The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

Dr. Jeff Sankoff
  • 4.7 (47)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Jeff Sankoff is the TriDoc, a physician who will do the research so you don't have to in order to understand if any of those things marketed to endurance athletes can deliver close to what they promise. Before you put anything in or on your body, understand what the science says by listening to an expert who has done the work for you.

  1. Sep 4

    Ep. 205- Gel or No Gel? The Science Behind Tadej’s ‘Secret Sauce’ Fuel + 70.3 Championship Discussion

    We're diving headfirst into the world of triathlon as we gear up for the 70.3 World Championships in Nice! The big takeaway? Expect a shake-up in the women’s field with more solo athletes rather than the typical packs we’ve grown accustomed to. It’s gonna be a wild ride as Jeff Sankoff and guest Matthew Sharp break down the competition, highlighting some key names to watch, including the absence of defending champ Lucy Charles Barkley—talk about a plot twist! We’ll also chat about the course, which promises to be more challenging than Marbella, with its technical descents and all. And, of course, we'll sprinkle in some of our signature sarcasm and witty banter as we discuss the latest triathlon trends and gear, including the much-hyped Enervit C2.1 Pro Lactate Gel Mix—because who doesn’t want to fuel up like Tadej Pogačar, right? So grab your headphones and get ready to laugh and learn as we dive into this action-packed episode! In this episode: Championship season is upon us, and boy, do we have a jam-packed episode for you! We're diving headfirst into the impending 70.3 World Championships in Nice, where our host, Jeff Sankoff, is more than just a casual observer; he's got skin in the game with his own triathlon aspirations. Joining him is the illustrious Matthew Sharp, a veteran triathlete who has graciously come out of his podcast retirement. Together, they unpack what makes this year's race particularly thrilling: the course's technical challenges, the fierce competition, and the absence of last year's women's champion, Lucy Charles Barkley, who has decided to focus solely on Kona. The duo discusses the likelihood of seeing a different dynamic in the race, especially with strong contenders like Taylor Knibb and Kat Matthews in the mix. Not to mention, the episode highlights the absurdity of training in a foreign country and the classic 'what to eat before the race' dilemma. Expect plenty of banter, sarcastic humor, and a few cheeky insights as they explore what’s at stake for both amateur and professional triathletes. Jeff also shares his plans to capture the event live, promising some entertaining behind-the-scenes content for listeners eager to experience the race vicariously. Segments: [8:28]- Medical Mailbag: Tadej's Gel [35:11]- Interview: Matthew Sharp Links @mdsharpe1 on Instagram@mdshrp on X

  2. Aug 21

    Ep. 204-The Heart of the Matter: Managing Cardiac Risks in Endurance Sports + CoreCtrl

    In this episode: Risk management isn't just for the boardrooms and stock markets; it seems to infiltrate our lives as endurance athletes too. I had a chat with Brian Dunn, a seasoned triathlete who’s been through the wringer when it comes to cardiac health. You know, just your typical 'I’m a healthy athlete, but wait, why is my heart doing the cha-cha when I’m just trying to jog?' story. We dive deep into his journey through atrial fibrillation, which sounds like a fancy term for ‘my heart decided to throw a rave without my consent.’ Brian, being the smart cookie he is, didn’t let that scare him off completely. Instead, he took it as a wake-up call to get serious about his health while still wanting to chase podiums like the rest of us. In this episode, we explore how to balance the thrill of racing with the caution of listening to our bodies—because, let’s be real, ignoring those heart palpitations is a recipe for disaster. Brian shares his experience with getting screened, managing his condition, and the importance of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to health concerns. Spoiler alert: it's not just about the next race; it's about longevity and living our best lives. Now, let’s pivot to a little something I like to call 'the supplement saga.' We took a detour to chat about a new product called CoreCtrl, which promises to help athletes manage their thermoregulation in warm environments. You know, the kind of environment where you feel like you’re running through a sauna. The twist? It actually has some science to back its claims, which is rare in the supplement world. We dig into the nitty-gritty of taurine, the star ingredient that claims to help you sweat like a fountain. But hold on a second, before you start chugging this stuff like it’s Gatorade, we discuss the caveats. There’s a lot to unpack, including the potential for increased fluid loss and the necessity of keeping those electrolytes in check. Because let’s face it, if you’re sweating buckets and not replacing those fluids, you might just turn into a dehydrated raisin. So, if you’re considering giving CoreCtrl a shot, make sure you're ready to play the hydration game. And just when you thought we’d wrap things up, we had a heartfelt discussion about the sport itself and the sobering reality of cardiac issues in endurance athletes. We reflect on how easy it is to brush off symptoms because, you know, we’re ‘fit’ and ‘healthy,’ right? Brian’s experiences serve as a wake-up call for all of us, especially as we age and our bodies start to throw us curveballs. The takeaway? Don’t ignore your body’s signals—get those check-ups and screenings done. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about what happens after that. So grab a protein bar, tune in, and let’s get serious about being fit and healthy, not just fit. Segments: [8:41]- Medical Mailbag: CoreCtrl [38:11]- Interview: Bryan Dunn Links

  3. Aug 7

    Ep. 203- The Great Tylenol Debate: Can It Really Boost Your Endurance?

    In this episode: So, guess what? This week we’re breaking the mold because there’s no guest interview—yep, you heard that right. After 203 episodes, I’m feeling a bit like a kid who shows up to school without their homework. But hey, life happens, right? Instead, we’re diving into a juicy medical mailbag question about the hot topic of whether Tylenol can actually boost your endurance performance. Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t exactly a mic drop moment. We’ll sift through some research that claims it could help, but don’t get too hyped; the benefits are as tiny as my patience during a slow group run. Plus, we’ll touch on some wild stories from the multisport world, including a heartbreaking loss and an awe-inspiring triumph, because, you know, we like to keep it real—life’s a rollercoaster, folks! Buckle up and let’s get into it! Segments: [10:39]- Medical Mailbag: Tylenol talk Links

  4. Jul 24

    Ep. 202- Hibiscus Tea and Ironman Dreams: Chasing Records and Recovery

    In this episode: Tom's story unfolds against the backdrop of the triathlon community, where camaraderie and competition intertwine. The episode explores his encounters with friends and family along the racecourse, where support comes in many forms—from a simple high-five to the presence of loved ones at the finish line. As he recounts the grueling yet exhilarating moments of racing, he emphasizes the importance of having a support system. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of inclusivity in triathlon, as Tom reflects on the changing landscape of the sport. He highlights initiatives aimed at making triathlon more accessible to underrepresented communities, showing that the journey toward inclusivity is ongoing. Through his personal anecdotes and community involvement, Tom inspires listeners to pursue their own goals while uplifting others in the process. In addition to Tom's personal journey, the episode delves into the science and health aspects of triathlon, featuring a segment on the benefits of hibiscus tea, a drink popular in many cultures, including Tom's own background. The conversation shifts to the medical mailbag, where the hosts explore whether hibiscus tea can aid in exercise recovery. Through a light-hearted yet informative discussion, they break down the evidence behind the claims, providing listeners with insights into nutrition and health for athletes. The episode masterfully intertwines personal narrative with scientific inquiry, leaving listeners with not only inspiration for their triathlon goals but also practical knowledge about their health and wellness. Tom's infectious enthusiasm and the hosts' engaging banter make this episode a must-listen for anyone in the multisport community. Segments: [7:18]- Medical Mailbag: Hibiscus tea [34:44]- Interview: Tom Scheer Links Thomas 's Facebook page@Xxltri on Instagram@Rahlowjenkins on X

  5. Jul 10

    Ep. 201- From Chemo to Kona: Jim's Epic Comeback Journey + the Risks of Overtraining

    In this episode: We answer a listener question about overtraining syndrome-what is it, how is it diagnosed and what can be done to prevent it and treat it once it is established. Unfortunately the literature is not robust on this subject as you shall hear but it does seem to be something that most Agers will not have to concern themselves with too much. Then, Jim Logan’s journey is one for the books—literally. This episode dives headfirst into his incredible story of battling stage 4 colon cancer and turning adversity into a springboard for inspiration. You heard it right; Jim has flipped the script on his diagnosis, finding gifts in the most unexpected places—like better relationships and newfound purpose. He’s not just trying to survive; he’s thriving, training for the Ironman World Championship, and raising funds for the Ironman Foundation—all while promoting his book, “Just Keep Trying.” So, whether you’re racing or just trying to keep your head above water, Jim’s insights on resilience and the power of perspective are sure to give you a kick in the pants to keep pushing forward. Get ready for a dose of motivation and a reminder that sometimes, life’s biggest hurdles can lead to the most beautiful outcomes! Segments: [12:15]- Medical Mailbag: Risks of Overtraining [44:29]- Interview: Jim Logan Links James's Facebook page@instagram.comstage42025 on InstagramJames's Website

  6. Jun 26

    Ep. 200- A Look Back on Our Last 100 episodes + Nomio Analysis

    It's the big 200, folks! Yup, that’s right, we’ve hit the milestone of our 200th episode of the Tridoc Podcast, and what a wild ride it’s been. Today, I’m diving deep with my awesome co-host, Coach Juliet Hockman, to reminisce about the last hundred episodes and pull out the seven things we've found that might actually help you in your training, racing, and recovery—spoiler alert: some of them are actually useful! We’ll also tackle a question from our medical mailbag about this new supplement called Nomio, which honestly sounds like a character in a bad kids' movie, but is it worth your hard-earned cash? We'll sift through the science and let you know if you should be guzzling broccoli juice or just sticking with your chocolate milk. So grab your earbuds and let’s celebrate 200 episodes of questionable advice and sarcastic humor! In this episode: Celebrating a milestone, the Tridoc Podcast hits its 200th episode, and boy, has it been a wild ride! I’m Jeff Sankoff, your friendly neighborhood emergency physician and triathlete, chatting with you from the sun-soaked streets of Denver. I can still remember recording my first episode back in December 2018, which feels like a lifetime ago. Now, eight years later, we’re two hundred episodes deep, and I’ve got to say, I appreciate every single one of you who’ve been tuning in with me on this crazy journey. Today isn’t just about numbers; it’s about revisiting the gold nuggets we've unearthed in episodes 100 to 200. Together with my co-host, Coach Juliet Hockman, we’ll break down seven key takeaways that could enhance your training, racing, and recovery processes. Spoiler alert: some might even help you fend off those pesky colds! But wait, there’s more! We’re also diving into our medical mailbag, where we tackle your burning questions—like, should you really invest in that trendy supplement, Nomio? Is condensed broccoli juice really the miracle cure it claims to be? Let’s just say, if drinking your vegetables was a competitive sport, this would be the Olympic event nobody asked for. We’ll sift through the science, or lack thereof, behind Nomio and give you the honest lowdown. So grab your earbuds, sit back, and let’s celebrate episode 200 together with a mixture of nostalgia, laughter, and maybe a dash of sarcasm! Segments: [7:29]- Medical Mailbag: Nomio [36:12]- 200th episode! Links

  7. Jun 12

    Ep. 199 -The Pros Closet: Trading Bikes and Telling Tales + the Meniscus

    In this episode: We're diving into the wonderfully chaotic world of triathlons today, where you can go from "just trying out this whole biking thing" to obsessively collecting high-end gear faster than you can say "Dura-Ace." Our guest, Justin England from the Pro's Closet, is here to spill the tea on how they turned a near bankruptcy into a comeback story that’s got us all buzzing. We’re talking about the ins and outs of buying and selling used bikes, because let’s face it—triathlon gear can make your wallet weep. Plus, we’ll share some juicy tidbits from my own experience scoring a killer gravel bike at a fraction of the price—because who doesn’t love a good deal? So whether you’re looking to offload your old ride or snag a sweet upgrade, buckle up, because we’re about to pedal through all the details you need to know! Segments: [13:40]- Medical Mailbag: Meniscus Tears [42:28]- Interview:Justin England Links

  8. May 29

    Ep. 198- Triathletes: The Unseen Struggles Behind the Glory + ultra-carb diet

    In this episode: Kicking off with a bang, we dive into the world of pro triathletes, where mental toughness is just as critical as physical strength. Tamara Jewett, a delightfully candid guest, shares her experiences of racing against not just her competitors, but also the mounting pressures of expectations and performance. We chat about how even the best athletes grapple with self-doubt, anxiety, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Tamara's journey from a promising runner to a formidable triathlete showcases how mental battles can be just as punishing as the physical ones—who knew? She also reflects on how confidence can be built through overcoming hurdles in training, especially those daunting long rides that make you question your life choices. It’s a raw, relatable look at what it’s like to be at the top of your game while still wrestling with those pesky inner demons. Shifting gears to nutrition, we dig into the latest trend of ultra-high carb fueling strategies. Is it really necessary to load up on carbs like you’re prepping for a feast? We break down the science and sift through the evidence to find out if this approach truly benefits endurance athletes or if it’s just another passing trend. Juliet Hockman chimes in to unpack the complexities of fueling during long races, and let's just say, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. We ponder how much is too much and whether our stomachs can actually handle all that sugar when the intensity ramps up. So, strap in and get ready for a rollercoaster of insights, tips, and a sprinkle of sarcasm because who doesn’t love a good laugh while tackling serious topics? Segments: [12:28]- Medical Mailbag: Ultra-carb diet [40:59]- Interview: Tamara Jewett Links Tamara on YouTube@tamarajewett on Instagram

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Jeff Sankoff is the TriDoc, a physician who will do the research so you don't have to in order to understand if any of those things marketed to endurance athletes can deliver close to what they promise. Before you put anything in or on your body, understand what the science says by listening to an expert who has done the work for you.

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