The Unfunded Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire

Lockie and Lleyton return after a hectic few weeks of racing and travel, unpacking a stark contrast between elite-level racing in China and a chaotic Oceania Championships at Runaway Bay. From world-class event execution to disorganized race briefings and last-minute rule changes, they dive into what’s going wrong—and why it matters for the sport.

They break down their own performances, including a rollercoaster weekend featuring repechage drama, tactical mistakes, and a hard-earned podium. The conversation then shifts to the bigger picture: scheduling conflicts between the T100 and World Triathlon Series, and how overlapping events are diluting competition and audience attention.

Looking ahead, the boys preview the season-opening World Triathlon Championship Series race in Samarkand. They analyze the course, conditions, and stacked fields, debating whether it will be a breakaway race or a pack-run showdown. Finally, they lock in their podium picks, dark horses, and bold predictions for both the men’s and women’s races.

This episode is sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire

After a delayed start, Lockie and Lleyton are back to unpack a huge week in triathlon. Lleyton prepares for his long-awaited return to racing in China after 11 months out, reflecting on injury recovery, training progression, and the mental side of being sidelined.

The boys dive into the growing depth of competition, highlighted by a stacked Gold Coast start list and what it says about the sport’s rapid growth in Oceania. They also break down the rising run standard in triathlon, reacting to standout performances like Cassandra Bogrand’s blistering 10K and what it means for the future of the sport.

There’s discussion around World Triathlon’s controversial decision to allow Russian and Belarusian junior and U23 athletes to compete under their national flags, exploring both the political and athlete welfare implications.

They also highlight a positive shift from Triathlon Australia, with para athletes now receiving prize money for podium performances, before analysing Matt Hauser’s disrupted start to the season and what his move towards T100 racing could mean long term.

The episode wraps with insights into training philosophies, upcoming races, and the ever-evolving demands of elite triathlon performance.

Please Note: We had some audio issues with our microphones this time around so the backup audio was used. We apologise to your ears upfront but it's not really that bad though is it.
This episode is sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire

Lockie and Lleyton are back diving straight into one of the most controversial topics in triathlon right now — the release of Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) data and what it means for fairness in the sport. They break down how TUEs work, where the line between medical necessity and performance enhancement gets blurred, and debate whether athletes and federations should be publicly named for transparency.

Alongside the heavy discussion, the boys recap a massive weekend of racing including T100 on the Gold Coast, Geelong’s unofficial world champs, and standout performances from athletes like John Reed and Hugo Milner. They explore how short course dominance is reshaping middle-distance racing and why run times are reaching another level.

As always, there’s plenty of honest takes, a bit of goss, and some strong opinions on where the sport is heading — and what needs to change.

This episode is sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this episode, Lockie and Lleyton dive into the realities of racing on the international triathlon circuit.

The boys discuss some of the challenges athletes face competing at World Cups and international events, particularly in Asia, where travel logistics, race organisation, and cultural differences can sometimes create difficult race environments. They unpack frustrations around race standards, accountability for organisers, and how these issues can impact athletes competing on the world stage.

They also break down the upcoming World Cup in Haikou, China, preview the start lists, and make predictions for both the men’s and women’s races. With a mix of analysis and classic Unfunded banter, the discussion covers athletes to watch, race dynamics, and how the course could shape the results.

Along the way, the boys share personal experiences from international racing, including some of the unexpected challenges athletes encounter when competing overseas.

This episode is sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this episode the boys sit down with one of the most respected athletes in world triathlon: Sam Dickinson.

A Commonwealth Games mixed relay gold medalist and Olympic mixed relay bronze medalist, Sam has built a reputation not only for his results but also for the crucial team role he’s played within one of the sport’s most dominant federations.

Sam joins Lockie and Lleyton on the Gold Coast to talk through his Olympic experience in Paris, the difference between competing at the COVID-era Tokyo Games versus the electric atmosphere in Paris, and what it’s like racing alongside athletes like Alex Yee during one of the most successful Olympic campaigns in triathlon history.

They also dive into his recent move into longer racing formats, including his impressive debut win at Ironman 70.3 Italy and podium finishes on the T100 circuit. Sam explains how short-course racing has shaped his strengths and how those skills translate to middle-distance racing.

From Olympic pressure and team dynamics to racing strategy and career evolution, this episode gives an inside look at elite triathlon from one of the sport’s most experienced competitors.