This week the Feisty team is joined by the 2026 USAT Collegiate Club national champions Kasey Madsen and Maya Reilly — who each won the non-drafting Olympic distance and the draft-legal sprint distance, respectively.

As they celebrate graduation this weekend, they also tell us all about college clubs and what got them into triathlon.

• Why club nationals is the best race ever
• How the college club scene varies dramatically from school to school
• What got them into triathlon at a young age
• And their big tri plans from here

Plus, we ask them the $1 million question: How do we get and keep more young people in the sport?

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

Straight off the first WTCS race of the year in Uzbekistan (and still jet-lagged!), Olympian Kirsten Kasper comes on the show to tell us all about what goes down in the pack and how she got her start being recruited to tri out of college.

• How the inaugural WTCS Samarkand played out
• Balancing draft-legal race — and the constant points chase! — with trying to get a T100 ranking and wildcard
• Coming back from labrum surgery even when she thought her career might be over
• Why she eats so much during races now — and how she wish she'd eaten more sooner in her career

If you're curious about all the ins and outs of World Tri racing, this one's for you.

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

Fresh off a dominant stretch of early season racing—including wins at Oceanside 70.3 and the T100 Gold Coast, plus a runner-up record-setting finish at Ironman Texas—Taylor Knibb joins the Feisty crew to catch her breath and share what's ahead and how she's having fun. (And, no surprise, it's a lot.)

She dives into:

• Her race at Ironman Texas and why her mentality was different
• Running a breakthrough 2:54 Ironman marathon
• How she balances power data vs. rate of perceived effort (RPE)
• What training looks like when she's racing WTCS, 70.3, and Ironman—all at once
• The seven race metrics she has on her bike computer
• Why she'd make a great triathlon referee
• What she’s targeting next (World Triathlon points ahead of LA28?) as she builds toward Kona

Taylor Knibb is one of the most versatile, talented, and curious athletes in triathlon—and she brings that curiosity and knowledge to today's episode with lessons we all could learn.

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

This week 3x para-tri world champ, 3x Paralympian, and Guinness world record holder Melissa Stockwell comes on the show to give us all a pep talk — and makes us feel like we could fit more into our days!

Melissa has been *busy* since she announced her official retirement, but she also looks back and shares her story with us:

• How gratitude and optimism got her from waking up in a Baghdad Army hospital to medaling in the Paralympics
• What the hardest (and easiest) parts are of getting started in para-tri
• The epic iconic moment when the U.S. swept the podium in the first-ever Paralympic triathlon
• Why she still found so much joy in 5th place in Tokyo & in Paris
• And how we all have the power of choice

If this episode doesn't get you motivated, just listen again!

Hi if you haven't edited the feisty tri episode yet, do you mind adding this to the bottom of the shownotes?

Augo is running a survey about why triathletes (and runners and cyclists) choose to work with a coach or not, and what some of your pain points are. This women-led company launched their new platform last month, which sits on top of your data and coaching apps and brings out the important pieces. They're offering a $200 On giftcard giveaway for athletes who take the survey.

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

Super runner Tamara Jewett joins the show this week to update us on her new life in California (and the shark-related messages she sends Kelly). And then she dives into the latest triathlon debates: Why she's not concerned about gate-keeping professional triathlon and if you've qualified for a pro license then you deserve to be there as much as anyone.

She talks to us about:

• Why the body image expectations in running were so unhealthy
• What she likes about Ironman distance triathlon — even if it is boring
• And how she's tried to understand (but can't!) the concept of proportionality

Plus, what races she's got planned, how the start of her season in New Zealand went, and any tips for the wildly packed start list at Ironman Texas.

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

This week, Feisty editor Carrie steps in to host the podcast while our fearless leader Kelly is away.

Katie recaps a jam-packed weekend of racing in Gulfport, Mississippi - sharing her athletes’ results along with her own coaching takeaways from both the America’s Cup and the Collegiate Club Championships.

We’re also joined by Natasha Van Der Merwe, founder and CEO of NVDM Coaching, who brings her expert perspective to the mic. Together, we dive into the latest racing action from Texas 70.3, Oceanside 70.3, and look ahead to Ironman Texas.

From there, we tackle one of the biggest recent controversies in the triathlon world: how many amateurs actually beat professionals in Oceanside. (TL;DR: earning a pro license is far more challenging than it might seem.)

Finally, Natasha breaks down the hype around Hyrox, what Hyrox athletes can learn from triathlon, and why this fast-growing sport may have more in common with our beloved swim-bike-run than you’d expect.

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

The gang is back together!

Joanne joins us still from S. Africa, after commentating the epic Cape Epic eight-day mountain bike stage race.

Katie is packing up to take her squad to the America's Cup that's totally full (Gwen's racing!) and combined with the U.S. Collegiate Club Nationals. What's the difference between college club and NCAA? Glad you asked.

And Kelly ran the big trail pro race that starts next to her house.

1. Are you pro or con racing and training with your husband?
2. Was Geelong 70.3 one of the craziest 70.3s ever?
3. How did media people go from T100 Gold Coast to Geelong in the same weekend?
4. And 70+ people on a start list!

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

With Joanne out, commentating the epic Cape Epic mountain bike race, the one and only Flora Duffy joins us on the podcast this week.

She gives us her take on the canceled swim at Dallas 70.3 — and, no, we don't have solutions. Plus, what we think about the split women's and men's racing in the T100, with the first women's T100 race of the season this weekend on the Gold Coast. And how she was so confused in one of her first 70.3s that she waited in the massive expo line with the hundreds of age-groupers.

1. The World Cup Lanzarote race this past weekend
2. Which pro series we prefer
3. What race Flora did recently
4. How she manifests confidence during races
5. And how last year's injury-ridden season was so emotionally draining — and how pros have to deal with the same injury uncertainty circle we all do.

What advice would Flora give her younger self, five Olympics ago...?

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

Joanne and Katie are out, so we have a special guest this week: the first female Black pro triathlete, Sika Henry, joins Kelly to talk about life, triathlon, and everything.

Why was it so important to her that she spent a decade chasing the goal of becoming a pro? And what happens after you achieve all of your dreams?

Sika and Kelly talk about why diversity isn't *just* an issue of expense. And, Sika shares all the details about how a bad bike crash changed her image of herself and her life. Plus, how therapy has helped her learn to stop comparing herself now to herself before, and how to find a place for sports in "retirement."

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.

If you tuned in last week, you heard our chat with pro triathlete Lizzie Rayner cut short when anti-doping officials knocked on her door mid-recording.

So this week we’re back for Take Two. Lizzie joins the squad to share all the details of her anti-doping. Then, they dive into the start of the Ironman Pro Series season, and hear about her journey from a teenager inspired by London 2012 to 8th place pro at the 70.3 World Championships.

1. Race season is officially here: The team previews Ironman New Zealand, which kicks off the 2026 Ironman Pro Series season. With big names on the start list and Kona qualification on the line, athletes are already stacking early-season points.
2. IM Pro Series v. T100: How do athletes decide?
3. Going all in on triathlon: While working with a professional cycling team—making bottles, rice cakes, and supporting riders—Lizzie realized she wanted to be the one actually racing.

What's changed this year? Her confidence! Watch out world.

Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse

Leave us a Voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistytriathlon

Feisty Media Website:

https://feisty.co/

Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:

Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Orca: Use the code FEISTYTRI15 for 15% off at https://orca.avln.me/c/HzUkzIfxsmYo

PILLAR Performance: Visit PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code FEISTY for 15% off your first purchase.