Unlock the secrets behind mastering the 400 IM with elite coach from India, Partha Pratim Majumdar. Learn the strategic, aerobic, and mental tools that power world‑record swims like Phelps and Marchand.

In this video you'll discover:

"From Drowning Stats to Million‑Dollar Swim Schools: How Coaches Turn Pools into Profit (and Safety)‑First Empires"

Swim Coaches Can Earn Six Figures by Adding Structured Lesson Sessions

The Australian Success Secret: Integrated Lesson Programs Drive Performance and Profit

In this episode, Steve Friederang breaks down why every swim coach should run a lesson program—and how it can become a serious revenue stream while boosting safety and recruitment. 

He shares real‑world numbers, proven strategies, and the pitfalls to watch out for.

Safety Dilemma and League Issues. Have mercy on the Foxes as they are sly!

In episode #72 of Heavy or Not we break down the bizarre "vote‑of‑no‑confidence" resignation tactic of a Fox Chapel Area high‑school coach and its athletic department. Sure, there is a deeper safety and fairness crisis driving it. Plus, I'm certain some wire pullers are lurking like sly foxes do.

We also explore the district's league‑restructuring proposal and why athletic reform matters now more than ever.

What you'll learn:

How a coach's "negotiated surrender" forces par...

How Insurance Gaps and Governance Failures Threaten Swim Coaches' Careers

Uninsured. Unheard. Undervalued.

Real challenges facing swim coaches are pondered.

Why they're left out of the decision‑making table, the insurance maze, and what's needed to keep the sport of swimming (and others) thriving.

Coach Barry Healey, BC, Canada, and Mark Rauterkus, International Swim Coaches Association in the USA, break down the roadblocks and propose concrete steps.

Why coaches aren't at the table with health and policy makers.

The tangled insurance landscape (LEI, Lloyd's, Marker, SwimBC, Swim Ca...

Take a peek at Coach Jonty's holistic approach to athlete development and the geopolitical factors shaping swimming. This clip highlights a few insights from Jonty Skinner's recent WAFSU seminar.

In this video you'll learn:

How Coach Jonty connects with kids and leverages holistic development.

The genetic and regional patterns that produce world‑class runners and swimmers.

South Africa's historical impact on elite athletics and its modern swimming scene.

Emerging swimming talent from Tunisia and broader African nations.

Where to watch the full two‑hour seminar on wafsu.org an...

The Swim Team Song You Didn't Know You Needed

An AI Made This Swim Team Song

You won't believe what happens when AI writes a holiday anthem for swim teams heading into Christmas break!

Christmas Break Planning Happens NOW.

Swimmers, this one's for YOU.

Episode #68 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide drops a brand new AI-generated song to launch your holiday training with serious vibes!

This AI-generated track is about to become your new favorite swim team anthem for winter break. Okay, we...

Matt made signs and took them to the recent games and sent a letter to the President of Penn State University to support Terry Smith.

It seems like you are under a lot of pressure to deliver a national championship. You may not remember me, but we met briefly in the Marriott lobby the day before the Rose Bowl. You were kind enough to record a quick, encouraging message for my friend's wife while she was battling cancer. That moment stayed with me—and with my friend—for a very long time. That video meant more to thei...

Episode #66 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide  

Small-school recruiting, inspiring youth through swimming, international outreach, and Kyle's unique journey in swim development.

UPJ Might Be the Best Kept Secret in College Swimming. D2 schools can attract elite talent, and Coach Kile Zimmer is building at UPJ. He might change your mind about the value of a branch campus!

From Dubai to Johnstown – This Coach is Recruiting Worldwide too. Coach Kile Zimmer isn't just building a swim team, he's crafting a campus community. Hear how he's reaching athletes from India, France, Brazil, and beyond.

Now at UPJ and focused on recruiting with a local priority but international hopes.

Building a Competitive Swim Program at UPJ: Scholarships, Recruiting, and Team Culture

From Tears to Triumph: How St. Francis Swimmers Stayed Strong After Division Change

There is no playbook on that heavy administrative downgrade.

The Coach‑Athlete Relationship: Trust, Recovery, and Performance in Collegiate Swimming

Balancing Academics and Athletics: Affordable Tuition and Scholarship Strategies at UPJ

Recruiting with Heart: Why Coach Zeller Prioritizes Team Fit Over Finances

Taper Strategies Across Sports: Less...

Life at University of Pittsburgh Johnstown: Campus Beauty, Close‑Knit Community, and Opportunities for Athletes

Get a behind‑the‑scenes look at Coach Kyle Zeller's first year building a D‑II men's & women's swim program at UPJ— from historic PSAC meet wins to the next‑gen recruiting playbook. Watch how he turns a modest pool into a squad where the person comes first. He is keeping student‑athletes front of mind.

What's Covered:

Elite coaching isn't a myth. It's a choice and science built on relentless work, crystal‑clear goals, and total alignment of mind, heart, and body. In this episode of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, #63, we break down some of the bits of what it takes to train like the world's top athletes.

Swimming Mechanics: Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide

The Science of Speed: Unpacking Resistance and Propulsion in Elite Swimming

Doctor Ernie Maglischo is an ISCA & ASCA Hall of Fame Coach and still updating his most recent ebooks. Understand the biomechanics of swimming and explore how elite athletes generate propulsive force and minimize water resistance in the pool.

Drawing on expert analysis, we examine the fundamental characteristics of water flow, classifying water as a semi-solid whose density is over 800 times greater than air. Learn how competitive swimmers battle resistive drag—including form drag (profi...

From Locker Room to Loyalty Loop: The Sports Marketing Journey of Purpose.

Coaches must handle the technical side, the physical side and all the Xs and Os. But let's Think again about sports marketing. Dr. Olena Timasheva, sports marketing professor in the university presented to the international audience at WAFSU.org and was able to reveal the coaches roles in digital strategy, sponsorship, and fan engagement.

More than motivators, coaches today are key to driving revenue, fan connection, and team brand identity.

Blending the intensity of the game with the science of segmentation  i...

Hidden Biomechanics of Shoulder Medial Rotation That Separate Good Swimmers From Great

Swim faster by mastering shoulder medial rotation. Coach Steve Friederang breaks down why this subtle cue makes or breaks your pull in all four strokes.

Join Coach in a lesson with two aspiring swimmers and hear how he thinks and explains this vital move.

Why medial shoulder rotation is the key to an...

Unlocking Potential with girls, grants and angel investors in Youth Coaching

Discover how to coach girls effectively and learn about a new scalable aquatic platform, all in this episode, #59, of Heavy Or Not. Quick updates on multiple topics.

CoachingHer supplies the free digital toolkit, created by Dr. Nicole LaVoi and the Tucker Center, by visiting Read.SwimISCA.org.

Core psychological needs for female athletes: competence, choice, and care – presented as a simple cycle.

The CoachingHer pyramid: physiological basics → safety → belonging → esteem → self‑actualization.

Then, the second application for the $50,000 Moonshot Aquatics Grant. There...

Coach Steve Friederang unpacks a technique with private-lesson athletes that's bending by-gone rules without breaking them. Could this be the biggest backstroke breakthrough since dolphin kicks off the wall?

In this episode of Heavy Or Not - The OG Swim Guide, biomechanist and elite swim coach Steve Friederang breaks down a newly misunderstood, and presently underused, backstroke finishing technique in forward thinking swimming: the underwater kicking returns at the finish for speedy backstroke.

With a recent rule change allowing swimmers to submerge in the final 5 meters of a backstroke race, Steve shares how he...

In this episode of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we discuss why insurance coverage is a critical need for swimming coaches and how Barry Healey with ISCA and the BC Swimming Coaches Association are working on the discovery for solutions to fortify the profession and passions of coaches.

What you'll learn:

Catch the latest deep‑dive with Penn State swimming head coach Hollie Bonewit‑Cron as she breaks down recruiting, training schedules, and the evolving college‑swim landscape. From dual‑meet highlights against Pitt to her career path and future plans, get the key takeaways from a clinic to coaches when she was in her first season as the head coach in Happy Valley.

In this video you'll learn:

Is USA Swimming Holding the Sport Hostage? USA Swimming's data drama is setting the sport back decades — and it's hurting athletes, families, and innovation. Here's what they're not telling you... Why Swim Times Are Disappearing Imagine training all year only for your swim times to vanish into thin air. This podcast exposes the growing blackout and the fight for data transparency. The Swim Data Crisis No One Is Talking About Developers are quitting. Parents are confused. Swimmers are in the dark. The future of competitive swimming depends on solving this data nightmare.

In this candid conversation we hea...

After repeated requests, this single is being lifted from the rewind show, #50, at the end of season one and put into its own episode. 

CDs were pressed and offered at The Eastern States Clinic and elsewhere, but too few have CD players. Go figure. Enjoy the tune delivered by recycled electrons. Its message is a calling for you to do a complete rewind of the prior episodes. Binge on the content and skip into the future with confidence! But no running on the pool deck.

This song shows what happens when AI writes a track f...

New Roundtable Series for for Aquatic Professionals and Coaches:

What Every Coach Needs to Hear From the OG Swim Guy

Coach Mark Rauterkus breaks down new coaching resources, roundtables, and media opportunities for swim professionals. Watch to learn how you can get involved, access free content, and stay ahead in the industry.

This episode of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, jumps into a podcast from friend and we replay a recent releaseof Navigating Neva.  We had a sit down interview with Nicole and Wes -- and myself, Mark Rauterkus. The coach, podcaster, and ISCA contributor comes gushing about and we explore how swimming, water polo, and tech are reshaping aquatics today.

We cover:

It is a great time to be alive and there are some cliff hangers within!

David, a devoted athlete turned Doctor and researcher is deploying AI in off-brand discoveries.

This is a peek at a MUST HEAR podcast from another source, Radiolab.

Experience a flashback to tracks from a campaign CD with a fall baseball story from Meg Barnhouse.

It is chilly and dark under the lights and parents are watching.

From Broken Networks to Unified Protection: Reforming Canada's Sport Landscape for All Participants

In this episode of Heavy or Not – Season 2 - #51 we report on Canada's fragmented sports system, its chronic funding gaps, and why safe sport is now the top priority. We also examine the current complaint mechanisms and explore concrete proposals for a unified, safer future.

Season 1 of Heavy Or Not proves that swimming isn't just about laps; it's a dynamic ecosystem where mindset, technology, community and history intertwine.

By applying these 50 lessons / episodes / jump-cuts about training the brain, fine‑tuning the kick, welcoming AI, building inclusive programs, and defending our pools, you'll elevate not only your athletes' performance but also the entire swimming culture around you.

So the next time you're planning a practice, remember: every stroke, every supplement, and every conversation can be a step toward a stronger, smarter, and more resilient swim community. Listen and react.

Reforming USA Swimming: A Blueprint for Transparency, Athlete Services, and Grassroots Growth

In episode #49 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we amplify and break down the growing, explosive, criticism of USA Swimming from Michael Phelps and SwimSwam publisher,  Mel Stewart. They, among many others, are exposing a leadership crisis that threatens the sport's future.

Phelps points to the steep drop in U.S. Olympic medal share (57% → 44%) and blames weak board governance.

He presents a coalition‑backed, three‑step reform plan: independent board review, athlete‑first services, and grassroots growth.

Stewart labels the...

Discover how Dr. Tom Griffiths turned an eight‑year quest into a free, lifeguard‑training app that simulates real drowning scenarios.

Learn why it's a game‑changer for both everyday swimmers and aquatic facilities.

In this jump-cut of Heavy Or Not, #48, you'll see:

The eight‑year development timeline, funding, and partnership challenges.

Real‑life‑based simulation scenes that train users to spot victims instantly.

Free public access and instant feedback that tracks performance and improvement.

A low‑cost subscription option for facilities to monitor lifeguard training data.

How th...

Episode 47 – Free: Coaching, NIL, and the Real Meaning of Growth Podcast: Heavy Or Not – The OG Swim Guide Presented by ISCA & U Can Swim

In this episode, we take a wide-angle view of the word "free"—through the lens of coaching, NIL decisions, and athlete development.

We begin with insights from Coach Nick Saban on recruiting and the dangers of chasing money over long-term development. Saban reminds us: when pro teams call about a player, they don't ask how much he played as a freshman—they ask, "What kind of person is he?" Character, leadership, trustwor...

The evolving world of sports coaching hits into AI with our latest jump cut, where technology meets tradition.

Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape of swimming and athletic performance.

Get a peek at the fascinating world of wild swimming in Scotland and explore some academic research that ponders the unique values and community connections it fosters. Discover how the Act Framework offers a fresh perspective on understanding human-nature interactions.

A.I. is On Fire

First, a bit of an A.I. success story of a company less than 3 years old, and operated by one founder and a handful of others called Base 44. The company was acquired by WIX for millions. A.I. is hot, and this is proof.

Source on the Base 44 acquisition is Nomi, Nomiki Petrolla at or of The SaaS Accelerator for Women, and Instagram at nomikipetrolla.

A seldom told Story of Hyperbaric Therapy: A Lifeline for Drowning Victims

In this jump cut, #44, we visit an episode of...

Duration: 00:29:51

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, #43

The fascinating role of diet in determining the fate of queen bees and worker bees.

The serious concerns surrounding the Enhanced Games and those anti-doping regulations have teeth worth avoiding.

The potential health benefits of NRF2 activators and their impact...

42 is with a call to action and some calls to meet. More from Mick & Sue.

Protecting the Thames River near London

A much-loved open water swimming spot near Teddington on the River Thames is at risk.

Thames Water's proposed Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme plans to remove up to 75 million liters of river water daily during droughts, replacing it with treated sewage effluent pumped year-round from the Mogden Sewage Treatment Works.

This spot is more than just a body of water. It's a sanctuary for swimmers, paddlers, rowers...

Heavy Or Not #41 explores four critical topics.

Concise discussion on pressing issues and innovative solutions.

Exploring how NZ Drowning Prevention went into a floating frenzy.

School closures and Equity Concerns raised in public comment by a parent with cutting perspective to Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Canadian teen makes a heroic water rescue. She saves a kayaker in Georgian Bay, Ontario.

AI Innovations: Real-Time Speech Translation and Accent Conversion in Google Meet and Krisp.

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, #40. Innovative Pool and Team Management: Leveraging Private Sector and Community Partnerships

Enhancing Aquatic Programs: Integrating Fitness and Health for Sustainable Pool Operations

Insightful discussion with Swim OGs, Mick and Sue Nelson, as they delve into the challenges and solutions surrounding pool, team and aquatic management, planning and programming. Discover how innovative approaches can transform the future of swimming facilities.

Explore the financial fears and sustainability issues of subsidized pool models.

Learn about the role of private sector and entrepreneurial coaches in pool management.

Open water swimming insights from the International Swim Coaches Association's upcoming festivals.

Discover why these events are more than just races and how they can enhance your swimming skills.

Overview of the East Coast Open Water Festival and the new Jamestown Open Water Festival.

Detailed race formats, including The Great Knockout and family-friendly options.

Comprehensive safety measures and protocols in place for participants.

Benefits of open water swimming, from endurance to mental resilience.

Practical tips for transitioning from pool swimming to open water challenges.

Join u...

#38 Navigating the Complexities of Drowning Prevention in a Changing Political Climate - part 2 with Sue and Mick Nelson

The critical issues surrounding swimming, coaching and community recreation is water safety, and less so the making of gold-medal champions. The challenges faced by aquatic facilities today are on the rise. Closing pools. Indifferent politicians. Tighter budgets. Busy families. Covid too. Discover the trends, obstacles, and solutions in the world of swimming and drowning prevention.

The impact of COVID-19 on drowning statistics and swimming lessons.

Challenges in maintaining and operating commercial swimming pools.

The shortage...

An introducation to Sue Nelson, part 1. 

Explore the inspiring career-journey of Sue Nelson and her husband, Mick, who transformed their coaching careers by thinking beyond traditional competitive swimming.

Discover how they built a thriving aquatics business by embracing innovation and community needs.

Learn about the pivotal moment that led Sue to shift from competitive swimming to aquatic fitness and therapy.

Explore how they launched Waterway Therapy, a Medicare-certified outpatient agency, and expanded their services.

Understand the strategic partnerships they formed with hospitals and fitness organizations.

U...

#36 A Tour of Insights and Coaching Wisdom

Episode 36 of "Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide," presents comprehensive tour of the podcast archives from Coach Mark Rauterkus.

Whether you're a new listener or a long-time fan, this episode is your chance to catch up on all the valuable insights shared so far.

Explore the importance of mindset in sports and how mental reps can enhance athletic performance.

Dive into the mechanics of swimming, focusing on kicking, body position, and stroke efficiency.

Discover the role of artificial intelligence in sports...

35, The Importance of Social Support in Overcoming Sport Injuries Recap of the ebook, Psychology of Sport Injury, edited by Dr. John Heil, that explores the multifaceted impact of injury on athletes.

The book emphasizes the critical role of psychological care alongside physical treatment for successful recovery and performance. It covers various aspects of sport injury, including the athlete's perspective, psychological risk factors, assessment and intervention strategies, and biomedical issues like pain management and medication.

The ebook and this podcast highlights the importance of a team-based approach involving physicians, sports medicine specialists, and psychologists, and discusses challenges such...

Saving Swimming Pools: The Battle for Community Resources and Health Benefits

The Role of Sports in Social Services and Community Development

The pressing issues facing the world of sports and swimming today needs YOU at the TABLE. From the closure of swimming pools to the role of sports in education, we must lead and seek power for more those beyond the championship meets.

In #33 of the Heavy Or Not podcast get a, peek into critical issues surrounding recent CDC cuts and explore the intriguing insights from a comedian's graduation speech.

Hear about essential topics on public health with swimming and life lessons with a touch of humor.

CDC's Drowning Prevention Team Cuts
Article from Politico discussing the cuts.
Layoffs at the CDC affecting the drowning prevention team.
Loss of dedicated expertise and focus within the agency.
Timing of cuts during increased drowning deaths.
Impact on children ages one to four.
P...

Jim Lutz's Guide to Building a Strong Coaching and Team Foundation

Our Heavy Or Not insightful discussion, #32, cultivates the culture, strategies and principles for building a successful program, as outlined within an ebook by author and coach, Jim Lutz.

Discover how loyalty, recruitment, and development play crucial roles in creating a thriving team environment.

Heavy Or Not – The O.G. Swim Guide, Episode #31

https://HON.LAP.red

"You can prepare for the work, but you can't always predict the weather."

In this episode of Heavy Or Not, we explore the real-world parallels between weathering literal storms and facing the emotional and professional trials coaches endure over time. Coaches Jim Lutz and Barry Healy share hard-won lessons from the deck and beyond.

Featured Voices:

Jim Lutz: Coach, author, and Arizona sunshine philosopher

Barry Healy: Veteran Canadian coach and lifelong mentor

Spe...

In this episode of the podcast, Heavy Or Not, we kick off with friend and O.G., Wayne Goldsmith. His rant delves into the unsettling mark of young champions at the age of 8 and 9. His podcast is called, Sports Thoughts. 

Then we pivot to talk about two successful college sports programs that have been abruptly cut. Oh no! Cal Polly Swimming, Men & Women's Teams, plus Grand Canyon University Men's Volleyball suffered unexpected and unexplainable cuts.

Heavy topics. Abrupt losses. Heartbreaks. 

Links:

Full team and coaches role play activities in 10 scenes that progress in a full-blown story.

Heavy Or Not – The O.G. Swim Guide | Episode 29

A peek inside Dr. John Hogg's Mental Skills for Young Athletes - course and ebooks

Take the time and boost performance, focus, and confidence in your athletes.

This episode of Heavy Or Not dives into the often overlooked but game-changing world of mental skills training.

We explore the groundbreaking work of Dr. John M. Hogg and the "Script and Screenplay" eBook, where athletes develop self-awareness, go...

Why proactive insurance planning and team culture matter more than ever

Announcing Monthly CYA Calls to stay protected and informed – sign up at LAP.red and subscribe to the Substack.com/@rauterkus.

In Episode 28 of Heavy or Not: The OG Swim Guide, we tackle two core issues shaping the future of coaching:

Where to find a great resource on how to build a winning swim team culture rooted in character and shared responsibility.

Where to jump start conversations that at every coach and organization should know about insurance, liability, and proactive planni...

Achieving Optimal Rest: Deep Sleep Techniques for Busy Athletes and Students

Enhance Recovery and Focus with Deep Sleep Techniques

Secrets to Deep Sleep for Peak Performance!

Delve into the essential role of deep sleep for athletes, students, and coaches, offering practical techniques to enhance rest and recovery.

Discover the science and art of mindfulness to trigger the parasympathetic response for optimal relaxation.

Learn focused breathing exercises to calm stress and mental chatter.

Explore the use of imagery and language to reinforce relaxation and mental stillness.

Understand the...

Supporting Student Athletes: Mental Health Challenges and Solutions from Experts

Delve into the mental health challenges faced by student-athletes, drawing insights from experts and real-life experiences.

Discover practical strategies to support young athletes in navigating their complex environments.

Explore the unique pressures student-athletes face, from academic stress to social media influences.

Learn about the ACT framework for recognizing and addressing mental health concerns.

Understand the impact of smartphones and social media on young athletes' mental well-being.

Discover the seven C's model for building resilience and promoting positive...

Jump cut #25

The topic of mental health among student-athletes comes into focus with insights and notes from a meeting hosted by UPMC Sports Medicine and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.

This is part one of two and it covered the first three presentations. Also see jump cut #26.

Discover practical strategies and expert advice to support the well-being of young athletes.

Understanding the importance of a student-athlete's "why" and its impact on motivation and connection.

Recognizing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, and the importance of seeking help.<...

In "Heavy or Not #24," we explore the evolving landscape of swimming and sports leadership. From Olympic changes to community challenges.

- Discussion on the inclusion of 50-meter stroke events in the Olympic program and its implications.

- Insights from Dr. G on the importance of developing an aerobic base for young swimmers.

- Barry Healey's thoughts on sustainable pool management and community impact.

- A recap of the first 24 episodes of "Heavy or Not" and the journey so far.

- Upcoming focus on mental health for student-athletes and its...

A heartfelt farewell of a dedicated water safety advocate, Bob Pratt. Plus, we'll explore insights from the world of competitive swimming.

This is NOT okay!

Join us as we uncover the challenges and triumphs faced by those committed to making a difference.

Bob Pratt's emotional farewell and reflections on his water safety advocacy journey.

The impact of organizational politics on rescue operations and public safety.

The challenges of misinformation in the water safety community.

Katinka Hosszu's journey and experiences came into focus on another podcast that should not be...

Big travel headaches confront Barry in Canada, again.   Ponder insights of organizing and coaching at an international swim meet with logistical hurdles to the broader impact of sports on youth, this discussion covers it all.

The struggle of finding accommodations and dealing with high costs for swim meets.
The importance of exposing young athletes to high-level competitions.
Navigating logistical challenges like parking and transportation at large events.
The role of sports in youth development and community engagement.
Strategies for advocating for better sports facilities and resources.

We're back with "Heavy or Not," w...

In this coaches clinic panel discussion, top coaches and experts uncover some issues from Paris Olympics.

Of course the Team USA had its challenges. Future opportunities facing the world of competitive swimming are uncovered. Discover their thoughts on improving performance and fostering a winning culture.

The importance of relationships in achieving top athletic performance.

Challenges faced by coaches in feeling valued and respected.

The role of resources and support in international competition.

Strategies for long-term planning and athlete development.

The impact of sports science on future swimming...

In this episode of the "Heavy or Not" podcast, we dive into Mindful Swimming with Brian Holliday. Plus, we pick up again on part two of an earth shattering expert panel that gathered after the Paris Olympics to talk about USA Swimming. 

As is always the case, both the mental and physical aspects of the sport come into focus. Join us as we explore insightful discussions from top coaches and experts.

In this insightful discussion, top swim coaches and sports scientists delve into the evolving landscape of coaching and athlete development. They explore the challenges and opportunities in preparing athletes for peak performance on the world stage.

Their stage was the Eastern States Clinic after the 2024 Olympic Games. 

The Coaching Wizard: Guiding and Motivating Generations of Aquatic and Civic Learners Through AI-Powered Mentorship That Transforms Water-Based Wisdom Into Waves of Lifelong Leadership, Personalized Learning, and Community Impact.

The Coaching Wizard is a bold new initiative to prototype an AI-powered mentorship and learning platform that transforms how aquatic instructors, youth leaders, and civic educators grow, teach, and lead. Designed to work within and across schools, community pools, recreation centers, and underutilized civic spaces, this idea reimagines the role of coaching as a personalized, lifelong, and community-embedded learning journey.

At its core, the Coaching Wizard...

Jump Cut #17 dives into the intriguing intersection of technology and childhood development. The digital age is reshaping the way kids grow and learn, and Ed Tech is not a healthy trend, as per a wonderful speech by Sophie Winkleman of the UK.

Play water polo and put down the mobile device!

Gain insights from Coach Mark on empowering adults to guide the younger generation.

Understand the impact of constant device presence on social skill development.

Learn about Sophie Winkleman's observations on screens affecting classroom and social interactions.

Consider the...

In this episode of the Heavy Or Not podcast, Coach Barry Healey shares his travel experiences as a coach in B.C., Canada, heading to the recent Provincial Championships Meet. The challenges make for a Zombie upon returning home.

Plus, join us as we dive into the intricacies of training and coaching from an Australian swim coach who grew up in NED and has guided Olympians.

- The taxing nature of travel for athletes and coaches.

- Insights from Coach Barry's recent trip to provincial championships.

- The importance of personalized...

The ebook from the great Ernie Maglischo, author and coach -- as well as ISCA Hall of Fame members, is releasing an update to his coaching manual focused on the science of swimming. It examines the hydrodynamics of various strokes to optimize performance. The author analyzes techniques used by elite swimmers, considering factors like water resistance, propulsion, and body position. The manual also discusses debatable aspects of swimming, including breathing techniques and kicking styles. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying physics to inform coaching decisions and stroke modifications. Ultimately, the goal is to provide coaches with insights to he...

Mastering the Mind: Unlocking Peak Performance

Explore the psychological and physiological aspects of peak performance, aiming to equip athletes with mental techniques to enhance enjoyment and awareness of the power of our minds. We recount steps in an O.G.'s journey on the pathway to harnessing the power of the mind. We examine stress management, relaxation techniques such as deep muscle relaxation and visualization, and strategies to optimize arousal levels before competition. It also discusses practical considerations for swim coaches and swimmers. 

We have a 13th episode.

We were blessed and fortunate and made a trip to Equator and the Galapagos Islands – and our ship, the Isabella II, had no cabin #13. Stay tuned for some housekeeping on past and future content – after we hear some epic content from an O.G. – Wayne Goldsmith.

Sports Supplements from the presentation to the audience at WAFSU.org from Rahul Saini.

This analysis of Sports Supplements covers supplements by athletes. It examines both manufactured supplements and natural alternatives, including their benefits and potential risks.

The podcast includes data on the usage rates of different supplements among athletes. It discusses common types of supplements, such as protein, creatine, and vitamins, as well as their recommended dosages and timing.

The presentation also touches on supplement regulation, the danger of banned substances, and guidelines for safe use. Get all the slides when you...

Coach Barry is an O.G. that gets it. His and the Heavy Or Not mission can be #preached with these topics:

Embracing Diversity: Understanding Unique Needs in Education and Coaching for All Students

Connecting with Kids: Strategies for Engaging Students with Different Learning Styles and Challenges

The Power of Understanding: Supporting Students with ADHD and Autism in Sports and Education

Building Bridges: How Coaches Can Connect with Diverse Learners in Competitive Environments

Celebrating Differences: The Importance of Inclusivity in Coaching and Teaching Young Athletes

From Challenges...

Beat down of the 20-minute film called, "A Swim Lesson" -- and why.

In this Jump Cut, Coach Mark shares his insights on the 20-minute film, "A Swim Lesson," available for free on YouTube. He discusses both the positive aspects and the concerning practices depicted in the film.

Running Mates, and Coach Barry Healey of Canada and U CAN Swim chime in along with chunks of the letter delivered to the Motion Picture Academy asking for pass in terms of Oscar nomination.

Safety concerns regarding the handling of children in the water are...

Tidbits of Wisdom of Coach Mark Rauterkus

Hey there, Swim Fam!

Our latest episode is featuring the one and only Coach Mark Rauterkus! If you've ever wondered about the ins and outs of swimming, training, and the mental game, this episode is your all-access pass to Coach Mark's unique insights.

Here are 5 key takeaways you won't want to miss:

Get some insights as to what is featured in the Competitive Swimmer Magazine in the January 2025 issue. The magazine is a free resource. Get the whole issue at the ISCA Blog. See https://blog.swimisca.org/competitive-swimmer-magazine-january-2025/.

Presenter to WAFSU.org seminar was asked about the ages kids should begin powerlifting. The answer was a shocker. There are kids at the age of 2 in China who are lifting a bar over their heads. The speaker, Enoc Francisco of the Philippines recently saw a boy, age 9, compete in a national powerlifting event. 

Does this mean it is time to think again for American athletes?

The full presentation of nearly 45 minutes on Sport Conditioning, with a quiz, is at WAFSU.org. 

Thoughts on work and play from a podcast from Dan Kennedy snipped from a drive to the state swimming championships.

Swim Coaches are great at their work -- but the work / life balance is up for debate. Let's consider the distinctions between work and play. 

Let's also think about who you let into your life as mentors. Do they honor and cherish the values that you hold dear?

Groundbreaking insights obtained from American swimming coaches Peter Daland and Ernie Maglischo, PhD. during their 1987 European adventure are revealed.

Discover how their findings continue to shape modern swimming training techniques.

The full report is part of the Global Library for ISCA Members at Read.SwimISCA.org. 

Revitalizing Aquatic Programs in Pittsburgh Public Schools, a hyper-local conversation, is going to take lots of cooperation with outside helpers and a new attitude from the Superintendent.

Critical Need for Aquatic Education: Swimming is a vital life skill, but access to programs in Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is severely limited, particularly for underserved communities. Barriers to Participation: Limited staffing, resources, outdated infrastructure, and negative perceptions of swimming act as barriers to student engagement. Innovative Solutions: Leveraging existing resources through collaboration with community organizations, implementing game-based learning, and empowering older students as instructors are key to revitalizing programs.<...

AI is poised to transform the sports landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for athlete development, performance enhancement, and fan engagement. However, it is crucial to approach this technology with careful consideration for ethical concerns and strive for equitable access to ensure that its benefits are shared across all levels of sport. The future of sports will likely involve a dynamic partnership between human expertise and AI capabilities, leading to a more data-driven, personalized, and engaging sporting experience.

Heavy Or Not Jump Cut that offers coaching advice for swimming, focusing on skill development and workout design.

Key skills discussed include kicking techniques, efficient breathing, body positioning, and arm movements in various strokes.

Emphasize the importance of progressive overload in drills and the need for clear goals in workout planning. Effective communication strategies between coaches and swimmers are also highlighted, advocating for a balanced approach using both drills and full-stroke swimming to improve performance. The segment promotes problem-solving and experimentation to find optimal training methods for individual swimmers.

More at https://UCANSwim...

This segment of Heavy Or Not offers a coach's advice to athletes on managing performance anxiety.

It emphasizes the importance of mindset, suggesting techniques like positive self-talk, visualization, and present-moment focus to overcome fear and tension.

The jump cut uses storytelling and exercises to illustrate how inner dialogue and mental imagery directly impact physical performance, advocating for replacing negative thoughts with empowering beliefs and practicing mental strategies alongside physical training.

The overall goal is to help divers achieve effortless performance through self-awareness and mental control.

More at https://UCANSwim.org/heavy-or-not<...

Hey there Sports Fans, Aquatic Enthusiasts, and A.I. Tech Weenies:

We're excited to announce the release of our jump cut episodes of the podcast Heavy Or Not. We'll dive together into aquatics, AI, and everything in between! 

Coach Mark Rauterkus is hell-bent on making waves, and he's ready to share some incredible insights from the poolside in Pittsburgh -- as well as elsewhere with friends and running mates. We'll go to B.C. Canada frequently.

Whether you're a seasoned coach, a passionate swimmer, or just curious about not making the same mistakes w...