Phil discusses his busy year, the challenges of saying no, and his plans for the future. He reflects on his career in cycling and the misconceptions surrounding the sport. Phil also shares insights into his personal life, including his marriage and decision not to have children. He offers advice on education and apprenticeships. In this conversation, Phil discusses the value of experience over formal education, the importance of practical skills, and the need for better financial education. He also talks about the entrepreneurial nature of triathlon and the challenges of owning a cycling team. Phil shares his evolving definition of success and his desire to prevent others from making the same mistakes he did. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and helping others in the sports industry. Phil also discusses his legacy and the impact he wants to have on others through his content. He opens up about his struggles with depression and anxiety and the role that fitness plays in his mental health. He encourages people to find an activity they enjoy and not to force themselves into something that doesn't feel right.

Phil’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/philgaimon/

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Synergy Endorphin EFX Wetsuit Giveaway —>

Details on our IG page below.

SQ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestupidquestionspodcast/


In this conversation, Seth and Lesley discuss various topics including sleep, stress, triathlon, and finding balance in life. Lesley shares her experiences with triathlon and how she is redefining her goals and priorities. They also talk about the importance of mental stamina and finding ways to alleviate stress. Lesley emphasizes the need to simplify and calm the nervous system in order to manage stress and enjoy life. They discuss the challenges of balancing work, training, and personal life, and the importance of taking breaks and listening to one's body. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of finding a balance and focusing on what brings joy and fulfillment. In this conversation, Lesley and Seth discuss the importance of having a peaceful mind and being present in the moment during triathlon races. They emphasize the need to focus on the small things and not get caught up in negative thoughts or expectations. They also discuss the importance of finding balance in life and not being consumed by triathlon. Lesley shares her thoughts on the future and mentions her interest in event management and staying involved in the endurance industry. She also emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation and aligning values in long-term relationships.

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Lesley’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/lesleyesmith/



RTS IG: https://www.instagram.com/realtrisquad

Rachel Olson discusses her experience with podcasting and the challenges of maintaining an active YouTube channel. She talks about the difficulties of capturing footage and syncing up training schedules with her boyfriend. Rachel also shares her plans for upcoming races and the uncertainty of offseason training. She reflects on the importance of staying true to oneself in the pursuit of triathlon and the impact of social media on athletes' self-perception. Rachel opens up about her personal journey and the challenges she has faced, including her mother's health issues. In this conversation, Rachel Olson and Seth Hill discuss the importance of therapy, self-growth, and finding strength in difficult times. Rachel shares her personal experiences with loss, trauma, and the impact it has had on her life. She emphasizes the need for open communication and finding support in like-minded individuals. Rachel also talks about the process of therapy and the tools she has learned to stay grounded and find peace. She discusses the importance of understanding her parents' relationship and how it has shaped her own perspective. Rachel shares her aspirations for the future, including inspiring and empowering other women.

Max Sperl, a professional triathlete, discusses his training and preparation for races. He talks about his time in the Italian mountains, his upcoming races, and his focus on the 70.3 World Championships. Max also shares his approach to peaking and the importance of listening to his body. He discusses the challenges he faces with nutrition and the steps he is taking to improve it, including sweat testing and sodium intake. Max emphasizes the importance of being happy and surrounding himself with positive people. He reflects on his athletic journey, from playing soccer to discovering his talent for endurance sports. Max Sperl discusses his journey in becoming a professional triathlete and the importance of finding balance and self-awareness in the sport. He shares his experience of starting with running and eventually transitioning to triathlon, driven by his passion for training and the camaraderie of the sport. Max reflects on his personal growth and learning to manage his emotions, emphasizing the importance of thinking before acting. He also discusses the role of relationships in his life, particularly his long-term girlfriend who is also a professional triathlete. Max expresses gratitude for his health, freedom, and the people who make him happy. He envisions a future where he continues to pursue his passions and potentially works in the triathlon industry.

Lauren Brandon discusses her swimming and triathlon career. She talks about her love for gravel biking and the importance of balancing training with family and relationships. Lauren shares her joyful and adaptable nature, which she attributes to her upbringing and close-knit family. She reflects on her swimming career, from starting at a young age to competing in Olympic trials, and how she transitioned to triathlon. Lauren Brandon discusses her transition from swimming to triathlon and her journey in the sport. She talks about going back to college to get her masters and receiving a scholarship for grad school. She also shares how she got into triathlon and the challenges she faced in the beginning. Lauren reflects on her career and contemplates retirement, but also expresses her love for the sport and the joy she finds in racing. She discusses her worldview, her love for travel, and her open-mindedness towards different cultures and beliefs. In this final part of the conversation, Seth asks Lauren about the source of goodness and the power of personal choice. They discuss personal growth, overcoming past mistakes, and the importance of being kind to others. They also touch on the topic of nervousness during interviews and the value of curiosity. Seth shares his own experiences and how interviewing others has taught him valuable lessons. They conclude with a discussion on finding contentment in life and the importance of pursuing one's passion.


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Lauren’s Site: https://www.lbtriathlon.com

Dede Griesbauer, a professional triathlete, shares her journey and mindset in the world of endurance sports. She discusses her recent participation in Race Across America (RAM) and the challenges she faced during the event. Dede emphasizes the importance of setting goals and focusing on the process rather than solely aiming for championships. She encourages athletes to identify their weaknesses and work on improving them to become the best version of themselves. Dede also highlights the significance of strength training and proper nutrition in maintaining performance and longevity in the sport. Dede Griesbauer shares her experiences as a professional triathlete and the journey that led her to the sport. She discusses her first Ironman race and qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Dede also talks about her career on Wall Street and the decision to quit her job and pursue triathlon full-time. She emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in the process rather than focusing solely on results. Dede also reflects on her role as a commentator for Ironman races and the joy of sharing inspiring stories with others.

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Dede’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/dedegriesbauer/

Dede’s Site: https://dedegriesbauer.com/

Ari and Seth discuss training strategies and mindset in triathlon. Ari shares his experience of training with a new coach and learning to train at the appropriate level for his current fitness. They discuss the importance of listening to your body and adjusting training accordingly. Ari also talks about his background in running and music, and how those two passions have shaped his identity. Ari discusses how his focus has shifted from music to triathlon, but he still finds time to make music for his YouTube videos. He talks about his childhood interests and how he was bullied, which fueled his drive to be the best at something. Ari shares his experience with therapy and mindfulness practices, which have helped him regulate his emotions and manage negative thoughts. He also talks about his journey into triathlon, starting with biking to cross-train while injured and eventually transitioning to a full-time triathlete. He reflects on the growth of his YouTube channel and the unexpected direction his life has taken. Ari reflects on the ups and downs of his journey as a triathlete and YouTuber, highlighting the changes and challenges he has faced. He discusses the early hype and popularity he experienced, as well as the shift in focus towards race results and personal growth. Ari emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in the process and enjoying the day-to-day grind. He also shares his perspective on self-worth, deriving it from deep connections, personal goals, and the devotion to training. Ari recounts his experience at the Giro d'Italia and the opportunity to run alongside professional cyclists. He concludes by offering advice on finding direction in life and embracing the unknown.

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Ari’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3mr8WTozPpn1JliLOnzejE?si=IEtxgI6uQKmlwj6r2GyAug

Ari’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/archmdz/

Air’s YT: https://www.youtube.com/@archmdz

Brandon Thielk shares his journey from being a baseball player to becoming a teacher and student of personal development. He discusses his experiences with spirituality, meditation, and healing past wounds. Brandon emphasizes the importance of paying attention to one's feelings and using them as a guide to deeper self-discovery. He believes in the power of unconditional love and the need to dismantle the ego to find peace. Brandon also talks about the challenges of attachment and the importance of finding nuance in concepts and ideas. Brandon Thielk shares his journey from pursuing a career in baseball to becoming a mindset coach for athletes and business professionals. He discusses the challenges he faced in his baseball career, including a lack of guidance and a decline in performance during tryouts. Brandon explains how he shifted his focus to healing his past traumas and developing a healthy mindset. He emphasizes the importance of nervous system regulation and the role of relationships in personal growth. Brandon also discusses his coaching approach and the potential for group work and future expansion.

Evolved Athlete IG: https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/



Brandon’s Site: https://brandonthielk.com/

The conversation revolves around the future of triathlon racing, specifically the Ironman Pro Series and the T100. The participants discuss the challenges and potential changes that these organizations may face. They also touch on topics such as VO2 max testing and blood lactate testing in training. The conversation covers various topics including the improvements in the triathlon experience for pro athletes, the sustainability of the business model of triathlon organizations, and the idea of a fun triathlon event at Walmart. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of doing multiple Ironman races in a short period of time. The conversation covers various topics including the efficiency of triathlete Trevor Wurtele, the dynamics of fist bumps and butt slaps during races, the experiences of the RTS and EMJ triathlon teams, and what makes a good triathlon team. The participants share their personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of community, support, and genuine connections within a team.

Matthew Marquardt is a medical student and professional Ironman triathlete. He is passionate about both medicine and triathlon and has found a way to balance his commitments. Matthew's journey in triathlon started unexpectedly when he biked across the US during a break from college. He then decided to sign up for a triathlon race and discovered his potential in the sport. Matthew's mindset of keeping expectations low and focusing on enjoying the process has helped him avoid burnout. He efficiently manages his time by prioritizing meetings, workouts, and research. Matthew's motivation comes from his desire to make a positive impact in the world and honor those affected by cancer. In races and training, he draws inspiration from his greater purpose. The mental state plays a significant role in performance, and Matthew believes that pushing through discomfort and staying focused are key to success. Matthew Marquardt discusses his mental preparation for triathlons, his passion for cancer research, and his goals in medicine. He emphasizes the importance of accepting the challenges and pain that come with endurance sports and setting realistic expectations. Marquardt also shares his personal experience with cancer and how it has motivated him to pursue a career in head and neck cancer surgery. He explains his research on using 3D printing technology to improve surgical outcomes and his project on applying sports science to help surgeons perform better. Marquardt offers advice on finding a purpose beyond oneself and the importance of mentors in achieving success.