IM Talk
IronmanTalk, or IM Talk as it is now known, is a podcast, hosted by two New Zealanders. The podcast first debuted on 9 April 2006. It is usually published weekly, occasionally with extra episodes recorded ex tempore during relevant training camps like the recent Epic Camp New Zealand 2008, and is AbOUT Ironman-distance triathlon .. through frequently digresses into related triathlon and multisport topics.
In October 2008 the show officially changed its name to "IM Talk" after legal threats from the World Triathlon Corporation, owners of the "Ironman" brand, who objected to the use of the brand name in the show's title.
It is presented by "Coach" John Newsom and Bevan "Mullie" James Eyles who are a pair of 9hr Ironmen from Christchurch, New Zealand. They started small and have now recorded over 100 shows since 2006. The show is presented in a humorous and light-hearted manner, with much banter between the two anchors.
Each week the podcast rounds up Ironman action from around the world, with a slight - but not inappropriate - emphasis on New Zealand. Structure is usually the same:
* News and Race Results
- Discussion of the Week
- High 5
- Age Grouper of the Week
- Website of the Week
- Coach's Corner
Other less regular features include:
- Product review centre
- Questions and Answers
The show attracts interest and comment from listeners around the world. It features in blog posts and forums around the world, including:
- TriTalk in the UK
- TFN Tri Club
- Going Sub9
- BeginnerTriathlete.com
- 3athlon.de in Germany
- Runners World in UK
Since Episode 38, each episode now ends with the catchphrase "Iron Rusts, Ironmen Don't, Train Hard, Train Smart, Kia Kaha".
In Episode 101 they announced that is that it is one of the 2 most-downloaded sports podcasts published in New Zealand. It also shows as the most-dowloaded triathlon podcast in the world on iTunes
The show's popularity relates to its balance between education and fun.
Hosts
John Newsom runs a triathlon coaching business. He has represented New Zealand in triathlon and lived in Mulhouse, France for a bit.
Bevan James Eyles is a group fitness instructor at Les Mills gym. He is also the current Epic Camp King of the Mountains and sometime motivational speaker.
The hosts held their own training camp, Camp Kia Kaha, in the Pyrenees from 28 June to 2 July 2008. They raced against each other at the Quelle Challenge Roth race on 13 July 2008. John won.
In episode 118 the anchors confirmed that they weren't racing Ironman "for a while" - but that the podcast will continue.
Guests
The show is one of the most dowloaded triathlon podcasts in the world - with the result that many of the world's top (GeneRally long-distance) triathletes have appeared on it:
* Peter Reid
- Craig Alexander
- Chrissie Wellington
- Scott Molina
- Gordo Byrn
- Simon Lessing
- Chris McDonald
- Thomas Hellriegel
- Eneko Lanos
- Chris McCormack
- Andy Potts
- Team Hoyt
including some New Zealand Ironman Ligends (sic.)
* Cameron Brown
- Jo Lawn
- Richard Ussher
- Gina Ferguson
also Speights Coast To Coast Winner
- Emily Miazga