Dawson Hughes, the CEO of US Masters Swimming (USMS),  started swimming when he was just eight, and now he stands at the helm of an organization that's making waves in the world of adult swimming. Listen as he shares his journey, his goals for the future, and some exciting initiatives on the horizon for USMS.

In our chat, we dive into the heart of US Masters Swimming's mission - expanding the adult swimming community to a broad range of people. We shed light on the challenges of making the sport more accessible and inviting, especially for beginners who might be intimidated. We explore the unique role swimming plays in providing stability during life's transitions and how to attract a younger demographic. We also touch on the significance of the 'Swimming for Life' hashtag, which encapsulates the essence of the community.

We wrap up our conversation discussing the intrinsic benefits of swimming club memberships, the importance of fostering a supportive team, and the ins and outs of managing a large organization like US Masters Swimming. Dawson shares his commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and provides valuable insights on career transitioning within the swimming community. So, tune in and immerse yourself in the beauty of swimming and discover why it's more than just a sport - it's a community, a support system, and a way of life.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

Meet Trinity and BJ Graham, co-founders of the Swim Melbourne Masters team. This inspiring duo built a now dominant team from a group of 19 swimmers into a thriving team of over 150. Assistant Masters Coach Mike Mirda was also instrumental is helping build the team. Besides planning and execution you'll hear some behind the scenes best practices  and how the team just came off winning the 15th Annual Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic by over 2000 points. 

They also reveal the secret behind - the “Mahi Magic”, and how their welcoming culture embraces everyone from fitness swimmers to Olympic level athletes. Looking to build and maintain a successful team of your own? Find out the importance of a balanced leadership approach, the art of delegation, and the power of contribution straight from these champions. This episode is packed with insights, motivation and stick around until the end to hear how BJ and Trin met in a charming love story you wouldn't want to miss.

BJ is a US Masters Swimming Certified Level 3 Coach, 2022 Florida LMSC Coach of the Year and winner of the 2022 Kerry O'Brien Coaching Award.

Episode artwork picture of BJ and Trinity Graham enjoying the solar eclipse during the Rowdy Gaines meet. 

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

Have you ever wondered what can ignite a flame to rekindle a long-lost passion? Discover the answer as we engage in an energizing conversation with the inspiring James Lucere, a 67-year-old who recently dove back into his first swim meet after a staggering 48-year hiatus! Listen in as James shares about his journey back to the pool, his unexpected catalyst, and the refreshing perspective he holds on what it means to be a swimmer irrespective of age.

Get ready to be enlightened by James' candid account of how his dissatisfaction with his swimming abilities sparked a motivation to make a splash once again. You'll be touched by his unique approach to swimming, the goals he set, and the euphoria he experiences when he's cutting through the water. So, why not tune in? Perhaps, James' story may just nudge you to reignite your own passions or pick up a new hobby, no matter your age. Prepare to be inspired by an uplifting tale of ageless determination and the joy of rediscovering a cherished pastime.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

Prepare to be inspired by our compelling chat with the unstoppable Denise Letendre, an accomplished US Masters All-American, who not only holds multiple records with her LMSC, but has also made waves in the world of law. As a lifelong swimmer, Denise's journey from a Division One swimmer to a Masters swimmer is nothing short of inspiring, revealing how she used her discipline in swimming to manage her time, push through tough cases, and achieve success in her law career.  Her advice to college swimmers is on point.

Tune in as Denise candidly shares her experience of pushing past a plateaus by letting go of expectations and focusing on doing her best. This approach has led to remarkable success in both swimming and law. We also get to hear about Denise's love for open water swimming, a discipline that offers her a sense of zen, privilege, and has given her invaluable skills that have helped shape her life. Don't miss out on this chance to understand the traits that not only make a champion swimmer, but also a champion in life.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

Imagine finding a treasure chest brimming with secrets to refine your swimming technique and endurance. Well, we’ve got something better than that - a chat with the Technique Genius, Paul Newsome, the founder of SwimSmooth and the pioneer of that transformational swimming program. We journey from his successful English Channel swim to understanding the mantra that keeps swimmers focused in the water, "bubble, bubble breathe."

You'll hear how Paul helped Kelly drop major time. Dive into Paul’s passion for coaching as we traverse from a 50-meter pool to the swells of the Swim Around Manhattan. Discover how a proper wet suit fitting can maximize a swimmer's performance and how concentrating on one stroke at a time is the mantra for finishing races.

Ever wondered about the role self-belief plays in the swimming world? Paul delves into the depths of the power of self-belief, the significance of consistency, and the importance of leading by example. He provides insights into his effective eight-week training program that has been a game changer for swimmers worldwide. Plus, there's an unexpected surprise - Paul shares about his past appearance on a UK dating show! Don't miss out on this enlightening and entertaining conversation that will surely leave you inspired to jump into the water and swim smoother and faster!
 
UPDATE on Paul's "Upcoming Swim" we refer to in the interview. HE WON   https://ultraswim333.com/  - 33.3km over 4 days in the Adriatic in Montenegro! Congratulations Paul!

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

We're poolside with the extraordinary Penny Noyes, a woman who epitomizes the phrase 'age is just a number'. The 69-year-old swimming legend, with nine world records and 14 national records to her name, shares insights into her phenomenal career and her secret to maintaining athletic excellence despite personal health challenges and a string of injuries. 

We dive deep into Penny’s rigorous training routine, which intriguingly involves training with a USA swim club team, consisting of 14 to 17-year-olds. Prepare to be inspired as she opens up about her journey of overcoming significant odds, including four shoulder surgeries and two ACL repairs, and her persistence to keep setting new goals. As she readies herself to enter a new age group next year, Penny's indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience are sure to inspire athletes of all ages. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a true sporting legend.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

Are you too young to become master swimmer? Join us as we chat with the inspiring James Popronowski, a competitive swimmer who jumped straight from college swimming to masters swimming. James, with his masters gold medal in the 1500 freestyle long course and an unwavering commitment to maintaining his swimming routine post-college, offers compelling insights into the dedication and passion that fuels his success.

This conversation takes us on a dive into James’s journey, from his childhood swimming experiences to his triumph in the Masters Swim program. We uncover the influential role that his parents and club coach played in guiding him towards the competitive swimming arena. Listen in and get a rare peek into James’s training regime and his motivation. His love for the swimming community and the sport itself shines through, offering an inspiring perspective on the world of master swimming. Join us for a powerful conversation that is sure to inspire all swimming enthusiasts and aspiring champions. Never say "retire"! 

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

We're elated to introduce one of Team USA's Sports Psychologist, Dr Colleen Hacker, a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC), author, and professor. Dr.  Hacker uncovers the keys to achieve excellence in sports and life. This enlightening conversation is rooted in her latest book, Achieving Excellence Mastering Mindset for Peak Performance in Sport and Life.

How often do we consider confidence as a dynamic entity, especially for world champions? Dr Hacker challenges our understanding of this concept, inspiring a fascinating discussion about pain, risk, and the pursuit of athletic greatness. Highlighting the importance of physiology for masters athletes, we discover how understanding our bodies can propel us to new heights in our chosen fields. 

Swimming serves as a perfect canvas to illustrate Dr Hacker's insights into the interplay of mental and physical skills in sports. Race strategies, strength, flexibility - all these elements interweave with mental tools like self-talk, cognitive restructuring, and imagery to create a triumphant athlete. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a high-achieving corporate athlete, or someone captivated by the psychology of excellence, this episode promises to engage and enlighten. Join us and discover the immense power of mindset in sports and life with Dr Colleen Hacker.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

Picture this: a couple who left their jobs to pursue a life of fitness and travel, are running marathons in every state, and faced life-threatening health challenges. Welcome to the extraordinary life of Tom and Deb Stokes. Join us for a heartwarming and inspiring episode as we delve into their journey of love, athleticism, and resilience. The Stokes share the importance of setting goals, the role their athletic backgrounds played in overcoming health challenges, and how they balanced life, fitness, and a marriage.

Their story took an unexpected turn when Tom required a liver transplant. But this couple approaches everything as a team, turning adversity into opportunities for growth. You will be riveted as they recount how they maintained balance, continued pursuing fitness goals and transformed health challenges into inspiring victories. They firmly believe in the power of organ donation, not only for its life-saving impact but also for the second chance it offers.

Discover key insights from Tom and Deb's extraordinary journey. Their shared passion for fitness, intertwined with their relationship, is a testament to the power of support, perseverance, and love. This episode is more than just an inspiring tale of a couple's journey, it's a powerful reminder of the impact organ donation can have, and an insight into maintaining balance in relationships while pursuing individual goals. Get ready to be inspired, learn, and perhaps even reassess your own life goals.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com

Ready for some Couples Mojo? Meet the dynamic duo of Dale and Dave LeClair, a married couple who have managed to blend their love for swimming and fitness into their relationship. This wasn't just a casual dip in the pool; we're talking about high-level mastery in the world of swimming. Listen in as they let us in on their journey, starting from shared shifts at a local swimming pool to competing fiercely in Masters Swimming. Their story doesn't stop there; they've braved long-distance triathlons and have plenty of advice to offer couples thinking of engaging in sports together. Dale and Dave's journey is an incredible testament to the power of shared passion in fostering personal growth and enhancing communication. They both swim for Palm Beach Masters. 

Now, let’s dive into the deep end. Dale and Dave LeClair share their secrets on how to effectively train and taper for events. They take us through their individual taper strategies, their meticulous workout routines, and how they balance swimming with strength training and running. They emphasize the significance of shorter race pace intervals and provide insights on how to optimize training for maximum performance. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, Dale and Dave’s experience provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to improve their game. So grab your headphones and get ready for a splash of inspiration.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Check out Kelly's Books at www.KellyPalace.com