Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide cover art

Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide

Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide

By: International Swim Coaches Association & UCANswim.org
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 Heavy Or Not: From the gritty pools of Pittsburgh to the ambitious rebuild of the Salmon Arm Aquatic Centre in BC, Canada, to the elite ISCA meets of Florida, this inspiring series follows a diverse cast of coaches and swimmers as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of competitive swimming. A thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the intersection of sports, swimming, AI, technology, and human potential.CC0 1.0 Universal Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Water Sports
Episodes
  • Capstone to Season 1 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide (podcast with folk songs)

    Capstone to Season 1 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide (podcast with folk songs)
    Aug 26 2025
    Season 1 of Heavy Or Not proves that swimming isn’t just about laps; it’s a dynamic ecosystem where mindset, technology, community and history intertwine. By applying these 50 lessons / episodes / jump-cuts about training the brain, fine‑tuning the kick, welcoming AI, building inclusive programs, and defending our pools, you’ll elevate not only your athletes’ performance but also the entire swimming culture around you.

    So the next time you’re planning a practice, remember: every stroke, every supplement, and every conversation can be a step toward a stronger, smarter, and more resilient swim community. Listen and react.
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    36 mins
  • Called Out: The USA Swimming Leadership Bubble with Demands for Transparent Reform from Michael Phelps and Gold Medal Mel (SwimSwam's Mel Stewart)

    Called Out: The USA Swimming Leadership Bubble with Demands for Transparent Reform from Michael Phelps and Gold Medal Mel (SwimSwam's Mel Stewart)
    Aug 16 2025

    Reforming USA Swimming: A Blueprint for Transparency, Athlete Services, and Grassroots Growth

    In episode #49 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we amplify and break down the growing, explosive, criticism of USA Swimming from Michael Phelps and SwimSwam publisher,  Mel Stewart. They, among many others, are exposing a leadership crisis that threatens the sport’s future.

    • Phelps points to the steep drop in U.S. Olympic medal share (57% → 44%) and blames weak board governance.

    • He presents a coalition‑backed, three‑step reform plan: independent board review, athlete‑first services, and grassroots growth.

    • Stewart labels the “Colorado Springs bubble,” highlighting excessive executive pay, stagnant athlete stipends, and a complacent financial safety net.

    • The board’s reaction—including a CEO bonus after a failed software rollout and registration decline—is dissected as misdirection and avoidance.

    • Concrete solutions are proposed: cap top‑executive salaries, tie bonuses to clear KPIs that also raise coach and athlete compensation, and prioritize grassroots revitalization.

    Links

    • SwimSwam editorial
    • Full statement from Michael Phelps
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    20 mins
  • Dr. Tom's App - From Classroom to Phone: How a Real‑Life Avatar App Saves Lives in Pools

    Dr. Tom's App - From Classroom to Phone: How a Real‑Life Avatar App Saves Lives in Pools
    Aug 8 2025
    Discover how Dr. Tom Griffiths turned an eight‑year quest into a free, lifeguard‑training app that simulates real drowning scenarios.

    Learn why it’s a game‑changer for both everyday swimmers and aquatic facilities.

    In this jump-cut of Heavy Or Not, #48, you’ll see:

    • The eight‑year development timeline, funding, and partnership challenges.

    • Real‑life‑based simulation scenes that train users to spot victims instantly.

    • Free public access and instant feedback that tracks performance and improvement.

    • A low‑cost subscription option for facilities to monitor lifeguard training data.

    • How the app supports drowning prevention and where to download it today.

    Many in the USA Swimming Community are in a funk as the CEO post remains vacant and results from the 2025 World Swim Championships were less than ideal.

    Michael, Ryan, Rowdy and others are sounding off.

    • This begs the question, Heavy Or Not?

    Jump cut #48 begins with a visit with Dr. Tom Griffiths, retired professor from Penn State University, founder of the firm, Aquatic Safety Research Group.

    Check out their app!

    Turning Drowning Prevention into a Game: Eight Scenarios Teach Quick Victim Recognition


    See:

    https://drtomslifeguardvision.com/

    https://aquaticsafetygroup.com/
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    9 mins
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