Masters Topics, Athletes & Coaches Interviews Episodes

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 simple systems that keep him fast at 54—and grounded through real-life storms. Kurt’s résumé is staggering: 100+ U.S. masters national wins, world records, the Triple Crown of Marathon Swimming, and Ironman finishes. Yet his playbook is refreshingly unfancy: repeat...

THIS EPISODE WON THE 2026 COMMUNICATOR AWARD OF DISTINCTION. Jennifer Comfort is a USAT-certified triathlon coach, Ironman triathlete, and open water swim observer whose approach to performance blends endurance, mindfulness, and a deep respect for inner stillness. Jennifer didn’t start her journey as a seasoned pro. In fact, during her first triathlon 20 years ago, she basically dog paddled through the swim, terrified to put her face in the water. Today, she’s a multiple-time Ironman and 70.3...

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, and water. From boardrooms to backstrokes, Matt is not just a world-record open water swimmer, but also a strategic communications expert, environmental advocate, and author of his recently released book, Soul is Waterproof. By day, Matt runs the Ignitio...

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 career began with a fourth-place finish at the 1972 Munich Olympics, followed by a bronze medal in Montreal in 1976. But what happened after his Olympic glory makes his story truly exceptional. While most elite swimmers hang up their goggles after reaching c...

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 days as a collegiate All-American swimmer and her enduring relationship with the water. In this inspiring episode of Champion’s Mojo, Sara shares how a fierce mental toughness, built from years of competitive swimming, helped her navigate life’s toughest lanes ...

THIS EPISODE WON A 2020 WEBBY FINALIST AWARD FOR BEST SINGLE PODCAST INTERVIEW. 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 statement to change the narrative about sharks and raise urgent awareness for ocean conservation. While this swim captured headlines, the deeper story lies in Lewis’s relentless mission ...

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 to swimming, coaching, and competition showcases how consistency, smart training, and positive mindset contribute to athletic longevity and continued success at the highest levels. Laurie is a member the 1776 Masters and swims in the 60-64 age-group. Laurie Lis...

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 records while maintaining a thriving career as a senior law partner. Her remarkable journey defies every notion about aging and physical limitations. She's also a mermaid--really! hIc3Qts4TFYqJBKxLkAP Nancy's swimming resume reads like a fantasy novel: world rec...

"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 further as he faced the daunting challenge of raising three children alone. In this profoundly moving conversation, Matt reveals how he returned to swimming—a passion from his youth—as a form of therapy during his darkest days. From the depths of unimaginable t...

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 with no team members and is amazingly disciplined. His journey from recreational swimmer to competitive athlete began after his wife passed away, when swimming became his solace and strength.hIc3Qts4TFYqJBKxLkAP What makes Cal's story remarkable isn't just...

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 earning All-American Honors while being a busy working Dad of four! After nearly 25 years away from competitive swimming, Steve's remarkable journey back into the water demonstrates the power of resilience and the transformative impact of pursuing one's passions...

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 400 IM event, her aspirations to qualify for the CCS National Championship, and the unique challenges faced when balancing competitive swimming with study abroad experiences. Get a glimpse into the supportive and self-driven culture of UVA's club swim team, pa...

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 journey through his dual life as a dedicated athlete and a committed volunteer with US Masters Swimming. Learn about his impactful role as head starter for the upcoming International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championships, and how his trips to the Space Coast fo...

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 Olympic stars like Lilly King, Katie Grimes, and many other champions, shares his unique journey of juggling a high-powered career with his passion for swimming. From his exhilarating experience at the Paris Olympics to his recent races at the Nationals, Cejih open...

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 200 butterfly and middle-distance freestyle, Allison dives into her unique training regimen, discussing the mental challenges of training alone in the Maine winter and her approach to maintaining motivation. Allison’s swimming story is as multifaceted as her st...

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 behind SwimRVA, Rapids Swim Team shares how he turned a small swimming program into a thriving community of over 580 passionate swimmers. Discover the secrets to creating an environment where swimmers, from kids to adults, feel empowered, responsible, and exc...

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 Course Meters Championships, revealing the delicate balance she maintains between her swimming passion and her bustling personal life. Despite a hectic year filled with extensive travel and family commitments, Britta's story is one of resilience and adaptabilit...

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 playful, even as athletes become more goal-oriented. His new book, "The Art of Swimming and the Game of Racing," offers strategic insights for swimmers and coaches aiming to elevate their skills and perhaps manage their own swimming clubs. Whether you're an as...

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 motivation between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. With the average American gaining up to 10 pounds during the holidays, they provide expert advice on avoiding setbacks and staying on track to crush your fitness goals. From setting a January swim meet as your motivati...

What happens when life's challenges pull you away from your passion, only to lead you back years later with a renewed sense of purpose? Michele Kuvin Kupfer, a former member of the 1980 Israeli Olympic swim team and filmmaker, invites us into her world—a world where swimming was once both an escape and a refuge. Despite facing hurdles due to her Jewish background and personal struggles, Michelle's return to the pool as she approached 60 is a story of resilience and transformation. Her journ...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Stevenson, an Olympian (Greece) and world and national holder in Masters swimming, chemistry professor, and long-time volunteer for U.S. Masters Swimming. Chris opens up about his recent return to swimming after a long hiatus due to personal and professional challenges, including the loss of his parents and a demanding role as the Chemistry department chair at the University of Richmond. He discusses how he navigated his time away from the pool, including ...

Imagine winning a national swimming championship at 53 and simultaneously preparing to qualify for a senior amateur golf championship--all in the same week. Meet Tricia Good, a phenomenal athlete from the Sarasota Sharks Masters, who shares her surprising journey of triumph at the US Masters Long Course Nationals in Mission Viejo. Learn from her about balancing two demanding sports and the mental strategies she uses to excel in both swimming and golf. With the guidance of her coach, Rick Walker,...

Get ready to be inspired by an extraordinary father-son duo! In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Ian Neville, a recent Summer National Champion in the 100 breaststroke for men aged 18 to 25, and his father, Richard Neville, a National Champion and World Record Holder in the 65-69 age group. Both are members of the Lone Star Masters Team. Ian opens up about the inspiration he’s drawn from his dad, and how their shared love for Masters swimming has not only kept them both at t...

27 Year Old Jenna Campbell, a former NCAA D-1 Swimmer at Cal Berkeley is a brand new Masters World Record holder for the 25-29 age group in the 200 long course meters freestyle with a blistering 2:02.06. Join us at the Mission Viejo pool as Jenna opens up about her unexpected triumph and the journey that brought her back to the water as a member of the Colorado Masters. From her competitive days at Cal Berkeley to rediscovering her love for swimming through a triathlon group in Colorado, Jenna's...