Best Matt Graf Podcasts (2025)

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'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' with Nathan Strenge and Kevin Stoller 43:42

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7d ago43:42

43:42

Sometimes the best insights about learning don’t come from research studies or professional development - they come from the stories we see in pop culture. In Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a high schooler skips class for one unforgettable adventure across Chicago. But beneath the comedy, Ferris is doing something educators talk about every day: he’s ow…

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#107 HENRY GRAF - THE BATTLE OF BOHEMIA 51:39

19d ago51:39

51:39

Fresh from his mammoth debut World Triathlon Championship Series win in Karlovy Vary, Germany's latest triathlon talent Henry Graf joins Doug Gray and Tommy Zaferes for a full run-down of the latest and greatest Battle of Bohemia! 📈 Being nearly two metres tall in an era of smaller, faster triathletes 🍿 Winning your debut the same day as Ironman sh…

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#106 JEANNE LEHAIR race recap with Tommy Zaferes 56:09

1M ago56:09

56:09

Third in the world heading to WTCS Karlovy Vary on 14 September, it was in the south of France last weekend that Jeanne Lehair ripped up her coach's notes and took the race to Cassandre Beaugrand at WTCS French Riviera. Photographer Tommy Zaferes is back on the podcast this week as we pick through the ashes of that race and look ahead to the penult…

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'Metal Lords' with Peter Sharma and Kevin Stoller 45:58

1M ago45:58

45:58

Sometimes the best lessons don’t come from textbooks or classrooms... they come from the stories we see on screen. In Metal Lords, a coming-of-age Netflix film, two high school outsiders form a heavy metal band in hopes of competing in the “Battle of the Bands.” What starts as a quest to play loud music quickly turns into a journey of self-discover…

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'The Great Debaters' with Jeff Johnson and Kevin Stoller 34:12

2M ago34:12

34:12

Released in 2007 and inspired by true events, The Great Debaters tells the story of Wiley College’s debate team in the 1930s, led by Professor Melvin B. Tolson. At a time when segregation and systemic injustice were defining forces, this small but determined team rose to national prominence, even going head-to-head with Harvard University. More tha…

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#105 JOLIEN VERMEYLEN 59:43

2M ago59:43

59:43

The newly crowned European Sprint Triathlon Champion, Belgium's Jolien Vermeylen is one of the sport's great characters, and heads to Istanbul at the end of August chasing a huge continental double with the Olympic Distance title. On episode 105, the 31-year-old opens up about having her post-Paris 2024 words twisted and the pain of a resulting soc…

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'Miracle' with Bryan Benway and Kevin Stoller 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

What does it take to bring out the best in a group of individuals and transform them into something greater than the sum of their parts? In this episode of our school-related movie review series, we dive into Miracle (2004), the powerful retelling of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's unbelievable upset over the Soviet Union. It’s a story of visio…

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'Rich Hill' with Dr. Julie Williams and Kevin Stoller 41:33

3M ago41:33

41:33

What happens when the challenges students face outside the classroom overshadow everything happening within it? In this episode of our school-focused movie review series, we dive into Rich Hill—the 2014 Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning documentary that offers an unfiltered look into the lives of three teenage boys growing up in rural Missouri. The…

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The Power of Sustainable High Performance for Dads with Lee Elridge | SkilledDad Podcast 46:10

3M ago46:10

46:10

In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host ZachReeser welcomes Lee Eldridge, founder of The Cognitive Athlete, to discuss the challenges of balancing fatherhood and professional life. They explore thedifferences between elite athletes and corporate leaders, the importance ofwellbeing in performance, and the need for dads to celebrate their wi…

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'Annie' with Olivia Graf, Matt Rogers, and Carla Cummins 47:04

3M ago47:04

47:04

It’s easy to remember Annie for its catchy tunes and iconic optimism. But what if we told you this classic musical also offers a surprising amount of insight into our education system? In our latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we take a fresh look at the 1982 film adaptation of Annie through the eyes of school designers and changemakers…

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#104 ROKSANA SLUPEK 🚀 1:01:48

3M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

In recovery after suffering a bad bike crash at WTCS Hamburg in mid-July, Roksana Slupek is our guest this week, and the Poland number one shares her reflections on the highs and lows of her journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic start line. From attacks of self doubt and depression to ultimately qualifying for her life’s dream, and the harsh realities …

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#103 MATT HAUSER: WTCS HAMBURG + MIXED RELAY WORLD CHAMPION 37:27

3M ago37:27

37:27

A second individual gold in the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Series strengthened Matt Hauser's grip on the Series Rankings after WTCS Hamburg marked the halfway point of the season. The 27-year-old followed it up with one of the greatest Mixed Relay legs you will see as he reeled in a 20-second deficit to 2023 World Champion Dorian Coninx and …

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'Accepted' with Emily Wright, Laura Smyles, and Kevin Stoller 52:47

3M ago52:47

52:47

What if a group of students created their own college because no one else would accept them? That’s exactly what happens in the 2006 movie Accepted, where a handful of students—rejected by every school they applied to—decide to take matters into their own hands. They invent a fake university, build a website, rent a building, and unknowingly attrac…

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Family, Faith, and Fatherhood: Essential Parenting Insights 51:55

3M ago51:55

51:55

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, guest host Bryan Graff welcomes a special guest, Max Wimmer. A long-time friend and mentor, Max shares his insights and experiences on fatherhood, particularly about being a father to four daughters. The discussion delves into the unique challenges and rewards of raising daughters, the importance of stayin…

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'Hoosiers' with Dr. Deb Kerr and Kevin Stoller 35:25

3M ago35:25

35:25

If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog, Hoosiers probably lives rent-free in your head. The 1986 classic isn’t just about basketball—it’s about second chances, small-town pride, and what happens when people start believing in themselves and each other. Set in 1950s Indiana, the film follows a high school basketball team no one expects to win… until…

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'Matilda' with Charlotte Nienhaus, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 38:22

3M ago38:22

38:22

If you grew up in the '90s, there’s a good chance Matilda made you believe two things: libraries are magical, and adults DEFINITELY don’t always know best... The 1996 movie, adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic book, gave us a hero who wasn’t loud or flashy - but smart, kind, and quietly powerful. Oh, and she had telekinesis. So yeah, iconic. In this …

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'High School Musical 2' with Erin Jennings and Carla Cummins 40:54

4M ago40:54

40:54

When High School Musical 2 premiered on Disney Channel in August 2007, it shattered records with over 17 million viewers tuning in on its first night — making it the most-watched cable movie at the time. Trading school hallways for summer jobs at a posh country club, the film dives deeper into the personal growth of its characters, especially Troy …

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'Wonder' with Brian Proctor, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 31:09

4M ago31:09

31:09

What if your first day of school wasn’t just nerve-wracking, but something you’d spent your entire life preparing for? That’s the reality for Auggie Pullman, the main character in Wonder (2017), a film that tells the story of a young boy with facial differences entering a mainstream school for the first time. In this episode, host Kevin Stoller, co…

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'Lean on Me' with Brian O'Keeffe and Kevin Stoller 55:08

4M ago55:08

55:08

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive into the iconic 1989 film Lean on Me, starring Morgan Freeman as the unforgettable Principal Joe Clark—a tough, uncompromising, and deeply committed educator who is called in to rescue a failing inner-city school on the brink of state takeover. Set in Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jers…

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Directing, Discussing, and Delegating with Paul Thornton 46:15

4M ago46:15

46:15

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, Zach sits down with leadership expert Paul Thornton to explore the intersection of leadership and parenting. They discuss various leadership styles, particularly the three D's: Directing, Discussing, and Delegating, and how these can be applied in both business and parenting contexts. Paul shares personal …

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#102 MIGUEL HIDALGO 🇧🇷 44:34

4M ago44:34

44:34

The first Brazilian to win a World Triathon Championship Series gold in the modern era, Miguel Hidalgo now has his sights set on a first World Championship title, but knows all too well just how far there is still to go if he is to be challenging in October's finals in Wollongong, Australia, against the likes of home favourite Matt Hauser.…

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'Back to School' with Thea Wayburn, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 47:58

4M ago47:58

47:58

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we’re breaking down the 1986 comedy Back to School, where Rodney Dangerfield plays a loud, lovable millionaire who enrolls in college to reconnect with his son and shakes up the entire campus in the process. Joined by guest Thea Wayburn from BRIC Architecture, host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cumm…

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'Finding Nemo' with Brenda Swirczynski, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 54:28

5M ago54:28

54:28

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive deep (pun intended) into Finding Nemo - the animated adventure that’s equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and insightful. As part of our series on school-related films, we explore what this Pixar classic can tell us about the student experience, the importance of trust and independence, and h…

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'Superbad' with Nick Duffy, Ken Hagen, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 55:06

5M ago55:06

55:06

In this episode, we’re diving into the wildly popular teen comedy Superbad — one of the most iconic (and ridiculous) high school movies out there. As part of our series on school-related films, we’re looking at what Superbad got right about the student experience, what it totally blew out of proportion, and why it still hits home for so many people…

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Getting Under The Hood with David Krall and Bryan Graf 57:44

5M ago57:44

57:44

Summary In this episode of the Skilled Dad podcast, Bryan Graf and David Kroll discuss the often-overlooked topic of mental health among fathers. They explore the concept of resilient leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and finding balance in life. David shares his personal journey of overcoming burnout and the l…

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Habits by Nine: The Key to Successful Parenting with Matt Karam 50:07

5M ago50:07

50:07

In this episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, Zach welcomes Matt Karam, an experienced parent and martial arts instructor, to discuss invaluable insights into parenting. Matt shares profound stories and lessons learned from his journey in raising four children and teaching thousands of kids martial arts. Key topics include the importance of setting c…

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'Napoleon Dynamite' with Brian Parker, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 45:13

5M ago45:13

45:13

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Carla Cummins and guest speaker Brian Parker, AIA, ALEP—Vice President of K-12 at MHTN Architects—for a quirky and insightful conversation centered around the 2004 classic Napoleon Dynamite. As one of only two Accredited Learning Environment Planners in Utah, Br…

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'School of Rock' with Mason Pashia, Matt Rogers, and Kevin Stoller 59:28

5M ago59:28

59:28

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Matt Rogers and guest speaker Mason Pashia, Partner (Storytelling) at Getting Smart Collective, for an energetic and thought-provoking conversation centered around the 2003 cult classic School of Rock. Known for his work amplifying the voices of educators and ch…

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The SkilledDad Mindset with Bryan Graf 1:14:36

5M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

In this episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, host Zach Reeser and a SkilledDad podcast veteran guest, Bryan Graf, explore the question of what it is to be a SkilledDad, emphasizing the importance of connection, community, and the mindset required to be an effective dad. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges of parenting, and the significa…

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#101 ALEX YEE - MARATHON MAN 59:10

6M ago59:10

59:10

If you achieved your dream double of becoming Olympic and World Champion in the same year, what would you do? For Alex Yee, the answer was simple. Test himself over running's marquee distance on one of the biggest stages of them all: The London Marathon. We headed to Brockley, south London, just a few miles from that start line, to speak to one of …

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Navigating the Mental Load of Parenting with Jessica Etting and Sonya Reeser 44:58

6M ago44:58

44:58

In this special Mother’s Day edition of The SkilledDad Podcast, Zach Reeser sits down with Jessica Etting—founder of the Jam Family Calendar—and his wife, Sonya, for a real conversation about something many families quietly carry: the mental load. They unpack how the unseen weight of planning, managing, and remembering it all affects moms in partic…

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What Are Green Schools and Why They Matter 34:29

6M ago34:29

34:29

What is a Green School? When people hear “Green School,” they often picture solar panels, school gardens, or maybe a greenhouse out back. While those are pieces of the puzzle, the full picture is much more powerful. A Green School integrates sustainability into every aspect of the learning experience: from the design of its physical space to its cu…

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'Stand and Deliver' with Don Baus, Victoria Morlan, and Carla Cummins 35:26

6M ago35:26

35:26

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Carla Cummins is joined by co-host Victoria Morlan as well as architect and education advocate Don Baus for a powerful conversation around the 1988 film Stand and Deliver. With decades of combined experience in designing and supporting student-centered environments, the two explore how the true s…

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'High School Musical' with Candace Seda, Stephanie Seda, and Carla Cummins 51:26

6M ago51:26

51:26

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Carla Cummins is joined by her daughter Jennifer Cummins and special guests Candace Seda and Stephanie Seda for a fun and thought-provoking dive into Disney’s 2006 cultural phenomenon High School Musical. With a multigenerational panel of educators, designers, and education advocates, the group explor…

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The Forgiveness Factor with Scott Stewart 59:40

6M ago59:40

59:40

Episode Summary NOTE: This episode discusses some difficult topics and is not intended to be listened to with the kids. In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Scott Stewart, who shares his powerful story of overcoming a traumatic childhood marked by anger and abuse. Scott discusses the importance of personal growth an…

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'Teachers' (1984) with Steve Miletto and Kevin Stoller 1:00:42

6M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Kevin Stoller is joined by longtime educator and podcast host Steve Miletto to unpack the 1984 film Teachers, a gritty dramedy that offers an unflinching critique of the American public school system. Directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Nick Nolte, Teachers dives headfirst into the dysfunction, bureaucracy, and burnout often hidden behind school…

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'Mean Girls' with Steven Shapiro, Nancy Shapiro Rapport, and Kevin Stoller 55:04

7M ago55:04

55:04

Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, is a cult classic teen comedy based on Rosalind Wiseman’s book Queen Bees and Wannabes. The film humorously yet accurately portrays the harsh realities of high school social dynamics, focusing on cliques, peer pressure, and the impact of popularity on self-identity. The story follows Cady…

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#100 CASSANDRE BEAUGRAND: The Making of an Olympic Champion 1:08:16

7M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

A very special guest joins the podcast to mark the 100th episode, the Paris 2024 Olympic Triathlon Champion Cassandre Beaugrand! It is a deeply honest hour in the company of our Olympic and World Champion, each story revealing a little more about just where all the grit, determination and competitive spirit that has taken the 27-year-old to the ver…

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'Top Gun' with Stacey Waxtan and Kevin Stoller 59:48

7M ago59:48

59:48

Few movies capture the essence of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability quite like Top Gun. While it’s a high-octane film about elite fighter pilots pushing their limits, the lessons it offers extend far beyond the cockpit—straight into the world of education. Just like Maverick and his fellow aviators must embrace continuous learning, mentorship,…

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A Dad's Dilemma: Navigating Identity and Family Ties with Warren Miles-Pickup 44:05

7M ago44:05

44:05

In this episode of the Skilled Dad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Warren Miles-Pickup, a father of three and founder of Pixel True. They discuss the challenges of parenting, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from Warren's podcast, The Flawed Dad's Guide to Parenting. The conversation delves into the complexities of id…

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NEW TRIATHLON PERSPECTIVES ON THE PATH TO LA 2028 1:11:28

7M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

A new perspective with World Triathlon's Kris Gemmell. Welcome to the start of a revealing new series that takes a wider look at the World Triathlon ecosystem as we head towards the LA 2028 Olympic Games, with insights from New Zealand Olympian turned Head of Commercial at World Triathlon, Kris Gemmell. Just days after winning the first new-look T1…

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Mastering Parenting: Reinforcement, Consistency, and Quality Time with Dr. Larry Waldman 45:16

7M ago45:16

45:16

In this in-depth episode of The Skilled Dad Podcast, hostZach Reeser welcomes Dr. Larry Waldman, a clinical child forensic psychologist with nearly 50 years of experience, to discuss effective parenting strategies. Dr. Waldman emphasizes the importance of reinforcing good behavior, providing quality time, and setting logical consequences for misbeh…

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Revisiting the Origins of Our Movie Review Format and Future Films 36:36

7M ago36:36

36:36

In this special episode, we take a nostalgic look back at the early recordings that sparked our popular movie review format. This episode is a fun compilation of guests sharing their favorite school-related movies and TV shows, along with their thoughts on what’s realistic — and what’s not — about those stories. Our guests represent voices from acr…

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'The Incredibles' with Mercedes Johnson, Katie Riley, and Kevin Stoller 55:47

7M ago55:47

55:47

What Do The Incredibles and Educators Have in Common? In our latest Better Learning Podcast episode, we dive into The Incredibles (2004) and uncover powerful insights for educators. Just like Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl face lawsuits that restrict their powers, teachers often feel held back by red tape and policies that limit their ability to inn…

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'Battle Royale' with BrandonToksMovies, Ben Treadway, and Kevin Stoller 57:55

7M ago57:55

57:55

What happens when competition goes way too far? In this episode, we dive into Battle Royale—the cult classic that makes The Hunger Games look like a friendly school fundraiser—to uncover any connections to education. Joined by TikTok movie reviewers BrandonToksMovies and Ben Treadway, we break down the film’s themes of competition, authority, and s…

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Nine Components To Thrive with Ryan Schneider 46:08

7M ago46:08

46:08

In this episode of the Skilled Dad podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Ryan Schneider, an expert in health and fitness, to discuss their nine elements of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how they all interconnect. Ryan shares insights into the importance of sleep, the challenges of maintaining a nutritious diet, and the necessity of building a st…

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How to Read Faster and Retain More: Tips From the World's Fastest Reader Howard Berg 51:29

8M ago51:29

51:29

In this tip filled episode of the SkilledDad Podcast, host Zach Reeser welcomes Howard Berg, known as the world's fastest reader, for an inspiring and amusing conversation. The episode kicks off with diving into the importance of reading in a knowledge-based economy. Howard shares his incredible journey from growing up in the Brooklyn projects to b…

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'Summer School' with Mark Greenberg, Eric Stoller, and Kevin Stoller 1:19:39

8M ago1:19:39

1:19:39

It’s 1987. The surf’s up, the sun’s out, and high school teacher Freddy Shoop is about to have the summer of his life… until he’s roped into teaching remedial English to a group of students who would rather be anywhere else. In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin, Eric, and Mark crack open Summer School, the cult classic that blends …

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'October Sky' with Michael Duncan, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 47:23

8M ago47:23

47:23

Can one teacher change the course of a student’s life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity? October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it’s a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today’s s…

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#99 - Hayden Wilde & Morgan Pearson: WTCS ABU DHABI 34:41

8M ago34:41

34:41

🚨 RACE WEEK! 🚨 Two of the stars of the Paris 2024 Olympic Triathlon - and indeed Tokyo 2020 - Hayden Wilde and Morgan Pearson (Morgan's bit starts from 20m30s) look ahead to the weekend's big season opener WTCS Abu Dhabi. They talk title chances, the young contenders ready to try and ramp the run pace up even further in 2025, and the prospect of so…