The Unfunded Podcast

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.

Brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
Lockie returns straight from racing at the Napier Sprint Distance Championships with a full race recap — including racing Olympic medalist Hayden Wilde, the chaotic swim start, and the controversial podium situation.

Then the boys dive into a bigger topic: why so many international triathletes are suddenly training on the Gold Coast.

From heated 50m pools and open water access to cycling routes, running surfaces, and training culture — they break down what actually makes the perfect triathlon training environment.

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

Racing is officially back.

With Napier kicking off the Oceania season, Lockie and Lleyton break down the course, the stacked start lists, and what it means to see names like Hayden Wilde back on the line. But before that, they dive deep into race day rituals — from process goals and psychological cues to rice pudding, black socks, same jocks since age ten, Red Bulls in transition, and even Fortnite before Junior Worlds.

Lockie explains his headphones-in, don’t-talk-to-me race bubble, while Lleyton takes a more go-with-the-flow approach. The boys compare morning vs twilight racing, discuss how pros mentally prepare, and share some of the wildest superstitions sent in by listeners (and a couple of world-class triathletes). They wrap it up with a full Napier preview — course breakdown, wind factors, key contenders in both the men’s and women’s fields — plus a discussion on the increased World Series prize money in Abu Dhabi and what it means for the future of short course racing.

Season’s back. Let’s go.

This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In this prediction-heavy episode of Unfunded, Lockie and Lleyton dive into what 2026 should look like for triathlon. From bigger prize purses and better live streams to mixed relay hype and athlete rivalries, the boys unpack what needs to be IN this season and what needs to go. They call out uneducated coaches, side quests, excuse-making, and the glazing of athletes who aren’t even in contention. It’s honest, opinionated, and a snapshot of where the sport is heading and where they hope it doesn’t.

Season Two of Unfunded kicks off with Lockie and Lleyton back in the studio and straight into the deep end. From Lockie’s humbling Hyrox debut in Melbourne to the triathlon world’s obsession with “January Champions,” the boys unpack the offseason chaos, Kristian Blummenfelt’s eye-watering VO2 max numbers, and the heated social media debates shaping the sport. Most importantly, they break down the LA 2028 Olympic qualification system - relay quotas, Olympic rankings, new flag spots, and the brutal mathematics behind earning a third nation slot. If you’ve ever wondered how athletes actually make the Olympic start line, this is the episode that explains it.
This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
If you'd like your brand featured on the show reach out on Instagram @theunfundedpod or email [email protected]