The "Organics" of Greatness: A Conversation with Milorad Čavić

When we started the Get Out Swim  podcast, we didn't want to just chase big names for the sake of clout. We wanted the stories to feel organic—the kind of conversations you’d have on the pool deck when the sun is hitting the water just right. But even for us, sitting down with Milorad Čavić felt like one of those "pinch-me" moments. For anyone who grew up a "swim nerd," Čavić is more than just an Olympian; he’s the man who redefined what it meant to be a sprinter and pushed t

Defining Excellence: A Conversation with University of Illinois Head Coach Jeana Kempe

In the latest episode of the Get Out Swim  podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeana Kempe, the head coach of the University of Illinois women’s swimming and diving program. Jeana’s journey in the sport is a masterclass in persistence, from her early days as a military kid in Colorado to competing at UCLA and eventually returning to her home state of Illinois to lead a Big Ten program. Having had the privilege of being coached by Jeana during my time at LSU, it w

Master the Mental Game: 7 Life Lessons from Coach Ben Lee

In the high-stakes world of performance, whether on the tennis court or in the boardroom, the difference between success and burnout often comes down to mindset. Coach Ben Lee has become a prominent voice in this space, offering a philosophy that blends athletic discipline with modern wellness. His approach isn't just about winning; it’s about sustaining excellence without sacrificing your soul. One of the most profound lessons Lee teaches is the necessity of prioritizing hea

The Blueprint for Stronger Swimming: 10 Lessons from Dan Daly

In the world of competitive swimming and endurance sports, the weight room has often been viewed with skepticism. However, performance coach Dan Daly  is changing that narrative by bridging the gap between land-based strength and water-based speed. In a recent appearance on the Get Out Swim Podcast , Daly outlined a philosophy that prioritizes athletic longevity and functional power over high-volume "grinding." Here are ten essential takeaways for any swimmer looking to level

Mastering the Water and the Weight Room: A Deep Dive with Dan Daly

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Daly  on the Get Out Swim Podcast , and the conversation was a masterclass in how to build a body that doesn't just survive the water, but thrives in it. I’ll be honest: most swimmers treat dryland like an afterthought, but talking to Dan Daly  on the Get Out Swim Podcast  reminded me why that’s a massive mistake. Dan isn't just some guy in a gym; he’s an elite open-water athlete who swam 28 miles around Manhattan. He does

The Human Side of High Performance: A Conversation with Ben Lee

Success in the pool is often measured by the digits on a scoreboard, but the real magic happens in the relationships and intentions behind the scenes. I recently had the privilege of co-hosting the Get Out Swim podcast , where we sat down with Ben Lee , the founder of RaceBetter . Ben’s journey—spanning from elite coaching with Dave Marsh and the LA Current to launching successful startups—offers a unique perspective on how to integrate business acumen with the "soul" of the

Building a Championship Culture: Lessons from Raleigh Swim Association

Success in the pool isn't just about the yardage you log; it’s about the intention, communication, and ownership you bring to the deck every single day. I recently had the pleasure of exploring these topics as co-host of the Get Out Swim podcast , where we were joined by Ethan Cooke  and Ronnie Vaughan  from the Raleigh Swim Association (RSA). Their transition from collegiate and elite club backgrounds to leading one of the top programs in North Carolina offers a masterclass

Day in the Life: UCLA Swimming | Coach João Visits #8

In this episode, I drove up the road to Westwood, California, to spend the day with UCLA Swimming — sitting down with Coach Jordan, Coach Graham, and Coach Bex to see firsthand the culture they’re building and how the Bruins are preparing heading into Big 10s. From the moment I stepped onto the pool deck, the vibe was obvious: high energy, high standards, and a group that genuinely enjoys the work. There’s a balance here that’s hard to fake — athletes are having fun, smiling,

Day In Life: Coaching a Swim Clinic | Coast Guard Blue Dolphins

There’s nothing quite like the energy of a pool deck full of eager swimmers. I recently traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, to lead a swim clinic for the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins (CGBD) , and it was an absolute blast. From the waterfront views to the focused athletes in the water, it was a day filled with high-level coaching and a lot of fast swimming. A Full Day of Focus We hit the ground running with three separate sessions tailored to different age groups. My friend Coach Scot