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
  • Direct River Abstraction to Vertical Aquatic and Invites to Real Talk and Growth
    Jul 5 2025
    42 is with a call to action and some calls to meet. More from Mick & Sue.

    Protecting the Thames River near London

    A much-loved open water swimming spot near Teddington on the River Thames is at risk.

    Thames Water’s proposed Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme plans to remove up to 75 million liters of river water daily during droughts, replacing it with treated sewage effluent pumped year-round from the Mogden Sewage Treatment Works.

    This spot is more than just a body of water. It’s a sanctuary for swimmers, paddlers, rowers, dogs, and entire communities. Thousands rely on it for physical health, mental wellbeing, and meaningful connection.

    Simon Griffiths’s call in Outdoor Swimmer made this call to stop that plan.

    Here’s how you can help:

    Deadline: August 26, 2025

    Send an email to: TDRA@ipsos.com

    Use your own words, or adapt this message:

    I object to Thames Water’s TDRA scheme. Discharging treated sewage into a treasured recreational stretch of the Thames, year-round, is unacceptable. This river supports thousands of water users and wildlife. Sustainable solutions like fixing existing leakage—currently over 600 million liters per day—should come first. Please register my objection formally with the Planning Inspectorate.

    Let’s protect what matters. Share this episode. Take action today

    Mick & Sue Nelson, Colorado Springs, CO, USA, owners of Total Aquatic Programming, https://TotalAquatic.LLC
    • Check out the business meeting after the ASCA World Clinic and the Build-a-Pool event in early 2026 at AOAP event.

    From open water swimming alerts to business workshops, we've got you covered.
    • Discover the threats facing a cherished stretch of the Thames and how you can help.

    • Learn about the Aquatic Health Club model initiative and its impact on private and nonprofit sectors.

    • Get insights into the upcoming coaches Aquatic Business Workshop and its benefits.

    • Explore the importance of purpose-driven business in the aquatics industry.

    • Find out about the All Things Aquatics event on September 20th and how it can be a fun networking event for your aquatic career.

    The series with Mick & Sue started on episode #37. Feel free to play prior interview parts.

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    10 mins
  • Know the ways are the winds blowing: Saving grace on lessons, schools, a kayaker and AI
    Jun 30 2025
    Heavy Or Not #41 explores four critical topics. Concise discussion on pressing issues and innovative solutions.

    Exploring how NZ Drowning Prevention went into a floating frenzy.

    School closures and Equity Concerns raised in public comment by a parent with cutting perspective to Pittsburgh Public Schools.

    Canadian teen makes a heroic water rescue. She saves a kayaker in Georgian Bay, Ontario.

    AI Innovations: Real-Time Speech Translation and Accent Conversion in Google Meet and Krisp.

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    10 mins
  • Exploring Sustainable Pool Models: Balancing Subsidies and Private Sector Initiatives in Aquatics
    Jun 23 2025
    Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, #40. Innovative Pool and Team Management: Leveraging Private Sector and Community Partnerships

    Enhancing Aquatic Programs: Integrating Fitness and Health for Sustainable Pool Operations

    Insightful discussion with Swim OGs, Mick and Sue Nelson, as they delve into the challenges and solutions surrounding pool, team and aquatic management, planning and programming. Discover how innovative approaches can transform the future of swimming facilities.

    • Explore the financial fears and sustainability issues of subsidized pool models.

    • Learn about the role of private sector and entrepreneurial coaches in pool management.

    • Understand the importance of bridging the gap between swim schools and high school programs.

    • Discover strategies for effective use of underutilized pools across the country.

    • Gain insights into drowning prevention and the broader impact on aquatic health and wellness.

    Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes and join the conversation! Introduction of Sue happened on #37.


    More artwork on the Substack pages. See https://Substack.com/@rauterkus.
    Total Aquatic Programming is at https://TotalAquatics.llc

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    20 mins

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