Champions Mojo for Masters Swimmers
Sports
About
Welcome Masters swimmers, triathletes, and anyone striving to live well and swim well! Hear powerful interviews with world-class champions, leading experts, and everyday heroes—sharing tips, tools, and stories to boost your motivation, training, and life performance. Hosted by Kelly Palace , Masters Swimming Champion, coach, author, and former NCAA Division I head coach. A podcast that champions you!
Episodes
- How to Create A Championship Culture: Greg Clink, EP 312
Ever wonder what separates an average swim lane or team from a championship-level squad? Culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s the way your team operates on an ordinary Wednesday morning when you're staring at the black line and nobody i…
- A Firefighter Mom Returns To Racing And Wins Big, EP 311
Christina Campfort shares her experience of returning to masters swimming after a 20-year hiatus, detailing her success in winning four national titles at 44 while working as a firefighter and mother. The episode covers her training philos…
- How Ultra Swims Build Resilience: Oceans Seven Challenger, Steve "Moby" Leitch, EP 310
Steve "Moby" Leitch, a challenger for the Oceans Seven open water swimming challenge, shares his experiences with the demanding swims, including the Strait of Gibraltar. He discusses his return to swimming after a long break, the role of s…
- Radical Body Confidence, Dropping 52 Pounds, and Building a Business: Stephanie Havelka, EP 309
Stephanie Havelka, founder of Sport Kini, shares her journey from competitive swimming and multiple endurance sports to creating athletic swimwear. The episode covers building a business, achieving body confidence, and maintaining a champi…
- Warrior Techniques to Master Your Mindset with Chris Harris, EP 308
Chris Harris, an elite athlete and author, shares techniques for mastering mindset, focusing on the space between stimulus and response to manage pressure. The episode covers metacognition, subconscious habit change, and tools like the Met…
- Ironman Podium to All-American Masters Swimmer: Jane Esahak-Gage, EP 307
Jane Esahak-Gage, a former Ironman triathlete, shares her experience pivoting to masters swimming after an injury. The episode covers her triathlon highlights, building a life around sport, and her practical approach to masters swim traini…
- World Records On The Unconventional Path: Doug Springer, EP 306
Doug Springer is 80 years old, but looks and swims like he's 20 years younger. He joins us to unpack the swims that led to four world records, including a jaw-dropping 400 IM where he took 17 seconds off the world mark and cleared the nati…
- R.E.A.L. Confidence For Everyday With Simone Knego, EP 305
Doubt shows up for everyone, even the most decorated athletes. We invited bestselling author and two-time TEDx speaker Simone Knego to break down a simple, durable system for building confidence that actually holds under pressure. Her REAL…
- Balancing The Police Beat And Masters Swimming, Che'Rel Haywood, EP 304
Sirens at night, blocks at dawn—this conversation follows Che'Rel, a 26-year-old police officer and lifelong swimmer from Trinidad and Tobago, as she threads two demanding worlds into one life of discipline and joy. We meet her on deck at…
- Recovery Begins At Night: Rethinking Beds, Cooling, And Habits, Sleep Expert Derek Hales, EP 303
Sleep is the most powerful legal performance enhancer you’re not fully using yet. We brought in Derek Hales, founder of NapLab and one of the most trusted voices in mattress testing, to strip away hype and show how smarter choices at night…
- College Walk-On To Masters Swimming Champion: Med Student Bryanna Lacey's Comeback, EP 302
26 year-old Bryanna Lacey is fresh off a Masters Meet High Point win and a year into a bold return to the sport she left behind seven years ago after an excellent college swimming career. We sit with her on the tiles at Fort Lauderdale Aqu…
- A Comeback Love Story And Ice Cream Challenge: Masters Swimming Champion, Joe Wotton, EP 301
Ready for a great love story? Former national and world-record-holding Masters swimmer Joe Wotton joins us on deck to share the stories, nicknames, and love that shaped a champion’s life in and out of the pool. Joe Wotton, 66 years young,…
- 25-Year Break To Masters Swimming Podium: Lauren Anderson On Finding Herself Again, EP 300
Lauren Anderson proves that speed and joy in swimming are still within reach after 25 years away from the sport. She rebuilt her training from the ground up, and made big time drops in her best events the breaststroke. Her story blends per…
- Country Club Laps To Masters Swimming Champion: Peggy McDonnell’s Journey to All-American, EP 299
She calls herself a swimming vagabond! The deck at Fort Lauderdale buzzes, and at 70-years old, Peggy McDonnell brings the kind of energy that makes you want to put on your goggles. She didn’t swim in high school or college. She found Mast…
- Christmas Lights & Masters Swimming: Champion Kirk Clear, EP 298
A special episode to get you in the Christmas spirit! We meet Kirk Clear , a force in U.S. Masters Swimming, an Air Force Veteran and a legend in his Florida community for something entirely different: creating a jaw-dropping, music-synchr…
- A PhD in Exercise Physiology Shares Masters Swimming Wisdom: Eddie Tiozzo, EP 297
It's on deck with Eddie Tiozzo—age 52, former water polo player, and PhD in exercise physiology—to unpack how smart training, strong shoulders, and a dynamic mindset can carry you through decades in the sport. Eddie’s story moves from Croa…
- New York City Shines for Masters Swimming Star Eve Maidenberg, EP 296
Want to know what it takes to get faster with less time and more life on your plate? We sit with AGUA Masters swimmer Eve Maidenberg at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center to unpack how a New York Youth Centered team culture, smart training…
- Trial Attorney Finds Solutions While Swimming: William Robinson, EP 295
A pool deck can feel like a second home, and today’s conversation proves why. In this brand New episode we chat with attorney and masters swimmer William Robinson at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center to trace a life shaped by laps: early…
- Training Partners And Patience Built A World Record-Breaking Masters Swimming Career: Tim Shead, EP 294
On deck in Fort Lauderdale at the 2025 Fall Classic Meet, Host Kelly Palace interviews International Swimming Hall of Famer and Masters Swimming Icon, Tim Shead as we explore how a missed shot at the 1976 Olympic Trials became the spark fo…
- How Red Light and Sound Can Supercharge Mitochondria, Healing & Recovery for Masters Swimmers: Dr. Zulia Frost, EP 293
Brand New episode! What if the missing link in your recovery isn’t another supplement or stretch, but energy at the cellular level? We sit down with Dr. Zulia Frost—medical doctor, researcher, and co-founder of Recharge Health—to unpack ho…
- Flip Your Fear To Power: Brian Bergford, Masters Swimming Champion, ENCORE EP 292
What if the thing you’re avoiding is the doorway to your best self? In this fan favorite encore episode: that’s the challenge Brian Bergford accepted when he took a lifelong panic response to water and turned it into masters swimming medal…
- How a World Record Setter Trains, Tapers, And Thrives In Masters Swimming: Jeff Commings, ENCORE EP 291
One of our very favorite episodes on how to train, taper, and thrive in Masters Swimming. In this encore show we sat down with world record masters swimmer and veteran swim journalist Jeff Cummings to map out a smarter path to speed: focus…
- The CBS Survivor Who Swims Like an Olympian and Defies Age and Masters Swimming: Janet Carbin, ENCORE EP 290
What if your 60s are your prime? We sit down with Janet Carbin—a CBS Survivor Season 39 favorite, veteran swim coach, and one of the few female chief lifeguards in the country—to unpack the mindset, training habits, and nutrition choices t…
- From 300 Pound Chef To Ironman Triathlete and Masters Swimming Friend: Will Liebig, ENCORE EP 289
In one of our favorite episodes as an encore we find out: What does it really take to move from 300 pounds to a 9:15 Ironman without losing your love of great food and a full life? We sit down with chef-turned-triathlete Will Liebig to unp…
- A 9-Foot Gator Took Her Arm, But She Saw a Silver Lining and Maybe Angels: Rachael Lillienthal, Masters Swimmer, ENCORE EP 288
What happens when a perfect Florida swim turns into a fight for your life from a 9-foot alligator grabbing onto your arm ? In this riveting encore episode, Masters Swimmer Rachael Lilienthal takes us stroke by stroke through her 2015 allig…
- How A Busy ER Doc Swims To Win 100 National Titles: Kurt Dickson, ENCORE EP 287
What does it take to win national swimming titles while working chaotic ER shifts and raising a competitive family? In this encore episode, we sit down with masters legend and ER physician Kurt Dixon to unpack the habits, mindset, and simp…
- Four Pillars of Peak Performance, Olympic Sport Psychologist Colleen Hacker, ENCORE EP 286
In an encore presentation, we sit down with Dr. Colleen Hacker, Olympic mental performance consultant and author of Achieving Excellence: Mastering Mindset for Peak Performance in Sport and Life, to unpack the real tools champions use when…
- Five Swim and Life Lessons from My Late Father, EP 285
Hello friends, it’s Kelly. You may have noticed I’ve been away from the show for over a month—the longest break I’ve taken in more than seven years of podcasting. The reason is deeply personal: my father passed away in August at the age of…
- How Silence Shapes a Champion: Jennifer Comfort, Ironman Triathlete and USAT Coach, EP 284
Jennifer Comfort is a USAT-certified triathlon coach, Ironman triathlete, and open water swim observe r whose approach to performance blends endurance, mindfulness, and a deep respect for inner stillness. Jennifer didn’t start her journey…
- What is Purposeful Swimming? Matt Moseley's Aquatic Mission. EP 283
This episode has one of the best comeback stories ever! It's filled with genuine emotion and inspiration and will have you thinking about the purpose of your next swim. Matt Moseley — a man whose life is fueled by purpose, storytelling, an…
- The Secret to Olympic & Masters Legend Rick Colella's Lifelong Success, EP 282
Ready for an extraordinary tale of athletic longevity? At 73 years old Rick Colella's swimming journey spans from Olympic medals to over 50 Masters World records, proving that athletic excellence knows no age limits. Colella's remarkable c…
- Mastering Mindset: All-American Sara Dunn Navigates Life’s Hardships, from Injury to Grief, EP 281
When life throws its hardest challenges—divorce, injuries, the loss of a beloved parent, and the relentless pace of a demanding career—what keeps a champion going? For Sara Henninger Dunn, it’s the unshakable mindset she’s honed since her…
- 60-Mile Shark Swim: How Lewis Pugh Toughs It Out to Save Our Oceans, EP 280
On May 26, 2025, Lewis Pugh completed one of his most daring feats yet — a 60-mile swim around Martha’s Vineyard in icy, shark-filled waters. Undertaken to coincide with the 50th anniversary of movie Jaws , Lewis’s swim was a powerful stat…
- How a Swimming Prodigy Rediscovered Her Love for the Sport: Becca Mann, EP 279
Pro Swimmer, Author, Screenwriter, Becca Mann's journey redefines what it means to be a swimming prodigy who grows beyond the confines of early success. At just 10 years old, she completed the 15K Maui channel, becoming the youngest to do…
- A 34 Year Winning Streak: Pro Triathlete Turned Masters Swimmer, Laurie Hug, EP 278
Do you have a streak going? Laurie Hug, retired professional triathlete and masters swimmer, shares her 34 year streak, training wisdom and remarkable journey from the deck of YMCA Masters Nationals Championships in Orlando. Her approach t…
- The Feel-Good-Comeback-Story of NCAA All-American Owen Lloyd, EP 277
A disqualification that turns into one of swimming's most viral moments. A champion brought to his knees in tears as officials strip away his victory. And a redemption exactly one year later that proves sometimes, the universe does give se…
- A Mighty Mermaid and Attorney with a Passion for Performance: Nancy Steadman Martin, EP 276
Nancy Steadman Martin is the only woman in the world, over 70, to break 21 minutes in the 1500 freestyle! What does it mean to be truly unstoppable at 70? Steadman Martin embodies this question as she continues to shatter world swimming re…
- Swimming Through Sorrow: Matt Mauser's Path from Loss to Triumph, EP 275
"Swimming for me was huge therapy," Matt explains. When Matt lost his beloved wife Christina in the January 2020 helicopter crash that also claimed Kobe Bryant's life, his world shattered. Just weeks later, COVID lockdowns isolated him fur…
- 90-Year-Old Tech Whiz Who Tracks His Swims With Smart Goggles, EP 274
Cal Beattie defies expectations at every turn. At 90 years old, he's not just surviving—he's thriving as a competitive Masters swimmer who only started racing four years ago and trains alone in a small town in Virginia. He swims unattached…
- 25 Year Lay Off Doesn't Slow Down Champion Steve Gold, EP 273
In this inspiring episode, we have an engaging conversation with 47-year-old Steve Gold, a swimmer located in Jacksonville, Florida who swims for the Bolles School Sharks Masters. Steve has redefined personal excellence through the sport e…
- College Club Swimmer Josie West Preps for Nationals, EP 272
Josie West, college club and masters swimmer, joins us to share her journey as a 21-year-old club swimmer at the University of Virginia, embarking on her first master's swimming meet. You'll hear firsthand how Josie navigated her inaugural…
- Aerospace and Aquatics Champion: Charlie Cockrell's Inspiring Journey, EP 271
Discover how a passion for swimming can seamlessly intersect with a high-powered career in aerospace engineering through the story of Charlie Cockrell. As the Director of Engineering at NASA Langley Research Center, Charlie takes us on a j…
- Olympic Champion Katharine Berkoff Reflects on Her Journey and the NC State Legacy, EP 270
Today, we’re diving into a truly memorable interview with Olympic champion Katharine Berkoff. Recorded during NC State’s 50th-anniversary celebration of women’s swimming, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of Katharine’s journey, her…
- Sports Agent to Olympic Stars Has a Passion for Swimming: Cejih Yung, EP 269
Get ready to be inspired as we bring you an exclusive conversation with Cejih (CG) Yung, a prominent sports agent and accomplished swimmer, on a special short format edition of Champion's Mojo from the pool deck. Cejih, who represents Olym…
- How to Train Alone or On A Ship: Why Alison Hayden’s Story Inspires Us, EP 268
In this compelling interview, Allison Hayden, a 53 year old multi-national champion swimmer with the St. Pete Masters, shares her journey and triumphs as a versatile athlete excelling in multiple disciplines. Known for her prowess in the 2…
- Empowering Swimmers and Coaches: SwimRVA's Jonathan Kaplan, EP 267
Whether you’re a coach, swimmer, or simply a sports enthusiast, this episode will inspire you with insights into the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and connection. Dive into this episode as Jonathan Kaplan, the visionary…
- Warning to Swimmers: My Nightmare With Eczema From My Goggles, EP 266
Swimmers are more likely to get eczema because of the drying nature of chlorine. 31 Million Americans have eczema, an itchy skin condition. What if the solution to your itchy skin is causing more harm than good? Join me, Kelly Palace, for…
- Would You Swim on Vacation? Britta O'Leary's Masters Swimming Journey, EP 265
Elite masters champion Britta O'Leary, a member of Georgia Masters, joins us to share her inspiring journey as she transitions into the 40-44 age group. Britta offers an inside look at her recent experiences at the South Carolina Short Cou…
- Racing & Business Insights with Olympic Coach Dudley Duncan, EP 264
Coach Dudley Duncan, a legend with over five decades on the pool deck, joins us to unravel the art of swimming and the strategic nuances of racing. Promising a fresh perspective, Coach Duncan underscores the importance of keeping the sport…
- 8 Point Plan to Finish 2024 Strong During the Holidays and Set Up Success in 2025, EP 263
What if the key to swimming faster in 2025 lies in how you navigate the holiday season? In this energizing episode of Champion’s Mojo , hosts Kelly Palace and Maria Parker share eight actionable strategies to maintain fitness and motivatio…