SwimStrong Dryland Podcast

Join us on this week's SSDL Podcast featuring Cal Poly swimmers, Alex Seybold & Cole Groom, as they share their firsthand experience of the unexpected decision to cut their program. Alex and Cole share their story of how they received the news, what the reasoning from the Athletic Director was, and how the swimming community can rally behind their program at this time. Support the Cal Poly Swim team by signing the petition linked in our Instagram story or by visiting the link below. Every signature matters.Sign the Petition to Save Cal Poly Swim & Dive

This week, Sean Workman, Director of Leadership Training at SSDL, joins Eric for a discussion on the true nature of swimming as a team sport. Supported by extensive research, the notion that team culture significantly impacts individual performance has been validated. Sean and Eric delve into the importance of team culture, its effects on the team, and much more, sharing their own poolside experiences alongside existing research. This podcast is a great listen for swimmers aspiring to become leaders within their teams!

3x Masters National Record Holder, Mike LaMonica, joins this week's podcast! Mike recently competed at the Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic where he broke the 100 SCM butterfly record for the 65-69 age group! Mike shares about his background in the sport, and how he made a comeback 30 years after originally retiring! Eric and Mike discuss how training is approached differently at the Masters stage, yet similarly in some ways. This is a great podcast for Masters swimmers, and swimmers of all backgrounds to check out!

SSDL's Director of Nutrition Programming & Research, Brittany Miller, joins the SSDL Podcast this week! Eric and Brittany discuss common nutrition “Myths or Truths?” we see among swim athletes. This is a FANTASTIC podcast to listen to if you're looking to level up with your nutrition. If you have any questions about what Brittany & Eric discuss on Episode 72, don't hesitate to reach out to us on our website or social media!

One of the first SSDL Athletes, Kevin Gillooly, joins the SSDL Podcast this week for Episode 71! Kevin is currently retired from the sport of swimming, but most recently competed at the 2024 Olympic Trials! Kevin competed for Rowan University during his career, was a multiple time All-American, as well as a National Champion! Eric and Kevin dive into his decision to commit to Rowan, his mindset throughout his career, advice for the recruiting process, and so much more extremely valuable conversation! This is one you will NOT want to miss!!! 

This week on the SSDL Podcast, we're joined by Kyle Ponsler, an NC State swimmer, who shares his incredible journey—from his early days in the sport to becoming a leader in and out of the pool! Eric and Kyle dive into his decision to join the Wolfpack, what life as a college athlete looks like, and the mindset that fuels his success. Whether you're a swimmer or just love a great story, this episode is a must-watch!

Coach Mike Koleber @coachmikenitro from Nitro Swimming @nitroswimmingjoins the SSDL Podcast this week! Coach Mike has an inspiring story rooted in his love for the sport of swimming, and helping athletes become better swimmers and people through that medium. Along with being the owner and founder of Nitro Swimming which just opened their brand new location in Kyle, TX, Coach Mike also helps adults from around the world learn how to swim! Eric and Mike dive into both of these topics and many more in this episode packed full of great advice for coaches, athletes, and parents alike. Be sure to check it out on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and anywhere else you get your podcasts! The SwimStrong Dryland Podcast will release a new episode every week, so be sure to subscribe for more! We also post daily content on YouTube Shorts! If you know anyone that would be a great guest on the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast, reach out to us on our social media (listed below) or our website: SwimStrongdryland.com! Check out the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast & other media on our platforms: Apple Podcasts: @SwimStrong Dryland Podcast Spotify: @SwimStrong Dryland Podcast Instagram: @swimstrongdryland TikTok: @swimstrongdryland Facebook: @swimstrongdryland Below is a list of our wonderful sponsors, along with links to more information: ⁠American College Connection Recruiting⁠⁠ Elite Athlete Fitness Equipment⁠ ⁠Trihard Premium Chlorine Removal Products: USE CODE: STRONG for a 20% discount on products!

On Episode 68 of the SSDL Podcast, we're joined by Aaron Baltaytis, a swimmer at Northwestern University with a powerful story of perseverance. Last year, Aaron was diagnosed with testicular cancer, leading to a 9-hour surgery and 4 rounds of chemotherapy. Now cancer-free, Aaron reflects on the experience, the mindset that kept him going, his journey back to life as a student-athlete, and newfound appreciation for the things around him. Tune in to hear his inspiring story on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. The SwimStrong Dryland Podcast will release a new episode every week, so be sure to subscribe for more! We also post daily content on YouTube Shorts! If you know anyone that would be a great guest on the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast, reach out to us on our social media (listed below) or our website: SwimStrongdryland.com! Check out the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast & other media on our platforms: Apple Podcasts: @SwimStrong Dryland Podcast Spotify: @SwimStrong Dryland Podcast Instagram: @swimstrongdryland TikTok: @swimstrongdryland Facebook: @swimstrongdryland Below is a list of our wonderful sponsors, along with links to more information: American College Connection Recruiting Elite Athlete Fitness Equipment Trihard Premium Chlorine Removal Products: USE CODE: STRONG for a 20% discount on products!

This week the Director of Rehab for the New England Patriots, Michael Akinbola, sits down with Eric for Episode 67 of the SSDL Podcast! This episode is PACKED full of great insight into the training and mindset it takes to stay at the highest level of athleticism. Eric and Michael explore the connections to NFL football and elite swim training, the importance of specificity in organizational success, and much more! You won't want to miss this episode! The SwimStrong Dryland Podcast will release a new episode every week, so be sure to subscribe for more! We also post daily content on YouTube Shorts! If you know anyone that would be a great guest on the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast, reach out to us on our social media (listed below) or our website: SwimStrongdryland.com! Check out the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast & other media on our platforms: Apple Podcasts: @SwimStrong Dryland Podcast Spotify: @SwimStrong Dryland Podcast Instagram: @swimstrongdryland TikTok: @swimstrongdryland Facebook: @swimstrongdryland Below is a list of our wonderful sponsors, along with links to more information: American College Connection Recruiting Elite Athlete Fitness Equipment Trihard Premium Chlorine Removal Products: USE CODE: STRONG for a 20% discount on products!

This week NC State Coaches Stefani Wendelschaefer and Dan Kalupski join the SSDL Podcast! In this episode, Dna & Stefani take a deep dive into the Wolfpack's team culture, mindset, and much more! This is a fantastic episode to check out if you are interested in what happens behind the scenes at NC State, or if you are interested in swimming there one day! NC State will be rounding out there season this spring with the ACC Championships & NCAAs, and we can't wait to watch them tear it up!!!

This week Crash Ackerly, swimmer for NOVA & Yale University commit, joins the SSDL Podcast! Crash is currently attending school and training in Taiwan and shares about his adventures over seas! Eric and Crash also dive into his beginnings in the sport, how he chose Yale in the recruiting process, and his mindset behind his success in the sport. This episode is packed with awesome advice for current swimmers, you won't want to miss it!

Tune into this week's SSDL Podcast as we speak with Lori Payne from American College Connection (ACC Recruits). Lori and her team offer essential resources and insights for student-athletes looking to navigate the collegiate swimming recruitment process. With their guidance, you can approach recruitment with clarity and confidence, reducing the stress and uncertainty often associated with this journey. Tune in to learn how ACC Recruits can support your aspirations of competing at the collegiate level.

This week, Alexia Sotomayor joins the SSDL podcast for episode 63! Alexia currently trains at St. Andrews in Florida, but also represents Peru on the international stage! Eric and Alexia discuss her beginnings in the sport, moving to the US to train, and much more about her journey in the sport so far!

@jrryswims joins the SSDL Podcast this week for episode 62! Jerry Chen swam for University of Pittsburgh, and represented them at many high level meets such as Olympic Trials. Jerry currently still trains to pursue his goals while finishing his graduate degrees at Pitt! Eric & Jerry discuss his beginnings in the sport of swimming, inspiration for creating his social media platform, finding success in swimming, and so much more! This is a great episode for athletes to listen to and gain advice from a seasoned veteran in the sport.

This week Olympic and World Championship medalist Flynn Southam joins the SSDL Podcast! This episode is packed with insight into the mindset of an Olympic swimmer, with Flynn sharing about his approach to training, improvement, and balancing swimming and life. You will not want to miss this week's episode!

Head Coach of the Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg (ATOM), Shaynah Jerrell, returns to the SSDL Podcast for Episode 60! Eric and Shaynah discuss some of ATOM's new leadership and culture-building initiatives this season, as well as many other topics, such as how ATOM has grown to USA Bronze Medal Club status.

This week NC State swimmer Bella Answeeney joins the SSDL Podcast! Tune in to hear more of her beginnings in the sport of swimming, overcoming adversity, and much more about her career! Eric and Bella also dive into some of the initiatives Bella is a part of to give back to the local NC State community, as well as advice for younger swimmers! You won't want to miss this week!

This week, Peyton Selts from Eagle Aquatics in Miami, FL joins the SSDL Podcast! Peyton, the 2023 SSDL Elite Camp MVP, trained with Eric over the last few years in Miami, and dives into his experience at Eagle & in the sport of swimming! This is a great podcast to watch if you're wanting to be inspired to dream big! Check out this week's episode on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and many other podcast platforms!

This week, founder of Elite Athlete Fitness Bands, Kevin Satler joins the SSDL Podcast! Coach Kevin provides high-quality bands for swimmers across the country! His unique approach to resistance bands provides a wide variety resistances so all athletes can progress effectively and safely in their dryland workouts. Check out this week's episode to hear about Kevin's inspiration to start Elite Athlete Fitness, the importance of resistance training, and much more!

Alex Martin, former team captain for the Michigan Wolverines joins the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast! Before SwimStrong Dryland was founded, Eric helped train Alex on his route to Olympic trials and collegiate swimming in a gym where Alex became known as “the Beast”. This episode is packed with stories from their time training together, great advice for current and former swimmers, and unique perspectives on our unique sport. Check out the SSDL Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and many other podcast streaming platforms.

This week, SSDL Legend and 2-time Monkey Bucket Award Winner (s/o Elite Camp) Porter LeVasseur joins the podcast with Eric!!! Tune in to hear more about Eric & Porter's relationship going back to 2012, their mindset and approach to coaching, and many more stories about how the two have ended up where they are today! You won't want to miss this week's podcast!

This week, long-time friend, and Head Coach of the Edwardsville High School boys and girls swim teams Christian Rhoten joins the SSDL Podcast! The Edwardsville Tigers have won 10 consecutive sectional titles on the women's side, and 6 consecutive titles on the men's side. Christian and Eric's friendship goes back to 2012 when they coached together for the Edwardsville YMCA Breakers. In this episode, the two discuss the relationship between club and high school coaches & programs, the importance of growth and having fun in coaching, as well as how SSDL first began! In 2017 Eric approached Christian with the idea of “SwimStrong Dryland”, and the rest is history! Tune in to hear Christian's side of that story, along with much more!!!

For the first episode of the new season, Brett Hawke returns to the SSDL Podcast to talk about his new role at The Swim Team in California! Brett and Eric discuss how the team will be structured, the mindset behind the training athletes can expect to see, TST Pro Team, and much more! Tune in to hear more about what Brett will be doing with The Swim Team!

This week, SwimStrong Dryland team members Greg Tymon & Chuck Andrews sit down with Eric to discuss the brand new SSDL Parent Program! Coming this fall, the Parent Program will be open to any and all swim parents who are looking to develop healthier, more active lifestyles. Chuck, Greg, and Eric walk through what the Parent Program will look like, and how to get involved! Reach out to us on our website or in the DMs if you are interested in joining!

After representing Team USA in Paris, Olympian Luke Whitlock and Coach Joe Keller join the SSDL Podcast this week! Tune in to hear more about the preparation Coach Joe & Luke put in place to secure his spot on the United State Olympic Roster as a high schooler. Joe & Luke also share their thoughts on Trials, the Olympic Experience, the mindset behind the training, and so much more! You will not want to miss this week's episode!!

Emilie Mosner, swimmer for Five Star Swim Club and Monmouth University commit, joins the SSDL Podcast for the 50th Episode! Eric and Emilie discuss her start in swimming, her journey through ups and downs in the sport, and how she found incredible success in the pool her senior year! Emilie's insight into the sport of swimming, personal improvement, and setting goals will inspire anyone who listens, swimmers, parents, and coaches alike! You will not want to miss this week's episode of the SSDL Podcast!

JJ Langhals, also known as @swimcoachJJ, coach for Excel Aquatics in Nashville, TN, is this week's podcast guest! This week's episode is a great listen for coaches of all backgrounds with plenty of insights and takes on swimming. Tune in to hear great insight into JJ's background in coaching, his inspiration to coach, desire to share knowledge and learn from others, and much more! You can catch this episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Emily Hamill, swimmer from Germantown Academy Aquatics and future Georgia Bulldog joins the SSDL Podcast this week! Emily shares her beginnings in the sport of swimming, her mindset & motivation to get to the level she has, her recruiting experience and commitment to Georgia, and much more! Tune in this week to hear her story!

Ron & Don Heidary, founders of Orinda Aquatics in CA join the SSDL podcast this week! Tune in to hear more about the Heidary Brother's start in coaching, their unique and effective approach to developing a club team, their coaching style, and their wealth of knowledge and wisdom on team culture and producing elite athletes. This podcast episode is packed with practical advice and insights that every coach, seasoned and new, should hear!

Tune in this week to the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast to catch Cassie Bauer in Episode 46! Cassie and Eric talk about her beginnings in the sport, why she loves swimming, support from family and friends, SSDL experience ,college commitment decision to FGCU, and so much more! 

This week, 2 time Brazilian Olympian and coach for Wave Aquatics, Tatiana Lemos joins the SSDL Podcast! Tune in to hear more about Tatiana's incredible career representing Brazil in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. Tatiana shares how she began swimming, favorite moments, her biggest takeaways from the sport, and perspective of now being a coach at WAVE. 

Eric is joined by Kk LeBlanc for this week's episode of the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast! Kk swims for First Colony Swim Team in Texas and is committed to swim at the Ohio State University starting in the fall of 2025. Kk shares about her beginnings in the sport of swimming, her training approach, mindset fueling her training & racing, and success over the past year. Tune in to catch more!

Charlotte Driesse, swimmer for Loggerhead Aquatics and Kentucky swimming commit joins the SSDL podcast this week! Tune in to hear more about Charlotte's mindset, training, motivation, and decision to swim at Kentucky!

Olympic Gold Medalist & Notre Dame Coach Kelsi Dahlia joins the SSDL podcast this week! This episode is packed full of great advice for swimmers looking to take the sport to the highest stage possible. Kelsi and Eric talk about her beginnings in swimming, journey through international competition, and transition to coaching & becoming a mom.

NOVA of Virginia Aquatics coaches Mike Wenert & Mike Julian join the SSDL Podcast this week! Tune in to hear more about Mike & Mike's backgrounds in coaching, their approaches to coaching, philosophy, training approach, and TONS of more advice for being the best coach you can be for your team!

This week's podcast guest is Sarah Rodrigues from Jersey Aquatic Club! Sarah & Eric discuss her beginnings in the sport, her mindset and inspiration to reach the level of the sport she has, and much more! Sarah also talks about her commitment to swim for Texas and gives advice for the recruiting process. Sarah will also be competing at the US Olympic Trials later this month! 

Lily King, swimmer for Mount Pleasant Aqua Club and NC State Commit, joins the SSDl Podcast this week! Lily shares about her training and mindset to get to where she is in the sport, goals for the future, her commitment to NC State, and much more! Lily will also be competing this summer at the United States Olympic Trials in Indianapolis!

Head Coach of Louisville University men's and women's swimming, Arthur Albiero, is this week's podcast guest! Arthur and Eric discuss Arthur's beginnings in coaching, his passion for what he does, and much more about Lousiville's team and growth under Coach Albiero over the past 21 seasons. This is a great episode for parents, prospective recruits, and coaches alike to watch!

Bailey Hartman and Raya Mellott, swimmers for the Crow Canyon Sharks in CA, join the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast this week! The two discuss their beginnings in the sport of swimming, meeting through swimming, their mindset behind their success, team culture, and commitments to both swim at UVA! They also share their mindset & experience helping win the women's team title at the 2023 Winter Juniors Nationals. Tune in this week to hear more of their story!

This week's podcast guest is Virginia Tech alumni and Hong Kong Olympian, Ian Ho! Eric and Ian dive into Ian's meteoric rise in his college & international career, his mindset behind his work ethic, and how he balances swimming at an Olympic level while also pursuing a doctorate degree. Ian also shared his unique experience in qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics amidst the COVID lockdown, and his experience at the Olympics themselves.

Head Coach of NC State University, Braden Holloway joins Eric for this week's SSDL Podcast! Tune in to hear more about how Braden started in coaching, his approach to coaching, NC State's team culture, and so much more! Braden provides practical advice for both coaches and athletes for swimming and life outside the pool. Be sure to check out this episode to learn from one of the best in the business!

Lilla Bognar, swimmer for Team USA & Team Greenville Aquatics, is this week's podcast guest! Tune in to hear more about Lilla's mindset, her experience in Doha representing Team USA at the World Championships, and much more! This podcast is PACKED full of amazing advice from Lilla about how to analyze a meet, have a great mindset, and stay accountable to the goals you have. Swimmers looking to take their swimming to the next level should take notes from this podcast!

Shaynah Jerrell, Head Coach of the Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg, is this weeks guest on the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast! Tune in to hear more about how Shaynah started coaching at ATOM, her experience as a female head coach, motivation and inspiration for coaching, and much more!

This week's podcast guest is Emily Thompson of GSCY! Emily is a standout swimmer who has qualified for multiple events at the 2024 Olympic Trials. In this episode, Eric & Emily discuss her beginning in the sport of swimming, mindset to fuel her work ethic, looking for the bright side in all situations, Emily's SSDL experience, and her commitment to Stanford! Emily will also be competing this week at the YMCA National Championships in Greensboro, NC!

World Record Holder Aaron Piersol & National Record Holder Bobby Brewer join the SSDL Podcast this week! Be sure to tune in to catch some amazing insight into the mindset fueling 2 of the US's best backstrokers in history. Bobby & Aaron also discuss their relationship together, mentoring each other through the sport, and teaming up as an agent/athlete duo leading into the Beijing Olympics. You won't want to miss this week's episode!!!

Victoria Edgar is this week's guest star on the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast! Victoria is a decorated swimmer and student for Bolles School Sharks. In this episode, Victoria shares about her powerful mindset to prove others wrong and chase after success, regardless of the obstacles in the way. She also discusses what it takes to be an elite swimmer & student, as well as her goals for the future.

Check out this week's episode of the SSDL podcast featuring the “Sprinter in Chief” himself, Bruno Fratus! Bruno is one of the best sprinters in the history of the sport of swimming, being the only person to go under 22.00 in the 50 LCM free over 100 times!!! The pair dive into the mindset that fuels Bruno's career, overcoming adversity, and what it truly means to practice SUSTAINED GREATNESS!

In this episode 28 of the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast, Eric Hudson is joined by the one and only, Kyle Sockwell. Kyle has been covering swimming news for the past several years on YouTube and social media platforms, and was a commentator for this year's Big 12 Championships. Eric and Kyle cover how Kyle ended up in swimming and eventually swim media. They also discuss the current state of swimming in regards to the attention it receives, money it brings in, and coverage it receives.

This week's SwimStrong Dryland Podcast welcomes Julie Mishler, a standout swimmer for Fisher's Area Swimming Tigers. Julie's prowess extends beyond the pool, as she's also a National Champion water skier. Join us for an insightful discussion about Julie's dual-sport training approach, her motivation during solitary workouts, and her commitment to swim for Louisville University. Tune in for a balanced and engaging conversation with Julie Mishler.

In this episode of the SwimStrong Dryland Podcast, Eric Hudson talks with Matt Elliott, swimmer for Irvine Novaquatics & Cal swimming commit. In their discussion, Eric and Matt talk about how Matt grew up int he sport, and eventually made his commitment to Cal. Last year, Matt was involved in a hospitalizing car accident while on his way to morning practice. Matt dives into his journey through that experience, the recovery process, and what his mindset has been like throughout it. Matt has an incredible story of overcoming obstacles & chasing after greatness.

Episode 25 of the SSDL podcast features Chad Winkle, head coach and executive director of WAVE Aquatics in Washington! Chad an Eric explore Chad's beginnings in swimming & coaching, as well as his journey to WAVE Aquatics. Chad explains the organizational structure at WAVE along with the many programs they offer. Chad provides valuable insight into how to maintain a high-functioning organization that values it's swimmers first.