SMOGCAST

Life is tough, we all know this. Are you making things more difficult on yourself? Your experience is something that only you get to have, so why not make it the best possible? While this may sound too easy, there are some conscious efforts you can make to approach all of life with ease. EASE is the focus of today’s episode of INWARD with Kelsey and Bryan. They will feed you new ideas on how to always put your best foot forward internally and FLOW. Simply, be easy on yourself! www.theswimmechanic.com https://www.kelseyabbott.com/

On this SMOGcast I want to share my experience in finding purpose behind my passion because, honestly it took me a while to see this clearly. To me, passion seems pretty easy to identify and define, but in order for it to reach its fullest expression and ultimately, VALUE, there needs to be purpose behind it. It must be shared with others in a such a way that theyre left inspired and empowered to tap into their own brilliance.  I hope you can take something from my experience in finding significance in my life and inspire you to begin playing BIG! After all, we don’t have much time to put our gift out into the world and thats precisely why were all here. www.theswimmechanic.com

Bryan and Kelsey talk about one very small, simple and often overlooked thing. GRATITUDE. It feels pretty good when someone shows you appreciate for the things you do, right? It also feels good to give those same compliments, doesn’t it? On today’s episode, the third in the INWARD series, we explore the concept of being grateful, the endless list of benefits from it and how to do more of that good stuff. This is definitely a bright and shiny conversational and I hope it leaves you inspired to put more love out there! www.theswimmechanic.com www.kelseyabbott.com  

On this episode, Bryan and Kelsey examine the word communication: it’s chronology, how it’s changed, and why so many people are terrible at it. Bryan believes communication to be the most important facet of connection and that you can’t have one without the other. So, whether you’re trying to relay a message to your coworker, make a pitch to your staff, or have a difficult talk with your spouse, you can benefit from the incredibly simple tools for communication laid out in this episode. It’s literally just one thing and you may be surprised to find out the missing ingredient for most people. SMOGgers, get comfy for another episode of INWARD with Kelsey Abbott. www.theswimmechanic.com www.instagram.com/theswimmechanic https://www.kelseyabbott.com www.instagram.com/kelseyabbottcpc

Dubbed “The Rainman of Swimming”, Mike Rosen has an insane thirst for and knowledge of all things swimming. Mike lives in Stockholm, and travels all over the world every year as head coach of Sweden Open Water. Mike was a 19 time national champion swimmer in high school and has since raced open water on the world cup level with some big results to show.   With his encyclopedic knowledge of the world of swimming, he wrote a book simply titled “Open Water” and the english translation is available on June 4 from Chronicle Books. Check it out!   His most recent mission is one I’m particularly interested, being one to bring awareness to the open water, the community that can be created around it, and water safety - in the Maldives. We talk all about what this was like, how the locals received his message, and the plans he has for future missions of this sort.   Mikael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/human_ambition/   Beach Life Festival Contest: http://theswimmechanic.com/contest   SMOG Shades: http://theswimmechanic.com/shop/goodr-x-smog-limited-edition-sunglasses  

Overcoming fear doesn’t have to be a difficult thing. Bryan breaks down what he found to work for himself and the approach he’s taken with thousands of clients since then. People show up to SMOG thinking they’re going to swim, and of course they do, but the deeper stitched value is in their overcoming of fears. The ocean simply serves as a vehicle to bring them there.    SO, are you ready to take your fears, those both known and unknown to you, head on, full steam, courageously, boldly, confidently, with the knowing that you will be literally unstoppable after? Bryan is ready to take you there on this episode!   www.theswimmechanic.com

Mindfulness is about observation without criticism; being compassionate with yourself. Mindfulness equips us to navigate a world of cognitive assault. Mindfulness allows us to respond rather than react. As you are here now, reading the words coming on this page, you are practicing mindfulness, being actively present and finding the joy in this moment. By being here now, you are investing in yourself, in the quality of your day and how you feel about the world around you. Now, do you know how to maintain this? Do you know how to tap into this space when you need it most?   My good friend Kelsey Abbott and I love dissecting the psychology wrapped around human experience and today we discuss all things mindfulness. This episode is the official first episode of a new podcast her and I are co-hosting called INWARD - an honest, humble exploration of who you are, why and how to recognize the beauty around you, even in the most unassuming of places.    www.theswimmechanic.com   https://www.kelseyabbott.com

Don’t fear the teacher. Fear IS the teacher! In part 1, Bryan told his humbling near-drowning experience and how he set out to conquer his fear on his own. A couple years later, Bryan uncovered another fear that lived deep inside of him that was holding him back from who he wanted to be. He had the choice to continue turning his head or take his fear face on. Episode 41 shares this story.  www.theswimmechanic.com

Khalil is author of “I Forgot to Die” and the founder/owner of SunLife Organics. From the ground up, he built the concept around offering the most nutrient dense, organic, plant-based food with a high value on convenience. Today they have 10 locations and 4 more babies on the way this year, with no intention of stopping any time soon. When you hear Khalil’s story, you’ll understand the intimately deep desire to surround himself with the healthiest things in this world, thus born SunLife Organics, and his yoga studio Malibu Beach Yoga. Homeless and addicted, Khalil hit a rock bottom that may seem impossibly irreversible. He’s redefined the word transformation, rewritten the story of a Phoenix rising. “If I can do it, you can” tends to fall short. There’s typically not enough information or inspiration behind those words to ignite the flame, but after hearing Khalil’s story and hearing him say just that, you WILL believe it. You WILL believe we are all birthed with infinite opportunity.  https://sunlifeorganics.com https://www.malibubeachyoga.com https://www.amazon.com/I-Forgot-Die-Khalil-Rafati/dp/1619613743/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=2MDXAT046H26Y&keywords=i+forgot+to+die+by+khalil+rafati&qid=1552581377&s=gateway&sprefix=i+forgot+to+%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-1-fkmrnull http://theswimmechanic.com/shop/goodr-x-smog-limited-edition-sunglasses  

Cool, calm and collected. What does this really mean? Bryan believes it’s approaching a situation KNOWING that you can, that you are able, ok and equipped for it. Focusing on what is, rather than what is not. Understanding that circumstance is not truth; it's temporary. It's knowing that you will take away knowledge and wisdom from this; it's a teacher to you. Perhaps most importantly, it's NOT PERSONAL.    In understanding this, you can approach a situation/difficult conversation from the driver’s seat, not as a helpless passenger anticipating a crash. YOU are in control of how you perceive and receive the world around you.    www.theswimmechanic.com

SMOGgers, coming in hot, episode 38 has arrived! On todays episode, we talk about the the hard fought hours before and after your 8-5 work duties, and how to invest in them. Noah feeds us easily actionable ways to execute this and create the most productive, rewarding daily routine. No more multi-tasking constantly, watering yourself down, stretching yourself thin and being left only with an empty tank at the end of the day for your friends and family.    In Noah's 30 years as a professional artist, he’s tapped into potential that most would immediately discount is possible. At 16, he started his hustle, riding his bike door to door trying to sell art - painting signs, posters, whatever people needed. Noah was gifted with an insane level of creativity and when his parents were divorced at 9, he stepped up to help his mom out and create more for his family. It was during this time of his teen years that things really started to pop. He was being commissioned to make art for celebrities, which opened many doors within the next handful of years to painting the cars for Fast and the Furious, partnering with Disney to paint his own versions of the characters (which are now highly sought after works), creating the tattoos on Pink for music videos, branding campaigns for Lexus, Toyota, MTV, Microsoft, Lucas Film and more!    The most beautiful piece of Noah’s story are his charitable and ministry efforts. Noah and his wife Chantel launched a home in South Africa the “Ingane Forever Family Home” which has helped rescue and care for AIDS Orphans and those with special needs. Noah has built a life of significance, not simply of success. Noah created Noah University, helping mentor entrepreneurs worldwide into their calling and helping creatives and artists grow their platforms for a life of impact.    SMOGgers, this epsisode is JAM PACKED, so grab a pen and paper or take notes on your phone. Noah unloads some serious nuggets of wisdom and inspiration this SMOGcast.    www.noahelias.net www.instagram.com/noah.j.elias www.noahfineart.com

Bob Hasson is a businessman and leadership consultant. His greatest passion is strengthening leaders and organizations, with specific focus on developing sound organizational structure, fiscal responsibility, and dynamic relationships on leadership teams. As CEO of R.M Hasson Painting Contractors, Inc., which he founded in 1978, he established the company as a trusted partner serving general contractors across the Western United States. For over thirty years, he has been active as a consultant and board member for churches, ministries, non-profits, and school boards, and his wisdom has been sought out by many leaders and organizations. On the episode, Bob Hasson unpacks over 30 years of wisdom from the business world. What is one thing we need or crave? Safety. He emphasizes the power of leadership; not from a place of ego, but from a place of compassion, love, honor, and open ears. The power of community is a big part of what Bryan and Bob enjoy sharing. www.bobhasson.com

After Bryan’s 3 part series chronicling his anxiety based around competition and the internal struggle of not being good enough (032-034), Bryan reveals his first experience with fear, which was an open water swim. It all occurred in a lake in Texas. Conquering lake swims ultimately brought him to the Pacific Ocean in California where he both swims and coaches daily today. Unknowingly, Bryan was creating the methodology he uses today with clients around the world. Take a listen to his humbling story and his actionable advice to overcome your own fears!

From New York, to New Hampshire, Illinois, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and most of her childhood in Kentucky, Katya was transplanted from one small town to the next. Growing up in these rural areas, she thrived off of the tight knit feel of small town community. Katya has always been the athlete who shows up early and is willing to stay late. The athlete who keeps raising the bar, but keeps it to themselves, to be sure not to come off arrogant or overly confident. The athlete who will work until they get exactly where they want to be. From gymnastics to varsity crew at Stanford to finding triathlon at 19 to modeling to coaching, she’s always been ALL IN.   She took her pro card a few years into racing Ironman and 25 full ironman races later, she hung up the towel to be a full-time boy mom and wife, as well as a registered dietician. While she retired from racing pro triathlon, she is competitive in ultra running and throws down on epic cycling adventures.   On SMOGcast, Katya reveals her secrets to creating a go-get-em morning routine and how she presses mute on anxiety and excuses. She is the everywoman that knows how to commit, laser focus in on her goal and absolutely destroy it. Take a listen to the highly-relatable success story of Katya Meyers.   www.katyameyers.com www.instagram.com/katyameyers  

On part 3 of Bryan’s 3 part series chronicling his battle with anxiety and fear, he will catch you up to present day by sharing what he believes to be his most profound years of growth and evolution. Playing in his high school grunge band instilled confidence in himself, in knowing that people did in fact want to see who he truly was, in all of its awkward/goofy/sarcastic/unique ways. Bryan needed a collective of like minded folks to be there as he stepped into his fears and tested the waters of vulnerability. In breaking through to the other side of his specific fears (which  could be any fear/anxiety you have), it highlighted the truth that he could do the same with anything else in his way. Fear is learned and on this episode Bryan shares his biggest secrets of how to UNLEARN it. 

Bryan continues to share some of his earliest memories around anxiety and fear and the end of his swimming career. Bryan was confused that something he loved so passionately could also be so dreadful and vulnerable. He was his worst enemy when it came to performance and reaching his highest potential. From the pool, Bryan went straight to the drum set; he found an outlet that fulfilled his creative side, while having the support of a band, a community.  www.theswimmechanic.com

Digging back into the mental vault of your earliest memories can be vulnerable, at best, and terrifying, at worst. A strong foundation and scaffolding is being formed during these early years that will ultimately shape who you become in your adult life. For Bryan, he is where he is today for very specific reasons. His humble nature comes from a place of self acceptance, but this wasn’t always the case. In this three part series, Bryan reveals his world of anxiety and fear in his early years and in overcoming that, it’s become the hallmark for how he helps people today. 

Our guest Kelsey Abbott is a good friend and Bryan has also been on her podcast. When Bryan and Kelsey talk, the conversations take a beautifully free form shape that explores all over the place. On the SMOGcast they talk about how to define JOY and how to always see the joy in life, in the small, unassuming places. They discuss the intrinsic and universal nature of love, and much much more.    Our guest today is a Confidence Coach & "Instigator of Joy", a writer, a speaker and host of the Find Your Awesome podcast. Kelsey helps driven humans learn to really truly love themselves,  and embrace their own unique greatness and as she says, their SPARKLE.    Before becoming a Confidence Coach, Kelsey was a nationally-recognized science writer and marine biologist, working in DC, Seattle, Hawaii and Barbados, training dolphins and studying killer whales in the process. A competitive swimmer for most of her life, Kelsey transitioned to triathlons where she now competes at the national and international level.      Website: https://www.kelseyabbott.com/ Facebook: Find Your Awesome Instagram: @kelseyabbottcpc Get your free meditation series here: https://www.kelseyabbott.com/ Listen to The Find Your Awesome Podcast: https://www.kelseyabbott.com/podcast/

Today’s guest without fail will inspire you. Inspire you to dream bigger. Inspire you to approach the seemingly impossible goal. Inspire you to give it your ALL. Alyssa found endurance sports as a college student after entering the JFK 50-mile on a whim. Today, as a professional triathlete with over 45 ultra marathons and 30 iron-distance triathlons under her belt, she went on to face the biggest challenge/dream of her life. The Vermont Long Trail. A brutal 273 mile trail running the length of the state that happens to be the oldest long distance trail in the US, constructed in 1910. Somewhere along the way people began formulating the crazy idea of hiking through the enter trail in one fell swoop. Alyssa not only did this, but she set the record for the FASTEST KNOWN TIME in 5 days, 2 hours and 37 minutes.    On today’s SMOGcast we talk about the power of building a dream team, the support crew that will be by your side for anything in life, we talk about being prepared in life and how it truly will make or break you, we talk about finding success by trying your best and much much more.   Ironwomen Podcast Alyssa Godesky

CEO (Chief Executive Octopus) of Goodr, Stephen Lease has truly created something out of nothing. After a humbling realization that his athletic style had gone too far, Stephen set out to simplify the athletic eyewear space for the better... err Goodr. Stephen and Bryan talk openly about the importance of being true to who you are and more importantly, finding a community that supports and celebrates that. Stephen spells out his secrets to finding a niche in business and creating perpetual success. 

Sebastien retired in 2015 from a 15 year professional basketball career and life was good. On the morning of March 22, 2016, Seb’s world changed forever. Terrorists bombed the Brussels airport where Seb was traveling through. Nearly losing both of his legs, Seb committed to a life of overcoming perceived limitations and spreading his message that fear is an illusion we can all break down. Bryan and Seb talk openly about what goes through the mind when you’re breaths away from death, the happiness that comes from focusing on quality over quantity and loads more. Enjoy these profound lessons from Sebastien Bellin. 

Winter races usually mean cold water swims, so acclimation is key. The Swim Mechanic breaks down the process and explains how we perceive cold is both mental and physical. Acclimating to cold water is mind over matter and of course, practice. Bryan gives practical tips about how to prepare and practice for cold water using visualization, breathing, ice baths, and open water swims. Hint: visualize all the warm things!  

Stefanie Bishop is a modern day renaissance woman and the true embodiment of adventure. Having left a full-time career on Wall Street, Stef took a leap of faith to embrace her passion for adventure and ultra endurance racing. Everything she does is with a massive smile and all of her heart. Stefanie has won some of the most difficult endurance races ever, including Worlds Toughest Mudder and The Death Race (3x)! This conversation is all about listening to your gut and living from a fearless place of gratitude. Stef uniquely articulates the undeniable power of smiling and finding joy in every opportunity life delivers. 

With hundreds of suits to choose from these days, selecting the perfect suit can be overwhelming. It's most important to understand what makes a great wetsuit and what makes a great fit for your body. The Swim Mechanic details what to look for and the features that matter most.

Meet Tommy Cassano, an explorer and researcher in the areas of longevity, vitality and movement. He’s an executive coach, an uber outdoor adventurer and has run several 50 and 100 mile races around the country. Tommy created an incredibly successful proprietary detox program, helping people transform their lives; mind, body and soul. Today Tommy and I talk about quieting the “critic” and bravely moving in the direction of your life’s unique purpose. We talk about overcoming debilitating fear that can compromise your entire quality of life, and much more. Connect with Tommy at www.tommycassano.com !

Tempo is king in open water! The long, gliding stroke of pool swimmers sadly has little value for an open water swimmer and the swim mechanic will teach you how to dial in your ideal stroke rate. This locomotive, higher cadence will create greater efficiency and power in your freestyle. 

From decorated Marine to family man to America’s Most Wanted in three simple steps. Cain’s story is truly one of a kind; a transformational story of a man who turned his life around after a career in bank robberies and heroin addiction. On this episode of SMOGcast, Bryan asks Cain’s advice to other’s on how to truly look in the mirror and face the deeply-rooted fears from childhood. Today Cain mentors incarcerated men, is a motivational speaker and a spiritual advisor at the Agape International Spiritual Center.

On “Just another M(ech)ANIC Monday”, the Swim Mechanic gives a brief history on goggles, the modern day engineering behind them and how to select the perfect pair for your specific needs. 

The tables are turned and Bryan gets interviewed by the founder of Find Your Awesome, Kelsey Abbott. The two talk about everything from community to communication to the history of SMOG and how The Swim Mechanic came about, and much more. This episode provides a greater lens into who Bryan Mineo is and what lights him up. Kelsey Abbott is a Confidence Coach & Instigator of Joy, writer, speaker and host of the Find Your Awesome podcast. She helps driven humans learn to really truly love themselves, shed the "should's", embrace their own unique greatness and SPARKLE. Before becoming a coach, Kelsey was a nationally recognized science writer and marine biologist. 

The shoulders are vulnerable and the load of swimming can put them at risk for injury. The Swim Mechanic talks about the most common errors that cause loss of power and often times injury. 

Kaitlon Sandeno is an Olympic swimmer, motivational speaker, and commentator. At the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Kaitlin won a bronze in the 800 free at age 17! She also took 4th in 400 IM, and 6th in 200 fly. In the 2004 Athens Olympics, she won silver in 400 IM, bronze in 400 free, and gold and world record in the 4x200 free relay - a 17 year old record, they completely shattered.  Sandeno serves as the national spokesperson of The Jessie Rees Foundation. She’s travelled to hundreds of children hospitals spreading her message to “never ever give up” (#negu).   Bryan and Kaitlin openly talk about the struggles of being authentic in a social media world, ignoring the inner critic and pursuing the things that make you happy, regardless of what others may think. Kaitlin’s openness and ability to express herself freely is truly one of a kind and makes you want to get to know her even more. Kaitlin is a remarkable person inside and outside of sports and this episode will inspire you to go for “it”!

Known to be the most technical aspect of freestyle, the “catch” is simply the setup of the arm before the fun stuff happens - the power of the pull. The Swim Mechanic demonstrates his methodology on how to master the catch and gives drills in and out of the water to practice. This is part 1 or 2 on “the catch”. 

Leith McHugh loves beautiful, messy stories: the real-life mix of joy and playfulness. She is the creator of Brave Beauty & B2Teen, a community of hope geared towards celebrating joy in the midst of life’s pain. She is a connector, inviter & truth teller.  She authentically shares her story as a public speaker.  Most of all she’s crazy about her husband and three kids. Between the tears and laughter, Bryan and Leith explore some of life’s greatest lessons on this episode. Leith shares her story of overcoming the greatest heartbreak possible and how she’s turned pain and sadness into joy and gratitude. This episode of the SMOGCAST is truly for everyone and will give you greater appreciation for all of the good in your life. 

Want to know the most valuable skill for swimming in the open water? The Swim Mechanic reveals his three top tips on how to properly sight in open water and create the shortest swim course possible during your race.

Sally McRae competes in the worlds hardest ultra endurance races, including UTMB, Western States and Badwater - a brutal 135mi race in Death Valley, CA. Sally strikes a beautiful balance between being a professional runner, mother of two, wife and mentor/coach to other’s pursuing BIG GOALS. Today we talk less about her race stories, but more about how she got to be where she is today, the fears she’s overcome and how she maintains a life full of purpose and grace.

Our core is the often-overlooked element of freestyle that literally holds everything together. The Swim Mechanic details how to properly engage the core throughout the entire stroke cycle and the speed takeaways from doing so. 

Lars Finanger, a Houston Texan, by way of Sweden and Saudi Arabia, has worn nearly every hat in the endurance world, from writer to race director. Lars is the creator of the first SwimRun races in the US and has started an explosive trend.  Bryan and Lars openly discuss the fear behind taking a massive leap of faith into the unknown of entrepreneurship, the pride that comes with being behind a revolution, and passing on lessons in sport to your kids.

Perhaps the most widely debated element of freestyle amongst triathletes; the kick can be tricky to dial in. In this episode, the Swim Mechanic details the function of the kick, the mechanics of the leg and how to create efficiency from it. 

Steve Robles is an open water swimmer ( successful Catalina Channel crossing) and shark attack survivor. Steve recalls the terrifying details of his near death experience while he was out swimming with friends. Steve remarkably found a way to overcome fear and shares with listeners how to do the same.

Check your head! You head posture is make or break for fast, efficient freestyle. With a couple of simple focuses, you’ll have your head in the right place, literally, and be smoothly cruising through the water. 

Chatting with good friend Hillary Biscay today reveals the humbling truth of what it takes to juggle work and family life. Her prolific career in Ironman and Ultraman has perfectly prepped her for motherhood. Hillary opens up about what her day to day looks like now, with plenty of laughs and her always positive attitude! 

Perahaps the most overlooked aspect of proper swim mechanics, the breath can easily be tweaked to maximize your potential in the water. In this first chat with the Swim Mechanic, you will learn to regulate your breath and work with the water, rather than against it. 

Dan Simonelli is an accomplished ultra marathon swimmer, coach, and father. He helps athletes find their why and stay zen while going the distance.

Caroline Burckle is an Olympic Bronze Medalist, Co-Founder, and Mind Mentor for Rise Athletes. Today we talk about Caroline’s inspiration in the water, her mind being both her greatest asset and greatest limiter, and what its like retiring from a career as a professional athlete and having to find a new purpose and identity.

Chef Amber Caudle talks about the humility of facing her fears and how she found the courage to pursue her dreams.

Patrick Lawrence is an original San Diego SMOG member. Today he details some of his most personal experiences overcoming lifelong fear and how ocean swimming compliments his journey to live a higher purpose.

Grace Van Der Byl is a mom, wife, a world class open water swimmer, a national level pool swimmer, and world record holder for Catalina crossing and she details what kept her mind in a positive, productive place.

Welcome to the SMOGCAST! Tune in to hear a bit of my story and why we created the SMOGCAST.