Legendary coach Dave Durden joins Social Kick to talk culture, champions, and what really matters in elite swim training. As the head coach of the California Golden Bears, Dave has built one of the most successful programs in college swimming history, developing Olympic champions and sustained excellence. In this episode, he breaks down his coaching philosophy, why evaluating how athletes move in the water matters more than times, and how long-term planning shapes winning environments. We also dive into recruiting, building trust, and why Dave believes social kick might be one of the most important — and overlooked — parts of training. Whether you’re a swimmer, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and stories from one of swimming’s most respected leaders. Follow Social Kick and drop a comment with your favorite Dave Durden memory or your go-to social kick set.

Dude, what a year.” In this year-end episode of The Social Kick Podcast, the full crew — Bryan Lundquist, Dr. John Mullen, and Luke Paddington — gets together to close out 2025 by debating the most unforgettable moments in swimming. We break down the races that defined the year, from Leon Marchand skipping the 1:53s entirely in the 200 IM to Katie Ledecky breaking the 15-minute barrier at a home invitational. We also dig into the moments that sparked debate and disbelief, including the Florida relay disqualification at NCAAs, the removal of B-Finals from the NCAA format, and a “pool measurement” conspiracy surrounding world records. The conversation moves from jaw-dropping performances to the hardest training sets of the year — including a Sven Schwarz distance workout that stopped Bryan in his tracks — before wrapping with bold predictions and personal goals heading into 2026. Topics include: Race of the Year debates The women’s 800 free and Ledecky’s historic swim NCAA controversies and format changes The hardest sets of 2025 Big interviews, breakout moments, and WTF stories Bold predictions and goals for 2026 It’s equal parts analysis, opinion, humor, and reflection — a true end-of-year conversation for swimmers, coaches, and fans who lived every moment of the 2025 season.

John Shortt is emerging as one of the most exciting young backstrokers in the world. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, the Irish standout and World Junior Champion joins us to talk through his rapid rise on the international stage, including his performances at World Juniors and the European Short Course Championships. Known for his closing speed and elite turns, John breaks down the technical details that separate his backstroke and how years of training in a 20-meter pool shaped his underwater skills. We discuss his development pathway, confidence-building training sets, and how he balances racing multiple backstroke distances while staying technically sound under pressure. John also shares insight into life at Ireland’s National Training Centre in Limerick, why he chose to stay home rather than pursue U.S. college options, and what’s driving Ireland’s growing momentum in international swimming. The conversation mixes detailed swimming insight with lighter moments, giving a clear picture of both the athlete and the person behind the results. A must-listen for swimmers, coaches, and fans interested in elite backstroke, athlete development, and the next generation of international talent.

Will Modglin just delivered one of the fastest backstroke performances in NCAA history. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, we sit down with the new American record holder in the 100-yard backstroke after his 43.26 swim at the Texas Hall of Fame Invite. He also clocked the fastest 50-yard backstroke ever with a 20.00 lead-off split, coming within a touch of breaking one of swimming’s most iconic barriers. A junior at the University of Texas and a U.S. National Team member, Will breaks down the mindset behind those record swims, the training culture at Texas under Bob Bowman, and how racing in one of the deepest backstroke groups in the NCAA has shaped his confidence. We also dive into his unusual versatility, including how he went 50.9 in the 100 breaststroke with minimal breaststroke-specific training, how he approaches event selection, and where IM and long-course goals fit into his future. The conversation wraps with audience questions and a rapid-fire round covering training, competition, and swim culture as Will looks ahead to what’s next in a breakout career.

Sven Schwarz is one of the fastest-rising distance swimmers in the world, training up to 100K per week and relying almost entirely on feel to guide his pace. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, Sven breaks down the work, the mindset, and the new level of men’s distance swimming. We talk about training volume, threshold pace, recovery habits, coach communication, race prep, and why he skipped the 2025 European Championships. If you’re into distance swimming or elite training insights, this conversation delivers. Subscribe for more interviews with the world’s top swimmers.

Virginia Head Coach Todd DeSorbo joins The Social Kick to talk about the future of college swimming and the debut of a made-for-TV double elimination dual meet featuring UVA, Tennessee, and Michigan. He shares how new formats, rivalries, and personality can elevate the sport, his philosophy on building winning teams, and what it takes to innovate without losing the joy of racing. A fast, insightful conversation with one of the most influential coaches in the NCAA.

Matt Kredich isn’t just a successful swim coach — he’s a culture builder, a thinker, and a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the pool deck. As the Director of Swimming & Diving at the University of Tennessee, he has developed Olympians, NCAA champions, and stars like Jordan Crooks, Mona McSharry, and Gui Caribe. But what truly makes Tennessee stand out is not just the speed — it’s the chemistry, belief, and connection that everyone can see. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, Matt shares how culture becomes a competitive advantage, why empathy and accountability can coexist in high-performance environments, and how personal loss reshaped his perspective on coaching and purpose. We talk about sprint mechanics, drag reduction, athlete mindset, and how to help swimmers make breakthroughs technically and emotionally. This is a conversation about coaching, leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to help people become the best version of themselves — in and out of the water. Listen now to hear: How culture drives performance in elite swim programs What makes Jordan Crooks and Tennessee’s sprinters different Using empathy, structure, and purpose in coaching How personal loss shaped Matt’s approach to leadership The technical and human elements behind world-class swimming Whether you're a swimmer, coach, parent, or just love great conversations about growth, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what makes people better.

Just the guys this week! Luke, Bryan, and John are back in classic Social Kick mode — no guests, no script, just pure swim talk. The crew catches up on everything happening across the swim world: new records in China and Russia, Summer McIntosh’s big move to Arena, college season chaos, and even a few triathlon and high school highlights. It’s the kind of episode that feels like hanging out with your swim buddies after practice — full of takes, laughs, and real conversation about the sport we love. In this episode: Yu Zidi breaks a 13-year Asian Record 🇨🇳 Egor Kornev’s 44.99 lights up Russian SC Nationals Summer McIntosh signs with Arena — what’s that deal worth? Cal vs. Stanford, NC State’s “Raleigh Rumble,” and the Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge Ironman 70.3 Worlds and swimmers leading the way High school phenom Luka’s blazing times and Bolles’ new relay record 🎧 Dive in for the latest swim news, wild speculation, and plenty of good vibes — it’s all part of The Social Kick Podcast.

Ukraine’s next great sprinter joins The Social Kick! 🇺🇦Nikita Sheremet is the World Junior Champion and Record Holder in the 50 freestyle (21.75) — tying Michael Andrew’s World Junior Record last summer. Now racing for the University of Louisville, he’s already made waves in the NCAA with a 19.28 freshman record and big goals for the European Championships. In this episode, Nikita shares his remarkable journey from Ukraine to Poland to escape the war, his move to the U.S., and how he built world-class sprint speed at such a young age. We break down sprint training, mindset, dryland work, and a few fun rapid-fire questions from fans. If you love fast swimming, big goals, and the next wave of sprint talent — you’ll love this one. 🎙️ Highlights: Training for a 21-second 50 freestyle Building power & explosiveness as a young sprinter From Ukraine to Louisville: a swimmer’s journey Rapid fire Q&A: pull-ups, Fortnite, favorite food & more Goals for 2025 Europeans and NCAAs 💬 Connect & Subscribe:Follow The Social Kick on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify.Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to support the show!

Former Cal swimmer Greg Harper is now one of the best swimmers in triathlon — leading out the swim at the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships and chasing the Kona swim course record next year. In Episode 271 of The Social Kick Podcast, Greg joins us to talk about his journey from NCAA swimming to pro triathlon, what triathletes often get wrong about swim training, and how fatherhood has changed his approach to training and racing. We dive into: The biggest lessons from racing at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona What swimmers need to know to make a successful jump into triathlon Greg’s unfiltered thoughts on triathlon culture, prize money, and sponsorships Whether it’s ever OK to wear a watch in swim workouts Hot takes on the Enhanced Games, the T100 Series, and the future of the sport Known for his honesty and humor as a co-host on The Triathlon Hour, Greg brings the same energy here — mixing insight, candor, and a swimmer’s perspective on the multi-sport world. Whether you’re a triathlete, swimmer, or just love a good endurance sports story, this episode’s for you. 🎙️ The Social Kick Podcast — where swimming meets the rest of the world.

The 2025 Swimming World Cup wrapped up with one of the fastest nights in history — five world records in a single session! 🏊‍♂️   In this episode, former world champion and commentator Bobby Hurley joins The Social Kick crew to break down the epic Toronto finale and the standout moments from three incredible weeks of racing.   We dive into the biggest performances, the prize money race, surprises and disappointments, and how the World Cup continues to evolve into one of the sport’s premier showcases.   Get Bobby’s insider take from his own experience on the World Cup circuit and hear our full breakdown of what made 2025 one of the most exciting years ever for short course swimming.

Australian Olympian Tommy Neill joins The Social Kick to talk about his journey from back-to-back Olympic bronze medals to a much-needed reset. After stepping away to recover from injury and refocus on life, Tommy’s back training with a sharper mindset and fresh motivation. We dive into his comeback, the grind of elite swimming in Australia, and what’s next for this two-time Olympic medalist.

Before joining the powerhouse Virginia Cavaliers, Bryn Greenwaldt was already making NCAA history — becoming the first woman in Division II to break 22 seconds in the 50 freestyle while also competing as an All-American high jumper. Now beginning her fifth year and first season in Division I swimming, Bryn brings a unique two-sport background, combining explosive athleticism with the mindset of a seasoned competitor. In this episode, she talks about her journey from Augustana University to UVA, how track and field training shaped her sprint power and underwaters, and what she’s learning inside one of the nation’s most dominant swim programs. It’s an authentic, fun, and inspiring conversation about transitions, training culture, and finding balance in the grind — with one of the most intriguing new faces in college swimming. 🎙️ Listen to more conversations with the world’s best swimmers on The Social Kick Podcast.

We’re diving into the 2025 World Aquatics World Cup with Bobby Hurley — former world champion swimmer, World Cup star, and one of the sharpest voices in swimming commentary. From his unique insider perspective, Bobby breaks down everything that makes this year’s World Cup series so compelling: the new format, prize money, and its place in the global swimming calendar. We compare today’s three-stop tour with the eight-stop grind from Bobby’s era, and unpack standout performances from Carmel — including Gretchen Walsh’s stunning new world record. Plus, we go deep on the big debates:• Who are the best short-course swimmers to never win a major long-course title?• How would Michael Phelps have performed in today’s short-course World Cup format?• What does the World Cup really mean for a swimmer’s training and career? Whether you’re a lifelong swim fan or just discovering the sport, this episode delivers expert insight, bold opinions, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of swimming’s most exciting events.  

2023 World Champion 🏆 and Olympic medalist Sam Short joins The Social Kick Podcast for a deep dive into what drives one of the world’s best distance swimmers. Sam’s already redefining what it means to go the distance — from his brutal training sets that have become the stuff of legend, to the mental toughness it takes to dominate the 400 and 1500 on the world stage. In this episode, Sam talks about: The mindset that separates good from great in distance swimming What it’s like chasing Australian icons like Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe His favorite (and toughest) workouts Rivalries, rule changes, and the future of the sport Life outside the pool — food, tattoos, and film obsessions It’s an unfiltered look at a world champion’s world — equal parts grind, grit, and Aussie pride. 🎙️ Catch more conversations with the world’s best swimmers every week on The Social Kick Podcast.

At just 16 years old, Luka Mijatovic became the fastest 18 & under swimmer ever in the United States. After a breakthrough summer, he earned a spot on his first senior international team and represented Team USA at the World Championships. In this episode, Luka opens up about: The tough lessons learned after a team-wide illness left him drained at Worlds 🌍 His college recruiting journey, why he only took three official visits, and what excites him about training where he isn’t the fastest swimmer in the pool 🎓 The brutal training sets that tested his limits 💪 The Olympic gold medalist who texted him encouragement 🥇 His bold prediction for the future of the 400 freestyle 🔥 Luka’s story is one of resilience, hunger, and fearless ambition. Don’t miss this conversation with one of swimming’s brightest young stars. 🎧 Subscribe to Social Kick for more conversations with the world’s top swimmers, coaches, and innovators in the sport.

Rylee Erisman is back on Social Kick! Fresh off a historic summer at the World Junior Championships, Rylee won 8 medals (5 gold, 3 silver), including individual titles in the 50 and 100 freestyle. She capped the meet with an unforgettable triple in the final session—winning 2 events and medaling in all 3 races in less than an hour. In this episode, Rylee reflects on what she learned from her breakout summer, shares what it feels like to join the U.S. senior national team ahead of Pan Pacs, and talks through the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) process of college recruiting. From her training expectations to what she’s looking for in a program, Rylee gives us an inside look at the next chapter of her swimming journey.

McKenzie Siroky’s journey from hockey rinks to Team USA swimming is anything but typical. A breakout sprint breaststroker, McKenzie talks about her path to the World Championships, training and racing at Tennessee, and how lifting and explosive power fuel her speed. She shares stories from recruiting, gap year choices, and quirky behind-the-block rituals, while opening up about the challenges of racing on the world stage. Funny, insightful, and full of personality, this is McKenzie Siroky like you’ve never heard her before.

Brett Hawke is back—now as Head Coach of swimming for the Enhanced Games. He talks about the bold move to join the Games, the signing of Ben Proud, athlete health vs. shortcuts, and why sprint events and new formats could change the sport.

Olympic medalist and World Champion Ben Proud has stunned the swimming world by retiring from professional swimming to join the controversial Enhance Games. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, we break down what this means for the sport: Why Proud’s decision is so shocking The reaction from governing bodies like Aquatics GB Whether clean athletes can compete in Enhance Games What this move signals for athlete pay and the future of swimming Is this the start of a new chapter for athletes — or a risk to Proud’s legacy? Tune in as we unpack the biggest story in swimming right now.