Conversations with coaches, athletes, and thinkers about talent development, mental performance, and the craft of coaching.
Send us Fan MailFor years, conversations about athlete welfare have rightly transformed the way we think about coaching. But there's another side of the equation that receives far less attention:Who protects coaches?This week I'm joined…
Send us Fan MailWhy do parents keep intervening in coaching decisions—and why does giving in usually make the problem worse?In this solo brief, I describe the fear underneath parent pressure: the belief that failing to…
Send us Fan MailDave Salo has coached at every level of the sport—from NCAA championships to Olympic medals—but this conversation isn't about workouts or sets.Instead, we explore the decisions that define great coaching.We discuss why…
Send us Fan MailThe head coach of Swimming and Diving at the University of Illinois Jeana Kempe joins to talk influences and the path of her coaching career.
Send us Fan MailDavid Marsh tells all about what his retirement actually looks like, and what he had planned if he was National Team Director. Debrief: David Marsh Chris DeSantis Download
Send us Fan MailTracy Menzel joins to talk GAIN, Diversity and why she’s back coaching in her hometown. Debrief: Tracy Menzel Chris DeSantis Download
Send us Fan MailRecapping the day I spent following around USA Swimming National Team Director Greg Meehan at last week’s Indy Pro Series event. Bonus Pod: A Day with Greg Meehan Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDave Durden joins to discuss how he approaches his unconventional start at Cal and his approaches to recruiting and hiring. Debrief: Dave Durden Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailMegan Devito, a high school swim coach and performance mindset coach, joins to talk shop on the value of coaching. Debrief: Megan Devito
Send us Fan MailThe CEO of USA Swimming joins to share what he’s learned in his nine months on the job and what he thinks is possible for the future. Debrief: Kevin Ring
Send us Fan MailFormer National Team and World Champion rower Cara Stawicki joins to talk shop and even turns the tables on me. Links for Cara:Website: https://carastawicki.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carastawicki/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-stawicki-6059196/Book a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/carastawicki/discovery?month=2026-04 Debrief: Cara Stawicki
Send us Fan MailOrganizing my big picture reflections on the stupidest event in swimming history, and all the losers who tried to make it work. riverside_christopher_swim_brief (1)
Send us Fan MailBig shout out to the IDGI Podcast with Nate McKay and Kyle Johnson for helping me out with this week’s pod. Listen to hear me get interviewed by the guys, plus some…
Send us Fan MailGlenn Mills, the owner and founder of Goswim, 1980 Olympian and all around man about the sport, joins to talk about what he sees in the swimming world. Debrief: Glenn Mills Chris…
Send us Fan MailAn old friend of the podcast, Kyle Johnson, returns to share his wisdom. Kyle also has a podcast, which you can follow for me to be on soon. Debrief: Kyle Johnson Returns…
Send us Fan MailJames Marshall of GAIN and Excelsior Athletic Club joins to talk how he came to coach three sports, knowledge sharing and the athletic insights of Nassim Taleb. Check out his website: https://excelsiorgroup.co.uk/Link…
Send us Fan MailFirst podcast of the book club, featuring USA Swimming’s Corey Manley. We discuss previous guest Kristoffer Henriksen’s book All You Need to Know About Talent Development. The book was co-authored with Carsten…
Send us Fan MailIn preparation for book clubbing with Corey Manley, I break down how I communicate about talent with coaches and athletes. Solobrief: How to Talk About Talent Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailCelebrating 1000 followers on instagram by taking listener questions. Want to have your question answered on the pod? Listen to the end of the pod for instructions! Special 1000 Follower Solobrief Chris…
Send us Fan MailThe recently named CSCAA Division III Coach of the year, Peter Casares of Bates College, joins to recap the year and talk about getting a walk on to a National Championship. Plus,…
Send us Fan MailNorthwestern Swimming and Diving Head Coach and College Swim Coaches Association President Rachel Stratton-Mills to share her approach to coaching. Debrief: Rachel Stratton-Mills Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDr. Randy Wilber is a Senior Sport Physiologist at the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He has worked with numerous Olympic medalists across multiple sports. I press him…
Send us Fan MailRenowned Danish sports psychologist Kristoffer Henriksen joins to discuss his life’s work on athlete development and changing the narrative around what it means to be competitive. Debrief: Kristoffer Henriksen Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailThe head coach of Women’s Swimming and Diving at UCLA joins to talk about single gender coaching, making her way to UCLA and sharing knowledge. Debrief: Jordan Cordry Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailAdrian Radulescu is the two-time Olympic coach of Romania, best known for his guidance of phenom David Popovici. In this podcast we talk about how he came to be a coach and…
Send us Fan MailOn the eve of the B1G Championship, Brian Schrader went off on the new format and qualification for the NCAA Division I Championship. I respond to what he said and try to…
Send us Fan MailDominique Diezi joins with stories of swimming and coaching both in Switzerland and the US. Debrief: Dominique Diezi Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailMy former colleague and the Head of Knowledge and Innovation for Danish Swimming Christine Eilertsen joins to talk about her outlook on talent development. Debrief: Christine Eilertsen Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailFresh off his team setting yet another NCAA DII record, Nova Southeastern’s Ben Hewitt joins to discuss how he ended up at the top program in DIi and the lessons he has…
Send us Fan MailNiklas Brix joins to discuss trying out for the Danish Frogmen, leadership and dealing with peer pressure from other coaches. Debrief: Niklas Brix Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailMusings on why we train swimmers in the groups that we do, and how much specificity is enough. Solobrief: The Psychology of Group Size Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailMatt Sprang has been a coach, owned a swim club and now he’s moving on to the next chapter of his professional live. We get together to discuss what he’s up to…
Send us Fan Mail“Debriefing” the Aqua Clinic in Nyborg Denmark, with highlights from a USOPC Sport Scientist and David Popovici’s coach Adrian Radulescu. Debrief: Aqua Clinic 2026 Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailCoach and author Chris Da Sie joins to talk about his recently published book, from Pressure to Podium. Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5PW4HSRBN.com - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pressure-to-podium-chris-da-sie/1148919655IG - https://instagram.com/betweenlapsYouTube - https://youtube.com/betweenthelaps Debrief: Chris Da Sie, From Pressure to…
Send us Fan MailSumming up the year that was Swim Brief in 2025- thoughts on gratitude, the future and all the amazing things I got to be a part of this past year. The State…
Send us Fan MailBreaking out the all caps for the return of Joel Rollings. We discuss his new position at Marquette and get his takes on NCAA, Enhanced Games and more. Debrief: Joel Rollings Chris…
Send us Fan MailSusie Johnson, coach and author of not-your-average-mom.com joins to discuss her blog and life lessons from raising five kids in the sport. You can read her full blog here or follow on…
Send us Fan MailSamantha Livingstone joins to discuss her new podcast, evaluating coaches on more than performance and more. Debrief: Samantha Livingstone Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailGreg Meehan returns in his new role to talk about what he’s actually doing to change the direction of USA Swimming. Debrief: Greg Meehan (Now as National Team Director) Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailThis Thanksgiving, we talk to somebody with a nearly 60 year history of coaching in the sport. Come for the wisdom of coaching 8 and unders and stay for the story of…
Send us Fan MailWhat can a coach do to prepare for mid-season? I work through my checklist for coaches. Solo Brief: Mid Season Checklist Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailEric Anderson joins me to talk about a coaching adventure that has taken him from Canada to Denmark and now in Malaysia. Debrief: Eric Anderson Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailASCA Board Member, past president and Albany Academy Assistant AD Mike Murray and I survey the youth sports landscape. Mike makes a stunning admission about himself as a sports parent. Debrief: Mike…
Send us Fan MailRay Looze joins to talk about taking risks, how to train athletes for international competition, training the Shackell siblings and handling the disappointment of being left off the 2024 Olympic Staff. Debrief:…
Send us Fan MailGlenn Neufeld joins to talk Mental Dryland clinics and some of the gaps it aims to address. No David Arlucks were actually harmed in the production of this podcast. Are We Coming…
Send us Fan MailChris Webb of GAIN and the Sarasota Sharks joins to talk about my participation in an upcoming event with GAIN and share coaching wisdom. For more information on GAIN and the Master…
Send us Fan MailI sit down with Dave Rolling of FGCU and Princeton’s Matt Crispino to talk about the recent changes to the NCAA format that have the swimming world abuzz. Nerd Alert: NCAA Changes…
Send us Fan MailJake Gibbons is more than just a coach at Bolles. We address his recent viral post on Instagram, team culture and how to present yourself responsibly on social media. Debrief: Jake Gibbons…
Send us Fan MailCoaching legend George Kennedy, seven-time NCAA Division III Coach of the year, joins to talk about kindness, his legacy and more. Debrief: George Kennedy Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailLongtime friend of the podcast Jenn Verser joins to talk all things coaching, especially focused on disordered eating, perfectionism and finding your why. Debrief: Jenn Verser Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDavid Guthrie is one of the greatest masters swimmers of all time, and he joins to share his journey across three decades. Debrief: David Guthrie Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailI answer listener questions about goals and tell you how I approach goal setting with individuals. All Your Goal Questions Answered Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDave Rollins joins with newcomer Graham Carpenter to talk about how to make a career in college swimming. We share perspectives from our first ways into the business along with what’s changing.…
Send us Fan MailMitch Lyons, lawyer and basketball coach, joins to discuss creating a curriculum for coaches to break from from harmful historical norms. You can find his guide here. If you want to donate…
Send us Fan MailTrever Gray drops by to give free advice on nutrition and more. For access to Trever’s coaching go to https://www.streamlinednutrition.com/. To donate to the podcast click on the following link. Nerd Alert:…
Send us Fan MailIn the midst of some of the sport luminaries fighting online, I try to offer something proactive into the mix. Posted before I went on vacation, but don’t worry more podcasts to…
Send us Fan MailSusan Sotir has a PHD in Sports and Exercise Psychology, has coached swimming (including me) and is currently a USA Triathlon Level III coach. We reminisce about the old days and trade…
Send us Fan MailThe United States Team was #1 on the medal table- so why does it feel like everyone thinks the world is falling? I react to the dominant narratives around Team USA, high…
Send us Fan MailMatt Hurst joins to discuss our adoptive father, movies, covid and Ted Lasson. Yes, you read the description correctly. Click here or follow this link to support the podcast: https://chrisdcoach.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=67bb3eedee44bf75a726ca51 Debrief: Matt…
Send us Fan MailBrian Barnes is the head coach of Duke Swimming and Diving. We talk about letting go of being a perfect parent, having a vision and maintaining positivity. Debrief: Brian Barnes Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailStefanie Williams Moreno is the head coach of Women’s Swimming and Diving at the University of Georgia.Click here to support the podcast with a one time donation. riverside_stef_williams _ jul 14, 2025…
Send us Fan MailNancy Hogshead is the founder and CEO of Champion Women, and she joins to discuss sexual abuse reforms in the sporting world and transgender participation in women’s sports. Debrief: Nancy Hogshead Chris…
Send us Fan MailMcGee Moody joins to share insight from a career both inside and outside of swimming. Debrief McGee Moody Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailNC State Swimming and Diving head coach and Singapore World Championships head coach for Team USA Braden Holloway joins to discuss the big summer meets, how to build a team from the…
Send us Fan MailTrever Gray joins to talk about my blog post on Positive Masculinity, and then about Streamlined Nutrition and his pursuit of golf greatness. streamlinednutrition.com Positive Masculinity w/Trever Gray Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDave Rollins joins to swap stories about he we met our wives, and how to navigate partnership with coaching. Coaching and Having a Partner w/Dave Rollins Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailI respond to listener questions and comments, as well as the ongoing developments around Brett Hawke and the Enhanced Games. "Enhanced" Part Two Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailI bring on fellow podcaster Ahmad Zeid to talk about his foray into podcasting and his thoughts on the way that swimming is covered. Debrief: Ahmad Zeid (Big Friendly Swim Podcast) Chris…
Send us Fan MailMark Bernardino recently announced his retirement from coaching, so I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions about what he’s learned over 50 years. Debrief: Mark Bernardino Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailBrett Hawke things going all in on performance enhancing drugs is the path forward for sports. My thoughts on his move. Brett Hawke Tries to "Enhance" Swimming Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailChapman University Head Coach Juliet Suess joins me to talk about the history of swimming, inclusion and integrating psychological practices into your daily. Debrief: Juliet Suess Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailWhat does a coach do with the oddball schedule and random pockets of time to complete their life? Life Outside of Coaching w/Dave Rollins Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDave Rollins joins to troubleshoot the profession of coaching and the life that happens outside and with it. Work/Life Harmony w/Dave Rollins Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailThe man with a bio a mile long joins the podcast for a wide ranging discussion coaching and personal development. Bob Bowman Chris DeSantis Permalink
Send us Fan MailDave Rollins comes in to help answer a listener question about “ego based coaching”. Ego Based Coaching w/Dave Rollins Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDave Dow checks in from The College of New Jersey, a special place within the college swimming eco system. Dave Dow Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailI had the chance to talk to a different crowd. Here’s what I learned. Outside Insights Chris DeSantis Permalink
Send us Fan MailDave Rollins joins to talk about what’s going on at Florida Gulf Coast and the potential the school sees in the current collegiate landscape. Dave Rollins Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailRob Fox joins to share a frequent topic of our coaching conversations. Solving Your Own Problems ft. Rob Fox Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailDave Denniston, the head coach of University of Wyoming, joins to share some good news from the world of college swimming. Wyoming Upgrading Swimming with Dave Denniston Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailI go solo to give my take on the most recent USA Swimming CEO debacle and the ongoing developments in college swimming. USA Swimming CEO+College Cuts Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailMike Peyrebrune joins once again to share sports science insights from training three Olympic gold medalists. Training Adlington, Peaty and Wiffen Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailI’m speaking at the CSCAA annual meeting! I brought on Sam Barany to discuss the event and all the major issues facing college swimming. Samantha Barany, Executive Director CSCAA Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailKim Dietrichsen, Head of Coaching in Danish Swimming, joins to talk how he became a “coach of coaches” and trade knowledge. Kim Dietrichsen: Coaching Coaches Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailIn Sweden I spent three hours talking to a guy I’d just met, then I invited him to come on the podcast. Listen and find out why I found Misja Klevstig so…
Send us Fan MailJakub Maly, former international competitor for Austria, Minnesota student-athlete and fellow recovering coach, joins the podcast to discuss life, family, and coaching. Jakub Maly Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailMike Peyrebrune, sport scientist and high performance coach at Loughborough University, joins to talk about applying sport science. Mike Peyrebrune Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailMy wife and Chairman of the Board joins to discuss some concepts of Positive Psychology in the workplace. Positive Psychology in the Work Place Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailHot off an awesome weekend with coaches, I give my review of the weekend for posterity. Reviewing WADC Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailThe coach of the defending Men’s Division 1 National Champions joins to talk about Short Course Worlds, team culture and his process for constant learning. Herbie Behm Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailNeil Yost, the coach of the Men’s and Women’s teams at Mount Saint Mary’s. He shares his unique perspective on coaching in what he calls the “Mid-House” era. Mid-Major Coaching in the…
Send us Fan MailNico Messer returns to talk juggling coaching a team and working with Swiss Army athletes and share insights on AI from his recently completed computer science degree. Sign up for proswimworkouts with…
Send us Fan MailRicki Clausen joins to talk about the development of Scandinavian Athletes, a model for directly funding elite swimmers. Ricki Clausen: Direct Swimmer Funding Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailThe Head Coach of Swimming and Diving from THE Ohio State University joins me for a wide ranging conversation. Bill Dorenkott Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailThe director of swimming at Poseidon Swim Club in Lund, Sweden joins to discuss the upcoming WADC conference, the Swedish Center for Aquatic Research, and inviting himself onto the pool deck at…
Send us Fan MailTrying to answer some unanswerable questions. What's Next in College Swimming Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailEternal friend of the podcast Glenn Neufeld to talks about another way to classify the skills of coaches. Science, Art and Psychology ft. Glenn Neufeld Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailAshley Eckermann of Maximize the Mind gets invited back to talk ego, confrontation and mental skills that go beyond sports performance. Ashley Eckermann Returns Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailKatie Davis, an accountant for athletic departments through her work at James Moore & Co, gives insight into the post-House settlement landscape. Katie Davis Chris DeSantis
Send us Fan MailGreg Meehan talks Olympic coaching, Torri Huske’s magical year and harmonizing your coaching and personal life. Greg Meehan Chris DeSantis
New conversations with coaches, athletes, and thinkers on the craft of coaching and talent development.
