Episode 16: Angelina’s winning reflections on her 70.3 DNF

Those Queens of Chaos, Ursula and the Beast, are back in the hot tub with their first European guest: Angelina, a Scottish mother and age-group triathlete whose journey from inactivity to endurance sport is anything but ordinary. Angeline is a vibrant and authentic character who has grown an inspired and inspiring Instagram following. Angelina shares how she learned to run and entered her first triathlon despite barely being able to swim, owning no bike, and never having raced before. She talks candidly about attempting Ironman Bolton, missing the bike cutoff by just three minutes.  She reflected on her effort and came up with a list of simple things she could do differently next time. She returned stronger, more knowledgeable and with an unstoppable attitude at Challenge Almere. Along the way, she reveals how sport helped her rebuild her identity, maintain sobriety, and inspire her daughters. Ursula and the Beast explore the barriers that hold women back from triathlon, including confidence, money, time, and motherhood. Funny, honest, and packed with hard-won lessons, this episode proves that anyone can start from zero and become an athlete.

Angelina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelina.i.daly?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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Episode 15: Endurance, Exhaustion & Everything In Between

In this episode of Hot Tub Tri Machine, Ursula and The Beast sit down with endurance athlete James Carter for a candid conversation about what it really takes to go the distance. From first-time marathons and open-water swims to 25 marathons, Ironman-distance races, and back-to-back ultramarathons, James shares the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons from his endurance journey.

The discussion goes beyond training plans and finish lines, exploring the impact of diet culture, chronic fatigue, body image pressures, and the challenge of balancing ambition with recovery. With plenty of humour along the way, James recounts race-day mishaps, including lost contact lenses, navigational disasters, and the realities of pushing the body too far.

James also speaks openly about inclusion in endurance sport and the importance of supportive communities that make athletes feel welcome and seen. Together, Ursula, The Beast, and James unpack why nutrition, sleep, and recovery are just as important as training volume. The result is an inspiring and honest episode that reminds listeners that endurance sport is for every body, progress is rarely linear, and resilience often begins with self-acceptance.

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected].

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Episode 14: Passion, Pedals and Power with Ben Litchfield

This week on the Hot Tub Tri Machine, Ursula and the Beast are joined by cycling tragic turned cycling aficionado Ben Litchfield for a deep dive into all things two wheels. Ben’s love of cycling began as a young boy growing up in Sydney and eventually took him to Europe, where he lived and trained with amateur cycling teams at a time when Europe was the Mecca for aspiring cyclists. Ben shares what it was like to pack up, head overseas and immerse himself in the European racing scene — and what he learned from those years on the road.

The conversation explores how training and nutrition have changed dramatically throughout Ben’s time in cycling, from the old-school approaches of his racing days to the increasingly data-driven sport we see today. The girls also get stuck into one of cycling’s favourite debates: how important is power really? Ben shares his thoughts on power meters, data and the exciting advances in technology that have transformed the way cyclists can train, analyse and understand their performance. Ben’s passion for criterium and road racing also features heavily, with plenty of discussion about the tactics, intensity, skill and sheer enjoyment that make racing bikes so addictive. To finish, Ben shares his top advice for new cyclists — whether they’re just getting started on their first road bike or thinking about taking the plunge into racing. It’s a conversation packed with cycling stories, old-school wisdom, modern data and plenty of bike chat — exactly the kind of conversation the Hot Tub Tri Machine loves.

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected].

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Episode 13: Keri Mandell is Limitless

Seven marathons in seven days, across seven continents, is hard enough. Keri swaps the finish-line fantasy for the raw reality behind the World Marathon Challenge, Ultraman racing, and the mindset it takes to keep going when your body is screaming to stop. Ursula and The Beast sit down with Keri to unpack the fear, grit, and strategy behind some of the hardest endurance events on earth. From her first triathlon, where she panic-paddled through open water and fell off the bike, to becoming an Ultraman athlete, Keri shares how she turned “I’ll never do that again” into a life built around going way beyond comfort.

Links

Limitless: What I Learned Running the World in Seven Days

Release date: 1 October 2026

Use this link to pre order the e-book for kindle: https://a.co/d/08IU4uCX

The Kindle edition is just $4.29 AUD($2.99 US), and you don’t need a Kindle to read it. You can just download the free Kindle app on their phone, tablet, iPad, or computer.

Challenge Roth Tours https://www.tritravel.global/tour-type/challenge-roth-tours/

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected].

Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page.

Join the Hot Tub Tri Machine Podcast club in Zwift and join our virtual group ride events.

Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Riverside.fm and Garageband

Episode 12: Roth, Racecations, Resilience and Recovery (Part 2)

In Part 2 of their conversation with Jo, Ursula and The Beast dive into her incredible experience racing at the world-famous Challenge Roth. Jo shares the story of her race day, reflecting on the highs, the challenges and the unforgettable atmosphere that makes Roth one of triathlon's most iconic events.

The adventures don't stop there. Jo also takes Ursula and The Beast behind the scenes of the Tour de France, recounting her unique opportunity as a guest of Visma | Lease a Bike. From riding in the team car to spectating Stages 6 and 7, Jo offers a perspective on professional cycling that few fans ever get to experience.

The conversation then broadens to Jo's passion for travel and adventure. From endurance events around the world to memorable experiences such as runDisney, Jo shares why she is driven to make the most of every opportunity and pursue experiences that challenge, inspire and excite her.

As they dream about future adventures of their own, Ursula and The Beast make the most of Jo's wealth of experience, gathering travel tips, race insights and plenty of inspiration for what might be next.

This episode is packed with adventure, endurance sport and a genuine passion for living life to the fullest. Don't miss the conclusion of this fantastic chat with Jo.

Links

Challenge Roth Tours https://www.tritravel.global/tour-type/challenge-roth-tours/

Run Disney https://www.travellingfit.com/event/walt-disney-world-dopey-challenge/

Paula Findlay on The Triathlon Hour Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/paula-findlay-ari-klau-their-ironman-training-confessions/id1595443343?i=1000778727790

That Triathlon Life Podcast https://thattriathlonlife.com/

Allison Jackson Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aliactionjackson/?hl=en

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift https://www.letourfemmes.fr/en/

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected].

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Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Garageband

Episode 11: Roth, Racecations, Resilience and Recovery (Part 1)

After an unexpected break from the podcast, Ursula and The Beast are back behind the microphones. They share how recent challenges have required a rethink of goals, training plans and priorities, highlighting the importance of adapting when things don't go to plan.

In this episode, they sit down with special guest Jo, who has recently returned from Europe after competing at the iconic Challenge Roth. Part 1 of this two-part conversation explores Jo's journey into triathlon, what first drew her to the sport, and the experiences that shaped her along the way. From early races to tackling Ironman 70.3 events, Jo shares insights, lessons learned and plenty of memorable moments from her triathlon journey.

It's an engaging and inspiring chat packed with stories, practical wisdom and plenty of laughs. Tune in for the first half of a great conversation, with more from Jo coming in Part 2.

Links & Info

Challenge Roth Tours https://www.tritravel.global/tour-type/challenge-roth-tours/

Run Disney https://www.travellingfit.com/event/walt-disney-world-dopey-challenge/

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected].

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Episode 10: Gold Coast Shenanigans

This week, Ursula and The Beast swap the tri bikes for running shoes as they head to the Coast for one of Australia's biggest running weekends at the Gold Coast Marathon!

Joined by a great group of friends, the team takes on a range of events, from the Half Marathon to the 10 km and 5 km races. Before the starting gun, they chat through their goals, race-day nerves, pacing strategies and what they're hoping to achieve. The crew also spends the weekend soaking up the incredible vibes and atmosphere that the GCmarathon offers. While having coffee and breakfast Sunday morning they cheer on the marathon runners and celebrate the determination of thousands of athletes chasing their own finish-line dreams. They also take a beat to jump back on the mic to share honest race recaps – the highs, the challenges, the surprises and the moments that made the weekend so memorable.

Whether you're training for your next race, love the buzz of a running festival, or just enjoy hearing friends share their sporting adventures, this episode is packed with laughs, encouragement and plenty of post-race reflections. So grab your headphones, jump in the hot tub with Ursula and The Beast, and relive an unforgettable weekend on the Gold Coast! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎙️

Links and Information

Donate to James Carter for Bravehearts 777 James Carter in Bravehearts 777 Marathon - National Team

Pro Tri News Podium Picks https://protrinews.com/podium-picks

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected].

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Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Riverside.fm and Garageband

Episode 9: Cairns Ironman 70.3 Debrief

Join Ursula and The Beast as they hit the road to travel North to compete in Cairns. They recount their intense experiences competing in Cairns Ironman 70.3, navigating brutal swim conditions, punishing bike winds, and emotional moments on the race course. Learn about their highlights, surprises, and lessons from one of the toughest Cairns Ironman courses to date. 

Main Topics:

• Race Day Conditions: the rough ocean swim and headwinds on the bike

• Personal Performance: swim improvements, bike struggles, and running resilience

• Race Support & Community: volunteers, supporters, and inspiring athlete stories

In this episode:

• The unforgettable Mossman River float adventure as a travel highlight

• Challenges faced during the swim, including rough waves and low visibility water

• The impact of challenging weather, wind, and rain on the bike leg, and the mental toughness required

• Transition experiences, including delays, scheduled mental breakdowns, and lessons learned

• Achieving a personal best in the swim despite tough conditions

• The importance of community support, including the role of volunteers and fellow athletes

• Inspirational stories from fellow competitors like First Nations athlete Nadine Hunt and recovery stories of women overcoming health hurdles

• Reflecting on race organization, course beauty, and future goals

Timestamps:

01:00 - Race overview and Cairns trip highlights

02:10 - Floating down Mossman River experience

03:18 - Travel adventures, delays, and lessons learned from road trip

10:00 - Pre-race swim at Palm Cove and water conditions

14:00 - Race day morning: logistics, support, and nerves

16:22 - Inspiring stories from fellow athletes overcoming health challenges

22:20 - Swim details: conditions, struggles, and personal best

35:30 - Bike course, scenery, and weather challenges

46:50 - The run, personal times, and reflections on performance

57:08 - Shout Outs

Links:

Mossman river float ⁠https://backcountrybliss.com.au/⁠

Scope Chiropractic Runners Strength and Mobility Program ⁠https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/workout-plan/program/rothenberg-program-1685761133⁠

Ironman Cairns ⁠https://www.ironman.com/races/im-cairns⁠

Special Mentions & Athlete Shout-outs:

• Nadine Hunt, First Nations athlete and Kona qualifier

• Fran, inspiring comeback story after cycling accident

• Supporters, volunteers, and family members who made race days special

Note: This episode captures intense physical challenges, emotional insights, and community spirit—perfect for inspiring any endurance athlete or race enthusiast.

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (⁠https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/⁠) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page.

Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in ⁠Riverside.fm⁠ and Garageband

We are not affiliated with and have received no goods and/or services for any comments or recommendations made within the podcast.

In this week's episode of Hot Tub Tri Machine, Ursula and The Beast dive into their final preparations for Cairns 70.3. With race day rapidly approaching, they discuss the strange mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with tapering, including the dreaded "taper terrors" that have both of them questioning their fitness, race plans, and whether every minor ache is a sign of impending disaster. They also put themselves on the line with some bold performance predictions and talk through what a successful day in Cairns would look like.

The interview segment features Alice, who has just completed her very first marathon. Alice shares her journey from signing up for the race to crossing the finish line, including the highs, lows, training challenges, race-day nerves, pacing strategy, nutrition, and the emotions of becoming a marathon finisher. It's an honest and inspiring race report packed with lessons for anyone considering taking on the marathon distance.

Whether you're preparing for your next big race, battling taper madness, or looking for motivation from a first-time marathoner, this episode has plenty to keep you company on your next swim, ride, or run.

[email protected] email us your shout outs and age group asks

Episode 7: The Road to Recover

Ursula and The Beast are back with a recap of the week that was! From peaks and punctures to celebrating some incredible athletes in the triathlon community, the girls keep the hot-mess express steam rolling as they continue their countdown to Cairns 70.3. This week, they're honoured to welcome phenomenal athlete Michaela to the hot tub. Michaela shares her triathlon journey, including the challenges of recovering from serious bike crashes and injuries, and how the unwavering support of her family helped her return to competition on the world stage. Grab your epsom salts and settle into the hot tub for another inspiring, honest, and entertaining episode.

Please note: this episode includes discussion of cycling accidents and injuries that some listeners may find confronting.

Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected].

Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page.

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