The Greg Bennett Show

Kris Gemmell - World Champion, Olympian, Head of Commercial and Marketing ITU

Kris Gemmell is one of the most influential people in the world of Triathlon.

 

His career as an athlete was remarkable, with some of the most epic battles to the finish line we’ve ever seen. He went to two Olympics, two Commonwealth Games, and achieved 110 World Triathlon starts, 29 podiums and 9 wins.

 

Kris transitioned from athlete to partnerships and marketing positions within World Triathlon, previously known as the International Triathlon Union and hasn’t looked back. He’s now the Head of Marketing and Commercial for World Triathlon, where the World Triathlon Series continues to grow and deliver the greatest professional racing we see consistently in the world.

 

When Kris moved from Palmerston North to Christchurch in the late 1990s to study at the University of Canterbury, he was an aspiring Rugby union player. However an injury led to a chain of events that resulted in Kris coming to the attention and under the guidance of Doctor John Hellemans. Hellemans is a well known multiple World Champion Triathlete and coach.

 

In 1997, Gemmell competed in the ITU junior World Championships in Perth Australia coming a 6th in a field that included future World Champion Ivan Rana.

 

Kris' breakthrough race on the world stage in the senior ranks came in 2000 when he claimed 3rd place at the Tokyo round of the ITU World Cup.

 

Gemmell was selected for the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England where he placed second for New Zealand and sixth in overall.

 

In 2007, Gemmell had enjoyed another consistent season with three podiums and two fourth places. One of those fourths was at the Beijing round of the ITU World Cup and this result gained Kris a nomination for the New Zealand Triathlon team to race at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. At Beijing, he finished in 39th place.

 

He qualified again for the 2012 Summer Olympics, and finished in 15th place.

 

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction to show.

5:37 - When did you find your passion for sport and in particularly, triathlon?

12:02 - When did you compete in your first triathlon?

13:10 - Tell us about your experience working with Doctor John Hellemans.

14:22 - You led the New Zealand charge at a time the sport was developing, talk us through the people you feel helped change the trajectory of triathlon.

18:47 - Talk us through your view on the peaks and troughs that Federations go through in various parts of the world.

28:06 - Super League and Triathlon are communicating to build the sport, explain the internal view you have of this process and give us a glimpse of the future for the sport.

32:34 - The ITU has changed name to World Triathlon and it's never been a more exciting time to be an athlete coming into form in the sport. How do you see this changing the game?

43:03 - How do you see World Triathlons role becoming more viable and sustainable and helping the different world calendar events?

50:18 - Kris shares some of his fondest memories of his career.

58:46 - 9.2 million views of the 2005 New Plymouth World Cup of the sprint between Kris and Bevan Docherty

1:05:22 - Talk us through your win in Rhodes (2007) against a young Alistair Brownlee.

1:15:25 - So what's next for Kris Gemmell going forward in 2022?

Christian Schauf - Serial adventurer, athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist

In this episode of The Greg Bennett Show, Greg chats to friend and entrepreneur, Christian Schauf. 

 

Christian's journey to date is extraordinary. Building several successful startups, from apple cider, to outdoor extreme event companies, to survival gear, to heading up a successful touring rockband. He’s also led marketing campaigns for several large international brands, including Harley-Davidson and GoPro.

 

His newest venture is the Unchartered Supply company.

Unchartered as quoted on their website is “Gear to get you out there and all the way back.”

 

Unchartered has exploded over the past few years. The Business started in November of 2016. In 2017 the core product the Seventy2 was featured & kicked ass on the TV show “Shark Tank.” The Seventy2 has been featured in the likes of TIME, Outside Magazine, Popular Mechanics, and The Wall Street Journal. Customers have included government organizations such as the CIA and FBI, as well as companies like Nike, Warner Brothers and Airbnb.

Listen to why he decided to create the most comprehensive 72-hour survival system on the market.

 

Timestamps

 

0:00 - Introduction to show.

4:46 - You moved to Park City… how has the move been? Are you planning on staying?

6:04 - Christian is the ultimate outdoors man ... he talks through the wild ride from beginning to now. Christian grew up on a farm in Wisconsin where we had clones, a biodiesel plant, and thousands of acres of crops. He played in a band around the world for a decade and traveled to Iraq 40 times ... he even had his 30th birthday party in Sadaam’s bedroom.

10:48 - The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self.

11:20 - We are in the softest of times and people are trying to 'harden' themselves up more and more. Humans always tend to trend towards easy ... People are living more urban lives, dependent on technology and simply not getting the experiences needed to handle unforeseen emergencies. This, coupled with a rise in emergencies related to population growth, climate change, political unrest and more, and there is a greater need than ever to help people through those situations where they are on their own.

18:39 - Christian gives some real perspective about a 'hard day' after meeting several US Troops in Iraq.

18:04 - One of Christians fav quotes is, "Life is not a dress rehearsal'. He explains his journey as a musician, touring with Prince, then touring through Iraq.

22:59 - From being named Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year by the Pentagon for his time entertaining troops at some of the most dangerous bases in Iraq (he made more than 40 visits over eight years) to surviving a few life or death situations, Christian Schauf initially had the vision for the Seventy2 while sitting in traffic in LA after a light rain shower. He wondered: ‘If a light rain can stop traffic, what happens if an earthquake hits? Would I be prepared to not only help myself but those around me? Would the people around me be prepared?

25:12 - How do you consciously control the fear knowing each day might present a 'real' life or death situation?

29:18 - Uncharted Supply Company was founded to prepare any adventurer for unexpected survival situations. Situations that occur everyday, like earthquakes, floods, or even power outages. Christian Schauf started the company after driving through Colorado in the middle of a blizzard and seeing dozens of hapless motorists stranded on the side of the highway, hunkering down for a long, cold night. Though rescue teams were surely on the way, they were at the mercy of Mother Nature until those teams arrived.

There had to be a better way.

He couldn’t find an easy solution, so he created one: The SEVENTY2™ Survival System. A 72-hour survival kit that anybody could use in the event of a dangerous situation. Expert-tested and expert approved, out of this system Uncharted Supply Company was born. Now we are a team of adventurers and philanthropists bent on taking the worst case scenario and turning it into a somewhat-unpleasant-but-survivable scenario.

33:30 - What is the 'why' for Uncharted Supply Co.? Our vision is to empower humans on a large scale, and build communities ready to open doors and help neighbors when tough times arise.

46:39 - Shark Tank - Tell us about the Shark Tank experience and how that affected your Uncharted Supply business. "Our launch on Indiegogo was a meaningful moment that let me know my idea was on point. Shark Tank took things up an entire new level, but I’m most proud of our team’s ability to build products, market them, and make a profit without any big exposure moments. We are building a brand that people trust, respect and love."

54:34 - When the COVID pandemic hit, talk us through how it affected and changed the business.

58:41 - Uncharted is no longer only an online shop ... you've now transitioned to retail stores across the country, tell us how that came about and how it's connected more customers to Uncharted products.

01:00:06 - What is Christian's favourite product? - The Zeus - A portable jump starter & USB charger.

01:05:10 - What traits are you looking for in people when you are employing them?

01:10:04 - Surrounding yourself with great people is important in every aspect of our lives. How and who have you surrounded yourself in the entrepreneurial space as you navigate the business journey?

01:16:40 - Conclude - Don't be the huge-fat rhino on a bike hill ride with Greg Bennett!

 

Ask Christian AnyQuestion - https://www.anyquestion.com.ChristianSchauf

Dr. Dan Plews - Sports Scientist, Athlete, Coach, Founder of Endure IQ

Support the show at

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=26936856

"The Greg Bennett Show" -

 

Endure IQ - https://www.endureiq.com/

 

Show notes 

 

In this episode of The Greg Bennett Show, Greg chats to Dr. Dan Plews. Dan is one of the most requested guests. He appeared on episode 50 and 77 of TGBS, so be sure to go add those to your playlist.

 

Dan Plews is an Applied Sports Scientist, Researcher and coach.

As a Sports Scientist (specialising in the area of Physiology) Dan has worked closely with athletes who have won more than 25 world and Olympic titles in the sports of rowing, kayak and triathlon. Athletes include Mahe Drysdale, Lisa Carrington, Eric Murray and Hamish Bond.

As a researcher, Dan completed his PhD in the area of applied heart rate variability (HRV). This work focused on implementing and validating methods regarding the application of HRV to track training adaptation in elite athletes.

Since then, Dan has gone onto having more than 21 peer-reviewed publications in the area of applied sports science.

Dan is seriously passionate about endurance sport, particularly Ironman triathlon, where he has coached 3 athletes under the 8-hour barrier. He lives and breathes it, and is a competitive Ironman athlete himself. In 2018 he broke the amateur course record at Ironman New Zealand by more than 10 minutes in a time of 8 hr 35 min. Dan thrives on continuous learning and being on the cutting edge of applied sports science. He often throws himself into the depths of new science, measurements and self-quantification to find out first hand the effects that they have on training adaptation.

 

He’s one of the world’s greatest minds in endurance sports. He has the practical and personal experience, and he has the science.

 

See the timestamps below for more detail.

 

Timestamps

 

0:00 - Introduction to show.

2:07 - Introduction to Dr. Dan Plews.

5:21 - As Head of Performance Physiology Canoe Racing New Zealand, Dan worked with the Women's Olympic Kayak team during the Tokyo Olympics. Dan discusses his involvement and outlines Lisa Carrington's outstanding performance.

7:56 - Dan talks about how he met and started to work with Javier Gomez

11:57 - Understanding Javier's data and working in the lab was an important approach in establishing the performance gap for Dan while working towards a winning 'gold standard'. Monitoring his HRV via an Oura, and establishing his aerobic threshold, fat oxidation, fat max, anaerobic threshold.

18:08 - Having talked previously and extensively about heart rate variability (HRV), Greg opens the discussion with Dan about health tips for us all in 2022. Dan explains what his best purchases for his own health have been. Ice baths and Saunas.

19:08 - Dan describes how the research has proven the benefits that ice baths provide for us all, not only pro athletes. From a wellbeing and mental health perspective, ice baths improve mood states.

21:52 - Greg and Dan discuss noradrenalin, an organic chemical in the catecholamine family that functions in the brain and body as both a hormone and neurotransmitter. ... The general function of norepinephrine is to mobilize the brain and body for action. Ice baths have been popularized by Wim Hoff - https://www.wimhofmethod.com/

23:34 - Some of protocols Dr. Dan Plews recommends around ice bathing, time, temperature, frequency. Dan uses a chest freezer converted into an ice bath.

33:02 - Saunas ... what are they good for? What works best, infrared, or steam?

39:58 - Greg asks Dan, what was his best purchase under $100 - HRV app ... https://www.hrv4training.com/ - Shakti mat - https://www.shaktimats.com/ - Whoop - https://www.whoop.com/

42:22 - For triathlon, what are the different tests Dr. Dan Plews recommends to go and do ... and explains his view on monitoring the salt levels in sweat.

51:35 - Dr Dan Plews has plenty of answers to many questions via the AnyQuestion app.

54:51 - Dan explains how he balances his personal training, with his coaching.

56:49 - How would Dan coach an athlete that had one leg stronger than the other.

01:01:13 - Sign up for Dr. Dan Plews bi-weekly newsletter - The Endure IQ Brew Up over @ https://www.endureiq.com/

01:01:57 - Dan answers some rapid fire questions from athletes, including the most gifted book Dan has given people - Groundedness - by Brad Stulberg

01:06:59 - When Dan thinks of 'success', who does he think of?

 

Conclude

What's 2022 look like for Dr. Dan Plews.

Endure IQ courses - https://www.endureiq.com/courses

 

Links

Be sure and check out bennettendurance.com

Find Greg on social media:

Twitter Greg Bennett Show

Instagram The Greg Bennett Show

 

Find Dr. Dan Plews on social media:

Web: https://www.endureiq.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplews/

Twitter: Dr Dan Plews

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-plews/

From the archives: Tim Don - 4 x World Champion, 3 x Olympian, Ironman World Record holder, ”Man with the Halo”

Tim Don has been a fierce competitor a peer, and a friend, for almost 20 years. 

He has an unbelievable resume of performances which includes 4 world champion titles, 3 Olympic Games, and a world record in the Ironman of 7.40.23, but this is only one part of this man’s journey. 

Three days prior to the 2017 Kona Ironman World Championships, where he was a heavy favorite he was struck by a car and broke a vertebra in his neck. His process in dealing with this incredible setback and his journey back to the top of the world is truly one of the most inspiring stories you will ever hear.

From the archives: Kate Courtney - Cross Country Mountain Bike World Champion and World Cup Series Champion

Kate Courtney is one of the world’s greatest mountain bikers. 

In 2017, at 21 years old, she won the U23 world cup series. A year later she won the elite world championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
And in the following year in 2019, she won the elite world cup overall. 

She’s surrounded herself with an incredible team to help on her journey. Including her family, Scott-SRAM racing, and many other supporters.

Her will-power to do something great is next level. This episode is entertaining, informative, and above all, inspiring!

From the archives: Craig Alexander - Five time Ironman World Champion

For the past two years, Greg has chatted with the world's greatest athletes and high performers, to find out how they got to the top of the world, and how they are able to sustain it.

 

Over the next 4 weeks ... having searched through the archives, we've found some exceptional episodes that we are wrapping up in a bow and "re-gifting" to you.

First up is Craig Alexander.

 

Craig Alexander is one of the greatest and most recognizable endurance athletes on the planet. He has 5 World Championship titles which include 3 Kona Ironman World Championships and 2 Ironman 70.3 World Championships. At 46, he continues to defy age and race with tremendous success as a professional Triathlete. A wealth of knowledge and experience.

Greg & Laura Bennett celebrate 100+ episodes

Welcome to The Greg Bennett show, an AnyQuestion podcast hosted by Former Professional Olympic and World Champion Athlete Greg Bennett. 

Greg chats with the world's greatest athletes and high performers to find out how they got to the top of the world and how they are able to sustain it. 

This week Greg is joined by his lovely wife, mum to their two children, and former Olympian and professional triathlete, Laura Bennett.

Laura is a multiple US Olympic Triathlete, four time World Championships medalist, and four time US National Champion. She’s an NCAA championship winning swimmer from SMU (Southern Methodist University) and she had almost 20 years at the top of the sport of Triathlon as a professional. She spent some time as the world number 1 ranked triathlete and narrowly missed winning the world series in 2003. 

Greg and Laura talk through the past 2 years of producing over 100 episodes of The Greg Bennett Show. Their fav eps, what they have learnt from interviewing the world's best triathletes and high performers, and then they give us their vision for the coming year.

Sam Renouf - CEO - Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO)

Welcome to The Greg Bennett show, an AnyQuestion podcast hosted by Former Professional Olympic and World Champion Athlete Greg Bennett. 

Greg chats with the world's greatest athletes and high performers to find out how they got to the top of the world and how they are able to sustain it. 

This week Greg chats with CEO of the PTO … Sam Renouf.

Sam is a former elite triathlete from Great Britain, and he also served as a commentator for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

His vision and passion for what the sport of Triathlon can be is contagious.

Lucy Charles-Barclay - part 2 - 🏆Ironman 70.3 WORLD CHAMPION - 🥇Ironman 70.3 European Champion 2021

Welcome to The Greg Bennett show, an AnyQuestion podcast hosted by Former Professional Olympic and World Champion Athlete Greg Bennett. 

Greg chats with the world's greatest athletes and high performers to find out how they got to the top of the world and how they are able to sustain it. 

This week’s episode continues the discussion with 70.3 World Triathlon Champion, Lucy Charles-Barclay.

Lucy is the current number 1 ranked Triathlete in the world, and the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

Lucy is consistently on the podium in any race, any distance and format. Winning ironman’s and 70.3 Ironman’s all around the world, and finishing 2nd three times at the Ironman Kona World championships.

Go to AnyQuestion.com/Lucy to ask Lucy follow-up questions and hear other answers from Lucy, and all the other Experts on the platform.

Lucy Charles-Barclay - 🏆Ironman 70.3 WORLD CHAMPION - 🥇Ironman 70.3 European Champion 2021

Welcome to The Greg Bennett show, an AnyQuestion podcast hosted by Former Professional Olympic and World Champion Athlete Greg Bennett. 

Greg chats with the world's greatest athletes and high performers to find out how they got to the top of the world and how they are able to sustain it. 

This week’s episode is epic! Not only do we celebrate the 100th episode of The Greg Bennett Show, but Greg also interviews 70.3 World Triathlon Champion, Lucy Charles-Barclay.

She is the current number 1 ranked Triathlete in the world, and the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

Lucy is consistently on the podium in any race, any distance and format. Winning ironman’s and 70.3 Ironman’s all around the world, and finishing 2nd three times at the Ironman Kona World championships.

Lucy’s competitors know that when she’s on the start line it’s going to be flat out from the gun. 

In her pursuit for greatness, she also remains down to earth, close to her family and friends … and always has a smile for the cameras.

Go to AnyQuestion.com/Lucy to ask Lucy follow-up questions and hear other answers from Lucy and all the other Experts on the platform.