How Two 'B-Tier' Pro Triathletes Are Challenging Jan Frodeno's Podcast Dominance with Humor and Heart
When professional triathletes Harry Palmer and Andrew Horsfall-Turner launched their podcast on the same day as triathlon legend Jan Frodeno, they could have been discouraged. Instead, they laughed about it on Instagram and kept going – perfectly embodying the spirit that makes their show special.
Filling the Missing Middle in Triathlon Media
The triathlon podcast landscape has exploded in recent years, but most shows feature either top-tier champions sharing their secrets or complete beginners documenting their first steps. There's been a conspicuous gap for the perspective of athletes in the middle – those grinding it out on the professional circuit without the spotlight, chasing podiums and personal bests while balancing the realities of making a living in the sport.
Palmer and Horsfall-Turner are filling that gap with "Uncomfortable Triathlon," bringing authenticity, humor, and the unfiltered truth about life as a mid-tier professional to triathlon media. Their accidental timing clash with the GOAT might actually be perfect for the sport – and here's why their fresh approach is exactly what triathlon needs.
The Accidental David vs. Goliath Story
Monday marked what could be called the most interesting coincidence in triathlon podcasting history. Palmer and Horsfall-Turner's debut episode of "Uncomfortable Triathlon" went live on the exact same day that Jan Frodeno launched "Going Mental," complete with an hour-long interview featuring Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee.
For most emerging content creators, this timing would be devastating. Being overshadowed by one of triathlon's greatest athletes launching his media venture seems like the universe's idea of a cruel joke. But Palmer and Horsfall-Turner's reaction reveals everything you need to know about their podcast's core philosophy.
"Decided to start a podcast at the same time as @janfrodeno – what could possibly go wrong?🤦♂️😂" they posted on Instagram, embracing the absurdity with characteristic humor.
"It made us laugh a lot," Horsfall-Turner reflects. "One of the 'GOATS' of triathlon is starting a podcast at the same time as us!!!"
This response – choosing laughter over defeat – perfectly captures what makes their approach unique. Rather than competing directly with Frodeno's championship pedigree and star power, they're doubling down on what they do best: bringing relatability, humor, and the authentic voice of the professional grind to triathlon media.
Meet the 'B-Tier' Professionals Breaking the Mold
Harry Palmer: The 70.3 Specialist with Big Dreams
At 28, Harry Palmer represents the backbone of professional triathlon – talented athletes who've dedicated their lives to the sport without guaranteed glory. His 2025 season showcased exactly the kind of journey that makes for compelling content: genuine victories mixed with humbling defeats, breakthrough performances alongside learning experiences.
Palmer's victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea stands as a career highlight, proving he belongs among the sport's elite competitors. His third-place finish at IRONMAN Leeds and strong showings at 70.3 Sweden (fourth) and Challenge Championship in Samorin (sixth) demonstrate consistent performance at the highest levels.
Looking ahead to 2026, Palmer is focusing primarily on the 70.3 circuit with races lined up in Dallas and Oceanside, plus a return to Challenge Samorin where he's proven he can compete with the world's best. Currently preparing with a winter training camp in Lanzarote alongside fellow professionals Freddie Webb and Josh Lewis, Palmer embodies the dedication required to chase excellence in professional triathlon.
Andrew Horsfall-Turner: From Elite Swimming to Triathlon Authenticity
Horsfall-Turner brings a unique perspective as a former elite swimmer who transitioned to triathlon. This background gives him insights into both the technical demands of the sport and the challenge of rebuilding an athletic identity in a new discipline.
His 2026 season kicks off with IRONMAN South Africa in April, representing the kind of strategic race selection that characterizes smart professional development. Having met Palmer in the post-COVID racing era, their friendship forms the foundation of their podcast chemistry.
"I've been a big podcast consumer over the last few years," Horsfall-Turner explains. "I find them the best way to get training sessions and commuting done solo. It's almost like you feel you're part of a conversation, and time just flies."
The Power of Self-Aware Authenticity
Both athletes embrace their "B-tier" status with refreshing honesty. "We are not athletes who are winning championships," Horsfall-Turner admits in their debut episode. "We are just two guys who are trying to make it, and I guess that means we bring a slightly different dynamic."
This self-awareness isn't self-deprecation – it's strategic authenticity. By owning their position in the sport's hierarchy, they create space for genuine conversation about the challenges, setbacks, and small victories that define most professional athletic journeys.
The 'Uncomfortable Triathlon' Philosophy: Why Different Matters
Filling the Content Gap
The triathlon media landscape has been dominated by two extremes: content from champions sharing their winning formulas, and beginner-focused shows documenting first steps into the sport. Palmer and Horsfall-Turner identified a crucial missing element – the voice of professionals who are still climbing, still grinding, still figuring it out.
"We started the pod purely as a bit of fun to chat about our own training and journeys in triathlon," Palmer explains. "It's going to be a bit of a hybrid podcast that's sometimes educational but also entertaining. We're just two pros from the UK who want to share what we know and can hopefully educate and entertain the listeners."
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Format Innovation: Education Meets Entertainment
Their approach balances serious triathlon content with segments designed to build genuine community connection:
- "Roast of the Week" invites listeners to submit humorous takes on the hosts themselves. "This is purely to create a bit of a fun and entertaining atmosphere," Palmer notes.
- "Shoutout of the Week" addresses a real problem in sports media – the focus on winners while overlooking tremendous efforts that don't result in podium finishes. "It's more often than not when you're working hard towards something and documenting the journey, you really don't get the attention you deserve – it's only when you're successful that people notice you," Palmer observes. "So we thought it would be nice to share some positivity."
This segment exemplifies their broader philosophy: using their platform to celebrate the effort and dedication that exists throughout the sport, not just at its pinnacle.
Vulnerability as Strength
In a sport often characterized by stoic determination and highlight-reel moments, Palmer and Horsfall-Turner are betting that vulnerability and humor will resonate more deeply with audiences than polished perfection.
Their willingness to discuss setbacks, training challenges, and the realities of pursuing professional sport without guaranteed income creates content that feels genuinely useful and relatable. Age-group athletes can see reflections of their own struggles in higher-stakes contexts, while aspiring professionals get honest insights into what the journey actually entails.
Why Triathlon Needs This Voice
The Economics and Reality of Professional Sport
Most triathlon content focuses on the sport's champions – athletes with major sponsorship deals, consistent prize money, and international recognition. But the vast majority of professionals live a different reality: managing training costs, balancing part-time work, and making strategic decisions about which races to enter based on budget constraints as much as performance goals.
Palmer and Horsfall-Turner's perspective provides crucial context for understanding how professional triathlon actually works for most athletes. Their discussions of training camps, race selection, and career development offer practical insights rarely covered in champion-focused content.
Inspiration Through Relatability
While watching Gustav Iden or Kristian Blummenfelt dominate races can be inspiring, it can also feel impossibly distant for most athletes. Palmer and Horsfall-Turner offer a different kind of inspiration – proof that dedication, smart training, and persistent effort can lead to meaningful success even without championship-level genetics or resources.
Their victories carry special weight precisely because they're earned through the kind of grinding determination that most athletes can relate to. When Palmer wins Swansea 70.3, it represents the triumph of preparation and perseverance over pure talent – a more accessible form of inspiration for most listeners.
Building Community Through Shared Struggles
The "uncomfortable" in their podcast title isn't accidental. They're willing to discuss the challenging aspects of professional sport that polished media often glosses over: the financial stress, the physical and mental toll of constant training, the disappointment of races that don't go to plan.
"So if we can bring a little humour and information that can help others, then that would be awesome!" Horsfall-Turner says, capturing their community-focused approach.
This honesty creates deeper connections with audiences who recognize their own struggles – whether in triathlon or other pursuits – in the hosts' experiences. For those looking to improve their performance, investing in quality triathlon race suits and swim goggles can make a tangible difference in race day performance.
The Broader Impact on Triathlon Media
Democratizing Expert Content
Palmer and Horsfall-Turner prove that valuable insights don't only come from champions. Their tactical discussions of race strategy, training periodization, and equipment choices carry weight because they're actively implementing these concepts in high-level competition.
This democratization of expert content could inspire other mid-tier professionals to share their knowledge, potentially creating a richer, more diverse triathlon media ecosystem. Understanding what constitutes good race times across different ability levels helps athletes set realistic goals.
Challenging Traditional Sports Media
Their success could influence how other sports approach content creation. The traditional model of featuring only the most successful athletes may be missing opportunities to connect with broader audiences through more relatable perspectives.
Their timing clash with Frodeno, rather than being a setback, might actually highlight the value of diverse voices in sports media. Audiences don't have to choose between champion insights and relatable content – they can consume both, each serving different needs and moments.
Looking Forward: The Future of Authentic Sports Content
Palmer and Horsfall-Turner's approach represents a broader trend toward authenticity in sports media. Audiences increasingly value genuine connection over polished perfection, and their willingness to embrace vulnerability while maintaining professional credibility positions them well for sustained success.
Their podcast arrives at a moment when triathlon is experiencing tremendous growth, with new athletes entering the sport and existing participants seeking deeper engagement with the community. "Uncomfortable Triathlon" offers these audiences exactly what they're looking for: expert insights delivered with humor, honesty, and heart.
As Palmer prepares for his winter training camp and Horsfall-Turner gears up for IRONMAN South Africa, their podcast provides a unique window into professional preparation from athletes audiences can actually relate to. This transparency about the professional journey – including its uncomfortable moments – creates content that educates, entertains, and inspires in equal measure.
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The real victory isn't competing with Jan Frodeno for podcast supremacy – it's proving that triathlon has room for diverse voices and that sometimes the most valuable insights come from athletes still in the thick of the journey rather than those looking back from the summit.
Whether Palmer and Horsfall-Turner's timing clash with a legend proves fortuitous or challenging, their commitment to authentic, humorous, and helpful content has already carved out meaningful space in triathlon media. For a sport that thrives on individual journeys toward personal excellence, their perspective might be exactly what the community needs.
