Best Kelly Palace And Maria Parker Podcasts (2025)

1
How a Swimming Prodigy Rediscovered Her Love for the Sport: Becca Mann, EP 279 34:07

2d ago34:07

34:07

Pro Swimmer, Author, Screenwriter, Becca Mann's journey redefines what it means to be a swimming prodigy who grows beyond the confines of early success. At just 10 years old, she completed the 15K Maui channel, becoming the youngest to do so. By her teens, she was a seven-time US National Team member and two-time national champion. But after narrow…

1
A 34 Year Winning Streak: Pro Triathlete Turned Masters Swimmer, Laurie Hug, EP 278 17:02

16d ago17:02

17:02

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 contribut…

1
The Feel-Good-Comeback-Story of NCAA All-American Owen Lloyd, EP 277 36:24

1M ago36:24

36:24

A disqualification that turns into one of swimming's most viral moments. A champion brought to his knees in tears as officials strip away his victory. And a redemption exactly one year later that proves sometimes, the universe does give second chances. NC State NCAA All-American and ACC Champion in the mile (1650), Owen Lloyd's journey from heartbr…

1
A Mighty Mermaid and Attorney with a Passion for Performance: Nancy Steadman Martin, EP 276 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

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 a…

1
Swimming Through Sorrow: Matt Mauser's Path from Loss to Triumph, EP 275 32:35

2M ago32:35

32:35

"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…

1
90-Year-Old Tech Whiz Who Tracks His Swims With Smart Goggles, EP 274 18:09

2M ago18:09

18:09

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 athlet…

1
25 Year Lay Off Doesn't Slow Down Champion Steve Gold, EP 273 31:16

3M ago31:16

31:16

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 …

1
College Club Swimmer Josie West Preps for Nationals, EP 272 10:59

3M ago10:59

10:59

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 wh…

1
Aerospace and Aquatics Champion: Charlie Cockrell's Inspiring Journey, EP 271 15:03

4M ago15:03

15:03

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 a…

1
Olympic Champion Katharine Berkoff Reflects on Her Journey and the NC State Legacy, EP 270 16:57

4M ago16:57

16:57

Today, we’re diving into a truly memorable interview with Olympic champion Katharine Berkoff. Recorded during NC State’s 50th-anniversary celebration of women’s swimming, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of Katharine’s journey, her reflections on being part of the Wolfpack, and her post-Olympic life. Berkoff won gold in the 2024 Paris Summer…

1
Sports Agent to Olympic Stars Has a Passion for Swimming: Cejih Yung, EP 269 8:14

5M ago8:14

8:14

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…

1
How to Train Alone or On A Ship: Why Alison Hayden’s Story Inspires Us, EP 268 16:03

5M ago16:03

16:03

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 ment…

1
Empowering Swimmers and Coaches: SwimRVA's Jonathan Kaplan, EP 267 27:39

5M ago27:39

27:39

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 ov…

1
Warning to Swimmers: My Nightmare With Eczema From My Goggles, EP 266 13:09

5M ago13:09

13:09

Swimmers are more likely to get eczema because of the drying nature of chlorine. 31 Million Americans have eczema, an itchy skin condition. What if the solution to your itchy skin is causing more harm than good? Join me, Kelly Palace, for an authentic look at my chilling encounter with topical steroids. It all began with a little tube of ointment p…

1
Would You Swim on Vacation? Britta O'Leary's Masters Swimming Journey, EP 265 16:45

5M ago16:45

16:45

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 bus…

1
Racing & Business Insights with Olympic Coach Dudley Duncan, EP 264 53:11

6M ago53:11

53:11

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…

1
8 Point Plan to Finish 2024 Strong During the Holidays and Set Up Success in 2025, EP 263 17:32

6M ago17:32

17:32

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…

1
Filmmaker Finds Redemption in the Pool: Michele Kuvin Kupfer's Journey Back to Swimming, EP 262 46:43

7M ago46:43

46:43

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 Je…

1
Olympian and Champion of Chemistry and Kicking: Chris Stevenson, EP 261 18:21

7M ago18:21

18:21

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…

1
Two Sport Champion On Swinging a Club and Swimming: Tricia Good, EP 260 9:23

7M ago9:23

9:23

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 ab…

1
Swimming Through Challenges: Father-Son Champions Richard and Ian Neville Show Grit, EP 259 7:24

8M ago7:24

7:24

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 Mast…

1
At age 27 Jenna Campbell: Elite College Swimmer to Masters World Record Holder, EP 258 8:10

8M ago8:10

8:10

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…

1
Sage Insights from Surgeon and Swimmer Dr. Peter Yu, EP 257 12:15

8M ago12:15

12:15

Could a pediatric surgeon's sage advice revolutionize your swimming performance? Join us for a captivating episode of Champion's Mojo, where we sit poolside with Dr. Peter Yu at the US Masters Long Course Nationals in Mission Viejo, CA. As both a skilled surgeon and masters swimmer for Novaquatics Masters (NOVA), Dr. Yu offers a treasure trove of i…

1
US Olympian Dave Sims Returns to Swimming With a Unique Approach, EP 256 10:26

9M ago10:26

10:26

Can a former US Olympian and Stanford University Star rediscover the joy of swimming decades after his peak? A member of the Santa Barbara Masters, meet Dave Sims, who not only embraced the sport again in his 40s but also shattered national records along the way since returning to the sport two decades ago. In this fun on-deck edition of Champions …

1
World Record Setter and Surgeon Ellen Reynolds Raises the Bar, EP 255 39:47

9M ago39:47

39:47

What if you could shatter world records while excelling as a top pediatric surgeon? Join us for a compelling conversation with Ellen Reynolds, a master swimmer extraordinaire and recently retired pediatric surgeon, who has done just that. Ellen who hails from Boise, Idaho, opens up about her journey from learning to swim at age three to setting 20 …

1
Five Tips for Healthy Competition with Loved Ones, EP 254 8:37

9M ago8:37

8:37

Do you compete against your spouse, best friend, roommate, sibling? Ever wondered how to keep the competitive spirit alive without straining your closest relationships? Tune in to this week’s episode of Champions Mojo, where I, Kelly Palace, share five tips that will revolutionize how you compete against or alongside your loved ones. Drawing from m…

1
2024 Olympics Edition Honors Our Olympian Guests, EP 253 10:40

10M ago10:40

10:40

Imagine sharing the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games with a loved one in their final days. That's what I'm doing with my 94-year-old father, and it's a journey filled with tears, laughter, and endless inspiration. That's why we've been on a break for a few weeks. Join me, Kelly Palace, as I celebrate these unforgettable moments and explore the …

1
Humor, Clear Goggles and Health in the Fast Lane with Bill Winters, EP 252 13:02

12M ago13:02

13:02

Do you love your fins or paddles? Ever wondered how a Masters swimmer in his late 50s keeps up in the fastest lane with the "young guns"? Tune in to our conversation with Bill Winters, who shares his journey from collegiate competitor at Auburn to a dedicated member of SwimRVA Hammerhead Masters Coached by Jay Peluso. Bill opens up about the import…

1
Does the Triple Crown of Open Water Call You? Erika Beauchamp Answers the Call, EP 251 8:58

1y ago8:58

8:58

The Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming includes: 1) Swim Around Manhattan--28.5 Miles 2) Catalina Island Swim--21 Miles 3) English Channel Swim--21+ After surviving Breast Cancer at age 50 Erika Beauchamp decided to attempt the Triple Crown of open water. She has completed the first of three legs to earn this crown. We chat with her about her moti…

1
A Nation's Capital Treasure: Coach John Flanagan's 50 Years of Excellence, EP 250 13:03

1y ago13:03

13:03

As we celebrate a landmark 250 episodes of Champions Mojo, I'm thrilled to bring you an intimate conversation with a figure who has not just coached me, but also shaped the destinies of countless swimmers—legendary Nations Capital coach John Flanagan. Reconnecting with John, who has spent over five decades mentoring swimmers from the grassroot leve…

1
World Record Holder Zena Courtney's Dual Talents for Pool and Open Water, EP 249 15:59

1y ago15:59

15:59

Embark on an exciting journey with Zena Courtney, a master swimmer whose prowess extends far beyond her strokes in the pool. In a rare road trip among two great friends, we catch the afterglow of a spectacular showdown between Katie Ledecky and Summer Macintosh, through the eyes of a swimmer who knows the thrill and discipline of the sport inside o…

1
World Champion Angela Staab: It's Not How Old You Are, It's How You Are Old! EP 248 11:56

1+ y ago11:56

11:56

Meet Angela Staab, the octogenarian dynamo whose running shoes have blazed a trail through the world of track and field, capturing 16 national titles after lacing up for the first time at the tender age of 57. Her zest for life and competition has not only shattered records but preconceptions about what it means to grow older with gusto. In our con…

1
Destroy Mental Blocks and Boost Performance with Ashley Eckermann, Sports Psych Expert, EP 247 49:20

1+ y ago49:20

49:20

Unlock the secrets to mastering your mental game with sports psychology expert Ashley Eckermann, our guiding light through the mental mazes we often find ourselves in. Ashley unravels how mental blocks, far from being sheer acts of willpower, are instead physiological responses to stress that can throw off even the most skilled performers. Together…

1
Cavalier Aquatics Head Coach Gary Taylor on Thomas Heilman, Partnerships and More, EP 246 15:13

1+ y ago15:13

15:13

Head coach of Cavalier Aquatics, Gary Taylor, dives into the strategies that help lead his team to excellence among USA swim teams. In an engaging conversation with Champion's Mojo host Kelly Palace, Coach Taylor pulls back the curtain on the meticulous process of sculpting versatile, well-rounded swimmers, like USA National Team stand-out Thomas H…

1
US Masters Swimming Believes In Grown Up Swimming and Brian Robbins, EP 245 22:21

1+ y ago22:21

22:21

Remember that feeling of triumph when you touched the pool wall first during those childhood swim meets? We tap into that exuberant spirit with Brian Robbins, the founder and driving force behind Grown-Up Swimming, in an episode that will open your eyes to a new option for fun and competition for adult swimmers everywhere. You'll get the scoop on G…

1
Aquatic Activist and Masters Swimmer: Hasna Muhammad Inspires, EP 244 38:25

1+ y ago38:25

38:25

Want to know what an aquatic activist is? What Hasna Muhammad is doing to encourage the hugely under represented Black Women Swimmers? Then dive headfirst into an episode that promises to saturate your spirit with inspiration and courage as we're joined by the extraordinary Hasna Muhammad. Besides being a passionate masters swimmer, Hasna is a visu…

1
Sprinter Round Questions Answered by Kelly and Maria: You Asked, We Answered, EP 243 11:18

1+ y ago11:18

11:18

Listeners asked for the sprinter round questions from the Champion's Mojo Co-Hosts! So here it is... Ever been grilled about your quirkiest preferences or the simple choices that tell a story about who you are? Kelly Palace and Maria Parker are here to share their own, baring their souls over favorite sandwiches, ideal celebrity encounters, and the…

1
Heart Transplant Recipient & Swim Coach Chris Rowe's Inspiring Journey, EP 242 10:42

1+ y ago10:42

10:42

When life throws you a curveball, do you dodge or catch it and throw it back? Coach Chris Rowe caught his curveball and turned it into a cannonball dive back into the pool of competitive swimming. From swimming for Auburn to the cusp of Olympic glory, through a life in accounting, and navigating the challenging waters of a heart transplant, Chris's…

1
Year-End Nuggets from Our Top 10 Episodes of 2023, EP 241 10:29

1+ y ago10:29

10:29

Ready to kick start your 2024 with a dose of motivation and inspiration? Join us, your hosts Kelly Palace and Maria Parker as we take a trip down the memory lane, revisiting our top 10 favorite shows of 2023. We unwrap a treasure trove of insights from a wide range of incredible guests. #10 Name: Clyde Akbar Background: Masters Swimmer Started swim…

1
How Kelly Palace Broke 6 USMS National Records in 6 Different Events in 6 Weeks, EP 240 26:18

1+ y ago26:18

26:18

Hear the details of how Kelly Palace broke six national records, in six different events within a six-week span. Maria interviews Kelly who shares the challenges she faced, the 10 specific things she attributes these records to. You'll hear about her transformative experience of altering her swimming technique at age 62 helped pave the path to succ…

1
US Olympic Coach and Swim Parent Todd DeSorbo's Advice for Swimmers and Parents, EP 239 12:21

1+ y ago12:21

12:21

What happens when an Olympic swimming coach dons the hat of a swimming parent? We had an enlightening conversation with Todd DeSorbo, a parent to his own son who swims--we caught Todd at his son's swim meet. Todd also happens to be the Olympic coach for the USA women's swimming team in 2024. We delved into how he strikes a balance between supportin…

1
Making Waves at 93: The Inspiring Journey of Joan Campbell, Competitive Swimmer, EP 238 9:43

1+ y ago9:43

9:43

Get ready for an uplift as we share an inspiring chat with the marvelous Joan Campbell, founder of the Florida Aquatic Combined Team (FACT). A competitive swimmer who started making waves at the age of 59, Joan is now 93 and a true testament to the power of vitality and determination. You'll hear about her incredible journey of not just taking up c…

1
Former US National Teamer Bill Weaver Returns to the Sport EP 237 12:00

1+ y ago12:00

12:00

Bill Weaver from North Carolina Master Swimming has swum at the highest levels of the sport. And while most elite swimmers don't care to put themselves on the line in competition very often Bill has embraced it. Bill, with his infectious passion for the swimming, discusses his triumphant return to swimming post-COVID and how it's become more than j…

1
5 weeks to a World Record Relay Swim, Karen Torres, EP 236 10:36

1+ y ago10:36

10:36

When 56 year old Karen Torres, who had not swum a meet in 34 years, was invited to join a relay that was aiming to break a world record she hesitated at first. But then Karen committed to the 5 weeks of training before the event and was up for the challenge. Hear her story, from the nerve-racking return to the triumph, and how she navigated from pa…

1
Should You Warm Up in Your Tech Suit? & More From US Masters Coach of the Year Scott Bay, EP 235 9:34

1+ y ago9:34

9:34

Have you ever wondered how to maximize your performance at a swim meet? Join us as we catch up with the renowned master swim coach, Scott Bay, at the 15th annual Rowdy Gaines. Scott, the 2016's US Master Swimming Coach of the Year, hands out invaluable advice on how to approach a swim meet effectively - from a warmup routine that tunes your brain w…

1
Swim Fast Without Pain in a Race Like Masters All-American Deborah Dawson, EP 234 13:12

1+ y ago13:12

13:12

55-year-old Masters All-American, Deborah Dawson discusses her unique training schedule, Deborah spills the secrets of her impressive speed and endurance in swimming. Her mantra of feeling good, sleeping well, and eating healthy forms a vital part of her preparation, but it's her training regimes that truly steal the spotlight. From race stuff prac…

1
CEO of US Masters Swimming, a Champion in and Out of the Water: Dawson Hughes, EP 233 37:27

1+ y ago37:27

37:27

Dawson Hughes, the CEO of US Masters Swimming (USMS), started swimming when he was just eight, and now he stands at the helm of an organization that's making waves in the world of adult swimming. Listen as he shares his journey, his goals for the future, and some exciting initiatives on the horizon for USMS. In our chat, we dive into the heart of U…

1
Future's So Bright: Swim Melbourne Masters Magical Growth: Coaches Trinity & BJ Graham, EP 232 16:59

1+ y ago16:59

16:59

Meet Trinity and BJ Graham, co-founders of the Swim Melbourne Masters team. This inspiring duo built a now dominant team from a group of 19 swimmers into a thriving team of over 150. Assistant Masters Coach Mike Mirda was also instrumental is helping build the team. Besides planning and execution you'll hear some behind the scenes best practices an…

1
A Passion Returns After 48 Years Off: On Deck with James Lussier, EP 231 7:31

1+ y ago7:31

7:31

Have you ever wondered what can ignite a flame to rekindle a long-lost passion? Discover the answer as we engage in an energizing conversation with the inspiring James Lucere, a 67-year-old who recently dove back into his first swim meet after a staggering 48-year hiatus! Listen in as James shares about his journey back to the pool, his unexpected …

1
Masters All-American & Attorney on Swimming, Law, and Life: Denise Letendre, EP 230 24:12

1+ y ago24:12

24:12

Prepare to be inspired by our compelling chat with the unstoppable Denise Letendre, an accomplished US Masters All-American, who not only holds multiple records with her LMSC, but has also made waves in the world of law. As a lifelong swimmer, Denise's journey from a Division One swimmer to a Masters swimmer is nothing short of inspiring, revealing…

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Kelly Palace And Maria Parker Podcasts

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