathletes of all lev

Sneaking in one last (bonus) episode before the year ends. It's a compilation of our guests of 2018 answering two questions we've started asking everyone that comes on the show - firstly, the one message they would want people to take away from their story, and secondly - why they tri! Do have a listen, there are some powerful messages and reasons in the mix. Surely, you'll be able to relate to them. - Thank you to all the guests who have taken the time to come on the show and authentically share their journey's with us. And obviously, a big thank you to everyone for listening. You all are the big reason we do the show so we appreciate you all tuning in. - If you have enjoyed listening, it would mean a lot to us if you could leave the show a positive review on iTunes or even just share the show with your friends/family - to help the show reach more people. - Podcast Survey Link: http://bit.ly/hotpodcastsurvey - Happy New Year & Keep Tri'ing! #humansoftriathlon #ordinarypeopleextraordinarypassion 

In 2016, Ashley found out that the prosecutors would not be pursuing the case against her rapist. 3 days later, she received an email from an organization that she loves & supports to join them at the NYC Triathlon. Being in desperate need of something to live for, she applied immediately. She showed up on race day overwhelmed & regretting her decision to sign-up. But, she used all the anger, confusion, embarrassment, shame, & frustration from her abuse to not only get through it but also finish 3rd in her AG & qualify for Nationals. Given the deep desperation, she felt otherwise, it was huge for her to be able to feel any strong positive emotion. She felt that she was getting better. In just her second year, she went onto complete Escape from Alcatraz, US Nationals, her first 70.3, & even her first full IM distance at Patagonman. She says that Triathlon didn't just save her, it ensured the bond that allowed her abuser to control her was broken once & for all. It's now been 2yrs since

In 2010, Daniel Garcia fell from 45-feet straight onto his back - breaking it and instantly paralyzing him. Depression was his biggest foe, and he was placed on multiple anti-depressants. After starting weight-lifting and hand-cycling, he felt at peace & had no need for meds. That's when he started doing marathons on his hand-cycle. Soon after, he was inspired to start his journey in Triathlon. In just a couple years, he went onto become a National Champ, 70.3 World Champ, & qualified for Kona twice - finishing 4th & 3rd. Regardless of the obstacles (like infections and not having a stomach!), Daniel has to overcome for Triathlon, he says that it's what keeps him sane and off medication. What's even crazier is that, with the work ethic developed through Triathlon training, Daniel has now started walking again after 8yrs of being in a wheelchair, what may seem impossible to some, but he sees himself giving up his wheelchair altogether in the near future. - Show Notes @ https://www.humansoftriathlon

Grief and loss are something all humans have to face. Finding the shining light of Triathlon in these dark times brought our guest out of what she calls a deep-dark hole as she was grieving the death of her sister. It also changed her entire approach to life and health, taking the path of her life and career in some unexpected directions. Welcome our guest this week who says that the focus, discipline, and planning of Triathlon helps keep the chaos at bay - Angela Bernaldo [@xtri.ange] - Show Notes @ https://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-angela

This week we continue our conversation with Dave Scott - the first Pro and IRONMAN World Champ to come on the show and we can't think of anyone better for it than "The Man" himself, 6x IRONMAN World Champ & the first inductee into the IRONMAN Hall of Fame. It was a real pleasure talking and listening to this legend of the Triathlon world about his journey, his mindset, his relentless & intense approach, his love for exercise, some of his (very accurately-detailed and) insightful and fun stories, and also his coaching, training, and racing philosophies. If there's something this episode shows us, it's that - the top people in this beautifully-brutal sport (or in any field for that matter), they're not that different from everyone else. But, as Dave himself says, It all comes down to one thing - Mindset! Make sure to tune in because it's not an episode to miss! Show Notes: www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-davescott

This week's guest is the first Pro and IRONMAN World Champ to come on the show and we can't think of anyone better for it than "The Man" himself, Mr. Dave Scott, 6x IRONMAN World Champ & the first inductee into the IRONMAN Hall of Fame. It was a real pleasure talking and listening to this legend of the Triathlon world about his journey, his mindset, his relentless & intense approach, his love for exercise, some of his (very accurately-detailed and) insightful and fun stories, and also his coaching, training, and racing philosophies. If there's something this episode shows us, it's that - the top people in this beautifully-brutal sport (or in any field for that matter), they're not that different from everyone else. But, as Dave himself says, It all comes down to one thing - Mindset! Make sure to tune in because it's not an episode to miss! Show Notes: https://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-davescott

This week's guest, Katy epitomizes the idea that Triathlon can help you discover who you truly are & that dreaming big can create both - crushing disappointments but also amazing successes & personal breakthroughs. When Katy sets a goal, she usually sets a big one, so when at age 30 she was dealing with depression following divorce, what did she do but sign up for an Ironman! But there was a bit of a hitch in this plan, something that most of us have just not had to deal with. It was during this period of training that she realized that she'd been living a lie & that she's a transgender woman. Coming out as transgender & beginning the process of transition brought with it a host of complications & challenges - physical, emotional, mental & also, societal. And her Triathlon goals fell to the side as she once again felt herself struggling. Throughout this time her relationship with her daughter was a shining light & a great source of strength & support. Wanting to be a good role

Deepak Raj, our first Indian guest shares his journey as an overweight techie following the typical corporate path in India who then visited Germany on account of work and was inspired by the environment in the country to take up running and make a lifestyle change. He ran the Berlin Marathon and then tried a couple mini-sprint Triathlons but struggled with the swim & decided to stick to running. Then, after seeing an ESPN show about IRONMAN, his interest in the sport peaked again. He then went on to self-coach himself to his first 2 Ironman finishes and was hooked to the sport. Soon after, he decided to take a leap from his 14-year corporate job to change careers and become a full-time Triathlon coach supporting the community & working on developing the sport in India. The episode provides a good insight into the Triathlon scene in a country like India where the sport is just getting started & the journey of someone who's one of the top coach & athlete in the country (of 1.3 billion people!)

Completing an IRONMAN is hard enough by itself, imagine doing it being a parent to two autistic kids and a type-1 diabetic. That's exactly what Julie Bockey [@bockeylife] did! This USAF veteran and former hospice nurse shares her life and everything she juggles on a daily basis while still doing triathlon. It's definitely a challenge, but, as she says, it’s not a death sentence - It can be managed and she chooses that! Her message is simple - sometimes, people...people with disabilities look, act and just live different. Be kind. Be open-minded. Be patient. Give respect. Advocate fiercely, don’t stop until your voice is heard, and make no apologies for being the best version of YOU! Show Notes: https://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-juliebockey

Conor, born and raised in the States, saw himself being roped into typical student-life culture in America of boozing, partying, lifting, eating, & studying. At the age of 24, bar-tending in a night club & refereeing a local adult kickball league, he was surrounded by drunk adults a-lot. Seeing these people wasting away their prime years of life made him re-evaluate how he wanted to live the rest of his life. He decided it was time for a change of path. Through a friend, he found Triathlon and saw it as a way to force himself to make healthy eating & lifestyle choices. As a competitor, he see it as an opportunity to push his physical & mental limits, but it’s the nutrition & bio-hacking aspect that has him geeked-out. Conor makes it very clear that he's not just here for a good time, but a long time too! Show Notes: http://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-conorbollinger

Born in the 'machista' community of Paraguay, South America, right from a young age, Belen dealt with body dysmorphia as she was made to believe that she was too muscular for a girl. But being rebellious by nature, she didn't shy away from taking part in activities that she wanted to. As she got older, Belen joined her dream organisation of Doctors Without Borders, even then, she continued to stay active as a way to cope with stress. After being deployed for missions to remote areas where she worked in environments of war, she returned home with PTSD. It was then when she discovered the therapeutic effects of bicycles - which allowed her to live the life she wanted to live. Now, she has fallen in love with the 70.3 distance as it allows her to keep going on missions, traveling & enjoying life. And she has also co-founded a non-profit, ProjectBikeLove who empower underprivileged women around the world, with their tool being - bicycles. Listen as Belen shares her incredible journey in this conversation fill

This week on the show are - Kristoffer Graae and Mette Noll. A student-athlete couple from Denmark. She's a former professional rower, currently studying Food Technology and enjoying the pressure-free environment of Triathlon. And he's making strides towards the Triathlon pro-ranks after battling 2yrs of injury and coming back onto the scene by winning the Sprint and Olympic distance Danish National AG Champs 2018 and taking AG and overall podium spots at the 70.3 distance, with his PB being a speedy 4:03! Was great fun chatting with the both of them about their journey, how their fields of study help them both in the sport, how they train together, the importance of consistency and maintaining momentum when you're injured, and more! Show notes: http://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-kristoffermette

This 36-year-old former-ballerina from Portugal has had a number of wake-up calls over the last few years - she was diagnosed with and recovered from colon cancer at the age of 26, then soon after, she went through a hernia operation for her back - these experiences have taught her to not take life for granted and how easy it can be to just let life happen and pass-by despite multiple reminders. Recently, she was once again forced into rehab after breaking her iliac crest because of a bike crash during a race. But this resilient woman is thankful for her life and the joy she gets from Triathlon and is determined to be back. Stronger. - Show Notes: http://www.humansoftriathlon.com/hotpodcast-wakeuprita